Gandalf the Grey PF

[The Josh]

The cancellations are due to it hitting right now with people's money being tight as always. I really don't put it anymore past that.

 

[theguru1]

They ship at different times guys. They really don't effecy each other all that much. One ships now the other Q1 of next year thats anyplace from Jan-Mar. So like I said that really isn't an issue I dont think.

I don't agree, while they may ship at different times, the fact that neither have ship yet but both are on pre-order, means people have choices to make, which are compounded by past options for Gandalf, along with everything else that SS are putting out.

If there was no 1/6th scale Gandalf statue on pre-order and especially if there was no new 1/6th polystone statue line around, then the Gandalf PF would be getting far less cancels.

 

[Seaward]

It sounds like money is an issue for a lot of folks right now, but I think that maquette line making it's debut has hurt the Premium Format line for a couple of reasons. I think some people collected the Premium Formats in that it was the only game in town for high end LOTR collectibles, and now the maquette line offers people a choice (and a cheaper alternative). I don't think it helped sales either when Sideshow suggested that they might not finish the fellowship in PF, but they plan to for the maquette series. This caused a lot of people to lose interest in the Premium Format line entirely, and some folks have even said that they will refrain from buying into the maquette line until the full fellowship is released. Just my opinion, but I think these two events coming together around the same time have directed people away from the Premium Format line.

 

[Blu Falcon]

Interesting to note all the cancels on the Gandalf PF. Too much too soon me thinks.

Having two Gandalf's up for order, even across lines and product type do affect each other. Why... because in this case it creates confusion in the mind of many consumers. Consumers don't know what SS have planned for these lines. Granted if all a buyer wants is a Gandalf representation then fine, the choice is easy... it becomes one or the other.

But analyse the responses on here and elsewhere, many want a Fellowship representation, be it character only or character + costume. Some have already started down the PF line and don't know if a Fellowship representation will ever come to fruition... no-one knows if the maquette line will either (I know SS have intimated they will complete the Fellowship through this line, but I take such comments with a bag of salt). Hence much insecurity in regards to which horse the collector should be on to get a Fellowship representation. Of course going by past experience, we'll never get a Fellowship out of SS

I don't agree, while they may ship at different times, the fact that neither have ship yet but both are on pre-order, means people have choices to make, which are compounded by past options for Gandalf, along with everything else that SS are putting out.

If there was no 1/6th scale Gandalf statue on pre-order and especially if there was no new 1/6th polystone statue line around, then the Gandalf PF would be getting far less cancels.

It sounds like money is an issue for a lot of folks right now, but I think that maquette line making it's debut has hurt the Premium Format line for a couple of reasons. I think some people collected the Premium Formats in that it was the only game in town for high end LOTR collectibles, and now the maquette line offers people a choice (and a cheaper alternative). I don't think it helped sales either when Sideshow suggested that they might not finish the fellowship in PF, but they plan to for the maquette series. This caused a lot of people to lose interest in the Premium Format line entirely, and some folks have even said that they will refrain from buying into the maquette line until the full fellowship is released. Just my opinion, but I think these two events coming together around the same time have directed people away from the Premium Format line.

Excellent points, all. You've got your head in the clouds if you honestly believe the new maquette line is not affecting sales of the PF line to some degree. Also, most people do not have an infinite amount of space to display their collectibles, so 1/6 suddenly becomes a better option than 1/4. And I think people are also wising up to the fact that Exclusives aren't necessarily "must-haves" and realize they can find the pieces they want down the road for less.

 

[oaktown2000]

I'm with you in trying to limit what I get, but could never keep it to one per franchise. I am trying to focus on really core characters though...so GTG is a MUST for me. I do have Aragorn and will pick up Legolas at some point. No rush until they get cracking on a PF Gimli though. I plan to display the 3 hunters in PF in my theatre room. And GTG with Saruman...when they finally get around to giving us a Saruman.

I have to limit it to one per franchise (except SW)...I have no more space:

Maximus Comiquette (custom)
Edward Scissorhands (TMP)
Alien Comiquette
Rambo PF
Wyatt Earp PF
John Wayne PF
Scarface PF
Godafather PF
Obi Wan PF
Vader PF
Boba Fett PF
Leonidas PF
T-800 PF
Indiana Jones PF
Freddy Krueger PF

 

[FrodoEyes]

I think some people collected the Premium Formats in that it was the only game in town for high end LOTR collectibles,

Or you could also go back and start collecting the SSW pieces, i think alot of them are still very affordable, especially given how much you have to spend on a PF or maquette.

I think that with so much new LOTR stuff coming out (which is great) people are starting to think more carefully about exactly they want in their collection. They just don't have the space or money for everything, so some may stick with PF's, some may ditch them in favour of the maquettes, etc.

I have to say that SDCC vid by VaderAl on the last page has made me desperate for the GTG PF! But i'm not getting it right now cos of the money situation, what with the Argonath last month, Bag End soon... and it's still available, so i WILL get it, just not yet!

 

[The Josh]

I don't agree, while they may ship at different times, the fact that neither have ship yet but both are on pre-order, means people have choices to make, which are compounded by past options for Gandalf, along with everything else that SS are putting out.

If there was no 1/6th scale Gandalf statue on pre-order and especially if there was no new 1/6th polystone statue line around, then the Gandalf PF would be getting far less cancels.

It may be some effect on each other but right now its more about timing and $ than anything else. They ship so far apart that both being on PO is not much of a factor at all. Its the timing of them shipping. I want the PF and the maquette but the PF shipping right now is not good. It has nothing to do with the maquette for me. I actually choose the Mark VI Maquette and Flint which will be shipping in Sept over this if you want to get right down to it.

As far as past option for GTG. You have the 1:6th figure, LSB, SSW Bust, and SSW statue. Not that many options really. I don't count dio's cause thats more a scenery thing than an individual piece.

Excellent points, all. You've got your head in the clouds if you honestly believe the new maquette line is not affecting sales of the PF line to some degree. Also, most people do not have an infinite amount of space to display their collectibles, so 1/6 suddenly becomes a better option than 1/4. And I think people are also wising up to the fact that Exclusives aren't necessarily "must-haves" and realize they can find the pieces they want down the road for less.

I'm sure it is but you've got to be naive as hell if you think its some kind of massive assault on sales for the PF line as well. Neither piece ships for months which really only hurts pieces coming out right now. The LOTR lines are more likely gonna be hurt by pieces from other lines say the Mark VI maquette than another GTG piece.

 

[Vader AL]

Or you could also go back and start collecting the SSW pieces, i think alot of them are still very affordable, especially given how much you have to spend on a PF or maquette.

I think that with so much new LOTR stuff coming out (which is great) people are starting to think more carefully about exactly they want in their collection. They just don't have the space or money for everything, so some may stick with PF's, some may ditch them in favour of the maquettes, etc.

I have to say that SDCC vid by VaderAl on the last page has made me desperate for the GTG PF! But i'm not getting it right now cos of the money situation, what with the Argonath last month, Bag End soon... and it's still available, so i WILL get it, just not yet!

That was one of P!tu's many SDCC videos and the one I posted made me want BOTH the GTG PF and the Morgul Lord PF. I'm going to flex GTG and wait for a good price on the Morgul Lord PF. The Maq.'s are outstanding but I only want a few "statement" pieces from the LOTR line so I chose the PF version of Gandalf.

 

[The Ringer]

........................................

 

[naria]

I second that comment on the video that VaderAl posted on the last page that P!tu filmed at SDCC. I am now leaning towards keeping the GTG PF. Awesome video.

 

[WrathofSauron]

I don't agree, while they may ship at different times, the fact that neither have ship yet but both are on pre-order, means people have choices to make, which are compounded by past options for Gandalf, along with everything else that SS are putting out.

If there was no 1/6th scale Gandalf statue on pre-order and especially if there was no new 1/6th polystone statue line around, then the Gandalf PF would be getting far less cancels.

Well said thats what I was trying to convey in my last post!

 

[The Josh]

Some I'm sure. A lot would depend like I said also what was shipping around the same time. Most of us that collect LOTR (and harcore like myself) also collect other lines.

 

[woodsy]

This sudden concern for SS's financial well being, as well as concern for it's LOTR licence is both unexpected and heartwarming, but I'm still waiting for someone to explain how these GTG PF cancellations are somehow outside the norm of today's collecting climate.

Can someone please explain to me how exactly is this any different from any other SS product these days that sell out only to become available prior to billing and shipping? The enonomy is going down the toilet, most people simply have less money available to spend on their hobby and compounding this problem is the mind-boggling number of decisions/choices collectors have to make with so many licences and lines of collectibles now available to them.

Now if we're going to start talking about "heads in the clouds" maybe we can start with a theory containing exacty zero evidence to back it up. Not only is there nothing in the way of evidence to back up this Gandalf vs Gandalf theory, the evidence we do have completely blows that theory right out of the water. Every single person who has cancelled the PF has referred to finance-related issues being the cause, not one has said it is because of the maquette. And what a surprise, these are the same finance-related issues we hear everytime someone cancels an order prior to shipping.....go figure.

Now I know forum participants only make up a small percentage of overall collectors, but does anyone really believe those collectors outside of these forums are any different than the rest of us, if so I think you're kidding yourself. In the meantime, until speculation and conjecture is replaced with some sort of concrete evidence to the contrary I'll hold to my belief [and the actual facts we do have] that this is, and always has been, a non-issue.

 

[Blu Falcon]

It may be some effect on each other but right now its more about timing and $ than anything else. They ship so far apart that both being on PO is not much of a factor at all. Its the timing of them shipping. I want the PF and the maquette but the PF shipping right now is not good. It has nothing to do with the maquette for me. I actually choose the Mark VI Maquette and Flint which will be shipping in Sept over this if you want to get right down to it.

As far as past option for GTG. You have the 1:6th figure, LSB, SSW Bust, and SSW statue. Not that many options really. I don't count dio's cause thats more a scenery thing than an individual piece.



I'm sure it is but you've got to be naive as hell if you think its some kind of massive assault on sales for the PF line as well. Neither piece ships for months which really only hurts pieces coming out right now. The LOTR lines are more likely gonna be hurt by pieces from other lines say the Mark VI maquette than another GTG piece.

This sudden concern for SS's financial well being, as well as concern for it's LOTR licence is both unexpected and heartwarming, but I'm still waiting for someone to explain how these GTG PF cancellations are somehow outside the norm of today's collecting climate.

Can someone please explain to me how exactly is this any different from any other SS product these days that sell out only to become available prior to billing and shipping? The enonomy is going down the toilet, most people simply have less money available to spend on their hobby and compounding this problem is the mind-boggling number of decisions/choices collectors have to make with so many licences and lines of collectibles now available to them.

Now if we're going to start talking about "heads in the clouds" maybe we can start with a theory containing exacty zero evidence to back it up. Not only is there nothing in the way of evidence to back up this Gandalf vs Gandalf theory, the evidence we do have completely blows that theory right out of the water. Every single person who has cancelled the PF has referred to finance-related issues being the cause, not one has said it is because of the maquette. And what a surprise, these are the same finance-related issues we hear everytime someone cancels an order prior to shipping.....go figure.

Now I know forum participants only make up a small percentage of overall collectors, but does anyone really believe those collectors outside of these forums are any different than the rest of us, if so I think you're kidding yourself. In the meantime, until speculation and conjecture is replaced with some sort of concrete evidence to the contrary I'll hold to my belief [and the actual facts we do have] that this is, and always has been, a non-issue.

The chicks in this video are so hot.

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[theguru1]

This sudden concern for SS's financial well being, as well as concern for it's LOTR licence is both unexpected and heartwarming, but I'm still waiting for someone to explain how these GTG PF cancellations are somehow outside the norm of today's collecting climate.

Can someone please explain to me how exactly is this any different from any other SS product these days that sell out only to become available prior to billing and shipping? The enonomy is going down the toilet, most people simply have less money available to spend on their hobby and compounding this problem is the mind-boggling number of decisions/choices collectors have to make with so many licences and lines of collectibles now available to them.

Sure I can explain it, and you have partly provided some of the explanation already.
When the PF was first pre-ordered, it was in the environment of little new 1/6th polystone statue line news. I think we may have heard it was coming, but at that stage, nothing had really been seen, nothing at all had been seen in person, no prices were known and there had been no news from SS about getting the full fellowship being less likely in PF but more likely in the new statue line.
Fast forward to now, the statue line is looking like it's going to shape up nicely, two pretty good pre-orders so far, confirm that Legolas and Gimli are coming (preview sculpts), seen concept art for Boromir along with some hints that the full fellowship is more likely in the new line then the PF line.
So, the GtG PF gets a pre-shipping notice, plenty of people, as you say collect other lines, but they are now looking at two SS GtG statues, with various background info and other items to pay for as well. So short of really wanting the PF, it becomes a much easier cancel, especially if one is leaning much more towards the new 1/6 statue line and has that on pre-order.

So based on that, how can anyone think that if a GtG statue didn't exists at the moment and especially if the new 1/6 statue line was still a much more distant thought, that far fewer PF's would be getting cancelled at this stage.

 

[The Josh]

Blu- So now we have to resort to name calling and not being able to be an adult and discuss things. I think you have a board you can go act like that on.

Sure I can explain it, and you have partly provided some of the explanation already.
When the PF was first pre-ordered, it was in the environment of little new 1/6th polystone statue line news. I think we may have heard it was coming, but at that stage, nothing had really been seen, nothing at all had been seen in person, no prices were known and there had been no news from SS about getting the full fellowship being less likely in PF but more likely in the new statue line.
Fast forward to now, the statue line is looking like it's going to shape up nicely, two pretty good pre-orders so far, confirm that Legolas and Gimli are coming (preview sculpts), seen concept art for Boromir along with some hints that the full fellowship is more likely in the new line then the PF line.
So, the GtG PF gets a pre-shipping notice, plenty of people, as you say collect other lines, but they are now looking at two SS GtG statues, with various background info and other items to pay for as well. So short of really wanting the PF, it becomes a much easier cancel, especially if one is leaning much more towards the new 1/6 statue line and has that on pre-order.

So based on that, how can anyone think that if a GtG statue didn't exists at the moment and especially if the new 1/6 statue line was still a much more distant thought, that far fewer PF's would be getting cancelled at this stage.

Sorry Guru but what you've said holds no water. The GTG maquette ships early next year. Most likely Marchish. Thats more than enough time down the road for people to get both financially speaking. If it was shipping right now or say Oct-Nov then yeah you might be picking and choosing. Most collectors if they can are gonna shoot for both.

I know I would but right now like I said I can get the Iron Man Maquette, Flint, etc in Sept but GTG is just too much. If he was shipping earlier before SDCC or later then thats different but now is just not good. I would still be giving GTG the axe even if the statue line didn't exist.

 

[DaveMac]

Blu- So now we have to resort to name calling and not being able to be an adult and discuss things. I think you have a board you can go act like that on.
.....

Where's that thick skin you advocate so much?

Sorry, just being a 'smart ass' as you like to put it.

 

[The Josh]

Has nothing to do with thin skin. Just pointing out about being respectful. Believe me I've been called worse than that on message boards.

 

[theguru1]

Sorry Guru but what you've said holds no water. The GTG maquette ships early next year. Most likely Marchish. Thats more than enough time down the road for people to get both financially speaking. If it was shipping right now or say Oct-Nov then yeah you might be picking and choosing. Most collectors if they can are gonna shoot for both.

Financially maybe, but it's not about current money, it's as much about long term money and display space. So if you stop to think that not all who had the PF on pre-order are going to get both, then now is a perfect time to consider ones long term plans and if one should keep the PF, keep the maquette, go for both, or cancel both.

I just don't see how hard it is to understand that when clear choices, for the same character are so present at the same time, that they won't have an impact on each other. I have collecting plans thought out for the next few years, based on what's up for pre-order now, what's been previewed, even if it's just a drawing and what I expect and/or want to buy. Now of course that changes over time, as some surprises show up or expected items turn out not to be that good.

So before the maquette line, the GtG PF was pretty much it as far as SS is concerned. Sure it may be cancelled or put on flex due to other items showing up and/or about to ship. But now, one has all that, plus, does one want the maquette too or maybe just the maquette, it adds a whole extra level of consideration for anyone without unlimited funds and display space.

 

[mr.thrifty]

IMO. I prefer the 1/4th PF.. it represents the character better. actual cloth and such.

I do own my own share of all sculpted maquettes..but I chose to not partake in the new and smaller version of that line.

If your looking for SS to release a complete fellowship line plus others we're all crazy to think they'll do it in any form in a short time considering their past. in the long run SS will end up making every one we want in all forms.