Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Hallmark Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Updated
Hallmark sent out their final sneak peek email with 5 new ornaments including Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Other Hallmark ornaments for this year are the Wicked Witch and Dorothy's Ruby Slippers limited ornament.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Arora Design - Hidden Treasures
UK based Arora Design's new Hidden Treasures beautiful trinket boxes for 2009 are inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. They are cast in pewter with 24K or silver plated accents, painted in vibrant enamel hues, and adorned with Austrian crystal enhancements. The 'hidden treasure' in each trinket box is a necklace with a charm of the corresponding character. Pricing is approximately $49.13 - $53.34 plus shipping. Official website:
http://www.arora-design.co.uk/catalog/index.php
Dorothy & Toto 3 1/4" tall
http://www.arora-design.co.uk/catalog/index.php
Dorothy & Toto 3 1/4" tall
Scarecrow 3 3 /4" tall
Tin Man 3 1/2" tall
Cowardly Lion 2 1/2" tall
Wicked Witch 3 3/4" tall
Be sure to scroll down for recent updates including the long, long, looooooooooooooooong awaited limited edition Pez!!!!!
Friday, March 06, 2009
Wizard of Oz Limited Edition PEZ!!!!!
It brings me great joy to finally be able to share this!! Many millions of thanks to Karen Owens. You can click on the photo to enlarge but first be sure to read the official press release:
PEZ Candy Inc. To Launch The Wizard of Oz Limited Edition Collector’s Set In Celebration Of The Iconic Film’s 70th Anniversary
Available In Stores: September 1, 2009
Orange, CT: In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the film classic The Wizard of Oz, PEZ Candy Inc, through a license agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, is pleased to announce the launch of a limited edition The Wizard of Oz collector’s set. The collector’s sets will be available for purchase in September, 2009.
The numbered gift sets include eight dispensers featuring the most beloved characters in movie history: Dorothy, Toto, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Glinda the Good Witch, Cowardly Lion, Wicked Witch and the Wizard of Oz. The dispensers can only be sold in the gift set and are not sold separately.
The beloved film The Wizard of Oz has become a timeless and multigenerational cornerstone of American pop culture. The partnership between PEZ Candy Inc. and Warner Bros. Consumer Products has produced a one-of-a-kind collectible ideal for everyone and particularly for those who love and collect PEZ and/or The Wizard of Oz memorabilia.
The Wizard of Oz gift sets will be available for purchase to all retailers nationwide as of September 1, 2009, and will be available for sale on www.pez.com.
About PEZ Candy Inc.
PEZ has been a part of American candy history and pop culture since 1952. The iconic brand features collectible licensed character heads and compressed candy tablets. PEZ is sold and collected in 90 countries worldwide. PEZ Candy Inc. is located in Orange, Connecticut.
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, A Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
About The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved and iconic motion pictures of all time filled with timeless sentiment and values cherished by multiple generations. Originally released in 1939, more than one billion consumers have experienced the classic story of Dorothy and friends in the Land of Oz.
THE WIZARD OF OZ and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Turner Entertainment Co.
(S09)
PEZ Candy Inc. To Launch The Wizard of Oz Limited Edition Collector’s Set In Celebration Of The Iconic Film’s 70th Anniversary
Available In Stores: September 1, 2009
Orange, CT: In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the film classic The Wizard of Oz, PEZ Candy Inc, through a license agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, is pleased to announce the launch of a limited edition The Wizard of Oz collector’s set. The collector’s sets will be available for purchase in September, 2009.
The numbered gift sets include eight dispensers featuring the most beloved characters in movie history: Dorothy, Toto, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Glinda the Good Witch, Cowardly Lion, Wicked Witch and the Wizard of Oz. The dispensers can only be sold in the gift set and are not sold separately.
The beloved film The Wizard of Oz has become a timeless and multigenerational cornerstone of American pop culture. The partnership between PEZ Candy Inc. and Warner Bros. Consumer Products has produced a one-of-a-kind collectible ideal for everyone and particularly for those who love and collect PEZ and/or The Wizard of Oz memorabilia.
The Wizard of Oz gift sets will be available for purchase to all retailers nationwide as of September 1, 2009, and will be available for sale on www.pez.com.
About PEZ Candy Inc.
PEZ has been a part of American candy history and pop culture since 1952. The iconic brand features collectible licensed character heads and compressed candy tablets. PEZ is sold and collected in 90 countries worldwide. PEZ Candy Inc. is located in Orange, Connecticut.
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, A Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
About The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved and iconic motion pictures of all time filled with timeless sentiment and values cherished by multiple generations. Originally released in 1939, more than one billion consumers have experienced the classic story of Dorothy and friends in the Land of Oz.
THE WIZARD OF OZ and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Turner Entertainment Co.
(S09)
You can pre-order with Karen Owens now!
San Francisco Music Box and Misc. Updates
San Francisco Music Box has added 12 new pieces for Spring and Fall. Professor Marvel's Wagon is outstanding! You can see it and two other pieces below. To see the rest of the line and get pricing and release dates please see this link for figurines
http://www.wizardofozland.com/sfmb2.php
and this link for waterglobes
http://www.wizardofozland.com/sfmb.php
The Lenox line is just gorgeous and very popular with Oz collectors. The next piece There's No Place Like Home bears a special 70th Anniversary stamp on the bottom. Retail is $250.
Mattel has just released the new/old Barbies for Barbie's 50th Anniversary and the Wizard of Oz 70th. The 2007 set of Barbies have been re-packed with soundbytes added. These started turning up at select WalMarts, but a wider release is expected soon and you can order them from Karen and save yourself the hassle of hunting. Mattel also released the ADORABLE Wizard of Oz Barbie Peek A Boo Petites. Again, these are at select WalMarts for $7.88 each. Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Glinda. They can be in the toy aisle or in the Easter aisle.
A beautiful new fleece throw by Northwest is proving very hard to find. I tried contacting the company but the response was not helpful. Here's a list of stores Northwest supplies to:
The next in the series of Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Postage stamps is available to order.
Collectibles Today
First of all thanks to Jim Whitcomb and Lou for helping to keep this company straight. I sure have a hard time keeping track of them! You might want to contact them ASAP to make sure your account is on order. Some people have been getting charged for things they didn't order, others aren't getting charged and having things cancelled unbeknownst to them. Best to double check.
The Wizard of Oz Village Collection pieces shipped so far are:
#1 It's a Twister
#2 Witches Castle with Winkie Guard figurine
#3 Tin Man's Cottage with Wicked Witch, Dorothy, and Scarecrow figurines
#4 Munchkinland with Glinda figurine
#5 Emerald City with Cowardly Lion figurine
#6 Forthcoming - Auntie Em's Farmhouse
To see and order the Wizard of Oz Village:
The Wicked Witch Wicked to the Core figurine has been delayed until April
The We're Off to See the Wizard - Wizard's Balloon premiere issue in the Land of Oz Animated Musical Collection from the Bradford Exhange is due at the end of this month.
A new Oz series that I've yet to see....The Wizard of Oz Illumination Collection. The Wicked Witch is the first piece. If you contact Collectibles Today you might want to ask about this. If I come across a photo, I'll be too happy to post it.
The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Wall Decor art collection should start arriving to you mid-April. http://www.collectiblestoday.com/ct/product/prdid-901391.jsp?_wizard+of+oz/_prod/_/_/_36/_/_/_Y&endeca=true
The first piece scheduled to ship for the Wizard of Oz Christmas Village by Hawthorne Village is Dorothy's House. Currently it's expected to ship in May. However, this series is a bit worrisome because the link is no longer on the Collectibles Today site. Hopefully, it will return soon.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Kurt Adler 2009
Glinda Lighted Star Tree Topper
Not pictured: Glinda/Wicked Witch stocking. The one previously sold at F.Y.E.
Winged Monkey Nutcracker
Steinbach Munchkin Soldier Nutcracker
Glass figurines
Wicked Witch/Glinda Light Strings These have been delayed a couple of times but are slated for release this year.
Table pieces
Teddy Bears
Plush Dolls with Voice Chips (except Toto)
String Puppet Ornaments
Not pictured: Glinda/Wicked Witch stocking. The one previously sold at F.Y.E.
Ruby Slipper Stocking Holder
Tassel Ornaments of the Ruby Slippers and Glinda
Thanks to Karen Owens and Jennifer Kolanowski
Please check back often. It seems like I'm getting new Oz news daily so there will be frequent updates!!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Hallmark Easter 2009
Found this card for $2.29. The Glinda and Wizard cards from last year are available this year as well. You can see those cards here: http://curiozitycorner.blogspot.com/2008/02/oztravaganza.html I hope we see more animated character cards. I think the Scarecrow ones are really cute and it would be wonderful to have other characters.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Dakota Collectibles Embroidery - Update
21 beautiful MGM Wizard of Oz embroidery designs. What a year for crafters!!! Gorgeous fabric from Quilting Treasures, and paper goods from Paperhouse Productions and now this wonderful set!! You can see the rest of the designs here:
http://www.dakotacollectibles.com/comm/LicensedProduct2.asp?packcode=LS01501
The Wizard of Oz Embroidery Collection can only be ordered from Dakota Collectibles.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Salute to '39: Valentines
The American Colortype Company issued a set of 12 Valentines exclusively for Montgomery Wards in February 1940. Despite being licensed by Loew's for the MGM film, the card images alternated between W.W. Denslow styled characters and illustrations modeled after the MGM film personalities. Each card featured easel tabs for display. Though like the rest of the original Oz merchandising, the Valentines are scarce, they turn up frequently enough to convince me they must have sold rather well.
Not Shown: Tin Man & Scarecrow Valentine and Scarecrow with apple tree Valentine
Source: The Wizard of Oz Collector's Treasury by William Stillman & Jay Scarfone
Best of 2008: Tonner Passes the Barre
When you envision the ballet, the immediate imagery is most likely that of Clara with her beloved nutcracker or Princess Aurora, not the Wicked Witch of the West. However, the story and music of the Wizard of Oz easily molds into any genre. Creative forces have taken advantage of this adaptability giving Oz lovers new and inventive ways to enjoy their favorite classic over and over. Wizard of Oz interpretations through dance are becoming very popular using classical music and/or the 1939 MGM film score. Last year the Wilde Coward Company performed “One Wicked Dance Show” inspired by the Wicked Broadway Musical.
The Tonner Doll Company is well known for dolls of distinction and pushing the boundaries of character ideals. For the 2008 Fall Collection, Tonner has melded two of his best selling doll lines together creating a uniquely ravishing trio of enchantresses. Glinda En Pointe is the epitome of benevolent grace while the contrasting Dance of the Witch personifies dark elegance. Chasse’ Down the Yellow Brick Road portrays Dorothy’s innocence as she glides effortlessly with her ruby red pointes. As of this writing, these magical ballerinas are almost sold out.
Goodness and Gossamer photos courtesy of Alison Rasmussen. Please see her blog The Fashion Doll Review to see other gorgeous fashion dolls. http://fashiondollreview.blogspot.com:80/
The Tonner Doll Company is well known for dolls of distinction and pushing the boundaries of character ideals. For the 2008 Fall Collection, Tonner has melded two of his best selling doll lines together creating a uniquely ravishing trio of enchantresses. Glinda En Pointe is the epitome of benevolent grace while the contrasting Dance of the Witch personifies dark elegance. Chasse’ Down the Yellow Brick Road portrays Dorothy’s innocence as she glides effortlessly with her ruby red pointes. As of this writing, these magical ballerinas are almost sold out.
The tragically beautiful face of the Wicked Witch of the East is a brand new sculpt and she wears a wickedly chic ensemble of blue taffeta. She is 16" tall and is, of course, wearing the coveted ruby slippers. She is one of the most alluring designs in the Oz collection.
A 22" beautifully tragic Wicked Witch of the West with the American Model face sculpt was a Halloween convention exclusive, but a limited supply are still available for purchase.
Goodness and Gossamer is a striking Grecian goddess with a breathtakingly ethereal face and cascading gold ringlets. The gorgeous blue and silver gown is a perfect compliment to Glinda's blonde fairness.
Goodness and Gossamer photos courtesy of Alison Rasmussen. Please see her blog The Fashion Doll Review to see other gorgeous fashion dolls. http://fashiondollreview.blogspot.com:80/For MGM traditionalists, a new Dorothy featuring a portrait sculpt of the lovely Judy Garland debuted at FAO Schwarz for the 2008 holiday season. She has been re-introduced into the 2009 mainline as an open edition.
Whether you prefer to remain within the MGM realm or are more daring in your choice of dolls, the creations of the Tonner Doll Company will take center stage in any collection.
Every year I think the previous year will be hard to top or even equal and yet it keeps happening. Oz collectibles continue to improve in quality and originality. With the 70th anniversary underway, it's already apparent 2009 will not disappoint.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Best of 2008 Quilting Treasures Fabric
Cranston has created a marvelous line of fabric for Quilting Treasures. Dorothy’s adventures are detailed with photo realistic designs in a dazzling display of color. This fabric has to be seen in person to be believed. Photos do not do it justice. Fourth in the series. The Great and Powerful Oz is arriving in stores now with the Wicked Witch’s Castle following in the spring. To see the entire series including the fifth in the collection and to order please see:
http://www.wizardofozland.com/fabrics.php
http://www.wizardofozland.com/fabrics.php
Best of 2008 Pt. 2
Wicked’s 5th anniversary was celebrated by fans all over the country. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, far from the glare of Broadway marquees, carried a nice selection of merchandise. The tote bags, calendars, and cookies were especially popular. Tote bags of a different design (shown below) were given to store managers.
The Wicked Around the World in One Short Day souvenir program is packed with photos from Broadway, the North American Tour, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, Stuttgart, and Melbourne. Also included are costume designs, quotes from Wicked’s design team, and a letter from Stephen Schwartz.
For Good is the last of the Wicked glitter globes. Since so many people connected with this moving song, the globe would make a spectacular gift for that special person who has changed you for good.
The Wicked Around the World in One Short Day souvenir program is packed with photos from Broadway, the North American Tour, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, Stuttgart, and Melbourne. Also included are costume designs, quotes from Wicked’s design team, and a letter from Stephen Schwartz.
For Good is the last of the Wicked glitter globes. Since so many people connected with this moving song, the globe would make a spectacular gift for that special person who has changed you for good.
Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz from Godspell to Wicked
by Carol de Giere is as the title suggests a retrospective of Stephen Schwartz’s professional life with heavy emphasis on Wicked and gives invaluable insight into the creative process. After all the struggle and strife it took to bring Wicked to the stage, I can appreciate the show ten times more and it’s always wonderful to see hard work so richly rewarded. This book is a must read for creative people especially.
by Carol de Giere is as the title suggests a retrospective of Stephen Schwartz’s professional life with heavy emphasis on Wicked and gives invaluable insight into the creative process. After all the struggle and strife it took to bring Wicked to the stage, I can appreciate the show ten times more and it’s always wonderful to see hard work so richly rewarded. This book is a must read for creative people especially.
And lastly, the perfume expected before Christmas, is now ready to order in the Ozdust Boutique. After all, no one likes a stinky witch. (I know the Wicked die hards will get that!)
I’ll Get You My Pretty captures the Wicked Witch of the West striking a fiendish pose over her crystal ball as Dorothy and friends cower below. Bradford Exchange’s first piece in the Journey to Oz Collection stands at 14” tall.
L. Frank Baum’s endearing characters are portrayed by the equally endearing Charming Tails critters. The Squashville base very cleverly represents the Emerald City complete with corn kernel yellow brick road. Who can resist adorable, furry forest creatures?
“If this yellow brick road goes on much further we’ll never get anywhere near that Piggin’ rainbow, never mind over it!”
The Wizard of Oz Piggin makes me smile every time I look at it. That much amusement deserves to be on a best of list.
The Wizard of Oz Piggin makes me smile every time I look at it. That much amusement deserves to be on a best of list.
Tarina Tarantino’s anime inspired Wizard of Oz creations will accessorize your Oz wardrobe with pizzazz and girlish elegance. This jewelry was only available for the 2008 holiday season. Many of the pieces are hard to find in boutiques and have sold out rather quickly.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comic series from Marvel received lots of press and comic fans are very familiar with the work of Skottie Young and Eric Shanower so early buzz was very positive. To tantalize fans even more, Marvel issued free sketchbooks.
Issue 1 was given multiple covers by Skottie Young, Eric Shanower, and J. Scott Campbell. The Skottie Young cover was also sold as a 24 x 36 poster.
The first print run has sold out and the first issue will be released with yet another cover on February 11. Issue 2 has sold out as well and will have an alternate cover with its second print run.
This adaptation is garnering rave reviews and serves as an excellent introduction for those unfamiliar with Baum’s original story. Reviewer Doug Zawisza of Comic Book Resources said it best when he referred to these comics as “a love letter to Baum.”
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