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Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => Revenge of the Sith => Topic started by: Darth Broem on March 25, 2005, 08:25 AM

Title: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on March 25, 2005, 08:25 AM
I just thought it would good to start a Wal-Mart exclusive thread.  Apparently they are going to have something for $29.96.  I kind of wonder if it will be a something like the upcoming Battle Packs? 

http://www.galactichunter.com/absolutenm/templates/full_article_template_1.asp?articleid=4187&zoneid=2
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Brian on March 25, 2005, 11:02 AM
Now Rebelscum has a report up with an explanation from a reader saying that the Wal-Mart exclusive will be similar to the classic Early Bird set in the way that there will be some sort of certificate to send in (by May 30, the report says) in order to receive four exclusive figures.  Nothing real concrete, but that's a few more details.  You would think we would get more solid word on this via Hasbro's updates or something, since it is one week away now.  You would think the retailers would definitely want the word out if they have an exclusive.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Rob on March 25, 2005, 01:04 PM
So the theory is that you get a display stand and a coupon for 30 bucks, then 6 weeks (or whatever) later you get your exclusive figures?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on March 25, 2005, 01:29 PM
It sounds to me that Wal-Mart heard Target and TRU were getting an exclusive so they wanted one to.  Or they could never agree with Hasbro on an exclusive until recently.  They must have finally worked something out at the last instant here. 

Didn't the same thing happen with WM and those Clone Wars Clonetrooper two packs?  Something was thought up of at the last moment so that WM would carry the Clone Wars line.  My memory is fuzzy but it was something along those lines. 

That's just my guess.  I really have no idea but that's probably why nobody knows much about this exclusive.   
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on March 25, 2005, 01:45 PM
I think my head's going to explode...   :-\

It's going to explode even worse if I have to grab a "packaged" and loose one of these.  So I guess I need to know some more details on the figures that'll eventually be included, and whether they're really going to be exclusive to this particular set.

Ugh.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: DoctorPadawan on March 25, 2005, 01:58 PM
You know, in this day and age, the "Early Bird" concept is completely and totally asinine.  The whole reason it was done in 1977 was because Kenner didn't have anything ready because they underestimated demand.  Also, back in the day, there wasn't anything else on the shelves at all, so the concept wasn't such a bad one (if a bit audacious).

Now, they're going to have thousands of toys in a single aisle at Wal-Mart that mom and dad can actually buy for their kids *right now* and they decide to sell an envelope with a coupon for 30 bucks to this same parent for their kid?  As much as I love SW, with my current financial situation (which will only worsen by this time in two weeks), I can't justify paying 30 bucks for a piece of paper that says I'll get something in six weeks.  I can only imagine that parents will feel even more adamant about this.

The Early Bird offer in 1977 is now infamous (and hell, Gary Kurtz even points out how audacious it was on the "Empire of Dreams" documentary) because it offered something that was in great demand but in short supply.  An Early Bird offer in 2005 is even more audacious  because it is offering something that has dwindling demand and an absolute metric ton of supply. 

As for the Clone Wars thing, the Clone two-packs were done at the last moment because WM was threatening Hasbro with not carrying the line (at that point it was thought to be an entirely separate line and case assortment from the regular assortments).  Hasbro kind of extended the olive branch by giving them that exclusive two-pack thing, but WM still did not carry the vehicles or deluxe figures for the CW line: only the basic figures and the lightsabers.  How someone at WM, the panderer of all things immediate and cheap, thought that a 30 dollar envelope would be a good idea for an exclusive is beyond me.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on March 25, 2005, 02:00 PM
It's going to explode even worse if I have to grab a "packaged" and loose one of these.  So I guess I need to know some more details on the figures that'll eventually be included, and whether they're really going to be exclusive to this particular set.

Yeah, are the figures carded or not?  If they are carded, are they new figures or 4-2 figures in a new package?

Until I know more about what the heck I am buying I don't know if I need 0, 1, or 2 of these things.   :(

Jeff

Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on March 25, 2005, 02:10 PM
I doubt they'd be carded.  I'd assume they'd be in the white plastic tray, like in the vintage days, and again recently in the Kubrick line.  At least, that's what I would expect if they were really shooting for an "Early Bird" set...

EDIT:  Nevermind.  You mean will the figures in the Early Bird set wind up on cards as well, I think.  Yeah, that's the big question.  I'd assume so though.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on March 25, 2005, 02:29 PM
Just another theory: Walmart had an exclusive set of figures coming later in the year (along the lines of the Battle Packs), and once they heard TRU and Target had exclusives lined up for launch, they jumped on the bandwagon and found a way to have an exclusive presence on the same day, just coincidentally also allowing them a clever way to milk more cash from customers.

I blame Hasbro for allowing all this horse**** to happen in the first place.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on March 25, 2005, 02:34 PM
EDIT:  Nevermind.  You mean will the figures in the Early Bird set wind up on cards as well, I think.  Yeah, that's the big question.  I'd assume so though.

Yeah, I meant - Are the "early bird figures" the same as other figures we will get eventually, just in a goofy package this time around. 

Or is it something as simple as Wal-Mart pre-selling figures III-53 to II-56 that woon't be out at launch?  Or maybe even Wal-Mart trying to get a jump on TRU and Target by selling ALL the 56 RotS figures on April 2nd?  That'd be something if that is what they are trying to do...   :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on March 25, 2005, 10:18 PM
Rumor at Sirstevesguide.com says this will be 4 different colored Clonetroopers. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Famine on March 25, 2005, 10:36 PM
**** me.

I only want clones and now they sucker me in with this horse ****? ****!

I feel bad for you guys with COCD.

Kevin
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: DoctorPadawan on March 25, 2005, 10:57 PM
Okay, I'm going to go on the assumption that the Clone thing is true for the rest of this post.

The first thing that came to mind was the EE Clone four packs.  Even though I know this (probably) won't be the same thing, I wonder if the high price of the EE packs (and their apparent brisk sales) served as kind of a "How Much Will You Pay?" experiment for Hasbro?  And naturally, instead of doing something like this with the Clones as a mass market release, they're doing it as a store exclusive, at a higher price, and using an outdated concept for the "project."

Now, honestly, what would you rather have seen as a mass market release: ROTS Clone four packs in varying colors, or those 5-figure Battle Packs with one rehashed figure after another?  Which one would sell more?  Sure, the "kids always want the main characters" line will come out, but if you have 20 packs of Grievous/Obi-Wan/Anakin/Yoda/whoever alongside 20 packs of Clones in various colors, how many of the first will be sitting there after a week and how many of the second?

Ten years into this line and Hasbro continues to astound me.  Sometimes I just want to write them a really quick Dr. Evil letter that says, "You just don't get it, do you?"   ::)

Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Nathan on March 26, 2005, 01:30 AM
I'm adopting a "wait-and-see" attitude--like until I see pictures and details.

Normally I disdain gimmicky exclusive bull like this, but for $29.96 it's still cheaper than the EE sets.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Darby on March 26, 2005, 05:06 AM
If it's clones, I think I can pass, especially if the Early Bird means they're coming later everywhere.  We'll see how cool it is, though.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on March 26, 2005, 05:20 AM
RS added to the confusion tonight with their post about the palette having the almost-forgotten-about Vader and 3PO cases, including the prequel figure blisters with them. That doesn't jive with the pricepoint, does it?

I'm annoyed that Walmart has been dead silent on this. They've taken the place of TRU for being the most vague about their exclusive plans. I mean, that Clone Wars 3-pack wasn't announced by them at all and was just **** out to stores.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 26, 2005, 05:15 PM
And you know what? Even though Hasbro has been making announcements out the ass regarding new product, they WON'T be making an announcement bragging about the fact that there are three exclusives at three separate stores all coming out the SAME DAY!

If they do, they might as well begin the post with...

"Hasbro being the bitches that we are to TRU, WalMart and Target have decided to SCREW-OVER our loyal collectors and make it so there will be at least ONE item they'll have to pay out the ass for come April 3rd on eBay..."
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on March 27, 2005, 11:43 AM
Theres a report on RS that the Early Bird is a reproduction of the original vintage Early Bird Certificate. Also mentions that it comes with a case to protest it. Maybe like the VOTC calmshell.

More On The Wal-Mart Early Bird Exclusive (http://www.rebelscum.com/article.asp?i=90706)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on March 27, 2005, 04:21 PM
I'm now taking every post RS makes about that thing with extreme skepticism. They don't seem to know anything about it, and are just posting whatever random thing someone writes into them with.

What would be the point of an Early Bird reproduction featuring OT characters, really? What relevance to ROTS does that have? If it is true, then there's no rush to get to Walmart to scoop it up. If it is a ROTS-themed riff on the original, then they have something very cool.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on March 27, 2005, 09:51 PM
I'm now taking every post RS makes about that thing with extreme skepticism. They don't seem to know anything about it, and are just posting whatever random thing someone writes into them with.

Ding ding ding!  I concur fully.

Every post they have about it is different - I think they are talking out of their ass on this one.

Jeff
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on March 28, 2005, 08:44 AM
Yeah, I have heard so many different things on what it could be. 

One site had 4 exclusive clonetroopers.
Then it was Vader and C-3PO collector cases with one figure each. 
Now it's an vintage Early Bird repro set. 
Etc. 

Time will tell I suppose.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 28, 2005, 02:40 PM
Well - according to CNN it really will be the Early Bird Kit - a replica of the kit from 1977....

http://money.cnn.com/2005/03/28/news/midcaps/hasbro_starwars/index.htm (http://money.cnn.com/2005/03/28/news/midcaps/hasbro_starwars/index.htm)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on March 28, 2005, 02:45 PM
I really hope the figures are not just "new" versions of the classic figures like the 4 packs that came out years ago.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 28, 2005, 02:56 PM
Well - the Early Bird kit was Luke, Leia, R2-D2 and Chewie.

Personally, since they just came out with outstanding VOTC versions of these four characters, I find it hard to believe that they are going to ask $30 for four repro figures of the calibur of 1977.

I bet it will turn out to be the VOTC version of the Early Bird kit.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on March 28, 2005, 03:00 PM
(http://www.hasbro.com/starwars/images/retail_early.jpg)

Hasbro FINALLY gets around to trying to level out the confusion about these...

Wal-Mart Exclusive Info for April 2nd (http://www.hasbro.com/starwars/pl/page.retailer_promos/sub.wm/dn/default.cfm)

And, for a limited time only, collectors will be able to purchase (while supplies last) the Wal-Mart "Early-Bird" Exclusive - classic reproductions of the first four original Star Wars action figures from 1977. Only available on April 2 & 3 at the Wal-Mart 48 Hours of the Force tent stores and on walmart.com, the Early Bird is an exclusive every fan will want to add to his or her collection. When consumers purchase the Early Bird, they receive a certificate that they mail in to get the four Star Wars action figures: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, R2-D2, and Chewbacca. This mail-in figure promotion was done back in 1977 for the original Star Wars movie and Wal-Mart and Hasbro are bring it back to celebrate the last movie in the saga. Only a limited number will be available so fans will have to act fast before they're all gone.

Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on March 28, 2005, 03:05 PM
So you have to buy the certificate to get it so you have the choice to mail it in?  Oh for the love of Pete this is getting goofy. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 28, 2005, 03:07 PM
They still aren't clear regarding the figures themselves.  ::)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on March 28, 2005, 03:14 PM
Yeah, I'm guessing a VOTC version of the Early Bird kit too.

Heres the original Early Bird Certificate Package  (http://www.toysrgus.com/images-toys/figuretoys/ebkit.html) and Early Bird Package (http://www.toysrgus.com/images-speci/mailaways/ebkit.html)  from the archive.

There should be a separate Certificate to mail in.

So how the hell am I suppose to get an (Early Bird Envelope and Figure package)! Can anyone help me out.  :'(

Canada, were always screwed up here. Exclusives.  >:(
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Diddly on March 28, 2005, 03:24 PM
So $30 for a certificate that you mail in to get unknown figs? Lame.

(I know we know what characters the figs are, but it doesn't specify WHICH figs)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Brian on March 28, 2005, 03:24 PM
Yeah, definitely not "clear" on what figures these actually are, although the VOTC versions are probably a fairly safe bet.  It is nice to at least finally know what Wal-Mart's exclusive actually is.  I'm not sure what to do about this one.  $30 seems like a lot, but the vintagey part of it kind of appeals to me.  The figures will likely be rehashes, but it might be a cool thing to have...who knows.  Anyone else decide what they're doing about this one?  I'm slightly tempted, I'll have to admit.  Plus, it looks as if the Wal-Mart closest to us (about 5 minutes away) is participating in the "48 hours" promotion, so it might be neat to go check it out anyways.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 28, 2005, 03:26 PM
So $30 for a certificate that you mail in to get unknown figs? Lame.

(I know we know what characters the figs are, but it doesn't specify WHICH figs)

Why they are re-packaged VOTC figures that wouldn't sell even at clearance prices of course!

 ;D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on March 28, 2005, 03:31 PM
According to the WAL-MART release:
Quote
Click here for a listing of the 395 stores hosing the 48 Hours of the Force events.

Paging Dr. Freud...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on March 28, 2005, 04:08 PM


Why they are re-packaged VOTC figures that wouldn't sell even at clearance prices of course!

 ;D

Well, almost.  R2 and Chewie at least sold reasonably well ;)  Maybe they'll at least fire up a batch of green plastic for the crossbow and throw in a DT saber for fun.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on March 28, 2005, 04:39 PM
classic reproductions of the first four original Star Wars action figures from 1977

The more I think about it, the more it sounds like they might be re-doing the vintage figures to me, kinda like the PotF2 4-pack way back in 1995.  Then again, who knows?  It's probably just wishful thinking on my part...

Maybe it will turn out to be the vOTC figures thanks to Hasbro's desire for repacks/rereleases to lower costs on things like this, despite the fact that they said all last year, "honest, we swear, it's this time or nothing for the vOTC.  You'll never see them again".  Yeah, right...  ::)

But as it stands, $30 for either the 4 vOTC figures I already have loose OR 4 vintage repros I don't really need since I have the vintage versions?  No thanks.

I'll be passing on this one... and, now, the only way I go to Wal-Mart on 4-2 is if Target doesn't send me a $1 off coupon.  If I do get the coupon from Target, then that will be the ONLY stop I make on April 2nd.   ;)

Jeff

Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 28, 2005, 05:12 PM
I'll be passing on this one... and, now, the only way I go to Wal-Mart on 4-2 is if Target doesn't send me a $1 off coupon.  If I do get the coupon from Target, then that will be the ONLY stop I make on April 2nd.   ;)

Jeff and I are working on the same wavelength - Target sure as heck will hopefully send me a coupon card. They would be foolish not to - since TRU is a no-go except for perhaps a few minutes at MidnightMadness to grab a couple of clones or other army builders that might be hard to get - all of my other business will happily go to Target if they send me a $1 off coupon.

If they don't, I'll get all my ships and playsets at TRU at MM, wait in line at Target for the Lava Vader and then head to WalMart to get what I can for $5.24 a figure.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Nathan on March 28, 2005, 05:37 PM
What new bull**** is this??? I'll pass, thank you very much.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Firebat on March 28, 2005, 05:47 PM
Yeah, it all sounds crazy, but dangit I still want it. Getting the Emperor in the mail is one of my best childhood memories....and I knew I held off buying VOTC Chewie for a reason!!!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on March 28, 2005, 07:48 PM
Just saw some pictures of the Early Bird Envelope  (http://threads.rebelscum.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=ROTS&Number=1096953&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=19) at RS. By the looks of it you have to open the envelope to get the early Bird Certificate and mail it in. Thats ******* stupid, what if people don't want to open it. Buy 2, one sealed and one to get the mail away figures!  :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on March 28, 2005, 07:54 PM
What a scam.

So, I guess the mystery continues as to what these figures actually are, since the box says "updated" versions of the classic figures. It's even less appealing not knowing how disappointed we'll be once the figures arrive. "Wow, I can't wait to see which rehash of ANH core characters it will be!"

And someone please tell me what this set has to do with Revenge of the Sith? Hasbro.  ::)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on March 28, 2005, 08:03 PM
Y'know, if originally the early bird set had Ben, Leia, Luke and Han, I'd be really, really suspicious of a re-release of the vOTC stuff.  But given they clearanced the figures rather than pulled them and Chewie and R2 are mentioned and weren't quite so easy to find, I'm hopeful.  Cynically hopeful. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on March 28, 2005, 09:15 PM
The only part of it that appeals to me is if the background cardboard piece and stand would come with the 4 figures.  There is no way I will ever be able to afford the original pieces.  Then again I never sit around thinking "Gosh.  I wish I had that Vintage Early Bird set." 

Eh, I am more likely to spend $30 on the Mustafar Playset than this the more I think about it.  Or the ARC-170. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: Darby on March 28, 2005, 09:32 PM
Well, since this is a Big 400 WM tent sale store thing only, I guess I'm absolved of the worry and wonder over it.  Ugh.  My enthusiasm for MM is ebbing big time, especially with word that the Holo Yoda won't be out until 4/10.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ben on March 29, 2005, 12:38 AM
Dude, both our local WMs are "hosing" ( ;D ) this 48 Hours thing, plus it's on their website. I doubt they'll have the tents, since it's only going to be about 50 degrees on Saturday.

I for one am looking forward to this, mostly for the pretty box. That's one item I wanted when I got into this hobby. I was too young for this when it came around in 1977 (so young in fact my parents hadn't even met yet) so I dig it.

I'm gambling it will be like the Classic 4-pack done in POTF2's early days.

This thing appeals to me more than Lava Vader, certainly.
Guess I'll be going to Wal-Mart first instead of TRU. :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darby on March 29, 2005, 04:38 AM
Wuh-oh, Shaggy.   :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on March 29, 2005, 11:41 AM

Well, almost.  R2 and Chewie at least sold reasonably well ;)  Maybe they'll at least fire up a batch of green plastic for the crossbow and throw in a DT saber for fun.

That would be cool, but i think we giving them way too much credit to even expect soemthing cool like that.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darby on March 30, 2005, 03:18 AM
Now I'm pissed. (http://www.rebelscum.com/article.asp?i=90792)

If this is even true.  RS and all.  Would Hasbro be dumb enough to presell a line from next year on opening day of the biggest line of all time (shades of TRU 4/10 stupidity here), and most of all, are they dumb enough to limit an item surely everyone will want to less than 400 stores in the country?  Do they even care?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on March 30, 2005, 03:24 AM
I don't really know what else to say, but:  ::)

This whole exclusive bit is wearing on me.

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ben on March 30, 2005, 03:34 AM
Uh, wow.

You know what, screw it. If it's a new line, what's the point for a guy who's leaving the hobby to buy into it?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on March 30, 2005, 08:04 AM
Actually that is more interesting to me than getting 4 VOTC or 4 reproduced vintage figures again that I basically have already in one way or another.  I am more interested than I was before learning that news.  I probably won't get it though because I want the ROTS line right now. 

At least we know they are going to try and keep things afloat after ROTS next year.  The good news there is if people (like me) stay with the line we may not see all the rehashes that have irked so many collectors. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on March 30, 2005, 08:31 AM
This is interesting news....if true.  I'm also more excited now at the prospect of new figures, or even a new line, instead of just getting four rehashed figures in a box.  When I first was reading of a basic "line relaunch" I had nightmares of the GI Joe Sigma Six line.  Sounds like things will remain in 3 3/4" scale, again, if this is true.  I really wish we'd get more confirmation on this, so that if we do want to buy this exclusive from Wal-Mart, we at least know what we're going to be getting.  It will be interesting if they are starting the line from scratch again.  Oh, I know the Mrs. will just love to hear me say that ;).
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on March 30, 2005, 09:01 AM
Hmmm, a new figure line. Yep, way better than getting 4 rehashed figures. I still want this Early Bird thingy.   :'(
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Scott on March 30, 2005, 09:09 AM
I've got enough Lukes and Chewies, but if this means SA Maul and SA Episode I QUi Gon and Obi-Wan and revisting some more of the POTF2 resculpts, I'd be OK with the "relaunch" 

This sort of reminds me of the LOTR Trilogy relaunch that Toy Biz did.  it worked for a year or so but I think without a movie the line is pretty much dead this year
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 30, 2005, 09:15 AM
For me, since this is going to be the dawn of a new 3-3/4" line, that intrigues me on a bunch of different levels - so now I'm going to need to pick up three of these things!

#1 - keep exactly as it is when I buy it

#2 - open, send in certificate, do not open the box, keep the figures MIB

#3 - open, send in certificate, open the box to have the figures loose

So there's $90 more to spend on Sat. right there.

If the line was going to be re-born as a 6" line or under those lame "Force Battlers" banner, then I would be saying "Well, time for me to stop" - but since they are remaining true to the scale, I have to at least give these four figures a look-see.

I'm still more curious than ever about these things - are they going to be improved VOTC versions of these characters, the exact same VOTC figures signaling that the line will be in the same vein as VOTC?

Personally, I think that would be an excellent way to renew the line - continue with the figures just like VOTC - same carding style, same level of detail and articulation, encased in clamshells - the entire six movie saga under one action figure line banner.

It will most likely bring the line into a scope that it needs to be in order to survive - smaller and fewer assortments per year - more $$$ per figure so the profit margin is higher, geared more towards collectors.

Something like this would also allow for other previously developed sub-lines to continue - like the Animated Clone Wars figures - if they do make a 30 minute show about the Clone Wars, then I could easily see Hasbro continuing to make the animated line, keep it at the $5 price point and continue to aim the line at kids.

For a live-action TV show that's on at night and the unified Saga line, a more collector-oriented line makes a lot more sense.

The only problem with a line like that (if you look at past lines from other toy makers) is the number of re-paint exclusives will surely increase.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Firebat on March 30, 2005, 09:23 AM
Pete, there aren't actual figures coming in the box are there?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 30, 2005, 09:31 AM
Pete, there aren't actual figures coming in the box are there?

Nope - just a certificate that you send away to get the four figures.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on March 30, 2005, 10:00 AM
When I first was reading of a basic "line relaunch" I had nightmares of the GI Joe Sigma Six line.

That's my first thought too, Brian.  But, I'm not entirely convinced they won't pull a scale switcheroo on us... Next January is a long way away...  :-\


I guess even with this news of a new/relaunched/whatever figure line, I am still not excited by the Early Bird news.

If the RS report is true, well then it means we are getting "new" ANH Luke, Leia, Chewie, and R2 as a part of the "relaunched" line...   more resculpts we dont need especially since we just got the BEST versions of those figures last year as vOTC.   ::)

Plus, I'm really not happy that in order to start collecting a brand new line that won't be out for 9 months, I have to make a special trip to a Wal-Mart 40 minutes away for the "tent" event...  talk about a rip-off way to get you to spend more money than you planned!  >:(

I'll be even MORE pissed when next January these "relaunched" figures are everywhere and I'll wonder why the heck it was so important to buy the damn EB kit waaaay back in April.   >:(

Gah, I'm done now or this will just turn into more ranting about what a stupid idea this is...

Jeff
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 30, 2005, 10:14 AM
I'll be even MORE pissed when next January these "relaunched" figures are everywhere and I'll wonder why the heck it was so important to buy the damn EB kit waaaay back in April.   >:(

To be honest, if you think you're more inclined to get the figures when they are mass released come December/January then I would wait.

These four figures will, just like their 1977/1978 vintage counterparts, be also available as part of the regular toy line - I highly doubt that the Early Bird kit will be the ONLY way to get these four characters.

I think for Hasbro, this is a brilliant idea. They should be hyping the fact that these four figures will be part of the line's re-birth/launch 'cause I think that would only end up enticing more collectors to buy the kits. But that should only be if you're a collector of EVERYTHING. You WANT the Early Bird Kit packaging variants (for example). If you don't care about what the packaging is then I would wait, 'cause come Jan. 2006 you ARE going to be pissed that you drove 40 miles to a WalMart to get a $30 empty box for figures that came four months later which were mass-released right before Christmas.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on March 30, 2005, 10:40 AM
But that should only be if you're a collector of EVERYTHING. You WANT the Early Bird Kit packaging variants (for example). If you don't care about what the packaging is then I would wait, 'cause come Jan. 2006 you ARE going to be pissed that you drove 40 miles to a WalMart to get a $30 empty box for figures that came four months later which were mass-released right before Christmas.


Yeah, I agree with you.  The only reason I'd buy that EB Kit now was if I was a packaging variant guy, but I'm not.  In fact, RotS has caused me (and a few others here  ;)) to totally re-think their collecting habits already.  This just helps move me a little farther along that chain, helping me to finally break my "one-of-everything disease".

So, I'm really not interested in this set I guess.    :-\

I'm not a "one of everything" guy anymore, so I can pass on this and hope that when the new line is launched that I will be able to pick these figures up in a different form (like single carded).  Of course, that strategy could totally back-fire on me and 9 months from now I'll be kicking myself for NOT picking it up...  ::) 

I guess that is my biggest beef with this whole Early Bird kit - I don't like the idea of Hasbro trying to sell me a brand new figure line that I know nothing about and sight-unseen for $30.00 the same weekend I'm already spending hundreds of dollars on toys.

Jeff
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SGT. Flint on March 30, 2005, 11:23 AM
Well I will be buying one of the EB kits but Im confused as to this..... will there be 100 of these to a store or less
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 30, 2005, 11:28 AM
I have been able to confirm via my friend who works for Hasbro that the Early Bird kits will only be available at the stores having tent events AND only become available for sale when the tent event starts in the morning. So even though a store is open at midnight AND they're having a tent event they shouldn't be making available the Early Bird Kit until 8 AM in the morning.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on March 30, 2005, 11:33 AM
Thanks for the info Pete, I was curious about that.  Have you heard any information that would lead you to believe that Rebelscum's report on this being the beginning to a "new line" is true?  I wish we'd get some sort of confirmation on this while we're contemplating dropping $30 on these empty boxes ;).
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 30, 2005, 11:38 AM
Thanks for the info Pete, I was curious about that. Have you heard any information that would lead you to believe that Rebelscum's report on this being the beginning to a "new line" is true? I wish we'd get some sort of confirmation on this while we're contemplating dropping $30 on these empty boxes ;).

Unfortunately no - all he knows is that the empty box has a coupon to send in to get Luke, Leia, R2 and Chewie just like the original EB kit.

We were talking last night about it and hypothesizing about whether or not they will end up being VOTC re-treads or slightly modified VOTC figures or something new altogether. But that was just talk and speculation/wishful thinking.

So yeah - those of us who get these things are definitely taking a gamble on what it is we're going to get for our money - much like parents did back before X-Mas 1977. Ironic huh? Especially for me since my mom got me one of the original EB kits and I played the heck out of those figures!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on March 30, 2005, 11:58 AM
Oh crap, this is getting both tough and silly.  If it is a re-launch and in the right scale, then I'll want two as well.  One certificate to keep and one to send away. 

Gah, this is annoying.  No details I suppose on when the certificate can be mailed and when you'd get the figures?  Be kind of annoying to mail away now and get nothing until December/January. 

hmm
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on March 30, 2005, 12:02 PM
Here's a couple of pics from someone who was able to get this early (fromt he RS forums):

front (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/925729/EB.JPG)

back (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/925729/EB2.JPG)

I'm not sure if these are the exact dates we're looking for, but on the top of the package (on the back), it does say "between May 1 2005 and December 31 2005".  If that is true, basically, you'll get them sometime this year :).
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on March 30, 2005, 12:04 PM
Thanks Brian. 

Is that a hairy Chewie in there on the back.  Those look like pictures of figures, not people.   :-\

Gah, I guess I need two. :'(
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 30, 2005, 12:09 PM
Is that a hairy Chewie in there on the back.  Those look like pictures of figures, not people.   :-\

It's neither - it's simply artwork - circa 1977.

- Peter
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on March 30, 2005, 12:13 PM
Gah, I guess I need two. :'(

Whoa, almost thought that was Matt talking for a second.  :-X

I would love to get two for myself, but I think just getting the one is hard enough.  :-\   :'(
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on March 30, 2005, 12:18 PM
Is that a hairy Chewie in there on the back.  Those look like pictures of figures, not people.   :-\

It's neither - it's simply artwork - circa 1977.

- Peter

Oh :-[

I've seen it before, but I guess my paranoia about Hasbro killing the line overloaded my common sense.  Thanks.

Quote
Whoa, almost thought that was Matt talking for a second.
You shut up.  Not like you don't want two also ::) :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ben on March 30, 2005, 12:20 PM
So this thing is only going to be available at the 400 tent stores, huh? Why the **** is it not a chain-wide thing?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on March 30, 2005, 12:24 PM
Quote
Whoa, almost thought that was Matt talking for a second.
You shut up.

There it is again.  :P   ;D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on March 30, 2005, 12:26 PM
Yeah, but that one was intentional :-*
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on March 30, 2005, 12:28 PM
Who the hell knows?  All of the exclusives have something odd about them this time.  

TRU - Can't have the Holo Yoda until 4/10

Target - Stand in line and get a ticket and you MIGHT be able to get the exclusive

WM - No pics of figs but you pay $30 to mail a certificate in.  You can only get it at the Tent WM stores.  

Diamond - Don't know what it is yet?

LOL!  Weirdest bunch of crap ever.  But I will do my best to get some of them.  
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 30, 2005, 12:36 PM
So this thing is only going to be available at the 400 tent stores, huh? Why the **** is it not a chain-wide thing?

There's a RUMOR floating around that the kit will be available on the website as well - but there are 400 tent stores that will have 100 kits each. That puts the exclusive at a production run of 40,000 - which seems to be in keeping with the rest of the exclusives.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on March 30, 2005, 12:43 PM
Yeah, but that one was intentional :-*

 (http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/frech/a015.gif)

I've heard the rumor too. Will have to wait and see if they are online.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 30, 2005, 12:46 PM
Diamond - Don't know what it is yet?

Yeah - this one has me freaked out a bit 'cause it can only mean ONE thing - lots of $$$$ will be required to purchase what I need. Just like it took me paying for an entire case of the EE SA Clones to get what I needed there.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on March 30, 2005, 01:21 PM
I heard this rumor last fall that I just ignored, but now it seems to make sense now.  Take this all with a grain of sand. The line would relaunch in 2006 with every major figure being released in updated form on original cards similar to that of either the OTC or the VOTC cardbacks.  With each Movie Banner appearing on the card. In other words Han Solo on New Hope card, Qui-Gon Jinn on Phantom card etc. In my opinion I cant see Hasbro re-releasing obsure characters in this line but it seems like nostalgic dream come true if this pans out.  With the success of the retro cardbacks it seems pretty plausible. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SGT. Flint on March 30, 2005, 01:24 PM
Damn... that sounds like a good plan on Hasbro's behalf
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 30, 2005, 01:34 PM
I heard this rumor last fall that I just ignored, but now it seems to make sense now.  Take this all with a grain of sand. The line would relaunch in 2006 with every major figure being released in updated form on original cards similar to that of either the OTC or the VOTC cardbacks.  With each Movie Banner appearing on the card. In other words Han Solo on New Hope card, Qui-Gon Jinn on Phantom card etc. In my opinion I cant see Hasbro re-releasing obsure characters in this line but it seems like nostalgic dream come true if this pans out.  With the success of the retro cardbacks it seems pretty plausible. 

If you look at the back of the Early Bird Kit here (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/925729/EB2.JPG) you can see at the top of the packaging that it says:

The Stars of Star Wars

I wonder if that's going to be the concept of the new line... it fits with rebeltrader's rumor - primarily MAIN characters from each of the six movies packaged in VOTC style packaging.

I would definitely go for it - as long as they make VOTC style ESB and ROTJ versions of Luke and SA versions of Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Mace Windu and Anakin, I'll be stoked!

This also means it's a good chance for them to give us some LONG OVERDUE Padme/Amidala outfits that are backlogged from all three PT movies!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on March 30, 2005, 02:22 PM
That makes sense really.  They won't be able to crank out background characters like Lt Faytonni in non-movie years.  It may be really cool depending on who they choose to make. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darby on March 30, 2005, 02:50 PM
But they've been cranking out non-core characters in non-movie years for ages now.  Why would they need to reboot with just main characters, unless they were so afraid the market will disappear for SW after ROTS? 

The whole idea of the EB thing is nonsense. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on March 30, 2005, 03:03 PM
Hi -

Some of you may know from RS - I'm going to try to phase myself out from over there and make this my new home.

The mods suck over there and PW's attitude is getting out of hand...

I honestly believe that the Big H does not know what these EB figures will look like, otherwise we would have seen pictures. 

I also think that WM wanted an exclusive real quick like to counter Target's Lava Lamp Vader and this was the quick fix for Hasbro.

Cardboard backdrop with a plastic stand and off the shelf display case can be done very fast - can't believe they are selling us an empty box of air! :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 30, 2005, 03:13 PM
Welcome ruiner - I did the same thing at the beginning of February (phased out my presence over on the RS forums and moved to here). You'll find the boards here to be a much more plesant environment.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on March 30, 2005, 03:25 PM
Hey Ruiner, welcome to the JD party train!  Wise move there, and one that pretty much everyone here at JD has made at some point, after all the theatrics and general insanity over at RS (which I suppose a few of us have contributed to along the way  ;)).  I promise that if anyone tells you to "Get a life" over here, it will be meant in a purely sarcastic manner!  We also have the fantastic ability to actually MERGE threads over here, not that we ever really need to, since our members have a little more intelligence and posting discipline.  Feel free to swing by the Newbie Forum and introduce yourself to the whole gang if you feel like getting a more personal and proper welcome...  8)

Anyway, I haven't been paying all too good of attention to the details on this Early Bird set, but can someone catch me up to speed on when the figures are actually due to arrive later on?  Did I see something about the end of 2005?  I suppose I can wait.  Very interested to see how they turn out, especially since they've already redone those 4 characters in the VOTC line...

But this may just be that "Definitive" line we've all been dreaming of for years now.  That would be cool, and I'm game to start all over and do it again!

Granted, my wife definitely isn't...   :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on March 30, 2005, 03:25 PM
Welcome ruiner, nice to have you here.  I too used to frequent the RS forums, but have phased out over the past year or two, and don't really post there at all anymore.  They have really created a great community here at JD, and I think you'll enjoy it.  Happy to have you as part of the JD family :).

Quote
Anyway, I haven't been paying all too good of attention to the details on this Early Bird set, but can someone catch me up to speed on when the figures are actually due to arrive later on?  Did I see something about the end of 2005?  I suppose I can wait.  Very interested to see how they turn out, especially since they've already redone those 4 characters in the VOTC line...

But this may just be that "Definitive" line we've all been dreaming of for years now.  That would be cool, and I'm game to start all over and do it again!

Granted, my wife definitely isn't...   

Truer words Matt....truer words.  I'm definitely on board if they are going to do a "definitive" line of sorts, and I'm curious to see what this turns out to be.  I know my wife will be thrilled when I inform her that "they're doing the line all over again" ;).  As far as arrival dates...the most I have seen is on the back of the EB box, it says they will arrive "between May 1, 2005 and Dec 31, 2005"...what that means, who knows.  Hopefully we'll get a peek at them sometime in the near future, or possibly hear if this "new line" is actually happening.  Maybe you guys will get a preview at CIII, if not, possibly Comic Con or something in the summer.  I suppose I'll end up picking up the EB exclusive at Wal-Mart if possible, and just hope it is something spiffy :).
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on March 30, 2005, 03:27 PM
  Wise move there,

Inverted pun?




Hi ruiner, welcome aboard.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on March 30, 2005, 03:28 PM
But they've been cranking out non-core characters in non-movie years for ages now.  Why would they need to reboot with just main characters, unless they were so afraid the market will disappear for SW after ROTS? 

The whole idea of the EB thing is nonsense. 

Yeah welcome aboard, people certainly get treated with a bit more respect over here yet we can all have a good laugh from time to time.  Usually at someone elses expense ;D

The SW line could go either way IMO.  Re-releasing the 6 films in 3D will definitely help draw a new crowd, as will the CW cartoons and the Live Action TV show coming.  We know the 3D movies will be released at one per year starting in 2006 I believe.  So the line should last at least until a year after EP6 in 2012.  I cant see the line lasting that long with only core characters can you?  I would assume the CW cartoon line will continue sparingly and that the Live Action show will generate another line.  I am truly hoping that the rumor I heard will exist except with a line consisting of secondary characters along with the core ones.  Even though this was a rumor, I feel really positive that this is the way the line will head, branching into a few different areas like it did back in the mid 80's (POTF, Droids, Ewoks)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on March 30, 2005, 03:36 PM
Quote
But they've been cranking out non-core characters in non-movie years for ages now.  Why would they need to reboot with just main characters, unless they were so afraid the market will disappear for SW after ROTS?

True, and I think that's what most of us were anticipating for 2006 anyway.  So technically, I'm not entirely ready to start over just yet.  I'd love for Hasbro to pump out another year (after the ROTS run) of collector oriented background and SW army building figures to polish off the few stragglers that are still out there, like Yarna, Arcona, Bom Vimdin, Hermi Odle, etc...

Once they've hammered those out and there's no more backgrounders left to do, THEN they can start up with this fancy new-fangled line!  Very glad to hear they're sticking with the 4" scale though, for continuity's sake.

Inverted pun?

Yeah, I noticed that as I was typing it...   :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 30, 2005, 04:00 PM
If they are "rebooting" the line and starting over symbolically with the Luke, Leia, R2 and Chewie - I hope (for sanity's sake), when they do this, it means that they're going to handle the line a bit more like it was handled during the vintage days.

There was only ONE Tatooine Luke from ANH - sure he got re-released under the ESB and ROTJ banners, but there was never a second, third, fourth, etc... sculpt of the figure.

I would be happy if they use this line to put stakes in the ground and say "This is the ultimate Tatooine Luke and we'll never make another version of Luke in this outfit." If done with the right amount of accessories (long rifle, floppy hat, tan poncho, swappable belts (black vs. Stormtrooper) , binoculars, imperial blaster and lightsaber (lit and unlit)) and a high-level of articulation (at least 15 points) -- then I'd be okay with that.

If you think about it this would help the line survive the longest. Constantly re-issue the exact same figure in the exact same packaging and your profit margin goes up.

I could see them making eight Luke figures and that's it - ultimate versions of Luke from Tatooine, Luke in Stormtrooper Disguise, Luke in Flight Suit/Gear, Luke in ANH Celebration Outfit, Luke on Hoth, Luke on Dagobah, Luke in Bespin Fatigues, Luke in ROTJ (with plenty of accessories to cover Jabbas Palace, Endor AND the final duel).

If they took some of the same principles they have already started to put into some figures and incorporate it into EVERY figure, this could easily be done.

Take for example Luke in Hoth Gear - all you need there is some interchangeable hands, two heads (pre and post Wampa attack), well articulated legs, ankles, ball-jointed shoulders and jointed elbows and you're all set.

Luke in Flight Suit could come with enough interchangeable pieces so that it would apply to either X-Wing OR Snowspeeder

Jedi Luke could have interchangeable hands, black vest, camo poncho, rebel helmet and lit/unlit lightsabers.

For other characters there would be only the need for one or two versions - Darth Vader, C-3PO, R2-D2 and Chewie all come to mind.

The other plus is that they might be thinking of applying VOTC type detail to PT characters. Who wouldn't LOVE to have a SA Darth Maul or Jango Fett?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on March 30, 2005, 04:05 PM
I just don't think we are going to get obscure figures like Porkins, Lt Faytonni, Ach Med Beg, etc.  However, I can see them still making Admiral Piett, Bossk, AT-AT Driver or even a Dignitary.  I am almost sure we'll get Luke in almost every outfilt.  Same with Han and Leia. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on March 30, 2005, 04:07 PM
Excellent points Pete, I really, really hope that this is the direction Hasbro is heading with the line in 2006 and beyond.  If they are going to do a reboot of the line, I've always hoped it would be more vintage-esque in the way it is handled.  One version of each character in each respective "outfit", just like the vintage days.  Like you said, as long as they get it darn near perfect the first time, they could just re-release them.  I'd be ok with that, if they were done in this matter.  Great ideas and points there, I really hope that this is close to what we see in the future.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 30, 2005, 04:21 PM
I just don't think we are going to get obscure figures like Porkins, Lt Faytonni, Ach Med Beg, etc.  However, I can see them still making Admiral Piett, Bossk, AT-AT Driver or even a Dignitary.  I am almost sure we'll get Luke in almost every outfilt.  Same with Han and Leia. 

re: Obscure chracters... that's true, but I'd settle for really great versions of Tarkin, Wedge, 4-LOM and Zuckuss and I'll be happy...

Besides who the heck needed Lt. Faytonni and Ach Med Beq anyway? I got 'em but only 'cause I'm a completist. But if you look at the article the Insider did on the Outlander club from AOTC, there are WAY more interesting looking characters that could have been done from that sequence instead!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Nathan on March 30, 2005, 04:47 PM
If they are "rebooting" the line and starting over symbolically with the Luke, Leia, R2 and Chewie - I hope (for sanity's sake), when they do this, it means that they're going to handle the line a bit more like it was handled during the vintage days.

There was only ONE Tatooine Luke from ANH - sure he got re-released under the ESB and ROTJ banners, but there was never a second, third, fourth, etc... sculpt of the figure.

I would be happy if they use this line to put stakes in the ground and say "This is the ultimate Tatooine Luke and we'll never make another version of Luke in this outfit." If done with the right amount of accessories (long rifle, floppy hat, tan poncho, swappable belts (black vs. Stormtrooper) , binoculars, imperial blaster and lightsaber (lit and unlit)) and a high-level of articulation (at least 15 points) -- then I'd be okay with that.

If you think about it this would help the line survive the longest. Constantly re-issue the exact same figure in the exact same packaging and your profit margin goes up....................

My thoughts exactly, Pete. Get one or two definitive sculpts of core characters and recard them endlessly in a perpetual Hall of Fame assortment. This would free up a lot of production space and shelf space for bit players and background aliens--as well as repacks of some harder-to-find figures--red ARC, Holo Sidious, etc. (I just keep banging away on my Holo Sidious drum don't I? ;))
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: John C on March 30, 2005, 05:42 PM
http://www.hasbro.com/starwars/pl/page.retailer_promos/sub.wm/dn/default.cfm

It looks like the EB set has vintage reproductions and not new figures if you read this page.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DoctorPadawan on March 30, 2005, 06:46 PM
Okay, first of all, I have to say it:

IN BEFORE GNT STARTS THE OFFICIAL EARLY BIRD CHECKLIST (if he has not done so already; if he hasn't, I'll give a shiny new nickel to the first person who starts such a checklist on the RS forums)  :D

And on to the (relatively) serious stuff:  If Hasbro relaunches SW for the new year, I'm going to be simultaneously irritated and relieved.  Irritated because they will (most likely) begin ignoring the background stuff and/or things that we've been asking for for several years and concentrating on the main characters.  Don't get me wrong, I would love a SA/Ultimate Maul/Jango/Qui-Gon/etc, but at the same time, part of what has made the line such a success (in my opinion) is the large variety of characters available.  It's why (in my opinion) lines like SW, GI Joe, and Marvel Legends succeed while the Batman lines continually fail: Mattel (like Hasbro before them) makes 50 million versions of Batman and one villain per wave. 

I'm also going to be irritated because (and this is based on the assumption that this will be an "Ultimate" line where the figures cannot be improved upon) Hasbro will start out doing a great job on the figures (along the lines of Pete's suggestion), but will gradually stop putting forth the effort.  We need look no further than the VOTC, where Threepio seemed like an "Oh ****, we forgot to do Threepio" type of figure that was done at the last moment.   Or (and this is again based on photos), as with the ROTS line, we'll start out getting Bail Organa-esque posability and we'll eventually wind up with Captain Antilles POTF2 statues.  Hasbro is like a child these days: they are interested in something for ten minutes and then something cooler catches their attention and they couldn't care less about the original thing.

The relief would come from the hopes that they would do these figures in a completely new scale and the 4" line would end.  While I would be pissed off that they would not have completed the big holes in my collection (Sith Infiltrator, about 15 different Padmes, a decent young and old Owen and a young Beru, a Cloud Car, etc), at the same time, I would not follow this line (from a completist standpoint) to a new scale and if they went bigger (size-wise), it would save me a lot of money, which would in turn, give me a lot of relief.  I would still collect the Unleashed line (unless Hasbro decides to abandon it to devote more time to the by then hugely popular Force Battlers*), but if they went to a new scale, it would be a pick and choose situation for me. 

The thing that I find completely ridiculous about all this is that Hasbro hasn't even released a clear statement and/or photos of what these four figures for the Early Bird set look like.  With their present mindset, I wouldn't be surprised for Hasbro to start out spreading rumors that these would be part of a new line, only for them to abandon plans for that line completely and end up shipping everyone either Vintage repros of those four, or the VOTC versions in a white mailer box.  Then they could say, "We never said what versions they would be, you guys just drew your own conclusions."

And also, have they actually said how long people will have to wait for these figures once they mail in their certificates?

*complete and total sarcasm, in case you couldn't tell.   ;D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on March 30, 2005, 06:47 PM
http://www.hasbro.com/starwars/pl/page.retailer_promos/sub.wm/dn/default.cfm

It looks like the EB set has vintage reproductions and not new figures if you read this page.

Fortuneately there is no writing on the wall that these are reproductions of the vintage figs.  Hasbro released the vintage redos with the rebirth of the POTF line in 95 and as far as I am concerned it failed miserably. Plus it was pointed out that these figs will lead to the next series of new figs of classic characters from all 6 films.  If Hasbro decided to start doing figs of the vintage mold it would fail badly.  What kid nowadays would want a fig with the details of the vintage days?  None.  That nostalga only lies with vintage collectors.  And as one I have no use for them.  The only vintage repro I would ever consider would be figs that should of been in the day. 

I think everyone is on the same page as far as background characters.  Zuckuss, Piett, Wedge, Greedo have alot more pull then figs like Faytonni, Boshek or R-3PO.  With SW characters I always found 3 ways to layer characters.  Core, Memorable and Background.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on March 30, 2005, 06:53 PM

The thing that I find completely ridiculous about all this is that Hasbro hasn't even released a clear statement and/or photos of what these four figures for the Early Bird set look like. 

When the original early bird was released I dont think pics of the four figs existed.  They were still in either the development stage or proto stage.  Any one know ???
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Paul on March 30, 2005, 07:35 PM
I am approaching this with Guarded Optimism.

After cancelling GI Joe out of nowhere and giving the Yu-GI-Joe Sigma Six, When I heard re-launch I got very nervous.  But with the assurance of the line staying to scale, unless they go to the Animated "Style" that the Clone Wars figures are, then I can definately see getting the figures.  If they are the "Definatives" or "ultimates" as speculated above....then it is a dream come true.  I just wonder what the "Stars" or "Core" figures will be....I hope the first 12 for sure.

Ultimate Tusken Raider, Jawa, Death Squad Commander and Stormtrooper....where's that drooling Icon from the Top 5 hotties when I need it....

Plus as a purely OT collector, the EB sets give me a chance to get OT figures this year!!!!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on March 30, 2005, 07:48 PM
I have no idea what to think anymore. I dont know if i can afford a relaunch. I dont even know if i want to buy everything all over again. This is just terrible.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ben on March 30, 2005, 11:52 PM
IF the line carries on in 2006 as SA figures that are the definitive versions, I'd stick around for that.

If every figure that comes out of that line is up to VOTC Han, Fett, and Stormtrooper standards, I'd be very happy with that.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on March 31, 2005, 12:33 AM
IF the line carries on in 2006 as SA figures that are the definitive versions, I'd stick around for that.

And we'd hate to lose you too.

 :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on March 31, 2005, 12:41 AM
So Hasbro officially announced (http://www.hasbro.com/starwars/pl/page.retailer_promos/sub.wm/dn/default.cfm) the Early Bird set, but they still don't tell us what the figures are going to look like.  My guess is they haven't even got a clue yet.  They threw this together and are going to rely on sales of ROTS figures to determine whether or not the line will keep going.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 31, 2005, 09:18 AM
So Hasbro officially announced (http://www.hasbro.com/starwars/pl/page.retailer_promos/sub.wm/dn/default.cfm) the Early Bird set, but they still don't tell us what the figures are going to look like.  My guess is they haven't even got a clue yet.  They threw this together and are going to rely on sales of ROTS figures to determine whether or not the line will keep going.

Unfortunately, this is probably the REAL story right now unfortunately.

I would not be surprised to hear that Hasbro has found great success from retailers with speculative purchasing of the Sigma Six line for GI Joe and as such they are applying the same mentality to the Star Wars toy line.

For me, a scale change would signal my exit - while I absolutely LOVE Star Wars, the exact same thing that happened with the Star Trek line will happen to Star Wars - the "new" line will FAIL - just like Art Asylum's far superior (but out of scale with the Playmates line) Star Trek figures did/has.

I think if ROTS sells well and retailers are pleased they will continue to be willing to support Hasbro making a 3-3/4" line. If the retailers are NOT pleased with the performance of ROTS then Hasbro will NEED to change almost EVERYTHING about the toy line in order to try to get the toy buyers to "bite".

I will still buy as many as three Early Bird kits come Saturday morning and send away for two of these sets (keeping the third EB package mint) -- if the figures I get back are 3-3/4", I'll be happy, I'll be happy even if they are simply VOTC in a white mailer box, at least to me it indicates the direction the line is heading.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Simdog on March 31, 2005, 09:56 AM
Some people are saying that these figures will be VOTC. I don't think so. The whole concept of the "Early bird" is to reserve the figures early or before the figures are done. What is "Early" about getting VOTC figures?

Also, Luke, Leia, R2 and, at some places, 3PO are still readily available. I was sort of hoping that they will be "classic reproductions of the 1977 figures". I already have them all but it would be cool to get them all in mint condition. However, Hasbro's site said that the line would include all 6 movies so I know they won't do vintage styled PT figures.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on March 31, 2005, 10:14 AM
Also, Luke, Leia, R2 and, at some places, 3PO are still readily available. I was sort of hoping that they will be "classic reproductions of the 1977 figures". I already have them all but it would be cool to get them all in mint condition. However, Hasbro's site said that the line would include all 6 movies so I know they won't do vintage styled PT figures.

My problem with vintage figure reproductions is that it will surely put the rest of the nails in the coffin of this line.

No kid out there wants a figure that looks like it was sculpted, made and painted using 1970's technology. They just don't.

I loved my vintage Star Wars figures when I was a kid, but I'll take my 1995-2005 figures ANYDAY over the vintage ones if I had a choice - they just LOOK BETTER. Quality beats out nostalgia anyday in my book.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Simdog on March 31, 2005, 10:31 AM
I agree, the new figures are much better but, we have already agreed that collectors keep the line going more than the kids do (although hasbro hates to admit it) plus, if hasbro is going to keep on pumping out Tatooine Lukes, Cantina Hans and white goen Leias then I would rather go for the repros.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Angry Ewok on April 1, 2005, 12:56 PM
Here are my thoughts, after having taken an hour to read this thread.

1) I would want to keep the certificate thing. There should be some way to just mail off a serial number or a code or something off of a "peel away" thing on the certificate without having to mail the thing away.

2) I wouldn't mind re-tooled VOTC figures, but that would completely ruin the whole concept of Early Bird - as generally there's nothing new about a re-tooled figure.

3) There's no way in hell I'm going to collect a new scale. No way. If they cut the 3' line, then I'm out. Done.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on April 1, 2005, 01:36 PM
Hasbro would have to be completely off of their rocker to introduce a new scale - odds are they won't cuz they wouldn't fit in the early bird display!  Right?

I mean the fans want something similar to VOTC - if Hasbro introduced a new scale, all of our ships, accessories and secondary characters would be completely obsolete.

Not a wise decision from a money making standpoint.

But my question is, how can they one up VOTC?

I'm perplexed by this, and will not spend $30 for an empty box of air!  You never know, they might send you four buff figures from the POTF2 line - from a certain POV, they are classic reproduction of the original characters!!

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on April 1, 2005, 02:08 PM
Hasbro would have to be completely off of their rocker to introduce a new scale - odds are they won't cuz they wouldn't fit in the early bird display!  Right?

But it didn't stop them from doing the same thing to GI Joe...


I mean the fans want something similar to VOTC - if Hasbro introduced a new scale, all of our ships, accessories and secondary characters would be completely obsolete.

Yeah, meaning that you'd have to buy all new ships and and accessories which they happen to also be making, just like GI Joe.  Hasbro seems to think that if they did do a new scale, the fans would all start over - buying new X-Wings, new TIEs, new figures, etc etc etc.

While it may not seem likely right now, I wouldn't put it past Hasbro to try a new scale.   They keep trying various ways to test a new scale (PotJ Mega Figures, RotS Force Battlers), I think it's only a matter of time that they try it for real, just like they are doing with GI Joe this year.

Of course, if the new scale GI Joe line flops horrible this fall (and it seems like it may becaue I know a LOT of Joe Collectors who are pissed about no more 3.75" figures) that could of course change everything.

Jeff
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on April 1, 2005, 02:37 PM
Bid now and you too can own this for just $$$$  ::)

EARLY BIRD CERTIFICATE PACKAGE Wal-mart ROTS EXCLUSIVE (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2476&item=5966959138&rd=1)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on April 1, 2005, 03:44 PM
WHat a bargain  ::)

I talked to some guy at Walmart and he thinks they have them but they are not doing the tent thing, any chance that he is right?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: hansolo_506 on April 1, 2005, 03:56 PM
WHat a bargain  ::)

I talked to some guy at Walmart and he thinks they have them but they are not doing the tent thing, any chance that he is right?

We have two WalMarts in my area..albeit one of them is 30 miles away.  I spoke with the Toy Mgr in our brand new, bright and shiny SUPER WalMart and corporate didn't pick them as one of the "48 Hours" stores.  I couldn't believe that, as our new store is just two weeks old and it would have been a great promotion for a new store.

BUT>>>>>>> I called the store 30 miles away and was assured that they are indeed one of the "48 Hour" stores, even though they are not on the tent list.  When I asked if she knew if they had the exclusive, she said she wasn't sure, because everything that came in marked Star Wars, she had the back room staff instantly shrink-wrap (to discourage employee scalping).  She said she really wouldn't know until they started checking into boxes today..

GAWD, I hope they have the exclusive.  I really want it, even if the line (RUMOR, PURE RUMOR) switches to a larger scale, I would at least want this exclusive.. I find it the most creative of any of the ROTS exclusives..

The Lava Darth leaves me cold. (hehehehe)  ::)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 2, 2005, 11:26 AM
Is it true that you need your original receipt to submit your certificate to receive your figures?  Can anyone confirm this by reading the picture on the package?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on April 2, 2005, 12:40 PM
Is it true that you need your original receipt to submit your certificate to receive your figures?  Can anyone confirm this by reading the picture on the package?


Yes, you need to have the original receipt to aquire the figures as reported at RS. Early Bird Receipts Are Important (http://www.rebelscum.com/article.asp?i=90953)

A member at RS bought his Early Bird certificate last night and reported in the vinty section. He said:

Quote
Just thought it should be known that anyone who plans to buy an Early Bird Kit listed on ebay may not be able to send off for the figures. On the back of the kit under "How To Order" it states that an original cash register receipt is required for the figure offer. Photocopies of a receipt are not accepted. So if the seller isn't able to include the original receipt in the auction, the buyer will not be able to send off for the figures. I'd hate to drop a large sum of money on one of these kits only to find out later that I couldn't order the figures.

If you ordered through Wal-Mart.com, they will send you an invoice, that is your receipt.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on April 2, 2005, 01:22 PM
Theres an awesome post on RS showing the difference between the original and the new Early Bird Certificates and with pictures, well worth checking it out.  8)

Early Bird vs. Early Bird  (http://threads.rebelscum.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=1111179&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1#1111179)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 2, 2005, 01:52 PM
Great pictures!  I'm blown away by their efforts to even replicate the stickers, etc in the package as well. 

It'll be interesting to see what this does to the value of the original set.  Either people will love the new set, driving their curiousity to get an original too and boost values.  Or, people will be satisified with the new, lose interest in the original and drop prices. 

But we all know the vintage guys are "Vintage or Bust", so I'm guessing we'll see bids on eBay skyrocket.   ;)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on April 2, 2005, 02:04 PM
There is also a very nice article on the set on GH. More pictures and a good close-up of the mail way form. Check it out gang!  :o   8) 

Preview: Early Bird Certificate Package (http://www.galactichunter.com/absolutenm/templates/full_article_template_1.asp?articleid=4254&zoneid=2)

GH Image Bank (http://www.galactichunter.com/absoluteig/gallery.asp?categoryid=3554)

Kudo's to the people that have made there posts so we can get more information and a good look at the set.  :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: BigDumbWookiee on April 2, 2005, 08:24 PM
Picked up my early bird sets this morning. Since Im not picking up anything else, I went ahead and picked up a few ;) One to keep in the plastic bubble, one to remove from the plastic bubble but display in an acrylic case, and two to open and send in the certificates, to get two figure sets (one to open, one to keep packaged). Now THAT is OCD for ya! lol
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on April 2, 2005, 08:37 PM
Holy cow Adam!  haha

Those were non-existant here as near as I could tell.  I've not talked to the local guys yet to see if they've found them.  I didn't though myself.  Sorta bummed because WM was the only other place I went.

I'm wondering what the figs are to be like in the set then.   :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: BigDumbWookiee on April 2, 2005, 08:47 PM
I think you can still get it at walmart.com
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on April 2, 2005, 08:52 PM
Yeah, I've been hesitant.  I'd assume though you could use your invoice if you wanted to redeem for the figures...  At least I guess that's what you'd have to do.  :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SGT. Flint on April 2, 2005, 09:48 PM
I got mine.... simple as that
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Holographic Elvis on April 2, 2005, 09:52 PM
Glendora WalMart still had some in their tent at 4pm today.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on April 2, 2005, 09:53 PM
Beth, I'm wondering if you were able to pick one up for me?  I tried to order on Walmart.com, but naturally Canadians can take a hike.  IOW, international credit cards cannot be processed >:( ::)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Paul on April 2, 2005, 10:38 PM
I got mine after what can only be described as a hell-ish experience.

I do have a theory on the figures.  I think the relaunch will be the original line...IN order of their release, but with new (hopefully VOTC-esque) sculpts.  I know it won't happen, but that is my wish.  The art for the Death Star Trooper makes me want to break out my vintage ones and have them take on all the New stuff.

I also ordered a couple online just to make up for the few I couldn't find for buddies.  I plan to use the packing receipt for them, but I also have printed my e-receipt/confirmation as well.  I am sure they are aware of Online Sales and will have a way for this to work...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on April 2, 2005, 11:43 PM
So, I'm really not interested in this set I guess.    :-\

I'm not a "one of everything" guy anymore, so I can pass on this and hope that when the new line is launched that I will be able to pick these figures up in a different form (like single carded).  Of course, that strategy could totally back-fire on me and 9 months from now I'll be kicking myself for NOT picking it up...

 ::)

OK, I bought it...  Yeah, despite what I said about not being a "one of everthing" guy anymore, that ******* OCD kicked in again.  :-[

The cashier at Target today said to me as I wheeled up my cart full of 50+ RotS basic figures, "You're buying ALL of these figures?"

My wife (who came along for the ride) said "He's got a disease for these things  ::), " and then the cashier and my wife shared a laugh (at my expense). 

If they only KNEW how right they were.  Maybe I do need to find a 12-step progam for my love of these little plastic figures...  :-\

Anyway, I figure now I've got one if I want it.  I can think it over and if I change my mind over the next few days, I can always sell it here or return it.  ;)

Jeff

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on April 3, 2005, 03:10 AM
Quote
If they only KNEW how right they were.  Maybe I do need to find a 12-step progam for my love of these little plastic figures... 

Yeah, its days like this that confirm why most of my relationships end in fiery disasters. I’ve been up all day and night running from store to store, amassing about a grand in toy purchases. This is obviously not healthy.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on April 3, 2005, 10:29 AM
Well I saw the damn things sitting there in the tent and I bit on it.  It just looked to nice to pass up.  It help make me go over my limit but oh well.  It would have bugged me to death not to pass it up.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: bobafett14 on April 3, 2005, 04:21 PM
NONE of the Wal-Marts in the Pgh area had them.  I had to go online Fri eve and get mine.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: speedermike on April 3, 2005, 11:30 PM
Well, I think I'll pass on this one.  There's no Wal-Mart close to where I live (Bronx, NY) and I juts don't fell like ordering one on the web.  I had the original Early Bird Kit whn I was a kid.

Anyway, I'm sure the figures will be available carded  just like they were back in 1978.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Scott on April 3, 2005, 11:38 PM
I passed, not even one iota of interest on my part. :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 3, 2005, 11:59 PM
Not even a little curious?   ;)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Scott on April 4, 2005, 12:00 AM
Not even a little curious?   ;)
No, I think Hasbro asking us to pay $30 for an empty box is a tad bit brazen and one I won't be supporting.  Especially when I can get the same figures when they come out for around half the price :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 4, 2005, 12:09 AM
To be honest, when I first heard about this promotion, I thought it was the stupidest thing I'd heard of in quite a while.  I was annoyed that we really had no idea what the figures were going to look like.  But now that has actually become the appeal - the mystery of it all must appeal to the little kid in me.    :D

(This is assuming of course that they are actually brand new figures and not some lame-ass repacks.  If so, the excitement while change to disappointment in a hurry.)   >:(
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Famine on April 4, 2005, 12:28 AM
Quote
If they only KNEW how right they were.  Maybe I do need to find a 12-step progam for my love of these little plastic figures... 

Yeah, its days like this that confirm why most of my relationships end in fiery disasters. I’ve been up all day and night running from store to store, amassing about a grand in toy purchases. This is obviously not healthy.

It could be worse. You could be shelling out 200 a day on drugs. Thats what I tell my family when they ridicule my hobby.

Kevin
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on April 4, 2005, 04:52 AM
Surprisingly, our local WM tent still had a good 30 or so of these today.  Guess they weren't quite as hot as we were originally anticipating when we were growing increasingly panicked about them during MM.  Nothing like the Lava Vaders, that's for sure, and they're both made in equal (50,000) quantities...

Beth, I'm wondering if you were able to pick one up for me?  I tried to order on Walmart.com, but naturally Canadians can take a hike.  IOW, international credit cards cannot be processed >:( ::)

Brent, we've got you covered bud.  Don't sweat it, eh.  We'll talk...

- M
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on April 4, 2005, 08:34 AM
Quote
If they only KNEW how right they were.  Maybe I do need to find a 12-step progam for my love of these little plastic figures... 

Yeah, its days like this that confirm why most of my relationships end in fiery disasters. I’ve been up all day and night running from store to store, amassing about a grand in toy purchases. This is obviously not healthy.

It could be worse. You could be shelling out 200 a day on drugs. Thats what I tell my family when they ridicule my hobby.

Kevin

It is funny you mentioned this.  A customer at Target was ticked off because there were a bunch of people buying SW products and she could not get through the lines "quickly".  She says to me "Ohhhh, you have Star Wars stuff to."  All snotty , rude, and loug.  I told her "Well at least I am not buying drugs and shooting people.  So I guess it could be worse huh?"  With a little smile on my face. 

I had like 8 different people laughing there heads off.  She just shut up after that.  People are interesting.  Like I am supposed to feel bad that this poor lady can't get through the Target lines quickly.  And you know she did not have anything else pressing to get to that morning. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on April 4, 2005, 08:41 AM
I saw a display full of these at the "tent sale" at our local Wal-Mart, and I ended up picking one up.  It did feel weird paying $30 for an empty box, and I've considered taking it back as well.  Of course, I've always wanted to have one of the "early bird" display things, and I likely won't be getting a vintage one, so I could keep is just for that.  I really hope that this does end up being some sort of new figures, relaunched or whatever, because if they are rehashes I'll really feel ripped off.  I try not to think that they'll just be available at retail anyways later on ;).
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on April 4, 2005, 09:04 AM
I tried to order on Walmart.com, but naturally Canadians can take a hike.  IOW, international credit cards cannot be processed >:( ::)

Trouble in credit card land I see. One of the local guys tried to order online and was rejected as it was a CIBC Visa. I went online and used my Royal Bank Visa and everything went through thus far, just have to wait to see if there mailed.

What credit card do you have Brent? Maybe time to switch to Royal if you don't use them.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on April 4, 2005, 11:54 AM
I too ordered online as I live in a state that did not participate in the tent sale.

As well, I'm thinking about contacting Hasbro's customer service and asking them if I can still get the figures being that I don't have a store receipt.

 ???
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on April 4, 2005, 12:24 PM
I too ordered online as I live in a state that did not participate in the tent sale.

As well, I'm thinking about contacting Hasbro's customer service and asking them if I can still get the figures being that I don't have a store receipt.

 ???

If you ordered through Wal-Mart.com, they will send you an invoice, that is your receipt.

Hopefully that should help ya.  ;)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on April 4, 2005, 01:59 PM
Cool, thanks.

You know I was thinking, it wouldn't make sense for us to know what the figures look like....when our forefathers participated in the first early bird promotion, they had no idea what the figs looked like...right?!

 8)

I just hope they are new tools and not rehashes like the classic four pack (lame) or clearanced VOTC (super lame).

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on April 4, 2005, 02:53 PM
I just hope they are new tools and not rehashes like the classic four pack (lame) or clearanced VOTC (super lame).



I agree, but I really have no idea what to expect. I wouldn't mind if it was VOTC as long as they include a green crossbow and figure out some way to make Luke with a double telescoping saber.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Paul on April 5, 2005, 10:17 PM
ok, well after getting lucky and finding all the EB sets I needed (for me and guys in Canada) in person on Saturday and Sunday, I forgot to Cancel My online order.  So I've got a couple extra coming.  If somebody missed this or is out of country and can't buy it online, PM me.  I'd hate to send em back.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on April 5, 2005, 10:44 PM
I tried to order on Walmart.com, but naturally Canadians can take a hike.  IOW, international credit cards cannot be processed >:( ::)

Trouble in credit card land I see. One of the local guys tried to order online and was rejected as it was a CIBC Visa. I went online and used my Royal Bank Visa and everything went through thus far, just have to wait to see if there mailed.

What credit card do you have Brent? Maybe time to switch to Royal if you don't use them.

Yep, CIBC Aeroplan Visa.  No problems though with 99% of retailers once I added a US address with the credit card company.  Colman and Beth both have one for me anyway, so I'm good.  I just hate having to be nice to Alice ::)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on April 6, 2005, 08:43 AM
Well, it looks like we might have a possible answer to the figures we'll be receiving from the Early Bird sets.  Courtesy of GH, from the "Emperor's Code" page:

"When consumers purchase the Early Bird, they receive a certificate that they mail in to get four STAR WARS action figures: LUKE SKYWALKER, PRINCESS LEIA, HANS SOLO, and CHEWBACCA. Three of these figures (LUKE, PRINCESS LEIA & CHEWBACCA) are brand new sculpts created exclusively for this exclusive."

Rest of the article HERE (http://hasbro.ed4.net/starwars/emperorscode/exclusives.cfm), or visit Galactic Hunter (http://www.galactichunter.com/).  I'm a bit confused as to why R2 was replaced with Han, but I guess it doesn't make a whole lot of difference to me.  If these 4 figures are indeed the ones included...and this little blurb is true that Luke, Leia, and Chewie are new, I'm guessing they are including the VOTC Han (or, insert Cantina Han jokes here).  There isn't much they could do to improve the VOTC Han, and I wouldn't have a problem with them re-releasing it if that was the case.  Even though they said in so many words that would never happen ;).  Anyways, I'm happy to hear that these will hopefully be all new figures for the most part.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on April 6, 2005, 09:02 AM
I can't figure out why R2 was replaced by Han ethier. R2 was part of the original Early Bird set, oh well it will be interesting to see these new sculpts. Still very happy with this.  :)

CIBC CC, were there ya go. I had nothing but problems with them and went to Royal, no problem ever since.  8)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on April 6, 2005, 09:37 AM
ok, well after getting lucky and finding all the EB sets I needed (for me and guys in Canada) in person on Saturday and Sunday, I forgot to Cancel My online order.  So I've got a couple extra coming.  If somebody missed this or is out of country and can't buy it online, PM me.  I'd hate to send em back.

Well, don't feel bad. 

I did cancel my on-line order for the EB Kit after I found it in person on 4/2, but WalMart.com shipped it to me anyway.

I guess it's nice to see that wal-mart.com is run as well as the regular retail store...  ::)

Anyway, I guess I have one on the way is someone is still looking for one...

Jeff
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on April 6, 2005, 09:42 AM
Personally I am glad to hear at least 3 of the figures will be new.  Now I don't feel quite as bad paying $29.96 for this. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on April 6, 2005, 10:08 AM
ok, well after getting lucky and finding all the EB sets I needed (for me and guys in Canada) in person on Saturday and Sunday, I forgot to Cancel My online order.  So I've got a couple extra coming.  If somebody missed this or is out of country and can't buy it online, PM me.  I'd hate to send em back.

Well, don't feel bad. 

I did cancel my on-line order for the EB Kit after I found it in person on 4/2, but WalMart.com shipped it to me anyway.

I guess it's nice to see that wal-mart.com is run as well as the regular retail store...  ::)

Anyway, I guess I have one on the way is someone is still looking for one...

Jeff

I tried to cancel my order too, and then they shipped them anyway. I already requested to return them. I would return them to a store, but they dont give the shipping back so in the mail they go back.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on April 6, 2005, 10:13 AM
I still think this is kind of stupid... maybe these are some sort of VOTC-esque figures... who knows.

A Walmart in my area has an endcap full of these things.

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on April 6, 2005, 10:28 AM
If they were going to have one of the four figures be a VOTC re-pack, why not just proceed with R2-D2? IMHO - that was a great figure. I don't see any reason to make another super detailed version of him.

VOTC Han would be my second choice though. My guess with regards to Chewie is that he will have the VOTC body, but a ANH style head - the Chewie mask evolved through the three OT movies and he doesn't look the same in ANH as he does say on Endor in ROTJ. So that will be good.

My guess is that Luke will have a sculpted tunic this time instead of a cloth one. As far as Leia goes, I don't know what they could do to change the VOTC version except for give her more articulation or a better head sculpt.

I would love it if they continued with the ball-jointed hip design like they used with the VOTC Luke - that would be a nice consistent addition to EVERY figure IMHO.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on April 6, 2005, 10:57 AM
Grrrrrr.... this set does have a lot of potential.  I don't feel like buying it, but I might.

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on April 6, 2005, 11:00 AM


CIBC CC, were there ya go. I had nothing but problems with them and went to Royal, no problem ever since.  8)

Yeah, but the air miles dude :o  I pretty much get a free flight in North America each year.  Hard to argue with if the only real impact is on my toy purchases.  Besides, I just have to update my TD Visa to include a US address and all will be resolved.  Besides, it never really mattered much, Alice and Beth both have them for me, so I'm all set thanks to the good graces of people around here.

And it's going to be Cantina Han, you just watch.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on April 6, 2005, 03:34 PM
Well I mailed away for the set today. It would be awesome to really get them in May.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on April 6, 2005, 03:51 PM
I'm a bit confused as to why R2 was replaced with Han...

Yeah, me too.  Why try to copy the Early Bird set giveaway, but then change one figure in it?  It completely loses it's nostalgic intentions and look by doing that.  Totally disappointing to me.

Furthermore, why offer 3 all-new figures, with one old one?  That makes no sense either.  :-\

Still excited to get some new figures though.  Can't wait to see what they've done with them, and what this "new line" may have in store for us.  They obviously have to one-up their VOTC versions in order to keep their progress going.  No stepping back now...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on April 6, 2005, 03:57 PM
There are new pics up at Hasbro of these by the way.  You can check on www.rebelscum.com or www.galactichunter.com on the front pages.  The pics are a bunch of x's for me right now though :(
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on April 6, 2005, 04:03 PM
I get the "x" as well, but if you click on the picture you can get them to come up...or at least I could.  Here's the figures, looks like R2 wasn't replaced after all:

(http://www.hasbro.com/common/images/news/starwars/85749.jpg)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on April 6, 2005, 04:08 PM
Damnit!!! Now I have to get at least one set.

*edit* - Wait!  Is that Luke's saber the vintage style???  No!!!!!!!!

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on April 6, 2005, 04:10 PM
I actually like the Luke and Leia.  As far as these being a new direction for the line.  I don't really see it.  It just looks like a continuation of the same to me.  I am sure it will have new packaging.  I guess they will restart the line with these 4 figures and see how it goes.  

I personally like this better than a straight reproduction of the 77 figs.  
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on April 6, 2005, 04:12 PM
I think these look great... I just hope that Luke's saber doesn't go up into his wrist....

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on April 6, 2005, 04:16 PM
Very cool, I wish the saber was yellow and that Chewy's crossbow was green though.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on April 6, 2005, 04:25 PM
Cool!  Especially the Luke and Leia.  Very strange that they posted a report just last night with come completely conflicting information with what they've just posted today.  Very relieved to hear that it'll still be the same cast of characters, and that they're not swapping in a Han for R2.  Even sounds like they're saying that all 4 of them will be all-new as well, so that's another plus.  I'm sure sales for this exclusive set just sold out, after lagging a little bit this past week.

Good stuff.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Angry Ewok on April 6, 2005, 04:32 PM
It looks like Chewbacca has a gangsta lean.  ;D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on April 6, 2005, 05:02 PM
Cool!  Especially the Luke and Leia.  Very strange that they posted a report just last night with come completely conflicting information with what they've just posted today. 

Considering that the report came from the legal-ese text taken from the rules of a contest, I'm not surprised it was wrong.  It was a clue the info was bad when he was called "HANS SOLO".   ::)

I'd bet the marketing people who wrote the contest rule stuff would have a hard time picking HANS SOLO from R2D2...

It is a cool set though looking at it, glad to see they are not re-mold off the vintage figures and they are not the vOTC figures, so I guess for now I'm happy I bought this set.  Now I just gotta get that certificate mailed in...

Jeff
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Diddly on April 6, 2005, 05:10 PM
Meh.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on April 6, 2005, 05:16 PM
Is it me or does it look like the lightsaber might be removable?  I know it's supposed to have a telescoping feature though.

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on April 6, 2005, 05:17 PM
I'm happy that we got an update so we actually know what we bought the empty box for ;).  I'm sure some people won't be overly pleased with these figures, but I kind of like what we're getting.  First off, I was a little too young for the original "Early Bird" set, so it really has some nice nostalgic value for me of getting figures via mail and all that.  Secondly, I'm glad that we didn't just get straight vintage or VOTC reissues, and actually something somewhat new.  I'm curious to see if this is indeed an intro to the "new" line next year, and if Hasbro will continue to base things off of the vintage days.  Part of me thinks it would be kind of neat if they released figures in the same order as the old days, while subbing in "ultimate" figures from the prequels as well, and maybe a few backgroundish characters that really should have been in the vintage line (Tarkin, etc.)  As for these four figures...

Luke - Looks like he might have the Anakin Peasant arm, which many people hated, but I like the vintage nod and it isn't like we don't have any other Tatooine Lukes to choose from.  We have an articulated one with soft goods from the VOTC line, so this is a new way to bring him out at least.

Leia - Looks like it could be very, very nice.  The VOTC version, while not too bad, still left a little to be improved upon.  Hard to tell from this smallish pictures, but the pose and figure look quite cool there.

R2-D2 - Could be a rehash, could be new.  Really, with all the R2s we've gotten, there isn't much new they can do at this point, aside from a complete gadget-tastic version.  We've got a lot of real nice R2s already, so if it was based off of something like the Bar-2 or another version, I'd be ok with that.

Chewie - I'm always up for a new Chewie, and this one looks pretty good too.  Could possibly be a VOTC body with a new ANH head on it, and really, what more could we want?  The VOTC version was pretty much perfect, so it should be a good combo if they go the "new head" route.

Overall, if they do "start over" with the whole line, how do you feel about that?  Are you staying on board and checking the new line out, or if it is re-dos, will you call it quits?  I'm personally kind of excited about it, because I don't mind a resculpt now and then, or if they put out these figures and others like VOTC Han, Stormie, and just reissue them for the life of the line, just like in the vintage days.  Plus, there are some figures I never picked up in POTF2 that I still want, and wouldn't mind seeing re-dos of (2-1B, Zuckuss, 4-LOM, a new Bib, etc, etc.)  It will be interesting to see if this is indeed the start of a new line, or just a one time deal.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: amarsella on April 6, 2005, 05:42 PM
I hope these end up available as carded figs as well. The Chewie and Leia look sweet. I'd pass on the Luke, that lightsaber looks horrible, and I don't really need another R2. I mean he doesn't even change clothes or hairstyles in 6 movies.  :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on April 6, 2005, 05:57 PM
Well - I bought two on Sat. morning - now that I've seen what these things are going to be, I just placed an order for a third set via WalMart.com - here's why

One to keep the EB Kit MIB
One to open and submit - when the figures arrive, keep them mint-in-mailerbox
One to open, submit and when the figures arrive, OPEN THEM UP!!!

I am really excited about the Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia figures!

Chewie is as I guessed he would be - he looks just like the VOTC figure except w/o the "bangs" of hair like he had in ROTJ.

R2-D2 is, I guess, the VOTC R2 except w/o the armature attachments.

I'm glad this set didn't change - I really didn't want Han in there, kinda spoils the idea of this being a re-do of the original Early Bird kit...

Cool stuff!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Deanpaul on April 6, 2005, 06:02 PM
I'm missing it - these look like stuff we've either already seen (Leia and R2) or stuff we've already gotten better versions of (Luke and Chewie) - why the excitement?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on April 6, 2005, 06:05 PM
Hands down Leia is the winner of the bunch.  Ive been waiting for ANH Leia with this pose for 10 years.  Im happy :D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darby on April 6, 2005, 07:21 PM
I don't get it either.  I suppose the nostalgia factor of Luke is nice, but not thirty dollars nice.  Though if you want an EB kit and all that, I'm sure it's worth it.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth_Anton on April 6, 2005, 07:29 PM
Unfortunately, I'm underwhelmed. I just can't see anything to different from what we've gotten before. For the first time since collecting, can't see why I should buy and opener set. I just hope they're better in person, which is ofen the case.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: John C on April 6, 2005, 08:08 PM
I like the figures.  The only way I'd like them more is if Luke had a yellow saber and Chewie had a green gun.  I'm glad I bought the set.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: MetalJedi on April 6, 2005, 08:13 PM
While I wasnt expecting alot from Hasbro I was expecting something a little better. But for those who like it Im glad you do. It just doesnt do anything for me.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on April 6, 2005, 08:26 PM
Hell, I buy so much stuff anyway, so what's another 30 bucks?  I guess count me in.

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Paul on April 6, 2005, 08:33 PM
I'll reserve judgement but it appears from the photos that the "bang to hype" ratio was way out of whack.. And the Hype was all my own self built hype of a Super Articulated Wonder Line for the 2006 relaunch. There is nothing SUPER or Articulated about that picture.

And if we are going to get a "There's One set for stun" Leia...give us her Sporting Blaster (she is a sporting gal after all)....

I will go ahead and order all the extras I got from WM.com...they will be un-opened and trade bait later.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Nathan on April 6, 2005, 08:51 PM
So ... white gown Leia, Tatooine Luke, R2-D2, and Chewie. Big ******' whoopy doo. The only thing that remotely appeals is what appears to be a telescoping saber.

Overall, if they do "start over" with the whole line, how do you feel about that?  Are you staying on board and checking the new line out, or if it is re-dos, will you call it quits?  I'm personally kind of excited about it, because I don't mind a resculpt now and then, or if they put out these figures and others like VOTC Han, Stormie, and just reissue them for the life of the line, just like in the vintage days.  Plus, there are some figures I never picked up in POTF2 that I still want, and wouldn't mind seeing re-dos of (2-1B, Zuckuss, 4-LOM, a new Bib, etc, etc.)  It will be interesting to see if this is indeed the start of a new line, or just a one time deal.

I would definitely stick around to check it out. In fact I'd pick up quite a few, such as resculpts of missed figures like you mentioned, and "ultimate" versions of figs I already own in earlier incarnations.

However, when they reach the point where all they're doing is re-releases and resculpts, then I'm out. We all know there's enough costume changes and background aliens to keep this line going for decades without repeats, but we also know that Hasbro won't do that--they'll keep redoing Cantina Han, Tatooine Luke, and Chewie twice yearly until their license runs out in 2018.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on April 6, 2005, 09:06 PM
Yeah, I probably jumped the gun on my initial assesment of these as well.  I always get rather giddy at the site of ANY new product, so I had a momentary brain freeze there.

I am quite disappointed to see that the "new line" is apparently not going to be the Definitive SA line that we've all been dreaming of forever.  Seems to just be a continuation of the regular one, but with a return to some of the primary core characters.

I still dig that Leia there though.  She's cool looking, and I agree with Jim, in that I've always wanted her in that pose.  I also agree with Paul that she should be coming with her signature sporting blaster, instead of a Stormie one.  Hopefully Hasbro rectifies that oversight prior to it's release, or just give her both.

As much as I dug the VOTC Chewie, I had mentioned back then that I really hoped they released another one with his ANH slicked back hairstyle instead, some day.  So it looks like that's what we're getting here, so that's a good thing IMO.

Luke looks OK, but yeah, the DT saber is obviously just as obnoxious as it was on the OPD Anakin from the Saga line.  Nice nostalgic nod, sure.  But far too obtrusive to be visually enjoyed all that much.  The rest of Luke looks pretty good though...

R2 looks to be just about the same as usual, so nothing terribly exciting there.

Overall, yeah, I guess it's definitely nothing terribly stellar.  But I'll be nabbing a few anyway, just 'cause that's the way that God made me...  :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 6, 2005, 09:14 PM
Wasn't it Rebelscum that initially reported that the Early Bird kit might be the beginning of the new line?  And that they might be SA figures?

Just goes to show you what piss poor reporting will do to create unrealistic and unfair expectations.  ::)

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Matt_Fury on April 6, 2005, 09:53 PM
I don't know.  I kind of like the vintage nod that this kit and these figures are.  I think this is an attempt by Hasbro to bring some pure vintage collectors into the newer lines.  I'm relieved that they aren't going to be copies of the original figures I got when I was a 7 year old kid back in 1978, but again, I like that there is some vintage attributes to these figures.

I'll hold final judgement until I have these figures in-hand, but right now I don't feel like I wasted $30.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 6, 2005, 11:35 PM
I'll hold final judgement until I have these figures in-hand, but right now I don't feel like I wasted $30.

Oh, me neither.  I'm actually quite excited about this set.  I love the nod that it's giving to the vintage line. 

Like you said, I really can't truly judge this until I've got these guys in my hands.   ;)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Scott on April 6, 2005, 11:41 PM
Yawn.  The telescoping Anakin is in my Top 5 for worst figures in the modern line.  Why not make a Luke with a Poncho instead?  R2 looks OK but I already have like 50 of them.  L-A-M-E.  Chewie is cool and so is Leia

What was that about the line making it to 2007?  Not if they do this crap. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: jokabofe on April 7, 2005, 12:16 AM
I have a quick question.... I ordered two sets from WalMart.com and they arrived today. I'm getting them ready to send in for my figures. The form on the inside says "Mail the Cerificate, along with the original cash register receipt (no photocopies accepted) with purchase price of the Early Bird Certificate Package circles and the UPC proof-of-purchase code from the package, in the pre-addressed envelope enclosed, postage neccesary".

Now I know that the invoice from the website counts as my receipt. My concern now is that I ordered two sets, and they shipped on the same invoice. Can I send both forms and UPC codes together in the same envelope with one receipt, or am I screwed?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Rob on April 7, 2005, 01:56 AM
You might want to email hasbro with that question... otherwise you just got a kick to the balls with a wide-foot.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CorranHorn on April 7, 2005, 02:53 AM
I'm missing it - these look like stuff we've either already seen (Leia and R2) or stuff we've already gotten better versions of (Luke and Chewie) - why the excitement?

Yeah I'm not seeing the excitement here either. Leia looks ok, but stuck in a static pose. Chewbacca looks to be a couple of steps down from the VOTC Chewie, R2 appears to be the Bar2-D2 astromech, and while I too like the nod to the vintage line, the Luke doesn't appear to be anything special and the lightsaber looks overly big much like the Outlander Anakin. I saw a couple dozen early bird kits at Walmart this morning and I said to myself, if the 4 figures are really awesome, maybe I'll pick the kit up, but now after seeing this pic, it's not going to happen. Oh well, got too many of these figures anyway.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on April 7, 2005, 08:11 AM
Just a quick thought.  Hasbro may only be releasing the telescoping Luke for this set only.  When they start the actual "relaunch" they might make a completely different Luke.  That or take that telescoping ligthsaber/arm off and replace with a different arm. 

I agree that it does not look like this is going to be a SA line.  More of the same with maybe a retro looking packaging like OTC. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on April 7, 2005, 09:23 AM
I'm happy that the figures are new tools, but not overly excited about what they are - it is a good thing though that they are 3 3/4 scale!

I think I'll use my backdrop for my loose vintage figures and just display the early bird modern figures with the rest of my ****.

 8)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on April 7, 2005, 09:55 AM
For those that are getting the envelope and trying to figure out how to open the clam shell, theres a great post over at RS.

Early Bird package : How to open it (with photos) (http://threads.rebelscum.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=1119419&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1#1119419)

As for the UPC code...  :-\ 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on April 7, 2005, 11:22 AM
Oh well it's not like this set is going to go way up in value.   Heck I cut out the UPC from a Freeze Frame Sandtrooper.   Cout not believe that thing was going for $100 several years ago.  I about #$%^.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on April 7, 2005, 04:09 PM
I had a revelation today.  The Luke figure should come with two right arms - one normal, and one with the telescoping lightsaber feature.

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on April 7, 2005, 04:24 PM
I had a revelation today.  The Luke figure should come with two right arms - one normal, and one with the telescoping lightsaber feature.

 :P

That'd be a reall cool way to do it.   :)

That would be a great idea at letting the basic figure have a vintage nod, but letting you have a different arm if you want it!

Now let's hope that someone at Hasbro had the same idea...  ;)

Jeff
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on April 7, 2005, 05:49 PM
Can I send both forms and UPC codes together in the same envelope with one receipt, or am I screwed?

Well, it looks like we have Hasbro's Answer (http://hasbro.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/hasbro.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1245&p_created=1112885238&p_sid=Z8RnHnCh&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9MiZwX3Byb2RfbHZsMT0yMSZwX3Byb2RfbHZsMj0mcF9wYWdlPTEmcF9zZWFyY2hfdGV4dD1lYXJseSBiaXJk&p_li=):


Quote
Question:
I purchased more than one Star Wars Early Bird Kit on one receipt.  Can I use one receipt to send away for multiple kits?

Answer:
Yes, you can send in for multiple kits together using one receipt as long as each kit you are sending away for is listed on that receipt. Also be sure to send in each original UPC code and certificate per kit.

Sounds like you should be OK putting both your redemption forms in one envelope...

Jeff
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on April 8, 2005, 09:01 AM
Super, nice we can send in our receipt with 2 or more EB's on it.  8)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on April 15, 2005, 09:11 AM
We were picking up a card/gift bag yesterday at Wal-Mart for my parents' anniversary, and an aisle over I saw some Star Wars stuff in a "spare" aisle with pools, Slip and Slide, and other summer stuff.  This must be where they dumped their leftover "tent sale" stuff.  They literally had between 40-50 of the Early Bird sets.  I probably should have waited to pick one up, because they seem destined for a clearance.  A few of the other things as well...a couple of the carrying cases, talking Vader helmets, etc.  Oh, and TONS AND TONS of the first series of ROTS Galactic Heroes.  Wow, those are going to be there awhile.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth_Anton on April 15, 2005, 12:20 PM
Can I send both forms and UPC codes together in the same envelope with one receipt, or am I screwed?

Well, it looks like we have Hasbro's Answer (http://hasbro.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/hasbro.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1245&p_created=1112885238&p_sid=Z8RnHnCh&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9MiZwX3Byb2RfbHZsMT0yMSZwX3Byb2RfbHZsMj0mcF9wYWdlPTEmcF9zZWFyY2hfdGV4dD1lYXJseSBiaXJk&p_li=):


Quote
Question:
I purchased more than one Star Wars Early Bird Kit on one receipt.  Can I use one receipt to send away for multiple kits?

Answer:
Yes, you can send in for multiple kits together using one receipt as long as each kit you are sending away for is listed on that receipt. Also be sure to send in each original UPC code and certificate per kit.

Sounds like you should be OK putting both your redemption forms in one envelope...

Jeff

Thanks Jeff! I bought 2 on-line for me and my neighbor, so I was wondering about that as well.

Has anyone opened one yet? What stickers come with it? The original twelve? If so, could this mean that the first 12 of the '06 line will be the original twelve?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Scott on April 15, 2005, 10:48 PM
I saw numerous amounts of these as well Brian.  Figures in general don't seem to be selling well at all at Wal-Mart it seems.  Crap exclusives like this one didn't help
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Rod on April 15, 2005, 11:23 PM
A friend from North Georgia told me they went on sale at his WM...for like $27 something....not much but it shows that this gamble might not have worked for WM quite the way they expected.  I think it was a bit too high a price to fly off the shelves as they expected.....
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ben on April 15, 2005, 11:45 PM
The biggest problem (besides price) was that they didn't send them to ALL Wal-Marts. I've heard of there being piles of them left over, and there's no way they'll sell them all now. I'd have bought one had it been at MM here locally.

But since it isn't, to hell with it.

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on April 20, 2005, 02:04 PM
At first, I thought this was kind of a sham but last night I finally opened mine and realized that it's kind of a neat set (plus it was produced here in the States - hard to believe, eh)?

The cardboard backdrop is exactly the same as it was 28 years ago from what I can tell - even comes with little retro stickers, neat but no big deal.

The four figures are decent from the pics I've seen and appear to be the first four of a line (according to the blurbs on the envelope and certificate).

As well, I signed up for the 3 month Hyperspace trial this morning and it seems pretty cool - I watched the Clone Wars cartoons that I've missed as well as the deleted scene from AOTC.

Hopefully I'll be able to order some exclusive cool swag from the store before my trial membership expires (holo Leia, anyone)?

The only downside was ruining the clamshell to get the stuff out and send in the upc.  Don't try to salvage the clamshell - you're going to ruin it by cutting out the upc anyhow.

Maybe my opinion will change when I get the figures, but overall, I'm pleased with it except for the fact that I had to order it online and pay shipping vs buying it in the store (my state did not participate in this promotion).

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on April 20, 2005, 02:44 PM
It's not the greatest exclusive they could have dreamed up I will admit it.  I bought it because I liked the nod to the original Kenner early bird set.  I figured what the hell? 

It does not surprise me at all that it did not sell that great.  They needed an actual figure from ROTS itself.  Most people look at that thing and think "What the hell is this?" 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Diddly on April 20, 2005, 10:19 PM
RS has some pics of the figures. Chewie is good. A VOTC Repaint with a new head. I like it. Leia is okay, Luke stinks, and R2 is that same HOF/Saga/POTJ one we've seen a gazillion times.

I'd like the Chewie from the set, but nothing else.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on April 21, 2005, 08:23 AM
I like Leia because of the hood. 
Again Luke is fine with me from the standpoint that this is a throwback to the original Early Bird figure.  A neat gimmick IMO for what it is. 
Chewy is ok with me.  I don't love it but it's decent. 
R2-D2 - well it's another R2. 

Again I will like this set.  But that's me.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on April 21, 2005, 10:16 AM
I agree that the porblem was becuase only select stores had them. If they shipped them to all the stores instead a select few they woul dhave gone.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Scott on April 21, 2005, 10:59 AM
Every Wal*Mart I see that has these has like 50 of them still.  Its way too overpriced and the idea is stupid in this day and age.  Wal*Mart really took it in the shorts this go round, their pegs are stuffed full of the same figures while Target has been selling stuff like crazy and had the foresight to at least get some decent Exclusives and promotions.

It would be even a little more digestible if the figures were at least decent...that Luke makes me want to bash my head against a brick wall its so asinine.  R2 is the same as every other one in the last 7 years, the Chewie is nice but I think even ROTS Chewie is a passable alternative.  Leia is also nice but she comes with the wrong gun and really, I don't care if I get it or not

If it was something like 4 new Cantina Aliens or 4 ROTS Clone Troopers or something, it would have sold better but it is and will continue to be an absolute bomb of epic proportions
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on April 21, 2005, 11:24 AM
Things are the same here Scott, our Wal-Mart is flooded with them, in two seperate aisles now.  I personally picked one up and sent it in, and I'll be happy to get the figures...plus, I really like the vintage-y aspect of it.  Plus, it is a somewhat cheap way for someone like me to get the Early Bird stand, since I doubt I'll ever get the vintage version.

That said, I have to agree, I just don't know if it is the right type of exclusive or promotion for this day and age.  Maybe it was just the wrong time too, to go with this "OT" item during a prequel movie push.  It might have even made more sense as a way to kick off the OTC/VOTC stuff last year.  It might have even done better if the figures were actually included initially....I know that sort of "defeats the purpose" of an EB set, but I don't think many shoppers understand what it is.  Actually I can guarantee that almost everyone outside of people like us who are up on what is coming out have any idea what it is.  To them it probably just looks like a cardboard picture in a plastic box for $30.  Like I said, I personally kind of like it although I will agree that the figures aren't necessarily anything to write home about...but it is probably going to be a major flop as an exclusive for Wal-mart.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DoctorPadawan on April 21, 2005, 12:20 PM
There are two Wal-Marts within fifteen minutes of one another in my area (which is depressing in and of itself, but I digress) and both of them have sections for these that are literally packed to the limit.  There are at least 50 and possibly more at each store and since moving them into an aisle from the tent sale, I have yet to see a single one change positions. 

People are not buying these because, as I said when this was first announced, the reason the EB promotion was so successful in the 1970s was that at that time, there were no SW action figures to buy as an alternative.  To get them, you HAD to buy the EB package.  Even today the EB package is looked back on as being a really audacious promotion that succeeded in spite of logic and an abundance of what is often referred to as "testicular fortitude."

Now, you've got the same promotion for a different age, but the difference is that there is not as much demand for SW toys as there was back in 1977 (relatively speaking), since there are at least 1000 different things being sold alongside this new EB kit which require absolutely no waiting for 6-8 weeks (or more) and are infinitely cheaper.  And to be honest, I'm right there with mosnab in thinking that the average non-collector doesn't know what the hell this thing is; all they see is an envelope with dated artwork for a ridiculously high price.  Why pay 30 dollars for this when you can go three feet down the aisle and get 6 figures right now for the same cost?

This exclusive was poorly planned, poorly executed, and is selling equally poor.  Even K-Mart, the raging bastion of Chapter 11 that it is, got an exclusive that you can actually tangibly touch in their establishments (the ones that are still open, of course).  Target gets two figures that create a whole lot of buzz and attention and actually promoted these items (well, they did with Vader; who knows what cluster**** awaits with the Clone), TRU gets a Yoda that was equally promoted and had a lot of buzz, and WM sits on announcing theirs until a few days before it goes on sale, Hasbro doesn't actually reveal the figures until after it goes on sale, and in the end, all they got was a crappy (yes, I said it) envelope that nobody but die-hard collectors are going to buy.

Oh, and the other WM exclusive items (the Titanium series) are just flying off the shelves here too.  There have to be at least 400 of the various things hanging around collecting dust. 

And you know, the conspiracy side of my personality makes me think that this Early Bird disaster (and regardless of what you think of the figures or the coolness/lameness of the item itself, it is, on a retail level, a disaster) could end up being a really bad harbinger of the future of the SW line as a whole after ROTS has run its course.  Keep in mind that WM is the number one toy retailer in the country (this sickens me, but still...), and if you want to see what kind of effects WM can have on any company, just Google "WalMart Predatory Business Practices" or something like that.

I'm not saying that WM will drive Hasbro into bankruptcy, but when WM sees how poorly this EB stuff has done, I have a feeling it's going to take a whole lot of placating on the part of Hasbro to get them to carry SW toys in the next few years.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on April 21, 2005, 02:17 PM
I agree Dr.

My feeling?  WM didn't think they needed an exclusive to get collectors in the door.  But then they got a little scared when Target made a big mailing and promotion about their Lava Vader (and coupon) and the same applies to TRU with their MM and holo yoda.

Hasbro had to throw something together quick - and that's where the early bird kit comes in.

Why do I say this?  Look at the early bird kit closely - it was made in the States.  Nothing is made in the states anymore for the big dogs.   Big H and WM didn't have time to wait for product to arrive from China to make the 4/2 release date and subsequently, deliver WM's exclusive.

I can almost bet the EB figures weren't even designed when the EB kits hit the retail shelves.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on April 22, 2005, 03:13 PM
Well, from the Q and A response (posted at RS), it looks like the Early Bird set is indeed a "one time deal", and not a new direction for the line, at least according to Hasbro at this point.  But, as we know, things can always change.  Judging from all of the certificate packs rotting at Wal-Mart here, there's going to be a lot of figures left over ;).  Anyways, now we know (at least tenatively) that there isn't a line "re-start" in the future, unless Hasbro isn't telling us something....which is quite possible ;).
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on April 22, 2005, 05:33 PM
Good news that its not the start of a new line. I am happy that it is a one shot deal. I am still very happy with the set as a nod to the vintage line.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on April 22, 2005, 05:40 PM
It was a decent idea, but a flop in my opinion.  They should have just had the figures already in the package.  No mail away.  This is the 21st century, not the late 1970s....

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jagdohh_Fett on April 23, 2005, 02:14 AM
Saw a bunch of these at WM for the first time tonight and it looks cool, but for the price I just don't care to get it. I'm wondering if anyone other than collectors buy this.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on April 23, 2005, 10:43 AM
I love the idea but after reading all these posts everywhere about no one buying them and not sending away for figures, I think once the time frame ends people are going to regret not getting them and want the figures.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on April 23, 2005, 10:56 AM
Are the figs going to be available outside of the EB promotion? That Chewie looks beautiful. I would've preferred that head on the VOTC fig in the first place.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on April 23, 2005, 11:44 AM
Are the figs going to be available outside of the EB promotion? That Chewie looks beautiful. I would've preferred that head on the VOTC fig in the first place.

From what I got from the Q & A, this is the only way to get these figures.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on April 23, 2005, 12:35 PM
Dammit. I need that Chewie!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on April 25, 2005, 08:26 AM
Glad that Hasbro calmed everyone down with the comments.  I just could not see them trying to sell that Luke to the masses.  I know they tried with that Anakin Peasant thing but it flopped major. 

Once again it's just a nod to the vintage days.  I do agree that it was an exclusive slapped together at the last possible instant.  I still like the set for what it is. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on May 2, 2005, 06:48 PM
Has it been mentioned (I might have missed it in the thread) how they plan to ship these? Before I finally mail off my packet, I feel like I need to confirm that they won't ship these cheaply in bulk mail that won't get forwarded by the post office.

I'll more than likely be in a new place by the time these ship, and it would be typical of them to ship via the cheapest method, and have it go into the trash at my old place.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on May 2, 2005, 06:57 PM
I'll more than likely be in a new place by the time these ship, and it would be typical of them to ship via the cheapest method, and have it go into the trash at my old place.

That's an interesting predicament there Jared.  Hadn't thought of that.  Yeah, people definitely may be moving at some point this year, so sending a current address out to Hasbro when they may not ship until later this year could definitely be a problem for some folks.  I guess if I were potentially in that boat, I'd just have my stuff sent to a relative, or my office, or some other safely permanent location...

On a related note, my local WM actually still had a couple of these sitting around today.  Man, and to think we were near tears at Midnight Madness at the prospect of missing out on these while waiting for the Lava Vader...  :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on May 2, 2005, 07:55 PM
I'm in the same predicament that Jared is in.

I'm tempted to have them shipped to my job 'cause I should be moving in the next month.

I find it hard to believe that after you have to send in the UPC, the original receipt and the certificate, Hasbro would still have the balls to tell you - "sorry, we're out, didn't you read the fine print, it says 'while supplies last'" - cause part of me wants to just wait to send it in after I'm sure I'm in the new house - which could be as early as mid-June.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on May 2, 2005, 08:41 PM
Yep, I am not turning mine in yet either.  Although my wife will be at our new address in a few weeks.  However, we may move yet again later in the year to a more permanent home.   Fun, fun.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on May 2, 2005, 11:26 PM
Does anyone have any idea of how these are going to ship?  Plain mailer? Fancy schmancy package?  Beat up recycled cardboard?  Really curious about whether chasing down three of these (one to mail and keep sealed; one to mail and open, one to keep in hideous plastic shell) is really necessary?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on May 2, 2005, 11:36 PM
I'd LOVE to find collector cases and Vader helmets on sale...  Hell I'd like to find EB sets on sale too, but I've wanted a Vader helmet/voice changer since those came out but I don't wanna shill out the $$ for it.   :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on May 3, 2005, 12:15 PM
Does anyone have any idea of how these are going to ship? 

Unfortunately, I haven't heard any word on this.  Anyone think to ask the Hasbro guys at C3?   :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on May 3, 2005, 01:42 PM
I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing a plain white mailer ala the 4 pack army builders. 

No biggie as far as I'm concerned.

 8)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ryan on May 3, 2005, 02:23 PM
As long as it comes on time and undamaged they could ship it in a cereal box for all I care. As long as I get it and it is minty fresh, I'm good. :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on May 3, 2005, 03:47 PM
Unfortunately, I haven't heard any word on this.  Anyone think to ask the Hasbro guys at C3?   :-\

Jeff: "Are the EB figures here going to be carded or in a mailer box when they ship?"

Hasbro Guy: "Yes."

Jeff: "Yes carded, or Yes Mailer box?"

Hasbro Guy: "Not quite sure yet.  No firm decision has been made."

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on May 3, 2005, 05:10 PM
More proof this was all thrown together at the last second.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on May 3, 2005, 06:45 PM
I really hope they're in generic mailers. If they show up in some sort of unique packaging like the EE Clones, I'll be super-pissed. I won't be able to open them if that happens.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ryan on May 3, 2005, 07:16 PM
I really hope they're in generic mailers. If they show up in some sort of unique packaging like the EE Clones, I'll be super-pissed. I won't be able to open them if that happens.

And why not? You should try it. It feels so good. :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Diddly on May 3, 2005, 09:25 PM
Unfortunately, I haven't heard any word on this.  Anyone think to ask the Hasbro guys at C3?   :-\

Jeff: "Are the EB figures here going to be carded or in a mailer box when they ship?"

Hasbro Guy: "Yes."

Jeff: "Yes carded, or Yes Mailer box?"

Hasbro Guy: "Not quite sure yet.  No firm decision has been made."



I laughed out loud when I read the "Yes" part. The guy must have only heard the carded part. :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on May 3, 2005, 11:43 PM
Nope, he heard the whole thing.  Surprisingly JediMac JediWhack was silent long enough for Jeff to get the question out.  It was classic Hasbro all the way ;)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on May 4, 2005, 12:10 AM
Unfortunately, I haven't heard any word on this.  Anyone think to ask the Hasbro guys at C3?   :-\

Jeff: "Are the EB figures here going to be carded or in a mailer box when they ship?"

Hasbro Guy: "Yes."

Jeff: "Yes carded, or Yes Mailer box?"

Hasbro Guy: "Not quite sure yet.  No firm decision has been made."



Hmmm.  Selective memory.  I was there and don't even remember that.   :(

Selective memory - sometimes good, sometimes bad.  My wife freakin' hates it.   ;)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on May 4, 2005, 01:12 AM
I laughed out loud when I read the "Yes" part. The guy must have only heard the carded part. :P

That whole thing happened more than once.  I, in my poor judgment, took a seat in the back and they didn't hear my question clearly at all.  I even tried deepening my voice, and it still didn't get up to them as clearly as I wanted because their answer didn't even jive with what I really asked.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on May 13, 2005, 11:06 AM
Thinking about this set, once again Hasbro comes up with something half assed. I like the figs, but what is the point of the display stand if only 4 figs will be produced for it?  We know Hasbro said this was a one time thing, but who would not of wanted a soft goods Tusken, Jawa and a new Grey DS Trooper.  I can definitely live with the VOTC figs we received last year to fill in the void on this stand but these 3 figs would of been a perfect chance for VOTC to tie in with the mail in promotion. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on June 4, 2005, 05:56 AM
(http://www.jedidefender.com/images/earlybirdgiveaway.jpg)

Anyone still in need of an Early Bird set may want to go scope out Round 4 of our ROTS exclusives giveaway that started tonight!  ;)

Good luck!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on June 4, 2005, 11:53 AM
Very awesome!  ;D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on June 4, 2005, 12:21 PM
I really hope they're in generic mailers. If they show up in some sort of unique packaging like the EE Clones, I'll be super-pissed. I won't be able to open them if that happens.

Sure you can open them if they are in fancy packaging.  We collect figures, not cardboard.   ;)

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on June 4, 2005, 02:24 PM
Sure you can open them if they are in fancy packaging.  We collect figures, not cardboard.   ;)

I wish that were true.  Unfortunately, a lot of us collect both.  And yeah, if these show up in a fancy window box, or carded, I'm gonna have to nab me an additional set to keep packaged as well.  Praying for white mailer boxes...  ;)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on June 4, 2005, 02:36 PM
And some of us are so mentally off-kilter (pointing at myself) that they sent away for two ANYWAY 'cause even if they come in a white mailer box, there is a need to have a set of them MIB even if it's a bland/blank white mailer box you can't see the product inside.

I have an unopened white mailer box for every mail-away figure of the modern era (and some of the vintage era) that ever came in that format.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Nathan on June 5, 2005, 12:17 AM
So ... white gown Leia, Tatooine Luke, R2-D2, and Chewie. Big ******' whoopy doo. The only thing that remotely appeals is what appears to be a telescoping saber.

Wellllll now that I've thought about it ... Leia really doesn't look bad, considering this is the only figure of her in this outfit to get the pose right, even though the blaster's wrong.

Still nowhere near worth $30 on her own. Maybe someday I'll find one loose.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on June 6, 2005, 08:17 PM
I like the Chewie as well.  When the VOTC Chewbacca originally came out (with the ROTJ hairdo), though we all liked it, most of us were also hoping to eventually get a similar version but with an ANH hairdo (no bangs).  So in that respect, this Chewie's a decent addition.

After reading Pawlus' most recent Q & A, is it Chewie or Luke that has the all-new body?  Adam said there were two all new figures, and one with just a new head.  I haven't looked closely enough to decide what's what.  And apparently the R2 is just a 100% rehash, unfortunately.

Of course, with the huge amount of extra time it's apparently going to take to get these figures to folks, perhaps Hasbro still has another trick or two up their sleeves with one or more of them.  Hopefully they'll surprise us when all is said and done...

Anybody still contemplating ordering more of these things?  Like I said, if it's in some type of attractive packaging showing the figures, I'm gonna have to get myself a third set to keep packaged.  I'm guessing that won't be the case though...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Scott on June 6, 2005, 11:54 PM
I think I finally convinced myself I don't need this...at all

Not sure why Pawlus is hopped up about this set, a new head on Chewie, a new head on Leia, outdated and crap articulation on Luke V3333.0 and a reissue R2.

While I can see people wanting Chewie and Leia, Luke and R2 blow cheese and lots of it, if the set ever goes on clearance I may pick one up, but until then, they can suck on their exclusive.  Wal*MArt hosed the pooch on this whole thing, big time
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Paul on June 7, 2005, 12:23 AM
Anybody still contemplating ordering more of these things? 

I ended up sending in for 4 of them.  I want the Chewie for sure.  The others I got, just in case somebody missed it or for guys out of the US. 

I'm sure I can single out the Luke and Leia to somebody too.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on June 7, 2005, 01:22 AM
These actually are something I've never seen in a store, but that doesn't surprise me really...  From what I heard only one WM or maybe two in the area, got this set at all.  Pmundheim was kind enough to hook me up with the set I got.

I'm not wild about the set either...  I agree.  For $30, the price you're paying is for something I'd rather have the actual vintage piece for (no matter the price) than a copy.  It's not the same, and $30 then just strikes me as overpriced...

To me, that's making the argument that "Well $30 is better than what you'd pay for an original" is as ass backwards an excuse as "Well the EE Clones are cheaper than buying the CW single Clones on Ebay!" excuse was for the 4-packs...

Yeah, CW SA Clones are not cheap on Ebay, but how does that have any effect on the pricing of newly packaged/distributed figures, ya know?  But I digress.

The figures are kinda blah...  I'm happy to get the Leia, and to me the Chewbacca is the highlight of the set overall (He's ANH Chewie and ESB Chewie...  And with the VOTC Chewie I'm pretty well set).  Luke looks like **** to me, I'm sorry...  To me, that was a gimmick best left dead...  Anakin Outland didn't do well with it, and while it's a vintage throwback, it's nothing I find interesting to own on a modern figure (again, if I want authentic vintage, I'll buy vintage).  R2...  Not something I needed another one of unless it had the tools...  Even then I'm not one to want another R2 for a bit.

I'm not mad about the set...  It just wasn't good.  To me, the SA Clone from Target was better...  It's overpriced too, so it's not perfect, but at least it's a SA Clone.  Hell, he even has both rifles!  That's better than the basic SA Clone's have been able to pull off.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on June 7, 2005, 09:10 AM
I will admit that nobody "needs" these figures.  I mean my God all of these characters have been immortalized in plastic at least 12 times I would guess. 

Me I actually like the Luke Skywalker for it's telescoping lightsaber.  Shocking I know.  But we have about 55 other Tatooine Lukes without a telescoping arm so I'm down with it.  It's unigue IMO.  It's actually the main figure I am looking forward to getting. 

Chewy - It's different enough for me to actually like it.  I am happy to be getting it. 

Leia - I can't believe people don't want this set for the fact that we get a Leia with her hood up.  How cool is that?  At least she actually was seen with her hood up at one point in the movie.  Unlike that SDCC exclusive hologram figure with Leia sporting twin blasters.  But everyone will be plunking down $15 for that exclusive figure and not bitch all that much about it.

R2-D2 - If there is one figure I am not excited to get it is this guy.  Not that it's a bad figure but I could live the rest of my life happy if they never make another R2 for sale ever. 

But all in all.  It's $30 for 4 figures.  Three of which are fairly unigue. 

 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Scott on June 7, 2005, 09:20 AM
(http://www.rebelscum.com/potf2/POTF2ctleialoose.jpg)
(http://www.rebelscum.com/POTF2/POTF2CTlukeloose.jpg)
(http://www.rebelscum.com/swsaga/sw0405r2-d2bargeloose.jpg)
(http://www.rebelscum.com/swsaga/saga-chewie3po_front1.jpg)

I'm still yawning :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ben on June 7, 2005, 02:51 PM
If I had thirty bucks to spare, I'd have this set by now. I mostly want it for the display stage, but I'll take the figures as a bonus.

I only hope that by the time I get a job, WM.com isn't sold out of these.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on June 7, 2005, 03:27 PM
That is another thing.  You get the repro packaging, stage, etc.  I know it's not the greatest exclusive of all time by any stretch of the imagination.  IMO it beats out all those silver figures and some hologram exclusives as well. 

Anyway, I will enjoy the set for what it is.  It will be done and gone before we know it anyway. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on June 7, 2005, 04:33 PM
And don't forget that you also get a 3 month pass to Hyperspace!  Woot!

Mine's almost up and I've been there probably two times total. 

Seriously, there is some decent stuff there...like the CW animation shorts, behind the scenes pictures, and once in a while; acess to exclusive figures/merchandise.

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on June 7, 2005, 04:38 PM
At first, I didn't want it figuring I'd grab the figures later.  Then once I was pretty sure this was the only chance to get these figures (learning that it was a -time deal, NOT the kick-off of a new line), my OCD kicked in and I got one.

When I was at C3 and got a chance to look at the figures, I decided I was happy with the decision to get one.  I accept them for what they are.  Granted, $7.50 is a bit steep for a rehashed R2-D2, but then again, I paid $13 for a Target Clone so what the hell do I know about $ value?   :P

I guess I won't know for 100% sure until the figures come in the mail, but for now I'm not upset I grabbed one and sent away for my set of 4 figures...

Jeff
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on June 7, 2005, 04:50 PM
The ultimate completist horror:

1 x Sealed EB Kit
1 x Open EB Kit (complete)
1 x Mailed away EB Kit --> 1 x Sealed EB Figure Set
1 x Mailed away EB Kit --> 1 x Open EB Figure Set

Heh, heh.  Anyone buy 4 of these?   :o

I've got three and have opened one just to examine the contents.  Damn, I love the "vintage" feel to everything - that display stand will be fun to use for some of my old beat up figures.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Gatillo on June 7, 2005, 08:49 PM
I did NOT buy one and it is unlikey that I will buy one even at clearance but I may get one if I win the JD giveaway. :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on June 7, 2005, 10:37 PM
The ultimate completist horror:

1 x Sealed EB Kit
1 x Open EB Kit (complete)
1 x Mailed away EB Kit --> 1 x Sealed EB Figure Set
1 x Mailed away EB Kit --> 1 x Open EB Figure Set

Heh, heh.  Anyone buy 4 of these?   :o

Jesse - I bought three...

1 x Sealed EB Kit
2 x Open EB Kit complete except for the redemption cert
      --> 1 x Sealed EB Figure Set
      --> 1 x Open EB Figure Set

As far as I was concerned having two of the kits opened but without the redemption certificates and keeping one of them in pristine shape is enough - I really don't need a mint, non-filled-out redemption certificate.

You're right though - it is a horror. I would have rathered been able to walk into the store and buy two sets of these four figures for say $80 total and been done with it.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Rob on June 8, 2005, 01:03 AM
At first, I didn't want it figuring I'd grab the figures later.  Then once I was pretty sure this was the only chance to get these figures (learning that it was a -time deal, NOT the kick-off of a new line), my OCD kicked in and I got one.

It won't suprise me one bit if these become available later on.  I didn't take the chance either, but Hasbro has been known to fudge quite a bit when describing the rarity of a given item to create initial hype.

The "$135.00-Super-limted-to-only-5,000-FAO-Scwartz-Exclusive-Imperial-Shuttle-that-later-became-available-at-KBkids.com-for-like-$60.00" comes to mind.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on June 8, 2005, 08:13 AM
As much as I try to defend this set it was a monster debate in my head whether to actually pick one up or not.  It must have lasted at least 30 minutes in that tent for 4/2.  In the end the little voice that says "You'll be sorry if you don't get it!!!"  was piping up an awful lot and got the better of me.  The other little voice that says "You freaking idiot!!!  You fell for Hasbro's exclusive once again.  I give up on you.  You damn fool."  Then me and first voice mentally high fived each other and walked out of W-M satisfied with yet another bundle of money headed towards Star Wars yet again :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on June 8, 2005, 12:47 PM
At first, I didn't want it figuring I'd grab the figures later.  Then once I was pretty sure this was the only chance to get these figures (learning that it was a -time deal, NOT the kick-off of a new line), my OCD kicked in and I got one.

It won't suprise me one bit if these become available later on. I didn't take the chance either, but Hasbro has been known to fudge quite a bit when describing the rarity of a given item to create initial hype.

The "$135.00-Super-limted-to-only-5,000-FAO-Scwartz-Exclusive-Imperial-Shuttle-that-later-became-available-at-KBkids.com-for-like-$60.00" comes to mind.

Don't remind me of that fiasco...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on June 8, 2005, 03:12 PM
The ultimate completist horror:

1 x Sealed EB Kit
1 x Open EB Kit (complete)
1 x Mailed away EB Kit --> 1 x Sealed EB Figure Set
1 x Mailed away EB Kit --> 1 x Open EB Figure Set

Heh, heh.  Anyone buy 4 of these?   :o

Yeah, I agree with Pete, that there's really only 3 versions necessary for most "psycho" completists.  The only difference between those two opened sets is the small missing/detached portion of the entry card.  Not worth an entire other set.

I'm actually not going to keep an original set completely sealed though (for once).  If there were figures in there, I obviously would.  But I refuse to start collecting mint packaged cardboard.  :P  So I just carefully sliced through the bottom of the plastic and pulled the stuff out for one of my sets, placed my order, and then put everything right back in there.  It looks identical to a mint, sealed package, since you don't even notice the cut.

So I just ordered two sets, one for the standard loose collection, and an extra set (as usual) for dioramas and what not.  BUT, if the figures show up in a style of packaging where they're actually viewable, I'm going to have to order a third set to keep the figures mint in package too.  But if they're just in a white mailer box and I can't see them, then I'm not gonna sweat it.

Of course, Hasbro's probably reading this, and is gonna stick the figures in a fancy package now, just to annoy me...  ;)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on June 8, 2005, 03:51 PM
To be honest, I can really see them shipping this set just like the EE SA Clone 4-pack.

Think about it - and those of you who work in Photoshop know how easy this would be since (a) you already have the box template and (b) you already have the outer white mailer box to protect the pretty window box.

All they'd have to do is change the graphics on the panels. If they can roughly justify the cost of around $24 for each four-pack, I don't see any reason why they couldn't just re-purpose that packaging and justify the $30 kit price tag.

I would have preferred the EE clones in white mailer boxes too - I didn't need these pretty window boxes for these sets. Especially since the art for all four variants is identical.

So - here's hoping that they do just end up being four baggied figures in a white mailer box.

BTW - great idea on slicing open the bottom of the EB kit outer plastic shell like that Matt - I hadn't thought of that, it could have saved me from buying that third one I got, 'cause I'm not really into the idea of collecting MIB Cardboard either.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on June 8, 2005, 04:10 PM
To be honest, I can really see them shipping this set just like the EE SA Clone 4-pack.

Sssshhhh!!!  They may hear you, Peter!  :-X

Quote
BTW - great idea on slicing open the bottom of the EB kit outer plastic shell like that Matt - I hadn't thought of that, it could have saved me from buying that third one I got, 'cause I'm not really into the idea of collecting MIB Cardboard either.

Yeah, I actually heard a guy at C3 mention that.  There was some discussion about that set going on at one of the dealer booths, and they got into talking about the best way to preserve the packaging and still get the figures (at which point I started keenly listening), and one guy said he very carefully razorbladed a long slit running across the entire bottom of the plastic shell, and then carefully slid the large EB cardboard envelope out through it.  Fill the form out, and slide it back in (it's a tight fit), and wallah!  Save yourself about $32.  I'm a pretty nutso packaged collector too, and this method worked quite well for me (with my OCD), so I'd recommend it to any packaged folks currently contemplating exactly how to deal with this thing...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: jadesfire on June 8, 2005, 06:11 PM
The other little voice that says "You freaking idiot!!!  You fell for Hasbro's exclusive once again.  I give up on you.  You damn fool." 

Your second little voice and mine sound alot like they are twins....lucky for us we always listen to the first one 8).
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on June 8, 2005, 10:55 PM
So I just carefully sliced through the bottom of the plastic and pulled the stuff out for one of my sets, placed my order, and then put everything right back in there. 

Dammit, why didn't I think of that.   ::)

Oh well, it'll make a neat display piece.  I still remember walking into Wal-Mart in Indy and being blown away by how big the package was.  I had no idea that the diorama/stage was so big.

And it'll be the first MIP piece of cardboard I own.   ;)   ::)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Pete_Fett on June 8, 2005, 11:18 PM
To be honest, I can really see them shipping this set just like the EE SA Clone 4-pack.

Sssshhhh!!!  They may hear you, Peter!  :-X

Yes, I know sometimes I really do need to be silenced!  ;D

Seriously though - they'll go out for this clunker, which as Scott pointed out so well - using three POTF2 figures and the Saga Bespin Chewie - really didn't need to be done! Not to mention the less than a year old four VOTC incarnations of these characters!

However, they won't go all out and give us something like an Evolutions Padme and entirely PT Obi-Wan set. Sure they MAY do it, but coming out with these two characters as Evolutions sets should have been TOP priority. As far as I'm concerned anything that gets us VOTC quality versions of PT is okay in my book - I'm not so concerned about OT characters 'cause Hasbro will ALWAYS go back to that well - as the EB kit proves.

Here's what would have been a MUCH BETTER idea - use the EB kit to announce that you're continuing the VOTC line and the next stage of it, exclusive to the modern EB kit, will be creating VOTC versions of the remaining original 12 figures - VOTC versions of the Tusken Raider, Deathsquad Commander, and Jawa. Promote the stand as a Stand for your VOTC figures and modify the original graphics to include art for Lando, Yoda and Boba Fett and make the stand be able to accomodate fifteen figures instead of just twelve.  If you needed to have four figures in the set, go ahead and either make an R2-D2 w/o arms & scope and a clicking dome or a Chewie with the combed back head fur.

We already read in the GH Swami report that VOTC will be back, so why didn't they have the EB kit reflect that - there was NOTHING, not even nostalgia, that dictacted that the four characters HAD to be Luke, Leia, Chewie and R2. Nostalgia only dictated that the have a promotion LIKE the original EB kit. The figures didn't need to be the same four characters.

See Matt - now if they read my idea about the window box, they'd have to read that idea too...  ;D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on June 8, 2005, 11:25 PM
Yeah, that should hopefully balance things out nicely Peter!

One thing I forgot to mention, though it should likely be assumed, is that I still had to cut the proof of purchase off the back of the plastic case, so there is a bit of a hole on the backside which is an eyesoar if someone flips the thing around.  Granted, I cut that thing out very carefully, and closely, to minimize the carnage.  So my packaging isn't quite as mint as you might've thought.  Still looks good from the front though.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Nathan on June 9, 2005, 11:31 AM
Here's what would have been a MUCH BETTER idea - use the EB kit to announce that you're continuing the VOTC line and the next stage of it, exclusive to the modern EB kit, will be creating VOTC versions of the remaining original 12 figures - VOTC versions of the Tusken Raider, Deathsquad Commander, and Jawa. Promote the stand as a Stand for your VOTC figures and modify the original graphics to include art for Lando, Yoda and Boba Fett and make the stand be able to accomodate fifteen figures instead of just twelve.  If you needed to have four figures in the set, go ahead and either make an R2-D2 w/o arms & scope and a clicking dome or a Chewie with the combed back head fur.

Damn good idea. I would have bought that.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on June 10, 2005, 10:21 PM

Here's what would have been a MUCH BETTER idea - use the EB kit to announce that you're continuing the VOTC line and the next stage of it, exclusive to the modern EB kit, will be creating VOTC versions of the remaining original 12 figures - VOTC versions of the Tusken Raider, Deathsquad Commander, and Jawa. Promote the stand as a Stand for your VOTC figures and modify the original graphics to include art for Lando, Yoda and Boba Fett and make the stand be able to accomodate fifteen figures instead of just twelve.  If you needed to have four figures in the set, go ahead and either make an R2-D2 w/o arms & scope and a clicking dome or a Chewie with the combed back head fur.


Need to modify the stand in some way though.  At the very least, Chewie doesn't have holes for pegs from a stand.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ben on June 13, 2005, 04:21 PM
I noticed the giveaway for the Target Clone on the main page. Is the EB giveaway over? And if so, have they decided on a winner?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on June 13, 2005, 05:03 PM
I noticed the giveaway for the Target Clone on the main page. Is the EB giveaway over? And if so, have they decided on a winner?

We are still in the process of verifying the entries (removing duplicates and frauds, double checking entries) and should have a winner announced soon...

Jeff
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ben on June 13, 2005, 05:08 PM
Awesome.

Thanks.  :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on June 13, 2005, 05:21 PM
Cool, I hope it goes to a good home.   :)

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ben on June 17, 2005, 10:27 PM
Wheee! I won something besides free soda!!  ;D


Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Commander Cody on June 17, 2005, 10:39 PM
 :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

Good work!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darby on June 17, 2005, 10:55 PM
Must not be jealous... anger leads to hate...  ;)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on June 20, 2005, 09:16 AM
I'm a little late, but congrats on the win Ben.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on June 20, 2005, 10:24 AM
Congrats Man!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CorranHorn on June 23, 2005, 02:59 AM
i'm hearing from people in my neck of the woods of finding the EB kit on clearance for $10. I was at the local walmart yesterday and didn't see a clearance tag, but at the time I had no reason to look closely. if it's really $10, I'll finally break down and buy the damn thing. can't beat 4 new figs for $10 :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DoctorPadawan on June 29, 2005, 08:12 PM
The EB set has caused me to almost fall over laughing in the last few weeks.  One of the local WMs got a metric ton of these things and I would be shocked if they had sold more than one in the entire three months they've had it on shelves.  They move the mountain of Early Bird **** from one aisle to another, give it an endcap, put it on an aisle obstacle kiosk, but they never move. 

Where the humor comes in is that the week before last, this WM decided they were finally going to mark it down a bit to 20 bucks and see if that would help.  I was in the WM three times after I saw the markdown and they still weren't selling.  I went out of town for a few days and when I walked in there this morning, they still had all of them in the same place, but they had raised the price back to 29.97.   ::)

So yes, WM's book on economics states that if it ain't selling, lower the price, and if it still ain't selling, raise the price back to the original price.  I fully expect to see an Early Bird **** fort being built in the bicycle aisle when the offer expires and WM is stuck with all the useless clamshell plastic envelopes.  :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on June 30, 2005, 02:45 AM
I should have had my friend scan one this morning. He called me from Walmart, holding a set, wanting to know exactly what it was. He’s a casual collector. His confusion brought out every problem that set has and just what a failure it’s turned out to be. I tried explaining to him that it was a Walmart exclusive and that he would have to buy it, open it up, and mail away for the four figures.

"Why does it look like it’s from the 70’s," he asked.

"Because it’s a reproduction of the Early Bird kit from 1977. It’s supposed to be nostalgic," I explain.

"So they send you old figures?"

"No, they are new figures. You know, new style. Modern."

"Oh. So they’re celebrating when they couldn’t get figures out in time for the first movie twenty years later? Did this just come out, or did they do it when the DVD came out?"

"No," I attempt to explain, "they brought it out on April 2, with all of the Revenge of the Sith toys."

"But it’s from the original movie."

"Right." I'm not making the sale.

"That doesn’t make sense. It looks like its old.  So, I have to open this to send away for the figures? What if I want to keep this in the package, you know, mint?"

"You buy two."

He's annoyed and baffled, saying, "They’re thirty dollars. Is the stand inside plastic, at least? I’m not paying sixty bucks for figures and cardboard."

"Sorry, it’s just cardboard."

"This is confusing. And I just paid like ten bucks a piece for all the original figures on old cards like six months ago. I can’t even see what the figures are supposed to look like. You know, forget it."

And two more Early Bird kits go back on the shelf to rot. Nice work, Hasbro.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ryan on June 30, 2005, 03:17 AM
Stay on the look out for EB-Kit clearances. A Wal-Mart by me put them on clearance for $5 each. That's $1.25 a figure fot those of you who hate Math. ;) I bought one on the 2nd of April and I bought 2 more when I found them on clearance, $40 for 12 figures, not bad. :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on June 30, 2005, 07:20 AM
If anyone finds these on clearance please let me know.  We never received at the 3 Walmarts in my area, and this is the one hole in my collection.  Looking for two of these ;)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on June 30, 2005, 12:22 PM
Man, that sucks for people like me who wanted one, didn't have a WM near by that carried it and paid $35 online for it!

 >:(

Clearance sucks for people who pay full price and it kicks ass for people who wait!   :-*
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Diddly on June 30, 2005, 12:44 PM
Yeah, I'll buy one off of someone able to get it really cheap. They never showed up here either.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Scott on June 30, 2005, 01:01 PM
I am still laughing at this piece of crap ;D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: knashdx on June 30, 2005, 01:11 PM
Has anyone started receiving their set yet? I throught that the little card in the package said that the figures would start shipping May.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on June 30, 2005, 10:06 PM
I think it was just between the months of May and December.  Something like that. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on June 30, 2005, 10:08 PM
Yeah, I'd be surprised if we start seeing them anytime soon.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DoctorPadawan on July 10, 2005, 11:41 PM
I was shocked when I walked into one of my local Wal-Marts on Thursday and saw that their perpetual endcap of Early Birds had disappeared.  I knew full well that they couldn't have sold, as I had just run one under a scanner two days prior, hoping to get one of those cool clearance prices of 5 bucks, to no avail; still 29.97.  I thought that maybe they were doing the rumored "move" by sending them to stores that didn't get them for the launch, but at least I didn't have to look at them anymore. 

So, I went to another local WM and saw a woman with huge boxes filled with Early Bird kits.  I asked her if they were getting rid of them, and she said, and I quote:

"We're sending them back to the toy company because we only ended up selling about a tenth of what we got."

So yes, this WM, which also had the perpetual endcap of about 40 EB sets, was sending its exclusive BACK TO HASBRO if this woman was to be believed.  I couldn't help but laugh to myself as I thought of how everybody but WM and Hasbro seemed to realize that this was the dumbest idea for an exclusive ever, and now it bombed in a huge way:

Target gets not one, but two exclusive action figures that cause a huge stir and sell completely through their run almost immediately.

Toys R Us gets an exclusive figure that, while not as rare, still sells out very quickly.  Even their repainted Anakin ship is out of stock at most stores these days (or so I'm told).

K-Mart (K-MART FOR THE LOVE OF GOD) gets an exclusive that is more or less a reissued series of niche toys and THOSE sell out at nearly every K-Mart I've been in.

Wal-Mart ends up having to send its exclusive back to Hasbro and/or clearance them out for 1/6th of original price because nobody wanted it.  ;D

As funny as this is to me, it was preventable.  The sad thing is that this could cause some major problems if WM uses the lack of EB sales as a bargaining chip with Hasbro for the future of the SW line in a WM aisle.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Nathan on July 10, 2005, 11:58 PM
What was the K-Mart exclusive again? *scratches head*

You sure you aren't thinking of the Kohl's bonus figure vehicles?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Avenging Knight on July 11, 2005, 01:59 AM
What was the K-Mart exclusive again? *scratches head*
I think the K-mart and KB Toys exclusives were the same........Higher prices than everybody else.  :D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on July 11, 2005, 03:05 AM
I wonder if that's what happened at our Walmarts out here. I didn't hear of anyone scoring good deals on sets, but the EB kits evaporated overnight. Maybe they were sent back. Serves Hasbro right.

What was the K-Mart exclusive again? *scratches head*

You sure you aren't thinking of the Kohl's bonus figure vehicles?

Nah, he's talking about the Palm Talkers, remember? Those were a little lame, though, too. I mean, they don't ship the Yoda one in the US, and when a rare chance for the line to come back, even briefly, they screw it up and don't ship him. WTF?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on July 11, 2005, 09:30 AM
I was wondering if this happened at our Wal-Mart as well.  I think there are still a handful of them in the "bonus" aisle (or 1/2 aisle now) of Star Wars stuff, but when they still had spillover into the "seasonal" area, there had to be literally 50 of these things.  They then moved them to the front of the store when the movie was released, and then they disappeared.  I highly, highly doubt they sold (or if any of them sold at all), so I'm thinking the majority of them got sent back.  Seeing how Wal-Mart seems to have a lot of the retail pull with Hasbro (and everyone else), I hope this doesn't hurt the future of Star Wars at retail.  They could, as mentioned above, use it as an excuse to under-order (or not order) the basic figures in the future....or only give SW a tiny section of the aisle.  But, I do think we all saw this coming.  Selling a plastic box with a piece of cardboard in it to anyone but collectors (and sometimes not even then) isn't going to happen.  I bet most casual buyers looked at this and thought "what the?"
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on July 11, 2005, 10:20 AM
Back home in Illinois I seem to remember them selling ok.  Sure they had some leftover but not an entire endcap.  Unless they moved them to somewhere in the store I could not find them?  I have not been to that many Wal-Marts here in the Phoenix area.  However, I have been to at least 4 of them and don't recall seeing a single one?  Maybe they were deeply clearenced? 

The problem was nobody really knew what they were getting and it was $30.  A bit to pricey.  I still like it for what it is a throwback to the 77 or 78 EB vintage era. 

To be honest WM should have gotten some sort of ROTS exclusive to sell.  Afterall that was the movie coming out at the time.  It does seem like it was all thrown together at the last instant.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Nathan on July 11, 2005, 02:16 PM
I wonder if that's what happened at our Walmarts out here. I didn't hear of anyone scoring good deals on sets, but the EB kits evaporated overnight. Maybe they were sent back. Serves Hasbro right.

I heard of a Wal-Mart in MN where all the EBs mysterious disappeared--presumably sent back to the mysterious netherworld from whence they came. ::)

Quote
What w1as the K-Mart exclusive again? *scratches head*

You sure you aren't thinking of the Kohl's bonus figure vehicles?

Nah, he's talking about the Palm Talkers, remember? Those were a little lame, though, too. I mean, they don't ship the Yoda one in the US, and when a rare chance for the line to come back, even briefly, they screw it up and don't ship him. WTF?

Oh, I see. I never paid attention to those.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on August 1, 2005, 02:57 PM
Looks like we may be getting these soon  ;D

Early Bird figures on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com.cn/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=5990752167&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on August 1, 2005, 03:03 PM
Thanks for the link, glad to see these are starting to pop up.  I guess this answers the whole "how will these be shipping" question, looks like a tray comparable to the vintage days.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on August 1, 2005, 03:03 PM
Hmmm...

(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/7-05/ebtray.jpg)
(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/7-05/ebloose2.jpg)

Looks like they are trying to mimic the original EB tray/package.  Definately not carded though!

Jeff
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on August 1, 2005, 03:12 PM
Thanks for the link, glad to see these are starting to pop up.  I guess this answers the whole "how will these be shipping" question, looks like a tray comparable to the vintage days.

Yepper, just like the old days complete with foot pegs.  8)

Mail-away Offers: Early Bird Package (http://www.toysrgus.com/images-speci/mailaways/ebkit.html)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JedioftheNorth on August 1, 2005, 03:52 PM
So is the outer box gonna have some sort of design on them like the new Saga line(silver/black).
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 1, 2005, 08:16 PM
Who knows.  Possible though since these figures are definitely a modern version of the original EB set.

Should be pretty cool....can't wait for mine to show up.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ben on August 2, 2005, 12:47 AM
****! I have so got to send that envelope out.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on August 2, 2005, 12:53 AM
Well, at least Chewie is rockin' and Leia's a nice figure to pose with an R2 figure for the recording sequence.  :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CorranHorn on August 2, 2005, 01:08 AM
so did they wind up going with the VOTC R2-D2? I thought all the previous pics from Hasbro showed the Bar2-D2.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on August 2, 2005, 01:25 AM
VOTC by my eyes, Jason.  The chromed dome is noticeable first, but the feet have the separate sculpt wiring, and judging by the pic I see the lines for the removable chest piece of the VOTC R2...  Don't see the tools though.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Slothus on August 5, 2005, 03:04 PM
[Wal-Mart ends up having to send its exclusive back to Hasbro and/or clearance them out for 1/6th of original price because nobody wanted it.  ;D

Yeah, but in round 2 Wal Mart knocked the **** out of target with their EXCLUSIVE titanium ships where Target's were still on the shelves for a long time because they decided to go with OTC ships in the beginning. To this day the Titanium ships are in much more demand than the Target micro vehicle packs

All the stores mismarket frequently so.... what comes around..... eventually. I really don't think WM is concerned with this since they're pretty much blowing away target on the world market overall.

geez I wonder how many Targets/Kmarts walmart has " knocked the **** out" by moving in across the street from them the last 5 years. ( i've personally seen it in a couple towns)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on September 1, 2005, 10:08 AM
(http://hasbro.com/common/images/news/starwars/85868_pk.jpg)

Hasbro (http://hasbro.com/starwars/pl/page.news/newsid.0E49E9A3-D56F-E112-4EAD537BB372ED60/dn/default.cfm) updates their website today with a preview of the Wal-Mart Early Bird Figures!

Quote
Early Bird Figure Packs due to ship in November!

As our collector fans know, Wal-Mart offered an exclusive product to capture the nostalgia of the first Star Wars figures ever made.  A near-exact replica of Kenner’s 1977 “Empty Box” has been sold exclusively at Wal-Mart.  Inside is a Redemption Certificate good for updated versions of the first four original Star Wars action figures from 1977.

If you have already sent in your completed Redemption Certificate, the figure packs are due to ship from the redemption fulfillment center early November. 

If you haven’t sent your certificate in, there’s still time!  Completed certificates can be postmarked up to November 30, 2005.  Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to relive the excitement of the first Star Wars figures ever made!  There is still a limited quantity left at Wal-Mart.com (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3661660)!


Should have them before Christmas at least!

Jeff

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on September 1, 2005, 11:08 AM
I wonder what's in the little tray under Artoo?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on September 1, 2005, 11:11 AM
I wonder what's in the little tray under Artoo?

Foot pegs for the stand... Here's a link Dale had to the vintage set:


Yepper, just like the old days complete with foot pegs.  8)

Mail-away Offers: Early Bird Package (http://www.toysrgus.com/images-speci/mailaways/ebkit.html)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on September 1, 2005, 11:25 AM
The vintage one had pegs? I'll be damned. I never knew Kenner or Hasbro produced pegs outside of the ones integrated in stands/playsets.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: jadesfire on September 1, 2005, 03:50 PM
So, of course, I had to follow the link from the front page and order the set.  :-\
 I assume I send in the Walmart print out to verify my purchase price, along with the form from the box and by the end of the year I should have the set right?

I wasn't even interested in this until I saw the picture.  I had to have that Luke and Leia.  Has there been any word of more being created?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: proudfather2 on September 2, 2005, 05:15 PM
I don't like the lightsaber-in-the-arm thing. Otherwise the set looks to kick some serious ass!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on September 2, 2005, 08:18 PM
I'm back to my old paranoid self about the way these will be shipped, because I have, after my initial concerns months ago, ended up  moving. I'm fully expecting them to ship via a cheap method so that they won't be forwarded. I've sent Hasbro CS an email, and with some hope, they'll get back to me before November.  ::)

I'm happy enough with the Chewie and Leia that that pile of crap Luke is fine with me. Why would they think the lightsaber thing that failed so miserably with Peasant Anakin would work here? Some 70's ideas are best left as nostalgia.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DoctorPadawan on September 2, 2005, 08:54 PM
I'm back to my old paranoid self about the way these will be shipped, because I have, after my initial concerns months ago, ended up moving. I'm fully expecting them to ship via a cheap method so that they won't be forwarded. I've sent Hasbro CS an email, and with some hope, they'll get back to me before November. ::)

Jared, while I certainly hope that you'll get your figures, given Hasbro's attitude that nothing they do is wrong, you'll probably get the following response:

Quote
Thank you for contacting Hasbro Consumer Affairs.

Unfortunately, the item which you inquired about is being handled by a fulfillment company outside of Hasbro Toys, Inc. and as such, orders already placed cannot be changed.

We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused you, and we will be sending you a coupon in the mail for use on a future Hasbro Toys purchase.

We hope you continue to enjoy our products for years to come.

They'll attempt to deflect all responsibility for the toys, then if that doesn't work, they'll do the Obi-Wan JSF trick and cry "STORE EXCLUSIVE!  WE CAN'T DO ****!", and Jebus help you if you ask them for the fulfillment center's contact information.   ::)

Paranoid ramblings that probably make you feel worse aside, Jared, the best thing you can probably do at this point is to contact the Post Office where you used to live to ask that all mail delivered to your old address be forwarded to your new address regardless, or at the very least held for pickup by a designated agent of your choice (like Matt, or someone else in Southern CA).  It still doesn't guarantee that you'll get the figures, but I think that asking Hasbro about it will be like beating your head against the wall after a certain point.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on September 3, 2005, 01:15 AM
Yep, I'm fully prepared for just such an email. I'm expecting them to ship third class.

I'm also expecting tons of the trays to start showing up on ebay from Asia in the next few weeks. They'll be cheaper than buying the packaging at Walmart was. That's the only way the shittiest exclusive in the modern line can conclude its glorious 6 month journey of stupidity.

Still like those Leia and Chewies, though.  :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on September 3, 2005, 12:08 PM
I have actually been hoping this thing would be in my mailbox for weeks now.  Guess I should just relax and wait.  I think it will be a fun thing to have.  I guess in the mean time I should set up that cardboard display somewhere with my vintage figures and drive my wife nuts with it.  Put in the living room or something :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on September 6, 2005, 01:12 PM
A response from Hasbro regarding package forwarding:

Quote
Discussion Thread
 Response (Charlotte) 09/06/2005 01:04 PM
Hi Jared,

Thank you for contacting Hasbro.

The items will not be forwarded. Please provide your current address so that we may update your information.

We appreciate your patience. We hope you will enjoy our products for many years to come.

Make sure you contact them if you've moved!  :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on September 23, 2005, 09:15 AM
I see that these are now in stock at a lot of the asian e-tailers:

(http://www.action-hq.com/action-hq/images/items/oth002941ba_b.jpg)

A Good sign that Hasbro will be able to hit the November date that they promised...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on September 23, 2005, 09:32 AM
I cannot wait for these sets to finally ship. It seems so long ago.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on September 23, 2005, 09:35 AM
I know what you mean.  I got excited the other day because there was a box sitting at our front door.  I was like "Oh please let that be the EB set."  It was not of course :( 

I guess November is not that far away. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DoctorPadawan on September 23, 2005, 11:59 AM
I just have a question regarding Asian etailers having these.  If this is a mailaway item that required the purchase of the original Early Bird kit from Wal-Mart, how is it that any etailer can have these for actual sale, without their means of obtaining them being illegal/questionable?

Does Hasbro give the Asian retailers some kind of backdoor deal on stuff like this, or is it more of those "they fell off the back of the truck" deals that people always point to?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: John C on September 24, 2005, 04:36 PM
My dad called me today and told me there is a package for me at his house that says "Early Bird" on it.  I won't be able to get it until Monday, but I'll post pictures as soon as I can.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on September 24, 2005, 05:41 PM
Holy crap!  I didn't think they were already showing up...  I thought a few more weeks still, but hopefully that's what it is.

John, I assume you just bought a set at WM and sent in your receipt like the rest of us?  As opposed to ordering one online or on eBay, or through some other method?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: John C on September 24, 2005, 07:58 PM
I picked up the certifcate at Wal-Mart during the tent event.  I sent it in right away.  My parents came over for a visit and brought the set over.  It comes in a white box that says "Early Bird Figures" in the lower left corner along with what I'm guessing is a part number, 85868.  The figures range from great to so-so.  Chewie is by far the best.  He looks to be the VOTC version with a different head.  R2 has three legs and they all have little rollers on the bottom.  He has a sensor scope that comes out when you turn his head.  He is my second favorite.  Luke comes with his telescoping saber.  He has standard neck articulation, waist articulation and standard leg articulation.  He also has ball jointed shoulders, which was a nice touch.  I would have liked him more if his left arm and knees were articulated.  Leia is the least impressive IMO.  Her face sculpt is the best part of the figure.  The rest of her could use some work.  She is far too preposed for my taste.  Her neck has no articulation.  Her arms are stuck in the gun holding pose.  Her dress is rigid and you really can't move her legs.  She would have been perfect with VOTC articulation.  I don't understand why Hasbro didn't give Luke, Leia and Chewie the same articulation.  I understand Luke's right arm can't have any, and I would accept that, but the rest of him and Leia should have been given as much attention as Chewie.  I am indifferent to this set at this point.  I'll take pictures later when my camera's batteries recharge.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: John C on September 25, 2005, 12:19 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/jcurtis102/ebbox.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/jcurtis102/ebgroup.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/jcurtis102/ebpose.jpg)


Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on September 25, 2005, 12:58 AM
Interesting, they just ship it out in the mailer box and not in another box or wrap.

Oy, that Leia has no articulation. Not sure what to think when I get mine.  :-\

Thanks for the pic's John.  :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Diddly on September 25, 2005, 01:36 AM
So the only figure in the set worth getting is the Chewie.

Is R2 exactly the same as the VOTC version? Or can you not remove the third leg?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: John C on September 25, 2005, 09:21 AM
The third leg is not removable.  The figures came in taped plastic bags inside a white tray.  There is an instruction sheet for the bowcaster and there are white pegs for the Early Bird display.


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/jcurtis102/ebtray.jpg)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Gatillo on September 25, 2005, 09:36 AM
FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!! I am so glad I did not waste $30 bucks on this crap.  This was one of those gambles where it actually paid to pass.

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ryan on September 25, 2005, 05:29 PM
$40 for 3 sets didn't end up so bad. I'm not thrilled with the Luke or Leia but The Chewie and R2 are great. I don't have a loose VOTC Chewie or R2 so this is well worth it for me.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on September 25, 2005, 06:45 PM
Congrats of the arrival, John. Hope mine make it to me after my move.

Question -- do the figures look as shiny in person? They look like they're made from some very lustrous plastic... kind of concerning...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Commander Cody on September 25, 2005, 08:11 PM
THOSE SUCK ARSE. >:(
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: TheBlackDog65 on September 26, 2005, 12:13 AM
I'm so happy that I passed on these. The Luke can go with Peasant Disguise Anakin, like father like son so to speak. Leia, ha! I have decided that Leia to Hasbro is what Aragorn in LOTR is to ToyBiz. Neither company can truly capture the image of actor/character. 

Anyway, R2 rocks, and would be great if released as a single figure or in a package with other droids.

Chewie is nice, but I'll stay with the VOTC.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on September 26, 2005, 03:08 AM
Quote
The Luke can go with Peasant Disguise Anakin, like father like son so to speak.

Nicely put...  I'm amazed at how horrid that figure looks actually.  I was expecting to be underwhelmed but Hasbro managed to even go below my already low expectations on that one by those pictures.  I hate the telescoping lightsaber on modern figures too...  There's a REASON Kenner didn't do that with later vintage figures, and I think "Nostalgia" is about as bull**** a reason to get a feature as anything.  You want Nostalgia?  Vintage Luke's in good condition can be had for $20 or less and you actually own something to feel nostalgic about.

The Leia I like well enough.  To me it'll be good to put with the R2 w/Holo Leia figure but it isn't near definitive or anything.  VOTC is still about as good as it gets IMO, and short of them releasing her with a clip-on hood accessory I'm pleased with her as is...  This will just be a decent enough hooded Leia I guess.  The arms are a little meh, especially since she doesn't have the right gun or the right pose to her sculpt to hold the right gun even if she DID have it, so that kinda is a letdown...  meh, it's ok.

R2 I'm unimpressed with but that's because I've got better versions already.  The rolling R2 is boring to me anymore.

Chewie looks like the winner to me.  VOTC's great but "hair-do" specific to one film, so I'm happy to get a good Chewbacca for the previous two films and not shabby for Episode 3 either really.

Is he $30 good?  No, and none of the other figures are.  I really hope these sets are done and over with.  The idea was not the best one, the exectution was just as poor, and the cost was simply frustrating.  Chewbacca's cool but the other 3 are mediocre or downright bad efforts overall.

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: John C on September 26, 2005, 09:50 AM
Congrats of the arrival, John. Hope mine make it to me after my move.

Question -- do the figures look as shiny in person? They look like they're made from some very lustrous plastic... kind of concerning...


I don't think they are any more shiny than previous figures.  It might just be the flash on my camera is strong and hit them just right.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on September 26, 2005, 04:20 PM
Frick.  I think I lost my recept for this.  I've been searching for months in the house, but I've got a feeling it's stuck in a box in storage.  So I'd better get my butt in gear and get that stuff out of storage...   :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on September 26, 2005, 09:32 PM
So I caught this at another site...  It helps explain how any of you with a complaint on this are just so far off.  :)  Boy your signature really rings true Jesse...

Quote
The nostalgia factor is the biggest selling point going for this exlusive set. Factor in the fact that they were exclusives, fullfillment, and shipping, don't forget the display stand and pegs- the cost is more than fair for what you are getting. Obviously all these things are beyond what the newer collectors can comprehend but oh well- they will be gone when the next 'it' thing comes along.

Those that can get them for $7 are extremely lucky. I for one only saw them once and bought them for $30 without flinching.

Yeah, cardboard, flimsy packaging, some plastic pegs and 4 figures that mostly are re-used parts is more than fair for $30, right?  Oh yeah and I almost forgot "Shipping" and "Fulfillment", and that they're exclusives too.  Obviously $30 for 4 figures is fair...

Wait, but battlepacks are 5 figures with ornate packaging...   :-\  And hell, some of them were even new figures...   :-\  And they're exclusive, and to smaller retailers than Wal-Mart too...   :-\  Huh, how about that.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on September 27, 2005, 03:36 AM
So I caught this at another site...  It helps explain how any of you with a complaint on this are just so far off.  :)  Boy your signature really rings true Jesse...

Amazing how the arrogance and disconnection with the community rings through loud and clear in that quote so -- you don't even need to attach a credit for me to know who it came from.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: John C on September 27, 2005, 09:17 AM
A turd is a turd whether or not it's $7 or $30.  The author of that garbage should realize that. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth_Anton on September 27, 2005, 09:52 AM
Frick.  I think I lost my recept for this.  I've been searching for months in the house, but I've got a feeling it's stuck in a box in storage.  So I'd better get my butt in gear and get that stuff out of storage...   :-\

I haven't lost my recipt, but i haven't sent mine in yet either. Anyone else not mail away for their's yet?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on September 27, 2005, 10:14 AM
I bought this set online because my WM's didn't participate and I thought the figures were going to be "cooler."

I like the backdrop as I think I'm going to use it with my vintage loose figures.  The mailaway figures are pretty lame  - especially for the collectors, like myself, who already have them (as previous releases).

I suppose if you are new to SW collecting it might be more exciting, but then you wouldn't really know what the whole 'dealio' was about.

 :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on September 27, 2005, 02:14 PM
I like the backdrop as I think I'm going to use it with my vintage loose figures.

Ditto.  I think that stage is going to make for a great display.   8)

I actually don't mind this set (the figures).  I know some people think Luke's telescoping lightsaber is ridiculous, but I give Hasbro a thumbs up for doing a little tribute to the vintage line.

I'm disappointed that Leia isn't more poseable, but her sculpt looks great.  And I love that huge Chewie towering over the others.  Of course, I've got a dozen versions of R2 already, but I'm a sucker for more of my favourite astromech.

Despite all that, I'll have wait and see if these actually ship to Canada.  I'll let Dale be the guinea pig and find out if he gets screwed over or not.  :-X
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Nathan on September 27, 2005, 03:56 PM
Quote
The nostalgia factor is the biggest selling point going for this exlusive set. Factor in the fact that they were exclusives, fullfillment, and shipping, don't forget the display stand and pegs- the cost is more than fair for what you are getting. Obviously all these things are beyond what the newer collectors can comprehend but oh well- they will be gone when the next 'it' thing comes along.

Those that can get them for $7 are extremely lucky. I for one only saw them once and bought them for $30 without flinching.

Wow. What an crock of ****. (http://cheesebuerger.de/images/midi/boese/a046.gif) (Although I fully agree with the first sentence. ::))

(http://cheesebuerger.de/images/midi/boese/a058.gif)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on September 27, 2005, 03:59 PM
Despite all that, I'll have wait and see if these actually ship to Canada.  I'll let Dale be the guinea pig and find out if he gets screwed over or not.  :-X

Seems I'm not the only guinea pig up here.  :-X   :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on September 27, 2005, 05:40 PM
Despite all that, I'll have wait and see if these actually ship to Canada.  I'll let Dale be the guinea pig and find out if he gets screwed over or not.  :-X

Seems I'm not the only guinea pig up here.  :-X   :-\

But it may end up biting me in the butt if I wait.  If I find out that you're successful in getting your figures, by the time they receive my mail-in, they'll probably be out.   ::)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on September 27, 2005, 06:47 PM
There's always the asian e-tailers, though. I'm still concerned that I may get screwed out of my set because of the move, and have been seriously thinking about getting a backup set from online. I just don't trust Hasbro to come through with this. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DoctorPadawan on September 27, 2005, 07:16 PM
There's always the asian e-tailers, though. I'm still concerned that I may get screwed out of my set because of the move, and have been seriously thinking about getting a backup set from online. I just don't trust Hasbro to come through with this.

Were you able to get in touch with the distribution center or with the postal service after your email from Hasbro, Jared?  Or was it more runaround stuff from them?  If you like, I just happen to have Hasbro's phone number laying around here.... ;D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on September 27, 2005, 07:27 PM
If you like, I just happen to have Hasbro's phone number laying around here.... ;D
Well I should hope you have the number -- after all, you work for Hasbro (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=9566), don't you?   ;)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on September 27, 2005, 07:34 PM
Well it is still a decent nod to the original EB concept IMO.  I think I may like the stage the best.  LOL!  Oh well.  You win some and lose some I suppose.  I am still looking forward to getting figures in the mail.  At least we get 4 figures for $30 plus a stage instead of one figure for $12.99, or $14.99 plus shipping after that. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DoctorPadawan on September 27, 2005, 07:39 PM
Well I should hope you have the number -- after all, you work for Hasbro (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=9566), don't you?   ;)

I'm not really an evasive corporate lackey; I just play one on the internets.  ;D

As for the Early Bird set itself, I think this might be one of the only times I've passed on a set of unique figures and not felt bad about it.  The Chewie looks great, but so far it seems like the other three are underwhelming.  I'd be cool with the telescoping lightsaber homage, actually, believe it or not, if it was done well, and not hastily slapped together like the 2002 Saga Peasant Anakin.  To be quite honest, I was expecting the right arm on Luke to just be the arm from that Anakin figure, given the rapid development and release of this set.

But, as with anything, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  I am not going to rag on the figures or anything, but I still stand by my original statement much earlier in this thread, that this was probably the worst conceived exclusive of all time, and it could and probably has resulted in some heated words from Bentonville and some probable placation toward Bentonville from Pawtucket.  :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on October 6, 2005, 12:05 PM
Just curious, but has anyone here who sent in for these received them yet?  I know we've heard of a few online, but it doesn't seem like it has been widespread yet.  Anyways just wondering if anyone else has gotten their set(s) yet.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Paul on October 6, 2005, 09:24 PM
I sent the first few of mine in on the Monday after Midnight Madness. And the 2nd wave I sent in 3 weeks later.

I haven't received any of them as of yet....I wonder if it is a regional thing...they guy who got his I think was in Minnesota. They haven't made it as far South as Texas yet.....but there is a comic show next week, I bet there is one for sale there...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ben on October 6, 2005, 10:35 PM
I haven't received mine yet, but I sent it in August, so it might be a while yet.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Tijuanajedi on October 7, 2005, 02:22 AM
Still waiiting on mine, and I sent it in the beggining of May.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on October 7, 2005, 10:01 AM
I heard a rumor that Hasbro only shipped out 1000 of the 50000 to the distributor house so far.

Something along the lines of using those 1000 as early teaser sets to try to get people off their butts and order the remaining sets from Wal-Mart.com if they haven't already.  Hasn't been confirmed anywhere, just the rumor that is going around.

On the other hand, I did hear of a few more on-line associates who got theirs this week, so they could be trickling out still...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on October 7, 2005, 10:06 AM
I'm still waiting for mine. I hope they get here sooner than later.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DoctorPadawan on October 7, 2005, 11:48 AM
I heard a rumor that Hasbro only shipped out 1000 of the 50000 to the distributor house so far.

Something along the lines of using those 1000 as early teaser sets to try to get people off their butts and order the remaining sets from Wal-Mart.com if they haven't already. Hasn't been confirmed anywhere, just the rumor that is going around.

On the other hand, I did hear of a few more on-line associates who got theirs this week, so they could be trickling out still...

That certainly sounds like something they would do.  I think the problem at this point is that the majority of WMs who got the EBs in the first place have either clearanced them out or they sent them back to Hasbro; either way, those stores don't have the EB sets anymore.  Plus, the reaction to the figures hasn't been all that great (I think the most positive I've seen so far is "The Chewbacca is great, but the rest are disappointing"), so I don't know those kind of glowing reviews are going to motivate people to pay 30 bucks for this now.

And to reiterate my question from earlier, how exactly are the online stores getting the actual EB figures when to get them they were supposed to order them using the EB kit?  I'm very dubious of retailers in Southeast Asia having these for sale when the offer was seemingly only open to the US and it doesn't seem like the kind of thing that Hasbro would make available to the secondary market on an above-the-table basis.

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on October 7, 2005, 11:57 AM
I think the problem at this point is that the majority of WMs who got the EBs in the first place have either clearanced them out or they sent them back to Hasbro; either way, those stores don't have the EB sets anymore. 

The extra EB Kits that were not sold in the stores were sent back to the distribution centers be sold via the on-line Wal-Mart.com (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3661660) store.  That is why in Hasbro's September Update (http://hasbro.com/starwars/pl/page.news/newsid.0E49E9A3-D56F-E112-4EAD537BB372ED60/dn/default.cfm) about the EB Kits, they specifically mention buying them at Wal-Mart.com and not the stores.


As for how places like Action-HQ and other e-tailers are selling them, well I think they must be getting them from the classic "they fell off the truck" method.  The same way that those eBay sellers can offer loads and loads of loose/complete Army Builders so cheap.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: evenflow on October 8, 2005, 11:36 AM
 ;D I just got my set in the mail!!!!! Its actually very cool, Leia is my favorite. Chewy is nice and tall, and to be honest I love the Luke, very nice nod to the vintage line.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on October 8, 2005, 01:03 PM
;D I just got my set in the mail!!!!!

Me too!  My comments mirror those who have gone before -

Chewy = Excellent
Luke = OK
Leia = OK
R2-D2 = OK

Nothing stunning or spectacular, but I must admit I am excited to finally have my "box of empty promises" fufilled.  ;)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on October 9, 2005, 03:38 AM
I got mine today (Pittsburgh, PA area) as well.

My comments?

-Chewbacca...  Fantastic.  Probably the only reason I am thankful I got this set, actually, and he'll fill a great void I have since I got the VOTC Chewie last year...  The void of a SA Bacca with the ANH/ESB hair-did.  ****** weapon though.  If it was hollow, I'd think it was a novelty condom because it sure seems like it's made of latex.

-Leia...  Eh...  Commtech is better and is the figure that they should've included to just give people some happiness beyond Chewbacca.  The paint's a tad sloppy, the sculpt's ok, the articulation's non-existant.  The saving grace is the sculpt being something different, and that's at least cool.

-R2...  Eh...  Bar2-D2's better and taking away the "extras" the VOTC figure had is more or less insulting given what the set cost.  Just put in VOTC R2 and quit being so damn cheap.

-Luke...  Attrocious.  This is POTF2 quality if you ask me.  The colors are so far off it's not even funny (almost looks like a medical Robes Luke from the end of ESB, actually).  The paintjob's as sloppy as Leia's too.  This figure isn't one I'm fond of, however my gf's kids are both wanting one of these so if any of you find yourself with a ton of extras of Luke I'd take them to just make the kids happy.  For my $ though I hope the telescoping saber feature is left to 1978-1985 where it belongs.  At least Outlander Ani has someone to feel like a ******bag with now though.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on October 11, 2005, 06:08 PM
Just a heads up to folks who may of done the same thing as myself.  I forgot to remove the UPC from the package when I sent in the form and receipt back in May.  I was concerned that they would not honor what I sent.  My fears proved wrong and I received the figs today. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Matt_Fury on October 11, 2005, 06:12 PM
I received my figures today as well.  Although not Hasbro's best effort as regards to figures, I do appreciate the vintage nod and they will make a nice addition to my collection.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on October 11, 2005, 08:30 PM
I set up the backdrop tonight with the following figs.  I actually like the Leia and the Luke.  Although I could of lived without the Telescoping Saber which was the only problem I had with this fig. 

  1. VOTC Han
  2. Early Bird Chewie
  3. Early Bird Leia
  4. Early Bird Luke
  5. Early Bird R2
  6. ROTS C-3PO
  7. VOTC Vader
  8. VOTC Stormtrooper
  9. VOTC Ben
10. Commtech Jawa
11. SAGA Tusken (rem head version)
12. POTF DS Trooper

The Trooper is the only fig that looked really out of place.  Desperate need of resculpt.  Although a head swap with the POTJ Imperial Officer would probably do the trick.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Scott on October 11, 2005, 11:11 PM
Still passing, I'd like a Chewie eventually but it won't kill me not to have one, Cloud City Chewie is my current ANH/ESB Chewie.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on October 12, 2005, 01:57 PM
Went ahead and finally bought a set of these, from a dealer but $30.00 was ok... pretty happy with them for the most part.

Chewbacca - Sheer perfection... the head makes this the ultimate Chewbacca.  It really looks like a movie prop.

Leia - Simply beautiful, but a severe lack of articulation.  the VOTC is still the best one... if I can get a second one of these though at a fair price, I'd likely customize it matching parts of it with the VOTC Leia.

R2D2 - Hmmm.... not as good as the SAGA Jabba's Sail Barge R2D2, but a good figure I suppose.

Luke- Puke, barf, vomit, upchuck.  Not a good figure.  Going to use his head on a custom Luke X-Wing pilot and use the rest for a custom Jedi I guess.

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on October 12, 2005, 02:03 PM
I was delighted to get these in the mail yesterday - not bad figures, but as with the rest of you, Luke is really bad.

I don't mind the sculpt but the paint and colors are really off.

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on October 12, 2005, 04:32 PM
Got mine today. I'm really glad they gave VOTC Chewie a slicked back hair do. I wanted that the first time.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Nerfherder on October 12, 2005, 06:17 PM
I got my first of 5 sets on Monday. (the other 4 I bought for $5 each)

I like all of the figures, and I'm probably the only one who likes Luke, only because I understand what they were going for with him. The Chewie though is probably going to get the most work in my displays. Between him and VOTC that sculpt will probably replace most if not all of my other Chewies.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on October 12, 2005, 06:29 PM
I wish I had come across a cheap set of these... if you decide to part with one of those Chewbacca's and a Leia, I'll make you a custom or two to trade.   ;)

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ryan on October 12, 2005, 07:13 PM
Justin, you can have a Leia of mine if you want. I picked up 3 sets, 1 at full price and 2 at $5 each.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darby on October 12, 2005, 08:14 PM
I need a Chewie.  Anybody help?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on October 13, 2005, 09:00 AM
These were waiting in the mailbox yesterday afternoon, and I was glad to see them as a confirmation that my order got through ok ;).  Although I know some of the figures aren't anything spectacular (although the Chewie is great), the kid in me really liked getting figures "in the mail" like the good old days.  Oh how I wish Hasbro would do mail away figures like Kenner used to, that was so much fun.  I still remember getting a B-Wing Pilot that way (I believe)...boring figure, but it was just neat sending in and getting it in the mail.  Not too bad of a set overall, the Leia is not articulated but sculpted well, Chewie is every bit as good as the VOTC version he is based on, R2 is basically VOTC rehash without the gadgets, and Luke is so-so.  I don't hate him like some others do, but the telescoping saber doesn't translate quite as well as in the vintage days.  Oh well, not like we don't have any other Tatooine Lukes ;).
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on October 13, 2005, 10:25 AM
I actually like the Luke minus the arms which are messed up.  Add the head to a POTF Flashback Luke and I think you have a winner.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on October 13, 2005, 10:52 AM
Justin, you can have a Leia of mine if you want. I picked up 3 sets, 1 at full price and 2 at $5 each.

I'll PM you!  Thanks buddy

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on October 13, 2005, 05:47 PM
I agree with Brian that the best part of the set it the white mailer showing up. That was worth a few bucks right there. The nostalgia was thick in the air.

And Chewie's great. I can't really see much room for improvement in a Chewbacca sculpt any more. They can head swap and repaint him forever and I think I'd be ok with it. I'm glad to have the set for this figure.

Leia is fine, as is R2. Neither fill a gap in my arsenal of previous figures and they don't offend me as a missed opportunity in any way, so, uh... whatever.

Now, Luke. What happened here? That head sculpt looks good (maybe the best ANH Luke yet), I agree, but my god, why is he painted like a bad prototype? Just having painted flesh tones on the head is awkward enough, but then the much-too-dark hair color, also poorly applied, is just laughably bad. My reaction to the saber up the arm is just as nauseating as it was in 2002 with Peasant Anakin. The plastic color used for his clothing isn't even close. Inexcusably bad. What a pile of ****.

Retool that head sculpt to incorporate a ball-socket neck and slap it on a decent ANH Luke. Give me a Stormtrooper Luke that has a likeness that close and I'll be thrilled. And then with that done, burn every mold, one-off, and reference that ever was used in the creation of this figure.

Was it worth the money? Hell no. Was it an interesting experience as a whole? Yes. I liked getting the mailer tray and having baggied figures. I liked the nostalgia factor. But I was annoyed to hell at the process of redeeming the offer, and it being exclusive and probably overpriced.

I have to give Hasbro Customer Service a big thumbs up for actually correcting my mailing address after my move. They came through on this one.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Brian on October 14, 2005, 09:05 AM
Quote
Was it worth the money? Hell no. Was it an interesting experience as a whole? Yes. I liked getting the mailer tray and having baggied figures. I liked the nostalgia factor. But I was annoyed to hell at the process of redeeming the offer, and it being exclusive and probably overpriced.

This is pretty much how I felt about it too.  The "in the mail" nostalgia factor was neat, and that Chewie is one of my favorite figures overall.  Like you said Jared, they could repaint and re-release this Chewie from now on...it seems pretty definitive to me.  I was looking at this set closer yesterday, and the sculpt on Leia is really nice but it pretty much is a statue.  Am I mistaken, or is the head/neck not even articulated?  It doesn't seem to be on my figure anyways.  I agree on the Luke too.  Its funny, for all the different Tatooine Lukes we've gotten over the years, and all the jokes we make about the multiple appearances of this version of the character....Hasbro could still do better on this.  I still don't know that we have a "definitive" Tatooine Luke.  Don't get me wrong, there are other versions I'd like to see re-done first (Snowspeeder Pilot, Endor/Jedi, etc.)...all super articulated of course...but we could still take a better version.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on October 14, 2005, 09:32 AM
I was looking at this set closer yesterday, and the sculpt on Leia is really nice but it pretty much is a statue.  Am I mistaken, or is the head/neck not even articulated?

I don't think it is. It really is a huge step backward to sculpt statue figures at this point. With all the advances they've made in sculpting, detail, articulation and even paint detail, why go back to 1995 quality? It's all cost, I guess. When they do some set like this, they want each item to be as cheap as possible to produce. But they need to leave the cheapo junk to the Collection 1 kiddy stuff and not skimp on "collector" oriented figures. It's really frustrating too when they cross some of the best stuff with some of the worst. Example: AT-TE gunner has the best clone legs ever and the some of the worst arms. That's how I feel about this Leia fig: First one I've ever thought looks like Fisher and they put the head on a statue. >:(
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Clone On Fire on October 14, 2005, 09:50 AM
The chewbacca figure is great, I wouldn't change anything.  Luke and R2 are not so hot, R2 is pretty standard I guess, but the Luke is just flat out bad.  The Leia looks great and all, but you can't really move her or pose her too well.  But still the chewbacca and leia really make this set.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on October 14, 2005, 09:59 AM
The chewbacca figure is great, I wouldn't change anything.  Luke and R2 are not so hot, R2 is pretty standard I guess, but the Luke is just flat out bad.  The Leia looks great and all, but you can't really move her or pose her too well.  But still the chewbacca and leia really make this set.

Chewie's the only reason I caved and bought his thing. VOTC Chewie is 100% brilliant, but still, I had wished he had the original combed back hair instead of the later bangs (or whatever). I was stoked when I realized this was to be the same body with just that for a new head! :D The closed mouth is fine. It gives variety since he's almost always depicted baring fangs.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on October 14, 2005, 09:18 PM
Despite all that, I'll have wait and see if these actually ship to Canada.  I'll let Dale be the guinea pig and find out if he gets screwed over or not.  :-X

Seems I'm not the only guinea pig up here.  :-X   :-\

Well it sounds like were in luck Jesse, according to a member at Troopers, they will ship up here.  8)

Quote
hey readers, i just got a return email from hasbro consumer affairs indicating that i am on the list to receive the early bird figures, meaning they WILL ship to canada. the email stated they should arrive by december 2005. they should have put more thought into thier advertising policies with this one. anyways, i'm happy knowing i will get my figures after all.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on October 14, 2005, 09:40 PM
[cynic]I'm willing to bet Hasbro didn't even read the return addy on that letter.  Whoever wrote the response probably isn't even aware it came from Canada.[/cynic]
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on October 14, 2005, 09:54 PM

Well it sounds like were in luck Jesse, according to a member at Troopers, they will ship up here.  8)


I hope you're right Dale, since I decided to bite the bullet and sent away for 2 sets of figures.  I put one in my name (and indicated adult on the redemption form) and the other in my daughter's name (and indicated child).  Assuming they do ship to Canada but start running short and become selective as to who they ship them to, I should have that covered.  ;)

I'll try to ignore the cynic's comment.   ::)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Morgbug on October 14, 2005, 10:09 PM
Ignore me all you want.  You Know I'm right. :-*
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Diddly on November 5, 2005, 12:17 PM
For some reason, the local Wal-Mart had a whole endcap of sets last night, $30 each. I hope they stay and go on clearance, as that's the only way I'd buy one.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on November 6, 2005, 04:43 AM
These are hitting out here as well...  Stock from other stores being redistributed?  Stock from WM.com being sent to stores for a hoped for impulse buy?  I dunno...

This set sucks balls though at $30 no matter how you slice it...  The Chewie is pretty sweet though.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on November 6, 2005, 05:22 AM
I got my obligatory two sets (and one for Brent and Dale), but that's it.  I would like to get another of those Chewies though, and maybe one more Leia as well, but not at $16 each.  Hopefully they'll card those figures at some point since the mold are already done and folks would like the chance to get those two figures individually for a bit cheaper...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: rishakra on November 6, 2005, 07:52 PM
My sister got me a set of this on "opening night" but my local WM never got them!  Did only some stores get these?  I see a report of a new package and the offer is extended until March.  Some stores are reported to have these on sale.  I like the figures -- especially R2 and Leia.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ben on November 8, 2005, 10:30 PM
I just got my set today. Sweet!  :)

Call me crazy, but I really like the Luke.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SpudTrooper on November 8, 2005, 11:48 PM
looks like WM is giving more chances on getting these early bird sets. i saw 12 of these today.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on November 9, 2005, 12:33 AM
I saw them tonight too...  It appears that Hasbro gave WM some stickers for them to "clarify" just what the **** they are...  They're out on the island display now, and the set's as ****** now in value as it was then if you ask me...  But tha'ts because I'm down on the figures other than Chewbacca.

This is an idea i hope Hasbro's more than happy to can and be done with it.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darby on November 9, 2005, 04:59 AM
I might actually pick one up if they show here.  I'm really high on the Chewie, and the others are kind of neat, too.  Price sucks though.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on November 9, 2005, 07:33 AM
Im in the minority that really likes this set for what it is.  Though the Leia is a statue, I really like the pose.  And as far as the Luke goes, if he had new articulated arms, he would be my favorite version of the Tatooine Lukes. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: rishakra on November 9, 2005, 10:03 AM
I like them.  Chewy is different enough to make him a nice addition to a Wookie army.  R2 is from the best scupt so he's good.  Leia is hot a well done scuplt with a nicely done cowel and Luke is a neat addition and very "vintagey".
Title: Hahaha. Really really really late bird sets at my Wal*Mart!
Post by: Famine on November 9, 2005, 01:43 PM
I went into Wal*Mart today in hunt of the Evolutions sets. I was taken aback when instead of new(ish) product, I see the Early Bird sets sitting on the pegs. I started laughing and a couple who was at the Star Wars pallet area gave me strange looks and then walked away.

This amuses me, and makes me believe they've been keeping stuff in the back this whole time.

Any amusing finds this late in the game as such?

Kevin
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on November 9, 2005, 01:57 PM
looks like WM is giving more chances on getting these early bird sets. i saw 12 of these today.

I saw them tonight too...

I went into Wal*Mart today in hunt of the Evolutions sets. I was taken aback when instead of new(ish) product, I see the Early Bird sets sitting on the pegs.


Actually, Hasbro has confirmed that they have started shipping the Early Bird sets to Wal-Mart again for the holiday season.  As Jesse said, the sets now come with a little sticker that says the date for redemption has been moved back into 2006 some time.

Also, the sets are no longer limited to 50,000 as the sets they are shipping are from a second manufacturing run...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: ruiner on November 9, 2005, 04:47 PM
You sure about that Jeff?

I can't believe they went through the first 50K..

I have a feeling they sent the 1st wave back to Hasbro so they could refresh them with the new "figure" sticker.

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on November 9, 2005, 05:08 PM
I have a feeling they sent the 1st wave back to Hasbro so they could refresh them with the new "figure" sticker.

The EB Kits from the first batch of 50k were to be sold through "selected" Wal-Mart stores.  Any left-overs that the stores had were rounded up and sent to be sold via Wal-Mart.com (which is why the Hasbro update on the EB kit in September directed folks to Wal-Mart.com).

Recent info I got from Hasbro says that these sets are a new manufacturing run due to the "success" of the first batch.  The new EB Kits (with the stickers) should be appearing at most Wal-Marts (more then just the ones that had them last spring).

I suppose it could be Hasbro feeding collectors a line of hooey, but the info came from a Hasbro source...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on December 11, 2005, 08:18 PM
Okay, how worried should I be?  It is 12/11 and I still have not received my EB set.  I am gonna be really, really, really ticked off if it never shows up. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth_Anton on December 12, 2005, 09:47 AM
I bought mine on April 2nd and finally sent away for the figures on November 30th.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on December 12, 2005, 09:56 AM
Just a note to remind you folks who never grabbed an EB Kit to check out the brand new JD Give-Away page...

(http://www.jedidefender.com/images/earlybirdgiveaway2.jpg) (http://www.jedidefender.com/giveaway.php)

Yep, that's right, just in time for the holidays comes this brand new JD give-away.   :)

JediDefender.com is giving you a chance to win an exclusive Wal-Mart Early Bird Kit!   Best of all, no mailing is required on this one as that’s all been done for you.  Instant figure gratification!

Click on the button above for all the details!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on December 13, 2005, 01:26 AM
Okay, how worried should I be?  It is 12/11 and I still have not received my EB set.  I am gonna be really, really, really ticked off if it never shows up. 

I understand your concern - I'm still waiting for mine too...
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on December 13, 2005, 07:28 AM
I'd be concerned a bit.  I forgot to send in the UPC with my kit and thought I was screwed but still recieved a set months ago.  I heard of others who forgot the UPC as well but have not heard how they made out.  Anybody else in the same boat as me?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth_Anton on December 13, 2005, 09:48 AM
Okay, how worried should I be?  It is 12/11 and I still have not received my EB set.  I am gonna be really, really, really ticked off if it never shows up. 

I understand your concern - I'm still waiting for mine too...

When did you guys mail-away?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on December 13, 2005, 11:47 AM

When did you guys mail-away?


It was definitely a while ago, maybe September or October, I probably should have written it down.   :-\

My case is complicated by the fact that I'm up in Canada - I have yet to hear a story of anyone having their set mailed north of the border.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on December 13, 2005, 03:00 PM
I believe I sent out mine late June or early July.  It looks like it would of been cheaper just holding off and buying a set online :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on December 14, 2005, 05:15 PM
I bought my set from a dealer actually... could definitely use a second set though.   ;)

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Kenobi on December 14, 2005, 06:02 PM
Just came home from school and found my early bird kit waiting for me.  I think I mailed mine out in October (mid to late).
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on December 14, 2005, 07:46 PM
I bought the set on 4/2 and sent away for it sometime in June or July I believe. 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: DSJ™ on December 21, 2005, 08:29 PM
Despite all that, I'll have wait and see if these actually ship to Canada.  I'll let Dale be the guinea pig and find out if he gets screwed over or not.  :-X

Seems I'm not the only guinea pig up here.  :-X   :-\

Well I'll be a monket's uncle, it worked. I received my Early Bird figure set today. The return address is from the US but the "Postage Paid" is from Canada!  :o

It's inhand Jesse and Brent.  8)

The gamble worked and finally some great news for us Canuckleheads!  ;)   8)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on December 21, 2005, 09:22 PM
Well, that's funny!  My sets arrived today too!

Good news for Canuckleheads indeed.   8)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Famine on December 21, 2005, 09:24 PM
Oh ****, your getting Delusions of Grandure now. :P

Kevin
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth_Anton on December 30, 2005, 10:27 AM
Mine arrived yesterday (in the US.) Pictures often just can't do figures justice, and that's especially the case for Chewie. The head sculpt is great, a much better that the VOTC version. Leia is also a nice looking figure. I could leave the Luke and R2 though.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on December 30, 2005, 11:59 AM
It's kinda funny - most people are pretty tough on the Luke, but he's my favourite figure of the set.  I just love how he's a tribute to the vintage line with his telescoping lightsaber.
 
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: darth punkinhed on December 30, 2005, 12:15 PM
Honestly, I don't see anything wrong with any of them. Of course if all they did was re-release the original sculpts from the 70's and 80's I'd have been happy with that too. I like a good sculpt but I also want it to remind me it's a toy, that way I don't feel like I have these mini statues I feel have to really take care of. I haven't had much of a problem with any of the figures they've put out but the muscle bound figures from POTF2 did seem odd. Not to mention that first leia head sculpt from POTF2.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Scott on January 21, 2006, 11:26 AM
Local Wally has like 10 of these on the shelves still at $25 or whatever they were.  Being a sucker for the Leia and Chewie I picked up a set a few weeks ago on eBay for $20, I haven't cracked them open yet but the thing still has to rank right up there as the biggest bomb in the Modern Line
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on January 21, 2006, 02:23 PM
I haven't cracked them open yet but the thing still has to rank right up there as the biggest bomb in the Modern Line

To be honest, I don't really understand why.  This exclusive was entirely built on nostalgia, which a lot of collectors our age have about the line.  It was the original Early Bird kit that started the SW toy line - without it, we'd never be where we are today.  Granted, I wish every figure was a brand new sculpt, but I still really like the idea behind this promo.

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: CHEWIE on January 21, 2006, 02:44 PM
Personally, I think it would have done a lot better if they had done two simple changes -

(1) Already have the figures packed in when you buy the package - it stings paying $30.00 for something and not having it yet.  It takes away the impulse buy, which is why I bought one on the secondary market instead.

(2) Luke could have had two removable right arms - like the Dagobah Luke.  One with the telescoping lightsaber, one with a normal arm. 

 :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on January 21, 2006, 03:16 PM
Anyone seeing these on clearance? People on RS are saying they're finding them at $5-10. I could use another Chewie.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Greg on March 14, 2006, 10:22 PM
I found one of these at my local Wal-Mart, and it has been $19 since January. I really want one of these sets, but not above $10. I just don't think that the figures are worth it.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverZ on March 16, 2006, 02:56 AM
The Walmarts around here finally dropped the price to $10.00 over the weekend, which was low enough for me to bite on another set. I'm still jealous of those that have found them for under $5.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jeff on March 16, 2006, 02:21 PM
Just a friendly reminder for folks those waiting for a final clearance on these sets...

Remeber that the final deadline for mailing the certificates is March 31, 2006 (http://www.hasbro.com/starwars/pl/newsID.DF89FE78-D56F-E112-4B27E51B524722A6/page.news/dn/default.cfm).

So, if you haven't grabbed one yet (or you are a HUGE procrastinator), your window of opportunity is closing quickly - just 2 weeks left!

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on March 17, 2006, 05:16 AM
Better overnight that one you got Jared.  ;D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on March 17, 2006, 06:04 AM
Yeah, me too!  I finally nabbed a third set when they hit $12 out here, since I definitely wanted another of those Chewie's, and I was keen on picking up another Leia too.  So I guess for the price of a regular figure nowadays for each of those, I was willing to bit the bullet and go for Round 3.  Now if I can only keep from forgetting to mail the entry out by the end of the month...  :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on March 17, 2006, 03:31 PM
I wanted another Chewie too, but I haven't seen one for less than $19. Too late I guess.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jim on March 17, 2006, 03:47 PM
So what is everyone's guess as to what will happen will all the excess figures out there that Hasbro is sitting on?  Dollar stores, online shops, landfill?
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Gatillo on March 17, 2006, 04:20 PM
Landfill :D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JesseVader08 on March 17, 2006, 06:29 PM
So what is everyone's guess as to what will happen will all the excess figures out there that Hasbro is sitting on?  Dollar stores, online shops, landfill?

SWS.com exclusive.  $29.99.  Plus shipping.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth Broem on March 18, 2006, 01:01 PM
So what is everyone's guess as to what will happen will all the excess figures out there that Hasbro is sitting on?  Dollar stores, online shops, landfill?

SWS.com exclusive.  $29.99.  Plus shipping.

Ding! Ding! Ding!  We have a winner!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darby on March 20, 2006, 03:08 PM
I got my EB figs today.   :)  I mailed away for them at the end of January, so they came pretty fast.  I really wish I had been able to score another set, these are really fantastic, especially for a buck.   ;D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on March 20, 2006, 09:03 PM
Good to hear people still getting their figures Spuffy.

The Chewbacca is my favorite...  the others left me feeling like the set was a waste, maybe Leia was passable, but Chewbacca was reallly a fantastic figure.  Proof Hasbro can put out the VOTC Chewie with new heads just to make a great new Chewbacca and save lots of $$$ on the toolings/start-up costs to do a NEW figure.

Stuff like that makes me wonder why they didn't just use the VOTC Chewie as the ROTS figure.  Put a new head on it, new paintjob, and voila.  Action features are nice for kids I guess, but articulation gets kids attention too...  Skip the complexity of the feature, and save a buck by putting out the super artiuclated figure again.  No fuss, no muss.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darby on March 20, 2006, 10:42 PM
Yeah, overall, the figs don't measure up.  Chewie alone is one of the best figures Hasbro has ever done, and combine that with what I paid I'm pretty happy.  Luke is a nice bit of nostalgia, but the articulation and the paint apps lack big time.  Leia looks great but is a statue, and R2 is good but not great.  I really don't understand why Hasbro doesn't use the VOTC Chewie sculpt from here on out.  Anything less is an insult!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on March 21, 2006, 06:10 PM
I really don't understand why Hasbro doesn't use the VOTC Chewie sculpt from here on out.  Anything less is an insult!

Most definitely! I don't know that there ever needs to be another Chewbacca body sculpt again?! Just different heads popped on that body. He's just about the single greatest SW action figure ever made. 8) As to the repacking of older, inferior sculpts, I guess they want to get their money's worth out of them. That and promote some BS notion that the VOTC sculpt is premium with all its seperate parts and ball joints, and continue to offer it only in overpriced premium formats like VOTC, EB, etc. ::)

I just love that figure... He's got everything; proper scale and height; he's more jointed than some human figures; the sculpt doesn't suffer at all from the articulation; he can even sit down at the cantina! Absolutely amazing. :) :) :)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ryan on March 21, 2006, 08:47 PM

I just love that figure... He's got everything; proper scale and height; he's more jointed than some human figures; the sculpt doesn't suffer at all from the articulation; he can even sit down at the cantina! Absolutely amazing. :) :) :)

That's why I bought 3. :)

I love this Chewie as well, it amazes me how Hasbro thinks they can get away with repacking crappy figures when there are better version out there. For the TSC prisoner Chewie they really needed to use the VOTC body and give him a chain, Fett needed to be a VOTC repack, Anakin needed to be the Evolution Anakin, and the Vader should have been an Evolution Vader. I don't buy that it costs them so much more to put these out, they already raised the prices. Collecters will buy them, kids will buy them, and customizers will buy them, it is a win-win situation, which I suppose is the reason they don't do it. ::)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jayson on March 21, 2006, 08:58 PM
I received my EB Set yesterday as well and I'm pleasantly surprised with the Chewie and the Leia, I'm sick of this R2 now and I'd love to take the "Ronco Miracle Blades" to Luke's right arm. But aside from that, I'm happy with the set.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Gatillo on March 21, 2006, 08:59 PM
One of my local WMs has a shizload of these at 19.99. I wonder if they know that these areabout to become recycling fodder.

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Padawan Wagaboodles on March 22, 2006, 10:23 AM
Yeah, mine has had a bunch for $19.99 for a long time.  I'm still waiting for them to go down . . . .
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Gatillo on March 22, 2006, 11:04 AM
Well that is exactly it because by next week even if they go down to $1 they will be no good because the offer expires.

Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Madcow on March 22, 2006, 02:32 PM
Ack, it sucks not having a Walmart near me. I NEED that Chewie, anyone got a spare???
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediFirefly on March 23, 2006, 02:01 PM
I got a set at a Walmart a couple months back for $5.50 and I just got the set today and I love it. Now I see why people want this Chewie he is an awesome figure.

After getting the set I would love to get another 1 or 2 of them. A walmart near me has these still for $15.00 a piece which is too expensive for me I am thinking about taking one of them over to customer service and telling them that the sets expire at the end of the month and will then be worth nothing to them, to see if they are willing to drop the price. Has anyone else tried this or considered trying this? Because if they dont sell the sets soon then they become garbage to them.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on March 24, 2006, 09:38 PM
My Walmart had one for $30 the other day. ::)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Scott on March 25, 2006, 12:54 AM
I bought one today for $9...$19 was too much for the Chewbacca :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on March 25, 2006, 01:28 AM
I paid retail. And I did it all for the Wookiee.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: no-wan on March 25, 2006, 11:46 AM
They dropped to $9 yesterday at a coupla St.Louis area stores.
I plan on making displays for these so save your pennies...er Dollars !!  ;)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Greg on March 25, 2006, 08:32 PM
Yay! I got one today for $9. I think that the goodies inside alone made it worth it. Not bad, especially since I'm now a member of the STAR WARS SPACE CLUB  8)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Padawan Wagaboodles on March 28, 2006, 04:18 PM
I just got mine yesterday for $9 as well.  They'd been holding at $19 for the last couple months.  But I held out until the drop.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Greg on March 28, 2006, 08:13 PM
So, after sending away my certificate, I decided to go through my Saga-OTC figures, which were in a really big bin, and fill in the rest of the display. So I have all but 6 spots filled in. Here's a rundown of what figures I used:
-Han Solo=OTC Cantina Han
-Stormtrooper=Stormtrooper from ROTJ DVD 3-pack
-Darth Vader= Vader from ROTJ DVD 3-pack
-Death Squad Commander= Veers with helmet, but no chest armor
-Jawa= OTC short Jawa w/ rifle
-Ben Kenobi=OTC Cantina Scene figure
-C-3PO=Hoping to add a TSC 3PO to take that place.
-Sand People= Hoping to put in a VTSC Sand Person
As for Luke, Leia, Artoo, and Chewie, well, I'm going to use the figures that I sent away for. I'll be sure to get some pictures up once the set-up is filled in, or perhaps when I get the Early Bird figures.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JediMAC on April 1, 2006, 04:39 AM
I fired off another 3 EB orders earlier today (3/31), just in the nick of time.  Two more for me, and one for Ook, since my Walmart's had a slew of them sitting around at $9 a pop for the last few weeks.  I think I've ordered 5 now for myself, two originally at full price, and three at $9.  That ANH styled VOTC Chewie is just too cool to not have several extras of, especially now that it's under $10.  The Leia's alright too, but if anyone's in need of that craptastic Luke or R2, give me a holler...  ;)

Hope they don't run out of the things, and that us procrastinators don't get stiffed!  :P
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on April 1, 2006, 04:45 AM
Two more for me, and one for Ook

Thanks, dude! ;D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on April 14, 2006, 09:49 AM
Extended for the rest of the year...? (http://threads.rebelscum.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=1823530&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1#1823530)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Gatillo on April 14, 2006, 10:03 AM
That would be nice.  I want to get that Chewie.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on April 14, 2006, 10:15 AM
That would be nice.  I want to get that Chewie.

Single best reason to get the set! ;D
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Greg on April 22, 2006, 02:56 PM
For those who've gotten their sets, how long did it take to arrive? I sent mine out about a month ago, and I wanted to get a time frame for when it will come. Thanks!
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jayson on April 22, 2006, 03:42 PM
I think it took 4-6 weeks to get mine, so I would think you should expect yours anytime now.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ben on April 27, 2006, 01:53 AM
I got my second set yesterday. I sent off for it around 5 weeks ago.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on April 29, 2006, 05:50 PM
I sent away for one never got it.
Called Hasbro shipped to a different address and I still never got it. I bought it last week at a toy show for $20. Chewie was the only reason to get it. I love the 70's slick hairdew on him.....
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on April 30, 2006, 01:28 AM
Hmmm  that's weird Jack.  Twice it didn't make it to you?  $20's not a bad price mind you, all things considered, but still you had to get two other sets so that sucks.  Maybe one will show up some time?  :-\
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on April 30, 2006, 09:51 PM
Yes, it sucks but sh@t happens. I think the mail men saw the white box that says Star Wars Figures on it. just a hunch.
BAD KARMA. I suppose. I will have to be on my best behavior.
One note Hasbro customer service is way cool and very accomodating. If you ever have a problem give them a call. they will take care of you.  :D

I just mailed away for my George Lucas. This time I sent it priority mail with delivery confirmation. I better get this one. 8)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Gatillo on May 1, 2006, 03:15 PM
I just got a set from ebay for $11.  I feel good.  All I want is that Chewie everyone is talking about. :o
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on May 1, 2006, 07:09 PM
I just got a set from ebay for $11.  I feel good.  All I want is that Chewie everyone is talking about. :o

(http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/65/35/69/08/0065356908574_AV2_500X500.jpg)

8)
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Mitsukara on May 1, 2006, 09:24 PM
I'd like to find one of these sets- Chewie looks way cool, and R2 looks nice- I think he's VOTC with only the door, and it might be glued on like with TSC R2. But in any case I never frown at another almost-VOTC R2 to display!

According to rebelscum this offer has been renewed to last through the end of the year? Is this true? If so... where the heck do I get a form for one of these, and how much does it cost?

Sorry for my n00b questions- I'm sure this stuff has already been said somewhere, I just haven't found it. Probably in a really obvious place :(
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Ook on May 1, 2006, 10:47 PM
Yeah, Artoo is just like TSC Hoth. You could get the kit from walmart.com for the low, low price of $29.88 + shipping (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3661660)... Or look for a clearanced one at a Walmart store. You can see on their web page that the offer has been extended through 2006.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Jesse James on May 2, 2006, 04:21 AM
Yeah it's extended...  Put out a wants for one of these sets on our classifieds boards and someone may have one for you Mitsu.

I'd like another Chewie but I'm not too concerned about it.

Good set but one's enough for me I think.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: Darth_Anton on May 20, 2006, 10:35 AM
I got my second set a week or two ago. I had mailed it out on the last day of the 3/31 deadline. I specifically got a second set because of the Chewie head sculpt, and I'm very happy with the decision. The Leia is also very nice to have.
Title: Re: Wal-Mart "Early Bird" Exclusive
Post by: SilverClone on June 21, 2006, 11:37 AM
When the sets went on sale, for about $9.00 in March, I bought two and sent them out that day. It took 6 weeks and they both arrived at my home the same day. I left one closed and opened one. And yes, Chewie is my favorite by far! ;D