Statue Weta Workshop's: The Hobbit - Gollum Statue

[Mr Fell Beast]

Please don't delete any of his posts. I'd rather they stay up so people can laugh at them and see him for what he is.

If you think for 1 millisecond I care about what YOU think about me on the internet!

Take a deep look in the mirror before blaming others for your short comings.

 

[theguru1]

preorders are "charged" then not then "charged" again, how stupid, if SS were to do this you would be the first to complain fella.

SS do actually do that, except they actually take some of the money up front, it's called a NRD.

In fact, its even worse, if you cancel or need to change your mind, you likely don't get that money back, "Non-Refundable".

People did complain at the time, but SS still do it. They even said it would only be on very select items and all details, like Edition size would be known up front. At first that was true, but now days, NRD's show up on many more pre-orders and in a number of cases, info like edition size isn't even listed. Current example, the new Punisher PF.

 

[The Josh]

SS do actually do that, except they actually take some of the money up front, it's called a NRD.

In fact, its even worse, if you cancel or need to change your mind, you likely don't get that money back, "Non-Refundable".

People did complain at the time, but SS still do it. They even said it would only be on very select items and all details, like Edition size would be known up front. At first that was true, but now days, NRD's show up on many more pre-orders and in a number of cases, info like edition size isn't even listed. Current example, the new Punisher PF.

Thing is to be fair NRD are self explained. They are used with other products peple buy so we should all know what that is going in. The thing about the NRD that I like is you better be sure you want the item otherwise you pay for that heat of the moment order. Its actually a decent stopper to that I'd imagine.

People complain about everything though. Some were just mad because they couldn't order in the heat of the moment. I do agree the ES should be known from the start on items with a NRD. I think that's a fair trade.

 

[The Josh]

PM are being sent about the recent back and forth. Let's play nice boys.

 

[Mr Fell Beast]

SS do actually do that, except they actually take some of the money up front, it's called a NRD.

In fact, its even worse, if you cancel or need to change your mind, you likely don't get that money back, "Non-Refundable".

People did complain at the time, but SS still do it. They even said it would only be on very select items and all details, like Edition size would be known up front. At first that was true, but now days, NRD's show up on many more pre-orders and in a number of cases, info like edition size isn't even listed. Current example, the new Punisher PF.

Very true BUT this way it will keep the ones who are not really sure or on the line about a certain item out of the picture IF they are not really not serious. I do not blame them for doing this, it is a prepayment and NOT taking the whole dollar amount hostage for sometimes weeks, then giving it back, that is just silly. The last two orders they did that to me, the orders were canceled, why, who knows? I am just saying if WETA wants to play like a big boy then they need to start acting like a big boy, does this mean SS Is perfect well no, but they do have other options that fit better for the average collector.

 

[DaveMac]

Great sculpt and growing on me as a piece to have once other 'must have' pieces add a few WETA dollars to take the sting out of the price (hmm, maybe that's why Bilbo is paired with it)

 

[The Josh]

Great sculpt and growing on me as a piece to have once other 'must have' pieces add a few WETA dollars to take the sting out of the price (hmm, maybe that's why Bilbo is paired with it)

I used some Weta Dollars to do just that. It brought it down to $217 shipped which I liked a bit better.

 

[gagaliya]

I like smeagol

 

[DaveMac]

Here is a response from Tim over at WETA which he posted on the SF board. The price issue remains, but the fact he/ WETA reponds with reasoning behind the price is nice to see as a potential buyer


Hi Everyone

Thanks very much for your feedback. We sincerely appreciate it. We will take this into account.

For Gollum Enraged, the biggest impact on pricing is the fragility of the sculpture. This makes it more difficult and expensive to produce. For example, it is long and thin, and over balanced, which means it needs reinforcement to ensure it's stability and is strong enough to hold the pose. We therefore have a metal armature which runs up the length of his back leg.

Many thanks once again for your comments

Kind regards

Tim

 

[The Josh]

I saw that. Very cool to know about the process of making these and it answers a question we had as to how Gollum was going to be supported. That should also help with shipping to keep his back leg from being so fragile.

 

[DaveMac]

Having had (and recently sold) Weta's Cortana piece from the Halo range, I can understand the need for extra support to avoid possible replacement demands. But still a heck of a price leap for a bit of wire up ya leg

Holding off for Radagast for now

 

[Darkmatter]

Here is a response from Tim over at WETA which he posted on the SF board. The price issue remains, but the fact he/ WETA reponds with reasoning behind the price is nice to see as a potential buyer


Hi Everyone

Thanks very much for your feedback. We sincerely appreciate it. We will take this into account.

For Gollum Enraged, the biggest impact on pricing is the fragility of the sculpture. This makes it more difficult and expensive to produce. For example, it is long and thin, and over balanced, which means it needs reinforcement to ensure it's stability and is strong enough to hold the pose. We therefore have a metal armature which runs up the length of his back leg.

Many thanks once again for your comments

Kind regards

Tim

unfortunately tim giving a reason why the price of weta items is getting beyond reach doesn't address the fact that compared to many other manufacturers and what you get for the money, weta is suffering. their barad-dur environment retailing for $700 was absolutely ridiculous. i got one for $570 shipped and returned it because it was not worth the money. the quality was way less than i expected for the price and there was even a dead moth in the lava mote for free. the reasoning for that price was 'it took many hours to develop'. it didn't even have an eye, the most recognizable feature of the dark tower. i currently own all weta 'the hobbit' statues and even bought the staffs of gandalf and radagast and the key to erobor. but this gollum is almost as huge a disappointment as barad-dur was. this piece should be no more than $200. weta needs to adjust their price point or their stock will linger forever until they do. btw, the retailer that sold me barad-dur still has 13 in stock and hasn't sold one since mine 3 weeks ago. good luck with that.

 

[The Josh]

unfortunately tim giving a reason why the price of weta items is getting beyond reach doesn't address the fact that compared to many other manufacturers and what you get for the money, weta is suffering. their barad-dur environment retailing for $700 was absolutely ridiculous. i got one for $570 shipped and returned it because it was not worth the money. the quality was way less than i expected for the price and there was even a dead moth in the lava mote for free. the reasoning for that price was 'it took many hours to develop'. it didn't even have an eye, the most recognizable feature of the dark tower. i currently own all weta 'the hobbit' statues and even bought the staffs of gandalf and radagast and the key to erobor. but this gollum is almost as huge a disappointment as barad-dur was. this piece should be no more than $200. weta needs to adjust their price point or their stock will linger forever until they do. btw, the retailer that sold me barad-dur still has 13 in stock and hasn't sold one since mine 3 weeks ago. good luck with that.

I have to totally disagree with you on Barad-dur. I used a bunch of Weta Dollars and got it for about the same price as you did. It is totally worth the money IMO. Its one of the best pieces in my collection. Having the eye would have bee sweet but I don't feel the piece is hurting because of it.

 

[Darkmatter]

I have to totally disagree with you on Barad-dur. I used a bunch of Weta Dollars and got it for about the same price as you did. It is totally worth the money IMO. Its one of the best pieces in my collection. Having the eye would have bee sweet but I don't feel the piece is hurting because of it.

i own the danbury mint light up version and i like it better. not as detailed a tower but the eye is a HUGE plus. without the eye, the best part in my opinion is missing. i even went as far as looking into a way to put an eye in the weta version. a painted eye on a ping pong ball that has a flameless candle inserted could work. but all is moot now so i abandoned the project.

 

[DaveMac]

The point being made was that they at least acknowledge that their is an issue which gives hope that other releases price points may be taken into consideration. I think Gollum is pricey but the sculpt looks very good. As for Barad Dur, not seen it in hand but everything points towards a very, very detailed sculpt. But I'm a believer in personal choice and if it ain't right, send it back or clue us in as to why it seems dodgy

 

[The Josh]

i own the danbury mint light up version and i like it better. not as detailed a tower but the eye is a HUGE plus. without the eye, the best part in my opinion is missing. i even went as far as looking into a way to put an eye in the weta version. a painted eye on a ping pong ball that has a flameless candle inserted could work. but all is moot now so i abandoned the project.

The DM version is nice. I've still got it stored away but for me it doesn't hold a candle to what Weta put out. From my POV that is a bit like settling for second best. However, that can be different depending on the person as we can see from your post.

 

[Darkmatter]

The DM version is nice. I've still got it stored away but for me it doesn't hold a candle to what Weta put out. From my POV that is a bit like settling for second best. However, that can be different depending on the person as we can see from your post.

weta's version is way more detailed and much larger. but the lack of an eye and the price point to me are two big reasons to be disappointed. to each his own i guess.

 

[Ballder]

I think that the only important thing is that each one love the collectibles is paying for. I really love my BD (I prefer it without the eye) and I dislike the new Nazgul PF, but I hope that the people who are buying it can be happy when receive the item.

 

[The Josh]

I think that the only important thing is that each one love the collectibles is paying for. I really love my BD (I prefer it without the eye) and I dislike the new Nazgul PF, but I hope that the people who are buying it can be happy when receive the item.

That's why we buy them and what makes sharing our love for them so much fun.

 

[Mr Fell Beast]

unfortunately tim giving a reason why the price of weta items is getting beyond reach doesn't address the fact that compared to many other manufacturers and what you get for the money, weta is suffering. their barad-dur environment retailing for $700 was absolutely ridiculous. i got one for $570 shipped and returned it because it was not worth the money. the quality was way less than i expected for the price and there was even a dead moth in the lava mote for free. the reasoning for that price was 'it took many hours to develop'. it didn't even have an eye, the most recognizable feature of the dark tower. i currently own all weta 'the hobbit' statues and even bought the staffs of gandalf and radagast and the key to erobor. but this gollum is almost as huge a disappointment as barad-dur was. this piece should be no more than $200. weta needs to adjust their price point or their stock will linger forever until they do. btw, the retailer that sold me barad-dur still has 13 in stock and hasn't sold one since mine 3 weeks ago. good luck with that.

Agreed $700 for Barad Dur is just outright stupid! When looking at lets say the Lurtz PF, now that was well worth the $$ but $700 come on even the diehard knows this is pushing the average collector out of the market, this is a way different market and collector. Weta better start looking what the average collector wants and price it in a decent market or the Barad Dur will indeed be in stock a lot longer then they want no matter how mant times WETA puts a "Low Stock" warning on their web site.......

weta's version is way more detailed and much larger. but the lack of an eye and the price point to me are two big reasons to be disappointed. to each his own i guess.

WETA's version more detailed, no, that does not carry water to me as that is just a bunch of crap and blowing smoke up ones a**. DM version is EVERY bit as detailed and every bit as good just the diehard are clamoring to "it was made by WETA"........WHO CARES, if it is good AND priced as a fair market price then IT IS GOOD! Can I afford the WETA stuff yea but do I want to spend $700 on it, NO, those days are gone with me, funny as I do not own a single "WETA" statue since Sideshow and WETA are now no longer together, why well most of the stuff is, MEH.......