Welcome to the latest Smurfy News, published May 15, 2003! - this FREE e-mail newsletter is from www.MushroomVillage.com! This issue is sent to 2,526 members. Welcome to our new subscribers! (Reminder: All our members are voluntary opt-in, and have requested to be on this list, we do not spam! We also respect your privacy and we never sell, rent, share or distribute your contact information in any way!) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Boy, have I got BIG news in this issue! First, the newest Smurf price guide is on it's way to MushroomVillage.com!! "The Smurf Catalog 4" is bigger and better than ever before - literally the most extensive PVC guide published to date!! Second, could it be? New Smurfs cartoons? I uncovered a major FACT that yields tempting suspicions! Could it be true?! You heard it here first!! Third, more news on "The Smurfs," the movie! Yup, it seems that the movie is really happening! It was not a hoax, despite the timing of the April 1st announcement. We were afraid we'd be taken for April Fools, but we are glad to have uncovered additional facts, reported below!! We also have a STUFFED mailbag, (OK, Hefty's strong, but you really have him complaining now!) a fun archive of Smurf-related comics to unveil, results of our New Generation Smurf sales - which do you think is most popular? And, of course, our always-popular give-a-way! So let's not delay a single Smurf! Read on and enjoy! -Pete www.MushroomVillage.com =-=-=-=-= CONTENTS =-=-=-=-= 1) NEW SMURF GUIDE AVAILABLE 2) SMURF MAILBAG 3) NEW SMURFS CARTOON? 4) 2003 SMURFS FAVORITES 5) RAVING FANS SOUND OFF! 6) THE SMURFS - THE MOVIE! 7) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY 8) CLOSING =============================================== -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) NEW SMURF GUIDE AVAILABLE! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The latest edition of "Der Schlumpf Katalog IV" (The Smurf Catalog 4) has been printed and we are accepting preorders NOW!! More than 2,000 Smurfs are illustrated on about 350 pages. This is much larger than the previous edition, and it covers considerably more material! It's even bigger than the "KMS Comicfiguren Preiskatalog" (the other major Smurf Guide)!! The format of this guide has always been preferred over the KMS guide. KMS remained a favorite with collectors because it always showed the most pieces. Well, "Der Schlumpf Katalog IV" now offers the best of both worlds!! The format preferred by collectors, and the most pieces illustrated!! The pricing is also updated, and represents the very latest guidance available in print! THIS IS A NO-BRAINER! This is a MUST-HAVE guide for the beginner, novice or advanced Smurfer! It is an incredibly enlightening book for the beginner and novice. "Newbies" will be stunned at the wide variety of pieces available to the collector! And serious collectors? Well, I don't have to convince you ;) The Catalog is printed in German - prices are in Euros. We are obtaining an English translation of the preface, which we will ship FREE with each copy of the guide, as well a FREE German-to-English translation of the most commonly used terms - everything you need to get the most out of this guide! We have always said that the best investment a collector can make is to buy a good, current guide. MushroomVillage.com endorses this guide as the best currently available! It will pay for itself many times over by making you a savvy collector. Learn what is a common fake, and what is a rare variation! Learn what is a bargain, and what is overpriced! You will find it becomes a priceless resource, mark our words! A WORD OF CAUTION: We import these books a full case at a time. We only order another case if we think we will sell them all. Don't be left without your copy because you wait too long! Order today and guarantee yourself a copy! Nobody else in North America is offering this important guide for sale! AS ALWAYS, IF YOU ARE NOT THRILLED, RETURN IT WITHIN 30 DAYS FOR A FULL REFUND!! AN IMPORTANT NOTE!! It is very important that American collectors keep in mind that the prices reflected in this guide are for the European market! There are many pieces that were distributed in Europe only, and the guide will value these pieces lower than Americans do. Likewise, there are many pieces that were distributed on the American Market only, and the guide will value these pieces higher than Americans do. Do not let Europeans take advantage of this situation! Understand that these American-only pieces are treasured by Europeans, and you should get what it is worth to them. Do not give them away "for a song" just because they are easier for us to find, and so we value them less! The Internet is helping to erase those boundaries, but keep in mind, American pieces are much harder to get in Europe, particularly if the collector does not buy on the Internet. TO PREORDER THIS GUIDE, CLICK HERE: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/katalog4.html AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 2) SMURF MAILBAG =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "Hi Pete. I am 25 years old and have been collecting smurfs since I was 2 or 3 when my aunt, who was a flight attendant, would bring me back figures from her trips. I took a slight hiatus from collecting but began again when I was 14, going to flea markets, toy shows, and garage sales. I found SCCI (Smurf Collectors Club Intl.) by chance in a book, and was a member for 4 or 5 years and came over to you when you took over the members. Unfortunately, I have not been able to financially support my hobby for the last year and a half because I fell victim to the technology downturn, being a web developer myself. I was laid off in 2001 and although I have since gotten another job, the pay is not nearly as good and my Smurf collecting has been put on hold. Hopefully within the next year I'll be able to begin collecting again. Your newsletters and website are so informative and comprehensive. It is so refreshing to have so much information so easily available, especially in comparison to how difficult it had been collecting and finding info several years ago. -Spranzan, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts" --- Thanks for the letter! As I e-mailed you personally, I occasionally 'hire' (we pay with Smurfs!) web-savvy Smurf collectors for little jobs with graphic design, programming, etc. I hope to hammer out a deal with you eventually that will put some new Smurfs in your pocket!! * If any other Smurf collectors out there have experience with installing/debugging CGI and/or PERL scripts, or creating web images, and you might be interested in working for Smurfs, please contact me by hitting reply now! If I do not have work to be done when you contact me, I'll add you to my callback file for when I do! ----- "I love your site. It helps me when purchasing a smurf online to check the value and validity of the smurf. I do have a question though, I just purchased a prisoner smurf. I cannot find it anywhere on your id and price guide. The smurf has a surprised look on his face and his white clothes have black stripes on it. Do you know how much this smurf is worth? Maybe I didn't look up the right smurf on your guide. Thanks so much, Robyn Thomas" --- Pete replies: There are 3 "Prisoner" Smurfs, but none sound like the one you describe. 20010 Prisoner was the first, and is the plain mold "just standing there" with a frown and striped clothing. He does not look surprised. 40202 Smurf In Cage is a Super Smurf that comes with a surprised-looking Smurf (actually, I guess he's hollering for help) grasping the bars of the cage, but there are no stripes on his clothing. Maybe you have this piece without the cage, and someone painted or drew stripes on him? The last prisoner is 40213 Chain Gang, but he does not look surprised, or have stripes on his shirt. He has yellow shoes, a ball and chain around his leg, and is holding a pick-axe. He usually (but not always!) was sold with a gray rock to hit with the pick-axe. Hope this helps! You can always visit our board to upload images, and get free ID & value help! Please visit this link: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/cgi-bin/forum/dcboard.cgi AOL Click Here! ----- "Hi Pete - I am a Smurf collector, started in the late 1970s. My very first Smurf was the golden Smurf, I was hooked. My question is, has a organ playing (like in church or the like) Smurf ever been made? If so I am searching for one for a gift. I have over 200 figurines in my collection plus various houses and big sets. Keep up the good work - Susan G., Denver CO" --- Pete replies: Susan, there is no organ, but there is a piano Super Smurf, #40229. Maybe he will do, or, with a little imagination and creativity, you might be able to modify the piano accessory to create a unique and personal gift! This hobby of modifying Smurfs has quite a few followers, try asking at the bulletin board for more information! ----- "Good luck with your smurf room Pete. I too have started making one but have drastically underestimated the number of cabinets I needed to buy so another trip to IKEA is on the cards. Keep up the good and Smurfy work. -smurf1303, Oxford England" "I love your site, it helps me to figure out what smurfs I need for my ever growing(but small) collection and how much they are worth. I really like to read your newsletter to it is always full of exciting info. Keep up the good work, and good luck with your smurf room. -Carterfrick, Flesherton Ontario, Canada" "I just love the Smurfs - I have been collecting them since the early 1980's and have an entire room dedicated to them that is wall-to-wall Smurf memorabilia. I have taken pictures of my room and will have to send them - I am anxious to see yours when it is all completed. -Sandra R Lee, Council Bluffs, Iowa" "Thanks again for another wonderful news letter. I can't wait to order more smurfs from your site when the economy gets better and my pocketbook fuller. My daughter loves them as much as I do. By the way, I am not bored hearing about your smurf room. It's an inspiration. Right now, I'm working on getting smurf shelves, but some day I hope to have a room to put them in! Keep us smiling, Pete. You always make my day. -Scott, Federal Way Washington" "Good luck with your smurf room Pete. I too have started making one but have drastically underestimated the number of cabinets I needed to buy so another trip to IKEA is on the cards. Keep up the good and Smurfy work. -smurf1303, Oxford England" "Glad to hear the smurf room is coming along nicely. Must say, I didn't know there was such a thing as a smurf ceiling fan! -Becky Pine, Spanaway, Washington" "That's so awesome that you are putting together your Smurf room! I have always dreamed of having one. I can't wait to take a virtual tour!!! -Andrea4981, Thousand Oaks, California" "Looking forward to seeing your smurf room completed! Good luck putting it all together. -Andrew Somer, Baldwin, New York" "Really love to hear about your smurf room. -Linda Briggs, Lewiston, California" --- Pete replies: Well, I've received these and quite a few other letters wishing me luck and telling me they enjoy hearing about my Smurf Room in progress! Quite surprising, as I thought it might be a little boring to anyone else but me! I guess I need the luck because it has certainly been a slow project! I have an appointment for the installation of the Smurf ceiling fan a member helped us acquire, and the worker is bringing along a friend to look at my design for the wall unit. The unit is designed around six acrylic display cases for PVC's with plenty of additional room for the MushroomVillage.com archives - an extensive collection which includes the entire production of the SCCI and Smurfing Times newsletters, as well as many articles which have appeared in various newspapers and magazines over the years, a collection of old Schleich, Bully and Wallace Berrie catalogs, order forms and marketing materials, numerous current and outdated ID & Price Guides, Print advertising, paper ephemera archived in binders, etc. I have Smurf Curtains, and am exploring a lead for some Mint-in-Package Smurf wallpaper! I do expect to complete the project by summer's end, and plan to feature some snapshots on the site! ----- "I used to collect Smurfs but had not added any new ones to my collection in several years. I was a member of the SCCI (Smurf Collectors Club Intl.) for about 10 years. I just found out about this site last month. By the way, what is an original SCCI promo figure - Smurf with elephant (and raised seal papers, of course) worth these days? Just curious. -Karen Snyder, Parsippany, NJ" --- Pete replies: Karen, when Suzanne Lipschitz folded the SCCI in Spring 2001, she directed all her members to us and we committed to picking up where she left off. Many of the SCCI resources are now available free at our site - the ability to network with other members, post free buy/sell/trade ads, collector Checklists, a searchable ID & Price Guide, an e-mail newsletter (you're reading it!), article archives, and more! We have facilitated the exchange of several SCCI pieces, always with Suzanne's authorization and authentication, and currently an original Mint figure with original certificate brings $350. Quite a jump in value, eh?" ----- "The new 2003 smurfs have a different feel to them, due to the plastic softening agent that was mentioned somewhere before. Do the rest of the 50 smurfs for sale this year have the same new softener, or are they left overs from previous years? -gistee" --- Peter replies: Schleich stopped manufacturing pieces using the old softener in October 2000, but continued to sell their inventory of figurines made with the old softener. Pieces made with the new softener were marked with a blue paint dot, so Schleich could tell which pieces in their inventory were new softener, and which were old softener. This continued until October 2001, when it became illegal in the European Union to manufacture *and* to distribute pieces with the old softener. Starting in October 2001, all of the Smurfs Schleich shipped were manufactured with the new softener, including (of course) all 50 of the Smurfs being made this year. This is important for variations collectors to note - the blue paint dot is an important variation!! ----- "I love my little blue friends and am really glad I have recently discovered this website. It was great reading your newsletter, I particularly enjoyed the "Reader Feedback" section. One lady's comment was that she started collecting in New Zealand when smurfs were for sale in the BP stations - that's exactly how I started. Have a great day. -Tina Pease, Horsfield Bay, Australia" --- Pete replies: Many of the collectors that have been around the longest got their start in the early days, when Smurfs were offered for sale through gas stations. Did you ever think you'd still be seeking them out 30+ years later? Here's hoping we're still hunting 30 years from now! ----- "Thanks again for all the services you provide. Have you ever seen any Smurf bandages? Like "Band-Aids" with Smurf images printed on them? If I could find such objects, I would be in collector heaven. I collect Smurfs as well as "Band-Aids." It would be awesome if I could get another combination of the two - I already purchased a First Aid/"Band-Aid" type smurf through you. Thanks again for your services. -Mandy Jacob, Magna, Utah" --- I believe there was such an item made, I think I remember seeing it. May I suggest visiting the Bulletin Board and asking there? Many, many smurf collectors from all over the world check there every day. Maybe someone has an extra they can trade? Lots of deals have gone down there, check it out!! ----- "My cat's name is Smurfette. -areli1066, Rock Hill, South Carolina" --- Pete replies: I hope there are no smurfs reading this issue, they'd be horrified! But I'm sure your cat is a real sweetie! Mine are, but they do love to knock over our Smurfs, don't they?! It must be instinct! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 3) NEW SMURFS CARTOON? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= We have received a copy of an old press release, dated February 2002, from A&A Computer Systems in Belgium. It hints at some intriguing developments in the Smurf world, take a look... New Smurfs in 3D! The Belgian company I.M.P.S., proprietor of the license for worldwide merchandising of the Smurfs, is working on a pilot for a new cartoon series, which will possibly be produced in 3D. "The 3D technology offers tremendous creative possibilities that are unused so far in the Smurfs' cartoon-world," states I.M.P.S. I.M.P.S. chose the technology of A&A computer systems, which offered Discreet 3ds max on the highly performant IBM intellistations. Decisive factors for this decision were 3ds max' market penetration and features. Of major importance were also the support, training and know-how offered by A&A computer systems. 3ds max is the world's best selling animation package, with hundreds of plug-ins available. To maintain the cartoon style, A&A advised the Illustrate and FinalRender plugins. These softwares generate a 2D cartoon output of a 3ds max animation. Of course, also Discreet's character studio, to create character animations with the "footstep" system, was indispensable too. Now we can all start waiting impatiently to see the Smurfs back on TV! OK, it's Pete again :) Note that this dates from February, 2002 - over one year ago. What's happening now? I obtained this alleged inside information from an anonymous source: "The company that owns the Smurfs is planning to make a 3D series and/ or feature film. They are based in Belgium and have bought Discreet 3ds max and Alias | Wavefront Maya 3D software from A&A Computer systems to make this production. They are now in pre-production and already made a pilot film, but nothing has been released yet, it's still all top secret. The press release last year is the only official announcement A&A was allowed to spread. I'm sorry, that's about all I can share, but I can assure you the 3D Smurfs are gorgeous and you'll be seeing more of them later on..." I HOPE THIS IS THE HUGE NEWS IT SOUNDS LIKE TO ME!! Can this be related to the new Smurfs movie being produced by New Line Cinema? (Read down for more on that story) Or is this *another* treat for Smurfs fans? Only time will tell! VERY IMPORTANT!! This is huge news for Smurfs fans everywhere! If ANYONE sees ANYTHING about this ANYWHERE, please do not think "Pete must already know!" PLEASE, contact us right away so we can investigate and document for our members! If we all keep our eyes and ears open, and share what we learn, we will all benefit!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 4) 2003 SMURFS FAVORITES =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= We have been selling the new 2003 Smurfs on a piece-by-piece basis for some time now, and this enables us to report which of the new figurines is most popular. Here is the list of 2003 Smurfs, presented in the order in most popular by sales: 20517 Hippie 21.1% 20524 Trendy Smurfette 17.1% 20522 Workaholic Smurf 15.8% 20523 Show Off 11.8% 20518 New Basketball 10.5% 20519 HipHop 9.2% 20520 New Techno 7.9% 20521 Cyber Smurf 6.6% One thing I've discovered is that the figurines that sell best are not necessarily those reported to me as being favorites! What's your favorite? Do you agree or disagree with this list? I want to report collector favorites in an upcoming issue, so your club needs your input! If you have the entire set of 8 'New Generation' Smurfs released in 2003, please hit reply now, and let us know what your 3 favorites are. We will tally the numbers, and report the results in a future issue of the Smurfy News!! To view and purchase the new 2003 Smurfs, please visit: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-latest.html AOL click here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 5) RAVING FANS SOUND OFF! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Here are some great feedbacks we have gotten: "MushroomVillage.com is THE source for everything Smurfy. Thank you Pete for all of your hard work and dedication to making a great site for expansion of the hobby!" "MushroomVillage.com is excellent. I have ordered smurfs several times and they are always MINT. MushroomVillage.com is THE Smurfy web site!" "I think your smurf site is very good. I like the searchable database. I think that it is easy to use. I also like to read the bulletin board, although I don't contribute much. I have your site as my homepage." "This is the best and most comprehensive smurfs site I have ever seen!!! A must for all smurfs fans!!" "I come to your page every day and I think it is just fantastic!! You have lots of different pages and a large variety of things to do on your website." "Pete, I love the bulletin board section of MushroomVillage.com. It's a great place for collectors to go and talk with others. Plus the collector's list is outstanding. I was finally able to catalog my collection properly, with all their proper names & numbers. Keep up the great work!" "If it weren't for MushroomVillage.com I would still think Smurfs are some hazy 80's memory with no hope of ever getting new Smurfs or recovering the one's I gave away!" "I think you've got a great Smurf site. I really appreciate that you don't use any overly large graphics as despite having a slow Internet connection (and an elderly computer) I can view and navigate your site with ease. It's a real treat to be able to find out Smurfy info in such a timely manner." "This site is Smurfy! The Smurfiest! Smurfy bulletin board...Smurfy shopping for all my Smurfy needs! I can smurf up any Smurfy smurf I want to smurf on this site! I can find out Smurfy smurf info! Smurf on!!!" "It is nice to be able to shop with confidence from MushroomVillage.com & know that you stand behind what you sell. I feel customer satisfaction is what you strive for and you have proven that to me more than once." "This is the site I visit most every week, and for someone who's not fond of spending too much time on the net, that say's something! Pete, this is an OUTSTANDING SITE!" "It goes without saying that your site is the most comprehensive on the web." "This is the most informative collector site around!! Smurfily easy to use! No problem locating what I'm looking for! Great job!! Thank you!" "I check it everyday like I check my email!" "I am so glad I found this website! I thought I was one of very few that even remembered the smurfs! I love collecting smurfs but have a very difficult time finding them! Thank you for creating this!!!" "I want to thank you for the good service, which you have always given me. It is nice to be able to buy from someone who stands behind what they sell. Very happy for you to use my message. When one gives excellent service, everyone should know that you have happy customers & you service what you sell." "I love MushroomVillage.com, it makes many new smurf item available to me. I also use the free smurf email." "I just love MushroomVillage.com and all it does for us Smurfy people. I still can't think of any negative things to say." "Thank you very much. With service like this, you have earned a customer for LIFE!!!!!" "I love reading the bulletin board. I check it daily. Thanks for providing this outlet for all us crazy smurfers to keep in touch, find out the latest info & laugh at the crazy eBay auctions." "Love the site, and the bonus stickers and gifts that come with smurf orders :) Thanks for all the effort!" "Thank you so much for being so wonderful to work with!! We will definitely do business with you again, and recommend you to our friends!! It's nice to deal with an honest person!!" "Pete, I really appreciate your web site! Thanks to you, I just need a few more smurfs to go to complete my collection. Thanks for the prompt deliveries! It certainly makes me want to buy from you!" "I wanted to take a minute to let you know that I think your site is awesome. I just received my first order from MushroomVillage.com and I am extremely pleased with the merchandise and the quality of service. My order was processed quickly and accurately, and my order arrived very well packed. I appreciate the way each Smurf figure was individually bagged. I will definitely be placing more orders with you." "I just finished reading the "Smurfy News" and I wanted to tell you that I learned a lot from it. Thanks so much for putting the time and effort into it. It's so clear that your site is more than just a place to buy smurfs. It's a gathering place for smurf fans, and a great source of information. The level of commitment that you have to your site and to your customers is a reflection of the pride that you must have for creating such a terrific and successful venture." "I actually got some smurfs on that eBay thing. I was a little disappointed with the quality people refer to as mint. I'll be buying from you from now on." "Hi Pete, just had to email & thank you for the quick delivery of my last order. I couldn't believe the speed at which it arrived. Many thanks." "I would just like to say that I am EXTREMELY impressed with your service. I ordered my Smurfs from you last weekend and received them yesterday! From NYC to New Zealand! WHAT SERVICE! So fast and efficient! I would also like to say big thanks for the special gift you enclosed with my order - I am most chuffed! I look forward to many more orders from you and yes; I have already spread the word to my friends who also as youngsters were completely mesmerized by The Smurfs! It almost brought tears to my sisters eyes when she looked on your web page and found the very first Smurf she was ever given (Smurfette on roller-skates)!" "Your customer service skills are a definite strength! Keep up the Smurfy attitude!" "This is a really good site, I like every thing that is in it. I really enjoy the checklists and the ID and Price lists. They help me figure out what ones I have. Keep up the good work." "My computer blew up (literally) last month & for 5 1/2 weeks I couldn't get on the net. Your site is the only one I really missed. I love the bulletin board. Thanks yet again for a great site!" "Thank you for the extremely fast delivery of my order. Surely I would prefer your services next time I need to buy something for my Smurf collection." "I am a first time visitor to your web-site and, although not a collector, must admit I am impressed with your site! Well written and logically arranged." "This site is absolutely incredible! Its impossible to even find the smurfs on television, or in stores anymore for that matter. Your site, Pete, is like a connection to the past, back to my childhood. It feels great to know that so many other people have not forgotten about the smurfs! Great job, keep on smurfing!" "Once I let the Internet into my house, my passion for smurfs quadrupled! Your website was like "the golden door" opening!" "I absolutely love your site! You always have the best smurfs and your customer service is outstanding! Whenever I place an order at MushroomVillage.com, I know I'll be satisfied. You never disappoint." "I'm going away again this summer. This web site and bulletin board are the only reason I miss my computer while I'm away! It's also the first thing I check when I get home (usually because I have 400 or so posts to catch up on). I must admit though, I have driven the 50kms into the closest town to use the (dial up) Internet cafe due to my smurf withdrawal. Love the site :) I'll miss it while I'm away!" "Your site is amazing! After being disappointed time and again with the quality of smurfs from other sites, including eBay, I now buy all my smurfs exclusively from MushroomVillage.com. Thanks for doing a great job!!" "I just wanted to write and compliment you on your service. It took less than 10 business days to receive my Smurfs and that was an International order close to Christmas. I will shop online with you again!" "I totally appreciate your fine and quick service. Amazing! You have tons of products and I am so hooked. Thanks!!" "SMURFS ROCK!!!!!! THIS SITE IS THE BEST!!!!" FROM PETE TO ALL: "THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUOUS KIND WORDS!! THEY DO MUCH TO KEEP ME GOING, THEY ARE APPRECIATED. OUR MEMBERS AND CUSTOMERS ARE LIKE FAMILY TO ME - I AM NOT HAPPY UNLESS YOU ARE TOO!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6) THE SMURFS - THE MOVIE! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I was searching for more info on the upcoming Smurfs movie and found this: Spielberg to direct live-action smurfs By RIP ROCKLEA Staff Writer Following in the footsteps of the Flintstones, Josie and the Pussycats and Scooby Doo, the Smurfs are coming soon to a theater near you. Jumping on the live-action cartoon trend, Steven Spielberg has signed a deal to direct "The Smurfs - A Smurfy Good Day." The $500 million deal has Hollywood buzzing with anticipation. "There hasn't been this kind of excitement since 'The Grinch,'" said Jeff Oedipus, COF of Universal Studios. "It's about time someone did the Smurfs. I'm glad it is Steven." Casting for the movie has already taken place. Spielberg has signed Sean Connery and Britney Spears for the parts of Papa Smurf and Smurfette, respectively. Brainy Smurf will be played by Pauly Shore once his whereabouts are discovered and pending death threats rescinded. The script was written by Pierre Culliford, better known as Peyo, creator of the Smurfs. "The Smurfs find themselves out of place in the 21st century and intend to do something about it," Culliford said. "They throw a 'Smurfs are Phat' party." The role of Gargamel will be played by Eminem." WAIT A MINUTE! THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY A FAKE!! But, I bet this "Rip Rocklea" who authored the piece would be very surprised to learn he is not far off...here's the real deal: Reported by ProductionWeekly.com on April 1, 2003 Casting has started on the live-action musical version of "The Smurfs," based on the 80's animated series, created by Peyo. Casting directors held open auditions in Los Angeles and New York over the weekend (3/29-30/03). Jeff Goldblum will make his feature directing debut and star as the Smurfs nemesis Gargamel. In 1995 he directed the Oscar nominated live action short "Little Surprises." The classic Saturday-morning cartoon series featured magical blue elf-like creatures called Smurfs. The Smurfs, named for their personalities, inhabit a village of mushroom houses in an enchanted forest. These lovable creatures are led by Papa Smurf and live carefree...except for one major threat to their existence: Gargamel, an evil but inept wizard who lives in a stone-built house in the forest; and his feline companion, the equally nasty Azrael. The script follows the Smurfs' efforts to fight off Gargamel, as he tries to smurf the smurf of Smurfette, in order to obtain her magical secrets and gain dignity among the wizard's fraternity. With the help of Brainy Smurf, Papa Smurf is able to smurf a plan to make Gargamel more Smurfy to thwart his efforts to ever smurf again. This short piece has been added to our growing article archive. Please visit it to read smurf articles published in various outlets over the years: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-library.html AOL Click Here! By the way, we have also added a special page to the archive - a cartoon archive!! Check this page out to see cartoons that have been invaded by Smurfs! http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-comics.html AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 7) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Congratulations "Wonder_woman85" of Lewisburg, Ohio! You won last month's Give-a-Way, a complete 2001 Kinder Surprise egg Smurf set with a value of $40! Here is WonderWoman85's comment submitted with her entry: "I LOVE SMURFS!!!" Well, don't we all?! Thanks for playing, and enjoy your new Smurfs, they are on their way! This month I have 2 pieces here. Nothing special, most of the Smurf stuff is packed away while I remodel. Just a couple of Near Mint pieces I pulled from the inventory: 20205 Baby with Teddy [Markings: CE, blue paint dot] (*tiny* paint rub on nose, came this way from Schleich) 20501 Paul Revere [Markings: Macau, no paint dot] (Paint chip on hat, smudge on face) Remember to say which one you prefer to win. Two winners will be drawn, the first drawn will receive their preference, if one was stated. Otherwise, the piece that was requested most often by entrants will be awarded first. Enter the drawing by completing this secret entry form. ONLY Subscribers to the Smurfy News are eligible for this Smurfy contest!! Here's the link: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-contest.html AOL Click Here THE WINNER WILL BE DRAWN AND ANNOUNCED IN NEXT MONTH'S SMURFY NEWS!! =-=-=-=-=-= 8) CLOSING =-=-=-=-=-= Hey! We have added improved customer support to MushroomVillage.com! Melissa has always packed and shipped your orders with tender, Smurfy care - and now she is taking over customer support functions too, and not a moment too soon! I'm excited, because this frees me up to concentrate on site improvements! All inquiries through our feedback forms are now routed through Melissa, so please feel free to drop her a note and let her know if you think we're doing a good job, I know she'll appreciate it!! Here's the link: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-feedback.html AOL Click Here! Our phone support is also back!! (718) 352-9010 is our number - write it down! Melissa is working flexible hours right now, but will be away no longer than two business days (and she's usually here more often than that) so e-mail or call her - whichever is more convenient for you! She'll be in touch with you as soon as she can! Keep those reports coming in! Sharing is Caring! Smurf on!! -Pete www.MushroomVillage.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FORWARD, SEARCH, SUBSCRIBE =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= If you haven't already done so, please forward this issue to one or two of your friends or associates. Thank you so much! You may search for Smurfabilia in our database, the largest resource of it's kind on the Internet! Please visit our ID Guide page: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-idguide.html AOL Click Here! To subscribe, unsubscribe, or edit your profile, please visit www.MushroomVillage.com and enter you e-mail address in the Smurfy News subscription form, or use the link at the very bottom of this e-mail. =-=-=-=-=-=-=- 'SMALL PRINT' =-=-=-=-=-=-=- The "Smurfy News" is a FREE e-mail newsletter published for your enjoyment every month by your friends at www.MushroomVillage.com, joining or leaving the list is voluntary, we do not spam and we never sell, rent, share or distribute your contact information in any way! MushroomVillage.com carries the full range of current production Smurf products by Schleich as well as much of the retired line and other Smurfabilia. If you enjoy this newsletter, please help support us with a purchase - Smurfs make great gifts! SHARING IS CARING!! Please submit information, news, articles, stories and anything Smurf-related to www.MushroomVillage.com - just hit reply now, or use the "Contact Us" link at the site. We collect and disseminate information the world over to keep Smurf collectors united and having a Smurfy good time! The Smurf character is a registered trademark of Studio Peyo - License I.M.P.S. MushroomVillage.com is a collector resource and retail Smurf shop only, it is not affiliated with I.M.P.S. or Peyo. For information on licensing the Smurfs name and/or character, contact I.M.P.S. at rue du Cerf 85, Genval 1332, Belgium The contents of this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the opinions of MushroomVillage.com. MushroomVillage.com makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, about the truth or accuracy of the contents or information provided by the sponsors or by the writers. Use info contained herein at your own risk. (C) 2003 MushroomVillage.com All right reserved. Please do not reprint or host our materials on your website without explicit permission. However, if you found this newsletter interesting, we grant you permission, and strongly encourage you, to e-mail it to an associate or friend. Thank you!