Toy OTD: Konami Wacky Races Vehicles, Vols. 1 & 2 (2003)

Doubtless I've written this several times before - the Wacky Races cartoon is a big guilty pleasure of mine. The scripts are beyond thin, and the animation is uninspired at best. The highlights of the show - like much of Hanna-Barbera's output for me - are the voices and the design work. I love those cars!

There hasn't been a lot of WR merchandise over the years, and most of it isn't all that good. Even the best of these - a few model kits and cereal premiums - have somewhat limited appeal, aside from nostalgia value. So it's great to see some super-cool versions of the Racers coming out after all this time!

Konami released some fantastic toys about seven years ago (merchandising seems to be cyclical). The best part is that they made all of the vehicles - usually, manufacturers seem to focus on the Mean Machine, the Compact Pussycat, and the Turbo Terrific. There's a few downsides to this line, but for right now, let's focus on the good news...

These toys are pretty small - smaller than your average discast. But for this scale, they do have great sculpts and detailing. All of the contestants and their sidekicks have been included, too. They're hard to see here, but even the Ant Hill Mob is inside the Bulletproof Bomb! Nice.

The paintwork is also strong considering the scale. The colors might be a little brighter than they were on the show, but in general they're accurate and fun-looking. We're not just talking one or two passes, here, either - all (or almost all) of the colors needed were applied. Most of the drivers have some facial detail, and the printed numbers/logos are sharp.

Okay, now for the drawbacks. The biggest one is that the line was released in two 'volumes' of blind-boxed toys. This type of thing is never cheap, either as individual purchases or as pre-gathered sets on the secondary market. Of course each series had a super-rare 'chase' item too, which can be kind of fun if you're excited by 'the hunt'. Unfortunately, the chase for volume one was Dick Dastardly's Double Zero - arguably the most popular car on the show! Ugh. This piece would have been popular in any case, so to make it a chase just seems cruel.

I believe Vol. 2's chase was a small figurine of Muttley, Dastardly's snickering canine companion. Muttley was so popular, he was also in Dick Dastardly and his Flying Machines, featured in many other H-B shows like Laff-A-Lympics, and starred in a cartoon of his own! Understandably, the Muttley figurine wasn't to scale with the cars.

The other big drawback is that the cars aren't free-wheeling - the wheels are cast or glued in place on their axles. It does allow for the wheels to be accurately sculpted as ovals (right off the model sheets), but I think almost anyone would want their toy car to roll around. A real shame, but I do appreciate the extra mile for accuracy.

The packaging is a little busy-looking, but is otherwise as great as the line itself. Volumes One and Two had similar box designs, but were different enough that shoppers could at least tell which group of cars they were trying to collect! Both are decorated with spiffy model-sheet graphics backed with a fun gear pattern. The box backs feature the cars included in each 'volume', as well as the chase toys.

There's no balance issues with any of the vehicles, but each one was packed with a labeled display base. Without a dust cover, the bases seem a little extraneous to me, but again I appreciate the extra effort!

As I mentioned earlier, blind-boxed toys can be expensive to collect, especially on the secondary market. Buying a set of even one volume (much less both) looks unlikely at this point. There's some individual auctions on eBay right now that range from 99¢ - $70.00 + shipping (for the Double Zero). Some of the cars are for sale at ycosplay.com - they range from $9.95 - $29.95 + shipping. Happy hunting!

Toy OTD: Fisher-Price Muppet Puppet #852: Rowlf (1977)

I know a lot of Muppet fans aren't all that thrilled with Fisher-Price's '70s merchandise, but I have a fondness for it. I think their best offerings were the Animal (which I never had) and Rowlf (which I did) hand puppets. Maybe if I'd had one of the original Ideal Rowlf puppets, I'd feel differently!

Rowlf is a basic hand puppet done well. It's a good likeness - mainly due to the fabric used for the 'fur', and the accuracy of the face. It's designed a little more horizontally than the real character, but the eye/nose materials used still evoke him nicely.

The biggest difference between Fisher-Price's version and the actual puppet is that the operator's hand is inserted into the back of the toy's head; while the real puppet is manipulated from underneath. It's less accurate, but I like the fact that the toy has a full body. I do wish the belly had more volume, and that one (or both) of the arms could be operated. Still, I think it's nice that Rowlf could double as a plush in a pinch.

This toy doesn't have enough volume to sit up by itself. It's a shame, but considering it was primarily designed as a puppet first, it's not a big detraction from its play value.

The packaging is simple, appealing and on-theme for the character. Most of the box is decorated with backstage scenes from the Muppet Theater, complete with 'curtains' and 'footlights'. There's also some photos of play scenes with the puppet, ostensibly to pull in toy store shoppers. There must have been some confusion in the marketing surveys, as the toy also sports a tag making it clear that Rowlf is a hand puppet. It doesn't feel like an afterthought, though - the tag design is consistent with the box.

This toy isn't old enough to make finding one difficult, but there is one thing to keep in mind. This puppet was lined with sheets of foam to help give it some body without having to completely stuff the torso. As a result, twenty-three-year-old foam will probably be a crumbly mess. Be prepared to keep it as a display piece, do major re-lining work, or avoid it altogether. If you do decide to buy, there's three eBay auctions starting at $9.99 + shipping right now. Of course, if you want to be hard-core, there's one of the original Ideal Rowlf puppets on eBay for $500 + shipping. Hop to it!

Toy OTD: Rosko Toys Battery-Operated Charley Weaver Bartender (1962)

Older toys based on television personalities tend to look a little creepy. Cartoon characters (being simple to begin with) translated well into toy form, but '60s manufacturing technology just wasn't up to the task of capturing a pleasing, realistic likeness.

Most internet dwellers probably don't remember radio/theater/tv personality Cliff Arquette, aka Charley Weaver - if you're in your mid-forties, chances are you caught the tail end of his career quipping on the '70s version of the Hollywood Squares show. While drinking wasn't as central to his comedy as Foster Brooks or Dean Martin, it was certainly part of his persona. Enough, at least, to inspire this mechanical toy.

What this battery-operated figure lacks in polish, it makes up for in activity. Switch it on, and "Charley" mixes a drink, quaffs it, then scrunches his face (flushing red) as smoke comes out his ears! Mine works pretty well, even after all this time (though I'm not sure the red bulb still lights up). Silly but amusing!

The figure doesn't have a lot of volume, and the head is disproportionately huge in order to accommodate the mechanism. Rosko did make an effort to duplicate Charley's costume, right down to his battered hat (my toy is missing its tie, but is otherwise complete). The complexion of a brand-new model is much closer to its flesh and blood counterpart, as mine has soaked in its share of UV rays.

I'm also impressed with the tin litho bar counter. It's an element that the designer could have easily painted a solid color, leaving Charley to be the centerpiece. Instead, it's decorated with lively textures, 'bar stools', and a reference to Elsie Krack, the ugliest girl in Mount Idy.

The packaging is pretty cool looking, too. While the fonts may be somewhat lackluster, the box was designed to compensate for the toy's visual shortcomings - shoppers got a full-blown illustration of Mr. Weaver behind the bar. It looks more like a model kit box than one for a battery-powered toy!

This isn't a particularly rare toy, but getting one in good shape (and in working order) can be pricey. They seem to range between $125.00 (not working and missing his shaker top) to $350 + shipping (complete and working). There's cheaper examples for sale, so be patient and read the item descriptions carefully. Have fun!

'And That's The Way It Is'

Walter Cronkite, the iconic face and voice of television news for generations, died yesterday from complications of dementia. He was 92.

Like many people my age for whom television was no longer a novelty but a fixture, 'Uncle Walter' was a news anchor in the truest sense of the word - he simply was the evening news. He was called 'The most trusted man in America', and that was certainly true for me.

The office of president was called into question when I was nine years old, but in my eyes Walter Cronkite's integrity and professionalism were ironclad throughout his entire life. For him, a breach of etiquette meant a break in his voice when he announced that President Kennedy had been shot.

He has been called one of the first celebrity anchormen, and while he certainly was one of (if not the) most recognizable and beloved figures on television, it was clear that there was years of news reporting behind his objective presence.

His oft-mimicked delivery was as iconic as those of Walter Winchell or Edward R. Murrow. His reassuring presence was a sincere comfort in troubled times, and when he retired in 1981, television was never quite the same for me. I'm grateful that I was able to experience some old-school news anchoring - and reporting - at its best.

"... And that's the way it is... July eighteenth, two thousand nine."

So long, Uncle Walter. You'll be missed.

Photo: ©CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images. Painfully cropped by me.
For the NY Times obituary, click here.
For the LA Times obituary, click here.

Henson Biopic A Possibility

EMPIREFILMGROUP.COM: Empire acquires rights to Jim Henson screenplay
Empire has scheduled the film for production in late summer with a $30 million budget
February 4, 2008

Empire Film Group, Inc. has acquired the motion picture production and distribution rights to "Henson," an original screenplay by Robert D. Slane that chronicles the life and achievements of Muppets creator, Jim Henson. Empire has pegged the film for production in late summer with a $30 million budget to be funded through a consortium of international presales and co-production partners.

"This is a major project about an entertainer of legendary stature and worldwide acclaim," said Dean Hamilton-Bornstein, CEO of Empire Film Group. "The script is superb and should provide a terrific roadmap for a completed film that will satisfy both mainstream audiences and critics. We're very excited about this acquisition and the commercial caliber of this project."

"Henson" covers the life of puppeteer, filmmaker and entertainment mogul Jim Henson, from his early fascination with television as a teenager, through his spectacular career and life achievements. Empire anticipates hiring a major director, such as Penny Marshall, and hopes to attract notable star cast in key roles. Bornstein will act as Executive Producer, with Empire Home Entertainment President Eric Parkinson producing the film along with Xavier Mitchell.

"Jim Henson is one of the best known and most beloved entertainers of all time," said Parkinson. "His story is inspiring, tragic, heartwarming and epic, and will make for an important and entertaining motion picture. This is the sort of movie that Empire will be pursuing as we build the company into a leading independent studio."

Learn more about Empire Film Group by visiting www.empirefilmgroup.com.

*************************************************************************************

Sounds great to me! I'd love to see a good film about Jim Henson. His work has been languishing for years, and a well-made biography might help inspire a new generation of puppeteers.

More Muppet Madness Coming To DVD

MUPPETCENTRAL.COM: The Muppet Show Season 3 arrives May 20
Disney plans to release the Season Three 4-Disc Set of The Muppet Show nine months after Season Two
By Greg James, Muppet Central - January 25, 2008

It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to mark your calendars!

Buena Vista Home Entertainment has just announced the release of the highly anticipated "The Muppet Show: Season Three" DVD box set. The four-disc "special edition" set will include all 24 episodes from the third season of "The Muppet Show" along with an impressive collection of bonus features. The fully-loaded DVD box set of the complete third season is planned to hit store shelves on May 20, 2008. That's less than 117 days away.

Below is a full list of the DVD features which include the classic 1968 documentary "The Muppets on Puppets" (hosted by Jim Henson and Rowlf the Dog), plus a new documentary entitled "The Making of The Muppets". Disney has also released an early glimpse at the cover art for the set, featuring the face of Fozzie Bear. Like the first two seasons, the set will feature collectible fuzzy packaging.

Episode Listing:

• Kris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge
• Leo Sayer
• Roy Clark
• Gilda Radner
• Pearl Bailey
• Jean Stapleton
• Alice Cooper
• Loretta Lynn
• Liberace
• Marisa Berenson
• Raquel Welch
• James Coco
• Helen Reddy
• Harry Belafonte
• Lesley Ann Warren
• Danny Kaye
• Spike Milligan
• Leslie Uggams
• Elke Sommer
• Sylvester Stallone
• Roger Miller
• Roy Rogers & Dale Evans
• Lynn Redgrave
• Cheryl Ladd

Bonus Features:
• "The Making of The Muppets" documentary
• "The Muppets on Puppets" vintage documentary
• ...and much more!

Retail Specifications:
• 4-disc DVD collection
• $39.99 suggested retail price
• Release date: May 20, 2008

*************************************************************************************

Sweet! You can pre-order the set at Amazon for $35.99 and free shipping. Buy it today and keep those box sets coming... there's three more seasons to go!