Welcome to the latest issue of the Smurfy News(TM) - a FREE e-mail newsletter published by www.MushroomVillage.com! This issue was sent to 2,518 members on December 4, 2004. Welcome to our new subscribers! (Note: You are receiving this newsletter because someone requested it be sent to this e-mail address, and then confirmed the subscription request from this e-mail account. We do not spam and we never give, sell, share or distribute your e-mail address in anyway, or use it for any reason other than to deliver the Smurfy News to you. To update your profile, unsubscribe, confirm your subscription or forward the Smurfy News to a friend, please use the links at the end of this newsletter.) The newsletter comes from "smurfynews@topica.email-publisher.com" - if you use an anti-spam filter, please make sure to add this domain to your "white" or "friend" list. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Well, it's that time of year again! We have received word of the new Smurfs for 2005, and we know they will be especially well-received among long-time Smurf fans! Schleich is filling the dreams of many collectors this year - every year members write in to say they wish that Schleich would return to its roots and produce more classic Smurfs - enough with the trendy clothes, cell phones, computers, video games and racing cars already! Well, your wishes have come true! The theme for the 2005 set is "Classic Smurfs" and all your favorites are wearing classic clothes, in classic poses, and with classic accessories! And of course, we are accepting preorders right now! We also have a ton of new listings, news of the Smurfs returning to mainstream TV in 2005, More Smurfy mail from members, a discussion of newly retired pieces, news of the Smurfs season 1 DVD, and another contest! So let's Smurf on with it already! -Pete www.MushroomVillage.com =-=-=-=-= CONTENTS =-=-=-=-= 1) WHAT'S NEW? 2) NEW 2005 CLASSIC SMURFS SET ANNOUNCED! 3) THE SMURFS RETURN TO TELEVISION! 4) SMURF MAILBAG 5) DISCONTINUED SMURFS 6) SMURFS SEASON 1 DVD RELEASED! 7) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY 8) CLOSING =============================================== =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) WHAT'S NEW? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= We have added a couple of new Forums to the MushroomVillage.com bulletin Boards; "New @ MushroomVillage.com" and "Smurfers of Oz." The first is a forum where I will be posting notices each time there is new content at the site. The second is a forum devoted to the Smurf collectors and fans of Australia! My Australian members have asked me to help put them in touch with each other; I hope this new resource does the trick! Visit the new forums at "Pete's Smurfy Corner," the MushroomVillage.com bulletin board system, by clicking this link: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/cgi-bin/forum/dcboard.cgi AOL Click Here! Also, please help me welcome our new team of moderators! Rachel Webley (Thewebs) of BlueImps.com in Wales, Lacey Baker (LazySmurf19) in Missouri USA, and Andrew Taylor (Syd Smurf) of New South Wales, Australia have joined Michelle Lapin (Michellehl) of St. Louis USA in lending me a hand with moderating the new forums! THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED HELP! I appreciate it! Of course, the biggest news of all is the announcement of the new 2005 Classic Smurfs set! See below for more info on them... We also continue to cram new listings into our Smurf Shop! Check out these latest additions: 20003 Astro's Helmet - Got an Astro with no helmet? Here's your chance to fix him up right! Genuine Bully helmets that have never been used! 20024 Watchman [Markings: CE, Portugal, no paint dot] 20024 Watchman [Markings: West Germany, Stickman Logo, mustard paint dot] 20024 Watchman (brass) 20034 Smurfette [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20058 Champion (BP Promo) [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20058 Champion (BP Promo 75 on Chest) [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20058 Champion (MiniModels) [Markings: MiniModels, no paint dot] 20062 Telephone (thin cradle) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20062 Telephone (MiniModels) [Markings: MiniModels, no paint dot] 20063 Tailor (no thread) [Markings: Portugal, red paint dot] 20064 Toothbrush (long toothpaste) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20064 Toothbrush (long toothpaste) [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20078 Beer [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20078 Beer [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20078 Beer [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot] 20085 Cushion [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20092 Conductor [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot] 20092 Conductor [Markings: Bully, no paint dot] 20093 Tennis player (small holes) [Markings: Sri Lanka, red paint dot] 20093 Tennis player (large holes) [Markings: West Germany, Bully, no paint dot] 20094 Bookworm [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot] 20094 Bookworm [Markings: CE, Germany, black paint dot] 20094 Bookworm [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot] 20096 Sledgehammer (dark hammer) [Markings: West Germany, black paint dot] 20097 Injured [Markings: Bully, Germany, no paint dot] 20097 Injured [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20097 Injured [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20098 Ballerina [Markings: Bully, no paint dot] 20099 Head Cook [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot] 20108 Sauna (ochre brush) [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot] 20108 Sauna (brown) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20120 Frogman [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20132 American Football (with "3") [Markings: CE, Portugal, no paint dot] 20144 Indian (colored feathers, dark pants) [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot] 20145 Farmer (stick dark brown, hay dark yellow) [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot] 20147 Cow Girl [Markings: CE, West Germany, black paint dot] 20149 Cheerleader (No S) [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20153 Santa Smurfette [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20169 Hot Dog [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20169 Hot Dog [Markings: West Germany, red paint dot] 20186 Smurfette Baseball [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20211 Basketball [Markings: CE, West Germany, black paint dot] 20225 Accordion (no black lines) [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot] 20511 Baby in Easter Egg (yellow) [Markings: CE, China, blue paint dot] 20512 Smurf Painting Easter Egg (yellow brush) [Markings: CE, China, blue paint dot] 40001 Large Mushroom House (old box, red/white roof) [Markings: Hong Kong] 40030 Garden (new box) [Markings: CE, West Germany] 40050 Gate (new box) [Markings: CE, Stickman Logo, West Germany] 40100 Snail Cart (old box) [Markings: Hong Kong] 19 Rowboat (Old Box) [Markings: Figure: Germany, red paint dot; Boat: Germany] 40223 Volleyball (Textured base, Old Box) [Markings: Figure: Hong Kong, no paint dot; Grass: Hong Kong] 40233 Helicopter (Old Box) [Markings: Figure: CE, West Germany, no paint dot] 40246 River Raft (Old Box) [Markings: Figure: West Germany, no paint dot; Raft: CE] 40505 Ice Hockey With Net (Old Box) [Markings: Figure: none, no paint dot] 49025 Farmhouse (brown roof) 49027 Gargamel's Castle AND CHECK OUT THESE UNIQUE MOLD FAKES! Fake Pirate Smurf (gold sword) [Markings: West Germany] Fake Pirate Smurf (silver sword) [Markings: West Germany] Fake Smurf with spade [Markings: West Germany] Fake Majorette Smurfette [Markings: West Germany] Fake Millionaire Smurf [Markings: West Germany] Fake Smurf with oil can [Markings: West Germany] Fake Nurse Smurfette [Markings: West Germany] Fake Boxer [Markings: West Germany] Kinder Smurfs too! 1983/84 Kinder (Ice Cream) 1983/84 Kinder (Candle) 1995 Kinder Egg display sign 4 x 3" Kinder Mini-Puzzle (Nat playing Guitar) 4 x 3" Kinder Mini-Puzzle (Snappy Drummer) 4 x 3" Kinder Mini-Puzzle (Slouchy and Sassette) 4 x 3" Kinder Mini-Puzzle (Grandpa, Smurfette and Baby dancing) 4 x 3" Kinder Mini-Puzzle (Smurfs with Acorns) 4 x 3" Kinder Mini-Puzzle (Smurf with Squirrel) 4 x 3" Kinder Mini-Puzzle (Smurfs Catching Acorn) Pez Dispensers Smurf Grab Bags - $2.99, $5.99 and $9.99 Smurf Sticker Grab Bag Hardee's Glasses: -Papa Smurf -Smurfette -Brainy -Hefty -Grouchy -Lazy -Gargamel & Azrael -Papa Partying -Smurfette Partying -Harmony Partying - Baker Parting -Handy Partying 1996/1997 Schleich color-injected PVC key chains: 50855 Baby with Teddy 50856 Baby on the Moon 50851 Smurfette Mermaid 50854 Papa Waving 50852 Disco Smurfette 50853 Skateboard Smurf Die-Cut key chains are reduced! Smurferman Keychain Pigtails Smurfette Smurfette Roller-skating SCCI Smurf Christmas Ornament SCCI 10th Anniversary pin SCCI 5th anniversary pin To view and buy these items, please click this link: http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=instock&maxhits=20&keywords=new1004&bool=AND AOL Click here! To view and preorder the new 2005 Classic Smurfs set, click here: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/new2005order.htm AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 2) NEW 2005 CLASSIC SMURFS SET ANNOUNCED! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- In mid-November, Schleich sent its list of new for 2005 Smurfs to MushroomVillage.com! We were thrilled to learn that the new Smurfs theme was to be "Classic Smurfs!" For years, our members have reported to me (and the Smurf Collectors Club Intl before us) that they wanted to see more classic Smurfs! I have received reports from long-time Smurf fans that the "old" Smurfs were the best - just white shoes, pants and hats, and simple accessories - none of these pierced ears and belly buttons, cell phones, computers, or tattoos (except Hefty's of course!). Well, our prayers have been answered! With 2005 comes the "Classic Smurfs;" Papa, Smurfette, Grouchy, Brainy, Vanity, Jokey, Harmony and Baby Smurf! Schleich assured us that the new figurines are totally new, even though they are called "Classic Smurfs!" To view the remainder of this article, please read it in the MushroomVillage.com Featured Figurines section: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/ff008.html AOL Click Here! To view and preorder the new 2005 Classic Smurfs set, click here: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/new2005order.htm AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 3) THE SMURFS RETURN TO TELEVISION! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- DIC Entertainment Press Release published November 22, 2004 -DIC Entertainment Acquires From Warner Bros. Domestic Cable Distribution the Broadcast Rights to Hit Series The Smurfs -26 Half-Hour Episodes of the Classic Animated Series Begins Airing January 2005 on Top-Rated DIC Kids' Network -One of the Most Successful Television Series of All Time, "THE SMURFS" Dominated Saturday Morning Television for Nearly a Decade BURBANK, Calif., Nov. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- DIC Entertainment (DIC), a leading independent children's entertainment company, has acquired from Warner Bros. Domestic Cable Distribution the broadcast rights to 26 half-hour episodes of one of the world's most popular and successful animated series in television history, The Smurfs. The announcement was made today by Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO, DIC. Read the rest of this exciting news in the MushroomVillage.com Article Archive: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-article049.html AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 4) SMURF MAILBAG =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "I am a recent member, I have been trying to collect smurfs for many years. I only recently came across MushroomVillage.com and really enjoy it very much. Until now I only thought that Kinder Surprise chocolates had them and not much there any more so I am very pleased to have found you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being! -Maxine Wilson (Edmonton Alberta, Canada)" PETE REPLIES: I can just imagine what a pleasant surprise it must have been for you to discover MushroomVillage.com! For many people, that is when they learn that the Smurfs are alive and well - not simply a 20 year old relic! Welcome aboard! ----- "I am in the process of building a full village scene, and for years I couldn't find any Smurfs, after finding your site I am pleased to announce that my village is starting to look really good! Thank you very much, and keep up the good work. -Maxine Wilson (Edmonton Alberta, Canada)" PETE REPLIES: I always enjoy hearing how my members incorporate their Smurf collections into their lives. Smurf Village dioramas are a popular and fun way to display a collection. I wish I had the room for one myself! I know, I know. Many readers are now thinking "But Pete has a whole room devoted to Smurfs!" That I do, but all of my Smurfs are confined to acrylic displays along all the walls and shelves, and the big open space in the center, perfect for a Smurf Village diorama, is eaten up by the desk that serves as Smurf Village headquarters! I don't have pics of my Smurf room yet, but I started working on the page where I will feature it - read on for the link... ----- "I wanted to ask you about wall-mountable smurf display cases. Back in the June 2000 edition of the Smurfy News, you talked about cases from K & S Industries. Do you still recommend these cases as the best? Also, are the taller smurfs able to fit in them, i.e. Windsurfer smurf, high diver smurf, etc. Thanks. -Eric Hempsall (Vancouver, BC, Canada)" PETE REPLIES: I ordered my latest case from DisplayCo.com and am very happy with it. I needed a case built to fit a particular space on my wall, and wanted to use it to hold Super Smurf boxes, with the assembled Super Smurf in front of it. It measures 42" wide x 39" high. There are side-hinged doors on the right and left that meet in the center of the cabinet when closed. There are 9 shelves, each is 4" high and 5.5" deep. I sent my specs to dozens of acrylic display case companies, and got back quotes ranging from $210 to over $1,000. DisplayCo.com claimed they could make the cabinet to my specs for $210, the lowest quote I received, and so I went with them. I consider it to be perfectly suited for its use! I also have a number of cases from K & S Industries (888PickKNS.com), and reported on them in the June 12, 2000 issue of the Smurfy News. Their case #24ND has an overall size of approximately 29"x24"x4" and features 8 shelves measuring 2 13/16" high between shelves x 28 5/8" long. The case is crystal clear with a clear, top-hinged front cover and mirrored back and comes ready to wall mount with supplied hardware. They will hold all but the tallest of Smurf figurines and Supers. They are $82 each or $258.00 when you order a 3 piece carton (includes shipping and handling in the US). These are OK because they are cheaper than building a custom case. The reason why I prefer my case from DisplayCo.com is because they used side-hinged doors. The top-hinged cases look nice enough, but the door can be a hassle when you need to access your Smurfs. The door swings up to open, but must be held there, or gravity will make it slam shut. I tend to rest the door on my head when I'm working in the case, and I don't think my greasy hair helps keep them nice and clean! I suppose I could put a clean cloth on my head or something, but I'm too lazy! I also have some custom cases with sliding acrylic doors, but this is even pricier. If you do opt for a custom case, you can ask about adding an extra-high shelf to accommodate the taller pieces. I have begun to document my collection at the site. I start by showing these two cases. I will add more pictures, including before and after shots of my Smurf room as I can. Have a look here: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/collection.htm AOL Click Here! ----- "I love receiving the Smurfy News newsletter as do my children. We are very excited to learn of the possible upcoming movie. Our cat is named Azrael also! Well, thank you for the opportunity to have a great site to go to, to learn about our favorite lil blue guys. Smurf on!! Sherry Thompson (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)" PETE REPLIES: Boy, what is it with all the mail from Canadian Smurfers this month? Perhaps I should devote a forum to the Canadian Smurf collectors, as I have for the Australian Smurfers? (If any of my members would be interested in such a board, please hit reply now and let me know!) I wonder if the recent announcement about the Smurfs returning to television affects Canadian members? Do you guys see the same stations we see? Probably not, I guess :( I'd love for your children to enjoy the cartoons I loved so much when I was young! If you see them in January as we expect to (see press release below), please let me know! Thanks for writing Sherry :) ----- "I'd like to know if they ever considered making figures of the other characters in the cartoon (besides Yohan/Peewit) such as Big Mouth, Homnibus, Hogatha, etc. Also, can't they make a Gargamel figure that's bigger in proportion to the other smurf figures? Thanks, Pete. -Shawn Somebody (Someplace, Earth) PETE REPLIES: Hey Shawn, you forgot to let us know where you are writing from! Anyway, I have to be careful with how many questions I ask Schleich, they do not really welcome them, but they do help me from time to time. Considering that, I won't ask them these questions, as this has come up time and time again, and I *think* I sorta know the answer. The characters from the cartoons are a good 15-20 years old now. Smurf collectors remember them well, but the new generation of kids IMPS markets to now are not as familiar with them. Apparently, judging by the designs of recent years, Schleich wants to get away from this "old" image of the Smurfs, and is developing a new, trendier style. As for a larger Gargamel, sure they could make one, they mold plenty of larger figurines like whales, dinosaurs and elephants. For whatever reason, they have opted not to... UPDATE: I wrote this reply prior to learning that the Smurfs Season 1 DVD is becoming a reality, and the cartoons are coming back to regular television in January 2005. Such releases will serve to introduce today's children to the Smurfs cartoon that really kick-started the craze. The new Smurfs for 2005 indicate that, at least for now, Schleich is cutting back on the modern Smurfs and returning to their roots. Perhaps it is not such a stretch after all to hope for figurines representing the rest of the cast! Time will tell! ----- "Great news letter! I wish I understood a little more of the information as I am a new collector and very unknowledgeable about many smurf items. I have my grandchildren's smurfs and a few that I have purchased since. -Anne S Lee (Hillsboro, Alabama) PETE REPLIES: Well, we all start at the beginning, don't we? When you are just starting out in a new hobby, it can be a very exciting time, because there is so much to learn! If you are new to MushroomVillage.com, please click this link for our welcome message, a little background about who we are, and the resources we provide to Smurf collectors. An excellent resource in particular for the New Smurfer is "Pete's Smurfy Corner," MushroomVillage.com's bulletin board system. There you can meet other beginners from all over the world as well as seasoned collectors - all willing to share their knowledge and experiences. No question is too silly, chances are, it's come up before, and we'll be happy to answer it again! Feel free to jump right in and participate, or be a wallflower and just read. Here's a link to visit the boards: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/cgi-bin/forum/dcboard.cgi AOL Click here! ----- "Hi, your newsletter is received in South Africa and enjoyed to the max! I have been collecting the little blue life savers ever since the age of 5, when my now deceased father bought me my first one (Papa Smurf) at a BP Petrol station in Cape Town. He (Papa) has traveled with me through my whole life and has grown his family over the years and provinces as I traveled and grew up. He was there with me through Primary school, High School, Puberty, Defense Force, etc. I am 31 years old now and still he holds the most valuable position in my life. He brings me close to my father every time I miss him. Thanks to "Peyo" for the start of years of happiness and to the people keeping his legacy alive. -Pierré, South Africa" PETE REPLIES: Thank you Pierré, that is a very nice association to have with your Smurfs :) Many of today's collectors, like you, enjoy collecting Smurfs because they remind them of happy things and good times. Thank you for sharing your story with us. ----- "Thanks so much...my daughter was delighted with the 20473 Hiker Schoenwald Promo Smurf-a-Gram and informational display card she won in the Smurfy News Give-a-Way. She wanted to know if you were aware that the smurf you sent her says "Gemany" instead of "Germany?" Is this a mistake? Or are all of them this way? Thanks again. -Marjorie Meiners (Wantagh, New York) PETE REPLIES: I never noticed that! It is on all of the Schoenwald promo Smurf-a-Gram bases, and is either an error, or maybe an intentional abbreviation? It looks as if the mold must have once said "W. Gemany," but the "W" is rubbed out of the mold. We see this sometimes on PVC figurines as well. ----- "I have been collecting Smurfs since they were introduced in the US when I started buying them for our son as rewards and special treats. Trips to Europe added new ones to the collection, and being a member of SCCI gave me an opportunity to own the club pieces and to acquire many more. Although I concentrate on the figurines I do have other Smurf collectibles like sheets, a chess set, a plush Papa that plays the Smurf theme song, etc. As I get older I know that someday I will have to downsize and get rid of some of my possessions. I am wondering, if my son doesn't want the collection, what is the best way to sell it? Would it be best to sell individual pieces or lots? Selling the entire collection in one transaction seems impossible because of the cost. Please advise if you can. Also do you see Smurfs increasing in value or would the best time to sell be now or in the near future? Thanks for any help you can provide. -Joan Geigle (Wallingford, CT) PETE REPLIES: People often collect for fun, but everybody like to recoup some of their investment, if not make money, when they must part with their collectibles. Selling pieces individually will always net you the most money, because everyone expects a discount when they buy in bulk. Then again, for many sellers, it is a fair trade-off to net less money and be done with it. Not everyone has the contacts, patience, resources or skills to sell off what they have, piece-by-piece. You will always get your best price by selling to an individual collector who wants the piece you are selling - finding that collector is another story! If you were to sell the collection in one piece, it would have to be to a dealer. No one wants to buy an instant collection for themselves - putting a collection together is half the fun! Unless maybe you collect collections? A good dealer will have the contacts, patience, resources and skills to find the collector who is looking for your specific pieces. You will likely find, however, that many dealers are only interested in buying the Smurf figurines from you collection - they are the hot Smurf collectible, hands down. As for increasing or decreasing in value - that's a guess and a gamble. But we can get hints from other collectibles. We have seen how values for Star Wars collectibles rise and fall as each installment of the movie is released. The lesson I see here, is that along with any revival will come an increase in collectors seeking those pieces. If we are indeed on the cusp of a Smurf revival in the US, we may see values surge in the future. Prices have risen in recent years, the hobby is rallying world-wide, but methinks a successful return to television, increased presence in retail outlets, and perhaps even a big screen picture would bode well for the hobby. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- PLEASE VISIT OUR SITES! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- If you have appreciated the quality service you receive from www.MushroomVillage.com, please consider visiting my other sites: www.MegaGlass.com - Offers a complete line of decorative glass novelties for floral arrangements, aquariums, mosaics, landscaping, arts/crafts, design/decor. www.LandOfMarbles.com - Marbles make great gifts - nostalgic for Grandma & Grandpa, & kids love 'em too! We offer everyday playing marbles, high-end collectibles & contemporary art glass marbles. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 5) DISCONTINUED SMURFS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Schleich announced the discontinued Smurfs along with the 2005 Classics Smurfs announcement. Of particular note is the decision to discontinue the much-loved 49025 Smurf Farmhouse and the 49027 Gargamel's Castle. The Farmhouse first appeared in the 1985 Schleich catalog as 40025 with a green/yellow roof and a green molded base. I have never seen the old farmhouse with this base; our examples are on a smaller, brown base, as are the examples shown in guides. In 1996, Schleich changed its number to 49025. There were several color changes, but the most noticeable were that the roof was now brown and the base was gray. Gargamel's Castle was first released in 1993 as 40027 with a brown/yellow roof. in 1996, this too received a new number (49025) and the roof became a solid yellow. But now we shall have no castle or farmhouse at all! The play sets 40712 School and 40713 Playground were also discontinued. These were introduced in 2000. They also discontinued six Smurf figurines. The new Classic Smurfs set consists of eight pieces, and so we are left with 52 Smurf figurines in the current range, up from 50 last year. The discontinued Smurfs are 20470 Aircraft Captain, 20475 Safari Smurf, 20476 Parachutist, 20477 Beach Volleyball Player, 20478 Correspondent (all newly released in 2001) and 20521 Cyber Smurf, which was just released in 2003! This is a very short run for a Smurf figurine! Finally, Schleich has discontinued 40220 Pupil with Pencil, 40253 Motor Scooter Smurf, 40255 Red Racing Driver, and 40259 Pupil Smurfette. 40220 Pupil with Pencil has been in the range for 22 uninterrupted years, since 1982. 40253 Motor Scooter Smurf and 40255 Red Racing Driver have been in the range since their introduction in 1999. 40259 Pupil Smurfette was introduced in 2000, in conjunction with the 40712 School Super Play set. Demand for these pieces rose on the news that they would be discontinued, particularly the Castle and Farmhouse, which we promptly sold out of. GOOD NEWS! We were able to secure a very limited supply of these buildings, but are also sorry to report that Schleich has no more inventory on them. Use this link to view the discontinued SKU's in our ID Guide, which shows both in-stock, and out-of-stock listings. If you see the "Add to Cart" button featuring Smurfette next to any item you need, you are in luck! We have always said that the best time to buy a Smurf you need is when you see it, it may not be available tomorrow! Boy, is that ever true now! Hurry! I don't mean to hold you up! Click now! http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=id&maxhits=20&keywords=disc2005&bool=AND AOL Click here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6) SMURFS SEASON 1 DVD RELEASED! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= How jealous are we that the Smurfs season 1 DVD has been released in Australia? Well, at least it's a good indication that the wheels are turning on this long awaited project! We continue to add names to our Smurf video waiting list, and recently created a special form to make it easier for members to get on the list. If you would be interested in buying the Smurfs DVD when it is released in America, please visit our form and add your name to the list: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/dvdform.html AOL Click Here! As soon as the DVD is released in America, we will be trying to get copies for our members. If we are able to get them, we will notify everyone on this list to "Come and get it!" We already have several hundred people who have asked to be notified. As a matter of fact, we have learned that one of the most common Smurf-related searches made on the Internet is for "Smurfs DVD!" Yes, this has been very highly anticipated, and we could not be happier that it will be here soon! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 7) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- It was amusing how many of you mentioned that you were crossing your fingers while entering this contest, after the winner from the last one did it and won! It seems we only had 54 people enter the contest last time! With 3 winners drawn, that makes the odds of winning 1 in 18! Pretty good! Well, let's get right to our winners, shall we? Congratulations to Sherry Thompson of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada! Sherry said "Any prize is a great prize, even if it is just a piece of paper with the word Smurf on it." Better than that Sherry! You did not specify a preference, so you won the most requested prize, which is the 20936 Millennium Smurf! These are very hard to get without rubs, because they frequently fell during painting. This one has a rub, but on the ear in back, so he displays mint! Enjoy him! Congratulations to Susan Elizabeth Smith of Orillia, Ontario, Canada! Susan said "Thanks for the great newsletter! I'll always love the SMURFS!" and wanted the Millennium Smurf (sorry!) then the cottage. OK, cottage it is then! Boy, the Canadians just keep popping up this issue! Congratulations to Betty Hartung of Akron, Ohio! Betty also wanted Millennium, and said "It would be so Smurfy if I could Smurf this Smurf!" Well, I'm sorry you missed Millennium Smurf, but you did get your second pick - you won 40222 Airplane, in the old Hong Kong Wallace Berrie box! OK, time to describe the new prizes: #1) 20936 Millennium Smurf – he's so popular, why not offer him again? As I said, many of these were damaged during painting, and I find myself with plenty of Near-Mint pieces. I sell Mint-only at MushroomVillage.com, but these sure make great give-a-ways! Once again, this example has an ear rub on the back ear, but displays mint! #2) is a rare fake Smurf – the one holding a spade. This fake is especially sought after because it is not a copy of an Schleich Smurf, but a unique mold. He's got a bit of paint loss where he holds the spade and a nose rub, but most fakes seem to be a little Smurfed up. #3) is a pair of fake Smurfs - one or both of these may be Comic no Toxic Smurfs - I'm never too sure about them. Anyway, these are fakes of 20018 Crying and 20081 Tyrolese. Please use our Super Secret Contest Entry Form - only Smurfy News subscribers are given this link! IMPORTANT! Be sure to tell me what your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd picks are! The first winner drawn gets their 1st choice. The second winner gets their choice of the remainder, and the third winner gets whatever is left! If a winner does not specify a preference, they will receive whichever prize remains that was most requested!! Here's the form: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/contestform.html AOL Click Here Remember, our winners receive the "whole package," as if they had placed an order. That means, a free Schleich mini-catalog, and free Smurf stickers along with your prize! Winners will be announced in the next issue. =-=-=-=-=-= 8) CLOSING =-=-=-=-=-= I hope you all found the news in this issue as exciting as I did! Things seem to keep marching forward for our little blue friends! I want to close this newsletter by thanking all our members, once again, for another successful year! Smurfy Holidays to all, enjoy the new year, and we'll see you again in 2005 with more Smurfy fun! Smurf On!! -Pete www.MushroomVillage.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=- 'SMALL PRINT' =-=-=-=-=-=-=- The "Smurfy News" is NOT free! To continue your subscription you must introduce another to the joys of Smurfs and Smurf collecting - kids make great targets! Remember, you're on your honor! The Smurfy News is never sent as spam. All recipients request, and then confirm their subscriptions. We never give, sell, share or distribute your subscription e-mail address in anyway, or use it for any reason other than to deliver the Smurfy News to you. www.MushroomVillage.com carries the full range of current production Smurf products by Schleich as well as much of their retired line and other "Smurfabilia." If you enjoy this newsletter, please help support us with a purchase - Smurfs make great gifts (especially for you!) SHARING IS CARING!! We collect and disseminate information the world over to keep Smurf collectors united and having a Smurfy good time! 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. 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 Studio 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) 2004 MushroomVillage.com All rights reserved. Please do not reprint or host our materials on your website without our explicit written permission.