Vinylmation is one of the hottest new collectibles to come out of the Disney Parks. Started just two years ago, hundreds of designs have already been released, all in the familiar shape of Mickey Mouse. Inspired by previous art programs like "75 Mickeys" for the mouse's 75th anniversary, the potential for Vinylmation is limited only by the artists' imagination.
The figures come in 1.5", 3" and 9" sizes, in both open box and mystery box assortments. Some are limited editions, but even the open editions are typically only available for a limited run. Personally, I've limited my collection to just those special figures that represent things from the parks. Two of my favorites are both from Disney's Hollywood Studios.
The 9" Vinylmation for the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is particularly fun. From the front, it's a perfect representation of the restaurant's marquee, complete with the U.F.O. Turn it around, though, and you'll see art of Mickey and Minnie in one of the Sci-Fi's trademark convertibles, watching a drive-in movie. The image on the screen, part of a clip actually shown in the restaurant, is from the 1957 Ward Kimball-directed "Disneyland" TV episode "Mars and Beyond."
Another favorite is this 3" figure from the recent Park 5 series, depicting the statue of Anubis from the Great Movie Ride. I may be partial, since I was once a tour guide on that "Spectacular Journey Into the Movies," but I really love the details on this piece. The jewel that tempts the ride's bandits and gangsters is a gemstone affixed to the front of the figure. On the back is an image of one of the greatest hidden Mickeys ever made. It's Mickey and Donald as Egyptian hieroglyphics, as seen along the left wall of the ride's Raiders of the Lost Ark sequence preceding the Anubis.
But wait... there's more!
The bottom of each Vinylmation figure bears the signature of the artist who designed it. This particular piece was done by Maria Clapsis, who often adds another little artistic flourish to her signatures. In this case, it's a little tour guide in Egyptian Priest disguise with outstretched hand: "Halt, unbeliever! Disturb the treasure of the gods, and you shall all pay with your lives!"
To discover more about Vinylmation, check out the official Vinylmation site and my friend Steven Miller's Vinylmation Blog.