Disney Pixar’s Monsters University inspires merchandise, eye-opening deals

Fans of Disney Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” have less than a month until the prequel, “Monsters University,” hits theaters on June 21. In the meantime, The Walt Disney Co. is kicking its promotion into high gear with lots of merchandise and eye-opening deals. Here is a look at the latest from Mike and Sully. (And, of course, AllEars will have team coverage of the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter at Walt Disney World and Disneyland on Friday. Stay tuned for our reports!)

Monsters University Storybook Deluxe app

Disney Publishing has released a new app in its Storybook Deluxe series that is a companion to the upcoming prequel film. Like its counterparts, this animated storybook is interactive, offering kids the opportunity to participate in the story by touching the screen in various ways. They also can choose to read the story themselves or turn on narration.

The app also includes the tools for each user to create his or her own Monsters University ID badge. Kids ages 6 to 10 are invited to take a photo of themselves with their mobile devices or select one already stored there and then “Monsterify” it by adding various effects for eyes, ears, horns and more. That never gets old! There also are five games, but they all work on the same principle: The player must dodge objects on his or her journey to the simulator kid, who must be made to scream.

As I’ve written before, I think the Disney storybook apps are great portable tools for young readers and Disney fans. On this app, I wish there were more variety in the games, but the badge option is pretty entertaining. Monsters University Storybook Deluxe sells for $6.99 in the iTunes App Store for the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad Mini.

Monsters University soundtrack

The “Monsters University” soundtrack is set to be released on June 18 and is available for pre-order on Amazon.com for $14.99. The 20-song CD features an original score composed and conducted by Randy Newman, who recently was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Disney Visa Card members can claim a special deal through June 17 — pre-order a download of the “Monsters University” soundtrack for just $7.99 with their credit cards. The deal is good after the release date, too, through July 31.

Monsters University movie tickets

Disney Movie Rewards members who purchase specific Disney-Pixar DVDs can earn free vouchers for admission to “Monsters University.” Members must purchase “Monsters, Inc.” 5-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition; “Monsters, Inc.” 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack; or “Monsters, Inc.” 3-Disc DVD Combo pack to earn a $10 voucher. The “Monsters, Inc.” and “Finding Nemo” DVDs are worth $8 movie tickets when the codes are entered disneymovierewards.com. This offer is valid through July 31.

You also can earn free movie tickets for Monsters University from Kellogg’s. Find codes printed inside specially marked cereals and enter them on the Kellogg’s Family Rewards website. It takes 6 codes to earn one e-Movie Cash ticket good for a Disney movie. Participating cereals include Krave, Mini-Wheats, Rice Krispies, Apple Jacks, Crunchy Nuts, Corn Pops, Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops and Crispix.

Monsters University Sweepstakes

There’s still time to enter the Monsters University Sweepstakes, which will award a grand-prize trip for six people to Walt Disney World. The vacation includes roundtrip airfare, a stay at Art of Animation resort, 5-Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper, a VIP tour guide for a day and a $650 Disney Store gift card. First prize is a $1,000 Disney gift card.

This sweepstakes is open to Disney Movie Rewards members age 13 and older and ends June 2. Members may enter once for free and then up to 99 additional times by redeeming DMR points or by mailing a 3.5 x 5 postcard with the appropriate information for each entry. (See website for official rules.)