Mcfarlane picked up the license to produce all kinds of goodies, including action figures and dolls. Just like with the Wallace and Gromit license, they've produced a set of beanies as well. Now, I actually took a shot at 'reviewing' the W&G beanies, but let's be honest - these things don't really lend themselves to a review.

So today there will be some pretty pictures, and few words. Just to prove I can string together words to form sentences, I'll throw in some Corpse Bride trivia.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, you can always reach me at mwc@mwctoys.com. If you enjoy this review, take a minute to check out my other site at Michael's Review of the Week, and let me know what you think. Now on to the review!

"Corpse Bride Beanies/Plush"

Did you know...Corpse Bride is the fifth film in which Burton and Depp have worked together. Rumor has it that they *might* work together next on Burton's film "Believe it or not" about the famous Ripley and his column on oddities around the world.

One of the interesting features on the DVD discusses the adjustable heads. Normally in stop-motion animation, swappable heads or mouths are used for each expression. Instead, they developed heads with internal clock-like springs and gears, designed to adjust the soft rubber faces. The idea was simple - stick a tool in their ear and turn the face into a smile or frown. The concept sounds interesting, but rumor has it that the process was even more difficult and ardous than the usual head swapping.

In the early days of Disney, they produced a series of shorts called Silly Symphonies. One of these shorts, done in 1929, was called The Skeleton Dance. Burton based several of the routines performed by his skeletons on this old short.

Viewers will notice that at one point Lord Everglot called Victor "Vincent". Amusing in context, it is also a reference to Burton's first attempt at stop-motion, the short film Vincent. And at only six minutes, it's definitely short, but some consider it one of Burton's best works.

Ray Harryhausen is considered the master of stop-motion. Many films have had references or tributes to him, and Corpse Bride is no different. The piano that Victor is playing is branded "Harryhausen" on its nameplate.

The film is dedicated to the memory of Joe Ranft, who died August 16th, 2005. He was involved with many animated films, as writer, designer, and even voice actor. Many folks will remember him as Heimlich from A Bug's Life, or Jacques from Finding Nemo. He was killed in a car crash at the age of 45.

Depp isn't the only actor that tends to work with Burton, and is in Corpse Bride. The dimunitive Deep Roy voices General Bonesapart here, and was just in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as the may Oompa Loompas. They've also worked together in Big Fish, and Planet of the Apes. And Helena Bonham Carter has been in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Big Fish, and Planet of the Apes.

Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter will be working together again soon on the announced Shantaram. Yes, I realize that's probably not particularly interesting, but at this point I'm grasping at straws.

Next week, pictures and words! How novel!

Where to Buy -
These are at some brick and mortar stores like Hot Topic, or you can find them online:

- CornerStoreComics has them for $8 each.

- Amazing Toyz has the plush at $8.50 each, or the set of 5 for just $40.

- Clark Toys doesn't have these plush still listed, but they do still have a few of the very hot series 1 action figures still in stock.

Related Links -
I've already reviewed several of the other Corpse Bride products:

There's the first series of action figures of course, which was one of the best lines for 2005.

- Mcfarlane just released a two pack of Victor and the Bride to coincede with the release of the movie on DVD.