Universal Vinyls

[Scarletwebslingr]

Universal Studios seems to always be quick on their toes to mimic whatever successful Disney merchandise they can and in the very same styles. A few examples;

Princess Plushies
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/Spikethestampede/Belle16plush.jpghttp://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/Spikethestampede/p1030435.jpg

'Cuties' Merchandise
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/Spikethestampede/223583839_tp.jpghttp://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/Spikethestampede/cutie.jpg

Pin Trading
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/Spikethestampede/wdw_retro_resort_leagues_040606.jpghttp://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/Spikethestampede/ScoobyDooSkateboardingLE500.jpg

Not to mention others like the 'tote-a-tail' line of plushies where Disney pets(like Pluto, Lady, and Marie) come in little purses to carry. Universal quickly did the same but replacing the pets with Donkey and Flying Unicorns.

Photopass and Autograph books are another good example...

Anyway, my point is: how long do you figure it'll take for Universal to catch on the success of Disney Vinylmation?

[HT_NSU]

Good question. I'm sure they already have people looking at it closely. But what could they have as their basic shape? The Universal globe? Nothing else in particular strikes me as iconic to the Universal parks/brand.

It'll to be interesting to see what they come up with (if they do), although I'm not big enough into Universal to drop money on that....unless it's a really good design and a fair price. And even then it'd have to be something I absolutely love like I Love Lucy or the Mummy.

[Scarletwebslingr]

Good question. I'm sure they already have people looking at it closely. But what could they have as their basic shape? The Universal globe? Nothing else in particular strikes me as iconic to the Universal parks/brand.

They'd probably stick with Woody and just miniaturize his beak the way Disney did with Mickey's nose.

[HT_NSU]

They'd probably stick with Woody and just miniaturize his beak the way Disney did with Mickey's nose.

Good point. I forget about Woody. :doh:

[BlakeMP]

If we're going to be fair here, it's not like Disney invented the Vinyl toy craze either. Things like Munny and Dunnys have been popular for some time, Hasbro has their "Mighty Muggs," and so on.

Not saying that you may not see some Universal Vinyls, just saying it's not a Disney-exclusive thing.

[Scarletwebslingr]

If we're going to be fair here, it's not like Disney invented the Vinyl toy craze either. Things like Munny and Dunnys have been popular for some time, Hasbro has their "Mighty Muggs," and so on.

Not saying that you may not see some Universal Vinyls, just saying it's not a Disney-exclusive thing.

Of course they didn't invent it, but they were the first theme park to capitalize on it.

[HT_NSU]

No one is saying Disney created it. I think the point here is whether or not Universal is going to see the success Disney's had with it and try it themselves.

[SherKhan72]

I seriously don't see myself collecting any Universal vinyls. I wasn't such a vinyl fan till Disney came out w/ one. Now that I'm hooked to Vinylmation, I've started collecting a little bit of other vinyls but I seriously don't see myself collecting Universal.

[Scarletwebslingr]

I seriously don't see myself collecting any Universal vinyls. I wasn't such a vinyl fan till Disney came out w/ one. Now that I'm hooked to Vinylmation, I've started collecting a little bit of other vinyls but I seriously don't see myself collecting Universal.

If Universal doesn't try it's hand at vinyls it'll likely be due to copy-right issues considering over half of what makes up the Universal parks isn't actually owned by Universal.

[Mouseman74]

If Universal doesn't try it's hand at vinyls it'll likely be due to copy-right issues considering over half of what makes up the Universal parks isn't actually owned by Universal.

I guess I don't even see how Universal could do it. Disney is one thing as they are taking a Disney icon - Mickey - and using the body as a canvas. Universal has nothing to go on and it would be just random vinyls and nothing near like Vinylmation is.:shrug:

[BlakeMP]

They would have to negotiate the rights with all of the respective license holders to do it. Some of them would be fairly easy, but a lot of 'em -- like the Marvel characters or the Harry Potter characters -- already have toy deals with other companies, and wouldn't be able to do it. And even some of the Universal properties already have the toy rights tied up with various companies.

It's not impossible, but probably would be more trouble than it's worth, unless they used Universal-only licenses that didn't already have toy deals.

[Zephyr]

I'm shocked that either Coast haven't gotten any of the KidRobot Simpsons figures in their Qwik-E-Marts. That seems the most obvious to me.

[Scarletwebslingr]

I'm shocked that either Coast haven't gotten any of the KidRobot Simpsons figures in their Qwik-E-Marts. That seems the most obvious to me.

Yea, I think MightyMuggs are the only things of the ilk Universal sells :crazy:

[fairlygay]

Boy, you really had me worried. Tough enough keeping up with Disney releases. Have to agree that Universal does not have much to work with that is as iconic as Mickey. I agree their would be copyright issues but the idea is interesting. If they came out with a series I would consider buying it.

[BlakeMP]

Boy, you really had me worried. Tough enough keeping up with Disney releases. Have to agree that Universal does not have much to work with that is as iconic as Mickey. I agree their would be copyright issues but the idea is interesting. If they came out with a series I would consider buying it.

I would get characters they offered that I liked. If they had -- purely for example, I don't know what licenses it would be possible to get -- the Ghostbusters or Back to the Future characters, I'd totally consider it.

[Sparky]

Some might not know this but Disney themselves are also coping someone else with VinylMation here ;)

Check out Dunnys and any Blind Box vinyl toy from Kidrobot (www.kidrobot.com).

I only wish that if Disney was going to copy them they would copy the foil bags the same too with the cut end to make opening them easier...

Don;t get me wrong I love VM and so glad that Disney is getting into the Vinyl toy and urban art scene.

[Scarletwebslingr]

Some might not know this but Disney themselves are also coping someone else with VinylMation here ;)

Check out Dunnys and any Blind Box vinyl toy from Kidrobot (www.kidrobot.com).

I only wish that if Disney was going to copy them they would copy the foil bags the same too with the cut end to make opening them easier...

Don;t get me wrong I love VM and so glad that Disney is getting into the Vinyl toy and urban art scene.

I'm pretty sure everyone is aware that Vinyls existed before Disney. This thread is examining the fact that Disney, as a theme park, tends to be the first to capitalize on outside trends leaving other parks (namely Universal) to copy and paste the same idea instead of paving their own financial roads. :thumbsup:

[aspm71]

I'm shocked that either Coast haven't gotten any of the KidRobot Simpsons figures in their Qwik-E-Marts. That seems the most obvious to me.

I was at Orlando Universal several months ago and I remember there was some kind of blind boxed bart simson vinyl in the kwik e mart, don't recal what kind it was though.

[BigAl_PT]

I would get characters they offered that I liked. If they had -- purely for example, I don't know what licenses it would be possible to get -- the Ghostbusters or Back to the Future characters, I'd totally consider it.
Sweet petunias...that would be AWESOME!!!! :yikes:

[HT_NSU]

Sweet petunias...:crazy:


But what would they do for a shape?

Something like the Universal Studios globe? With the globe indentions? :idea:

http://www.thelatingateway.com/images/illegal_tender/Universal_logo-.jpg

Like This:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3746762262_5f8763fcca_o.jpg

[JEP]

Maybe the Frankenstein Monster as the blank canvas? :shrug:

[Scarletwebslingr]

Woody Woodpecker if anyone.

[BlakeMP]

I kinda like the Frankenstein idea. The Monster is as distinctive a Universal shape as I can think of.

---------- Post added at 11:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:45 AM ----------

Or, maybe instead of coming up with their own figure, they could cut a deal with an existing line, like the Mighty Muggs. Hasbro already has the rights to a few of the characters at Universal (the Marvel Comics characters, specifically). I could see them producing a line of Universal Parks MMs with the Universal Monsters, Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park -- y'know, the characters Universal itself actually owns as opposed to those just licensed for use in the park.

[Scarletwebslingr]

I kinda like the Frankenstein idea. The Monster is as distinctive a Universal shape as I can think of.

Woody is their mascot though and has more appeal to children than a monster from the early 30's. I'd still dig Frankenstein's monster but I just don't see them doing it.

[BlakeMP]

The Universal Frankenstein is one of the most recognizable characters in the world, far more than Woody Woodpecker. And kids LOVE the classic monsters. I've got nothing against Woody, but I can tell you if I showed my ninth-graders pictures of both of 'em, there'd be a lot more who recognize the Monster.

[Scarletwebslingr]

The Universal Frankenstein is one of the most recognizable characters in the world, far more than Woody Woodpecker. And kids LOVE the classic monsters. I've got nothing against Woody, but I can tell you if I showed my ninth-graders pictures of both of 'em, there'd be a lot more who recognize the Monster.

Frank is one of many classic monsters though. The fact that children think the monster's name is actually 'Frankenstein' shows how detached they are from the franchise. And, while he may be more recognizable globally, it's due to the success of the book, not Universal. Universal created Woody, not the Franky Monster so I don't just don't see them rolling with that. Heck, they'd probably pick Beetleguise over Frankenstein.

Seriously, I work with children for a living, and never have I seen a child express any sort 'LOVE' for the monster at all. Even at the Universal hat show, the wolfman and Bride hats sold out and Frank's was on discount because nobody wanted them.

[BlakeMP]

Universal created the version of the monster that MADE it famous -- the green-skinned, bolt-in-the-neck beauty that everybody thinks of when they hear the name. You're right, lots of people don't know that "Frankenstein" is the scientist and not the monster, but when you're talking about recognizability, that doesn't matter.

Sure, he's just one of the monsters, but he has a far more distinctive (and trademarkable) shape than Dracula, the Wolfman, or the others. Woody's just one cartoon character as well. And honestly, I think Woody's beak would make the shape very hard to design for.

[Scarletwebslingr]

Universal created the version of the monster that MADE it famous -- the green-skinned, bolt-in-the-neck beauty that everybody thinks of when they hear the name. You're right, lots of people don't know that "Frankenstein" is the scientist and not the monster, but when you're talking about recognizability, that doesn't matter.

Sure, he's just one of the monsters, but he has a far more distinctive (and trademarkable) shape than Dracula, the Wolfman, or the others. Woody's just one cartoon character as well. And honestly, I think Woody's beak would make the shape very hard to design for.

Universal certainly did not make Frankenstein famous. The book had already inspired several theatrical productions and even film before Universal hopped on the bandwagon some 100 years after the book's success.

A beak would be no more difficult than Mickey's nose. One's round, one's more pointed. Keep it small and simple. It'd be easier than having to try and paint on tiny neck-bolts, for instance. Simply put, Woody is Universal's 'Mickey Mouse.' He is their mascot and front-lining character. Woody's at the front of both of their parks meeting and greeting for this very reason while Frankyboy's a side character in a subpar Beetlejuice show and Pizza shop. That should tell you something about their appeal.

[BlakeMP]

I'm not saying that nobody had heard of Frankenstein before the Universal film, I'm saying the Universal version is the most well-known, most-recognizable version of the character worldwide. Heck, that inspired everything from the Munsters to Frankenberry cereal.

Woody is out front because he's the closest thing to a "Mickey" that Universal has. He still has his fans, sure, and I consider myself one of them, but the average kid today has never watched a Woody Woodpecker cartoon.

[Scarletwebslingr]

I'm not saying that nobody had heard of Frankenstein before the Universal film, I'm saying the Universal version is the most well-known, most-recognizable version of the character worldwide. Heck, that inspired everything from the Munsters to Frankenberry cereal.

Woody is out front because he's the closest thing to a "Mickey" that Universal has. He still has his fans, sure, and I consider myself one of them, but the average kid today has never watched a Woody Woodpecker cartoon.

The average kid today hasn't seen the black and white Frankenstein either. Woody being the closest thing to Mickey Universal has is exactly the reason I think they'd use his design to represent their company in the Vinyl world.

[BlakeMP]

No, they haven't seen the black and white Frankenstein, but they've seen dozens of movies, cartoons, comic books, toys, and other media that derivative works based on that character. I don't remember the last time I saw ANYTHING with Woody Woodpecker on it outside of the parks.

[Scarletwebslingr]

No, they haven't seen the black and white Frankenstein, but they've seen dozens of movies, cartoons, comic books, toys, and other media that derivative works based on that character. I don't remember the last time I saw ANYTHING with Woody Woodpecker on it outside of the parks.

If anything seeing Frank on dozens of movies, cartoons, comicbooks, toys, etc just goes to show how disassociated he's become to Universal. If seeing a Universal toy makes a child think of his cocoa cereal then I think that alone speaks for why Frankenstein shouldn't be a top-running consideration for a vinyl base. Woody Woodpecker is as pure a Universal character as they come to the point they've already chosen him to represent the company. Why wouldn't they use him for vinyls if they already have used him for everything else?

[BlakeMP]

Actually, Frankenberry is a strawberry-flavored cereal. :-P

No point in going around in circles in this. I just don't think Woody has enough appeal.

[Scarletwebslingr]

Actually, Frankenberry is a strawberry-flavored cereal. :-P

No point in going around in circles in this. I just don't think Woody has enough appeal.

I don't think Universal has enough appeal for vinyls to begin with. But I'm going to stick with Woody if they ever do. They'll use their mascot and would be silly not to. :thumbsup:

[BigAl_PT]

I don't think Universal has enough appeal for vinyls to begin with. But I'm going to stick with Woody if they ever do. They'll use their mascot and would be silly not to. :thumbsup:
I will go out on a limb and guarantee that the majority of kids would recognize the Frankenstein monster sillouette LONG before they would tell you what a blank Woody Woodpecker was supposed to represent. Sure, YOU may know the history of Woody Woodpecker, but the masses just don't anymore. Woody gets virtually ZERO exposure outside of the Universal Parks. EVERY YEAR you see Halloween decorations, cartoons, and costumes using the green, bolts-in-neck Frankenstein design. That shape would have much greater appeal to the masses - maybe not to the theme park crowd or the die-hard Universal fans - but the masses would recognize and most likely BUY Frankenstein at a much faster pace.

[Scarletwebslingr]

I will go out on a limb and guarantee that the majority of kids would recognize the Frankenstein monster sillouette LONG before they would tell you what a blank Woody Woodpecker was supposed to represent. Sure, YOU may know the history of Woody Woodpecker, but the masses just don't anymore. Woody gets virtually ZERO exposure outside of the Universal Parks. EVERY YEAR you see Halloween decorations, cartoons, and costumes using the green, bolts-in-neck Frankenstein design. That shape would have much greater appeal to the masses - maybe not to the theme park crowd or the die-hard Universal fans - but the masses would recognize and most likely BUY Frankenstein at a much faster pace.

It's not about what is more reconizable to the masses. It's about using what best represnts Universal as a company. Vampires are current, Wolfman is getting a revamp, Swampthing is getting a musical, and here sits Franky being the most dated of all Universal monsters short of Phantom. They wouldn't use him even if they wanted a monster. Dracula would have the most appeal considering he's got more media on him than any other monster, the Vampire (True blood/Twilight) craze going on right now, and he even -get ready for it- has a cereal! :rolleyes:

If Universal was going to pick a canvas, it'd put money that they'd use what they've been using to represnt themselves and that's Woody Woodpecker. You buy vinyls at the park or via park stores/websites, all of which have Woody in various places. The masses will only see these vinyls at areas where Woodys face is so, having seen his old cartoons or not, he'll have appeal being the obvious Universal frontman.

[BigAl_PT]

It's not about what is more reconizable to the masses.
You're entitled to your opinion...but the main reason Disney or ANY other company would get into the vinyl business is to MAKE MONEY. A recognizable image would do that.

That is all.

[Scarletwebslingr]

You're entitled to your opinion...but the main reason Disney or ANY other company would get into the vinyl business is to MAKE MONEY. A recognizable image would do that.

That is all.

If that were the case I'm pretty sure you'd see Universal capitalizing by using Frank as their centerpiece in most of their media/merchandise. They don't. Why is that? Because they've already decided what they feel is the best and most reconizable figure to represent their enterprise. It's a small bird. And his name is Woody. :yum:

[BigAl_PT]

If that were the case I'm pretty sure you'd see Universal capitalizing by using Frank as their centerpiece in most of their media/merchandise. They don't. Why is that? Because they've already decided what they feel is the best and most reconizable figure to represent their enterprise. It's a small bird. And his name is Woody. :yum:
Centerpiece? You see Woody Woodpecker nowhere on the Universal Studios website. I see Shrek more than I see Woody. Even Shrek would be a much better shape than Woody Woodpecker.

[BlakeMP]

Centerpiece? You see Woody Woodpecker nowhere on the Universal Studios website. I see Shrek more than I see Woody. Even Shrek would be a much better shape than Woody Woodpecker.

I hadn't thought of Shrek -- you're right, though, he does have a better shape for a vinyl. But as he's not actually owned by Universal, I doubt they would ever go that route.

[HT_NSU]

I'll stick with my first thought....Universal Globe.

I have spoken. :flex:

[BlakeMP]

Trouble with the globe is that it isn't... y'know... a body. Unless it was a globe with arms and legs.

[HT_NSU]

Why does it need a body? Those vinyl bombs that that toy co was doing went fast and looked fine to me. There were no limbs there, you'd just need a base.

[BlakeMP]

Sure they went fast -- they were free. :D

[Scarletwebslingr]

I'll stick with my first thought....Universal Globe.

I have spoken. :flex:

Certainly sounds better than some monster that is so scattered across random media that most make little to no connection to Universal at sight of it. The globe is a great symbol but without the universal text it's just a globe and with the text it makes for a hard canvas to paint. Shrek would work I suppose, but again, Universal doesn't own Shrek and didn't create Frankenstein. I just think it'd be a poor decision to choose an image not purely Universal. I've already picked my pony.

[VintageOne]

I'm way into Disney & not Universal, but you guys are forgetting one MAJOR license Universal could kill on with vinyls if they cut the right deal - that being Harry Potter. There's enough characters and creatures to go into the hundreds. They owe me royalties if they ever hit the shelves...

[Qsk50]

Harry Potter you say????
hhmmmm... Fawkes the Phoenix on a Woody Woodpecker body,
I dont know :shrug:

[BlakeMP]

Potter would make a killing for them, but I doubt it would happen even if Universal DID launch a line. The characters are owned by J.K. Rowling and licensed to Warner Brothers, and they've already got licenses out for every kind of merchandise you can slap a broomstick on. The HP stuff they sell at Universal will most likely be produced by the existing licensees, and not part of any Universal-wide line.

[Scarletwebslingr]

So at the last Artist Signing I asked one of the artists jokingly how long they figured it would take for this to catch on at Universal and I was informed that there is a vinyl series already in the works for Hard Rock. Soooo there you go.

[BigAl_PT]

So at the last Artist Signing I asked one of the artists jokingly how long they figured it would take for this to catch on at Universal and I was informed that there is a vinyl series already in the works for Hard Rock. Soooo there you go.
So is it a series for Hard Rock or a series for Universal with a Hard Rock theme?

[Arynm]

I would totally buy a Harry Potter line of Vinylmations. I would also love a line of Super Heroes. Monsters,etc... Universal would break my bank if they decide to make these.

[HitchHikingGhostFangirl]

So at the last Artist Signing I asked one of the artists jokingly how long they figured it would take for this to catch on at Universal and I was informed that there is a vinyl series already in the works for Hard Rock. Soooo there you go.

:lol: Took them long enough.

[HT_NSU]

Yeeeeeah, I think I'll stick with Disney, tyvm. :D

[HitchHikingGhostFangirl]

Yeeeeeah, I think I'll stick with Disney, tyvm. :D

:agree: Same here.

[BlakeMP]

If they do characters I like, I'll get 'em.

[BigAl_PT]

I'm definitely curious about what these will look like. Again, are they being made for the Universal Orlando Resort with a Hard Rock Cafe theme? Or are they being for Hard Rock Cafe?

[JEP]

Maybe there will be some KISS designs? I have some of the KISS Hard Rock pins they have made.

[Scarletwebslingr]

I'm definitely curious about what these will look like. Again, are they being made for the Universal Orlando Resort with a Hard Rock Cafe theme? Or are they being for Hard Rock Cafe?

As far as I was told, they are strictly Hard Rock themes but I think they plan to sell them in the parks as well. I'm sure it'll just be a generic body with guitar-head painted to represent specific bands ranging from Weezer to Chuck Berry.

[BlakeMP]

Ah -- I'll probably pass on those, then. But probably a good collectible for people who are bigger music fans than I am.

[Scarletwebslingr]

Yea, I wouldn't mind having the Beatles or Gorillaz... I don't even know if they're having chaser figs.

[mt1234]

this would be interesting to see, but i just don't see it being successful at all. vinylmation is popular mainly because it's a disney product. don't get me wrong the designs are great, but the fact that its painted on a mickeys body makes it that much better.