Disney Pixar Cars - Target Goes on the Offensive

Target has seen the demand and decided to go on the offensive! The Haulers are HOT, and they are beating Walmart on price and meeting collector demand! You can find them this link...Target Cars Haulers Within a day, Target.com has listed three additional New Haulers, bringing the total to six New Releases they are Pre-Selling. Here are the latest...

Nitroade's Hauler is now ready to roll


Gil is a bit green around the mud flaps


Shiny Wax will brighten your day

Target is kicking Walmart's ass by pricing the Haulers at $12.99 plus shipping and handling. Target's aggressive marketing is beating Walmart by actually having them available on their website. Try this link to SAVE $5.00 on a $50 order or more Target $5 Discount. Walmart.com has been historically pathetic, never allowing you to buy the "Hot" Cars items on their site. Every time you try, all you get is, "This item is currently unavailable."

Target is also kicking Mattel's own MattyCollector.com upside the head, as they haven't had a single Cars release since the site was launched 9 months ago! Recently, they were supposed to finally release a 1:24th Scale Lightning McQueen on March 17th, yet delayed releasing it with no further info. The site has lost serious credibility with Cars collectors due to the sound of crickets being all they get.

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Disney Pixar Cars - 2009 Comic-Con Mattel Exclusive Update

Mater and the Twins will be Revealed on April 11, 2009!

This is an update to tell you a few things about Mattel's 2009 Comic-Con Exclusive. I've seen it, and you are going to LOVE it! I won't be able to show you the complete images until April 11th, so mark that date on your calender. The set of Mater as a Fire Engine and Mia and Tia as Dalmations is going to come in a light-up diorama package. It will sell for $30 and as of today, the edition size is still undetermined, and the purchase limit has yet to be set. I reported back on January 18th that I heard the Edition Size was going to be 5000 for Comic-Con, and that 5000 would be available on MattyCollector.com. I've heard the purchase limit will be 1 to 4 sets per person.

As a collector and marketing expert, I'm going to give my input about these two numbers. First, the Edition size of 10,000 is far too high in my opinion. I would set it at 3000 for Comic-Con attendees and 2000 for MattyCollector.com. Here's my reasoning...The secondary market is what feeds all areas of collecting. If I purchase 10 sets, keep two for my collection and want to sell the other eight, then I want to make a decent profit when I sell them. If 10,000 exist, I'll have far too much competition on Ebay, and be lucky to make a $10 profit on each set. I won't want to waste my time, and certainly won't want to invest $300 ($30 times 10 sets) to buy ten sets. What does this transate to? Mattel will not sell out their supply!

Second, putting a limit of 1 to 4 sets per person at Comic-Con is a mistake. Do I think people should be able to buy any number? No! But, the idea of 1 to 4 is too low. Comic-Con attendees are the serious, most hard core collectors, and secondary market sellers out there. I'd set the limit to 10 Cases. The sets are going to be big. They may be packed to just two per case. Possibly four to a case. Let attendees buy a higher quantity for these reasons...They will buy more on the front end and have them presold to secondary collectors, they will buy more for friends, they will buy more for themselves. Allowing them to only purchase 1 to 4 is stupid! Doing what I suggest will certainly help to ensure Mattel will sell out at Comic-Con.

Finally, shipping these sets to buyers will run about $15 and make them more difficult to sell. They are big and will weigh a bit. So, keep the edition size low and let people buy more of them. I bought 6 Cases of Lightning Storm McQueens last year. I had to ship them home via UPS which added $3 in additional cost/unit to my total cost. Again, people like myself and others feed the secondary market and help keep the collecting going strong. Don't over produce and don't hamper the secondary market makers.

Alternator Valley will Preview Mattel's Comic-Con Exclusive April 11, 2009! Subscribe and don't miss a thing!

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New D23 and Disney Gallery Added to Alternator Valley

Today is a good day to bring two new sites I've added to Alternator Valley to your attention. The first was just announced yesterday...Disney Twenty•Three! Disney's First Official Community for Disney Fans! It is a paid membership that includes all I've listed below directly taken from the site. You get some nice things such as the magazine, a mystery gift and other goodies. I personally like the WDCC exclusive of Walt and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit!

Visit D23 at this link Disney Twenty•Three
to read all about the Community and to join!

A one-year D23 Charter Membership* includes:

• Disney ''twenty-three'' Quarterly Publication: A one-year subscription (four issues) to D23's exquisite collectible magazine, filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations and the ultimate Disney insider perspective. It's your all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney's past, present and future!
• Membership Card and Certificate: Your membership card and personalized, suitable-for-framing charter member certificate feature many of Disney's most beloved characters drawn by Disney Master Artist David Pacheco.
• Surprise Collectible Gift: A collectible just for D23 members. You'll receive a gift you'll cherish from the new Walt Disney Archives Collection.
• Exclusive Special Events and Merchandise: D23 offers its members unique special-event opportunities throughout the year, as well as access to exclusive, limited-edition merchandise and collectibles.
• D23 Expo: It's the ultimate Disney fan experience, taking place in Anaheim, California from September 10-13, 2009. This can't-miss event will feature guest speakers, celebrity appearances, breathtaking exhibitions, sneak peeks, film screenings, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and so much more! Admission will be discounted for D23 members.
• Subscription to bi-weekly D23 FanFare e-newsletter with breaking news and special offers. (You may opt out of receiving FanFare after your first e-newsletter arrives.)

Plus, stay connected to D23 every day at Disney.com/D23, featuring up-to-the-minute Disney news, feature stories, event info, merchandise and more.

*Join by December 31, 2009 to be a D23 Charter Member

D23 memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Visit Disney Gallery at this link Disney Gallery
for the latest Events, Product Releases & Promotions !

Disney Gallery is the site for all collectors and fans! You'll find Special Events listed for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Did you know they recently sold out a Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary event in Anaheim? You would have if you visited Disney Gallery. Have you heard about the latest collecting craze...Vinylmation?! I didn't, until I went to Disney Gallery and got the lowdown on the Mighty Muggs style concept! Get a load of the Kermit Vinylmation figure to the right. Do you love Figment? Do you collect Walt Disney Classics Collection pieces? Do you love Figment and collect WDCC? Well, there's a special Limited Edition piece being released at Disney World on April 25th! You'd know about it if you visited Disney Gallery!

Will there be any Cars stuff on either of these sites? There could very well be at some time! I'm still working on getting Disney World to do a Cars merchandise event. I firmly believe they will eventually do one. If they do, it will be listed on Disney Gallery. Alternator Valley is a resource beyond news! Our list of sites and important phone numbers is here for your convenience!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Kmart Collectors Days Update

Well, I know I teased you a bit last week, but as the saying goes, "Good things come to those who wait!" I finally got the ok to discuss the Kmart Collectors Days! There will be two that will take place...One will be on June 20, 2009, and the other will be on October 17, 2009. There will be a number of "Exclusives" released with rubber tires and special event only packaging! I will discuss them shortly.

Here for the FIRST TIME, is the poster a few lucky people will win! Kmart will raffle the poster off as they did at last year's event! Click on the poster image, and it will enlarge so you can see all the details of the 2009 releases. Were you lucky enough to get one last year? My friend won one and gave it to me. It is a huge poster with the pictures of all of the 2009 "Mainline" releases.

The first event will take place on June 20, 2009! The following cars will be Kmart Collectors Day exclusives:

1. Bumper Save
   
2. Clutch Aid
   
3. Easy Idle
4. Lil Torquey Pistons
5. Mood Springs
   
6. No Stall
7. Retread
8. Shifty Drug
9. and Tow Cap
   

The second event will take place on October 17, 2009! The following cars will be Kmart Collectors Day exclusives:

1. Leak Less
   
2. N2O Cola
3. Octane Gain
4. Rev-N-Go
5. Re-Volting
6. Trunk Fresh
7. and Vinyl Toupee

A number of these cars have already been released. What will add to their desirability will be the fact that all of these cars will come with rubber tires, and exclusive packaging that will ONLY be available at the events.

Alternator Valley will once again Twitter LIVE from each event! We'll broadcast from the East Coast so all of you can follow us early. You'll benefit the most by being armed with our LIVE tips as you arrive at your local Kmarts! If you wish to be part of this Live Feed, I'd strongly suggest you get your account setup with Twitter ASAP. Don't wait until the morning of June 20th. You can "Follow" me by searching for my Twitter Id which is orlandogken. You'll click follow and then can read my updates Live. You may even want to do it now. You never know what I may be doing!!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Doc Hudson 1:24th Special Preview

I thought today would be a great day for a Special Preview! Today, I have Doc Hudson in the 1:24th scale and he looks very sharp! Remember that these are "First Looks," and are not the final designs. Here you go...

Doc looks very debonair with all his Chrome

You need sunglasses to view the great
VUM (Vacuumized Metallizing)

Great detail on Doc's trunk and rear bumper,
and we get to see some further detail on Ramone

The 1:24th may cost more, but the detail is incredible! You gain a greater appreciation for Doc's understated elegance! As I reported before, these are expected to come with a dust cover made of chipboard with full color printing, and shipped in a corrugate shipper. I don't have any release dates for you yet.

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Disney Pixar Cars - TJ Hummer and Sarge's Boot Camp

Here are additional pics of TJ Hummer for you all to inspect! There's much finer detail in his rear end and chassis. You can see just how big TJ is in comparison to Elvis. So, would you like to know his Expected Release Date? How about how he'll be packaged? Well, read along and you'll find out at the bottom of this article!!

Get a bit closer to Elvis TJ! Don't look so nervous!


I didn't know you could do a hoodstand!


Sarge has your rear end looking tight!
You have to correct that License Plate though!

It will be packed with Frank Pinky Pinkerton, the Green SUV,
TJ, Murphy the Orange SUV and Sarge. It will be a set called
"SARGE'S BOOT CAMP!"

These Five will come packed in "Sarge's Boot Camp!"


I've only been told he's called the Green SUV


Frank "Pinky" Pinkerton didn't know what
he was in for with Sarge's off-road training!


Murphy the Orange SUV is fit enough to do well with Sarge


TJ is shaking in his treads!


Sarge is finally coming out of retirement in July!

"Sarge's Boot Camp" is Expected to be released on September 1, 2009! The set will be Oversized and contain the five characters shown above...The Green SUV, Frank "Pinky" Pinkerton, Murphy the Orange SUV, TJ Hummer and Sarge! I got an update on the possible retail price and was told it is expected to be $25.00. That is a pleasant surprise. I'll line up to git me two o' them thar sets!!

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Disney Pixar Cars - TJ Hummer, Reporters, Pittys and Mathew McCrew Preview

I have yet to get the greenlight on any of the teasers I've posted, but here are some great previews for you to enjoy as we head into the weekend! They just came in at the last minute today! Enjoy and drool over this big green guy...

TJ looks worried that Sarge is going to showup!


Keep your eyes front and center soldier!


Ready! Forward drive in double time!


Yeah! I work alone! Get my left bumper, Kachow!


I used to cover Comic-Con, now I get these crazy racers!


Dash Boardman never misses a shot!
Where are the Dinoco Showgirls?!


Anything for my fans! Kachow!!


Houser Boon coined the now famous phrase,
"Show us the bolt!"


Mathew "True Blue" McCrew for you to view!


Mater the Greater's Stunt Pittys waiting to blow him up!

TJ Hummer will now be released in the Mega Sized. He'll look very cool and have much more detail! We get a nice look at two of the photographers...Dash Boardman and Houser Boon carrying their cute cameras! Mia and Tia have quite the rival in Mathew "True Blue" McCrew. His entire house is painted in the "King's" color of blue! Finally, we see the Pittys from Mater the Greater! You have to love the buck teeth!! A special thanks to Martin Arriola, as he shot these and zipped them off to me from the Mattel Design Studio.

Super stuff is coming next week!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Toys R Us, Comic-Con and Kmart Collectors Days

Today, I waited and waited for the green light to report some super cool things to you all, but unfortunately, I got stuck at a long red light. So, I'm simply going to tease you by saying that I will eventually tell you some potentially incredible news about Toys R Us! I'm waiting for some verification about the news. I may be able to discuss this story in the next few days.

I'll also tell you I should have some super stuff for you about Comic-Con! China is a bit behind on Mattel's Comic-Con exclusive. I expect to have some very nice things for you by the middle, to the end of next week.

Finally, I will have something for you about the Kmart Collectors Days! It is something good, but something you can't buy. What could it be?! You'll have to wonder and wait to find out!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Preview of Revolting and N2O Launchers

Let's start the week off with a bang! Here's a look at two New Launchers that will be coming out some day! I've got Re-Volting and N2O for you today...

Re-Volting Rebuilt Alternators are sold in
finer Alternator Valley auto parts stores


N2O Cola's fizz gives any car a turbo punch!

If you're like me, you haven't been collecting the launchers. Did you know however, that the idea of the launchers is to be able to reproduce all of pit row? So, even though you may have most of the Cars, you may want to start getting the launchers so you can have a complete set.

I'll have a Super Special Preview for Alternator Valley fans this week! Don't miss it! Subscribe now!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Mater 1:24th Disney Store vs. Mater 1:24th MattyCollector

If you didn't realize it, Mattel previously released a Lightning McQueen and Mater in the 1:24th Scale. They were originally released a few years ago at the Disney Store and locations such as The World of Disney at the theme parks. They sold for $19.99 and were only available for a short time. Once again, Alternator Valley reader Tim, has contributed some fine pictures of his Mater in 1:24th Scale from the Disney Store for us to compare.

Mater (Disney Store) looks pretty good for $19.99


Mater (Matty) reveals treaded tires, more detail and deco


Mater's (Disney Store) detail looks well done

This New Mater (Matty) is far more detailed

It is interesting to take a side by side look! The NEW Mater has much more deco and detail. Martin Arriola from Mattel's design team told me this previous Mater can't compare to this new Mater. I hope not, as the NEW Mater will run you $50.00 instead of $19.00! Again, Mater is expected to come with a dust cover made of chipboard with full color printing, and will be shipped in a corrugated shipper. There's no release info. We all know how "reliable" MattyCollector.com has been. Only time will reveal what Matty has in his big ole head!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Mater and Ramone 1:24th Scale Special Preview

What better way to end the week, than with another Special Preview! Today, I have both Mater and Ramone in the 1:24th scale and they're terrific! These are "First Looks," and are not the final designs. Here you go...

Mater has far more detail than the previous 1:24th release


Mater will sit on a stand with no acrylic cover due to cost


Ramone in 1:24th Scale, High 'n' Low Ramone
unfinished and Purple Ramone both in 1:55th Scale


Ramone in 1:24th is poseable and done in
VUM (Vacuumized Metallizing)

These are very cool! Mater has much more deco and detail. I was told the previous Mater done in 1:24th can't compare to this new Mater. You've got to love the fact that you can pose Ramone's hydraulic lifts! They are expected to come with a dust cover made of chipboard with full color printing, and shipped in a corrugate shipper. I don't have any release dates for you yet.

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Disney Pixar Cars - John Lasseter Series Case and Car 1:55th Preview

I told you I'd have some great photos for you today, and thanks to Martin, you get to preview the John Lasseter Signature Series Car and Case in the 1:55th scale! This very well may be the final design, but some additional changes may be done before it goes to production. So, here it is for your viewing pleasure...

Lightning sits on raised posts like a beauty on a pedestal!


A view from the top on a sunny day!


Kinda looks like the Sheriff on the lift at Doc's!


The clear bottom is made to look at Lightning's chassis!


Acrylic can make a simple thing look quite elegant!


The Cars logo, Character Name & John Lasseter's signature!

• Remember, only the 1:55th Cars will come in this type of case. Here's a unique piece of info for you real collectors...both the body is die cast and the chassis is die cast, terming this a die cast, die cast. So, expect this baby to be heavy!
  

• This is the FIRST time the chassis of a car will be painted in such detail, thus the clear case for you to view the fine workmanship. Hot Wheels has never even done this!
  

• Also, don't forget the cool Soft Shore PVC Real Rubber-Like Tires with Tread Pattern. Pixar wanted Lightning on the treaded pattern for authenticity. Realize that he was only on slicks in two races, which accounted for a very short time on film. The fact is, most of Lightning's time spent on camera was during the time he was in Radiator Springs wearing treaded tires.

• Finally, this case is stackable, and you may eventually see this type of case for the 1:24th size. I've been told it will all depend on how well the 1:24th's sell.

This FIRST piece is expected to be released on MattyCollector.com on April 15, 2009. It is expected to retail for $20.00 and be a Limited Edition of 10,000. It will be available to our International Friends/Collectors! It will come to you in a white cardboard shipper and make your day when you open it!

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