The Sheriff Woody doll from the Toy Story Signature Collection, sold exclusively at Target, hit shelves early in April 2019, priced around $100 (when including tax).
I have this toy. I bought it from Target in April 2019 and uploaded a video review about it on my (defunct) YouTube channel, NYC Gal Out ♡ — unfortunately, like my original Gmail account (nycgalout), it’s living on in Google purgatory. Still functionable, but inaccessible to me (or anyone else for that matter).
My original write-ups for this toy review is on my personal blog, you can check out the Target Toy Story Signature Collection Review and the Mediacom Toy Story Woody write-up.
Was it worth all the hype?
Pros: Based on actual Disney-Pixar digital data, Woody’s face, outfit, and pull-string voice box are very good. Fans on Reddit called it “the best Woody toy ever made,” praising its premium build and collector appeal. Came with a Certificate of Authenticity, a rare find in standard retail — elevating the experience above knock-off or basic versions .
Cons: Pricey for a fan. At around $90, some felt it was steep compared to other licensed offerings — though most agreed it justified the expense.
Limited shelf life: Once Thinkway Toys ceased operations in December 2021, the Signature Collection was discontinued entirely, meaning no restocks or replacements past this point.
If you’re a true Toy Story stan or a hardcore collector, this Woody is worth the splurge. He’s detailed, articulated for a pull-string doll, and backed with a packaging box that looks very movie accurate.
This isn’t your basic toy-box Woody. At nearly 90 bucks retail, it’s more investment than impulse buy. You either need this for your display shelf or it’s kinda overkill, and since the line shut down in December 2021 when Thinkway closed shop, there’s no second chance if you let it pass by if you see it as a re-sell on eBay for double the price.
TL;DR
Availability: April 2019 at Target only
Price at launch: ~$100 (total when calculating sales tax)
Great for: Collectors and diehard Toy Story fans
Not ideal for: Casual kids’ play (too nice to roughhouse!)
If you’re deciding whether to hunt one down second‑hand or keep your budget for vintage VHS tapes of I Love Lucy, it really depends whether you want Woody to flex on your shelf or survive sandbox adventures. Either way, this Woody was the best cowboy for the job — even if he isn’t roaming the shelves anymore.
Why Thinkway Toys Went Out of Business
Thinkway Toys, a Canadian company known for bringing Toy Story characters like Woody and Buzz to life in high-quality figures — operated from 1984 until it shut down in 2021. The closure wasn’t driven by scandal or lawsuits; it was simply a case of the business running its course, according to firsthand accounts.
Slumping Product Reception
Their Toy Story 4 line (2019) drew criticism for poor build quality compared to earlier offerings, which significantly damaged their reputation among collectors and fans.
Thinkway at times struggled with meeting high demand, like when they failed to supply enough merchandise to capitalize fully on the popularity of Toy Story — leading to lost revenue opportunities. By summer 2023, their closure was confirmed publicly and their legacy site and headquarters were no longer in operation.
Here’s the lowdown on Medicom Toy’s “Ultimate Woody” figure from Toy Story:
Overview & Release
Medicom’s Ultimate Woody is a 15-inch non-scale PVC/ABS action figure, originally released around 2015 (with reissues in later years) richly detailed to replicate the on-screen Woody from Toy Story. Despite being Japan-made, it’s sold internationally via specialty retailers and auction platforms.
Sculpted with near-flawless movie accuracy, capturing Woody’s friendly face, embroidery detail on the vest, and realistic fabric textures. Features solid PVC/ABS construction — more collectible statue than plush toy. Durable, posable limbs and premium matte paint give it a high-end vibe. The packaging impresses a display-worthy window box and elegant design that collectors rave over.
Pros & Cons
- Incredibly movie-accurate facial sculpt.
- Hefty price tag (often $400–$600+ for sealed units).
- Lifesize presence in a manageable collectible form.
- Not intended for rough play. It’s more display figure than toy.
- Packaging built for collectors.
- Limited editions get snapped up fast, especially reissues.
- Durable ABS/PVC build & solid joints.
- No pull-string voice feature like Signature Collection Woody figures.
This Ultimate Woody is like meeting Tom Hanks in doll form — exactly who he is supposed to be, but minus the snark. He’s tall, he’s handsome, and every stitch on his vest knows what it’s doing. The face is impeccable; you can almost hear his classic lines without pulling the string. Listen, this is a collector’s piece, not something you toss in a sandbox. It’s pricey, so only commit if you’re ready to let Woody flex on your shelf for real.
Final Verdict
Best for: Comic-book-level collectors, Toy Story loyalists, and display aficionados who trade playability for hyper-realistic presence.
Not for: Casual kiddos, budget-conscious casual fans, or anyone expecting interactive features.
Estimated price range: $400–$600+ sealed; but even open-box or Japanese seller listings still command hundreds.
TL;DR
Medicom’s Ultimate Woody is a stunning, oversized collectible — nearly life-size in detail — with exquisite sculpt and packaging, made for serious fans, not playtime chaos. Just expect to spend like you’re collecting vintage Lucille Ball memorabilia.
NYC GAL OUT ♡ Pod 
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