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/

Scoop on Rangsberg Blu-Ray Mc Queen

I had to launch this Blog on the day I verified a big story. The release of a Special Edition Dinoco Blu Ray Deco McQueen! Back on October 23rd I became aware of an auction for the Children Affected by Aids Foundation. I was interested in this incredible display case for the Cars Diecast Toys I've been collecting since June of last year.

I called the organization and spoke to Rolla Bedford, the program manager, about making a call in bid. She was happy to answer any questions I had, and e-mailed me pictures of the items and their descriptions on October 24th.

I read through the Cars information and came across a very interesting paragraph I've bolded below in blue!

It said, "Dream Halloween Disney/Pixar Cars Display Case: This one of a kind Cars display case holds 70 plus cars. Two smaller characters can fit in one space if need be. This case also includes a ONE OF KIND Dinoco Lightning McQueen vehicle that never was produced and is extremely rare! The case is designed to replicate the "Welcome to Radiator Springs" sign which borders the town as you enter it. This case features a one of a kind Aluminum Billet Cars logo that is 18" wide by 12" high. The case is also lit from above with 3 LED lights that illuminate the characters within the case. It can be wall mounted or stand alone as well. It is signed by Pixar founder/creator John Lasseter.

Blu Ray DVD Exclusive Mail In CAR: Disney/ Pixar ordered 15K to offer the consumers the option to mail in and receive this special Dinoco Blu Ray Deco McQueen. It is a double Rangsburg Blue Metallic.

Red Rangsburg McQueen: Only 50 were produced and distributed at the Offsite Brainstorm held at Palm Springs earlier this month. Never sold to the public.

The case will contain the second production pilot sample of “Not Chuck Rusteze Pitty”. The first sample was given to John Lasseter for review earlier this week. Not Chuck is scheduled to be released on shelf in December.

Lastly, the Security SUV, Richard Clayton Kensington, Piston Cup Tow Truck, Pit Crew Guido, and Pit Crew Ramone are not on shelf yet.

Minimum Bid - $3,000"

I immediately wanted to know if indeed, this Rangsberg Blue Mc Queen would be available if I purchased the Cars Blu-Ray Disk! I made a call to Mattel and got nowhere. I called Disneyland to try to track down a person in the know and got nowhere. I called Disney Corporate and got nowhere. I called the Disney DVD division and got nowhere. Finally, I called back and spoke to Ms. Bedford and asked her if she knew anything more than the description and she didn't. I called back Disney DVD the next day and pressured the same woman I spoke to the previous day to get me an answer. Finally, she came back to tell me it was going to be a Disney Movie Rewards promotion and would be inside the Cars Blu-Ray package! I wasn't satisfied with the answer and called the Disney Movie Rewards Customer Care number 866-246-8646. After speaking with a frontline lady, I asked for a supervisor. She listened to me and promised to get me an answer. She called me at the end of the business day and confirmed that yes, a promotion to get a diecast Dinoco Blu Ray Deco McQueen was going to be available on Disney Movie Rewards once the BlueRay disk was released on November 6th!

I waited patiently, and kept quiet so I wouldn't make a fool of myself, or give something away I shouldn't by telling people about this supposed promotion. Finally, at midnight on November 6, 2007, I bought the Cars Blu-Ray Disk at Walmart and rushed home to open it! Once home, I opened it, logged onto http://DisneyMovieRewards.com and saw a pic of that beautiful Rangsberg Blue Deco Mc Queen! I messed around with technical problems the site was having and finally ordered my coveted blue baby! From the auction description, it appears this is a Limited Edition of just 15,000! So, if you're reading this, get over to a store and get your Cars Blu-Ray DVD and order this special edtion diecast before he's gone! Ka-Chow!

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/