Weta Coming Back To Middle Earth

[the Doctor]

[really don't have to explain the reason no one gets upset about a $6000 Vader bronze is because SS offers such a large variety of Vader item's that there's something for everyone, no matter how much or how little, they can afford to spend.

Concerning Weta, what exactly are the options available to statues collectors who can't afford, or refuse to spend 6K on a statue? If you said "nothing", then you are absolutely correct. I'm not interested in crowns and tiara's on chessy looking bases. I don't care for mini-shields that convert into lapel pins....good grief Perhaps Weta is having a hard time with the concept that collectible companies are supposed to be in the business of actually providing collectibles for their customers.....and not just the 2 dozen or so who can actually afford these item's.

You want to know what the biggest problem with Weta is? They are not a collectibles company. They are a hugely successful CGI movie company that occasionally dabbles in the collectibles industry. That is exactly why SS has exploded in the 4 years since the SSW split and Weta has pretty well disappeared off the map. Weta doesn't seem to have the slightest concept as to how to operate a collectibles company successfully. It's been one huge mistake after another with these guys starting with those obscene ES's they started springing on us around the time of ROTK to their decision to walk away from the SSW partnership a year later. And I really don't have to talk about the string of disasterous licencing decision's they've made since then, do I?
Quite frankly, Weta has been so out of tune with what collectors want for so long now I can't believe that anyone is actually surprised by Weta's new "feast or famine" lines of LOTR-related products. It's just par for the course for these guys. [/QUOTE]

QUOTE=woodsy;1870782]I have to disagree. The only thing here that's lame is your arguement. I really don't have to explain the difference between a $6000 SS Vader bronze and and $6000 Weta Smaug do I?

so what are you trying to say,weta's offering are not worth the money



are you saying weta's offering being to expensive is a good reason to slag them off

you remind me why i seldom bother with the lotr section

 

[the Doctor]

I have to disagree. The only thing here that's lame is your arguement. I really don't have to explain the difference between a $6000 SS Vader bronze and and $6000 Weta Smaug do I? I really don't have to explain the reason no one gets upset about a $6000 Vader bronze is because SS offers such a large variety of Vader item's that there's something for everyone, no matter how much or how little, they can afford to spend.

Concerning Weta, what exactly are the options available to statues collectors who can't afford, or refuse to spend 6K on a statue? If you said "nothing", then you are absolutely correct. I'm not interested in crowns and tiara's on chessy looking bases. I don't care for mini-shields that convert into lapel pins....good grief Perhaps Weta is having a hard time with the concept that collectible companies are supposed to be in the business of actually providing collectibles for their customers.....and not just the 2 dozen or so who can actually afford these item's.

You want to know what the biggest problem with Weta is? They are not a collectibles company. They are a hugely successful CGI movie company that occasionally dabbles in the collectibles industry. That is exactly why SS has exploded in the 4 years since the SSW split and Weta has pretty well disappeared off the map. Weta doesn't seem to have the slightest concept as to how to operate a collectibles company successfully. It's been one huge mistake after another with these guys starting with those obscene ES's they started springing on us around the time of ROTK to their decision to walk away from the SSW partnership a year later. And I really don't have to talk about the string of disasterous licencing decision's they've made since then, do I?
Quite frankly, Weta has been so out of tune with what collectors want for so long now I can't believe that anyone is actually surprised by Weta's new "feast or famine" lines of LOTR-related products. It's just par for the course for these guys.

i only made 2 points and all you can do is spout on about how they are not in tune with what collectors want.

well there are collectors who apreciate there expensive gear and if you think that gives you the right bash them because your tastes aren't being catered to at the moment then that is a lame excuse.

 

[the Doctor]

I have to disagree. The only thing here that's lame is your arguement. I really don't have to explain the difference between a $6000 SS Vader bronze and and $6000 Weta Smaug do I? I really don't have to explain the reason no one gets upset about a $6000 Vader bronze is because SS offers such a large variety of Vader item's that there's something for everyone, no matter how much or how little, they can afford to spend.

Concerning Weta, what exactly are the options available to statues collectors who can't afford, or refuse to spend 6K on a statue? If you said "nothing", then you are absolutely correct. I'm not interested in crowns and tiara's on chessy looking bases. I don't care for mini-shields that convert into lapel pins....good grief Perhaps Weta is having a hard time with the concept that collectible companies are supposed to be in the business of actually providing collectibles for their customers.....and not just the 2 dozen or so who can actually afford these item's.

You want to know what the biggest problem with Weta is? They are not a collectibles company. They are a hugely successful CGI movie company that occasionally dabbles in the collectibles industry. That is exactly why SS has exploded in the 4 years since the SSW split and Weta has pretty well disappeared off the map. Weta doesn't seem to have the slightest concept as to how to operate a collectibles company successfully. It's been one huge mistake after another with these guys starting with those obscene ES's they started springing on us around the time of ROTK to their decision to walk away from the SSW partnership a year later. And I really don't have to talk about the string of disasterous licencing decision's they've made since then, do I?
Quite frankly, Weta has been so out of tune with what collectors want for so long now I can't believe that anyone is actually surprised by Weta's new "feast or famine" lines of LOTR-related products. It's just par for the course for these guys.

your retort is laughable.you should save yourself some typing and cut it short like this> weta's not making anything i can affordit's not fare
i know! i'll slag them off,that will teach them to leave me out!



give me a break.

 

[the Doctor]

I have to disagree. The only thing here that's lame is your arguement. I really don't have to explain the difference between a $6000 SS Vader bronze and and $6000 Weta Smaug do I? I really don't have to explain the reason no one gets upset about a $6000 Vader bronze is because SS offers such a large variety of Vader item's that there's something for everyone, no matter how much or how little, they can afford to spend.

Concerning Weta, what exactly are the options available to statues collectors who can't afford, or refuse to spend 6K on a statue? If you said "nothing", then you are absolutely correct. I'm not interested in crowns and tiara's on chessy looking bases. I don't care for mini-shields that convert into lapel pins....good grief Perhaps Weta is having a hard time with the concept that collectible companies are supposed to be in the business of actually providing collectibles for their customers.....and not just the 2 dozen or so who can actually afford these item's.

You want to know what the biggest problem with Weta is? They are not a collectibles company. They are a hugely successful CGI movie company that occasionally dabbles in the collectibles industry. That is exactly why SS has exploded in the 4 years since the SSW split and Weta has pretty well disappeared off the map. Weta doesn't seem to have the slightest concept as to how to operate a collectibles company successfully. It's been one huge mistake after another with these guys starting with those obscene ES's they started springing on us around the time of ROTK to their decision to walk away from the SSW partnership a year later. And I really don't have to talk about the string of disasterous licencing decision's they've made since then, do I?
Quite frankly, Weta has been so out of tune with what collectors want for so long now I can't believe that anyone is actually surprised by Weta's new "feast or famine" lines of LOTR-related products. It's just par for the course for these guys.

what a load of rubbish

 

[theguru1]

hmm, so Weta come out with a few, very limited, very expensive pieces of art and the 'general' collecting community call them out of touch.

Has anyone stopped and thought for a moment that YOUR NOT THE TARGET MARKET.
I'm sorry, but how many of you own the Gandalf bronze statue, how many of you Star Wars Sideshow fans own the 5K life size droids, or the 6K Vader.

Are you expecting to be able to walk into a New York art museum and buy an original painting for $200, I think not.

These are aimed at the life-long LOTR fan who is as much an Art Collector then anything else.

If you want something LOTR related for the general collector, then I seem to remember SSW releasing some 200 different items and SS still releasing something new every few months.

Second, none of this and I repeat none, is related to the upcoming Hobbit movie. When that collectible range is announced, then you can fully expect the more normal type and price of polystone collectibles that your all use too.

Finally, I find this slagging off at Weta damn disrespectful to both the company and the artists that pour their heart and soul into their work. Just watch the video making of the swords by Peter Lyon on the Weta website. Its not a case of knocking out a 1000 swords at some factory in Spain, it about making a perfect sword, one that would be no different from a sword made 500 years ago for a King of England. You have enough pictures, try going to someone else and having them make the same thing, at the same level of quality and see how much that costs.

 

[WrathofSauron]

I have to disagree. The only thing here that's lame is your arguement. I really don't have to explain the difference between a $6000 SS Vader bronze and and $6000 Weta Smaug do I? I really don't have to explain the reason no one gets upset about a $6000 Vader bronze is because SS offers such a large variety of Vader item's that there's something for everyone, no matter how much or how little, they can afford to spend.

Concerning Weta, what exactly are the options available to statues collectors who can't afford, or refuse to spend 6K on a statue? If you said "nothing", then you are absolutely correct. I'm not interested in crowns and tiara's on chessy looking bases. I don't care for mini-shields that convert into lapel pins....good grief Perhaps Weta is having a hard time with the concept that collectible companies are supposed to be in the business of actually providing collectibles for their customers.....and not just the 2 dozen or so who can actually afford these item's.

You want to know what the biggest problem with Weta is? They are not a collectibles company. They are a hugely successful CGI movie company that occasionally dabbles in the collectibles industry. That is exactly why SS has exploded in the 4 years since the SSW split and Weta has pretty well disappeared off the map. Weta doesn't seem to have the slightest concept as to how to operate a collectibles company successfully. It's been one huge mistake after another with these guys starting with those obscene ES's they started springing on us around the time of ROTK to their decision to walk away from the SSW partnership a year later. And I really don't have to talk about the string of disasterous licencing decision's they've made since then, do I?
Quite frankly, Weta has been so out of tune with what collectors want for so long now I can't believe that anyone is actually surprised by Weta's new "feast or famine" lines of LOTR-related products. It's just par for the course for these guys.

Woodsy you've just gone and done it again! Stole me thunder!! I was going to say all that, word for word..................................I swear.............honestly!!

Seriously though well said, I agree with that 100%.
Although Weta are pissing me off right now I know that I will be powerless to resist the Regular Ed Smaug if/when they make him!!!

 

[gabberjawa]

Peter Lyon LOTR Swords:

Strongly urge anyone who likes these to check out my Sword Porn gallery

 

[gabberjawa]

Peter Lyon LOTR Swords:

Strongly urge anyone who likes these to check out my Sword Porn gallery

 

[gabberjawa]

They can make different things to appeal to different markets, and it's fine.

Cinemaquette doesn't make affordable anything. And no one has a bone to pick with them about it. It's what they do.

Weta can make Peter Lyon swords, because it's what they do. And for the cherry on top: no one else can. And it's unique, and it's amazing, and the company is passionate about it. And probably it'll net them some nice coin.

If you happen not to be able to afford a handmade sword, oh wells. Whoever those 10 folks who can are going to be damn happy.

 

[Darklord Dave]

You can't really compare them to Sideshow or even Gentle Giant, which started in a similar fashion. They have a completely different business model than either of those companies for their collectibles business.

And they are obviously listening to collectors about affordability - the newest Ray Gun is made of plastic instead of metal and is only $90. instead of $700.

 

[DaveMac]

Wow..........Did WETA actually release something LOTR related?





Oh yeah! Some highly collectable, very nice looking pieces that aren't for me but look very well made, detailed and not run of the mill. The more choice the merrier as far as LOTR stuff goes, wether it's a full size bronze or Toy Biz exclusive there is something for everyone in the market and it keeps us looking and waiting for that certain piece that takes our fancy.

Glad to see WETA back in the mix and looking forward to some more great LOTR stuff, wether it's to admire from afar or to own

 

[Vince]

Those that don't like what WETA is doing are just people that are jealous they can't afford these pieces.

I can't afford them neither, but I think they are beautifull, amazing pieces made by people who love the Lord of the Rings and made with a lot of expertise and craftmanship.

Yes, they are expensive ... so what ?

If you can't afford a Lamborgini will you then bash the company that makes them ?
No you just buy a car from a company that makes cheaper, more affordable cars and still look in awe when you see such an expensive car ...

 

[Adoptedscot]

When/if they make Sam's frying pan, I'll be buying
x

 

[FrodoEyes]

I would like to get Sting, that's the one sword i'd like to own, especially made by Weta. Maybe it'll be cheaper as it's smaller? We'll have to see.

 

[WrathofSauron]

Those that don't like what WETA is doing are just people that are jealous they can't afford these pieces...

Not jealous at all Vince sorry, disappointed yes but not jealous. These are beautiful pieces no question of that and it's very exciting that Weta announces its return to Middle Earth, it's disappointing that it was such an exclusive return

 

[Namgorf]

https://www.wetanz.com/anduril-the-master-swordsmith-s-collection/from/brand

I didnt read thru all the posts but here is the Sword........ um 6k is a little much for a sword, even if it is hand crafted, there are just to many copies out there to justify this, and no one would really know the difference between the fakes anyway.

The Gollum is worth every penny though...... It is most impressive in person and would make a Grand Center Piece to your entry way ....... it would be THE Centerpiece of centerpieces if you had it....


The Shields are a Definite buy.... @ 35 each there all Mine and supposed to be available in the next month or two.

 

[FlyAndFight]

The Shields are a Definite buy.... @ 35 each there all Mine and supposed to be available in the next month or two.

I didn't know the pricing on these. $35 is fine with me. I'll be getting them all.

 

[dayhiker]

I didn't know the pricing on these. $35 is fine with me. I'll be getting them all.

how large are these shields?

 

[CAhobbit]

how large are these shields?

The shields themselves looked around 2 1/2 to 3 inches tall when I saw them in person at the con. They look really nice, but I have to admit I was a little taken aback by their size, but I still thought they looked ace.

 

[gabberjawa]

how large are these shields?