JediDefender.com Forums

Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => Saga Collection '06 => Topic started by: Brian on October 31, 2005, 02:38 PM

Title: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Brian on October 31, 2005, 02:38 PM
Well, Rebelscum has another "411" (http://www.rebelscum.com/story/front/The_411_2006_Exclusives_95574.asp) up at their site, this time detailing the exclusives for the next year.  If true, it looks like a whole heck of a lot of them again, and once again...I feel for completists.

Here's a few of the highlights, visit the link for more info:

TRU
Clone Wars Gunner
Battle Packs - Demise of Boba Fett, Defense of the Senate
Vehicles - Rebel Armored Snowspeeder, Endor AT-AT

Target
General Grievous Demise Action Figure
Snow Bunny Amidala
Battle Packs - Skirmish in the Senate, General Windu's Squadron
Collector Cases - SAGA style

Wal-Mart
Basic Lightsaber w/DVD
Basic Lightsaber Classic Battle Packs
Glow in the Dark Lightsabers

Also cleverly hinted at in the closing write up is a new George Lucas figure exclusive, and an online retailer Kir Kanos figure.  Again, read the story at the above link for further details.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Jeff on October 31, 2005, 02:51 PM
Well, Rebelscum has another "411" (http://www.rebelscum.com/story/front/The_411_2006_Exclusives_95574.asp) up at their site, this time detailing the exclusives for the next year.  If true, it looks like a whole heck of a lot of them again, and once again...I feel for completists.

OK...

Stuff I'm excited to see/hear more about:

New Battle Packs - these will totally depend on figure selection for me to care about them.  If they are all repacks, I couldn't care less about them.

TRU Clone Wars Gunner - Um... what is this again?  :-[

TRU Zev Senesca - excited for another rebel pilot, but I'm mad if I have to buy an old vehicle for a new figure - I hate that  >:(

Target Snow Bunny Amidala - could be great if it's Animated Style!

EE Kir Kanos - GH rumored this one and I'm still not sure how he'd be different from a Red Guard minus the Cloth Robe?  Removable Helmet?

Another Lucas figure?  ::)

And of course, more clones = Good (with the usual disclaimers - with SA sculpt, not the #6/#38; with movie paint schemes, not EU made-up troopers; and cheap, not $15 each with star case)

The rest?  Eh.  :-\

Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Brian on October 31, 2005, 03:01 PM
I feel much the same way Jeff, much of this depends on figure selection and execution (particularly the Battle Packs).  Some of them sound like they could be kind of neat, others not so much.  Here's some of the things I'm interested in...

TRU Snowspeeder - Ok, I missed the earlier modern ones, and this is one of my favorite vehicles, so I'm looking forward to it.  If it comes with Zev, that would be cool too, but would I agree stink for those of you who already have more than enough Snowspeeders.

TRU "Endor" AT-AT - Another one I'm excited about.  Never had one, and definitely want one.  This will likely be the "big ticket" item for me next year that I'll need to save up for.

Target Snow Bunny Amidala - Surprised by this one, and I hope it is as good as everyone is hoping.

Clone Wars Gunner - I'm also drawing a blank on this one at the moment....

Battle Packs - Like Jeff mentioned, depends on figure selection.  The Skirmish in the Senate could be cool, even if it included Yoda, Palpy (Evo would be nice), and a handful of Shocktroopers.  I know I would have loved that set as a kid watching this movie.  Curious about the Boba Fett one as well, we'll have to see.

General notes....do Wal-Mart's exclusives once again suck or what?  Aside from the "twin" packs and sometimes cool DVD 3 packs, they really get crappy exclusives.  Then again, I'm sure they have some say in it, and must see that the lightsabers are better sellers with the kiddos.  Sadly, WM seems to have a lot of say with toy companies, so hopefully their tastes don't skew the entire line eventually.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Mikey D on October 31, 2005, 03:06 PM
Clone War Gunner = one of the two clones in the gunships with the big guns in the first episode of season 2 of the cartoon?
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Nathan on October 31, 2005, 03:07 PM
OK seriously, most of these recent rumors sound too good to be true. Talz Jedi AND Republic Commando AND Snow Bunny Padme AND Endor AT-AT AND.....

Seriously, this all is sending up a lot of red flags on my BS-o-Meter. After holding out on us for years, there's no way Hasbro could be doing this many high-demand (even EU!) figures in one year. And yet ... maybe they're finally wising up?

--Clone Wars gunner -- Mikey beat me to it, but I was also guessing this is from the first episode of the Toon Volume 2. Remember this guy:

(http://www.clonewarz.com/timeline/images/toon21.jpg)

Or it could be the guy with the quad-cannon and biker scout helmet. I'd prefer movie-style, but I wouldn't turn down an animated version.

--More Skiff Guards BP -- could be good; we'll see what they come up with

--The Defense Of The Senate BP. I don't know what it is, but I like Senate stuff so it intrigues me.

--grassstained Endor AT-AT -- now this is truly awesome! I just hope it isn't $190 or something ridiculous. :-\ I'd very happily forgo the electronics if it meant a cheaper sticker.

--Grievous Demise -- waiting to see what it is

--Snow Bunny Padme -- whether it's movie-style or animated, either way I'll be a very happy camper. Unfortunately being a Target exclusive it'll be $15 or even $19. >:( I mean, if they charge $13 for a rudimentary clone repaint, I can't see them going any lower for something requiring extensive new work if not an outright new sculpt.

--Skirmish In The Senate and General Windu clones -- sounding good!

--George Lucas figure -- must be Papanoida?

--Kir Kanos -- waiting to see. Not sure how much of an improvement on the ROTS guard this can be, besides a removable helmet of some sort
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Brian on October 31, 2005, 03:12 PM
Quote
Clone War Gunner = one of the two clones in the gunships with the big guns in the first episode of season 2 of the cartoon?

Ok, that's the one I was thinking, but I wasn't sure.  That would be pretty cool then.  I wonder if this, and the Padme, will be in the animated style then?  Be kind of a neat way to continue that line I guess, although the almost sure higher pricepoint wouldn't be the best.  Either way, I'll pick both of these up most likely.  Again, we have to see/hear more about these though first.  Could be an expensive year, especially for completists.  Lots of stuff for a non-movie year it seems.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Jayson on October 31, 2005, 03:35 PM
Clone War Gunner = one of the two clones in the gunships with the big guns in the first episode of season 2 of the cartoon?

These are the gunners…
(http://home.comcast.net/~jedijaybird/clonegunner.png)(http://home.comcast.net/~jedijaybird/clonegunner2.png)
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darby on October 31, 2005, 03:51 PM
Hmm... this is a very either/or list for me.  Definitely depends on execution.

Clone Wars Gunner:  Either one of those guys would be neat.

Boba Demise BP:  I don't know... doesn't sound interesting at all, unless there's a Skiff Guard Klatuu in it, or maybe a VOTC Fett.

Senate Defense BP: This is odd since it sounds so similar to the one Target is getting, and there's next to nothing in description in the report.  I have no idea at all what it could be.

Endor AT AT- This is going to be EXPENSIVE.  I imagine it will be window boxed, but w/o the legs attached.  Hopefully they'll have the backdrop be like the AT AT is docked at the platform like in the movie.

Grievous Demise: Could care less personally.

Snow Bunny Padme: The best news of the day.  CW or movie style, I'm good.

Senate Skirmish: If it's not a Senate Duel Palpatine, then I'll pass, even if it has more Shocktroopers.

Windu Squad: Since it will probably be EU clones, I'll wait and see.

Lucas fig: Probably Papanodia.  I don't know about this one.

Kir Kanos: I knew it. 

The WM stuff... I suppose if you like lightsabers.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Brian on October 31, 2005, 03:51 PM
I was just looking over that list at RS again, and it looks like they've modified the "Clone Wars Gunner" to "Clone Wars Gunship" now.  I thought maybe I misread it the first time, but I had actually saved the text in an ongoing "rumor" list that I have on our computer, and it was originally gunner.  So perhaps it is a gunship now?  Or maybe it will be changed again.  Having a CW-style Gunship painted like the one in the toon would be kind of neat, although I don't know where I'd put it.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darby on October 31, 2005, 03:53 PM
Yep, they changed it.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Jayson on October 31, 2005, 03:55 PM
I wonder if it will be style toward the cartoon line or the movie line because the 'toon Clone probably won't fit in the cockpit. Maybe they could include a exclusive Pilot?

(http://home.comcast.net/~jedijaybird/gunship.png)(http://home.comcast.net/~jedijaybird/gunshippilot.png)
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: ruiner on October 31, 2005, 04:39 PM
Speaking of redeco - I'd love to see a new Gunship with CW decoration.  Especially the one with the "teeth" towards the front.  Wow, did I call that one or what!?

These exclusives, for the most part, are very lame.

Battle Packs don't interest me  unless there are clones involved. 

I'll bite on Padme (who wouldn't)  :P and maybe the new AT-AT if it has a cool box and unique figures.

But what's with all the lightsabers?  Really you only need the $8 ones and the $20 versions...

Kir Kanos?  Lamest EE exclusive yet (tie with X-Mas Jawas).  No creativity involved here at all.

And who gives a **** about an overpriced Greivous?  I'm happy with the five I have.

 ::)

Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Diddly on October 31, 2005, 06:19 PM
I'm not believing any of this until I see pics or hear about it from all the other sites. These RS 411's are a joke, as they offer NO new information ("It's possible __(figure name)__ could be a resculpt, but we're betting it's a repack!"), and sometimes they seem to be talking out of their ass.

HOWEVER, if this is true, it sounds like TRU has the best exclusives of the bunch. What a surprise!
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: SilverZ on October 31, 2005, 08:18 PM
Well, if that list is true, or even 50% true, it looks like I'm actually behind those TRU exclusives as well. I'll happily take a CW Gunship, and and Endor AT-AT will go well with the AT-ST Endor version. Battlepacks? I can only see these getting worse next year.

What are the odds that the AT-AT will be stripped of electronics and pack-in figures? I'm having a hard time believing that they'd bite on an exclusive that went beyong 59.99 these days, and I can't imagine them selling the ship for less than that without losing something. And the electronics, if kept, will make no sense in an Endor scenario.

As for Target, it looks like they've been hooked on lame repaints and ways to overcharge for basic figures and are intent to see it through to the bitter in. I hope they choke on Grievous next year, if true.

Glad to hear the Walmart stuff is focused on role play. I can skip those.  :)

As for that article, it would be nice to read the rumors without having the paragraphs of speculation and subjective opinion included. It lessens the rumor credibility in my eyes. Just my opinion, though.  :-*


Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: MetalJedi on October 31, 2005, 08:30 PM
Looks like I'l be passing the 50% of the these.

Definates:
CW Gunship
Endor AT-AT
Snow Bunny Padme
General Windu's Squad

Passes:
Everything else especially the Kir Kanos. They could of really went all out and gave us a Quinlan Vos figure. But they decide to go for the cheap and make another royal guard figure. Whoopee.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Scott on October 31, 2005, 10:49 PM
When did EU Bullhonky become a hot exclusive?  Why the hell not make MOVIE Exclusives that people would rather have (with the exception of Snow Bunny Padme)
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darby on October 31, 2005, 11:13 PM
Well, I think the gunship from the cartoon would be an awesome piece, especially if it came with a clone or two.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Nathan on November 1, 2005, 02:09 AM
(http://home.comcast.net/~jedijaybird/gunship.png)

*drools* I'd love to get my hands on one of those, so I hope this rumor is true. (Scott, regardless of your opinion on the EU, you can't tell me that paintjob doesn't look cool as all heck. 8))

This would be a prime example of using the power of the repaint for good, not evil (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=9740.0). ;)

But sadly my BS-o-Meter is going into overdrive now, even more than before. :-\ I hope to be wrong on that though.....

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/ValinKenobi/Other/GrievousandSharkGunship.jpg)
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Jesse James on November 1, 2005, 04:01 AM
The exclusives news is sorta uninteresting to me...  I'm irked at the thought of Zev being an exclusive pack-in and personally I hate any and all pack-ins that aren't in the basic line... 

That was about the only thing to catch my attention though.  I'mjust kinda meh on the whole thing.  To me, AT-AT's aren't a good idea given how easily they didn't sell before...  Oh well. 
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darth_Anton on November 1, 2005, 09:58 AM
Oddly, the item I'm looking forward to most is the snowspeeder because of Zev. But, I know I'm going to be dissapointed when he turns out to be a repaint of the Dak figure.

That At-At comes is next, but I already have two open, one POTF2 and one Vinatage.



Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: JesseVader08 on November 1, 2005, 11:16 AM
I've still got my AT-AT from when I was a kid (that would be the vintage version  ;)), but it's so beat up.  So hearing about a new one is great, since it's nearly impossible to find a POTF2 one for a reasonable price. 

I'm very curious to see what the Endor version will entail - will it actually be a repaint, or will Hasbro just slap some greenery on the box?
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Nathan on November 1, 2005, 02:27 PM
^ I don't have either previous AT-AT, so I'd honestly be happy either way. But if they're billing it as an Endor variant, obviously there oughtta be some paint differences.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: ruiner on November 1, 2005, 05:57 PM
I'll be surprised it the AT-AT retails for less than $100 in this collector oriented market. 

Will Lucasfilm allow Hasbro to add "endor" deco to it? 

I think we'll see an Endor style box, but I think everything else will remain the same.  My questions is, will we get new figures with it?  And by new, I mean someone else other than the AT-AT driver and Veers.

I KNOW we won't get newly tooled figures - that's a given.



Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Greg on November 1, 2005, 09:04 PM
Really looking forward to that AT-AT. A lot of these things I've never gotten as I've only been a serious collector for three years. And I'm only thirteen, so I don't have a lot of the older OT vehicles. If that list is true, I'm gonna be broke by 2007.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Morgbug on November 2, 2005, 04:58 PM


TRU
Clone Wars Gunner/Gunship - possibly, but I don't really want/need three of these things
Battle Packs - Demise of Boba Fett, Defense of the Senate - I smell rehashes, probably passing
Vehicles - Rebel Armored Snowspeeder, Endor AT-AT - These are possible pickups but I see at least a $99.99 CAD price on that AT-AT ($79 USD), same as the Falcon pricepoint.

Target
General Grievous Demise Action Figure - maybe, maybe not - I'm not much of a fan of Grievous
Snow Bunny Amidala - I'd love to see both animated and non versions done.
Battle Packs - Skirmish in the Senate, General Windu's Squadron see above.
Collector Cases - SAGA style  ::)

Wal-Mart - pass on these all
Basic Lightsaber w/DVD
Basic Lightsaber Classic Battle Packs
Glow in the Dark Lightsabers


Lucas - yeah, I'll end up with one, stormtrooper, plaid or otherwise. 
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: SilverZ on November 2, 2005, 05:51 PM
Will Lucasfilm allow Hasbro to add "endor" deco to it? 

I think at this point it appears Lucasfilm would let them add Scooby Doo Mystery Machine deco to it.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Reid on November 2, 2005, 06:23 PM
The one I most want to get is the Endor AT-AT, if it isn't priced $100+. I predict they'll pack in the POTJ Scout Trooper an POTJ Imp. Officer, as that would make sense.  :P
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Nathan on November 2, 2005, 06:43 PM
I think at this point it appears Lucasfilm would let them add Scooby Doo Mystery Machine deco to it.

'Twould look pretty cool actually.

*waits for someone to whip up a PhotoShop pic*
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Jayson on November 2, 2005, 07:19 PM
The Next sws.com Exclusive

Darthy Darthy Doo… Where Are You?

(http://home.comcast.net/~jedijaybird/mysteryatat.jpg)



 ;D
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Nathan on November 2, 2005, 07:30 PM
You da man! ;D
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: MetalJedi on November 3, 2005, 02:15 AM
The Next sws.com Exclusive

Darthy Darthy Doo… Where Are You?

(http://home.comcast.net/~jedijaybird/mysteryatat.jpg)



 ;D

Hey they put Shaggy in the CW cartoon, anything is possible.  ;D
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: TheBlackDog65 on November 3, 2005, 04:06 PM
TRU
Clone Wars Gunner/Gunship - A gunship I'll pass on, I agree that I don't need another. A gunner, yes if it is done well.
Battle Packs - Demise of Boba Fett, Defense of the Senate, IF they are new, I'll consider . . .  bottom line is that the figures have to offer me something I don't already have.
Vehicles -
Rebel Armored Snowspeeder: Yep, missed out on the last one so I will pick this one up.
 Endor AT-AT - Yes, as long as cash flow is good as that almost blows the budget for one entire month (bottom line is if it looks reasonably well I'll get it!).
Target
General Grievous Demise Action Figure - Jury is out for me. Time will tell.
Snow Bunny Amidala - If it is non-animated yes. Animated I'll pass on.

Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Brian on December 1, 2005, 10:14 AM
Although it basically summarizes many of the rumors we've heard before from various sites (some old, some more recent), there is a "preview" list at the site 4-inches.de (http://www.4-inches.de/inhalt/preview/preview.php).  Of note in the list is under the "exclusives" area they list the following:

Commander Faie w/poncho
Commander Neyo
Galactic Marine
Holographic Darth Vader
Spirit of Anakin Skywalker

Also, under the basic figures they listed "Clone Wars Animated" versions of Padme, Luminara, and Barriss Offee.  Grain of salt and all that, but some more rumors to talk about.  You can see the whole list at the linky above.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: JesseVader08 on December 1, 2005, 12:05 PM
It looks like the exclusive craziness is going to continue into 2006.  However, based on the relative ease that each retailer sold out of their exclusives, I'm not surprised by this.

Thanks for the heads up, Brian.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darth_Anton on December 1, 2005, 12:22 PM
Some nice stuff, but, like everyone else, hating the exclusivity.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: evenflow on December 1, 2005, 02:30 PM
I hope we get more of those animated figures.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Reid on December 1, 2005, 04:10 PM
Yes! A rerelease of the Endor Bunker playset!
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: JediShawn on December 1, 2005, 05:44 PM
As stated at Rebel Scum, everything listed at that site are simply rumors from other Star Wars sites. Only a few things can really be considered official.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Diddly on December 1, 2005, 11:16 PM
Dear God, those cannot be exclusives. They're all semi-major characters, army builders, custom fodder, etc. They'll be popular. They need a widespread release.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Jesse James on December 2, 2005, 12:21 AM
Galactic Marine as an "exclusive"?  You gotta be ******** me...  If Hasbro makes that exclusive, people will definitely be throwing a huge **** fit.  That's one that has been on people's want lists since it arrived in ROTS.

Faie I can almost see since he was not in the film...  concept and all that...

Neyo though is almost as bad as the Marine.  That's f'n stupid if it comes to fruition.  People want those figures, and in multiples, so Hasbro making them exclusives is just a real middle finger to fans.  Hope that turns out to be false, or that these are just something that'll see re-release.  Not much hope for that of course, but man that kind of asinine logic seems like the kind of thing that very well could happen.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darby on December 2, 2005, 04:37 AM
I'm sure it will be a Target exclusive, since he's 'red and white', and it will be a $13 repaint of the Saga Snowtrooper.  Man.  I really hope I'm kidding.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Jesse James on December 2, 2005, 04:44 AM
Actually, I 100% hope you're NOT kidding.  A $13 repaint of the Saga Snowtrooper for the Marine would be just the kind of thing to maybe put an end to these exclusives. ;)

In all seriousness though that wouldn't bother me as much since I'd not want to army build if I even wanted one of them...  Super articulated ones though, that's gonna kill me not being able to build a really sizeable force.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Brian on December 2, 2005, 09:48 AM
That's something that stood out to me too, the possibility of the Galactic Marine being "exclusive".  This is a figure I think pretty much everyone wants at least one of, and in most cases probably more.  Plus, putting the "exclusive" tag on a basic figure seems to drive it to a $13 pricepoint (unless its Wal-mart, but I highly doubt they will have this if it is exclusive), and that really kills the old bank account.  To me, there isn't any reason that clone/storm/any other kind of troopers should be exclusive, unless they are of the "stealth" type variety that we've seen this year.  I still don't like that idea, but its more acceptable for "EU" type of troopers and not the big "army building" types.  Figures like clonetroopers, galactic marines, stormtroopers, snowtroopers, biker scouts, etc. should all be SA, offered at mass retail, and packed heavily in their cases.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darth Slothus on December 2, 2005, 11:56 AM
LOL Okay, sounds great but real world's not listening
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Brian on February 1, 2006, 11:26 AM
A couple more blurbs of info on exclusives, etc. coming to Target and TRU, provided at RS.

Target (http://www.rebelscum.com/story/front/More_Star_Wars_Toys_Coming_To_Target_96828.asp)

TRU (http://www.rebelscum.com/story/front/More_Star_Wars_Toys_Coming_To_Toys_R_Us_96833.asp)

Some items of interest....at Target they have some things we've already heard about/had confirmed such as "Demise of Grievous", "Skirmish in the Senate", and the Falcon Transformer ($34.99).  Some "new" items listed are:

Vintage Figures $11.99
Greatest Hits Figures $6.99
Mace Windu Squadron BP $19.99
Kit Fisto Starfighter $19.99
Classic Snowspeeder w/Rebel $29.99

TRU has these listed, according to their sources:

Clone Wars Gunship $44.99
Dagobah Vehicle $44.99
Defense of the Galactic Senate BP $24.99

First off, TRU is going to price themselves out of things pretty soon.  Battle Packs listed $5 higher, and vehicles all at the $45 point?  I'm guessing the "Dagobah Vehicle" is a re-release of Luke's X-Wing, because that seems like the only vehicle on that planet.  The only other thing even close that I could think of would be Yoda's escape pod from ROTS deleted scenes.  But, that couldn't possibly be a $45 item.  At Target, the higher prices continue as well as VOTC looks like $12 or so, and the possible "best of" assortment is at the price of $6.99 as well.  I'm excited to see a Snowspeeder listed again, but wasn't it rumored to be a TRU item before?  Maybe that was a mistake, or maybe it is a Galactic Heroes item like RS seems to suggest.  Either way, I'll be happy to pick it up.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Jeff on February 1, 2006, 11:46 AM
Target (http://www.rebelscum.com/story/front/More_Star_Wars_Toys_Coming_To_Target_96828.asp)

Some "new" items listed are:
Vintage Figures $11.99

So does this mean that the upcoming 2006 Vintage figures that we've seen listed are going to be Target Exclusive?  Or is this just a heads up on Target's price?   ???

I may have to call my pal over at Target HQ and see if I can get the skinny...  ;)
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Brian on February 1, 2006, 11:52 AM
I was kind of wondering that as well, the report doesn't seem to be real clear on that.  I'm guessing these might be things found in the Target computer, or that their "source" has heard about.  Maybe the VOTC figures (and Hall of Fame, etc.) are available at other retail outlets too, but these are just the prices listed in their computer.  This could prove very interesting if they end up being exclusive.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: CHEWIE on February 1, 2006, 12:10 PM
If they end up being an exclusive... I think they would charge more than that.  They charged out the @$$ on their ROTS figures, and the Grievous one coming up will probably be $11.99.  I would think if the 2006 VOTC's are exclusive, they'd try charging about $16.99.  Not sure though of course, so I'm looking forward to hearing what Jeff finds out.  I'm betting though that Walmart and TRU will get these too, and Walmart will continue to have the lowest price.

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darth Broem on February 1, 2006, 01:12 PM
These stores are going to end up charging too much for their products.  It's bad enough at $7 for a basic figure let alone the jacked up exclusive prices for vehicles, etc.  I guess the other retailers have not learned from Sam Walton yet.  A lower price means more sales = more profits. LOL! 
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: ruiner on February 1, 2006, 01:27 PM
I don't think VOTC is/can be exclusive to Target.

The volume wouldn't justify it.

Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darby on February 1, 2006, 02:33 PM
Making VOTC exclusive would be as ridiculous as oh, say, chase figures.  Wait...
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: CHEWIE on February 1, 2006, 02:48 PM
I agree, other retailers should try following the Sam Walton formula.  Saves us money, increases their sales, etc.

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darth_Anton on February 2, 2006, 01:30 AM
I agree, other retailers should try following the Sam Walton formula.  Saves us money, increases their sales, etc.

 :P

Put more American workers into poverty wages. ::)

Seriously though, Wal Mart, I think, is the only retailer that can tell Hasbro to take their 'Collectors Tax" and shove it.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Jesse James on February 2, 2006, 03:04 AM
Actually Hasbro's been sorta known to cater to other retailers to throw them a bone simply because they tend not to want to fall prey to the potential WM monopoly I guess...  I'm ok with that of course, more potential great stuff, but they're so goofy about exclusives.

I too hope VOTC isn't limited to one store.  Finding scouts should be a big enough pain in the behind with a general release, but if they're exclusives it'll be that much worse I'm sure.

I must have my Scout contingent to my Stormtrooper regiment.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: CHEWIE on February 2, 2006, 12:41 PM
Not to get into a Walmart vs. the retail world debate, but how are their wages much different than an average Target stockboy?  Or a grocer?

Walmart saves me money.  Therefore, I like it.  If they have become a monopoly, it's because they have a better business model than their competition.  It's called capitalism and I love it.

 :P
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: ruiner on February 2, 2006, 01:33 PM
Here, here.

Wal-Mart's business practices, to my knowledge, are perfectly legal.

There are many factors that affect their retail pricing....
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darth_Anton on February 5, 2006, 11:08 AM
True, Wal-Mart has very little illegal practices. Many do hire illegal workes for clean up crews, but other than that, they do everything within their rights. The issue that I have is, dispite the fact that they have record profits and are the biggest in the industry, they are so at the expence of the worker. Their workers are the lowest paid in the retail industry and get the least medical benefits. It is also very common to fire any Wal-Mart worker who ever even thinks of trying to unionize.

There's a book I'd like to recommend, and it's not a very big one, called Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich. It was an experiment on her part as she worked under cover to see how anyone can live on minimum wage in certain jobs, one of them was Wal-Mart. There's many great anicdotes about how abusive Wal-Mart is to it's employees and sheds some light as to why many people hate Wal-Mart.

The other issue I have with Wal-Mart is that they are so big that they dictate to their manufacturers, Hasbro being one of them, how much they are are to charge Wal-Mart for thier products. This forces many companies like Rubbermaid to involuntarily move production overseas for cheeper labor.

Now, in the end, they do nothing illegal and it results in low prices for the consumer and maximum profits for Wal-mart. Is that a bad thing? Depends on how the individual feels. I personally refuse to buy anything from Wal-Mart, save for SW, because of their practices. It may not be illegal, but because something is not illegal doesn't mean it's ethical. They can more than afford to treat their employees much better, still have nice proffits and still give us the lowest prices. Costco proves this. Believe it or not, Costco has sales proffits that nearly rival Wal-Mart while paying their employees a living wage and decent beneffits. However, what makes Wal Mart bigger is Wall Street. Wall Steet simply doesn't like to invest in companies that treat employees even decently at the expence of proffits.  Capitalizm at it's best, but at what cost to the American worker?
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darth Broem on February 5, 2006, 12:14 PM
Sorry about my Wal-Mart price comments earlier.  I did not mean to start anything up like Wal-Mart is a better place to shop or anything because of their prices.  I just think some of these retailers go a tad overboard with their exclusive pricing.  I mean Toys R Us is going to charge $45 for the Republic Gunship?  Wow!  I just think they would sell more if it was say $35-$40.  It's kind of insulting really IMO.  Then the retailer will be upset because "they don't sell" well no $%^& when you mark it up like it sure as hell won't.  No wonder. 
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darth_Anton on February 6, 2006, 09:37 AM
I don't think you started anything really, except a conversation. (I hope ;) ) But, I think your gut instincts about pricing is on the money. I too think the "collectors tax" on exclusives is excesssive and boardering on unnecessary. I was was using Wal-Mart to help prove the point. I think we were able to get the Twins at normal price simply because Wal-Mart told Hasbro that normal retail is what they'll purchase them at, and what makes the Twins different from the shadow trooper or the upcomming Grevious? An $8 clam shell? ???
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: ruiner on February 6, 2006, 11:33 AM
Great points Darth_Anton.

I hate to get off topic, but I would like to say that I personally know a handful of people who started at WM as low-level employees (stock personel, cashiers) and have since, worked their way up the ladder to decent paying managerial positions.

WM is no different than any other business, if you show initiative and demonstrate your desire to "grow," you will be rewarded.

Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Jesse James on February 7, 2006, 02:31 AM
Why do I have Louie Anderson giving the hard work speech to Arsenio Hall and Eddie Murphy in Coming to America stuck in my mind now.   ;D

j/k ruiner, I just thought that was funny for some reason.

Seriously I come from a Steeler Worker's family so Anton makes a ****load of sense to me, no doubt...  I shop at Wal-Mart some, they're convenient at times (not one really close to my house but when I'm out I do shop there) and for Star Wars I don't see lines...  I go where there's stuff unless it's too expensive by my opinion.  KB I've written off for the most part because I just don't go into malls too often due to the hastle.

That said, I refuse to shop at Wal-Mart for things like groceries...  I tend nto to buy things like clothes at Wal-Mart because they aren't too swift for guys clothes.  Target has some spiffy stuff though, but otherwise I'm more a mall guy for that...  You can get cheap GOOD stuff at the mall if you're smart.

For Star Wars though I tend to go where it is...  Right now Wal-Mart's getting my $ for that and my military figures.  Target and TRU are further away, higher priced right now, and have had significantly less as of late.  I did nab Hothies at Target though, and haven't seen 'em since anywhere...  remnants are at the new WM I hear but that's it. 

To be on topic with this...

Target and WM aren't terribly different for their availability, and at this point Target I like better because I find you get better customer service and those scanners still work.  Some you can even use your sunglasses earpiece to punch the digits if they took the pad out.  Try it!  :)

But I find I get more "action" when I ask a Target employee to get me something, plus I've got it worked out to where if I can't get a drone on the floor to do it I never have been denied at the customer service desk...

Wal-Mart has a cooler return policy overall but you can't look up crap in their system really unless you're sneaky and you can't get a Wal-Mart employee to help you to save your life.  I'm not sure why, but when you ask about their exclusives you get told either a lie, the truth (hard to tell), or flat out an "I don't know" with no more discussion...  That always sucks.

Prices are relative but Target's been high for the past year + or so.  TRU's not though,t hey're generally pretty good.  $30 for the JSF's was a bit much I think but others have been quite nice, like the Landspeeder for $20 was good, the X-Wings, etc...  Wal-Mart doesn't get a lot of exclusives to comment on.  I dno't recall anything in 2005 immediately so I dunno.  But how hard are they to find at WM if they do have them?  It seems to vary.  Like TIE Bombers were a bitch to find but the repaint wasn't so bad... 
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darth_Anton on February 8, 2006, 10:07 AM
Sorry for a tottaly OT response.  Again...

Jesse, did you know I was from the Allentown area? I have lots of family friends who worked for Bethleham Steel and my family is a coal mining family.

Back on topic... Exclusives suck!
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Famine on February 8, 2006, 11:04 PM
I used to live in Allentown.

Now that we've had our reunion, how long till we start seeing exclusives in grocery stores? That will be fun.

I'd like a Special Ops trooper with my prune juice, please.

Kevin
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Jesse James on February 9, 2006, 02:26 AM
I did know you were from PA, but not out that far east...  thought you were from close to Pittsburgh, but guess I was off by like what, 4 hours of driving the pike? :)

And yes, exclusives can tickle my balls most of the time...  Don't care for them all the time.  I like some stuff though, like the Coruscant Clone pack.  I enjoyed that for what it was...  Target Clones though...  Yeah, they sucketh and we're in for more high-priced stuff this year just like it.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Dan on February 12, 2006, 09:31 AM
I wasn't expecting this interesting of a read when I hopped on the thread- but I'll throw another two cents in.

Wal-mart and Hasbro both use the perfectly legal business practice that I think is a threat to our economy. The use of cheap (near slave wage) foreign labor. Look at what it costs to ship something overseas. If you are selling a $5.00 product in the US, it should be cheaper to make it here than ship it over the ocean. But if you can pay sweat shop wages, suddenly you can be "competitive." This is happening everywhere in our economy. I manage construction projects at a local hospital campus. They have even talked about out-sourcing architectual work to India because it is so cheap. Businesses are in a position to send all their labor needs overseas where they are not responsible for things like minimum wage and working conditions. To me it smacks of colonialism, and is a huge contributor to global resentment of the United States. This is a great country, we can do so much better than this. It is time for government to quite catering to businesses, and start demanding they follow U.S. labor laws even if their labor forces are not in the U.S. Then we would see some real job growth in this country.

I like exclusives. When they are cool. Just to stay on topic.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Diddly on March 9, 2006, 09:27 PM
Found some info on the rumored TRU exclusive Endor AT-AT:

http://www.starwarstoymuseum.com/endor-at-at.htm (http://www.starwarstoymuseum.com/endor-at-at.htm)

Short version: Slight repaint of POTF2 version (minus electronics) with "dirty" feet. Comes with a Saga Ozzel repainted in black with a repainted head. Available this fall for $90.

Based on that info (and especially the price) I think I'll pass.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Nathan on March 9, 2006, 11:34 PM
That description actually sounds good to me--except for the price. With no electronics, that's a ripoff. Price it at $90 and they can watch it commit instant retail suicide; I can't envision them actually putting it that high.

And yet ... [insert obligatory dig at $15 Target clones].
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Jesse James on March 10, 2006, 06:19 AM
I've read the description of the paint and electronics everywhere, which I chalk up to guessing since it's not hard to imagine what they'd do (and not do, to save a buck) witht his...  That's the first I've seen anyone mention the AT-AT coming with an exclusive Imperial Commander figure of some sort though.

That's sort of annoying considering I don't want to buy this AT-AT, so packing in even a kitbash figure is really annoying to everyone who gives the finger to Hasbro on the lame vehicle rehashes.  :-\
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Brian on March 10, 2006, 03:26 PM
That description sounds about right from what we can piece together, probably a paintjob similar to the Endor AT-ST, and its not surprising if the electronics would be removed either.  I really, really hope that the pricepoint isn't $90.  Maybe it was just wishful thinking on my part, but I was hoping for something more in the neighborhood of $65.  This is one ship/vehicle I've really wanted to get, but I was hoping it would be a little cheaper than that.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Darth Slothus on March 10, 2006, 03:34 PM
Probably like the Mill. Falcon we can wait till it goes on clearance then :(
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Morgbug on March 10, 2006, 03:47 PM
What was regular US retail on the Falcon? 

I don't really need another AT-AT and if I was to get one I'd prefer a nice vintage version, but it would be hard to pass up on a repainted figure as mentioned.  Clearance price seems appealing. :-\
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: Gatillo on March 10, 2006, 04:20 PM
I am thiking 49.99 but I am not sure.  The new one is around 40.
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: ruiner on March 10, 2006, 05:07 PM
Sweet Jesus!  We paid $90 for the first one with electronics AND two new figures!

This one is going to collect dust just like the OTC and ROTS Falcon's filling the end caps...
Title: Re: 2006 Exclusives
Post by: SilverZ on March 10, 2006, 05:16 PM
I can dream of them hitting a 19.99 clearance price though, can't I? I have a full Hoth assault force from the POTF2 release.