When Pixar Animation Studios released Cars all the way back in 2006, it became a hit with critics and audiences alike. All over a movie from director and writer John Lasseter featuring talking cars going on an emotional journey of self-discovery. Since then, that one movie has sparked an entire franchise that includes two sequels (with increasingly mixed reception), a pair of spin-off movies, and a whole host of branded merchandise featuring Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson), Tow Mater (voiced by Daniel Lawrence Whitney, aka. Larry the Cable Guy), and the other cars from the series. Branded merch just like the merch that is the star of the story for today.
Loungefly is proud to announce a new collection of collectible Cars merchandise for the Pixar film’s 20th anniversary. This collection features, in the words of the company, “standout accessories, including a figural Mater crossbody bag, a Lightning McQueen cosplay backpack, a Piston Cup-inspired crossbody bag, and mystery bag charms that channel the films’ signature style, and a whole lot of nostalgia”. You can actually purchase all of them right now directly from Loungefly’s official webstore.
Now as for what all of that Cars merch looks like? Well, you can check out their details (on top of links directly to the specific merch in question and their prices) in the gallery below:
Pixar Cars 20th Anniversary Collection
Cars 20th Anniversary Tow Mater Figural Crossbody Bag – $115
Cars 20th Anniversary Lightning McQueen Cosplay Light-Up Lenticular Mini Backpack – $90
Cars 20th Anniversary Piston Cup Sling Crossbody Bag with Coin Bag – $65
Cars 20th Anniversary Mystery Mini Backpack Keychain Charm – $20
Loungefly Selling Cars Merch for Movie’s 20th Anniversary
Honestly, I’m personally on the fence for all of this Cars merch. Yes, they look very nice and high quality. The little mini-backpack keychains of Lightning and the rest of the cast in particular are quite adorable and look like they’d be perfect accompaniments to your phone or actual backpack.
However, my main issue is the prices. The absurdly high prices. In particular, I’m criticizing the Lightning McQueen mini-backpack. You’re basically paying $90 for a very tiny backpack. Sure, his headlights light up when it reflects the light just right, but ultimately, you are paying nearly a hundred dollars for a backpack so small that you can’t possibly fit much of anything in there. Honestly, in terms of overall utility, you’re much better off just getting a normal backpack with much larger storage spaces. It’s cheaper and much more effective in its intended role. Really, you only want to get that mini-backpack purely for the Cars merch value.
Ditto for the Mater bag and the Piston Cup bag. They’re just too small to be genuinely useful to most adults. They’re probably best for kids, but that would also be a very expensive buy for your kids. This would be a good buy only if you and / or your kids are diehard fans of Cars. If that’s the thing for you, then go for it. Otherwise, well, you’re probably better off spending your money elsewhere. Especially in this sort of economy where not many average people can afford to casually drop nearly $100 or over on merch. Especially merch that has very, very little to no practical value outside of their memorabilia value.
What do you all think? Are you willing to pay that much for all of this Cars merch to celebrate its 20th anniversary with? Would you agree with me that the merch seems just a bit overpriced for what they are? Tell us your automobile thoughts in the comments section below.
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