If you’re a fan of Toy Story, you know that the toys featured in the movie have become iconic. From Woody and Buzz Lightyear to Slinky Dog and Bo Peep, these toys have become some of the most beloved characters in animation. But did you know that many of these toys are based on real-life products? In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the history behnd some of the popular Toy Story characters.
Let’s start with Slinky Dog, or “Slink” as he is often called. This classic toy first made its appearance in 1946 when it was introduced by James Industries. Its popularity has only grown since then and it has appeared in several Toy Story films. Not only is Slinky Dog based on a real toy, but he was also invented by Andy, one of the main characters from the movie!
Next up is Barbie and Ken Dolls. These two dolls have been popular since 1959 when they were first introduced by Mattel. They appear throughout all three Toy Story movies and are beloved by fans young and old alike!
And lastly, let’s not forget about Bo Peep! This classic sheep doll was introduced in 1983 by Fisher-Price and she makes an appearance in both Toy Story 2 and 3. Unfortunately due to her age, she was unable to make an appearance in Toy Story 4 but she will be making a return in Toy Story 5 which is set to be released on December 17th 2023!
These days many of these classic toys can be found online or at vintage stores for very reasonable prices. A pair of Woody and Buzz Lightyear dolls can cost anywhere from $350-$400 while a Wheezy penguin doll can cost around $283. So if you’re looking for some classic childhood nostalgia or just want to add to your collection then these are great options!
Real Toys Featured in Toy Story
Toy Story features several iconic toys which are based on real-life products. The main character, Sheriff Woody, is based on a classic 1950s pull-string cowboy doll. Other toys found in the movie include Slinky Dog, a modern take on the original Slinky Toy from 1946; Mr. Potato Head, the plastic potato-shaped toy that first became popular in 1952; and Barbie and Ken dolls, beloved dolls created by Mattel in 1959. There are also other classic toys featured throughout the movie such as Etch A Sketch, a drawing toy released in 1960; and a Rubik’s Cube, the 3D puzzle game that was invented by Ernő Rubik in 1974.
Estimating the Value of Toy Story Toys
The value of Toy Story toys can vary greatly, depending on the condition and rarity of the item. Some collectible items, such as a pair of Woody and Buzz dolls, can be worth up to $400, while more common toys like Wheezy penguin dolls typically sell for around $283. Ultimately, it all depends on the individual item’s condition and worth to collectors.
The Rarest Toy Story Toy
The rarest Toy Story toy is the Japanese exclusive Emperor Zurg action figure. The figure was only released in Japan and was part of a special collaboration with Bandai. Not only does this figure feature different colors than the U.S. version, but it also talks in Japanese! It has over 30 phrases including “I am Emperor Zurg” and “I will make you suffer!” Fans of Toy Story will love collecting this rare item as it is sure to stand out in any collection.
Is Woody a Rare Toy?
Yes, Woody is a rare toy. He is a one-of-a-kind cowboy doll, given to Andy Davis by his mother as a birthday present in the first Toy Story movie. Despite the abundance of Woody-related merchandise seen in Toy Story 2, no Sheriff Woody dolls were ever put into production. This makes Woody a very special and collectible item for fans of the series. In fact, an original Sheriff Woody doll from 1995 sold at auction for over $15,000 in 2019.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Toy Story toys are some of the most beloved and iconic characters in the Disney-Pixar universe. From Slinky Dog and Barbie to Buzz Lightyear and Woody, these toys have captured the hearts of millions of fans all over the world. With Toy Story 5 scheduled to be released in 2023, it’s clear that these beloved characters will remain favorites for years to come. And while some of these toys are incredibly valuable, their true worth lies in their ability to bring joy and laughter to people all across the globe.
