LPWire: New Sculpture Release Highlights “Mickey Then and Now�?

Click here for a larger version of this picture

Mickey Mouse Feted In Unique Sculpture From The Walt Disney Classics Collection Celebrating 75th Anniversary
New Sculpture Release Highlights “Mickey Then and Now”

2003 marks the 75th anniversary of the screen debut of the world’s most beloved animated star - - Mickey Mouse. To commemorate this special occasion, the Walt Disney Classics Collection has created a unique sculpture release for Mickey fans everywhere entitled “Mickey Then and Now.” This new interpretive sculpture (7 - ¼” high), crafted by noted sculptor Patrick Romandy-Simmons, depicts Mickey’s evolution over the past 75 years as he gazes through a magical mirror at dual, reflecting images of himself - - one from 1928 and the other from present day.

“Mickey Then and Now” has been created as an open edition sculpture and highlights the attention to detail that characterizes the fine porcelain sculptures from the Walt Disney Classics Collection. The sculpture playfully depicts Mickey in tones of glorious black, white and gray from his early years to stunning color for his current incarnation. The sculpture features such “plussing” elements as an acrylic mirror pane, metal tails and pewter legs. “Mickey Then and Now” has a suggested retail price of $250 (US) / $396 (CAN).

“Virtually all of us grew-up with Mickey Mouse in our lives and he holds a very special place in our hearts and in pop culture,” states Michael Young, director of Walt Disney Art Classics. “We’re very excited to celebrate Mickey’s milestone anniversary throughout 2003 with this charming and distinctive sculpture release that is sure to delight his many fans around the world.”

From his debut on November 18, 1928, at the Colony Theater in New York City in “Steamboat Willie” (the first animated film to feature synchronized sound), Mickey Mouse’s star has continued to rise. Since his premiere on-screen three quarters of a century ago, Mickey has become one of the most recognizable personalities in the world.

Mickey has starred in over 150 cartoon shorts and feature films, inspired three incarnations of “The Mickey Mouse Club” on television, appeared in countless books and comic strips and has hosted more than one billion guests at the Disney Theme Parks and Resorts around the world. Mickey currently stars in the hit animated series “House of Mouse” on the Toon Disney Channel. But mainly Mickey Mouse continues to be a source of joy and laughter for people the world over.

The Walt Disney Classics Collection is renowned for its faithful recreation of unforgettable moments from Disney’s animated films. The collection features a broad array of sculptures ranging in suggested retail price from $50 to more than $2,000. Created by Disney sculptors and artists, each sculpture is meticulously crafted out of fine porcelain or resin and is hand-painted according to the film’s original color palettes. Sculptures are often enhanced with mixed materials such as precious metals, stones, pearls and crystals.

The collection is developed and distributed by Walt Disney Art Classics, the art and collectibles division of Disney Consumer Products, which also administrates the popular Walt Disney Collectors Society and oversees the Disney Showcase Collection (a portfolio of high-end licensed Disney collectibles) and the animation art portfolios of The Walt Disney Studios. The Walt Disney Classics Collection is available at fine gift and collectible stores and galleries, select Disney Stores, Disney catalog and Disney Theme Parks and Resorts around the world.

For general information about Walt Disney Art Classics, visit their official website www.disneyartclassics.com

--Posted February 12, 2003
Source: Walt Disney Art Classics