It's over! MR and Star Wars are no more!!!

[dekadentdave]

But Nash, what about that SE Millenium Falcon?

 

[nash]

But Nash, what about that SE Millenium Falcon?

I like my bedroom, i'd prefer not to have to sleep on the couch.

 

[pickard]

I don't see this as a bad thing. MR had done most everything for sabers, their product I'm most interested in.

Their only line which I collect in any quantity is the .45 saber line. Once my Qui-Gon saber arrives next week, there are none left that I need for my collection. Unless they veered off into EU sabers (something I might enjoy), there weren't any notable sabers left to make.

I was too late to get a full-size ep4 Obi-Wan saber, and it's too expensive now. MR cancelled the CE version they had planned. I think some other company will pick up the line, and that'll give me a new chance to get that prop.

 

[user 1190]

Whats odd here is MR drops the line, Code 3 disappeared maybe there isnt a real market for this that creates the profits needed.

 

[dekadentdave]

I remember when MR was awrded the licence from Luca$$film, they were very specific that they did not want to give it to another company like Icons who would drop the ball. MR has done a fabulous job beyond anything Icons was ever capable of but they have faltered many opportunities. They could have produced more sabers for EU, Jedi High Council, Cutaway, and more blasters and certainly more models like the Tyderium Shuttle, AT-ST, etc. and I would love to see weathered versions of the clone helmets. Guess Gree will be unique.

I wonder should Sideshow or somebody else pick up the licence they will no doubt do their own versions of what have been done before, namely the most popular props, and what impact it will have on the value of MR's. Should another company produce, say, an Ep. 4 Obi-Wan will it devalue MR's or any of their Elite Editions like a ROTJ Luke? I think whoever gets the licence should only "continue" where MR left off and not cover what has already been done before.

 

[nash]

all of the profits for this stuff is on the secondary market.

MR stopped allowing retailers to sell the LEs to try and retain enough profit, but obviously that failed too.

The edition sizes are just way too high for products in the $400+ range.

 

[dekadentdave]

They should have mass-marketed the abandoned CE line to major retail chains. The price point would have been more attractive to non-collectors. They could have had more market penetration than just selling FX sabers in stores like Borders.

 

[user 1190]

What a coincidence.... Just bought the last MR SW piece that I wanted. Found a MR Solo Elite for $405 shipped w/ no plaque.

Bought a Vader ROTJ complete for $225 shipped 2 days ago.

Im done with MR SW :chew

Sweet, I have a few more I really want. I have few that I have been thinking about, I am not sure if I should get them now of it the floor will drop out on these.

 

[dekadentdave]

Yeah, I was reluctant to join the CS just to get a Gree helmet, I mean what's the point of it now? They will probably liquidate their inventory by year's end so look for some AWESOME deals on high-end stuff. :chew

 

[nash]

Sweet, I have a few more I really want. I have few that I have been thinking about, I am not sure if I should get them now of it the floor will drop out on these.

Well if UC is any indication, they will retain value if not increase.

UC LOTR stuff is getting pricey after they closed down and they were not even limited editions.

 

[kierbaudy]

It's a mixed bag. I have to say that MR did a great job with SW stuff, the quality has been top notch in terms of high end replicas. Unfortunately, I think MR mismanaged the license, coming out with too many variants of one item that it really devalued their stuff and caused collector fatigue. I'm glad I didn't sign up for their CS, but really want that gree helmet. I don't have much in the way of their stuff, 2 helmets and vader lightsaber, which is fine with me. I think the only thing that I will regret not getting is the Millenium falcon SE, it's a beauty. I was looking forward to chewie's bow.

 

[Darklord Dave]

I was looking forward to the studio scale X-Wing and Tie Fighter.

Perhaps SSC or GG can pick up the slack, but neither company is really experienced in the machined product MR has done well. I wonder if QMX is capitalized enough to foot the huge advance Lucasfilm would require?

We know that SW is the most expensive license there is, but Corgi would seem to be shooting itself in the foot here. Maybe this press release is just a negotiation tactic, maybe to show LFL that they're serious so the royalty will come down.

 

[dekadentdave]

I agree with you that SSC is not as experienced as MR in constructing high-end 1:1 props although they have done a fabulous job with their Terminator Endo. However, it only seems to make sense that SSC will transition the license having an existing working relationship with Luca$film already in place. I think the dios were kind of a test to expand into replica territory.

 

[nash]

The CEO and founder of QMx is the former CEO and founder of MR, so they would be the best choice to pick up the license.

 

[dekadentdave]

The CEO and founder of QMx is the former CEO and founder of MR, so they would be the best choice to pick up the license.

That wouldn't happen to be Steve Dymzo would it?

 

[nash]

That wouldn't happen to be Steve Dymzo would it?

thats the guy. i knew his name was steve , forgot his last name until now.

 

[dekadentdave]

thats the guy. i knew his name was steve , forgot his last name until now.

Met Steve D. when I won the very first MR contest. Got to tour their offices and go to Skywalker Ranch. Steve has been making prop replicas for many years before founding MR. He used to own SD Studios that produced some nice James Bond props. If his new company could secure the Star Wars and Lucasfilm licenses I would be ok with that. Guess he left MR when they merged with Corgi. At least it's good to know that when he left MR is when the company started to take its downturn. I have confidence in Steve Dymzo.

 

[Amanaman]

What an irony if Steve D, the founder of MR, can't afford the SW prop license anymore. LFL deserves much of the blame for their greed.

 

[nash]

It indeed seems MR went downhill shortly after letting Steve D go over some stupid comment he made on Rebelscum forum.

 

[dekadentdave]

It indeed seems MR went downhill shortly after letting Steve D go over some stupid comment he made on Rebelscum forum.

Really? What did he say?

The guy is a prop guru. No wonder their product offerings have been weak the last couple of years.