Disney Pixar Cars - Doc Hudson's Alter Ego Paul Newman Passes

Just a few months after George Carlin passed away, now Paul Newman joins George as the next great to drive the expressway to heaven. Such distinct voices and personalities that will be very tough for Pixar to replace for Cars 2. It is easy to say that millions of fans are sad about the news. Newman's Doc Hudson was to have a larger role in the sequel. Again, how does John Lasseter deal with the loss of such a beloved and distinct actor? A voice double? A patching of Newman's own words by computer magic? Only time will tell. For now, remember why Doc went to Radiator Springs and I think you'll get a bit of insight into Paul Newman. Because as Doc told Lightning, "These are good folk around here, who care about one another. I don't want 'em depending on someone they can't count on."

The world could certainly count on Paul Newman! His Newman's Own company contributed over $200 million dollars to charities and allowed him to start his Hole In The Wall Gang Camps for kids with serious illnesses. I strongly suggest you read more about them at this link Hole In The Wall Gang.

As I said with the passing of Carlin, they may be able to imitate Paul Newman, but he was certainly an "Original" they won't match. His talents and unique personality will be terribly missed.

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

A Day Off Topic - Ridley Scott Films

I wrote about the Apple Car and the famous 1984 television ad directed by Ridley Scott. I watched one of my favorite Scott films, "Gladiator" last night. I started thinking about how many truly great films this man has directed and how I feel he is not given enough credit for his fantastic vision and work. So, I thought I'd write about some of his great films and ask you which one is your favorite. Let's talk about them chronologically from earliest to most recent...

In 1979 a Sci-Fi film set a new standard for effects and scared the hell out of movie goers! "ALIEN" introduced us to Sigourney Weaver and a female character who kicked some butt! This has always been one of my favorite films and I watch it constantly. The look, the story and that damn Alien never let's you get bored when watching this superb classic!





Then in 1982 Harrison Ford stars in Scott's next big hit..."Blade Runner!" A futuristic look at Replicants so alive, that even the experts hired to hunt them down can barely tell if they are human or not. We see the beautiful and sexy Sean Young in a role that defined her career. Another triumph of futuristic vision and story told by the amazing Ridley Scott!





In 1991 "Thelma and Louise" came calling. Ridley wasn't supposed to direct the film and decided to do it as a last resort. Another groundbreaking Scott film dealing with two women, Susan Sarandon (Louise) and Geen Davis (Thelma) who turn to crime after Thelma is raped. This movie introduced the public to another eventual star...Brad Pitt! Incrediblely beautiful shooting took place in Monument Valley along with a wild adventure that ends with the tragic demise of the two leads.





At the turn of the Century we went back a number of centuries to witness Ridley Scott's epic..."GLADIATOR!" This film amazed me with its incredible visual effects and the Oscar Winning performance that made Russell Crowe a Super Star! Another rising star Djimon Hounsou gave an incredible performance while Hans Zimmer wrote a haunting and beautiful soundtrack! One of my most favorite films of all time!





In 2001 Ridley decided to direct "Black Hawk Down." Based on the true story about American Rangers going into Somalia to rescue their fellow Rangers after their helicopters were shot down in Mogadishu. Another Scott film which introduces us to another future star in Orlando Bloom. The action scenes are fantastic, and as always, Scott's team casts greats such as Ewan McGregor, Josh Hartnett and Sam Shepard!





Finally, in 2007 Scott takes on another film based on a true story..."American Gangster!" Two of the finest modern actors, Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington head up a cast that tells the story about Frank Lucas, a Manhattan drug king peddling millions of dollars of heroin in the 1970's. The film is gritty, realistic and does not glorify crime.





There you have Six great films by Ridley Scott! Take a look at the trailers, then vote for your favorite in our poll at the top of the page.

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars Darth Mater Unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con 2008

I've been writing updates based on what's relevant to collectors. There's much more to come about New toys such as the fan Cars, the old days Cars, the trailers, pitty's, and the goings on at San Diego Comic-Con 2008, so come back for more. Tonight as I finish my trip in San Diego, I thought it was a good time to talk about Darth Mater! On Thursday, July 24, 2008, Darth Mater was unveiled at the San Diego Comic-Con at Mattel's booth. This one-of-a-kind work of art was the collaboration of Mattel's fantastic design team. It will be auctioned off at this year's Children Affected by Aids Foundation's Dream Halloween event on October 25, 2008. Want to know more about this great organization? Visit this link Children Affected by Aids Foundation so you can bid on Darth Mater.

Darth Mater is nothing short of incredible! He's about the size of one of the many talking toys Mattel has released. He wields his light-up light sabre while Star Wars music plays. At the time of the unveiling he had no voice. He will have a recording added with his alter-ego Larry the Cable Guy saying something choice to be sure. The floor lights up as well. You can see two acrylic plaques in front that are signed by John Lasseter and George Lucas.

Are you drooling? I wish I had the kind of money needed to be able to win this great piece. Oh, well! I'll just have to wait until the smaller version comes out in October. Yes! I was given indication that a smaller die-cast version is a very strong likelihood for Halloween!! I'll certainly keep you all posted as info is made available to me. Live from San Diego Comic-Con 2008. I'm out for tonight.

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Comic-Con El Dia Dos!

San Diego is warm, inviting and all abuzz with Comic-Con! The morning news had extensive coverage today. The local coverage spoke a lot about fearing the convention would be moved to L.A. or Vegas due to it getting so big. I believe I heard the head man of Comic-Con say they had a contract through 2010 to stay in San Diego. I've also heard talk about a move in the crowds. Time will tell.

I can tell you that most of the people working on the event, don't know what's going on and how to direct you. The organization has been average at best. The food vendors are pathetic for such a large and well-known convention. All I've seen is pretzels, cookies and crappy overpriced sandwiches for $8.00! I'm dumbfounded by a lack of more and high quality food! It is the worst part of what I've encountered.

Ok, let's get on with some cool stuff! Today I spent the morning at the Mattel booth. I interviewed Martin Arriola, Senior Manager of Product Design, who heads up Mattel's design team for Disney/Pixar's Cars die cast toy line! I'm going to write an entry all about Martin and his great insight later. I also spoke to Ryan Mansour who is the Brand Manager of the Cars line. I talked about things, you the fan, are hungry for...A great Display Case, Miniature Scenery to complement your play sets, and setting limits on their new MattyCollector.com site which debuts on Monday, July 28, 2008! I'll discuss more about MattyCollector.com later as well!

I'll tell you what is exciting about the future of the Cars line for us as collectors...John Lasseter! Martin told me that John has been developing this line like the fan of great toys he is! John wants to create EACH AND EVERY character in scale and quality! This way we as collectors can recreate Radiator Springs to Pit Row in die cast toys and play sets! That's been my hope as a collector! I've been envisioning the day I will setup the entire town and the race track as my first venture into a "Railroad" set type display! Something I've been inspired by Walt Disney's passion of Trains and model Railroads to do!

There's a lot to come, and I guarantee, that you'll be beyond excited!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Publisher's Comic-Con 2008 Adventure!

I leave for San Diego in less than 2 days! I'm as excited as can be, as both a fan, and a fan site publisher! I'm still checking to be sure I know where to go, and what I need to do, as I attend my First Comic-con. My professional goals are clearly in my head, but the fun and impromptu items are dizzying. I can attend this party, go to that screening, setup interviews with these stars, and so much more! Once I get my bearings with the logistics of parking and where things are, I'm sure I'll settle into a nice flow and enjoy things beyond my expectations. I'm trying to be certain I have my laptop ready technically. I want to be able to write and update all of you while I'm at the convention. I'm still trying to figure out parking and making purchases. I just know it will be a lot of fun! My focus will be on Mattel and Hot Wheels concerning interviews and product info, but will add other items of interest if it makes sense to publish it. For now, I'm off to pack!

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Off to Cover Comic-Con 2008!

I've got my Press Pass approved, my airline ticket purchased, my car and hotel setup, and I'm ready to head to San Diego in two weeks to cover Comic-Con 2008! It will be my first time attending, and I am truly excited to be part of the Press who'll bring you the goings on at the convention.

I will be bringing you coverage of Mattel's release of the special Lightning Storm McQueen! I'll certainly take photographs and give you the most detailed info I can report to you. I'll also do my best to find out about Mattel's plans for the line of Cars die cast toys, and any announcements I can fill you in on.

The convention is filled with so many features...I personally can't wait to see the Costume Ball where entrants must make an Original Costume. There's sure to be a lot to see! Celebrities like Dean Koontz, Lindsay Wagner and so many more will be in attendance! An incredible roster of exhibitors such as Mattel, Hot Wheels to LucasArts! What excites me, is I have no idea of the cool and crazy people I'll meet. So, it is sure to be a great time!

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Who'll Replace George as Fillmore?

With the passing of George Carlin, who'll replace the comedy legend in Cars 2 as the lovable Fillmore? Once a character has made an impression on the public, it is hard to think of anyone else voicing that character. It is like a band losing a lead singer like Steve Perry or Peter Cetera whose voice was the band. A similar sounding replacement may suit some, but I won't accept Journey without Steve.

I remember that David Coulier from "Full House" fame, had done the voice of famous cartoon characters such as Scooby Doo, Popeye and Fred Flintstone. There are some impressionists who are very good voice-over artists, and although not the original, can pull it off as a fill in. Since Carlin's voice was a bit gruff, his voice should be easier to imitate. Pixar may have additional recordings they could use for the second film. Carlin's passing will no doubt affect the character of Fillmore in the sequel.

They may be able to imitate George Carlin, but he was certainly an "Original!" His talents and personality will be missed.

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Cars 2 taking the Old Route 66 to Theatres

Speculation about a Cars sequel has been laid to rest. Pixar announced their slate of films for the next four years. The last to be mentioned was Cars 2. I posted a poll as to which sequel would be announced first, and the majority of you were correct by choosing Cars! I really believe this is due to the overwhelming success of the die cast toy line, and the fact that the film is truly beloved by the public. I think the press wanted to knock Pixar off the mountain, as the "King of the Hill" when the film came out in 2006. You could feel the world seemingly wanting the movie to fail in some way, and that people were hyper-critical about the film when it wasn't warranted. All I've seen since it came out on DVD is that this movie is becoming entrenched as a super fan favorite! I know I love the film. I've watched it over and over far more than some of the other wonderful Pixar films.

So, does this mean I have to go on a toy quest for the next 6 to 8 years?! Heck, we fans will be the sole cause for keeping Wal-Mart, Target, KB Toys and Ebay in the "Black!" You think your house is full of toys and getting out of hand, have you seen John Lasseter's office?! John will have to ask for a new 10,000 square foot office with display shelves, an extra assistant to keep his collection dusted, and a guard to keep people from swiping things!! That's why the movie is coming out in four years instead of two! To give them enough time to build him that new office with all the accoutrements! ;-)

Just think...I'll have another 6 to 8 years to write my blog, we can all run around like a bunch of nuts looking for toys, and we can keep Larry the Cable Guy from falling into oblivion! I can't wait! Can you?

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

A Pixar Double Feature of Class

In October of 2002, I attended a special pass holder event at Disneyland to celebrate the Grand Opening of A Bug's Land at Disney's California Adventure. The evening was fun, the food was great, and the rides brought out the kid in everyone! We entered the "It's Tough to Be a Bug" attraction for a special showing of the multi-media show. Suddenly, the evening was capped off with a trio of unexpected guests...John Lasseter, Joe Ranft (Heimlich), and Michael Mc Shane (voice of Tuck and Roll)!

I was truly excited to see who I believe is the Spielberg of modern day animation, John Lasseter! There were only about 200 people in attendance and John was glad to take questions from the audience. I asked about the paper airplane contest I saw in the Special Features of Monsters Inc. He was amused and appreciated my off-beat question. John concluded the Q & A, and the three joined us to watch the show.

After the show, I happened to be walking by John and Joe and struck up a conversation with them as we exited the auditorium. We got outside and kept chatting. We talked about all sorts of things from the event to working at Pixar. Both were humble, genuine and engaging. I could tell John was grateful for the praise and admiration those in attendance gave him. I'm sure it was a highlight of his career, to have something he helped create, become a major attraction at Disneyland! I never ask for autographs, but felt compelled to ask John to personalize a special pin I was given at the event. He asked a Disney Suit to get him a sharpie, and gladly signed the pin for me. My friend took this picture of John and I on her phone's camera (thus the so, so pic).

I'm going to keep this positive and as upbeat as I can. I was truly sad to hear about Joe Ranft's passing. The short time we talked, spoke volumes about his character and being. Joe was very encouraging in response to my saying I had a genuine interest in working for Pixar. He didn't scoff at me when I told him I wasn't an animator or computer graphics wiz. He didn't grow impatient with me as I babbled about not knowing what I'd like to do at Pixar. I could tell he didn't make political, canned remarks to just placate a stupid fan. He struck me as a very gentle, empathetic, and happy person. I'm very glad I had the privilege of meeting and having a memorable conversation with Joe Ranft!

So, what does this have to do with Cars?! Everything! These were the two key people behind the movie, from development to execution. John Directed, while Joe was Assistant Director. And if you didn't know, Joe voiced the Peterbuilt Truck at the beginning of the film who yelled at Lightning when first gets lost on Route 66 and thinks the Peterbuilt is Mack. I'd like to see a die-cast of this truck come out in honor of Joe. Pixar properly dedicated Cars to Joe.

I just wanted to write about meeting these two regular guys. A pair that have inspired me, and entertained millions while keeping their heads on right. I can't wait to see what the projects John is working on at Disneyland will yield. Indications seem to be that he may get to transform the debaucle that is DCA (Disney's California Adventure), into The World of Pixar in five years! He has the passion and vision. Now, let's hope the Disney Board stays out of his way like Jobs and Catmul did while they were independant.

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/