Chesterton Must Be Over the Rainbow!

Visitors will feel they've been whisked away by tornado and dropped into a magical land this weekend when the streets of Chesterton come alive with the sights and sounds of Oz. This year the Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival is commemorating 30 years of fandom and frivolity. It's hard to imagine what started as a 3 hour affair has grown into a weekend celebration that welcomes 40,000+.

The fest offers many activities sure to appeal to all manner of Oz enthusiasts. Parties, silent auction, parade, there's even a showing of The Wizard of Oz at the 49er Drive In Theatre. Food, craft, and Oz vendors line the main streets. Representatives promoting the new animated feature Dorothy of Oz will be taking up half a street! Dorothy of Oz is based on the book by Roger Baum great grandson of Wonderful Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum. Roger will be in attendance this year. Jersey Jack, the makers of the limited edition Wizard of Oz pinball game will also be on hand. 
 

In addition to Roger Baum, many other Oz dignitaries will be in attendance. The beloved Munchkins and Munchkins -By-Marriage Karl Slover, Margaret Pellegrini, Myrna Swensen, and Mary Ellen St. Aubin are back to reminisce with fans. Michael Siewert will be displaying select pieces from his amazing Judy Garland: Dressing of a Legend costume collection. Artists Rick Ewigleben and Joe Shipbaugh will debut their beautiful coloring book inspired by Michael's collection. Wizard of Oz/Judy Garland historian extraordinaire John Fricke will have his glorious new book Judy: A Legendary Film Career. Caren Marsh-Doll, Judy Garland's stand in during filming of The Wizard of Oz will have her fascinating autobiographies about her personal life and her experiences during Hollywood's hey day. Robert Baum great grandson of L. Frank Baum will be participating in various festival events. Robert was instrumental during the filming of The Dreamer of Oz and much of his personal collection can be seen in the movie. Jean Nelson, the founder of the Yellow Brick Road Shop and festival will be out and about so be sure to congratulate her on one of the longest running Oz events in the country!! 

One of the most anticipated festival events is, without a doubt, the Collector's Exchange and Auction. This year the auction will take place at Chesterton Middle School and they'll have a fabulous array of vintage and new memorabilia. There's donations from our favorite manufacturers including newcomers Funko, Schylling, and Cafe Press. Fantasy artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith sent a beautiful framed canvas. Trendsetters donated at limited edition trio film cell piece with a backlight. Longtime collectors Chuck Chicanowicz and Michael D. Manzini have graciously donated from their troves of Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland collectibles. A good number of the auction items are one of a kinds and hand made. Shawn Ryan's donation is a replica Munchkin Coroner costume that was worn by Meinhardt Raabe. Barb Huddleson made shadow boxes with autographed Munchkin photos. A very special 30th anniversary quilt made by Deb Dwyer will be on display throughout the festival and at the Auction/Exchange. Raffle tickets will be sold for a drawing held during closing ceremonies. Barb and Deb and many of the festival volunteers are from The Everything Oz Club, a delightful haven for fans of anything and everything Oz. Year after year they donate their talents and time to make the festival a pleasant experience for everyone. If you can't check them out during the fest, then please look them up online after. Vendors from all over the country will be at the auction peddling their Oz wares including first time festival attendee Fred Trust of RareOzBooks.com. Fred specializes in hard to find and vintage Oz books.

 

Amidst all the fun and games, please take a moment if you can, to remember those less fortunate. This year the festival has teamed up with Toys For Tots. Toys For Tots does an incredible job bringing joy to underprivileged children. This is a wonderful opportunity to spread the magic of Oz, but any new toy will be accepted.  
 

Please support the donors and sponsors not just one weekend, but all year long. Their generosity helps keep the Oz fest running year after year.

Congratulations Team Chesterton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's to another 30 years!!!! (at least!)

Please enlarge photos for detail

http://www.ozfestivalchesterton.com/

http://www.dorothyofoz.com/

http://www.tototooinc.com/

http://www.jerseyjackpinball.com/

http://www.judygarland.net/   - Michael Siewert

http://www.ricksartstudio.com/ - Rick Ewigleben

http://www.funko.com/

http://filmcellsltd.com/ 

http://www.schylling.com/home/index/329.2

http://www.cafepress.com/

http://www.strangeling.com/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/163530767040319/ - Everything Oz Club

http://www.rareozbooks.com/

http://www.wizardofozland.com/

http://www.toysfortots.org/#

Bradford Exchange Wicked Witch of the West Glow-in-the-Dark Sculpture

18 inches tall resin sculpture adorned with 30 glass jewels.   Edition of 5000.  
$179.95 plus $18.99 shipping.   Payable in 5 installments.  Enlarge photos for detail.

http://www.bradfordexchange.com/products/112922001_wicked-witch-of-the-west-sculpture.html

Looks like a fabulous sculpture!!   I'm hoping for a Dorothy with glowing ruby slippers follow up!!

Wizard of Oz at CafePress

 

Individuality is a trend that should never go out of style.  There was a time, not so long ago, when choices were limited to the mundane.  These days, originality is encouraged and embraced like never before.  Almost everything can be tailored to our specific needs and wants.  Cars, cell phones, household appliances, even contact lenses can be found in every color of the rainbow and in colors nature never intended.  It's cool to be custom.  CafePress recognized the growing demand for more personalized product and became one of the leaders of personal expression.

CafePress came about in 1999 when co-founder Fred Durham combined two of his nine failed business ventures.  One assisted small businesses in online sales and the other helped people print more effectively. 

CafePress is the ultimate customization experience.  They offer apparel, drinkware, posters, canvases and much more.  You design the product but CafePress handles the printing, sales,and distribution.  Their print facility is located in Louisville, KY.  They turn out about 10,000 products every day and each item is checked by a quality assurance team.  On the average, 160,000 new designs are created each week.  CafePress.com boasts 11 million unique visitors every month.  And CafePress stands behind their work.  If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, CafePress offers a no questions asked return policy. 

Whatever your passion, you can design merchandise to suit your own style.  The sky's the limit.  If you love cats, host your own club, or need items to promote a charity, or you have a favorite movie, like say, for example, The Wizard of Oz, unleash your creativity and were your love on your sleeve.  Literally.

CafePress has teamed up with Warner Brothers to create the Wizard of Oz fan portal.  Currently, there are 376 Oz inspired motifs to choose from.  Put your imagination to the test and submit your own designs. Just be sure to read the rules first.  Shown below are samples of the fan designed Oz wares.

 











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Sarah Graham "We're Off to See the Wizard"

You may remember the fabulous Oz display Harrods put on for their 2009 Christmas season.   Please see this previous entry for more details.   Sarah Graham created bright, beautiful art for the occasion.  She continues her series with We're Off to See the Wizard.   More info can be found here:  http://www.sarahgraham.info/default.asp?id=216&ver=1

Jersey Jack Update - July 29

As Summer vacation is in full swing, just know that the JJP Team is busy at work creating an awesome game for you. Today we lift the veil in a stealth snapshot to reveal the whole whitewood playfield layout.

While there are obviously a number of elements not complete, the picture is worth a thousand words and then some.

We are also attaching a link to more music that Sound Master Chris Granner is working on. The amount of energy and passion going into this game will make players happy for years to come.

http://www.jerseyjackpinball.com/offtoseethewizard.mp3

http://jerseyjackpinball.com/ftybr_2011-03-11.mp3

We are proud to announce that Buddy Herron of Mountain Entertainment in Wise Virginia has become a factory authorized distributor. Buddy is a well liked distributor and operator for many years and he has a great way with his customers. More information will be posted on the JJP site in a few days.

Stay tuned JJP Fans as we have another release set for tomorrow!

Please enlarge photo for detail

*Please Note*

On August 1, 2011 the price will increase to $7,500

 If you haven't already done so,

Click here to Pre-Order your

Emerald City LE Wizard of Oz Pinball Machine!

Jersey Jack Pinball, Inc

1645 Oak Street

Lakewood, NJ 08701

(800) 473-5225 (Direct)

Jack@JerseyJackPinball.com

www.JerseyJackPinball.com

All Rights Reserved 2011, Jersey Jack Pinball, Inc.

Sneak Peek at Funko Comic Con Exclusives

Wicked Witch and Flying Monkey vinyl Pop! Comic Con metallic exclusives

 please enlarge photos for detail    Editions of 480

And last we have Freddy Funko as a Winged Monkey Pop! Bobblehead   He's an edition of 125 for Funko Platinum Club members

How cute are Freddy's freckles?!

UPDATE:   The Freddy Funko Pop! Bobblehead was also made in metallic in an edition of JUST 12!!!

Photos Courtesy John Emanuelli

Jersey Jack Design & Development Progress

This week we report on some of what's going on at the JJP Midwest Campus as the game design and development continues at a fever pitch. 

The whitewood (per PinWiki: a whitewood is an unpainted playfield  that is used during the development phase of a project to test a games layout) game is shooting and the Design Team are working on many elements and aspects of the game as it is no longer just a one dimensional drawing or a 3-D model.  

The continued input from every member of the Team as well as the level of new things that are created is amazing.  Jack said "my head is spinning like Dorothy's house". 

Chris Granner continues to make music,  Greg and Keith are working to place inserts in the playing field with a careful touch to incorporate rules as Greg gets ready to take pencil to paper to layout the artwork for the playfield. 

Jerry Vanderstelt is working to complete his seven works of art on canvas, now all in color and lots of mechanical drawings are going to Vendors to create all kinds of parts for game production.

Many people have asked what makes these 1,000 Emerald City games unique and collectible, here are

some of the things that make them special and prized:

*Limited to 1,000 games with each game having a special numbered plaque affixed to the game  on the front of the cabinet - # of 1,000  etc...

*Hand signed Certificate of Authenticity by Design Team with each game.  This will be produced in a special collectible way

*Body armor that has been treated in a special finish Matt has chosen with Jerry.  The four legs, side rails, hinges, lockdown bar, etc.

*The back glass is in a special mirror effect finish

*A custom topper will be unique to the Emerald City Limited Edition Game

*Included shaker motor which will be unique to the Emerald City Limited Edition Game

A number of other things are under consideration such as inclusion of non-glare playfield glass, goodie bag, spare parts package, leg protectors, etc.  are in the mix and we will disclose them in coming weeks. 

JJP is proud to announce that Norb from KingPin Games, Inc.  has been added as a factory authorized distributor.   Based in North Freedom, Wisconsin, Norb is a well known industry veteran who loves pinball.  See www.kingpingames.net

More details during the week when we announce several more JJP distributors. 

This past week game orders topped 800 and there are requests internationally for an additional 360 games which will be allocated to allow for individuals to buy games but time is growing shorter to lock in a game for those who have not yet done so.

Stay tuned, much more coming soon.

Lower left playfield of whitewood game.  Shown without plastic set detail.

Quick shot of Matt and his first version of "Jumper Trumpers" (Jumping Tree Bumpers)

Closeup of preliminary clay  model for "Jumper Trumpers"

*Please Note*

On August 1, 2011 the price will increase to $7,500

If you haven't already done so

Click Here to Pre-Order Your

Emerald City Limited Edition Wizard of Oz Pinball Machine

Jersey Jack Pinball, Inc.

1645 Oak Street

Lakewood, NJ 08701

(800) 473-5225 (Direct)

Jack@JerseyJackPinball.com

www.JerseyJackPinball.com

All Rights Reserved 2011,  Jersey Jack Pinball, Inc

San Francisco Music Box Coming Soon

Wicked Witch 85mm Red Swirl Waterglobe      $125.00

Tornado Figurine        $65.00

Wicked Witch with 85mm Dorothy Waterglobe     $125.00

Wizard of Oz Purse Jewelry Box      $35.00

More to come in January!  Stay tuned!!  http://www.sanfranciscomusicbox.com/wizard-of-oz 

And please visit San Francisco Music Box's Facebook Page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Francisco-Music-Box-Company/100106206741198

Photos Courtesy San Francisco Music Box

Bradford Exchange "I'll Get You My Pretty" Wall Clock

 

$79.99 plus $10.99 shipping           Payable in installments

15 1/4" H  x 8" W x 2" D

Bradford Exchange Wizard of Oz Decorative Wall Clock

R. John Wright Reveals Wicked Witch and Dorothy Production Photos

Really incredible, awe inspiring detail for the felt medium! 

She stands 17" tall and is fully jointed at the shoulders, hip, and neck with the R. John Wright ball & socket jointing system.  Her felt hands are individually sewn fingers with applied fingers.  She has a mohair wig styled exactly as it was in the film.  Each face has meticulously hand painted features. 

As you can see, R. John Wright takes great pains to ensure the authenticity of each character. Only 250 dolls will be made.   She is priced at $1575.00.   Please see this link for more information. 

There's a lengthy article about R. John Wright's dolls with a photo of  Dorothy and a sculpt of the Wicked Witch in the August 2011 issue of Dolls Magazine.

Be sure to check out the production photos of Dorothy for a glimpse of the painstaking effort that goes into R. John Wright's creations. 

Hallmark Giftware Arriving in Stores & Ornaments Next Week

Saw some of the new giftware items yesterday!!  The release date was originally July 25th but now hopefully the line will be out in time for the Ornament Premiere next weekend.    The new giftware is really nice and has a very classy look to it.  You can see some examples in my earlier blog entry here.  Keep an eye on Party City.com and maybe Party City stores for coordinating partyware.

There's a tile with the ruby slippers on it that says "Keep the Courage, I want the shoes".  Bigger than I expected.   6" by 6" maybe.  Priced at $9.95.    Good Witch/Bad Witch double mug for $14.95.   Wicked Witch mug for $9.93 and Glinda/Wicked Witch sentiment plaque that reads "Good Friends are Great, Best Friends are Wicked"   $16.95.   I think that is going to be a hot item for the Wicked crowd too. 

Ornament Premiere is July 16th and 17th.  Don't forget there's a limited Ruby Slippers ornament this year so you'll want to be early.   Here's a peek at Glinda and Optimistic Voices. 

Rubies 2011

These items have been listed on their site since 2008 or 2009.   Looks like they are finally coming!!

18" Hanging Flying Monkey

18" Hanging Wicked Witch

23" x 27"  Haunted Forest Sign

http://www.halloweencostumes4u.com/

Tom & Jerry Update

Enlarge Photos for Detail    If you notice the special features on the reverse of the Blu-ray combo, there's a version of the cartoon with a sepia beginning!!    Available for purchase August 23.  

DVD  SRP:  $19.98   

           

Blu-ray Combo SRP: $24.98

Photos Courtesy The Judy Room

Westland July Intros Pt. 1

Banks

Cookie Jars

Salt and Pepper Shakers

Trinket Boxes