LOU: Pixar Studio Store Exclusive Tee

If you've been following along with me on social media (and/or if you've read my glowing soundtrack review), you may already know that I adore Pixar's latest short film, LOU (directed by Dave Mullins), which premiered last summer in front of the theatrical release of Cars 3.

To my dismay (though expected), there has been no sign of any LOU merchandise—or at least any that's available to the general public. You can imagine how excited I was when I stumbled upon this amazing shirt featuring LOU himself while shopping at the Pixar Studio Store this past fall (a surreal experience)! This is an exclusive tee that can only be purchased there at the studios in Emeryville, CA.

I've loved the design of the title character LOU ever since the director teased his [then] upcoming short with this drawing HERE back in September 2016. The way he's made up of lost and found items (not to mention how he moves around the playground) is nothing short of brilliant. Having LOU's silly and lovable grin front and center on this shirt just makes me so happy! Here it's drawn by LOU's production designer Albert Lozano. I also love the film's charming logo printed there on the sleeve as well—as seen above.

And as usual with the Studio Store shirts, "Pixar Animation Studios Emeryville, CA" is printed on the back top near the neckline. That's always such a nice touch which makes the shirt feel extra special.

I know I've mentioned this countless times, but I consider anything from the Pixar Studio Store to be the "holy grail" of Pixar collecting. This is such a rare treat! If you're lucky enough to shop there at the Studio Store anytime soon (perhaps you've been invited by a family member or friend), definitely look out for this while you're there. If you loved this film as much as me, you'll certainly want to pick this shirt up. It's soft, nicely fitted and feels quality made overall—one of my new favorite shirts for sure. I'll be wearing it a lot.

Let me know your thoughts on this tee and/or the short film itself in the comment section below!

LOU: Pixar Studio Store Exclusive Pin

If you've been following along with me on social media (and/or if you've read my glowing soundtrack review), you may already know that I adore Pixar's latest short film, LOU (directed by Dave Mullins), which premiered this summer in front of the theatrical release of Cars 3.

To my dismay (though expected), there has been no sign of any LOU merchandise—or at least any that's available to the general public. However, thanks to my good friends over at PixarPost.com (who totally surprised me), I was able to obtain this amazing LOU limited edition pin! This is currently available only at the Pixar Studio Store in Emeryville, CA.

The overall design of the pin is adorable and completely captures the brilliantly designed title character of the film. The back of the pin has a standard authentic Disney pins Mickey Mouse clamp.

 
As I've mentioned countless times, I consider anything from the Pixar Studio Store to be the "holy grail" of Pixar collecting. This is such a rare treat! Perhaps one day I'll be able to live my dream and shop the store myself, but until then, I'm grateful for my friends in the community who think of me when they're able to visit.

If you're interested in snagging this for your Disney pin collection, there is one available on eBay as of right now—though it might cost you an arm and a leg. Be sure to check out all the current listings for this pin right HERE.

Something else that I'll be keeping a lookout for is this incredible LOU maquette, which will also be a Pixar Studio Store exclusive, set to arrive sometime later this year. Maybe we'll get a plush too? Time will tell! Let me know your thoughts on this or any upcoming LOU releases in the comments below.

Disney·Pixar LOU Soundtrack Review

If you've seen Cars 3 in theaters, you more than likely also caught Pixar's charming, brand new short film "Lou" (directed by Dave Mullins) in front of it. If you loved the music in the short as I did, you'll be thrilled to know that it's now available to purchase [digitally only] from Walt Disney Records on both iTunes and Amazon Music!

This two track album retails for $1.99 and includes the "Suite from Lou" (5:04), "Lou End Credits" (0:40) and a digital booklet.

The score is composed by Chistophe Beck, who is no stranger to Disney productions (having scored hits like The Muppets, Frozen and Disney Animation's short film Paperman); though this is his very first composition for a Pixar Studios film. With how cute it turned out, I wouldn't be surprised if this wasn't his last either.

The theme that Beck wrote for Lou, like the film, has a lot of charm and heart to it. It's bright, upbeat, somewhat quirky and very catchy. Beck very much captured the sweet innocence of the title character Lou and the youthfulness of the supporting cast on screen. I really like how much the cello shines in several parts too—one of my favorite instruments. There's also a really fun drum kit segment during the second third of the "Suite from Lou" (very reminiscent of something out of Monsters University) which had me tappin' my fingers. Finally, I love how the version of Lou's theme repeated during the end credits track adds a new level of whimsy to the already magical melody.

Composer Chistophe Beck

Overall this is a new classic short film with an equally as classic score that fits in perfectly with the best of Pixar's previous efforts. As soon as I saw Lou, I had hoped for a soundtrack release. I'm glad I got what I wished for! For all you Pixar fans out there—you won't want to miss this. Purchase the album on Amazon or iTunes using the direct links below and be sure to let me know your thoughts on the score and the film itself.

Note- Pixar began releasing their short film soundtracks regularly in 2013 beginning with The Blue Umbrella and then continued with Toy Story of Terror in 2014, Lava in 2015 (featured on the Inside Out soundtrack) and Piper in 2016. For whatever the reason, Sanjay's Super Team and Toy Story That Time Forgot did not get soundtrack releases. Click any of my titles above to read my thoughts!