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!"

"Wall•E" goes up against Dreamworks "Kung Fu Panda," and Disney's other nominee "Bolt," for Best Animated Feature Film! "Wall•E" took home the Golden Globe already this year, and LIVE RESULT: "Wall•E" took home the Oscar as well!

"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

We were all sad to hear of Paul Newman's passing. He was nominated for an Oscar ten times! He only won once for his role in "The Color of Money," in 1987! We all wonder if Doc will be featured in "Cars 2, The Global Race."

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)

Joe Ranft was mostly known for voicing Heimlich from "Bug's Life!" Joe was a creative force at Pixar and was nominated for an Oscar for "Toy Story!"

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)

Bet you didn't know our favorite rusty car Fred, was voiced by "Wall•E" director Andrew Stanton! Tonight, Andrew was nominated for his fifth Oscar. Andrew previously won once for directing "Finding Nemo!" LIVE RESULT: Congrats Andrew on your second Oscar for the Best Animated Feature Film with "Wall•E!"

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)

Cameos can bring in "Big" names like Tom Hanks, who's been nominated for an Oscar five times. He struck Oscar gold back to back for his performances in "Philadelphia" in 1994, and "Forrest Gump" in 1995! Tom will be reprising his role as Woody, in "Toy Story 3" coming out in 2010!

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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Disney Pixar Cars - Frank's Progression and the Drop Test

Here are the latest Pictures of Frank in a Progression from Raw to Painted. In addition to these great pics, I'm going to discuss the "Drop Test" that toys must go through, and how it applies to Frank.

Frank Painted and Nearly Ready for Production

A Look at Frank from the Top

Even Frank Has a Rear End

Take a Look at Frank's Under Carriage

Frank Has Dirt in His Eyes in This Prototype

Prototypes are done to arrive at the best execution of the product. Paint schemes, color variations, scale, and materials are some of the details designers consider when using prototypes.

I was talking to Martin from Mattel about the plastic parts on Frank. I mentioned it would be cool if Frank had aluminum smoke stacks. He brought up the fact that all toys have to pass a "Drop Test." The "Drop Test" is done by dropping a standard toy from a height of 36 inches to see how it holds up. Thirty six inches is the average height of a table a child would play on. To pass the test, a toy's parts must be able to stay on, or be put back on, and not suffer damage where jagged edges or sharp points result from the drop. With toys that fly or simulate flight, the height of the drop is 96 inches. If Frank had aluminum smoke stacks, they may look cool, but they'd get bent up and damaged in the "Drop Test." Therefore, they have to be done in a hard plastic.

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Disney Pixar Cars - Preview of Bubba from Story Tellers Series

Remember the Story Tellers die cast Cars? They were Target Exclusives that came out a number of months ago. The stories came from the "World of Cars" book. The first story in the book is called "Hoodwinked." It's about a mean ole tow truck named Bubba, who taunts Mater and challenges him to a race. Jeez, everyone wants to pick on poor old Mater! I'm sure many of you thought the series was over. Well, here are pictures from the book, along with the Public's First look at Bubba!!

Bubba Towers over Good Hearted Mater!

Bubba Taunts Mater and Won't Give Back His Hood!

Mater and Bubba Face Off Before the Race!

Mater is Going to Show This Big Hunka Junk!

Bubba Has a Cocky Look on His Grill!

Bubba Can't Handle the Turns and Loses the Race!


Direct from the Mattel Design Studio!
Here for the First time...is Bubba!

Anyone Called Bubba, is Usually BIG!

Bubba the Big Boy, is Even Bigger than Red!

How Big is Bubba's Gas Tank?!

Bubba is Expected to be released as part of the Story Tellers series on September 1, 2009. I would expect the series to continue to be Exclusive to Target. I asked whether Bubba would be packaged the same as the previous Story Tellers releases, and was told the packaging may very well change. We'll have to see how Bubba looks once he gets his paint job.

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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!

Release Schedule for 2009

• 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)

Release Schedule for 2010

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)

I haven't seen "Tokyo Mater," and am curious to see more of the characters from that great short! If the prototypes for the "Mater The Greater" samples I've already shown you are any indication, we've got some superb die casts toys coming! As an interesting tidbit for you to ponder..."Tokyo Mater" will introduce you to the most new characters of any "Interstitial!" Thus, my continued speculation that all these characters will lead us roaring into the..."THE GLOBAL RACE!" You can be assured I'll bring you the latest news and photos as I get them.

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Disney Pixar Cars - A No Real News Day

I e-mailed and talked to my main man Martin from Mattel today. We concluded there was nothing for me to write about from his end. Although the Toy Fair started, he told me there was nothing new we haven't already seen. We are in a real slow period at the moment. Well, at least I reported a lot of exciting news to you a couple of weeks ago! Right now, I'm not allowed to discuss future releases. So, today I'll just say there is nothing newsworthy to tell you. I'll have to see what tomorrow brings! You know if there is something to report, I'll be here to tell you all about it!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Would You Like Metal or Plastic

Can you tell which is die cast metal and which is plastic?

Alternator Valley reader Tim, sent me these pictures of these two Mack Haulers to compare for you. It is tough to tell which is die cast metal and which is plastic. The top is the Target Exclusive, which is made of die cast metal and manufactured by Mattel. The bottom is the Disney Store Exclusive, which is made of plastic and manufactured by Disney Consumer Products.

This plastic version has a beautiful paint finish!

I touched upon the Disney Store Exclusive a number of weeks ago. You can see the plastic version is a longer and more accurate Mack in scale to Lightning McQueen. The Target Exclusive is a true die cast metal, and is shorter due to bringing it to retail at a reasonable price. I own both versions, but I prefer the good ole die cast metal!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Disney Shopping Presidents' Day Sale

DisneyShopping.com is having a Big Sale!

Everyone likes to save money. Today I saw that
DisneyShopping.com started a Presidents' Day Sale
and they have Disney Pixar Cars stuff! Here are a
couple of things you may want to add to your stash...

Cars Mack Truck Carrier

Cars Tire Shaped Carrying Case
for 1:55th Die Cast Toys

I haven't seen the Lightyear Tire Carrying Case before. I've seen a similar Hot Wheels Case. About two years ago, I spoke with a Manager at Once Upon a Toy at Downtown Disney in Orlando, he claimed a huge Cars Carrying Case was coming that would hold 35 Cars. That never materialized! This case looks like a DisneyShopping.com exclusive. Happy Shopping!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Printable Lightning McQueen Valentine's Day Card

News is slow, and I always try to bring you something Cars related daily. I found a Free printable Disney Pixar Cars Valentine's Day Card. You and your kids can go to this link Cars Valentine's Card and make one to give to their friend(s)!

There's always something cool out there! I'm adding this NEW link to Alternator Valley's "Important Collector Web Sites," Disney-Stationary.com. You'll find a ton of great Cars images and things you and your kids will love!

You can print things such as Free Stationary, Free Coloring Sheets, and more!

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Disney Pixar Cars - The Transportation of the Toys from China to Walmart

Today I stopped in a number of Walmarts to look for Wally the Hauler. While at one of the Walmarts, I asked a nice department manager for help. She actually headed up Sporting Goods, but was glad to help me. She had one of the Walmart scanner guns that gives you all sorts of great info. She knew nothing about Cars, but was able to tell me the Haulers were Direct Imports from her computer access. She was more than happy to tell me how their system worked.

The interesting thing is she gave me insight into the Distribution problem we're all fedup with! She told me getting popular things could take up to four weeks minimum, regardless of the department. She felt the problem with so many things that are "OUT," has to do with the transportation of goods. As we've all joked, but are unfortunately correct about, Cars are literally on a slow boat from China!!

A Slow Boat from China Delivers Cars Toys to the U.S.

Trains transport the Containers to the Distribution Centers

Trucks also haul the Containers to Distribution Centers

The Walmart Distribution Center Sorts & Redistributes!

A rousing Yeah! as Shoppers Descend Upon Walmart

All that to get a toy to the United States and in your waiting hands! Well, now you are bit more enlightened as to the Distribution problem, and why releases are weeks behind in showing up in stores. Let's hope things speed up and are a bit more efficient.

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