Sunday, December 30, 2012

Smithsonian Origins of Oz DVD



Original Smithsonian Channel Documentary
46 minutes long
SRP: $14.95
Release February 12th 2013
 

Please see the Smithsonian Channel website for more information
 
 
On a related note just found what looks to be a really cute children's book about the mystery of the disappearance of the Smithsonian's Ruby Slippers
 
 
 
For more information on the history the Smithsonian has with the ruby slippers please see  my previous blog entries:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wonderful Fashions of Oz Figurine Collection


As much as I adore the classic film characters, I LOVE snazzy new interpretations almost as much, collectibles that will really stick out in the collection. 
 
First in the series is the Wicked Witch.  $69.99 plus $9.99 shipping.  GORGEOUS!!!  
Item no: 903441
 

 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Department 56 Snowbabies, Pillars, Classic Collection 2013


Snowbabies Guest Collection    June 2013
 
There's No Place Like Home
4" H by 2.75" L
SRP:  $25.00
 
 
Oil for Tin Man
4" H by 2.75" L
SRP: $25.00
 
 
March  2013
10" H by 8.5" W by 5.5" L
stone resin sculpture
SRP: $250.00
 
This new Pillar represents the magic nostalgia of the classic Wizard of Oz. The sculpted characters and sparkling city of Oz draw you in. Once you open it up you will discover Munchkinland; the yellow brick road; and quotes from your favorite characters.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Classic Collection   July 2013
 
 
Ruby Slippers Trinket Box
2.88"  H by 3"  W
SRP:  $18.50
 


Toto in Slipper Waterglobe
60 MM globe
3.37"  H by 2.5" W
SRP:  $27.50
 


Good Witch/Bad Witch Figurine

7" H by 4" W
SRP:  $45.00
 

Wicked Witch/Dorothy Waterglobe
60 MM globe
6.36" H by 4.87" W
SRP: $47.50
 
 
Dorothy/Toto Waterglobe
60 MM globe
3.13" H by 4.13" W
SRP: $32.50
 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Steiff Miniature Dorothy 2013



From one of the biggest films of all time comes a dainty interpretation of one of last year's biggest successes! Presenting the 5 1/2" miniature version of Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz".

This version of the popular character includes all the features of the larger original, but in a petite size...with the exception of one major addition: the famous ruby slippers! This Dorothy boasts the trademark shoes from the film handmade from a sparkling red, very unique material. In addition, her nose and mouth are hand-stitched of brown floss. Whether you own the full-sized Dorothy or not, you'll want to get this delightful miniature Dorothy because no collection would be complete without it!


Made of finest quality cream mohair
Stuffed with synthetic filling material
Safety eyes
Surface washable
5-way jointed
With gold-plated "Button in Ear"
5 1/2" tall
Limited to North America and the UK
Edition of 1,939
ETA:  May 2013
SRP: $149.00
 

 
 

Monday, December 17, 2012

Steiff Toto In Stock


The eagerly anticipated Steiff Toto is on the way to retailers now.  You may find Toto under your tree this Christmas!!   The Dorothy teddy bear is in low supply right now and stock won't be replenished until 2013.   http://www.steiffusa.com/productdetail.aspx?productid=682261

 
International Wizard of Oz Club Members are entitled to a 10% discount when they sign up to receive emails from Steiff.   http://marketing.steiffusa.com/acton/form/3624/0011:d-0001/0/index.htm



It's Beginning to Look Like Christm'Oz


Santa's little helpers at Spooky Cool Labs have gone into overtime decking the halls with boughs of ozzy.   Munchkinland has been blanketed with snow in anticipation of Santa's arrival.   New buildings, fashions, decor, and missions have been added all with a cheery holiday theme.  








You can read more here at Spooky Cool Labs' official blog
 
Learn more about the game in my original post and with the many links included therein
 
 
 

 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Hallmark Gift Line 2013

 
 
Wizard of Oz Frame      $14.95
 
 
Somewhere Over the Rainbow Tile     $19.95
 
 
Ruby Slipper Wine Bottle Holder     $29.95
 
 
Ruby Slipper Water Globe        $24.95

 
 
Perpetual Calendar       $29.99
 
 
 
 
Somewhere Over the Rainbow Music Box      $29.95
 
 
Looking for my Heart's Desire Tile       $14.95
 
 
Personality Mugs     $9.95 each

 
 
No Place Like Home Platter          $19.95
 
 
No Place Like Home Framed Print          $24.95
 
 
Dorothy and Friends Silhouette          $19.95
 
 
Toto Silhouette          $14.95
 
 
A Heart is Not Judged Tile       $14.95
 
 
 
 
IN STORES NOW
 
Photos Courtesy Hallmark
 
Special thanks to Louis Berrillo for the heads up!
 


Friday, November 16, 2012

Socially Ozceptable




Experienced and first time gamers alike are sure to delight in the three dimensional wonders of Oz!! Warner Brothers Interactive enlisted Spooky Cool Labs to help kick off the 75th anniversary of the classic film with the debut of the first ever Wizard of Oz citybuilding social game. And what better host than Facebook, the world's largest social network?



Over two years in the making, at a cost of 8 million dollars, every single penny is evident. The wonderful wizards at Spooky Cool Labs have re-created the merry old land of Oz with sumptuously vivid graphics. The film characters were painstakingly generated entirely from scratch. The game is now in open beta testing and will undergo constant tweaks and updates. In addition to the stunning imagery, the game is further enhanced with stills, film clips, and of course, no Oz game would be complete without the beloved soundtrack.



The ultimate goal of the game, as in the movie, is to return Dorothy to Kansas. Your quest begins after Dorothy has vanquished the Wicked Witch of the East. Glinda charges her with restoring Munchkinland to it's former glory and assembling the yellow brick road. Naturally, the game takes some liberties, but they retain the whimsy of the original Munchkinland and there's nothing you can't imagine fitting right in with the movie. Some elements such as the Munchkin Fire Brigade, seem to be based on Munchkin development ideas that were abandoned early in the film production process.



Munchkinland is customizable. You decide what buildings to construct, where to put them, and you can even re-name Munchkinland. There are many, many possibilities. You can share screenshots, invite other players to be your neighbors and send gifts to other players. Sound easy enough? Not so fast, my pretties, not so fast. Your personal Shangri L'Oz is not without peril. You are subject to attack by flying monkeys and appearances by the lean, green, queen of mean herself, the Wicked Witch of the West!!!



Oz fans are so enamored with the game, the fan club Everything Oz has created a Facebook page where members can confer, converse, and otherwise hobnob with other players.
 
Log on to Facebook to travel over the rainbow to the magical, new, interactive land of Oz!

Big thanks and kudos to Spooky Cool Labs for producing a gorgeous, quality Wizard of Oz
game!!!



Press Release
 
SPOOKY COOL LABS AND WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT OPEN THE WIZARD OF OZ™ FACEBOOK GAME TO THE PUBLIC TODAY
 
The Official Social Game for the Iconic Film Includes Video Clips, Music and Beloved Characters in Advanced 3D Game PlayCHICAGO (November 1, 2012) Spooky Cool Labs and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced that The Wizard of Oz game for Facebook has launched to the public. Based on the beloved film, the game sets players on the adventure of a lifetime as they join DOROTHY™, TOTO™ and all of her friends on a trip down the YELLOW BRICK ROAD™, which game players must build.
With full license from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, the in-game experience includes music from the original soundtrack, video clips from the film and likenesses of its beloved characters, including Judy Garland as Dorothy and Margaret Hamilton as the WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST™.

“We’re proud to have created such an immersive experience based on the greatest, most-watched movie in history, The Wizard of Oz” says Joe Kaminkow, founder and CEO of Spooky Cool Labs. “Players will get to enjoy interacting with Dorothy, GLINDA THE GOOD WITCH™, TIN MAN™, SCARECROW™, COWARDLY LION™ and all of the other characters people have loved for years. Warner Bros. is an amazing partner and it’s been a wonderful project to work on with them.”

Players arrive in Munchkinland right after Dorothy’s house lands on the WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST™. With help from Glinda, players become familiar with Munchkinland and begin to build their very-own Munchkintown. They must construct buildings, interact with and protect the locals, and build the Yellow Brick Road in order to lead Dorothy and her friends to their ultimate destination, the EMERALD CITY™.

While on their journey through the Land of Oz, players will encounter the other characters from the film, whether on the Yellow Brick Road or fending off the Wicked Witch of the West and her WINGED MONKEYS™ from attacking the town. Players can share their experience with friends by visiting each other's Munchkinlands and helping with quests, as well as sharing their favorite moments and experiences through various social features.

In celebration of the game’s launch, Spooky Cool Labs is offering players an opportunity to collect all items that The Wicked Witch of the East left behind in addition to her RUBY SLIPPERS™. The promotion is available for a limited time, so fans of the Land of Oz can go to Facebook now to start
their journey to the Emerald City: https://www.facebook.com/thewizardofozgame
 
About Spooky Cool LabsSpooky Cool Labs is a game developer and publisher committed to introducing the next generation of social games to be played and enjoyed by all generations. Located in Chicago, Spooky Cool Labs was founded by legendary game designers Joe Kaminkow and Larry DeMar, who have both created some of the most well-known games in arcade, pinball and slots. The accomplished duo is now leading Spooky Cool Labs with a vision focused on creating cutting-edge social games built on great brands and industry leading design for social networking services and mobile devices. Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/spookycoollabs

About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.

THE WIZARD OF OZ and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Turner Entertainment Co.
(s12)


Links for Reviews
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Be sure to visit Spooky Cool Labs Blog, Facebook, and Forum for tips and tricks
 
 
 
 
Fan help from Everything Oz
 
 
Photos Courtesy Spooky Cool Labs and Bender/Helper Impact