ANCHORMAN vs. ANCHORMAN: Hot Wheels Retro Entertainment vs. Greenlight Collectibles Hollywood

Saturday, November 15 2014 11:38

ANCHORMAN vs. ANCHORMAN: Hot Wheels Retro Entertainment vs. Greenlight Collectibles Hollywood

Written by James Zahn

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ANCHORMAN vs. ANCHORMAN: Hot Wheels Retro Entertainment vs. Greenlight Collectibles Hollywood

While it's not uncommon for multiple companies to hold a license for products at the same time, it's less common for multiple companies in the same industry to hold the rights to make what is essentially the same product. One of those rare occasions is on the pegs right now as the Dodge news van from the Will Ferrell classic ANCHORMAN has been produced by both Mattel (as part of their Hot Wheels Retro Entertainment line) and Greenlight Collectibles (as part of Greenlight Hollywood). While both have their merits, it's interesting to see how vastly different two design teams can take the same thing. So which one wins in this diecast battle? Take a look...

Here's the real van as seen in ANCHORMAN:

anchormanvan

The actual van in the movie is a 1981 Dodge News Van, this according to Picture Car Warehouse, who actually owns the van used in the movie. But, since the movie was set in the 70s, it's diecast counterparts are based on models from 76-77 respectively, with Hot Wheels opting for a "'77 Custom Dodge Van" and Greenlight using a 1976 Dodge B-100. While the Hot Wheels model should be around $5, the Greenlight version comes in around $7.

ANCHORMAN News Van

As much as I love Hot Wheels and the Retro Entertainment series in general, Greenlight wins this one, turning in a true 1:64 scale "replica," while the Hot Wheels version takes a beefier stance like a toy. Greenlight gets the body style right, along with detail in the top ladder and even includes the rear ladder, which is absent on the Hot Wheels version. A trade-off is that Hot Wheels gets the rear door tampos (artwork) right, while they're omitted completely on the Greenlight version.

anchorvan2

Both of these ship assorted, and are best found in the diecast aisles of your local retailers.

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James Zahn

James Zahn is best-known as The Rock Father™, a media personality, commentator, adventurer and raconteur. He is the Owner, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of THE ROCK FATHER™ Magazine. In January, 2019, after nearly a decade of publishing The Rock Father™ Magazine, he joined Adventure Media and Events as Senior Editor of The Toy Book—the leading trade publication for the toy industry since 1984, as well as The Pop Insider — a destination for all things pop culture, and The Toy Insider — the leading consumer guide for toys and games. He is also editor of The Toy Report, a weekly newsletter published by The Toy Book each Thursday. Zahn has over 27 years of experience in the entertainment, retail and publishing industries.

He regularly serves as a Brand Ambassador and spokesperson for several Globally-recognized pop culture and lifestyle brands in addition to consulting for a number of toy manufacturers.

Creatively, James has directed/edited music videos, lyric videos, and album trailers for bands such as FEAR FACTORY, has appeared as an actor in feature films and commercials, written comic books, and performed in bands. He currently serves as an artist manager and video director for PRODUCT OF HATE, whose debut album was released by Napalm Records in 2016, distributed by ADA/Warner Music in the U.S. with Universal Music handling global. A new album has been completed and is set for release this year.

Zahn and/or his work have been featured in/on CNN, NBC, ABC, WGN, CBS, GCTN, G4, The Chicago Tribune, Forbes, MarketWatch, Reuters, BusinessWire, Fangoria, Starlog and more. He's appeared as a music expert on CNN's AC360 alongside Anderson Cooper, and has been interviewed by Larry King. In the past he served as a writer for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family and PBS KIDS, penned articles for Sprout and PopSugar, and was a contributor to Chicago Parent.

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