I think that Cars 2 is going to be off the hook! Really, why? Well, it sounds exciting and even though we don't know where they'll race, we know it will be called, "The Global Race." I can only imagine where Lightning is going, or who'll he'll race against. Lightning could visit Japan, Italy, France, or Australia! Can you picture Lightning buzzing by the Tour De France as they ride down a Parisian hill? How about seeing him bolt by the runners during the Boston Marathon?
Who will Lightning race against? No idea, and I can only speculate...will he race a Ferrari? How cool would it be if he raced against a Delorean? That would be a great die cast toy!! Maybe, he'll race in Alaska. How funny would it be if he got into it with Jet powered Snowmobile on the Iditarod trail?!! Only time will tell as things are being kept tightly under a locked car cover!
Where do you think Lightning will race? What kind of characters will he race against? How will Lightning and Mater get to these races? Will they hitch a ride on a Hauler? Will they sail to England on the QE2? Will they fly to Germany on a C-17 Military Transport. Speculating can be fun, and certainly quite funny! I can say this much...There will be a ton of super cool die cast toys coming!!
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Thursday, March 19, 2009
Disney Pixar Cars - Cars 2, Where and Who?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Disney Pixar Cars - Pixar's 2009 Oscar Nominees, Plus a Look at Cars Cast, Crew, and Their Oscars
It is Hollywood's Big Day...The Oscars will be awarded this evening! Our perennial favorite Pixar, has been nominated for both Best Animated Feature Film with "Wall•E," and Best Short Film (Animated) with "Presto!"
"Presto" goes up against four other nominees..."La Maison En Petits Cubes," "Lavatory - Lovestory," the short I think could beat "Presto," called "Oktapodi," and "This Way Up" for Best Short Film (Animated)! LIVE RESULT: "La Maison En Petits Cubes" took home the Oscar. A funny moment as the Japanese creator said, "Domo Origato, Mister Roboto!"
I also thought a look at the Cast and Crew of Disney Pixar's "Cars" would be a fun thing to do today. You may be surprised at who has been nominated and who has won an Oscar!
John Lasseter has been nominated for an Oscar five times. His only win was for "Tin Toy" as Best Short Film, Animated. He was also awarded a Special Achievement Oscar for the groundbreaking "Toy Story" in 1996! I think he should have won for "Cars" in 2007, instead of those stupid Penguins from "Happy Feet!"| Academy Awards, USA | |||
| Year | Result | Award | Category/Recipient(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Animated Feature Film of the Year for: Cars (2006) |
| 2002 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Animated Feature for: Monsters, Inc. (2001) Shared with: Pete Docter |
| 1996 | Won | Special Achievement Award | for: Toy Story (1995) For the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film. |
| Nominated | Oscar | Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen for: Toy Story (1995) Shared with: Joss Whedon (screenplay) Andrew Stanton (screenplay/story) Joel Cohen (screenplay) Alec Sokolow (screenplay) Pete Docter (story) Joe Ranft (story) | |
| 1989 | Won | Oscar | Best Short Film, Animated for: Tin Toy (1988) Shared with: William Reeves |
| 1987 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Short Film, Animated for: Luxo Jr. (1986) Shared with: William Reeves |
Owen Wilson's alter ego didn't get him an Oscar Nomination. Instead, he got one for co-writing "The Royal Tenenbaums!"| Academy Awards, USA | |||
| Year | Result | Award | Category/Recipient(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen for: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) Shared with: Wes Anderson |
| Academy Awards, USA | |||
| Year | Result | Award | Category/Recipient(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Actor in a Supporting Role for: Road to Perdition (2002) |
| 1995 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Actor in a Leading Role for: Nobody's Fool (1994) |
| 1994 | - | Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award | |
| 1987 | Won | Oscar | Best Actor in a Leading Role for: The Color of Money (1986) Paul Newman was not present at the awards ceremony. Robert Wise accepted the award on his behalf. |
| 1986 | - | Honorary Award | In recognition of his many and memorable and compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft. Paul Newman was not present at the awards ceremony. He gave his acceptance speech via satellite from Chicago. |
| 1983 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Actor in a Leading Role for: The Verdict (1982) |
| 1982 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Actor in a Leading Role for: Absence of Malice (1981) |
| 1969 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Picture for: Rachel, Rachel (1968) |
| 1968 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Actor in a Leading Role for: Cool Hand Luke (1967) |
| 1964 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Actor in a Leading Role for: Hud (1963) |
| 1962 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Actor in a Leading Role for: The Hustler (1961) |
| 1959 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Actor in a Leading Role for: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) |
| Academy Awards, USA | |||
| Year | Result | Award | Category/Recipient(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen for: Toy Story (1995) Shared with: Joss Whedon (screenplay) Andrew Stanton (screenplay/story) Joel Cohen (screenplay) Alec Sokolow (screenplay) John Lasseter (story) Pete Docter (story) |
| Academy Awards, USA | |||
| Year | Result | Award | Category/Recipient(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Animated Feature Film of the Year for: WALL·E (2008) |
| Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen for: WALL·E (2008) Shared with: Jim Reardon (screenplay) Pete Docter (story) | |||
| 2004 | Won | Oscar | Best Animated Feature for: Finding Nemo (2003) |
| Nominated | Oscar | Best Writing, Original Screenplay for: Finding Nemo (2003) Shared with: Bob Peterson (screenplay) David Reynolds (screenplay) | |
| 1996 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen for: Toy Story (1995) Shared with: Joss Whedon (screenplay) Joel Cohen (screenplay) Alec Sokolow (screenplay) John Lasseter (story) Pete Docter (story) Joe Ranft (story) |
| Academy Awards, USA | |||
| Year | Result | Award | Category/Recipient(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Actor in a Leading Role for: Cast Away (2000) |
| 1999 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Actor in a Leading Role for: Saving Private Ryan (1998) |
| 1995 | Won | Oscar | Best Actor in a Leading Role for: Forrest Gump (1994) |
| 1994 | Won | Oscar | Best Actor in a Leading Role for: Philadelphia (1993) |
| 1989 | Nominated | Oscar | Best Actor in a Leading Role for: Big (1988) |
I hope you enjoyed this look at the Cast and Crew of "Cars," and their connections to Oscar! I certainly learned a bit more about them I didn't know. You can click on the many film titles to read and explore more. Maybe "Cars 2" will be nominated, and win Best Animated Feature Film of 2013!
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Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Disney Pixar Cars - Mater's Tall Tales 1:55th Release Schedule
See as a new day dawns, who knows what surprises today will bring! Today, I have the Scheduled Release dates for "Mater's Tall Tales" 1:55th die cast toys. As goes with Mattel, remember that this schedule could easily change!
Never Fear, Rescue Mater is Here!- 9/1/09 - Burnt Lightning McQueen (Rescue Squad Mater)
- 9/1/09 - Nurse Kori (Rescue Squad Mater)
- 9/1/09 - Nurse GTO (Rescue Squad Mater)
- 9/1/09 - Rescue Squad Trooper (Rescue Squad Mater)
- 9/1/09 - Orderly Pittys (Rescue Squad Mater)
- 10/1/09 - Pittys with Torches (Mater The Greater)
- 10/1/09 - Doctor Mater (Rescue Squad Mater)
- 11/1/09 - Padre (El Materdor)
- 12/1/09 - Doused Lightning McQueen (Rescue Squad Mater)
Tokyo Mater and Kabuto who challenges him to a Drift Race! - 1/1/10 - Dragon Lightning McQueen with Oil (Tokyo Mater)
- 1/1/10 - Kabuto (Tokyo Mater)
Dragon McQueen looking Fierce!- 2/1/10 - Sedan Sensei with Mustache (Tokyo Mater)
- 2/1/10 - Godzilla Tuner (Tokyo Mater)
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Sunday, February 1, 2009
Disney Pixar Super Bowl Preview of UP
In connection with their Super Bowl ad, Disney Pixar has unveiled an Upisode called, "Adventures with Carl and Russell - Animal Calls!" I attempted to embed the clip, but it wouldn't work. Here's a screen capture.
Since, there is no Cars stuff for the Super Bowl, this was the next best thing! It is a fun little clip. Visit this link Animal Calls to see it! I'm rooting for the underdog Cardinals!
Coming to Alternator Valley: Mater the Greater Prototypes will be Previewed this Friday! Subscribe to Alternator Valley so you'll be notified every time I publish another article!
http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Disney Pixar's UP Preview Picture & Synopsis
Synopsis from Official Site: From Disney•Pixar comes Up, a comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. From the Academy Award®-nominated director Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc.), Disney•Pixar’s Up invites you on a hilarious journey into a lost world, with the least likely duo on Earth. Up will be presented in Disney Digital 3-D in select theaters. UP opens on May 29, 2009.
I write about Up because as I've mentioned in a previous article, Todd the Pizza Planet Truck will once again be making his usual cameo. I asked all of you where you think we'll see him. Now, I know this is kind of a kooky question when we hardly know anything about the film, but we can assume that most of the film will be set up in the air. Sooooo, I'm guessing Todd will appear in the beginning of the film as Carl's house floats off over the city. I don't think Todd will be in the wilds of South America. Where do you think Todd will show up?
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Sunday, December 28, 2008
Pixar Stock - A Piece Of Pixar History
I had to go into my "Treasure Room" and get this great piece of Pixar history to show you! Before Pixar merged with Disney, I got myself a share of Pixar Stock and had it framed with a quote by Steve Jobs. You could put any quote, but I found one I thought was just right! You can't read it in the photo, so I'll tell you what it says..."Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become." Steve Jobs
The stock certificate has Woody, Tinny the One Man Band, Luxo Junior, Red the Unicycle and Buzz. It is a wonderful piece of Pixar history that I wouldn't trade for anything. Do you have any cool Pixar things the average bear doesn't own?
http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Disney Pixar Cars - The Big Three Cars Characters
I can confidently say that there are three big Cars characters that are supremely wanted by collectors...Frank the Combine, Elvis the RV and Todd the Pizza Planet Truck! The question I'll pose to you is this...You can own ONLY ONE! Which would you choose for your collection? I can give you my answer, but I'll wait until I see what you answer and what my next poll yields! Let's take a quick look at the three heavyweights...
Frank has long been wanted by Collectors!
Elvis has been a Hunka, Hunka, Shakin' Metal!
Todd has had a long and illustrious film career!film for a moment. Frank has the most screen time as he gets to act with
stars Lightning McQueen and Mater during the tractor tipping scene.
Elvis was hired to shake his fenders to the musical opening by
Sheryl Crow as he hits her accent "Uhhh!" during "Real Gone!"
Finally, Todd the Pizza Planet Truck has just a small cameo, but
wanted us to see his whole reel of cameos! You'll also see some
other hidden Pixar Easter Eggs of Wall•E and other surprises!
So, it comes down to the big muscle of Frank, the graceful Graceland god Elvis, or the reliable ole Japanese native Todd! Which of these Contenders gets your Vote, if you can ONLY OWN ONE?!
Coming Next...A Piece of Pixar History (When I dig it out & photograph it)!
http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com
Monday, December 22, 2008
Disney Pixar Cars - Todd The Pizza Planet Truck In Ratatouille & Wall•E
When I wrote my initial article about Todd the Pizza Planet Truck, I only covered his appearances up through Cars. I figured it was time to update our cameo driven star's last two films...Ratatouille and Wall•E! It is interesting how the directors chose to put him in each film. Brad Bird made him tough to find by having him drive over a bridge in the distance while we focused on Skinner chasing Remy on a scooter. Andrew Stanton put Todd square in our face as Eve scanned the Earth for plant life!
Todd drives over a French bridge in the background in Ratatouille
Todd looks a bit "Trashed" as Eve scans Earth for plant life in Wall•EIt is cool how Todd has been, and will be, in every Pixar feature. Where will he appear in "Up?" You can count on me to let you know! I wonder if we'll see the die cast version of Todd by the time "Up" comes out on May 29th next year. Will Pete Doctor make him easy to find? I'm guessing we may see him from above as Carl Fredrickson's (Ed Asner as Carl) house floats over the city. Can't wait to see it and look for Todd!
http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com
Monday, December 15, 2008
Disney Pixar Cars - Disney Pixar Monopoly On Clearance At Toys R Us
I dropped by Toys R Us yesterday and found the Monopoly Disney Pixar Special Edition on Clearance for $14.99! It normally sells for $30.00. I remember when I got the First Edition of the game a few years ago and it cost $45.00. If you can get one, I'd strongly advise you to do so! The game is very cool!
The tokens are really fantastic. I will certainly have to take Lightning McQueen! Kachow!! You can also choose from Mr Incredible, Nemo, Sully with Boo, Buzz Lightyear, and Remy. They are all done in pewter.
The game board has some interesting spots...there's Zurg's Planet, Edna Mode's Mansion, and Andy's Room. You better not speed or the Sheriff will fine you $75.00! You may have to draw a Piston Cup card and pay a fine of $50 because gas goes up again!
I plan on building Al's Toy Barns as far as the eye can see! High roll goes first!
http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Disney Pixar Cars - Tokyo Drift Mater And Lightning McQueen Open For Bolt
When I broke the News about Tokyo Drift back on November 18th (Click to Read), I didn't have any pictures for you. Here's a look at our heros Mater and Lightning McQueen all tripped out for some "Drifting" Tokyo style!
Starting on December 12, 2008 you'll be able to see "Tokyo Drift," the fourth and final short from "Mater's Tall Tales" as an intro to Bolt in 3D! My sources indicate this is likely to be the final "Interstitial," and it appears to me to be a bridge to "Cars 2, The Global Race!"
You can also count on seeing these versions of Mater and Lightning added to the 1:55th scale die cast "Mainline" in the future! Yeah man! More cool toys to add to your growing collection.
You can bank on breaking Cars news to be seen here first on Alternator Valley! Sign up for our RSS Feeds so you can be notified as New articles are published!
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Saturday, November 22, 2008
Disney Pixar Cars - Tokyo Drift May Be A Lead In To Cars 2 The Global Race
I told you I heard how incredible Mater's Tall Tales "Tokyo Drift" turned out! It may be the last interstitial, and a very important one. It may give us a clue as to a bridge between Cars and Cars 2! I heard it was a much longer Cars Toons episode at approximately five to six minutes long. This is twice as long as the first three. I was told it is the best of "Mater's Tall Tales!" I also heard it has dialogue that may indicate John Lasseter is using this as the bridge to "The Global Race" by taking us to Japan!
With this intriguing info, let me tell you a bit more...the die cast toys from "Rescue Squad Mater," "Mater The Greater," "El Materdor," and "Tokyo Drift" are expected to be part of the "MAINLINE." They are expected to start showing up in the summer next year. I've also heard we MAY see a NEW Collector Guide with Dragon Lightning McQueen (He's in Tokyo Drift), similar to the recently released Collector Guide with Night Vision Lightning McQueen! Yes, I wish I had pics of Tokyo Drift! For now, enjoy the news. Once I can post pictures, you can be sure I'll happily share them!
http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com
Friday, November 21, 2008
Disney Pixar Cars - BLACK FRIDAY is THE DAY OF THE SHOPPING ZOMBIES!
People have been going nuts for weeks looking for some rumored pallet at Walmart, new Race O Rama cases that have been misglued, Oversized Cars that have been hardly seen, and they are frustrated to say the least! Well, here's what I advise you to do...Spend a peaceful, happy Thanksgiving with friends, family or whoever matters in your life. Sleep in, catch some of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, eat delicious home cooked food, watch the Lions game, go out and play some tag football to work off all that chow, come back in and eat some more, watch a great DVD like Wall•E, then hit the sack early. Tommorrow you have to get up at 4:00 A.M. and head off to Walmart for "BLACK FRIDAY!"
At 5:00 A.M. the shopping will begin!! The shopping Zombies will attack the stores by the millions! You have to be ready to deal with them. As many of you probably know, Walmart is advertising the Oversized die cast toys. I'll speculate that you'll find many of the single Cars you've been looking for lately, and maybe you'll be lucky and find some of the Haulers! I wouldn't sweat things for the next week, because frankly, I don't think you'll find anything until Black Friday anyway. I'd just relax for the next week and see what happens on the 28th. That's my plan!
http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Disney Pixar Cars - The Pixar Story by Leslie Iwerks
I just watched Wall•E's Disc 2 feature, "The Pixar Story" by Leslie Iwerks, and it is SUPREMELY INSPIRING! It compelled me to write this article to tell you that this one story alone, makes purchasing the Wall•E 3-DISC Special Edition a MUST!! If you've been a fan of Pixar, John Lasseter, and Steve Jobs, you'll be highly inspired by their passion and triumph in building the animation power house that produced Cars! 
The piece documents everything from John's time at CalArts, to his being fired because he was ahead of his time in seeing the potential of computer animation. It endears you to Ed Catmul, who is now head of Disney/Pixar Animation. It takes you on his journey from a being a fan of animation, to working with George Lucas, to being the head of Pixar, and culminating with his position at Disney today! It shows how critical Steve Jobs was in making key entrepreneurial decisions that would move the fledgling company along, and allow the team to do what it had to in order to succeed! You see Joe Ranft and Pete Doctor, Andrew Stanton and Brad Bird, and learn more about them! You are taken through time from the shorts to Cars. It is a superb story by Leslie Iwerks that I bet you'll watch over and over again!
I've been fortunate to meet and talk to John Lasseter and Joe Ranft. I asked Pete Doctor about UP at a press conference at Comic-Con this year! I hope someday soon I'll meet Ed Catmul and Steve Jobs! Maybe get a chance to sit down and chat with Andrew Stanton and Brad Bird some time! I share a passion for what they do, and how they do it! If you want to be inspired, buy Wall•E's 3-DISC Special Edition, pop in Disc 2, and watch "The Pixar Story!!" All I could do was smile, cheer, and shed a tear of happiness for their progress and triumphant success! I hope it touches you in the same way!
http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com
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