The Upper Deck Company Set to Release All Star Vinyl Action Figure of Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin

Leader in the Sports Collectible Industry to Premier Exclusive Figure Based 'Stylized Realism' Found in Comic-Book Art Figures to Debut May 15th

CARLSBAD, Calif., May 14, 2007 -- On May 15th at 9:08 am (PDT) collectors and sports fanatics alike will be racing to be one of the lucky fans to secure the new Alexander Ovechkin All-Star Vinyl action figure. Ovechkin is the second NHLer to have his likeness portrayed in the coveted vinyl style produced by Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA). Produced to keep the print run low to protect collectors' long-term investment, UDA has produced 1500 "home" edition and 500 of the "road" version.

The Alexander Ovechkin action figure is available exclusively on www.allstarvinyl.com, the home edition will sell for $49.99 (USD) and the more limited road edition will be sold only on launch day in a dual home and road dual pack for $99.99.

The number one overall pick in the 2004 draft and 2006 Olympian, Ovechkin has been a prolific scorer for the Washington Capitals, earning himself the title of Rookie of the Month for the months of December '05 and January '06. Additionally, the Russian native won the Calder Memorial Trophy for the 2005-2006 season -- an accolade that is awarded to the NHL's top rookie.

"Upper Deck is committed to bringing the best athletes in the world to our collectors," said Dave Sanders, All-Star Vinyl Brand Manager. "It makes perfect sense to have Alexander Ovechkin as the second NHL player to have an action figure available to collectors. Ovechkin is a great addition to our team. We anticipate his All Star Vinyl figures to be very popular among his fans around the world."

More on Upper Deck's All-Star Vinyl Action Figurines

At 11 inches and produced in the underground style of urban vinyl, Upper Deck's All-Star Vinyl action figures are a combination of art and realism not typically found in sports licensed products. "In this medium, our designers are able to have fun by adding or playing up on player attributes and subtleties that give life to these athletes, highlight their distinct features, playing style -- design characteristics that make them highly unique in comparison to more traditional based sports figures."

To offer more details on the All-Star Vinyl figures, Upper Deck has set up dedicated web site with a blog written by Sanders -- allstarvinyl.com. It will also give consumers a first look at upcoming sports action figure launches throughout the year, giving insight into the athletes to be featured, as well as the artist and sculptor behind the piece.

History of Urban Vinyl Collectibles

The trend of urban vinyl collectibles originated in Hong Kong and Japan, recently becoming popular in the United States. A sign of its popularity: at the Toy Fair last February, the industry officially recognized this trend with its own exhibit hall titled "Urban Bazaar: Indie Art Toys."

Urban vinyl figures, or designer toys, are thought of as not just toys, but as pieces of art. Usually made of soft roto-cast PVC, referred to by collectors as "vinyl," many of the industry's product launches are held at gallery openings or release parties where the toys are displayed side-by-side with paintings and other types of art.

About the Upper Deck Company

Founded in 1988, The Upper Deck Co. is a premier global sports and entertainment-publishing company that delivers a portfolio of relevant, innovative and multi-dimensional product experiences to collectors, sports and entertainment enthusiasts. For more information on Upper Deck and its products, please visit www.upperdeck.com or www.upperdeckstore.com.