He talks, has some serious moves and most likely will be near impossible to find come the holidays.

The 2008 version of the talking Elmo doll, which is scheduled for release Oct. 14, is listed as one of Wal-Mart’s top 12 toys for the 2008 holiday season. Fisher-Price, in an attempt to make Elmo Live available all during the holiday season, is working with retailers to take pre-orders. Retailers include Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, K-Mart, Amazon.com and eToys.com. Select retailers began accepting online pre-orders earlier this week.

What’s so special about this Elmo?

“There’s nothing like it. It’s an entirely new breed,” said Jim Silver, editor-in-chief of Toys and Family Entertainment magazine.

The Muppets of Sesame Street have giggled and danced their way to becoming American icons among the younger set with the crimson-colored, shaggy Elmo being a breakaway hit, beginning with the 1996 release of the original Tickle Me Elmo. Since then, there have been Rock ‘n’ Roll Elmo (1999), Chicken Dance Elmo (2002), Hokey Pokey Elmo (2003) and the 10th anniversary Elmo T.M.X. (2006).

Elmo Live launched at the 2008 American Toy Fair in New York earlier this year, and its video on YouTube has had more than 225,000 hits. The animatronic plush toy features synchronized motions, such as its mouth opening and closing when he speaks, waving his arms, sitting and standing, as well as crossing his legs while telling stories. Elmo even blows kisses.

Although the toy’s realistic movement is impressive, it earns high marks for content, too, drawing children into play with questions and comments.

“It’s unbelievable how strongly he is able to engage you in play,” Silver said.

Another amazing aspect of Elmo Live is the suggested retail price of $59.99.

“A few years ago, a product of this caliber would have at least had a 1 [as in hundred] in front of it,” Silver said.

Share This