I have to admit that when Vinylmations first appeared in 2008, I wasn’t sure what to make of them. The faceless Mickey Mouse with crazy patterns representing everything Disney were a little… odd. But they grew on me, and as I began to see the face of Mickey in everything Disney I started my own little collection. Picking up Vinylmations that had special meaning to me — commemorating events or just a special Mickey message.
For those who don’t know, Vinylmation is a brand of 1.5″, 3″, and 9″ vinyl collectibles sold at Disney theme parks, select Disney Stores, and the online Disney Store. The name Vinylmation is a combination of the word Animation and Vinyl. They are highly collectible and also widely traded — much in the same way pin trading is done at Disney Parks and online.
While Vinylmations have traditionally been decorated to represent various Disney characters and themes, a new trend has erupted with Create Your Own — a series of blank Vinylmations.
And now Vinylmations have entered the big time, with their very own short film – Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story.
Because not a word is spoken during the 38-minute film, I wasn’t sure how my girls (2 and 5) would react. But the story and animation are so profound (as is my girls’ love for all things Mickey), they didn’t even seem to notice. They sat, glue to the TV, throughout the entire film. My littlest even called out, “Oh no, Mickey,” “Where is Minnie going?” and other such questions during the movie — completely following the story.
And what a story. Presented in beautiful stop-motion animation, the short tells a story of acceptance. In a world where all Vinylmations are decorated and colorful, “blanks” that have been mistakenly not colored are rounded up to be “fixed.” But two open-hearted Vinylmations see things differently, and set out to escape their fate of being “designed.” They want to be their own design.
The movie follows Blank’s journey to rescue Bows and the other blank Vinylmations. Ultimately they are not only successful in changing their own fate, but also in changing the way the world looks at blank Vinylmations. And a new Vinylmation is created, the Create Your Own.
A three-dimensional blank canvas that inspires creativity, blanks teach us to love each other for our differences and express ourselves as we see fit. All without a single word.
Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story is available exclusively through Google Play. Watch a trailer below, and download Blank: A Vinlmation Love Story to your computer via Google Play.
Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story – Trailer on Disney Video
Before the film’s release, cards featuring numbered frames from the movie were available for dedication, and my sweet husband had this one sent to me.
While the physical card is no longer available, you can share a frame from the film with friends via a free e-card from Disney. There are 12 frames to choose from (including the one I have and the images in this post). You can send your Vinylmation digital greeting card here.
After watching the film, and falling in love with the film, fans I decided to let my girls use their imaginations to “Create Their Own” Vinylmation. To print your own Vinylmation coloring page, right click on the image below and save it to your computer.
Tip – when you print the Blank Vinylmation Coloring page, select 2-6 copies to be printed on one page. I did two per page for this project, but six per page gives you a good size too if you want to color a lot of Vinylmations.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
I have never heard of Vinylmations until reading your blog. Thanks for the information. Very interesting.
I love the idea! A lot of artists feel the same way- especially with abstract art; the design turns out completely different then you imagine it.
I wonder if my kids would watch a silent film like this? Might be a great option got quiet time
I think Vinylmations are cute but I haven’t bought any. We just don’t need to accumulate anything else! I do enjoy checking out the different designs when we visit the Disney Store though. The film sounds arty and I like the message.
Ok….I have to be honest. I think they are CREEPY! I’m sorry, but I guess I don’t get it. Maybe they could grow on me, but as of right now…not too sure! haha
When my kids were little they didn’t like clay mation very much, maybe they’re kids will like Vinylmations.
I would love my grandchildren to try this out.
we love disney!!!!
cute stuff. love this site
wow, Disney is really amazing.
never heard of this, looks like a fun thing for you and the kids to do as a project.
I’m sorry but the blank vinylmation characters just make me sad. No matter how I would choose to express myself, it wouldn’t do those characters the justice they deserve.
This is a neat idea to show imagination.
Fun idea. My kids would enjoy using their imagination
this is awesome.. what would we do without disney??/
I don’t think my son would sit and watch a silent film, but I would enjoy it (:
I think these are cool but my children are all grown now and i don’t think they would be interested in this.
Fantastic, I pinned this as well to my coloring pages. I have never seen this! Thank you, Mary
This is so adorable and who is too old for Disney? We are all kids at heart.
It looks and sounds interesting.
WOW, Vinylmations sound awesome! Thanks for sharing!
this is really cool, i don’t know if my little ones would watch it but would love to see if they do, want to see there reaction 🙂 thanks for share
I hadn’t heard of vinylmations either until I read this. Something new? My kids are older for Disney stuff now and coloring pages, I miss those days!
I have seen an ad for the movie, but didn’t pay any attention to it. I’m not sure that the faceless characters appeal to me at all, but I like the idea behind the story, treating others however different they may be the same as you would like to be treated and be accepting. Thanks for the video link
My son would love Vinylmations! Disney makes the cutest collectables!
I’m sure the movie is interesting but my girls are too old for this now. Still I like their storyline.
Wow! Why haven’t I heard of Vinylmations before? I’m so glad I have GooglePlay so I can see this. I love stop-motion animation movies!