Haunted Mansion Holiday Lenticulars

In honor of Haunted Mansion Holiday, I thought I'd share some HMH collectibles for the month of October.

First, let me say that I love the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas. I loved it outside of the Haunted Mansion, but never collected any of the myriad of collectibles available. Of course, that all changed once the two were married into the spooktacular attraction that is Haunted Mansion Holiday. We decided to only collect those items that were directly related to the Mansion. The Haunted Mansion Holiday Events were the best sources for some cool stuff, but you can still find items at Disneyland today. In fact, most of the Haunted Mansion souvenirs available at Disneyland are, indeed, Haunted Mansion Holiday.

So here are a couple of pieces that were available at the Haunted Mansion Holiday Event in 2002 and 2003.

"Inspired by the changing portraits in the hallway of the Haunted Mansion, these lenticular portraits create the illusion of magic as they transform from season to season." -Event Merchandise Brochure

The first one here is the "Jack" measuring 21" x 18" (framed) and limited to 150 pieces. (Click on the images to view larger)





The following year they released "Oogie" measuring 19" x 16" and limited to 120 pieces.





I'm particularly fond of the Oogie print because the colorful bugs that make their way across the pumpkins.





I'm also fond of this print because I gave it to Sam for Christmas several years ago completing his Haunted Mansion lenticular collection.

There is one other Haunted Mansion Holiday lenticular, but I'll save that for another post, primarily because I ran out of light, and the pictures were crappy. But also because it is the one HMH lenticular we're holding on to. These other two lenticulars will be going up on ebay tomorrow. I wanted to share with you fine folks first. If you're interested in purchasing one or both of these pieces, please email me at hauntedmansioncollectibles@gmail.com.

Happy Birthday Sam!

Today is Sam's birthday! You all know what kind of year its been for our family, but I have to say that through it all this man has continued to be my inspiration, best friend, and kindred spirit.

Have a most spooktacular birthday, Sam. See you at the Mansion!

P.S. Keep your boney fingers crossed for us. He had an interview yesterday and they called him back for a second interview on Tuesday. :)

MPC Model Kit - Grave Robber's Reward

I've never constructed a model kit, but if I had the time, proper materials, and a bit more patience, I could probably get into them. I love recreating scenes from the Mansion for our halloween yard haunt, so I can see how these miniature models could appeal to someone like me.

MPC released four Haunted Mansion Model Kits in a series with the new concept of ZAP/ACTION! ( I had to capitalize the zap/action because that is how it is on the box.. MCP must have been excited about this new concept. har har) What I found interesting about these kits beyond the ZAP/ACTION motion, is that 2 of the scenes aren't actually in the Mansion at all, including this first one. When I first saw this kit listed on ebay, I mistook Grave Robber for Grave Digger, you know that scaredy-cat character with his emaciated dog located just outside the gates of the cemetery? Yeah, I guess we actually call him the Caretaker, but anyway, I thought that was the character in this kit. Even after I bought this kit several years ago, I thought the person holding the shovel was the same guy in ride...until I actually read the side of the box.

Did you know there is a little background story to each kit on the side of the box?




I wasn't expecting the picture to show up so tiny, so let me give you the transcript for the story.

1. A lonely light illuminates a dark deed.

2. "They said Ebeneezer's fortune is hid under his coffin" Spoken by the grave robber

3. "Said he was going to take it with him."

4. But a touch of ZAP/ACTION and suddenly...up leaps the ghostly grabber!

5. Grave robber continues to speak, unknowing that the ghostly grabber is almost upon him: "I'll soon be rich... and get to go to college."

Ok, lets stop right here for a moment. College?!?! Really? Is this Disney's way of validating this dark deed.. so this guy can go to college? Maybe this guy was a mortician, because he obviously has no problem hanging around a bunch of dead people, but decided he wanted to be doctor or a lawyer, a much more respectable and profitable career, but didn't get that scholarship to Harvard. Sorry, let's finish this little sordid tale...

6. "Your money's not safe anyplace nowadays," says Ebeneezer!

This just cracks me up! Perhaps the caretaker standing outside the cemetery actually IS the grave robber frozen in fear of Ebeneezer's ghost. After all, he is standing there with the shovel in one hand, and the lonely light in the other, with the same scarf and coat. Circumstantial evidence? And I can't help but wonder if the lure of higher education is what's kept him there for nearly 40 years.

Tightrope Girl Tattoo

Susan sent me an email of a tattoo she found on the internet. Its not hers (and I invite the owner of said tattoo to email me PLEASE!), but she thought it was so amazing, she had to share! I had seen this tattoo on doombuggies, but I forgot to save the picture, so thank you, Susan, for reminding me of this inspiring piece of work!

This is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen!! And Susan, when you get your HM tattoo, be sure to send us a pic!




**Update**
On a personal note, I want to send a thank you for all the emails of encouragement and support. I'm truly touched by your words, and feel the embrace of your thoughts and prayers.

As difficult as it has been to let some of our favorite pieces go, I find joy in knowing that others will have their own history with these pieces. And the money I've made has gone to pay our mortgage, so its going to a really good cause!! :) We're not out of the woods yet, and we have other pieces in mind to sell, so be sure to check back in!