Miscellaneous March Updates

Jim Whitcomb has informed me that the We're Off to See the Wizard Illuminated Motion Ornament Collection from Bradford Editons has been cancelled. Very disappointing. In my opinion, this series was going to be much better than many of their recent offerings. Hopefully, they'll reconsider and produce them for the 70th anniversary next year. See ornament ad here:
http://curiozitycorner.blogspot.com/2007/08/new-ornaments-and-figurine-from.html

The Heavenly Handfuls are now available for purchase.
http://www.collectiblestoday.com/ct/product/prdid-913387.jsp?_wizard+of+oz/_prod/_/_/_48/_/_/_Y&endeca=true

The dolls can be purchased separately. Karen Owens will be carrying all of the dolls.
storylandmi@aol.com

Sci Fi's Tin Man 2 disc DVD release has a third bonus disc exclusively at Borders. The three disc edition will be available only while supplies last. Contact your local Borders.

Almost the entire Barbie line is sold out from Mattel. The Winkie can still be purchased from toysrus.com . I do not know if there are still plans to release the lullaby munchkin independent of the two witches.

Hallmark has another ozzy birthday card. The cover pictures a blue gingham skirt with a little girl's feet wearing white socks and "ruby slippers". The slippers are red glittered shoes that are a little scuffed giving the idea the shoes are much loved. The inside reads: "There's No One Like You....There's No One Like You.... Happy Birthday." The official Wizard of Oz logo is on the back. It was in the Snapshots section under Friend Birthday and sells for $2.29.

Updates Lenox, Games, Collectibles Today

Cowardly Lion Lenox Ornament $30.00 Pre-order with Karen Owens storylandmi@aol.com

The Glinda the Good Witch figurine holding charms previously mentioned here is now online.

http://www.collectiblestoday.com/ct/product/prdid-1500824001.jsp?_wizard+of+oz/_prod/_/_/_48/_/_/_Y&endeca=true#

Monopoly $38.00

Life $30.00

Pre-order now from Karen Owens storylandmi@aol.com

Wizard of Oz Monopoly 2008

A new Monopoly game is due out this spring. I'm looking for photos I can use on my blog. Retail should be around $35.00. The box is of course different, but at first glance not much else seems to be. The pieces look to be the same, but there are some different photos on the game board. This one should be more widely available than the 1998 game sold only at Warner Brothers Studio Stores.

March Tin Man Entry

To the best of my knowledge, there is no mass market merchandise other than the March 11 DVD release and the CD soundtrack. However, last summer the Sci Fi Channel launched an impressive advertising blitz. Please click photos to enlarge.

Comic books and candy pop rings were giveaways at Comic and Sci Fi conventions.

Various posters and banners heralding Tin Man's December premiere were displayed prominently in large cities around the country. The most ingenious display was at the Los Angeles International Airport combining the new characters from Tin Man with a little piece of familiarity from the original Oz story. Photo courtesy of Deb Dwyer Moderator of the Everything Oz Club http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/everythingoz/

I don't know how the yellow brick was distributed, but one was sold on eBay. The text on the brick prompts you to visit Sci Fi's official Tin Man site.

In the weeks leading up to the mini series' debut the Sci Fi Channel distributed comics, t-shirts, and boxed board games for promotional giveaways.

Tin Man's extravagant press kit included a folder with press info and 2 screener DVDs, the board game, and a 31 page booklet with photos from the film and behind the scenes.

Another rare item is a set of 7 promotional trading cards. Each card pictured a Tin Man ad on it's reverse.

Entertainment Magazines published various ads and reviews. Videography, TV Zone #222, Starlog #362, and Sci Fi Magazine's December 2007 issue ran full length features. Tin Man was also the cover story for many television newspaper supplements.

Tin Man was a smashing success for the Sci Fi Channel and I expect the DVD release to be just as popular. I hope Sci Fi will be prompted to grant licensing for Tin Man merchandise.

Hallmark 2008

Photos Courtesy of Marc (KCC Pursuit)

Hallmark Easter Card Correction

I've just been made aware of a miscommunication about the Hallmark Easter Cards. There was a bit of a mix up between Hallmark and Dollar General. As far Hallmark, there are only two Easter cards. I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused anyone. I was going crazy looking for a third card. It happens sometimes, but continue to keep an eye on Hallmark. Undoubtedly they will have Oz greeting cards for many occasions to come.

Kurt Adler Glass Ornaments

More ornament news courtesy of Karen Owens. This set of figural ornaments is just beautiful and very reasonably priced at $60 a set or $16.50 individually. Please click on the photo to enlarge for detail.

http://www.wizardofozland.com/ornaments.php

Oztravaganza!!!

2008 is turning out to be quite a year and we're only two months in!! Karen Owens recently updated her site with an exciting variety of new items. Photos are posted below of the highlights. Please see the links that follow to see the rest of the lines and for ordering info. Please click on the photos to enlarge.



Poster cards

Sababa Toys Uno & Scrabble games!!!!!

Games, puzzles, posters, and poster cards

http://www.wizardofozland.com/index.php

Kurt Adler

Mini nutcracker set, plush dolls, teddy bears, book ornament, and Steinbach nutcracker.

http://www.wizardofozland.com/adler.php

http://www.wizardofozland.com/ornaments.php

Jun Planning

These Pullip dolls have been forthcoming for about two years now and I've been hesitant to post until I have more concrete info. I still don't have a definite release date, but the dolls have been displayed at doll shows during late 2007/early 2008.

New greeting cards for Easter from Hallmark. There's three altogether and I wanted to wait to post all three cards but the third card continues to elude me and Easter fast approaches. The Glinda card is very pretty with glittery accents. I apologize for the darkness of the photos.

A frequent visitor to the International Wizard of Oz Club posted about a new comic series based on the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Be sure to scroll down for Oz artist Eric Shanower's comments.

http://ozclubforums.yuku.com/topic/2232/t/New-Shanower-Oz-for-2008.html

Coming late August Mary Engelbreit illustrates The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Some of you may be familiar with her charming artwork. No photo available yet.

The past few years have been incredible for Oz collectibles and I expect things to get even better and more exciting as we follow the yellow brick road to MGM's Wizard of Oz 70th anniversary next year.

Two Oz Lines From Gentle Giant

Oh my.......that's all I can say. Gentle Giant is known for their unique bust and interpretations of film characters from huge properties like Star Wars and Harry Potter. The Oz line is detailed in the last paragraph along with photos of Dorothy, Glinda, and Wicked Witch busts. Just when I think this year can't get anymore amazing.....

http://www.wizarduniverse.com/021608nytfggpart2.html

Muffy VanderBear Wizard of Paws

If you think you heard a scream just now........that was probably me. As a doll and bear enthuiast one of my favorite companies has been North American Bear. NAB has given us wonderful plush Totos, dolls, and my very first Oz purchase as a "collector", the V.I.B. ( Very Important Bear) Judy Bearland. NAB also very generously provides the bears for the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids Broadway Bears yearly auctions. I'm sure a lot of you remember the wonderful Wicked bears. One of NABs most popular lines is Muffy VanderBear. Over the years Muffy has gone on many adventures and portrayed many characters. I've been biding my time waiting for an Oz bear. My wait is over! The Muffy Goes to the Movies Collection will be bringing us Muffy in the Wizard of Paws. Slated for a fall release she should retail around $50. Teddy Bear collectors will not want to miss this one.

http://www.dollsville.com/index.php?t=12&CategoryID=42&ProductID=4069

I'm sure she will also be available at our favorite Oz retailers.

Happy Valentine's Day Tin Man Fans!

No matter how the Tin Woodman has evolved since 1900, the genial man made entirely of tin remains a favorite Oz persona. His look may change, but his core does not. The man, who laments his lack of a heart, turns out to be nothing but heart. The Nick Chopper of Baum's books was very brave, loyal, and kind. The Tin Man of the MGM film movie is love and compassion personified. The latest incarnate, Wyatt Cain, from Sci-Fi's miniseries Tin Man, discovers he still has the love and compassion within him that he presumed lost forever.

In honor of the DVD release of Tin Man and the sentimental spirit of all tin men, past, present, and future, I kick off a year long salute to the character of the Tin Man. Every month, on or about the 14th, I plan to feature different Tin Man collectibles. What better day to start than Valentine's Day?

Shown below are different portrayals of the Tin Man from 1900 - 2007 and an assortment of Valentines. Click on photos to enlarge.

Three New Releases From San Francisco Music Box

Rainbow Laquer Box Measures 8" L x 5.5" W x 3" H Plays Over the Rainbow Priced at $70.00

Good Witch/Bad Witch Waterglobe Measures 7" L x 4.5" W x 4.5" H Plays Witch's Fanfare Priced at $70.00

Wicked Witch Carousel Measures 5.5" L x 2.5" W x 9.5" H Plays Optimistic Voices Priced at $120.00

Disney Wizard of Oz Pin

Adorable! Picture and ordering info on this page:

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/pintrading/pin?id=31962

Please note you can not order until March 4th.

New Scrapbooking Items

From Paper House Productions

Wicked Witch 12x 12 paper
http://www.paperhouseproductions.com/products/product_detail.php/pid=9675~subid=3942/index.html

Glinda 12 x 12 paper
http://www.paperhouseproductions.com/products/product_detail.php/pid=9676~subid=3942/index.html

Poppyfield 12 x 12 paper
http://www.paperhouseproductions.com/products/product_detail.php/pid=9677~subid=3942/index.html

Resin Stickers
http://www.paperhouseproductions.com/products/product_detail.php/pid=9472~subid=3942/index.html

Valentine Cards

Inside reads: "And I Just Wanna Hug the Stuffin' Out of You." Oversized card measuring 13" x 19" Price: $6.99

Lenticular ruby slippers on the front that click together as you move the card. Inside reads: "There's No One Like You, There's No One Like You, There's No One Like You." Innovations from Hallmark. Price: $4.99

My camera didn't capture the shiny ruby slippers. Inside reads: "If you said one woman who won't be stealing your guy, you're absolutely right! Have a Wickedly fun Valentine's Day." The reverse of the card reads: "and keep your hands off my shoes, too!" Price: $2.29

These cards can be found anywhere and everywhere Hallmark cards are sold. Thanks to Tracy Petroski and Eugene DeMarco for the heads up!

Update from Quilting Treasures

"Each Spring and Fall we will continue to offer a series of colorful fabric collections featuring the most compelling images from the movie, culminating in Fall 2009 with a celebration for the 70th anniversary of the film! Stay tuned and we will keep you updated on each Film Series collection as they arrive!"

This is some of the most exciting Oz collector news I've seen in a long time. Over the years I've read many, many requests on message boards for Oz fabric or bedding items. I'm starting to see auctions on eBay so it looks like the fabric has started shipping.

One New Tonner for 2008

Wicked Witch of the East
http://www.tonnerdoll.com/2008TonnerSite/2008Images/Oz/wickedwitcheast.jpg

Vandor Pics 'n' Particulars

Wicked Witch Beautiful Wickedness Nylon Tote 16.75 "x 4" x 20.25"

Wicked Witch Coin Purse 6"

Miniature 4 Oz. Wicked Witch Mug 3.5" x 2.5"

Toto Salt & Pepper Shakers 3.5" x 3.5"

Ruby Slippers Mini Alarm Clock 2.75" x 1.5" x 3.5"

Ruby Slippers Night Light 3.25" x 2.75" x 4.25"

Ruby Slippers Waste Basket 9"x9"x10"

Glinda Mug & Coaster Set 5.5" x 5.5"

Domed Tin Tote 8" x 4.5" x 7.25"

Item nos. and pricing info to order from Karen Owens storylandmi@aol.com

Wicked Witch Tote VN71473 $32.00

Wicked Witch Coin Purse VN71673 $9.49
Wicked Witch Mug VN71051 $4.49

Toto Salt & Pepper Set VN71131 $20.49
Ruby Slippers Clock VN71724 $10.49

Ruby Slippers Night Light VN71159 $16.49

Ruby Slippers Waste Basket VN71075 $9.99
Glinda Mug and Coaster Set VN71067 $16.49

Domed Tin Tote VN71076 $13.49

http://www.wizardofozland.com/order.php

The Wonderful Winsome Whimsies of Oz

Oregon folk artist Christy Meyers left the world of stock brokerage after 17 years to follow her heart. CC's Whimsies was born and celebrated their fifth anniversary in October. Christy's self taught artistry has grown by leaps & bounds. Christy is featured in the Winter 2008 issue of Art Doll Quarterly and her work was noticed by Ashton Drake who approached her about a series of Christmas ornaments based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Ashton Drake was so pleased with the Oz designs that Christy has been commissioned to create Alice in Wonderland ornaments. The head of design was also impressed with Christy's artistry and requested that Christy make a series of vintage Mickey Mouses ornaments.

The Oz ornaments are made of resin and embellished with metallics, cloth, glitter and simulated crystals. The variety of textures adds a new dimension to our well loved characters. Their loosely jointed limbs is another charming feature giving the ornaments the appearance of dancing when they are moved. The first set is shipping now.

Due to the overwhelming response the Oz ornaments received, Christy Meyers will be making a series of clocks for Ashton Drake. Test Marketing is expected to kick off this month. First up in the series is the Tin Man. Illustrations of the Wicked Witch and Dorothy are shown below.

Christy still has many hopes and dreams for her enchanting creations, one of which is to publish stories about the Whimsies. Let's hope she considers a Wonderful Wizard of Oz storybook! I'm sure we'll be seeing lots of Christy's work in the future and I hope all of her dreams and whimsies come true!

Special thanks to Christy Meyers for allowing the use of her ad and conceptual photos in this entry. The Curiozity Corner extends a hearty Congratulations on all of CC's Whimsies new endeavors.

Madame Alexander

8 inch I'm Melting Set

8 inch Professor Marvel

8 inch Winged Monkey

Eight inch Elphaba

Eight inch Glinda

10 inch First Day of School Glinda

10 inch First Day of School Elphaba

The 10 inch Glinda and Elphaba dolls are limited to 300 pieces. Do not wait long if you plan to purchase. The first two dolls in the Wicked series sold out very quickly. Karen Owens will be carrying all of the Madame Alexander dolls. Please contact her for pricing and ordering info.

storylandmi@aol.com