NIKE Creates Collectible Air Jordon Sneakers Based Upon "Kubo and the Two Strings"

NIKE is continuing the tradition of creating collectible sneakers themed around the new releases of movies from LAIKA studios with a new customized version of the Air Jordan XV.  LAIKA's three previous animated movies Coraline, Boxtrolls, and ParaNorman have all had unique shoes created by famed NIKE designer Tinker Hatfield released in coordination with the release of those films which have all become popular collectors items.  With an approaching August 19, 2016 U.S. theatrical release date for LAIKA's newest film, Kubo and the Two Strings, Hatfield introduced today his newest creation for this collaboration the Kubo XV sneaker.

Coraline

Boxtrolls

ParaNorman

The Kubo XV is a customized version of the Air Jordan sneaker brand featuring a sleek zip up rather than laces.  One of the shoes in the pair is blue and the other is red in reference to the movie's good versus evil story. In addition to making a limited edition of these Kubo Air Jordan XV sneakers available for purchase, NIKE and LAIKA will also be giving away 300 pairs in a variety of charity auctions, contests and sweepstakes.

The entertainment website Complex.com will be giving away a few of these collectible sneakers through a sweepstakes that has 5 pairs as prizes.  On August 8, the Just Keep Livin Foundation will host a live eBay auction with dozens of pairs of Kubo XV sneakers up for bidding; all proceeds will go to the Foundation's programs that teach the importance of decision-making, health, education and active living.  Finally, on August 11, visitors to the official Kubo and the Two Strings website will be able to play an online game where they take on the role of Kubo in battling the Moon Beast.  The top 250 scorers will win a pair of Kubo XVs.  Official rules for the video game contest can be found at kubothemovie.com/rules.html

Kubo and the Two Strings is rated PG and features the voices of Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Ralph Fiennes, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Vaccaro, Rooney Mara, and Matthew McConaughey.  The movie is directed by Travis Knight, who also happens to be NIKE co-founder Phil Knight's son cementing the relationship between the athletic apparel manufacturer and the movie studio.  The plot of the movie revolves around a young boy named Kubo whose peaceful existence comes crashing down when he accidentally summons a vengeful spirit from the past. Armed with a magical instrument, Kubo must battle the Moon King to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known.

#ShoesYourDestiny

How Much is a Used Storm Trooper Boot Worth?

How much is a used storm trooper boot worth? I guess we'll find out on October 16th when Prop Store auctions off in London more than 375 original television show and movie costumes and props including a hover board prop used by Michael J Fox in Back to the Future (1989), a Batman suit & cape used onscreen by the stunt double in Batman Returns (1992) and a storm trooper boot from Star Wars: A New Hope (1977).  Can't jump the pond to participate don't worry because the auction will also be carried live via the Internet to let people around the world in on the action.  You can also register and enter a pre-auction bid on an item if you want to just throw out a number you'd be willing to pay for a collectible and see if you can win.  CLICK HERE to see the entire catalog of movie memorabilia up for auction by Prop Store.

A few items I'd throw on my wish list is the Blue Harvest crew cap [a bit of trivia is that to try and keep the filming of Return of the Jedi a secret they called the movie Blue Harvest during its production], the Ralph McQuarrie Star Trek StarFleet Headquarters Painting [McQuarrie did the concept art to assist with the production of many of the Sci-Fi/Fantasy movies of the 1970s and 1980s & is one of my favorite artists] and the Antarctic Ancient Control Chair used in the television shows Stargate SG-1 (1997) and Stargate Atlantis (2004-2009) [which are two of my favorite tv shows from the old SciFi Friday days of the SyFy Channel].  The auction catalog features appraised values of items [in pounds not dollars] but they could go for lower or higher amounts based upon bidder interest and the reserve [lowest bid seller will accept] on the prop or costume.  A certificate of authenticity from a reputable appraiser is provided for each prop and costume to help preserve the value of items purchased in the auction.

Unfortunately while I find the props and costumes featured in this auction really incredible and would love to showcase them at my home or office, the prices are most likely going to be way out of the ballpark for my participation.  A biker scout helmet used in Return of the Jedi is appraised to go for around 8,000 to 10,000 pounds for example and the storm trooper boot I mentioned earlier is appraised to go for 800 to 1,200 pounds.  You may be able to find something somewhat affordable and interesting if you really look through the catalog though such as a Ralph McQuarrie Christmas Card that was sent out by LucasFilm to the cast and crew of Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back that is appraised in the range of 80 to 100 pounds.

If you would really love to have a piece from one of your favorite movies or television shows this could be the chance to pickup a one of a kind collectible that you can appreciate and cherish for a long time...I just would advise against spending your children's college fund for a prop or costume no matter how cool it is.  I'm pretty sure there are some people out there contemplating that after taking a look through this auction's fantastic catalog.

 For more information or to participate in the Prop Store Auction visit: www.propstore.com/liveauction