Hot Wheels can be works of art right? Of course, especially when restoration artists like baremetalHW on YouTube get a hold of them. I came across this gem a while back while browsing for tv/movie car models. I just want to share and say he did an excellent job recreating an iconic but yet often overlooked movie car. This video was actually part of a challenge from Diecast Resurrection. Another interesting toy/model car restorer and customizer. Some of the techniques in this build used 3D design to build custom printable aesthetics to give the car the appearance similar to the vehicle in the movie. Then later in the video he applied flocking to give the appearance of fur. I'll stop for now, I don't wanta spoil the video for you. You can watch it below. But till next time, keep your tail wagging!
It's amazing how many different movie posters for a single movie are created. Between multiple taglines, releases, and languages. It's no wonder there are so many posters. The ionic 1968 cult-classic Bullitt starting legendary Steve McQueen is no exception.
The poster featured above is the most popular poster for the film. The current DVD release (Amazon) uses the poster for the cover. This work of art was created by famous french artist Michel Landi. Landi was known in France and abroad for his work on movie posters. He was known to work in with thick oil in long strokes of color. This poster however varies a lot from his regular work. Notice the white background with little color. However this poster is considered the high-point of his career. The 1960's were a point of change in the movie poster industry. Photography and offset printing would soon replace lithograph artist like Landi. Which is such a shame. The posters of the time were timeless. Take a moment to see the difference between all of these posters. Very interesting stuff! Below are some of the other great posters of the film. We'll catch ya next time on On Screen Cars!
Japanese Poster for Bullitt
Alternative Poster with Tagline: "There are bad cops and there are good cops - and then there's Bullitt."
Polish Release Poster
Spanish Release Poster
I think everyone can agree that National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a Christmas Classic. I know my brother and I watch it every year. My office co-workers and I are constantly referencing the movie during the holidays. But one scene in the movie I think that is often over-looked is the car chase and big jump during the beginning of the movie. It could be that we're too busy getting settled in with our drinks and snacks to take note. But not this year! We want to commemorate the big jump scene as an OnScreenCars.com "Famous Jump." With that let's explore the scene.
The Scene
The opening scene is set in rural Illinois. The Griswolds are on their way to find that perfect Christmas Tree. However according to the filming locations reference on IMDB. The scene was shot in Summit County Colorado near Breckenridge. I have to say. It does makes sense. I don't recall rocky mountains in rural Illinois. In the picture above you can see the rockies in the background. That's the magic of Hollywood isn't it? Now for a little background on the car.
The Car
The family car in this film unlike it's predecessor is not a custom creation of George Barris. The simulated woodgrain on the side of the body was more than likely was added on. The Ford Taurus Wagon either did not come with this feature or it was extremely limited in production. However it did come on the Ford Country Squire Wagon being sold at the same time. I have a belief that the producers had the woodgrain on the car to pay tribute to the orignal Wagon Queen Family Truckster. I like to think of it as an updated Family Truckster.
The Jump
According to the commentary Dick Ziker was a stunt coordinator and stunt-driver that drove the car under the truck. He also did the jump. From the commentary it sounds like the jump was challenge because the car was front-wheel drive. You have to remember the 80's were the beginning of mass-production of front-wheel drive cars. A front-wheel drive is heavier in the front and less balanced as a real wheel drive car. They director said the car kept wanting to nose dive as the car came down from the jump. I'm glad they brought it up and that the jump was in fact real. No special effects. So there we have it. Another Famous Jump! Besure to check out our great links to Amazon Christmas Vacation goodies! Happy Holidays Folks!
The Twisted Metal franchise is back (for those living under a rock). The lastest release is the first title in over 7 years. But I think it's well worth the wait. The game has a short but interesting story told through chapters. I have to say it's defiantly a treat for the adults (sorry kids it's a little rough). If you were a fan of series from back in the day then check this out. I think you'll find some interesting vehicles. I know I did.
After playing for a while I found a few cars I liked. But one really stuck out. That was Meat Wagon. If you look at the photos above and below you can see why. Meat wagon has a resemblance to the Ghostbusters ECTO 1. That's because it's based off a 1959 Miller Meteor Cadillac ambulance. Sorry Meat Wagon's special ability is not a proton back. But a more morbid form of artillery.
That being some poor guy with a bomb strapped down to a gurney. The gurney can be launched from the front or behind. The nearest target will receive the blast. The gurney used primary automatically homes in, but secondary the player can guide the gurney. Pretty neat stuff.
According to Twisted Metal Wiki The original concept art for Meat Wagon was a very modern looking ambulance. Glad the team went with this direction. Makes for a great On Screen Car. A real conversation piece. Haven't played Twisted Metal for the PS3 yet? Then be sure to check it out on Amazon. This game make for a great game night. Especially the co-op and death-match modes. I know my friends and I did enjoy this one.
Hot Wheels has some interesting new die-cast collectables out now for us On Screen Car fans. These are not your average 99 cent Hot Wheels cars. They are certainly not toys. The Elite Series provides collector consumers with high-end premium 1:18 and 1:43 scale replicas of famous cars. These cars have real synthetic rubber tires, authentic graphics high quality paint/finishes, moving steering wheels, working seat belt and opening doors/hoods/trunk. Engine compartments are fully detailed as well. A high level of care is taken into consideration for not only the customer but the brands and franchisees the models represent.
On Screen Car fans will especially love Elite's latest releases. The Cult Classic Collection features cars from popular TV shows and Movies. Currently available are the Ghostbusters ECTO-1 and the A-Team Van. Both are available as 1:18 and 1:43 scale die-cats. According to their site we have a lot more to see from this collection. Vehicles including the Bat Pod, Ghostbusters ETCO-1A and Knight Rider's K.I.T.T. Can't find these in stores? Look no further than Amazon for great deals on these masterpieces.
) uses the poster for the cover. This work of art was created by famous french artist Michel Landi. Landi was known in France and abroad for his work on movie posters. He was known to work in with thick oil in long strokes of color. This poster however varies a lot from his regular work. Notice the white background with little color. However this poster is considered the high-point of his career. The 1960's were a point of change in the movie poster industry. Photography and offset printing would soon replace lithograph artist like Landi. Which is such a shame. The posters of the time were timeless. Take a moment to see the difference between all of these posters. Very interesting stuff! Below are some of the other great posters of the film. We'll catch ya next time on On Screen Cars!
Japanese Poster for Bullitt
Alternative Poster with Tagline: "There are bad cops and there are good cops - and then there's Bullitt."
Polish Release Poster
Spanish Release Poster
