Captain Faramir
Super Freak
True that dude. Now bring out all your brothers and sisters and let's get the line moving!
Where are the LotR fans?
- Thread starter Darklord Dave
- Start date
Help Support Collector Freaks Forum:
True that dude. Now bring out all your brothers and sisters and let's get the line moving!
No need to be ashamed, its all everyones personal preference.
I love LOTR and I'm proud to say the only thing I will collect will be the some Diorama's and maybe future LS Busts.All depends on what is produced and price really, then i'll decide.
However in no way will I collect the 12" or PF Line, unless they do an High Elven Infantryman PF, thats the only one I would consider buying.
I personally just don't like the mixed media poseable thing.
Give me Polystone anyday
Shell
x
I know of quite a number of local LOTR fans, but they don't buy the collectibles. They are mainly into costuming, and that can get just as expensive. And what collectibles they do buy are usually costume accessories, like prop replicas, rather than statues or 12" figures.
Seaward
Super Freak
I know that my friends, most of whom collect toys in some form or another, haven't taken to the line. A few get the SW line from Sideshow, so it isn't that Sideshow is an unknown quantity to them. Everybody was familiar with the SSW statue line, as I had the complete collection. I even have some friends that want to get into LOTR collecting, but they all opted for the various GG lines instead of SS stuff. I think they are used to the inflated prices that come with GG SW busts and exclusives, and are looking for a quick payday.
Everybody who likes the SW stuff has said that the price point for LOTR is the main thing holding them back, that $70 figures (before shipping) are a line they can't cross.
Just my .02
Everybody who likes the SW stuff has said that the price point for LOTR is the main thing holding them back, that $70 figures (before shipping) are a line they can't cross.
Just my .02
TDTOM
Freakzoid
I try to collect LoTR items, but release of items is slow and higher priced, or something. I think its the time between release of stuff that interests me. Unlike SW which I have a much more expanded collection. I can collect and have collected SW for years now. Maybe LoTR came along a little too late and is not being released fast enough to keep peoples attention, at least that is what I think. By the time I remember about LoTR items I would be interested in, I have already spent my money on SW. Maybe after the kids leave the house, I pay for their college and they don't move back in I might be able to afford all of it. But as they are only 7 and 9, that ain't happening for a long time now, and the LoTR lines will probably be long forgotten about by then.
Geb
Super Freak
I pretty much buy anything LOTR related, but have had to curb my buying appetite a bit due to costs of some of the items. I LOVE the Legendary Bust line, but cannot afford the higher prices. Sure would love to have a Legendary Morgul Lord bust...
I have ALL of the 12-Inch line and am very excited about the new smaller body style. This will undoubtedly mark the dawn of new figures for ALL their licenses...especially Star Wars.
The prices for the LOTR figures is a bit high...but I feel they are worth every penny...nice costumes, excellent accessories, detailed likenesses, and great poseability. I grant everyone's complaints about some of the figures...but every figure cannot be perfect. I, for one, have MANY issues with the SW line of figures...likenesses are way off at times, but no one seems to bemoan that point.
I hope that LOTR is a staple at Sideshow for some time....they turn out excellent product...and I will continue to support them...as long as my wallet can stand it!
Geb
I have ALL of the 12-Inch line and am very excited about the new smaller body style. This will undoubtedly mark the dawn of new figures for ALL their licenses...especially Star Wars.
The prices for the LOTR figures is a bit high...but I feel they are worth every penny...nice costumes, excellent accessories, detailed likenesses, and great poseability. I grant everyone's complaints about some of the figures...but every figure cannot be perfect. I, for one, have MANY issues with the SW line of figures...likenesses are way off at times, but no one seems to bemoan that point.
I hope that LOTR is a staple at Sideshow for some time....they turn out excellent product...and I will continue to support them...as long as my wallet can stand it!
Geb
I saw two identical threads but am posting in this one, since it's gotten the most responses...
If these LOTR fans are not obtaining their info from the web (which in this day and age is quite strange to hear) then it must be from printed media. Perhaps magazines dedicated to toys and/or collectibles, such as Toyfare magazine, for example. Several of these magazines are available at the major bookstores.
As for finding these fans in order to get them to buy, I think that's Sideshow's responsibility. Perhaps advertising in these magazines or creating some type of mailing campaign, as The Danbury Mint does, from time to time, may provide them with the exposure needed to really get these lines flying.
Sideshow's affiliation with Weta and the inclusion of the collectibles with the EE LOTR DVD's gave them a world of good exposure, I'm certain.
If these LOTR fans are not obtaining their info from the web (which in this day and age is quite strange to hear) then it must be from printed media. Perhaps magazines dedicated to toys and/or collectibles, such as Toyfare magazine, for example. Several of these magazines are available at the major bookstores.
As for finding these fans in order to get them to buy, I think that's Sideshow's responsibility. Perhaps advertising in these magazines or creating some type of mailing campaign, as The Danbury Mint does, from time to time, may provide them with the exposure needed to really get these lines flying.
Sideshow's affiliation with Weta and the inclusion of the collectibles with the EE LOTR DVD's gave them a world of good exposure, I'm certain.
I'm a huge fan of LOTR (they're my favorite films) but as of yet I've had a difficult time committing to purchasing the 1/6 scale figures. I don't have any difficulty with SW 12 inch figures because not only were the movies cultural milestones but the toys were an entire phenomenon unto themselves. So for me the SW figures pay tribute to that phenomenon even if they aren't perfect replicas of the characters from the movies.
Even if SS doesn't correct the collar on the upcoming Bespin Luke it still looks a million times better than this guy:
...and I *love* the original Kenner figure. So for me the SW figures commonly do a great job of capturing the likeness of the onscreen actor and matching the clothes/accessories while *improving* a beloved toy from past or present.
Check it out, dang that's nice:
For LOTR, all they can do is try and make the collectibles as close to the screen as possible; they aren't an improvement over anything that I ever invested in. I never collected Toy Biz figures and they're too stylistically different from the animated Knickerbocker figures to be considered an update of those.
The LOTR films are revered and I haven't decided whether or not the 1/6 figures can measure up in quality to what I want symbolizing those characters. The PF's and polystone dioramas seem more "classy" and "elegant", a little more fitting for those great movies. I'm strongly considering purchasing the hobbits (I also bought Aragorn and Legolas but later sold them) but I don't know, I'm leaning toward keeping my Frodo PF and picking up a LS bust or a handful of dioramas instead.
People like to rip on the likeness of the Frodo PF (and I agree, the dio and 1/6 scale figure do look more like Elijah) but for me this:
is still much more evocative of quality appropriate to a LOTR film than this:
That's no fault of SS's, who has done an *awesome* job with the 1/6 scale figures, but its why I (and possibly others) have had a harder time pulling the trigger on collecting that line.
Even if SS doesn't correct the collar on the upcoming Bespin Luke it still looks a million times better than this guy:
...and I *love* the original Kenner figure. So for me the SW figures commonly do a great job of capturing the likeness of the onscreen actor and matching the clothes/accessories while *improving* a beloved toy from past or present.
Check it out, dang that's nice:
For LOTR, all they can do is try and make the collectibles as close to the screen as possible; they aren't an improvement over anything that I ever invested in. I never collected Toy Biz figures and they're too stylistically different from the animated Knickerbocker figures to be considered an update of those.
The LOTR films are revered and I haven't decided whether or not the 1/6 figures can measure up in quality to what I want symbolizing those characters. The PF's and polystone dioramas seem more "classy" and "elegant", a little more fitting for those great movies. I'm strongly considering purchasing the hobbits (I also bought Aragorn and Legolas but later sold them) but I don't know, I'm leaning toward keeping my Frodo PF and picking up a LS bust or a handful of dioramas instead.
People like to rip on the likeness of the Frodo PF (and I agree, the dio and 1/6 scale figure do look more like Elijah) but for me this:
is still much more evocative of quality appropriate to a LOTR film than this:
That's no fault of SS's, who has done an *awesome* job with the 1/6 scale figures, but its why I (and possibly others) have had a harder time pulling the trigger on collecting that line.
Last edited:
The Godfather
Just Business
I think alot of them are perhaps to afraid to start another Fellowship that may or may not be completed again. I know thats a hanging point I get from people going back to the Weta line. They never got the Fellowship in Fellowship garb and have become leery of jumping on another line because of it. A large number of the LOTR collectors also collect statues and the jump from statues to PF is an easy one but the jump from statues to 1/6th figures is a harder sell. The Hobbits are spectacular and should certainly help this line gain steam and consumer confidence.
Seretur
Elf
I don't think you can get more fans of the LOTR movies to buy high-end collectibles than the Gollum DVD already did, way back in 2003. And that was the heyday of the Sideshow/Weta line, affordable, amazing, authentic and almost universally beloved.
Of course, that was the beginning of the high ES syndrome that ultimately gave us fewer pieces and reduced their desirability, and, perhaps, contributed to the split of Sideshow and Weta, after which no LOTR-movie collectible will ever have the same level of authenticity.
Personally, I felt betrayed by Weta, and welcomed Sideshow's attempt to renew the interest in this property through different kinds of collectibles. But I had problems with virtually every piece they released up until the recent GtG Legendary Scale Bust and the announced Eagle(s) vs. Fell Beast diorama, so for me, the lustre of the heyday is still gone.
Perhaps the 12" figures, which do seem to show marked improvements lately, will warm people up to Sideshow. The PF line, slow in coming and dubious in achievement, seems to be fighting an uphill battle for its full potential. But, as with everything -- if Sideshow produces enough pieces that honestly wow people, people will respond.
The bigger problem of this license is that noone from Jackson's side seems to be safeguarding them anymore, after his falling out with New Line. And Weta doesn't care anymore. So Sideshow (and anyone else) has to be BETTER than Weta was to actually create excitement and momentum, now, after the movies have been long relegated to our DVD shelves.
And finally: Not every Tolkien fan is a movie fan.
Of course, that was the beginning of the high ES syndrome that ultimately gave us fewer pieces and reduced their desirability, and, perhaps, contributed to the split of Sideshow and Weta, after which no LOTR-movie collectible will ever have the same level of authenticity.
Personally, I felt betrayed by Weta, and welcomed Sideshow's attempt to renew the interest in this property through different kinds of collectibles. But I had problems with virtually every piece they released up until the recent GtG Legendary Scale Bust and the announced Eagle(s) vs. Fell Beast diorama, so for me, the lustre of the heyday is still gone.
Perhaps the 12" figures, which do seem to show marked improvements lately, will warm people up to Sideshow. The PF line, slow in coming and dubious in achievement, seems to be fighting an uphill battle for its full potential. But, as with everything -- if Sideshow produces enough pieces that honestly wow people, people will respond.
The bigger problem of this license is that noone from Jackson's side seems to be safeguarding them anymore, after his falling out with New Line. And Weta doesn't care anymore. So Sideshow (and anyone else) has to be BETTER than Weta was to actually create excitement and momentum, now, after the movies have been long relegated to our DVD shelves.
And finally: Not every Tolkien fan is a movie fan.
I agree with Shell and the Godfather. There is no way I would buy dolls as I am trying to keep my collection looking a little more adult if possible (no offence to 1/6 scale collectors). The PF line has gone no where due to the lenghty time between announcements then the disappointment of the result when pics were finally released.I was REALLY hoping that I would be able to get a PF Fellowship. I bought Frodo and tried to ignore the terrible likeness in the hope that the other eight would be more actor/movie accurate.Now I have seen Gandalf, I think that is the final nail in the LOTR coffin for me. I may get some Orcses if they are released or some of the human characters but only if they have helmets and armour.
I'm kind of annoyed as LOTR had taken over as my favourite trilogy but now those pesky Star Wars PF's have wormed their way into my home but I will be only getting one to represent each film.So I have only two to get and that will depend on who Sideshow decides to make (need one for AOTC and ROTJ).Something really special needs to be done to re-ignite the LOTR lines especially the PF one but I am not sure if people will carry on buying these items unless the likenesses get better.Just look at how Gandalf has been recieved by the majority. Of course there will always be people who will defend Sideshow no matter how bad an item looks but I, along with quite a few others I suspect, will not fork out PF prices for something that is just o.k or acceptable.
I'm kind of annoyed as LOTR had taken over as my favourite trilogy but now those pesky Star Wars PF's have wormed their way into my home but I will be only getting one to represent each film.So I have only two to get and that will depend on who Sideshow decides to make (need one for AOTC and ROTJ).Something really special needs to be done to re-ignite the LOTR lines especially the PF one but I am not sure if people will carry on buying these items unless the likenesses get better.Just look at how Gandalf has been recieved by the majority. Of course there will always be people who will defend Sideshow no matter how bad an item looks but I, along with quite a few others I suspect, will not fork out PF prices for something that is just o.k or acceptable.
I felt betrayed by Weta and still do. They stabbed us in the back and have basically shown a lack of care IMO. I still love my SSW pieces because they capture that first love of LOTR.
I don't consider anything that's happened with the SS pieces any worse than what happened with the SSW pieces. Despite the fact that some fans of the Weta pieces forget there where many issues and just seem to pick at the SS pieces because they're not Weta. I'm a LOTR fan and collect that I don't collect it just because Weta was involved.
The 1:6th stuff so far has been great. You fix the damn shineness on Faramir and it's been a pretty good hit so far.The PF the same thing IMO the lips on Frodo get fixed and you have a set of winners. Gandalf looked really pretty damn fantastic. There are a couple of little things but overall its nothing that I'm gonna get too picky over.
I don't consider anything that's happened with the SS pieces any worse than what happened with the SSW pieces. Despite the fact that some fans of the Weta pieces forget there where many issues and just seem to pick at the SS pieces because they're not Weta. I'm a LOTR fan and collect that I don't collect it just because Weta was involved.
The 1:6th stuff so far has been great. You fix the damn shineness on Faramir and it's been a pretty good hit so far.The PF the same thing IMO the lips on Frodo get fixed and you have a set of winners. Gandalf looked really pretty damn fantastic. There are a couple of little things but overall its nothing that I'm gonna get too picky over.
minivader
Super Freak
LOTR (the movies) is a fad IMO, yeah, it was mega popular when the trilogy hit the cinemas and made tons of profit and spawned tons and tons of crap no one need and ton and tons of great (but expensive) stuff no one need. But that's all catering mostly to the "new" fans that were into the movie at the time. When the movies are done, the franchise slowly dies as the "new" fans' attention gets pulled to other properties. there will always be core fans of LOTR, but mostly probably are because of the book and not the movies. The book has stood the test of time, the movies, on the otherhand.... you can get all 3 at major retailers for $20 bucks now a days. I think SS 12" missed the gravey train.
Anzik
Super Freak
LOTR has had a huge following for decades. The films just brought it to a larger audience.
If they make the Hobbit with Jackson at the wheel, it will surge again.
If they make the Hobbit with Jackson at the wheel, it will surge again.
I dont like the 1/6 line due to the dollish factor. And with 1/4 Frodo being alittle off, I have no interest in the PF line. The Slowness of this line also helped turn people off. And then its hard to exceed the WETA line which was great.
However, I have started to collect the new GG LOTR stuff, the animated and Bust lines look great. The only stuff I'll buy from SS will most likely be the Dioramas. The Frodo/Gollum piece is a excellent piece which fits with the WETA stuff.
However, I have started to collect the new GG LOTR stuff, the animated and Bust lines look great. The only stuff I'll buy from SS will most likely be the Dioramas. The Frodo/Gollum piece is a excellent piece which fits with the WETA stuff.
the angry orc
Super Freak
i think the lack of a driving medium (ie movie) has slowed some of the lotr stuff down. star wars is constantly out there in a multitude of mediums and while lotr is also it's not as prevalent as sw. for myself personally i have sold off all my lotr stuff with the exception of boromir. i don't like the pf pieces (with the exception of lurtz). i dig the movies but not anywhere near as much as the book and for myself i just dont have the love for pj's trilogy as i do for the sw ot. frodo and sam look really nice in the proto pics but so did faramir. i may or may not pick them up depending on the final, in hand pics. as far as my excitement over lotr movie related pieces, it's probably a 3 out of 10 atm whereas sw and the dead line (best thing ss is doing atm imo) rate much higher. i have 2 friends (that don't visit this site or any others that i know off re: collectibles) that collected the lotr 1/6th stuff but were turned off by the slowness not only of releases but announcements as well. both said they didn't really want to get into a line that may or may not last. but, as the above poster mentioned, that would certainly change for a good many people with a big screen version of the hobbit i'm sure.
Last edited:
The thing I've noticed with all of the releases so far with the LOTR lines from SS, except the LS I think, is that people say if SS would just fix this or fix that. The problem is that there is something to fix on everything released so far, not to mention the length of time given between announcements/releases its making the line go stale and theres no continuity.
When SSW were a team the pieces flowed,yes there were pieces with issues thats going to happen regardless who makes an item, after all a manufacturer whomever that may be cannot please every collector in the world.
Unfortunately as the Godfather mentioned,a lot of collectors were left feeling little offended by Weta because of the whole 'fellowship' situation. Although we did get the Fellowship, just not in the attire the 'collectors' wanted.Again, you can't please everybody.
I don't feel betrayed by Weta because ultimately they were only joined with SS for the period of the films and they created a vast awesome array of items together,based on those films.If I felt betrayed by Weta I would also have to feel betrayed by Sideshow as they were working hand in hand at that point.
I'm not that fussy,I'm in it for my fondness of the items rather than the politics behind them.
Plus the films have been in circulation for several years now, all the 'hype' and additional promotion be it in a magazine or on the TV is gone. So until the Hobbit is made it is going to be difficult to get fresh interest in these products, whoever they are manufactured by.
Personally speaking as a collector I will buy/have bought items from various companies. I buy them because they remind me of the films I love and the characters within those films are portrayed in their best light IMO.
To me it doesnt matter if its SS,Weta or GG, if I like the character, the piece and the price I will buy it. If not, I won't.
I was just happy to get characters I personally wanted and needed in my collection from SSW and will continue to do that from whoever manufactures the ones I personally like.
x
p.s Hi Bonsey, long time no see
Last edited:
WetaWork
Super Freak
Sideshow should look to do some cross promotion with the Lord of the Rings Online MMO video game. Thousands of potential new customers. Seems like it would be a good match due to similar demographics.
woodsy
Super Freak
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2007
- Messages
- 4,871
- Reaction score
- 0
Agree about the LS busts. Can't find anything to fix on my Lurtz PF, though I would agree there are flaws to the others. And that is the problem here. If I'm going to pay $250+ for a PF statue I don't want to have to fix anything, or pay someone else to fix it for me.
When LOTR movies hit it so big lots of people "discovered" the world of Middle-earth and went along for the ride. I was in on SSW from the start of the first LOTR item and lots of people seem to have a very selective memory about the lines success. They had a hard time selling until they piggybacked that special video with the Extended edition. They were able to reach thousands of new people and they became an "overnight success".
Lots of these people are bandwagon types who go as fast as they come. It leaves a small legion of dedicated LOTR fans and collectors who will be with it for a long time to come.
I also agree totally with those who say that if Jackson directs THE HOBBIT, then its happy days are here again. Not only will THE HOBBIT spew forth tons of merchandise and collectibles, but the older LOTR stuff will also get new life. Its only a matter of time until that is worked out.
Lots of these people are bandwagon types who go as fast as they come. It leaves a small legion of dedicated LOTR fans and collectors who will be with it for a long time to come.
I also agree totally with those who say that if Jackson directs THE HOBBIT, then its happy days are here again. Not only will THE HOBBIT spew forth tons of merchandise and collectibles, but the older LOTR stuff will also get new life. Its only a matter of time until that is worked out.
Similar threads
