Legolas Prod Pics Up

[pjam]

http://www.sideshowtoy.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=9208

[pixletwin]

pjam. you are wanted in the "What Do You Freaks Look Like" thread. Please fo there immediately..

http://www.sideshowtoy.com/mas_assets/jpg/9208_press02-001.jpg

By theway, legolas doesn't look 1/2 bad! :D His twiggy legs are gone and his face looks kinda wooden and square jawed, but other than that he looks great. Can't wait to see what some customizers do with him.

[The Mike]

I like it. The face looks different to me...not bad or worse just different...

[nash]

hell yeah! im officially stoked! his box looks awesome as well.

[nash]

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/3976/92081press01001mn0.jpg

The cloak is awesome!

[The Josh]

The legs where never an issue but I'm not liking the changes that where made to the sculpt. It's not an improvement the changes that where made.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3308/leg1uj9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Darth Loki]

pjam. you are wanted in the "What Do You Freaks Look Like" thread. Please fo there immediately..

http://www.sideshowtoy.com/mas_assets/jpg/9208_press02-001.jpg

By theway, legolas doesn't look 1/2 bad! :D His twiggy legs are gone and his face looks kinda wooden and square jawed, but other than that he looks great. Can't wait to see what some customizers do with him.


As Jay said in Dogma "What the F@ck happened to that guy's head?"


I don't know why they changed it but it wasn't a change for the good. I'm not sure I'm going to be keeping this line after all which is really sad.

[pjam]

I think he looks great! New vtr too (I think) and the legs ARE pretty skinny as all SSC body legs seem to be, but I'm just gonna pad/wrap them with adhesive tape or something and they'll look fine...

Pix, haven't checked that thread out yet but thanks for the heads up...

[Khev]

His face looks like the bald guy from "Who's Line is it Anyway?"

[The Josh]

I don't know why they changed it but it wasn't a change for the good. I'm not sure I'm going to be keeping this line after all which is really sad.

Yeah, it's not a good change but I wonder how much NL had to say in any changes. I mean Lucasfilm made Andy change a few things to his Mace sculpt per his own words in his collection thread. Either way I'm not a fan of the changes.

[LOTRFan]

It would appear that his head is decidedly more narrow .... :confused:

[Darth Loki]

The legs where never an issue but I'm not liking the changes that where made to the sculpt. It's not an improvement the changes that where made.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3308/leg1uj9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Thank you. I was going to ask if someone could post a comparison pic. It's still not a bad sculpt, but most people thought this was one of the best 12" sculpts ever. It certainly isn't that any more.

Can SS please explain why we are getting a different sculpt after the prototype was PERFECT!!!?

[Batty]

I'm not sure if I'm happy with the sculpt changes. He looks more worried than before. And, is it me or is his jaw bigger?

And we're waiting pjam.

http://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showthread.php?p=317270#post317270

[wofford29]

wow, what happened to the sculpt Sideshow?

[The Josh]

Thank you. I was going to ask if someone could post a comparison pic. It's still not a bad sculpt, but most people thought this was one of the best 12" sculpts ever. It certainly isn't that any more.

Can SS please explain why we are getting a different sculpt after the prototype was PERFECT!!!?

No problem. After seeing the pics I had to compare them because I was like huh. No it's still a good sculpt but I don't like the changes.

I doubt they'll be able to because I'd bet the house some of it was NL (based on how Lucasfilm does things) and I'm sure in their contract they can't talk about stuff like that. Otherwise goodbye contract. Trade secret type stuff I'm sure.

[wofford29]

what really sucks is that it looks like we got some half way decent paint apps this go around and then they muck up the sculpt.

[Wetanut]

Interesting....of all the initial pics we've had of these pieces, Leggie seemed to be the best in likenesses. Wonder why they've filled out his lower face/jaw...or did they and it's just a new pose/angle to give that impression? Don't know what to think of this change....will have to give it a bit more time to adjust to it before I can come up with a fair answer.

[Agent23]

to me it looks nothing like the prototype (and not for the better). Which is not unusual by now...

I am glad I decided to cancel and skip this line.

:cool:

[pjam]

I'm not sure if I'm happy with the sculpt changes. He looks more worried than before. And, is it me or is his jaw bigger?

And we're waiting pjam.

http://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showthread.php?p=317270#post317270

I must say I DO like the proto sculpt better, seems they widened his eyes and the paint apps on the eyebrows are, again, not great but overall I still think it's a great figure, will wait to have him in hand...

It seems SSC has continued to deliver a product different than the one offered, again HS changes where they were not warranted. I NEVER see changes from Proto to Prod pieces with Medicom or Hot Toys. I just don't understand why SSC is still inconsistent in this area, it is a definite problem.

Oh and thanks brother batty... I'll get to it, geez! :D

[lcummins]

No problem. After seeing the pics I had to compare them because I was like huh. No it's still a good sculpt but I don't like the changes.

I doubt they'll be able to because I'd bet the house some of it was NL (based on how Lucasfilm does things) and I'm sure in their contract they can't talk about stuff like that. Otherwise goodbye contract. Trade secret type stuff I'm sure.

But we never see a prototype until the licensor has approved the sculpt, so it is unlikely that the licensor requested changes (although I guess it is possible even after approval). I'm guessing production problems caused the changes...

[nash]

maybe that's a reason why andy left?

[LOTRFan]

But we never see a prototype until the licensor has approved the sculpt, so it is unlikely that the licensor requested changes (although I guess it is possible even after approval). I'm guessing production problems caused the changes...

Indeed, it would appear that the mold was stepped on! :horror

[Batty]

Oh and thanks brother batty... I'll get to it, geez! :D
:lol :lol :lol

[FlyAndFight]

I'm honestly confused as to why they would change the sculpt. Usually it's the paint apps that disappoints but why ignore the old rule, "...if it ain't broke, don't fix it..." :confused:

[The Josh]

But we never see a prototype until the licensor has approved the sculpt, so it is unlikely that the licensor requested changes (although I guess it is possible even after approval). I'm guessing production problems caused the changes...

It's a prototype for a reason meaning just like the GG piece from Jabba pending approval or the GG pieces we've seen at SDCC with no photos sign. We're seeing a proto which means it might have slight approval but not final.

I'm just guessing here.

[Bonehead15]

WTF?!?! :confused:

This is why SS should really put production pics up weeks before an item ships. If they're going to change an item at the very least they could warn their customers. I see a lot of cancelations comming.

If Boromir isn't spectacular, I think this line will be in serious trouble.

I must say that I'm quite unhappy with the changes to the sculpt. :mad: The rest of the figure looks great.

[FlyAndFight]

After studying Josh's pics more, I think it's a combination of sculpt changes (those eyes are obviously different) AND paint applications. The eyebrows are once again reminiscient of Groucho Marx...

[galactiboy]

I'm interested to see what he looks like in hand... with their notoriously bad photo skills he might not be a square-jawed. But right now he kinda looks like a Jock version of Legolas:lol

[FlyAndFight]

...but I learned my lesson with Aragorn:

Proto: 10 of 10

initial pics: 6 of 10

In hand: 8 of 10

It will never be as good as the protos but not as bad as the pics posted...

[Agent23]

I just don't understand how a figure can look so much different then the original prototype?

:confused:

He looks nothing like the prototype, IMO. He looks like he lost 50 lbs. (if that's possible) and like he aged 30 years....

Liek I said before....PASS!

[The Josh]

...but I learned my lesson with Aragorn:

Proto: 10 of 10

initial pics: 6 of 10

In hand: 8 of 10

It will never be as good as the protos but not as bad as the pics posted...

I think that's about right for where we're going.

[The Josh]

I just don't understand how a figure can look so much different then the original prototype?

:confused:

He looks nothing like the prototype, IMO. He looks like he lost 50 lbs. (if that's possible) and like he aged 30 years....

ME has a meth problem. I guess. :rotfl

[nash]

I'm interested to see what he looks like in hand... with their notoriously bad photo skills he might not be a square-jawed. But right now he kinda looks like a Jock version of Legolas:lol

yeah you can tell that the light they used for the production pics are quite harsh.

[Fritz]

I'm not feeling the production images. :(

To help eliminate paint application in the comparison, here's Josh's pic in grayscale...

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/8295/leggycopyac3.jpg

[KamenGuyver]

Once again we need hunky_artist.

The outfit and accessories look good, tho.

[pjam]

I must say I DO like the proto sculpt better, seems they widened his eyes and the paint apps on the eyebrows are, again, not great but overall I still think it's a great figure, will wait to have him in hand...

It seems SSC has continued to deliver a product different than the one offered, again HS changes where they were not warranted. I NEVER see changes from Proto to Prod pieces with Medicom or Hot Toys. I just don't understand why SSC is still inconsistent in this area, it is a definite problem.

Repost, I think it may have gotton swept in the undertow. :lol

[abstractharmony]

I still like it...

It appears as though the proto's eye area is a lot 'lighter' than the Prod. piece and that's accounting for some of the changes but I think that the major part of it may be an angle thing.

If you look at the exclusive pic wearing the cloak it's still a nice Orlando lookalike piece.

No - I'm happy!

[Batty]

I'm not feeling the production images. :(

To help eliminate paint application in the comparison, here's Josh's pic in grayscale...


Wow! The changes are even more pronounced. Why would they do this? :confused:

[pixletwin]

His face looks like the bald guy from "Who's Line is it Anyway?"

You mean this guy? http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Nov-25-Fri-2005/photos/mochrie.jpg :lol

http://www.sideshowtoy.com/mas_assets/jpg/9208_press02-001.jpg


I think you are right!

[Seaward]

Thanks for the gray pictures Fritz! The Production photos are certainly...umm...different. I am not sure how it might look in hand, as the face seems skinnier, but stronger some how...:confused:

The profile of the face in the full body shot looks a lot like Legolas, but comparing the two, it is a headscratcher.

[choopie]

Geez, what happened? The original photo looks ALOT better. The final version doesn't even come close, IMO.

Honestly, what a joke. I'm not sure what's going on with this line, but it's not turning out what I had expected. Makes me wonder what Boromir and Faramir will look like.

[Khev]

You mean this guy? http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Nov-25-Fri-2005/photos/mochrie.jpg :lol
Yep. :) Apparently New Line not only has bad blood between Peter Jackson for suing them, but also Andy Bergholtz for defecting to DC. Early reports indicate that they requested that SS scrap Andy's initial prototype and hand the sculpting duties over to Michael Bay instead. The exclusive accessory is now an explosion.

[Calle_Sandell]

I'm with you Choopie!

The original photo looks alot more better!

very, very disapointing Sideshow!!!!

[BadMoon]

It looks like they mucked up the eyes in the final version. That's what to me makes it look less like Orlando Bloom. I will still keep it though. I am now considering though canceling the rest of the characters. But then again we seem to always bash Sideshow when the release final photos. Thats an argument for a different thread though.

[pixletwin]

It looks like they mucked up the eyes in the final version. That's what to me makes it look less like Orlando Bloom. ...

Yup. The proto had squinty eyes which were.. well, Legolas. The fact that the die hards are all coming out and expressing their disapproval is disheartening.

[Darth Loki]

Like those that have said before, why change a perfect sculpt? What could NL have possibly complained about? I get the GG Slave Leia changes, but this was IMO the best 12" sculpt I've seen. I was really looking forward to this figure and now I'm considering dropping the entire line. I really can't wait to see in hand photos, but I really doubt it's going to look any better.

[pjam]

Dare I ask...

Can anyone tell if the 360 is new, cause he looks better there?

[pixletwin]

Dare I ask...

Can anyone tell if the 360 is new, cause he looks better there?

Nope. That is the original one.

[Alice Adrenochrome]

Now that was a surprise! Legolas looks completely different now. Not necessarily better than the prototype I think, and I'm not sure if I like the changes, but I'll eventually get used to his new face... Cloths where better before also. Thoughts of abandoning this line come up in my mind.

[Wor-Gar]

http://www.sideshowtoy.com/mas_assets/jpg/9208_press02-001.jpg

I just got here... so who the hell is that???

:confused:

[pjam]

Nope. That is the original one.

Oops... Okay, I take that back. :lol

Can someone from SSC please tell us why prod HS are changed from protos and why we never know until the last moment? I never see this with Hot Toys or Medicom, the protos always match prods.

[pixletwin]

You guys just wit till they release Drew Carrey. This line will really take off then! :lol

(just kidding. I don't think he is that bad.) :o

[Khev]

Boromir production pics are up!

http://www.apocprod.com/images/TORN_party/boromir.jpg

[Wor-Gar]

His head did get stretched somehow -- or the sculpt "narrowed" in one of those mystery processes.

[Batty]

And here he comes.

Dear Valued Collector,

Thank you for your pre-order of our 12” Legolas Greenleaf – Sideshow Exclusive (item #92081) from our The Lord of the Rings 12-inch Figure Collection. We appreciate your patience in awaiting the arrival of this Limited Edition, Sold Out collectible.

At this time, we would like to inform you that this item is estimated to arrive into our warehouse within the next 3-5 days. We will BEGIN “pre-authorizing” credit cards for this purchase within the next 24 hours, in the sequence in which all of the pre-orders for this item were placed. A “pre-auth” is not a direct charge, but is a “hold” of funds pending the shipment of your order. Your credit card will be charged once the item is shipped from our warehouse.

[pjam]

His head did get stretched somehow -- or the sculpt "narrowed" in one of those mystery processes.

The eyes were clearly widened a different/changed sculpt IMO.

[The Josh]

Still looking forward to him though but gonna need to see him in hand before I'm nearly as impressed as I was with the proto.

[Zoomaround]

I'm just glad his face isn't too feminine. IMHO, It's a lot better than the WETA statute & bust. I can't wait to have him in hand.

[pixletwin]

The eyes were clearly widened a different/changed sculpt IMO.

I think you may be right. maybe we should ask Andy if this is his sculpt or not. And if not, WTF??!!!

[The Josh]

I'm just glad his face isn't too feminine. IMHO, It's a lot better than the WETA statute & bust. I can't wait to have him in hand.

The best Legolas so far IMO is the Legolas/Gimli Rider piece.

[TheObsoleteMan]

I just got here... so who the hell is that???

:confused:
John Tesh as an elf as far as I can tell.

[Fritz]

Anyone got a Weta Legolas Statue to do a side by side?

[Trevolver]

to me, it looks more like the casting has shrunk him in a bit on the sides.
Trev

[pjam]

to me, it looks more like the casting has shrunk him in a bit on the sides.
Trev

Trev, how would that account for the different looking eyes?

[Wor-Gar]

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3308/leg1uj9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Do the eyes look different? Or are they just tilted slightly downward at the ends -- due to the shrinkage/narrowing at the cheek bones?

If you look, you can also see the ears have tilted outward as well -- as if someone squeezed the sculpt inward at the cheeks.

Unless its the photo, the whole sculpt is "squished".

[The Josh]

Anyone got a Weta Legolas Statue to do a side by side?

Not a great job but here ya go.

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/3603/leg1sxe8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[pjam]

Do the eyes look different? Or are they just tilted slightly downward at the ends -- due to the shrinkage/narrowing at the cheek bones?


The eye shape looks completely different to me... plus they repainted the pupils differently too... AND the right eyebrow is off, painted over the brow line... but hopefully that is an anomaly, but somehow I doubt it.

[TheObsoleteMan]

Just like Aragorn, Legolas lost his penetrating stare in the production process.

[Darth Loki]

The proto is still the best likeness to date. It's such a shame :monkey2

But I agree, the Leg/Gimli statue has the best likeness from a production run.

[KAOSINLA]

Definitely looks like a sculpt change to me, not camerawork. Lighting may account for the paint apps, but this sculpt has been changed for the worse.:confused:

[pixletwin]

Trev, how would that account for the different looking eyes?

and the new jaw line and the bigger mouth... hairpiece is the same though, from what I can tell.

[Mookeylama]

to me, it looks more like the casting has shrunk him in a bit on the sides.
Trev
yeah it looks like someone took their forefinger and thumb, placed them on his jawline right below the cheeks, and lightly squeezed the mold, making it narrower and tilting his eyes downward at the outer edges. SS REALLY needs to monitor the mold making process more closely.

[The Josh]

Here's the production that I messed with in my new photo program. Sharpened it a bit and played with the brightness/contrast.

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8427/9208press02001in1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[KAOSINLA]

It's really a shame....Aside from perfection of Lurtz, I thought that SS (minus the SS/W figures) really had a good thing going with Legolas.

[Wor-Gar]

yeah it looks like someone took their forefinger and thumb, placed them on his jawline right below the cheeks, and lightly squeezed the mold, making it narrower and tilting his eyes downward at the outer edges. SS REALLY needs to monitor the mold making process more closely.

That's exactly what I was saying.

He looks Elfin... but more like Legolas' tougher older brother.

I must say, I'm disappointed. But I will hold complete judgement until I have him in hand.

[Trevolver]

I think the eyes are probably a very subtle paint issue...I'm constantly surprised and bewildered at how insanely subtle changes can throw a face off. whether it be sculpt or paint. you'd be surprised at how much a face can improve with the tiniest change of an angle. and on the contrary, how much things can go wonky with the slightest change of an angle. it's a mess! :)

I still think it's a casting issue here, though, coupled with the natural production paint op deviations. (the photo angle is a bit different too) but trust your own judgment, always!

Trev

[galactiboy]

...but I learned my lesson with Aragorn:

Proto: 10 of 10

initial pics: 6 of 10

In hand: 8 of 10

It will never be as good as the protos but not as bad as the pics posted...

I think this bears repeating... don't get too worried yet. Wait till hes in hand then freak out. I never trust the photos because they are almost always terrible and misleading.

[Darth Loki]

That's exactly what I was saying.

He looks Elfin... but more like Legolas' tougher older brother.

I must say, I'm disappointed. But I will hold complete judgement until I have him in hand.


Agreed. I think if this were the original photo there would've been a few, but not many complaints. But going from perfect to this is just a step in the wrong direction.

[Zoomaround]

I also agree that Leg/Gimli piece is a better representation of Legolas. I'm hoping that this 12" Legolas surpasses all the WETA pieces since I didn't purchase any of them. (Although, I do plan on purchasing Leg/Gimli in the future).

[pixletwin]

True. The prod shots of Ani and Obi were terrible compared to seeing it in hand.

[tomandshell]

I can't quite put my finger on it, but it looks critically different. It's strange that the change doesn't look to be a result of the paint. The jaw just looks like it has a different shape to it. Not bad--just different. He looks tougher and less svelte and elven.

[Protozaius]

It looks like the molding process elongated the head. Funny, this same thing happened to Darla from the Buffy line, another one of Andy's sculpts.

Sure, I'm dissappointed. How can you NOT be when compared to such an amazing prototype? But I still think it is far and away a better sculpt of Legolas than anything Weta tried to produce. The Weta Legolas bust in particular is dreadful. :monkey4 :monkey4 :monkey4

If you are looking for a better sculpt you might have to wait until GG does their bust of him. They seem to be knocking LOTR likenesses out of the park on a regular basis.

As for me, after seeing the production shots of SS 12" Aragorn, I cancelled ALL of my LOTR 12" exclusives. After seeing those beautiful museum quality prototypes of the 12" LOTR line at SDCC last summer, I hated seeing that production piece. Boy, did I ever over-react. Dave said I would regret it and was right.

Since then, I've picked up the non-exclusive Aragorn for $30 (I figured that I would probably keep the cloak and pipe in the box anyway) and I'm VERY happy with the purchase. In hand, a SS figure is far more impressive than you would think lookking at the pictures.

So here I sit on the Wait List for BOTH Legolas and Boromir... hoping to jump back on the bandwagon that I so soundedly jump off of... :monkey2 :monkey2 :monkey2

[tomandshell]

So here I sit on the Wait List for BOTH Legolas and Boromir... hoping to jump back on the bandwagon that I so soundedly jump off of... :monkey2 :monkey2 :monkey2

Well, I cancelled all of mine as well. So mine will be going to somebody on the wait list. Good luck to you!!

I am just going to hold out and wait through the long slow pace of the PF line instead.

[Seth Gecko]

wow, what happened to the sculpt Sideshow?


Yet again the protos look better disappointing.

[anti-hero]

So here I sit on the Wait List for BOTH Legolas and Boromir... hoping to jump back on the bandwagon that I so soundedly jump off of... :monkey2 :monkey2 :monkey2

I put my name on the waitlist for Legolas in late December and it converted last night. You'll get one.

[pjam]

I'm definitely NOT cancelling my exclusive. I really want to see this guy in hand.

[wofford29]

I think this bears repeating... don't get too worried yet. Wait till hes in hand then freak out. I never trust the photos because they are almost always terrible and misleading.


Usually the problem and *****ing is due to bad paint apps that always look better in hand. I can't think of the time when the *****ing about the look of a sculpt changing from photos to when you get it in hand ever being a good thing. Usually when a sculpt looks bad in photos, it looks bad in person, as long as the paint isn't the issue. That's why I'm worried.

[Batty]

I'm definitely NOT cancelling my exclusive. I really want to see this guy in hand.
Me, too. I was really worried about Aragorn before I got him, but once he was in hand, I was very happy to have him.

[Protozaius]

I put my name on the waitlist for Legolas in late December and it converted last night. You'll get one.

Well, that gives me some hope... I put my name on the waitlist REALLY late... 1/05/07 to be exact. I really want the Lothlorien cloak that comes with the exclusive. I think it really accents the Legolas figure well. I'm hoping to get a matching cape for Boromir too... as well as that ugly severed orc head.

On the plus side, I do have an exclusive Faramir on order... and there is NO I'm cancelling him. :rolleyes:

[Shai Hulud]

This aint Legolas anymore.Period.

[anti-hero]

Um...maybe I'm blind...but I don't see a difference. I mean the paint is definitely better on the proto but that's almost always the case. It looks like the chin may have gotten bigger but when the pics are different sizes and from slightly different angles it's hard to tell. But looking at each facial feature seperatley i couldn't see too many differences. I mostly just see the different paint. Is there a way to lay one over the other to see for sure?

[Amanaman]

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/365/9208press02001dd3.jpg

:confused:

[rabidwolverine21]

i dont like the way it turned out personaly.

[pjam]

Me, too. I was really worried about Aragorn before I got him, but once he was in hand, I was very happy to have him.

Yep, it's all there, outfit, weapons, detail, etc. If all it takes is a little paint tweak to make this guy amazing there is no way I'm letting him go.

[ichabod]

Ugh! How very disappointing! It's like a bait and switch. Pre-order this gorgeous sculpt now and a year leter we'll send you whatever it is we end up with.

Hopefully, as many have stated, he'll look much better in-hand, but the prototype looked so daggone perfect online (and in-person at San Diego) that this is downright heartbreaking. The production version has totally destroyed the delicacy of the elf's features.

:( :legolas

[tomandshell]

Now that I see them side by side the difference between them is lessened, but it still seems somehow different. It's strange--it's not like Anakin's dark lips or anything like that. It just looks a bit less like Orlando Bloom. But I am less convinced that the face has a different shape to it. It does appear to be the paint, the lighting and the angle. It's very important to note how the lighting on the prototype casts a bit of shadow, making the face appear slimmer. The harsher lighting on the production sample makes the face look fatter/wider.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4070/legoliiic1.jpg

[galactiboy]

Usually the problem and *****ing is due to bad paint apps that always look better in hand. I can't think of the time when the *****ing about the look of a sculpt changing from photos to when you get it in hand ever being a good thing. Usually when a sculpt looks bad in photos, it looks bad in person, as long as the paint isn't the issue. That's why I'm worried.

I agree with you there, the paint actually looks pretty damn good but the sculpt seems odd. However, the 2D pictures really can distort. I know with Han his face looked terrible in almost ever picture I've seen. But in person (IMO) its a great looking sculpt.

So, for me I'm concerned about Legolas at this point... but I'm not gonna start canceling and pulling up stakes quite yet :D

[Seaward]

The profile shot of the full figure still looks totally amazing, and I am happy to wait until the final figure arrives at my doorstep.

The suede on his tunic looks markedly different as well, but the leather on Aragorn was top-notch, so I don't think I'll be disappointed.

[The Dwimmerlaik]

Actually the Legolas photo is pretty damn horrible, look at the clothing the SS guy that took the photo didnt cared about how the clothing wasd weared by the figure, there is more light in the head than in the proto, im expecting a good final figure if not i think ill say BB to this line

[DarkArtist81]

AND LO I DID SCREAM FROM ATOP THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN-TOP......

:banana"REPAINT!":banana

:lol

Not really that upset... I think that as GB said... the pics have distorted the image and made it look different than it truly is. Some "sneaky" repainting... and he will be Legolas again.... :rock

[badgumbo]

This disappoints me to say the least. After the Aragorn fiasco, I had hoped Legolas would look better (closer to the proto). And, in comparison to the Aragorn, this does look like a much nicer production piece, but it now is to far off the Orlando likeness for me. Another cancelled exclusive for someone who sees hope.

Well, on the brightside, the Terminator was a pleasant surprise this week!

[Wor-Gar]

This bears repeating...

Now that I see them side by side the difference between them is lessened, but it still seems somehow different. It's strange--it's not like Anakin's dark lips or anything like that. It just looks a bit less like Orlando Bloom. But I am less convinced that the face has a different shape to it. It does appear to be the paint, the lighting and the angle. It's very important to note how the lighting on the prototype casts a bit of shadow, making the face appear slimmer. The harsher lighting on the production sample makes the face look fatter/wider.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4070/legoliiic1.jpg


Its something about that line from ear -- along the eyes -- to the other ear.

[Protozaius]

Another cancelled exclusive for someone who sees hope.

Thanks... from someone on the waiting list. :monkey3 :monkey3 :monkey3

[Batty]

Its something about that line from ear -- along the eyes -- to the other ear.
It could be that his head in the proto shot is tilted forward just a bit to make the eyes look lower and the chin/jaw smaller.

[DarkArtist81]

It could be that his head in the proto shot is tilted forward just a bit to make the eyes look lower and the chin/jaw smaller.

Yeah, that's what I noticed as well... The second (production) pic is looking upwards a tad whilst the Proto pics have the head tilted down. I think that is another thing that is skewing the pics here.

Everyone knows that at SSC, when pics are posted... all of the figures look like they sat on a long vertical pole and it got stuck. Just uncomfortably stiff. :rotfl

[MaulFan]

Well they have the return policy so I'll give it a shot, and I snuck in with the Exclusive Wait List so I won't blow that opportunity til I get it in hand, the face shots was a big WTF happened with his jawline cuz it looks like he has a massive chin there, but then in this image
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/3976/92081press01001mn0.jpg
he looks really good so I'm holding out for the good instead of the bad and the ugly. If he's as nice as this shot looks, then I'll be glad I kept him on order and if it's more like the portrait, he might head back to Sideshow.

[Vader AL]

Well they have the return policy so I'll give it a shot, and I snuck in with the Exclusive Wait List so I won't blow that opportunity til I get it in hand, the face shots was a big WTF happened with his jawline cuz it looks like he has a massive chin there, but then in this image
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/3976/92081press01001mn0.jpg
he looks really good so I'm holding out for the good instead of the bad and the ugly. If he's as nice as this shot looks, then I'll be glad I kept him on order and if it's more like the portrait, he might head back to Sideshow.

i agree with everything. will decide when it is in-hand.

[DannieDarKo]

Perfect! Crystal Meth Legolas will go well with my Sideshow Crack-head Aragorn.

http://www.sideshowtoy.com/mas_assets/jpg/9208_press02-001.jpghttp://www.sideshowtoy.com/mas_assets/jpg/9206_press03-001.jpg

[Batty]

Perfect! Crystal Meth Legolas will go will with my Sideshow Crack-head Aragon.


:rock :rock :rock :rock

[Captain Faramir]

The difference is that whereas before it had a correct, rounded-square shape, now it has a sharp rectengular shape, which is not entirely accurate. Even if the paint had been identical to the prototype, the shape just isn't Bloom's anymore. Trev is correct; the mold appears to have been pinched in at the sides.

I'm still excited for him, but not as much as before. Besides, it's Faramir which will make all the difference for me. :cool:

[Customikey]

THis thread is going to be really interesting once Leggy actually arrives. Loking forward to the reviews/repaints/resuclpts/hosannas to follow.

[Radagaster]

Ok, so with the cloak up, I wonder if there's a slit on this one to let the quiver pass through. I'd hate having to cut something up if I don't have to.

[Seaward]

It looks like the quiver can pass through, but full body shots don't make it clear, as it looks like the cloak is strapped into the quiver harness.

The more I look at the full body pictures on the Sideshow site, taking into account the entirety of the figure, the happier I am with how he looks. All of the full body shots look really good, and the head shot on the package looks good too, just my .02

[King Darkness]

:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

Seems as though Sideshow has dropped the ball AGAIN!

I will reserve final judegment til I have him in hand, but from the pix, he looks much worse than before. And not bad paint apps, but a new craptacular sculpt.

[Shai Hulud]

i'm sure dusty wouldnt have a crush on orlando anymore if he looked like that in real life.Unless she has a thing for gigantic potato chin.:monkey3

[Shai Hulud]

ALL HAIL POTATO CHIN LEGOLAS !!!!

[hoodonit00]

Thanks to Fritz for the black and white pics. After viewing the black and white face pics I definately think the production one looks more like Legolas from the movie than the prototype one. The Lord of the Rings trilogy are my favorites movies of all time. I will gladly continue to collect this line as long as the sculpts have a likeness to the movie characters and the clothes and accessories continue to be as well made as they are. When I recieved my Aragon I was amazed that so many had a problem with how he looked. I think he is great and hope the line doesnt die out because of cancellations.

[MaulFan]

In the event that this turns out to be a case of bad photographing once we get him in hand, would anyone nominate me to be new staff photographer for SSC :)

[SideshowDusty]

Honestly, I just don't get it guys - I think the figure turned out pretty great :confused:

[hoodonit00]

http://www.onesixthwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61953


Scroll down to the bottom for a nice head shot of Legolas. Looks good to me

[LOTRFan]

http://www.onesixthwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61953


Scroll down to the bottom for a nice head shot of Legolas. Looks good to me

Not bad at all. :cool:

I think the "shock" for most of us was simply because the paint seemed to stay the same this time, while the sculpt had appeared to change. That was what caused the dizzy!

[nash]

looks good to me, cant wait for my exclusives to arrive! :rock:rock:rock

[Xander]

looks good to me, cant wait for my exclusives to arrive! :rock:rock:rock

Same here!!!!:D

[pixletwin]

http://www.onesixthwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61953


Scroll down to the bottom for a nice head shot of Legolas. Looks good to me


Courtest of Titan at OSW:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-4/988591/IMG_0018_edited-1.jpg

This looks pretty darn good. Man what a rollercoaster this stuff is.

[Darth Loki]

Thanks Pix. That pic looks pretty damn good to me. Can't wait for some more to be posted.

[Batty]

That looks great!

[pjam]

Courtest of Titan at OSW:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-4/988591/IMG_0018_edited-1.jpg

This looks pretty darn good. Man what a rollercoaster this stuff is.

Thanks Pix, hoodonit00 and Titan, boy does SSC need a new in house photographer!

[pixletwin]

Thanks Pix and Titan, boy does SSC need a new in house photographer!

Amen to that. The more I see these pics the more I am convinced.

[MaulFan]

Thanks Pix, hoodonit00 and Titan, boy does SSC need a new in house photographer!

I nominate...me lol.

[Fritz]

That pic makes the figure look much better. :rock

[pixletwin]

I nominate...me lol.

I second that nomination!

[pjam]

I nominate...me lol.

I THIRD THAT!

For anyone who missed the Titan OSW pic...

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-4/988591/IMG_0018_edited-1.jpg

[MaulFan]

Thanks Pix, thank Pjam, glad you guys like how I shoot.

[MaulFan]

Based on the images of the exclusive on the SSC site, and this image we've gotten now, I'm feeling strong that we'll feel better when he's in hand, and when that happens I'll be sure to post some nice photos in here.

[Wor-Gar]

I do love these rollercoasters though.

Its great -- it sucks -- its great -- it sucks -- I'll futz -- it sucks -- repaint -- its great!

Ah, the immediacy of the internet.

:D

[Customikey]

These pics are a real relief.

Dusty, this seems to come up a lot, where a great figure is marred by bad production pics. I'm not saying your guy is a bad photographer, but he needs to change the formula so that this doesn't keep happening. I mean, you look at the list of figures that we completely shat on when we saw the prod pics and then loved when they were in hand, and you see a real problem has developed in that regard.

Otherwise, I definitely nominate MaulFan to be the new in-house Sideshow photographer. Never have they looked so good as when he's the man behind the lens. Too bad I can't get him to come to NYC to take pics of my figures!:D

[Customikey]

I do love these rollercoasters though.

Its great -- it sucks -- its great -- it sucks -- I'll futz -- it sucks -- repaint -- its great!

Ah, the immediacy of the internet.

:D


That was almost poetry right there.:lol

[pjam]

That was almost poetry right there.:lol

You're really enthralled with yourself there aren't you mikey. :lol

Let's face it, the SSC photog sucks, sorry but it's true, get a new one please!


MAULFAN!

[pixletwin]

MaulFan is allready our official-unofficial Sideshow photog. anyway.

Sideshow just make it official. :D

[Vader AL]

i still have nightmares about the obi-wan 12" production pics.

[Wor-Gar]

That was almost poetry right there.:lol

:D It does have a certain rhythm, doesn't it? Its so familiar.

[Customikey]

You're really enthralled with yourself there aren't you mikey. :lol



I was referring to Wor-Gar's post:

Originally Posted by Wor-Gar
I do love these rollercoasters though.

Its great -- it sucks -- its great -- it sucks -- I'll futz -- it sucks -- repaint -- its great!

Ah, the immediacy of the internet.

[MaulFan]

i still have nightmares about the obi-wan 12" production pics.

I thought they were bad but Anakin's were even worse I think. As for Legolas, I had hopes that they were sucky pictures, and this owner image makes me feel that the actuall in hand product should be a relief.

[carbo-fation]

Yikes, that looks really bad! I was expecting a bad paint job as usual, but this head-sculpt is plain aweful. I am not going to cancel this but DAMN!!!!:emperor

[lcummins]

Hey guys, I think it is a little insensitive to ask for someone to be replaced in their job. If you don't like the pictures, say so and give some criticism of how it could be photographed differently, but don't insist that someone be replaced. :nono

[Sachiel]

That's a nice headshot. I hope he takes a few more. Besides the strangness of the headsculpt in SSC's pic, the rest is nice, better than Aragorn I'd say. Thankfully there's no big-head syndrome with the LOTR line. I hope the Star Wars line fixes this (and I won't shut up about it until it does!:cool:).

About SSC's photos. I like the some of the new Star Wars ones. You can see them in Qui-Gon's, Mace's and Han's pages from what I remember.

[pjam]

I was referring to Wor-Gar's post:


:lol :lol :lol Nevermind. Sorry 'bout that... okay, back to Leggy.

[pjam]

Hey guys, I think it is a little insensitive to ask for someone to be replaced in their job. If you don't like the pictures, say so and give some criticism of how it could be photographed differently, but don't insist that someone be replaced. :nono

We've been doing that for over a year now and the bumouts just keep coming. I mean geez, posing and shooting a subject in the proper light isn't rocket science and it still hasn't improved. Sorry to be so blunt but when these pictures consistently cause SO much anguish with collectors it's time for a change.

Sorry man, but business is business...

[MaulFan]

Hey guys, I think it is a little insensitive to ask for someone to be replaced in their job. If you don't like the pictures, say so and give some criticism of how it could be photographed differently, but don't insist that someone be replaced. :nono

I can understand your point, but at the same time, good photography is as much about having things inside you that allow you to instinctually know when you've set up a good shot, and all the comments in the world can't change that, not saying it couldn't help the staff photographer that shoots the images for the web, but part of being a good photographer is having that artistic sense in you.

[Darklord Dave]

You'll notice that the official photos are an even light, designed to completely illuminate the figure. Photos taken by members use shadow and different types of light for effect, like we see things in real life. So the catalog photos are always going to be unreal compared to fan photos.

[nash]

The Darklord makes a good point

[Customikey]

And there's just no reason why SSC should permit a figure who has gone through a rigorous production process to be so terribly misrepresented at the 11th Hour. I feel badly for the artisans who actually worked on the figure getting such bad feedback from us when the problem isn't even theirs.

Edit after reading Dave's post-

I don't think it's a good idea to use that much illumination. Almost no figurte looks good when exposed like that. All the flaws become glaring. It's like using a flash!

[pjam]

You'll notice that the official photos are an even light, designed to completely illuminate the figure. Photos taken by members use shadow and different types of light for effect, like we see things in real life. So the catalog photos are always going to be unreal compared to fan photos.

I really don't care, they don't represent the figure accurately and in some cases, not at all... SSC needs to fix this problem. :D

[MaulFan]

There is a middle ground that could be done with minimal effort, you take the shots like now to serve the purpose DarklordDave pointed out, but you also take more artistic shots like myself and others take for the sake of showing off the product for the quality item it is.

[galactiboy]

And if the pictures were always great, then we wouldn't get a chance to freak out... and what fun would that be :rolleyes:

[MaulFan]

And if the pictures were always great, then we wouldn't get a chance to freak out... and what fun would that be :rolleyes:

Ya, who would want to read a boastful article about production shots being posted and go to the page and find beautiful images that make you as excited as the article leads you to think you should be, why would want anything but to follow the link and be let down that's just crazy talk.

[Sideshow Q]

Here's the deal with photography. The photography department falls under me and our very talented photographer has my 100% support. I approve all the shots and often times direct the shoots. The philosophy behind our general photography is as Dave says so detail isn't hidden. Our figures are not only about the sculpt but also the detailing in the costuming and accessories, which everyone seems to forget. These images aren't used only for our website, but also publications and retailers who require these types of masked images. When we want to add extra "pop," we'll use more interesting lighting effects and backgrounds, as seen in some of the blogs and newer gallery shots in a few of the Star Wars figures. As far as "futzing" with figures with water treatments and such, we intentionally show the figure as much out of the box as possible, but of course with some straightening out of the costume.

So for those of you calling for heads, maybe you should call for mine instead.

Q

[DarkArtist81]

There is a middle ground that could be done with minimal effort, you take the shots like now to serve the purpose DarklordDave pointed out, but you also take more artistic shots like myself and others take for the sake of showing off the product for the quality item it is.

That's my take on it as well... At least it gives you a better idea while also illuminating the sculpt and figure entirely so that you know the details.

Either way, I try not to judge anything until I have it in my greedy little paws. And THEN I judge immediately. :lol

It's all good to me anyway.... A brush and some time and I can have it exactly like I want it. :cool:

[DarkArtist81]

Here's the deal with photography. The photography department falls under me and our very talented photographer has my 100% support. I approve all the shots and often times direct the shoots. The philosophy behind our general photography is as Dave says so detail isn't hidden. Our figures are not only about the sculpt but also the detailing in the costuming and accessories, which everyone seems to forget. These images aren't used only for our website, but also publications and retailers who require these types of masked images. When we want to add extra "pop," we'll use more interesting lighting effects and backgrounds, as seen in some of the blogs and newer gallery shots in a few of the Star Wars figures. As far as "futzing" with figures with water treatments and such, we intentionally show the figure as much out of the box as possible, but of course with some straightening out of the costume.

So for those of you calling for heads, maybe you should call for mine instead.

Q

Well said Q... That all makes perfect logical sense. And I assure you that the wonderful tailoring is not lost on me at all....:rock

This entire thread will turn around when the figure arrives...:D

[carbo-fation]

This entire thread will turn around when the figure arrives...:D

Ditto...:rock:rock

[MaulFan]

Q, I hope that you don't take offense by my comments, or your photographer, and if I did offend I truly apologize. I'm a passionate photographer who looks for the most faithful depiction of subjects as can be captured, and am familiar with ways that the lens can distort reality and just felt that as much as the showing off of the details on these figures is important, showcasing them in a more creative and ""real world"" lighting situation would also showcase the beautiful work that the Sideshow team puts into these pieces.

[The Josh]

That new shot makes him look much better. That actually looks more like what we saw at SDCC than the production pics.

I have to agree that calling for the photographers job is total BS folks. These are freaking toys and calling for someones job is a tad much. I mean it's not like she's a teacher and if the job isn't done people are really effected.

[Customikey]

It's a different philosophy of photography to which I just happen to subscribe.

I'm giving Maul Fan his due because he is such an amazing photographer, but I never called for anyone's job. God knows I have enough difficulty taking pics of my own work. I think some more shots in varied lighting would help quell the revolt.

[Fritz]

Thanks for posting Q. All your points are valid and make total sense. I would respectfully suggest that you throw a couple/few "normal" pics in with your galleries (if possible of course) just to more flatter the figures/statues. I don't understand the logistics involved so it's easy for me to say LOL. But I think some normal picks would just enhance the product and calm the hysteria. You obviously can't cater to everyone and I just hope that the full lighted pics and peoples mass panic don't result in any order cancellations etc., that's the only reason I make this suggestion. I'm fairly confident that the majority of people know by now to wait for final product delivery before making any rash judgements.

My 2 cents. :)

[LOTRFan]

I have to agree that calling for the photographers job is total BS folks. These are freaking toys and calling for someones job is a tad much. I mean it's not like she's a teacher and if the job isn't done people are really effected.

You're right Josh, we need to call for YOUR job! I mean how will the youth of today ever learn with you always on the net!?

:stake :survivor


:rotfl :lol

[The Josh]

We've been off the whole week. Bad weather. :lol

[pjam]

Here's the deal with photography. The photography department falls under me and our very talented photographer has my 100% support. I approve all the shots and often times direct the shoots. The philosophy behind our general photography is as Dave says so detail isn't hidden. Our figures are not only about the sculpt but also the detailing in the costuming and accessories, which everyone seems to forget. These images aren't used only for our website, but also publications and retailers who require these types of masked images. When we want to add extra "pop," we'll use more interesting lighting effects and backgrounds, as seen in some of the blogs and newer gallery shots in a few of the Star Wars figures. As far as "futzing" with figures with water treatments and such, we intentionally show the figure as much out of the box as possible, but of course with some straightening out of the costume.

So for those of you calling for heads, maybe you should call for mine instead.

Q

Thanks for the explanation Q but it doesn't solve the problem collectors have responding to these masked images. Maybe you guys should take a set for Collectors and keep these masked images for retailers, magazines, etc... otherwise I simply suggest we wait to receive the figures or see pics posted elsewhere to get a better idea of what the figures actually look like.

Honestly they aren't always very representative of the figures we receive as you can clearly tell from the responses here, they sometimes appear washed out and the sculpts appear distorted from some angles which I believe is totally unfair to the artisans and collectors but thanks for your explanation, I appreciate it.

[Customikey]

Just looking at the awesome PPO images for figures like RAH Fett, Jabba, and Faramir. I think having shots like that for the production figure would be wonderful!

I'm assuming it's the same photographer.

I love his work for the Pre-order pages. I'd like to see more of that style to go along with the high illumination photography.

[MaulFan]

Well I think the photography lynch mob has gone on long enough, so I'm going to throw out some positivity in this thread. Perhaps the web images don't light the figures as beautifully as we the collectors do on our own, but at the same time, we could also not be given so many images either, so we should accept and enjoy them as they are. The biggest bottom line, which even I forgot in my heated reaction to these new images, is that when we get these things in hand, 99% of the time, they are the beautiful items we expected, or better, and that's what should count, if the web pics aren't fantastic looking, what's it matter when the piece itself you own is fantastic. It's like people said about the new SW boxes, we're not buying the pictures or the boxes, we buy the figures and how those are is what counts, and since many of seem to agree that the web images aren't a good judge of what you'll get in hand, then wait to get it in hand and then judge the piece.

[MaulFan]

Just looking at the awesome PPO images for figures like RAH Fett, Jabba, and Faramir. I think having shots like that for the production figure would be wonderful! I don't think giving some dramatic lighting would hurt the representation of the figures at all! I can't imagine that publications ask for bland, washed out pics for their mags.

Mikey, just to point something out, I don't know if you saw my Jabba box mockup, but the Jabba figure image I used came out looking like the Jabba PPO, that wasn't lighting for the photo, it's one of the old prototype shots with some photoshop effects making it look like it does, I agree the effects look nice, but just thought I'd share that it's a postproduction trick.

[lcummins]

...I love his work for the Pre-order pages...

That would be a she...

[The Josh]

That would be a she...

Yeah, the photographer is a she.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2913/ginnyho1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Customikey]

That would be a she...

My apologies.:o

[Wor-Gar]

Yeah, the photographer is a she.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2913/ginnyho1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Green hair is HOT.

:D



Seriously.

[Sachiel]

I think the proto on Andy's page is also different. It looks different in the mouth area and even more like Bloom.

[The Dwimmerlaik]

Yeah, the mouth is differente he used that mouth when he killed an orc or he was angry, the ears are also differente, overall is the same

[thamesvalidude]

Well whatever, the photo doesn't look like Bloom.............who will bring me the head of Q?


Just kidding...buying it anyway!:D

[Darren Carnall]

ok, after nine pages of negative here's some positive. I think after some of the painjobs we've had recently, this one seems really good (yes I'll be repainting it... and probably resculpting it too... but that's not the point, lol)

I've always thought that he looked too square jawed (back when I ordered it) but it was still a good 'Legolas' figure. It had hints of Orlando, but wasn't the slam dunk some of you were expecting. IT is however, a very good looking figure, and once in hand I'm sure it will look amazing.

As for the 'different sculpt' I'm not so sure. Those two front on pics being used for comparison seem to have been taken at totally different angles and from different distances too possibly. If you look at how things line up, the eyes and ears, chin and neck, you can see that one is more tilted down than the other. This alone could cause all the difference in sculpt everyone is seeing.

Plus, the new prod. pics have darker thicker painted eyebrows (who would've thought) and also to those who said the eyes had been sculpted different (someone said the old eyes were more squinty, which looks accurate), it's all in the paint. If you look close you can see that the old pic has the skin paint going right into the eye, whereas the new pic leaves some of the botto of the eye white. This has the effect of giving the new pics wider eyes (I know about this cause I did it with my Aragorn to fix the 'wonky' eyes.

Trust me... once we all have this, we'll all love it... again. (but like Mikey said... I can't wait to see what some of the repainters/resculpters can do with this to make it a truly exceptional figure) ....and here was me hoping for a figure off from sculpting duties :lol

(well at least I had a break with Maul (who turned up yesterday) and only needed his lips touching in with black.

BRING ON LEGOLAS :chew

[Shai Hulud]

I still say hes got a potato chin... :monkey5

[morbidaj]

I always enjoy the threads of angry comments, and then once someone from sideshows staff makes a post... the kiss ass apology comments!.
http://www.fu-manchu.com/morbidaj/large2.jpg

[Customikey]

I always enjoy the threads of angry comments, and then once someone from sideshows staff makes a post... the kiss ass apology comments!.



It has something to do with courtesy, my friend. We tend to rudeness when we think no one is watching, then we discover we have hurt the feelings of people we respect. Our position hasn't changed, but we are couching them in friendlier speech to reflect the strong friendships we have developed, friendships we'd like to keep.

And you need a new photographer too.

[lcummins]

I always enjoy the threads of angry comments, and then once someone from sideshows staff makes a post... the kiss ass apology comments!..

How about we just say that they realized they crossed the lines slightly, and took a step back... :monkey3

[El Roranous]

You're right Josh, we need to call for YOUR job! I mean how will the youth of today ever learn with you always on the net!?

:stake :survivor


:rotfl :lol
:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl
I have often wondered who teaches the kids when Josh is constantly posting.

[morbidaj]

Duh
and thats why its funny.

[Customikey]

Duh
and thats why its funny.


That's why what's funny?


Can we get a translator over here?

[pixletwin]

Why would we call for Q's head? Thats like chopping off the head in order to cure gout....

I think if the photos aim is too sell and showcase the figure really you should present pieces in the best possible light.

Its like a studio portrait as opposed to the DMV photo that shows every pimple, scar, and nose hair. Just my opinion.

(by the way I don't think anyone was seriously DEMANDING anyone fire anybody).

[Darth Loki]

Why would we call for Q's head? Thats like chopping off the head in order to cure gout....

I think if the photos aim is too sell and showcase the figure really you should present pieces in the best possible light.

Its like a studio portrait as opposed to the DMV photo that shows every pimple, scar, and nose hair. Just my opinion.

(by the way I don't think anyone was seriously DEMANDING anyone fire anybody).


I agree with what Q had to say. The photos are supposed to show not only the sculpt but also how great the costume looks.

However, I would like to see additional photos in a more natural setting so we can stop the worrying before it starts. Is it too much to ask for some natural lighting pics in addition to the stock photos?

[pjam]

Is it too much to ask for some natural lighting pics in addition to the stock photos?

No, this cycle of madness has to end and Collectors deserve better.

There I said it. Again. :lol :cool:

[MaulFan]

I always enjoy the threads of angry comments, and then once someone from sideshows staff makes a post... the kiss ass apology comments!.

It isn't about kissing ass, it's the fact that 90% of the time we're talking to fellow collectors so some of us don't exercise any thought as to our comments being misconstrued by the people they may involve and until that someone posts and shows us that our comments are being taken a way that we didn't intend, we don't clarify. I stated that it wasn't my intent to attack the system and that my point of view was from being a fellow artist with his own opinion on how to go about the situation.

[pixletwin]

I agree with what Q had to say. The photos are supposed to show not only the sculpt but also how great the costume looks.

Do the pictures of Anakin, Mace, Qui-Gon, et al show them off? I see those and they look like they were just thrown together.

Case in point: Dave Myatt's pictures are not taken in mood lighting (ala MaulFan) but showcase both the head sculpt AND the costuming.

No. I am not buying it.

Do you honesly think this: http://www.sideshowtoy.com/mas_assets/jpg/2119_press01-001.jpg

showcases Anakin better than this: http://www.collectinghq.com/im/0007351.jpg

[MaulFan]

You make a point Pix, but, that's going off the low-res webshots, I have lots of the hi-res shots Josh provides and they do show it all off and depending on how they use the photos beyond what we see, they may serve their purpose.

[nash]

still has lipstick :lol

[LOTRFan]

The RS pics are more film accurate ... you know with everything being done on the blue screen and all.

:monkey3

[choopie]

Using studio quality photos to highlight the details of the costume is fine. In fact, the detail is what Sideshow excels at. But I'm not spending $60 or $70 for a costume. I rely heavily on photos to help me make a decision on whether or not I should buy the piece (as I'm sure most of us do), and I'm tired of the song and dance of waiting to get the item in hand before deciding whether or not it meets my expectations. Now I realize that my views will be different from the next person and different from the person after that, etc. But, for my personal tastes, I didn't see it in Aragorn, and I don't see it in Legolas, and sadly I expect to see the same in Boromir and Faramir. I hope things change because right now I'm expressing my disapproval by not buying them at all.

[Sachiel]

Do the pictures of Anakin, Mace, Qui-Gon, et al show them off? I see those and they look like they were just thrown together.

Case in point: Dave Myatt's pictures are not taken in mood lighting (ala MaulFan) but showcase both the head sculpt AND the costuming.

No. I am not buying it.

Do you honesly think this:

showcases Anakin better than this:
Fact of the matter is one shows you the actual figure out of the package and one shows the figure after being watertreated, taped and rubberbanded. It may look better, but it would be false advertising and people would expect the product to look that way when it arrives. Kinda like the prototype situation except with an actual final figure.

[Seth Gecko]

Fact of the matter is one shows you the actual figure out of the package and one shows the figure after being watertreated, taped and rubberbanded. It may look better, but it would be false advertising and people would expect the product to look that way when it arrives. Kinda like the prototype situation except with an actual final figure.


Well said,Thats how i feel with a lot of SS protos..seems a bit misleading.

[The Josh]

:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl
I have often wondered who teaches the kids when Josh is constantly posting.

When they are working quietly on their keyboarding I stop and check in while class is going on.

[carbo-fation]

I honestly hope that when Legolas will be at hand, I'll be as impressed by it as I was with Aragorn. I remember the pictures for Aragorn never did him justice until I had him at hand.

[Trevolver]

*whistle* what a thread this has turned into. I know from my sculpture work, that photography is everything when you're making a piece. it's what everyone's first impression is formed off of. even worse, you almost have to sculpt what your working on with the idea that it's twice as large, so that the detail looks nice in photos. I'm constantly sculpting with one eye shut because that's the curse of the camera-no depth perception. (without stereo photos anyway)

It's a constantly finicky thing for me. I often spend a good hour playing with light and distance to see how to best represent a sculpt, and usually the photos fall really short.

Trev

[screamingmetal]

I'll wait until mine is in hand before I pass judgment on the figure. Photos can distort reality a little.

[screamingmetal]

Here's the deal with photography. The photography department falls under me and our very talented photographer has my 100% support. I approve all the shots and often times direct the shoots. The philosophy behind our general photography is as Dave says so detail isn't hidden. Our figures are not only about the sculpt but also the detailing in the costuming and accessories, which everyone seems to forget. These images aren't used only for our website, but also publications and retailers who require these types of masked images. When we want to add extra "pop," we'll use more interesting lighting effects and backgrounds, as seen in some of the blogs and newer gallery shots in a few of the Star Wars figures. As far as "futzing" with figures with water treatments and such, we intentionally show the figure as much out of the box as possible, but of course with some straightening out of the costume.

So for those of you calling for heads, maybe you should call for mine instead.

Q
The quality of the photos Sideshow posts have never been a huge deal to me. But I personally think it would be a bit better if Sideshow does what McFarlane does with product photos having the bathed in full light images as well as moodier images with less light.
Also I've noticed that the figures lately have been in more interesting poses with the costume straighten out afterwards. It's a much appreciated improvement.

[Protozaius]

I remember when Sideshow used to do this... this mixing of full light and moody photography with their Hellboy and Van Helsing figures and well as some Buffy offerings.

I kind of miss it. :monkey3 :monkey3 :monkey3

[pixletwin]

Fact of the matter is one shows you the actual figure out of the package and one shows the figure after being watertreated, taped and rubberbanded. It may look better, but it would be false advertising and people would expect the product to look that way when it arrives. Kinda like the prototype situation except with an actual final figure.


Great point.

[MaulFan]

Fact of the matter is one shows you the actual figure out of the package and one shows the figure after being watertreated, taped and rubberbanded. It may look better, but it would be false advertising and people would expect the product to look that way when it arrives. Kinda like the prototype situation except with an actual final figure.

A valid point, but I think the point about the RS images was not so much on the cleaned up and futzed look of the figure, but the difference in appearance with lighting and that a lighting in that style would work just as well with a taken straight out of the box figure, because the work we do to tidy up the clothes after taking them out of the box doesn't change the head sculpt, and that's what most people are interested in the images for.

[the angry orc]

Fact of the matter is one shows you the actual figure out of the package and one shows the figure after being watertreated, taped and rubberbanded. It may look better, but it would be false advertising and people would expect the product to look that way when it arrives. Kinda like the prototype situation except with an actual final figure.

i agree 100%. can you even imagine the uproar if they did all that and then people got their figures.

i have yet to get a ss figure after seeing the prod pics and thinking sideshow somehow misrepresented the product.

[Sachiel]

Here's a pic from SDCC '06.

http://photos.actionfigs.com/showphoto.php?photo=1253&cat=1586

And a Toy Fair image w/ flash.

http://www.rebelscum.com/TF2006/tf06-SSCother/image15.asp

[jedibear]

Whew, the air sure gets hot n' breezy over here in the Shire, eh?

My take on the photography issue is this...

Sideshow is selling a product and needs to show the product exactly as is. No dramatic lighting, just the closest thing to the "no make-up" - "I bought THAT home last night?.."- "bare-walls" approach that they can. As Q pointed out, these shots are tryin' to illustrate the WHOLE product..the sculpt, the outfit, the accessories...just as "here's what you get" as it can be...

Are the photos dramatic? Do they show the figure in the best way it can be shown? No...of course not. When it hits this stage of the game, it stops being an artististic piece and becomes a simple product that needs to be shown in as much of an "as is" way as possible. I understand that approach and appreciate it for what it is...a sales tool.

Now to Sideshow's credit, they have always been very forthright as to when a prototype is featured and as they've done with some of the "Star Wars" figures, they actually have gone back and gotten creative with the lighting and background to give the figures some punch (the Darth Maul ones are especially cool)....

My favorite "photo time" is when the figures start showing up and some of the folks here start snapping photos that highlight the figure in different ways...we see everything from being highly creative, strictly archival or with a humorous bent...we get plenty of opportunities around here to see the figures featured in all kinds of ways.

My personal approach is outdoors! It hits both aspects..mood and showing the figure "as is" in a way no studio can touch...that's not to say that there haven't been alot of fine indoor/studio photography featured of these figures from both Sideshow and collectors alike...

The bottom line is this....no matter HOW these figures are photographed....it never approaches what it's like to have it in front of you to admire just how good it is...

[Captain Faramir]

Amen and amen!

[galactiboy]

So where are some more in-hand images... we just got that one teaser shot of a hooded head? Are there no more to be had?

[MaulFan]

I'll be happy to shoot him once I get mine, I got the 3-5 processing notice but I was just turned to an order from the Exclusive wait list like a week or so ago so I'm sure I'll be one of the last to get him.

[The Josh]

Of course I'll shoot mine when it gets here. Now, that the exclusive is shipping I must decide if I want to buy another cloak of someone who doesn't want it, or buy another Legolas so I can have a cloak for Strider.

[Bannister]

Of course I'll shoot mine when it gets here.
Please Josh, take pictures of Legolas's execution.

[The Josh]

Please Josh, take pictures of Legolas's execution.

Did he get the chair? Or Lethal Injection? :rotfl

[Bannister]

Did he get the chair? Or Lethal Injection? :rotfl
Apparently firing squad judging from your initial post.:lol

[The Josh]

Apparently firing squad judging from your initial post.:lol

:lol :lol :emperor

[Gondor59]

Here's a pic from SDCC '06.

http://photos.actionfigs.com/showphoto.php?photo=1253&cat=1586

And a Toy Fair image w/ flash.

http://www.rebelscum.com/TF2006/tf06-SSCother/image15.asp


The face looks kinda like that nut case from Boulder...Ward Churchill.

[nash]

we need more pics man...wonder why asian collectors havent received theirs yet.?

[MaulFan]

we need more pics man...wonder why asian collectors havent received theirs yet.?

Perhaps the ones who supply us with photos haven't ordered him or something, there have been overseas shots of T-800 who is coming out now with Legolas so I would guess Legolas came out same as him over there too.

[galactiboy]

Or maybe no likes LOTR overseas? But, thats probably not the case :D

[Mortar Conn]

Folks who ordered Legolas Exclusive and are thinking of canceling, please PM me.

I foolishly canceled my Exclusive yesterday due to some financial problems and now wish I hadn't. Please PM me if you would be willing to sell me yours or know of an Etailer selling the Exclusive (I know, yeah, right).

[hoodonit00]

http://www.onesixthwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61953&page=2


Another pic of Legolas by Titan. I think he looks great, looks just like him.

[Batty]

Now that looks spot on!

[The Josh]

Looking good.

[galactiboy]

Yeah, he's going slowly, but so far has posted 2 pictures to ease the concerned collectors!

[pjam]

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/IMG_0021_edited-1.jpg

[Trevolver]

damn! can't tell me THAT doesn't look terrific.
Trev

[Shai Hulud]

STILL HAS POTATO CHIN....:lol AND THE SEAM IN HIS HAIR

[pjam]

damn! can't tell me THAT doesn't look terrific.
Trev

Say AMEN to that Trev, so glad for AB. :D :cool:

It may soon be time to start an image thread...

[MaulFan]

I think what seems a little off about the figure is he looks all manly, but Legolas, facially, looked a little feminine in the films.

[The Josh]

The jaw still looks a little strong but the more pics we see the better overall it's looking.

[DarkArtist81]

It looks fine to me...:rock

Can't wait to paint it.... And my card is now in Pre-charge mode...:D

[El Roranous]

I think Legolas will look much better in person, as do most figures. The new pics do restore my faith a little bit though.

[carbo-fation]

I think Legolas will look much better in person, as do most figures. The new pics do restore my faith a little bit though.
Same here....the new pics look really good. Of course, when I see him in person, he'll be a lot better.:)

[Captain Faramir]

I hope he somes soon!

[Protozaius]

Same here....the new pics look really good. Of course, when I see him in person, he'll be a lot better.:)

No, no no, people... you guys need to HATE this figure!!! PLEASE! I gotta drum up more MAJOR discontentment toward this guy! I just have to get MORE people to cancel him so I can move off the waitlist!!! :monkey5 :monkey5 :monkey5

No, no no that looks NOTHING like Orlando Bloom!!! Right... guys???:monkey3 :monkey3 :monkey3

[MaulFan]

Proto, when did you sign up, I got on around Aragorns ship time and I got converted to an order on the exclusive.

[carbo-fation]

No, no no, people... you guys need to HATE this figure!!! PLEASE! I gotta drum up more MAJOR discontentment toward this guy! I just have to get MORE people to cancel him so I can move off the waitlist!!! :monkey5 :monkey5 :monkey5

No, no no that looks NOTHING like Orlando Bloom!!! Right... guys???:monkey3 :monkey3 :monkey3
:lol Don't worry, I'm sure yours will get converted. There are plenty of people cancelling this piece because of bad judgement. :)

[Protozaius]

Proto, when did you sign up, I got on around Aragorns ship time and I got converted to an order on the exclusive.

I put my name on the waitlist WAY WAY late... 1/05/07 to be exact. :monkey4 :monkey4 :monkey4

Ultimately it's my fault... I can only blame myself for not having a secured order for the exclusive Legolas. I did, in fact, have all of the LOTR 12"ers on pre-order. I cancelled them a couple of months back for two reasons. One, the Christmas holidays were coming and I felt I needed to clear a few impending charges. It IS the season of GVING not RECIEVING. :rolleyes:

And two, the production photos of Aragorn that were circulated on this board at the time of his ship date SORELY disappointed me. Like an idiot, I cancelled Aragorn impulsively... without thinking that SS figures general look better in hand than in photos. And since I was now not going to be a completist in the line, I made the grand "statement" and cancelled all of them. In hindsight, I could have waited to see the production pictures of each figure as they were released and THEN decide to cancel (like Aragorn) but nooooo. :monkey2 :monkey2 :monkey2

[galactiboy]

I wouldn't sweat it PZ, a lot people are canceling and hopping back on so I think you'll be fine. Also this is gearing up to be an expensive month so thats gonna effect a lot of wallets.

If Bib can be re-offered as a second chance than I think you'll be golden for Legolas!

[Protozaius]

I wouldn't sweat it PZ, a lot people are canceling and hopping back on so I think you'll be fine. Also this is gearing up to be an expensive month so thats gonna effect a lot of wallets.

If Bib can be re-offered as a second chance than I think you'll be golden for Legolas!

Yeah I was surprised that 75 Bib Fortunas popped back up for second chance.... :confused:

Here's to hoping that you are right. :o

[Seaward]

Hang on PZ, you'll get the conversion!

Those pictures look great! I can't wait to get Legolas home, and finally have something to go on the shelf with Aragorn. Ever since I sold my SSW collectibles, I just haven't been able to watch the movies, and once Leggy arrives, I am sure that we'll be sitting down to watch the fellowship!

[gringo]

I got my shipping notice last night. Should have him on thursday. I was about to cancel him, but shipped before i could make up my mind.

[The Josh]

Cool! Will be looking forward to seeing how good he looks in person compared to the first couple of pics we saw.

[MaulFan]

I'll deffinately be waiting a while before I can give Legolas a glance over, I was a late wait list conversion so I'm sure I'll be one of the last to ship out, but looking forward to see what he's like in hand.

[Captain Faramir]

Mine says item shipping soon.....................

[transhi100]

Got my shipping notice yesterday, so I should have it by tonight if someone's home or if FedEx just leaves it on the front porch. Can't wait to see how it looks in person.

[Wor-Gar]

I've gotten the pre-auth but no Quantum notice yet. Hopefully in the next day or so.

[the angry orc]

my exclusive shipped yesterday. i should have it friday.

[hoodonit00]

My SST account finally says shipping soon.

[The Mike]

I haven't received a shipping notice yet either but then I didn't get my Wait List converted until December so I'd imagine I'd be in the tail end of shipping...