Need anymore incentive?

[elwood49]

I am a LORD OF THE RINGS collector.

Exactly right.

It has NOTHING to do with the company that makes the product. I'm in awe of the new Kong v. Rex statue, and I think it's the best thing that Weta has ever done.

I agree with Gruson: $500 for Frodo??!! Sure we haven't seen the SS piece yet, but it HAS to be better than the Weta one. That's one of the weakest likeness pieces in the whole line.

Plus the SS one will be significantly bigger, and should retail for only $225.

Premium format? Pff. Weta is better!

I just can't see how someone can say that something that doesnt even exist yet is better than something we've already got!

Conversely, how can you say that "Weta is better" when pics of the SS version haven't even been released? Isn't that a double standard?

 

[spaceman]

The Weta Frodo never appealed to me, and I passed on it several times, sure that this most key of all characters would be revisited. Alas, that seems to be the only option. The same goes for Meriadoc-with-cabbage, which I always maintained confidence would one day be joined by the more noble Meriadoc-Squire-of-Rohan. So sadly, these two members of the Fellowship are notably absent from my collection. Perhaps permanently, I don't know. I just can't stomach paying such crazy prices for pieces I never cared much for.

If I had them, I'd keep them, but those two issues are very different in my view. For example, I couldn't swing the going Balrog rates if I had missed out, and would instead just be happy with a great deal on the Lil Bro. OTOH, having picked one up at retail back in the day, it's a prize of my collection and I'm happy to keep it, untempted by whatever highs it reaches (to date anyway ).

I'll stay out of the "better" issue, but my taste favors the Weta pieces. Not that I'm not excited about the PF, and Lurtz is definitely spectacular - but the Weta line was my first interest in collectibles and it has an elevated place for me. To my taste, the full-sculpt is probably preferable to mixed media, and you've got to love that the actual film design team did the sculpts. (But I don't have to convince anyone around here that the Sideshow*Weta line was great ) OTOH, I do like the idea of a key PF figures used to complement the Weta set, and Frodo could be a great choice. Especially considering many agree the existing option is among the weaker entries.

 

[The Josh]

I agree with Gruson: $500 for Frodo??!! Sure we haven't seen the SS piece yet, but it HAS to be better than the Weta one. That's one of the weakest likeness pieces in the whole line.

It doesn't HAVE to be better and it MIGHT not be. I think it will be great personally but just because it's a PF piece doesn't make it better. That's something some folks just don't seem to understand. For them PF will always be better but that doesn't make it so just as those that only think the SSW pieces are better doesn't make it so.

For me plain and simple I think BOTH lines will ROCK!!!!

 

[Battletroll]

I'll stick to my Frodo. I love my collection and a PF never can take his place among the Weta stats. When I like the PF I will probably buy that too. I've grown attached to my statues and won't send them away to make a quick buck. In any case, if necessary to sell anything, the busts are the first to go!

 

[FlyAndFight]

I love the Weta pieces that I do have but as RoboDad mentioned, I'm a fan of the LOTR and not necessarily Weta. In the case of the Weta Frodo pieces released (statue and bust) I'll bluntly say that Sideshow's PF version should have no problem outdoing those two.

Now, if your collection involves having a complete line from a Weta series, then I can understand you're wanting to keep the Weta piece. But if your collection involves having the best representation of a character or piece, as mine does, then you'll be patiently waiting for pre-order Friday on the PF Frodo...

 

[FrodoEyes]

Isn't that a double standard?

Why yes it is

 

[TheWitchKing]

Originally posted by FlyAndFlight
I love the Weta pieces that I do have but as RoboDad mentioned, I'm a fan of the LOTR and not necessarily Weta. In the case of the Weta Frodo pieces released (statue and bust) I'll bluntly say that Sideshow's PF version should have no problem outdoing those two.

Now, if your collection involves having a complete line from a Weta series, then I can understand you're wanting to keep the Weta piece. But if your collection involves having the best representation of a character or piece, as mine does, then you'll be patiently waiting for pre-order Friday on the PF Frodo...

BRAVO!!! Well said!

Time and time again we will see the "Weta Fans" convert. Oh yes!

 

[The Josh]

I love the Weta pieces that I do have but as RoboDad mentioned, I'm a fan of the LOTR and not necessarily Weta. In the case of the Weta Frodo pieces released (statue and bust) I'll bluntly say that Sideshow's PF version should have no problem outdoing those two.

Fly doesn't that vary from person to person though as far as if the PF or Weta piece is better. Nobody can honestly say that one is better than the other because it's all opinions. Some will feel the Weta piece is better while others will straight out prefer the 1/4. Then you will have some that just simply love both. (like me)

Now, if your collection involves having a complete line from a Weta series, then I can understand you're wanting to keep the Weta piece. But if your collection involves having the best representation of a character or piece, as mine does, then you'll be patiently waiting for pre-order Friday on the PF Frodo...

How about if you want as many cool LOTR pieces as possible and you think both are fantastic? I just find it really lame when one side or the other says mine is better than yours or this will be better for sure because not everyone will feel that way. Now, if someone says I prefer the 1/4 Frodo to the Weta Frodo then that leads to discussion or at least just something to ponder. However, when someone says one is better than the other that comes acorss as if that's the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Besides I say the more the better when it comes to LOTR items in my collection.

SSW
SS 12"
SS 1/4 PF

 

[TheWitchKing]

My OPINION is that LOTR 1/4 PF is WAY BETTER and LOTR Weta will eventually completely without a doubt in all the galaxy's far far away even in Middle Earth including the land of Oz be under 1/4 PF lines shadow.

 

[FrodoEyes]

Ok, I see the 'LOTR collector, not just a particular line' argument, but wouldnt a PF Frodo be about the same size as a full human Weta statue? Very odd!

 

[FrodoEyes]

My OPINION is that LOTR 1/4 PF is WAY BETTER and LOTR Weta will eventually completely without a doubt in all the galaxy's far far away even in Middle Earth including the land of Oz be under 1/4 PF lines shadow.

Could be.....but I wouldnt start saying things like that after only seeing one PF figure, and one that could never fail to impress, being Lurtz in armour. So good even I ordered one! I want to see how good the human characters will look. Plus you won't get as much diversity with PF than you did with Weta. Do you think we'll see any creatures in PF? Horse and rider statues? Busts, helmets, plaques, weapon sets, medallions, art prints, bookends....any environments?

 

[Battletroll]

How about if you want as many cool LOTR pieces as possible and you think both are fantastic?
....
Besides I say the more the better when it comes to LOTR items in my collection.

SSW
SS 12"
SS 1/4 PF

 

[TheWitchKing]

Originally posted by FrodoEyes
...plaques, weapon sets, medallions, art prints, bookends....any environments?

Ah yes the unfinished medallion line....

Originally posted by FrodoEyes
So good even I ordered one!

The 1/4 Premium Figures have that effect. Honestly though I know what the Weta fans really want. A 1/4 PF comatose Frodo from ROTK.

 

[elwood49]

Nobody can honestly say that one is better than the other because it's all opinions. Some will feel the Weta piece is better while others will straight out prefer the 1/4.

You sound like a damn politician.

I guess no one can say that the SS/W Frodo is better than the Toybiz version either? I get tired of all this PC stuff, and all the "participation ribbons" that get handed out to companies for inferior product.

Speaking from the point of pure manufacturing and craftsmanship, the 1/4 piece will be leaps and bounds better. It will have handcrafted cloth and leather, a much better likeness, and a detailed base. Of course, that doesn't mean that people will prefer the PF, but it technically IS better in terms of what goes into producing it.

It's sort of like comparing a BMW to a Bentley. Sure the BMW is nice, but the Bentley has hand sewn leather, hand finished wood veneer, and a hand-assembled engine. The process IS better, no matter which you prefer.

The same comparison applies between the SS 1/4's and the Cinemaquettes. There is NO comparison with quality, no matter which you actually prefer. I may buy the SS Aragorn over the CM one, but the CM is better made with it's hand-punched hair, real chain mail, and silicone skin. I just don't prefer the ROTK version, and the CM likeness shown so far is off, but it IS a higher quality product.

 

[Gruson]

You sound like a damn politician.

I guess no one can say that the SS/W Frodo is better than the Toybiz version either? I get tired of all this PC stuff, and all the "participation ribbons" that get handed out to companies for inferior product.

Speaking from the point of pure manufacturing and craftsmanship, the 1/4 piece will be leaps and bounds better. It will have handcrafted cloth and leather, a much better likeness, and a detailed base. Of course, that doesn't mean that people will prefer the PF, but it technically IS better in terms of what goes into producing it.

It's sort of like comparing a BMW to a Bentley. Sure the BMW is nice, but the Bentley has hand sewn leather, hand finished wood veneer, and a hand-assembled engine. The process IS better, no matter which you prefer.

The same comparison applies between the SS 1/4's and the Cinemaquettes. There is NO comparison with quality, no matter which you actually prefer. I may buy the SS Aragorn over the CM one, but the CM is better made with it's hand-punched hair, real chain mail, and silicone skin. I just don't prefer the ROTK version, and the CM likeness shown so far is off, but it IS a higher quality product.

Well said Elwood. I agree 100% (as usual) on all points.

 

[TheWitchKing]

The Art of Weta, the glass is simply now half empty.

 

[FlyAndFight]

Josh, placing aside any emotional ties to any given line, company or piece and simply looking at the different representations given on an objective level, one can clearly and honestly come to a logical conclusion as to which piece is considered "better". By "better" I mean a combination of quality of material used, the capture of the character's features, pose used, fidelity of detail, paint job and you can even lump in the dreaded "E-word", essence. Sometimes the decision is not clear cut but other times it obviously is.

Using the Lurtz character as an example, (because it has been represented by both Weta and now by Sideshow), we can objectively compare the pieces and decide which is better.

SS/Weta Statue: Good sculpt, static pose, ok paintjob, not much in details, captures the essence of the character.

Sideshow PF statue: Great sculpt, dynamic pose, amazing paintjob, overloaded with detailing, captures the essence of the character.

Both pieces do a good job of representing the Lurtz character, but the PF statue is simply better.

Some people may like the taste of a nice Gallo wine but no one would seriously consider it better than a bottle of Chateau Lafite.

 

[FlyAndFight]

elwood49, we pretty much said the same thing but used different metaphors...

 

[The Josh]

You sound like a damn politician.

No I don't think so. I'm just not an arrogant self absorbed person either. I like both likes and think both lines are great in their own rights. For someone to simply state that without a doubt better is lame as I said.

I guess no one can say that the SS/W Frodo is better than the Toybiz version either? I get tired of all this PC stuff, and all the "participation ribbons" that get handed out to companies for inferior product.

That's just simply trying to compare apples and oranges. A toy to a piece of art. I get tired of the all the people that think just because it's Attakus, CM, PF that their stuff is better. That attitude gets real old and I see it a lot anymore from certain folks on this board. Remember Elwood it's all about opinions and what you feel is best may not be by the next person. When someone words something though that something is just plain better bar none is arrogant. A person may feel something is better and several fans may agree but that simply doesn't mean it is. That's not meant to be PC but just the fact that someone isn't always right.

Speaking from the point of pure manufacturing and craftsmanship, the 1/4 piece will be leaps and bounds better. It will have handcrafted cloth and leather, a much better likeness, and a detailed base. Of course, that doesn't mean that people will prefer the PF, but it technically IS better in terms of what goes into producing it.

They are both hand crafted Elwood. Sculpting isn't easy and to get it to look as nice as many of the SSW pieces do takes lots of talent. As far as the likeness goes I don't worry about it but I hope for you all that have done nothing but say how much better the likeness is they better be or I would expect someone to bring that up. As long as it's close and I feel ok about the product that's what worries me most.

It's sort of like comparing a BMW to a Bentley. Sure the BMW is nice, but the Bentley has hand sewn leather, hand finished wood veneer, and a hand-assembled engine. The process IS better, no matter which you prefer.

The same comparison applies between the SS 1/4's and the Cinemaquettes. There is NO comparison with quality, no matter which you actually prefer. I may buy the SS Aragorn over the CM one, but the CM is better made with it's hand-punched hair, real chain mail, and silicone skin. I just don't prefer the ROTK version, and the CM likeness shown so far is off, but it IS a higher quality product.

Well, I disagree. Having seen several of the CM pieces in person I really wasn't impressed and wouldn't give ya a wooden nickel for them over a SS 1/4 piece or SSW piece. They aren't made any better IMO but that doesn't mean they aren't to someone else. I think the PF pieces just look as good as the CM stuff. IMO the CM stuff looks cheap with the exception of the Terminators that have no skin on them. Lots of people like them though and feel they are good products which in the end is all that really matters. It's just rude to say something is crap and say it in a manner that it is that way just because you feel that way.

 

[FrodoEyes]

Well, the PF Lurtz naturally has more detail as it's armoured! For an almost naked Lurtz, the Weta one has all the detail that a nearly naked Lurtz would have! Weta should know, having created this character for the film, which is why I prefer Weta, I know it's an old reason, but I can't see how any creature made by Weta can be bad when they sculpted it for the movie themselves. Human characters as I've said may be better done by Sideshow, yes even Frodo, but what I was saying earlier is that I do think the Weta Frodo is a fantastic statue with alot of detail and that I can't see why it gets so much stick....it's not worth $500 by mistake, not that I think it's any better than what a PF version might look like.

Yes, I do think the PF Lurtz IS better, but if Weta had done an armoured version I would bet you that THAT would be better But then of course it wouldnt be as the PF one would be bigger, and of course bigger is better right....