PRESS: Retrospekt and Peanuts Release “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Cassette Player Packaged with the Classic Vince Guaraldi Soundtrack
November 18, 2024
MILWAUKEE — Retrospekt, a product design and development studio dedicated to creating unique experiences through new and refurbished retro tech products, is teaming up with Peanuts to spread the sound of holiday cheer with a brand new CP-81 portable cassette player and cassette tape box set, featuring the sights and sounds of a perennial holiday favorite, the beloved animated special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” by Charles Schulz, Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez.
The Retrospekt CP-81 cassette player features Christmas-themed artwork pulled directly from the animated special and comes packaged with headphones and a limited edition, red-shell cassette tape featuring the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s iconic 1965 soundtrack to "A Charlie Brown Christmas." This very special set, releasing ahead of the special's 60th anniversary next year, captures the timeless charm that has made the Christmas classic a multi-generational staple.
“The music component is so important because the album provides a soundtrack to the entire season that can be listened to again and again, ” says Retrospekt Creative Director Michael Kempen. “With this set we wanted to create something worthy of holiday tradition. An immersive way of experiencing this piece of music through an object that could be cherished and brought out year-after-year, much like a special ornament, handmade stocking or favorite cookie recipe.”
The player has a clean, snowy white design adorned with festive graphics including an iconic scene showing the Peanuts gang celebrating around the Christmas tree with Snoopy perched on top, taken directly from the original album cover. Not to be forgotten, on the back of the player is Charlie Brown’s iconic "pathetic tree" — a symbol of the special’s enduring message. Red accents, including matching headphones, complement the red-shell cassette, which, when listening, can be seen through the player's display window.
“Christmas music isn’t really presented in album format outside of the compilation-realm. People can name the standards, even who sings what they consider to be ‘the definitive version,’ but not many could name a second song from those same albums,” says Kempen. “With his soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas, Vince Guaraldi crafted a cohesive holiday album that radiates a warmth of holiday spirit. It’s worth every minute, front to back.’”
The Retrospekt x Peanuts “A Charlie Brown Christmas” CP-81 Portable Cassette Player Set ($109) will be available for purchase on Retrospekt's website starting November 18th. You can also purchase the special-edition red-shell soundtrack cassette ($12) separately.
Whether displayed alongside traditional decorations, AUXed into your stereo to score holiday gatherings or given as a thoughtful gift, this set offers a unique way to experience a beloved holiday classic that has touched the hearts of generations again and again.
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About Retrospekt
Retrospekt is a highly specialized workshop and product design studio in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, committed to exploring, restoring and curating retro technology. The company started its foray into the world of retro tech by supplying Polaroid with refurbished and restored vintage instant cameras and now offers a full line of vintage camera models in addition to developing official product collaborations with both national and international brands, such as Peanuts, Mattel, Sanrio and FENDI.
Since 2008, Retrospekt has pursued vintage electronics and the delight of analog technology, breathing new life into cameras, portable cassette players, classic gaming consoles and other retro tech oddities. Over the last decade, its team has saved over 300,000 devices with a comprehensive refurbishment process that faithfully restores each item to perform like it did the day it was originally manufactured.
In an increasingly fast-paced world, it can be easy for digital convenience to become digital overload. Retrospekt hopes the items they offer will allow people to slow down, step back and enjoy a more tactile and intentional experience. Visit Retrospekt.com for more information on the company and its offerings.
About Peanuts
The characters of Peanuts and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide, which is 41% owned by WildBrain Ltd., 39% owned by Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and 20% owned by the family of Charles M. Schulz, who first introduced the world to Peanuts in 1950, when the comic strip debuted in seven newspapers. Since then, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang have made an indelible mark on popular culture. In addition to enjoying beloved Peanuts shows and specials on Apple TV+, fans of all ages celebrate the Peanuts brand worldwide through thousands of consumer products, as well as amusement park attractions, cultural events, social media, and comic strips available in all formats, from traditional to digital. In 2018, Peanuts partnered with NASA on a multi-year Space Act Agreement designed to inspire a passion for space exploration and STEM among the next generation of students.
About Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Inc.
Lee Mendelson Film Productions (LMFP) is the Publisher of the Vince Guaraldi musical catalog associated with Peanuts. LMFP is also the producer of the classic Peanuts television specials, including A Charlie Brown Christmas, It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, along with the Hollywood animation studio Bill Melendez Productions. LMFP also produced over 50 other network Peanuts specials, 12 prime time Garfield specials, 121-program series “Garfield and Friends” and many other film and television animated, documentary and entertainment programs. Founded by the late Lee Mendelson in 1963, Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Inc., has received 11 Emmy Awards (from 45 nominations) and four Peabody Awards, as well as producing projects that have received Grammy and Academy Award nominations.
Media Contacts
Lexie Capperella, for Retrospekt
lexie@gregoryfca.com