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Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => The Legacy Collection => Topic started by: Rune Haako on March 12, 2008, 12:13 AM

Title: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Rune Haako on March 12, 2008, 12:13 AM
http://potf2.com/potj/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13092
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: Nathan on March 12, 2008, 01:09 AM
People at the link are speculating that we might actually get a charred Owen and Beru but I think they're looking at this all wrong. It's far more likely to be from AOTC.

We already have a Lars Homestead Padme, a pretty deece AOTC C-3PO, and there's no shortage of AOTC Anakins to use. Throw in a swoop bike, young Owen and Beru, maybe Cliegg--and yer in business.

(http://www.rebelscum.com/swsaga/sw0336padmelhloose-m.jpg)

(http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/owenlars/img/eu2_bg.jpg)

(http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/cliegglars/img/movie_bg.jpg)

(http://www.starwars.com/databank/vehicle/owenbike/img/eu_bg.jpg)
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: Rune Haako on March 12, 2008, 01:10 AM
I think it may be from the Visionaries comic with Cyborg Maul.

Hasbro confirmed that we'd be getting a figure from the Visionaries comic, it's probably Maul.

They confirmed that it's either cyborg Darth Maul, Darth Sidious and the Sithisis Worm, or Corporal Jobin.

Maul seems the most likely.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: Nathan on March 12, 2008, 01:18 AM
That would be sweet too. I don't really care about the Maul but I would love a figure of that middle-aged Kenobi.

(http://www.starwars.com/eu/lit/comics/img/20050315_oldwounds_bg.jpg) (http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/thumb/8/84/Visionaries_Darth_Maul.jpg/185px-Visionaries_Darth_Maul.jpg)
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: Rune Haako on March 12, 2008, 01:21 AM
We could get Owen and young kid Luke as well.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: Nathan on March 12, 2008, 01:24 AM
I like your thinking sir.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: CHEWIE on March 12, 2008, 01:59 AM
If there's any truth to this, I'm hoping it's the following -

- Cliegg Lars
- Owen Lars
- Beru Whitesun
- Anakin w/ Shmi corpse (unlikely, but I'd like to see it)
- Padme Amidala
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: evenflow on March 12, 2008, 07:10 AM
If there's any truth to this, I'm hoping it's the following -

- Cliegg Lars
- Owen Lars
- Beru Whitesun
- Anakin w/ Shmi corpse (unlikely, but I'd like to see it)
- Padme Amidala

I second that!
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: Darth_Anton on March 12, 2008, 09:14 AM
The word disturbance does make one think. Kind of hard for me to pin it down to which movie, unless there's a Force Unleashed scene.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on March 12, 2008, 10:13 AM
Man, I'd LOVE to own the Visionary Maul. It's an awesome concept, IMO.

Doesn't fit in with the "canon" story line, especially now with TFU, but it would still make for an excellent figure.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: David on March 12, 2008, 11:32 AM
I hope we get AOTC Owen, Beru, Cliegg, Speeder Bike, and Padme (from blue milk 'you're not all powerful' scene).
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: Scott on March 12, 2008, 12:13 PM
Before you get your hopes up...remember what most of the recent Target Packs have been...

(http://www.rebelscum.com/TF2008/Hasbro/presentation/Slide29.JPG)
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: iFett on March 12, 2008, 12:30 PM
Good point Scott.  I would hope that they would drop the word disturbance on the box if that's the case.  Doesn't seem like a kiddy friendly word to me. 

I'm personally looking for something a tad morbid in the 3 3/4" scale.  Hasbro did make a crispy Anakin afterall....
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: ctonra on March 12, 2008, 12:37 PM
charred Owen and Beru galactic heroes cinema scene would be great.
I may have to start collecting that line if it happens.
Not how I would run a targetted Children's line, but hey the Big H knows what it is doing.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: Darby on March 12, 2008, 02:01 PM
A scene pack like this would be a great way to sneak in an ROTS Beru and Owen.  Everyone would buy it for the cyborg Maul and old Obi anyways. 
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: ctonra on March 12, 2008, 04:24 PM
I wonder if these will be anything like the Walmart Jabba's band packs that were just out?   a few figures split into two sets?  Or maybe something like the Target Hoth and Endor sets? Add in Lars hovel and a moisture vaporater.   or dare I dream a Eopie  ;D

we shall see
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: Darby on March 12, 2008, 06:11 PM
An Eopie would be a dream come true.   :)
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: Nathan on March 13, 2008, 01:24 AM
Good point Scott.  I would hope that they would drop the word disturbance on the box if that's the case.  Doesn't seem like a kiddy friendly word to me.

It's still more kiddie-friendly than "Aunt and Uncle Charbroiled at the Lars Homestead" or "Mommy Slung Over the Back of a Speeder Bike at the Lars Homestead." :P

But seriously, terminology aside, neither of those scenes is really conducive to the GH treatment so I think it's more likely to be in 3 3/4.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: Darth_Anton on March 13, 2008, 09:19 AM
An Eopie would be a dream come true.   :)

Here, here!
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on March 13, 2008, 05:13 PM
I agree that It may be based on the Visionaries story where the half cyborg Maul attacks the Homestead to find Obi-Wan. It matches the title description to a tee.

Pack includes:
Half Cyborg Maul
Middle aged Kenobi
Owen Lars
Beru Lars
4yr old Luke
and the white tentacle droid

Remember Hasbro stated several times that EU is going to be a focus........
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: David on March 13, 2008, 08:17 PM
I wouldn't mind a ROTS-themed UBP, including the following:

Lars Homestead
Beru Whitesun
Owen Lars
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Baby Luke Skywalker
Eopie


Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: CloneF13Y35 on March 15, 2008, 02:45 PM
I personally would love it if this gets done like last years target battlepacks. Have it consist of an ep2 Beru, Owen, Clieg, ep2 3p0 with better articulation, an SA anakin (from one of the evo sets) and the tatooine padme in the belly-baring blue dress. maybe put in the swoop bike from the anakin swoop bike set. Six figs and one vehicle shouldn't be too hard.
they can make part of the packaging resemble the Lars homstead with entrance dome. I kept my hoth battlepack cardboard insert so my son can use it to play with it and store the figures, at-st and gun turret on it.

but I'm still hoping TRU will put the exclusive tuskens on sale, the one with the bantha, it's still selling (or rather sitting on the shelf) for $45, drop it to $20-25 and I'll get one.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: Jeff on April 20, 2008, 12:49 PM
From the TRU computer (courtesy of RS):

059672 - $34.99 Ex Disturbance at Lars Homestead

At $34,99, it no longer seems likely that it's a GH item and probably is more like the TRU Bantha-style mega-BP.

Makes me wonder if that "Ex" in the title stands for "Expanded Universe"?  That would add evidence to the "visionaires" theme pack some folks were guessing...
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Nicklab on April 20, 2008, 02:01 PM
That would certainly make sense.  After all, the Sandtroopers attack on the Lars Homestead never happens on screen in ANH.  But we do see the whole conflict between Maul and Obi-Wan at the Homestead in Visionaries.

So what would we get for $34.99?  Well, from the comic there's Darth Maul, Obi-Wan, Owen Lars, Beru and a juvenile Luke.  I'd venture a guess that for the added cash we might get the Homestead garage dome.  And maybe a moisture vaporator, too.

(http://www.starwars.com/databank/location/larsmoisturefarm/img/movie_bg.jpg)
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Nathan on April 21, 2008, 12:34 AM
Makes me wonder if that "Ex" in the title stands for "Expanded Universe"?  That would add evidence to the "visionaires" theme pack some folks were guessing...

Exclusive?

I'd venture a guess that for the added cash we might get the Homestead garage dome.  And maybe a moisture vaporator, too.

*salivates*
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Darth_Anton on April 21, 2008, 09:14 AM
At $35 I think we're getting a normal sized BP. Isn't that what TRU charges for their exclusive BP's? I.e. Hoth and HFG...
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Jeff on April 21, 2008, 09:30 AM
Here in MN, TRU charged $25 for the HFG standard sized BPs... $35 is what they charged for the larger BPs, sort of like the Bantha set.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: CHEWIE on April 21, 2008, 10:47 AM
Yeah, they charget $25 for regular and exclusive ones in my area too.

For $35, I'd guess this is around the size of the Bantha set... I'm definitely hoping we get the dome with this.  New Owen and Beru would be fantastic.  So would Cliegg, but I'm not holding my breath.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Matt R. on April 21, 2008, 06:10 PM
I am thinking that this BP is probably from the new Clone Wars film. In the film they are on Tatooine.  Separtisits attack the Homestead and Anakin and Dooku duel it out.  that is my 2 cents
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Nathan on April 21, 2008, 09:46 PM
But what motivation do the Separatists have for attacking the Larses? I don't think they even know Anakin has any connection.

If it's from the new film, more likely it has to do with Jabba's henchmen.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Pete_Fett on April 22, 2008, 08:46 AM
But what motivation do the Separatists have for attacking the Larses? I don't think they even know Anakin has any connection.

If it's from the new film, more likely it has to do with Jabba's henchmen.

Actually, if you believe in the possibility that Count Dooku was the driving force behind the Tusken Raiders kidnapping Shmi Skywalker-Lars then there is a chance that Dooku actually knows the significance for the Lars family to Anakin - even if it's just from Darth Sidious instructing Dooku to arrange for Tusken Raiders to kidnap and torture a woman on Tatooine named Shmi Skywalker - when Dooku's operatives find out where she is, for all Dooku knows, Cliegg is Anakin's father and Owen is Anakin's brother. Dooku might be going to Tatooine to outright kill what he perceives is the rest of Anakin's family.

I have two guesses for this set:

1) ANH - Either a Dewback and 2 Sandtroopers or Luke and the updated Sandspeeder, the main dome structure with fire damage and two skeletons.

or

2) All new sculpts to support the short story in the Visionaries TPB.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Darth_Anton on April 22, 2008, 09:13 AM
Here in MN, TRU charged $25 for the HFG standard sized BPs... $35 is what they charged for the larger BPs, sort of like the Bantha set.

That's right, you're right about the HFG pack. They're charging $45 for the Bantha pack.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Darth Broem on April 23, 2008, 12:30 PM
It would be nice if they would include a structure like the hovel there in the picture.  I do not know if that is what it is called?  Of course a moisture vaporator would be nice.  I hope it is not that half Maul vs Obi-Wan thing.  I am half wondering if they will include some stormtroopers shooting at Owen and Beru.  Then Hasbro will spice up the Lar's with some blasters of their own?  Maybe they will actually throw in some skeletons?  Eh, we'll see.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: stan on May 7, 2008, 06:33 PM
First glimpse of the protype is on POTF2.  Owen's homstead is a nice addition for us collectors!!!!
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Nicklab on May 7, 2008, 06:45 PM
Wow!  Can't believe I was right about the Homestead garage dome.  And I'm actually glad that I was wrong about the character choices.  But I sincerely hope that we'll be getting new sculpts of both Uncle Owen & Aunt Beru.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Nathan on May 7, 2008, 07:12 PM
Shweeet! Figure-wise it seems a bit sparse ... for sure there'll be more sandtroopers and I hope they throw in a Treadwell or something.

(http://images.wikia.com/starwars/images/6/6e/Vaderguide.jpg)
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: David on May 7, 2008, 07:49 PM
From POTF2 (thus the logo in the corner ;)):

(http://www.potf2.com/files/aaron/watermark/larshomest_w.jpg)




P.S. Nathan--where's that pic from? I never knew the actual attack on the Larses was shown anywhere in the EU. ???
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Reid on May 7, 2008, 08:19 PM
I never knew the actual attack on the Larses was shown anywhere in the EU. ???

I know there's a story about it in the "Tales From The Mos Eisley Cantina" anthology...
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Nathan on May 7, 2008, 08:32 PM
Vader: The Ultimate Guide (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Vader:_The_Ultimate_Guide)

I don't own it, so I don't know the original context of the image.

And here's the story Reid was thinking of:

When the Desert Wind Turns: The Stormtrooper's Tale (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/When_the_Desert_Wind_Turns:_The_Stormtrooper%27s_Tale)
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: evenflow on May 7, 2008, 09:16 PM
i am more than happy to buy it for the dome house, but i dont have any hopes of getting new sculpts for owen or beru. i guess at least we get another moisture vaporator.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: speedermike on May 7, 2008, 09:37 PM
Beru's still a good fig, but Owen?  C'mon.  We'll be buying it for the dome!
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: JangoTat on May 7, 2008, 11:05 PM
so we are getting 3 figures and a dome... for $20 ($30 canadian)...thats kind of a let down....especially since the figures are all repacks.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Jeff on May 7, 2008, 11:42 PM
so we are getting 3 figures and a dome... for $20 ($30 canadian)...thats kind of a let down....

I sure hope there is more to it, because this is in the TRU computer for $34.99, not "$20 ($30 Canadian)".

059672 - $34.99 Ex Disturbance at Lars Homestead
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Jesse James on May 8, 2008, 12:36 AM
Oh man...  To buy or not to buy.  I want the Dome, and can use another Sandtrooper and moisture vaporator, but if they pack in that shoddy Owen and ok Beru...  meh.  $35's damn pricey for "just that", to me anyway.  I'll likely buy, but it's gonna hurt getting the old Beru and REALLY the Owen.  They could kitbash something decent out of Jedi parts I'd think, and some softgoods.  :-\
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Morgbug on May 8, 2008, 12:38 AM


059672 - $34.99 Ex Disturbance at Lars Homestead

Zoinks, that means it'll be sold at $49.99 up here. :o
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Ryan on May 8, 2008, 12:44 AM
I'm glad this did end up being OT. I'm with the crowd that is on the fence on this one. I really would like the dome and another vaporator will be nice, but if it only comes with three figures and at least two of them probably being the outdated POTF2 sculpts $35 is going to be a lot to shell out on just a dome. I don't actually have a Beru loose though, so that may help convince me. That does appear to be just a prototype image, hopefully they'll include either another Sandtrooper or two, a few droids, or maybe a Jawa or two in the final version.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Darth_Anton on May 8, 2008, 09:18 AM
I don't know if they could get away with the POTF2 uncle Owen. He'd really be out of place in the set. Seriously, all those POTF2 molds need to be destroyed.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 8, 2008, 09:22 AM
I know I'll be getting this for the dome. The extra vaporator, and Sandtrooper will help ease the pain of the price. I have no hopes of new sculpts for the Lars' though. Maybe an extra droid in the pack.

As morbid as it sounds, I'd like to have crispy Owen and Beru for this set. Make them "hidden" accessories inside the dome so if you take it out of the package, you've got them.

Parents won't have to be mortified at the initial packaging that way and might not find out until the kid opens it up at home.

If ever there was a time to make crispies, this is it.

Just a thought.

-Sal
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Darth Broem on May 8, 2008, 09:40 AM
I definately want this for the dome.  I would assume they make a new Owen at least.  If they actually want people to buy the set that is. 
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: ruiner on May 8, 2008, 09:46 AM
Quote
If ever there was a time to make crispies, this is it.

I think it's safe to assume that we'll never see the crispies. 
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 8, 2008, 10:05 AM
Quote
If ever there was a time to make crispies, this is it.

I think it's safe to assume that we'll never see the crispies. 

Well there was a skeleton of sorts with Amanaman, so I'm not ruling it out.

Sorry to have to link to the otheR Site:
http://www.rebelscum.com/POTJdeluxeamanaman.asp

So it's possible, even if it's a stretch.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Brian on May 8, 2008, 10:48 AM
Like others, I'd buy this for the dome if nothing else - but I really hope we get either more figures, or at least "new" figures.  It does seem a bit sparse for a $35 exclusive battle pack.  The Lars homestead pieces are great, but hopefully we'll see a couple more figures tossed in there - or at least an upgrade on Owen/Beru.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: CHEWIE on May 8, 2008, 11:16 AM
Definitely getting this for the dome.  I don't care one bit if they pack in POTF2 buff Luke and company.  It's all about getting one of the most iconic structures in Star Wars finally made into plastic.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 8, 2008, 11:38 AM
Definitely getting this for the dome.  I don't care one bit if they pack in POTF2 buff Luke and company.  It's all about getting one of the most iconic structures in Star Wars finally made into plastic.

I wouldn't call it "iconic." I think that term is thrown around a bit too much within SW.
However, it definitely is a necessary piece for any Lars Homestead Diorama.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: ruiner on May 8, 2008, 01:35 PM
Quote
If ever there was a time to make crispies, this is it.

I think it's safe to assume that we'll never see the crispies. 

Well there was a skeleton of sorts with Amanaman, so I'm not ruling it out.

Sorry to have to link to the otheR Site:
http://www.rebelscum.com/POTJdeluxeamanaman.asp

So it's possible, even if it's a stretch.

That does look like a corpse. 

My take is if they're not going to release the dead bodies in this set, you most likely won't see them in the future. 

This BP just seems like it would be the ideal outlet to release something of that nature. 

The corpses are essentially accessories - not figures.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Jayson on May 8, 2008, 01:39 PM
Maybe they'll sculpt their carcasses into the base of it, like the vintage Jabba dais  :P
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: CHEWIE on May 8, 2008, 03:16 PM
Definitely getting this for the dome.  I don't care one bit if they pack in POTF2 buff Luke and company.  It's all about getting one of the most iconic structures in Star Wars finally made into plastic.

I wouldn't call it "iconic." I think that term is thrown around a bit too much within SW.
However, it definitely is a necessary piece for any Lars Homestead Diorama.

Oh, I think it's about as iconic as it gets in Star Wars... it's where we see Luke Skywalker for the very first time, and who can forget Luke finding his dead aunt and uncle there?  It's the scene that is a turning point for Luke, where he decides to leave Tatooine with Obi Wan.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: ruiner on May 8, 2008, 03:25 PM
It's more pivotal than iconic.

What is the first thing you think of when someone says Star Wars?  Definitely not this dome.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: CHEWIE on May 8, 2008, 04:20 PM
Eh, to me it's iconic.   :)
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Daigo-Bah on May 9, 2008, 09:01 AM
It's pretty iconic to me too.  I think because I associate it with the scene of Luke looking to the horizon combined with the theme music... goddamn, it almost brings a tear to my eye   :'(.  I'm glad they're making the set piece; I'll probably skip it since I made my own:

(http://threads.rebelscum.com/photogallery/data//500/tatdomejunk1.jpg)

The only thing I'm worried about is the chance for a single-carded Owen resculpt now, if this is a kitbash (which it undoubtedly is).
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 9, 2008, 09:05 AM
Definitely getting this for the dome.  I don't care one bit if they pack in POTF2 buff Luke and company.  It's all about getting one of the most iconic structures in Star Wars finally made into plastic.

I wouldn't call it "iconic." I think that term is thrown around a bit too much within SW.
However, it definitely is a necessary piece for any Lars Homestead Diorama.

Oh, I think it's about as iconic as it gets in Star Wars... it's where we see Luke Skywalker for the very first time, and who can forget Luke finding his dead aunt and uncle there?  It's the scene that is a turning point for Luke, where he decides to leave Tatooine with Obi Wan.

NO worries, we can agree to disagree on this point.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 9, 2008, 09:07 AM
It's more pivotal than iconic.

What is the first thing you think of when someone says Star Wars?  Definitely not this dome.

That's the point I'm trying to make. When I think Star Wars (A New Hope), the locations that come to mind as Iconic are the Cantina and the Death Star (in general, not any one specific location on it).

The homestead is indeed important but not iconic. Again though, that's my opinion. Someone else may consider every single scene iconic.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: CHEWIE on May 9, 2008, 04:28 PM
No, just because one considers a location iconic that you don't consider iconic doesn't mean that they consider every location, or scene, in Star Wars as being inconic.

To me, Tatooine is an iconic planet in Star Wars... hell, it appears in 5 of the films.  And when I think of Tattooine, I think of Luke's home... the Lars homestead appears in EP2, EP3 and EP4... this location appears in half the films, and bridges the gap between the prequels and OT. 

(http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/07/sci_nat_enl_1175192786/img/1.jpg)

^ Pretty famous scene, if I do recall.

Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 9, 2008, 04:42 PM
No, just because one considers a location iconic that you don't consider iconic doesn't mean that they consider every location, or scene, in Star Wars as being inconic.

To me, Tatooine is an iconic planet in Star Wars... hell, it appears in 5 of the films.  And when I think of Tattooine, I think of Luke's home... the Lars homestead appears in EP2, EP3 and EP4... this location appears in half the films, and bridges the gap between the prequels and OT. 

(http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/07/sci_nat_enl_1175192786/img/1.jpg)

^ Pretty famous scene, if I do recall.



You're getting me all wrong here Chewie. I wasn't saying YOU thought every scene was iconic. I was saying that there are undoubtedly some out there who do think that way though.

Again, we can agree to disagree.

For me Tatooine is the Cantina, Jabba's Palace and the Sarlaac pit.

Others may say it's Watto's Hut or Lars Homestead or the Pod Races.

Still others may say it's the Jundland Wastes where Luke meets Obi, or perhaps the any number of the Sandcrawler scenes.

All are important to the story, but not all are iconic. But what constitutes something being iconic over something else can be left to one's own interpretation.

So no worries Chewie.

Regardless of how we may differ in our opinions of the importance of the Lars Homestead, I'm still getting that "battle Pack."
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: David on May 9, 2008, 08:08 PM
You guys have the meaning of 'iconic' all wrong.

When any true fan thinks of Tatooine, Gragra's gorg stand should immediately come to mind.

Get it right, guys! >:(

(http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/thumb/1/11/Gragra.jpg/250px-Gragra.jpg)



 :-*
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: CloneF13Y35 on May 10, 2008, 11:13 AM
I like the idea of this set if Ican finally get a uncle owen and aunt beru (yeah I know they relased her in the potf days), if they do the packaging like last years Hoth/endor sets, which we kept the hoth set to store the gun turret and walker on plus to display the hoth battle in a neat little 'diorama', I'd like to have the dome entrance, maybe a printed pic of the below ground dwelling plus owen/beru/ SA Luke for the Votc line with better tunic shirt and two sand troopers. Now that's only 5 figs and the target sets had about 8 figs? so let's add the endor 3p0 with articulated knees but with an oil stained deco, rotating dome r2 with a dirty wash and votc kenobi.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Matt_Fury on May 10, 2008, 01:51 PM
Why would you add thre figures that were not there when the sandtroopers showed up?
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: CHEWIE on May 11, 2008, 07:06 PM
No worries Sal.   :)

Regarding this set... I've got more than enough Sandtroopers, so I really don't need more of those.  I can see why they'd want to market it as a "battle" though, but I'd much rather see something like this packed with the homestead...

AOTC
- Owen Lars (new)
- Beru Lars (new)
- Cliegg Lars (new)
- C-3PO (resculpt)
- R2-D2 (repack)
- Padme (resculpt)
- Anakin Skywalker (Evolutions repack) w/ Shmi corpse (new)
- Swoop
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 12, 2008, 10:07 AM
It's pretty iconic to me too.  I think because I associate it with the scene of Luke looking to the horizon combined with the theme music... goddamn, it almost brings a tear to my eye   :'(.  I'm glad they're making the set piece; I'll probably skip it since I made my own:

(http://threads.rebelscum.com/photogallery/data//500/tatdomejunk1.jpg)

The only thing I'm worried about is the chance for a single-carded Owen resculpt now, if this is a kitbash (which it undoubtedly is).

Wow, excellent piece there Daigo-Bah. I'd like to see some more shots from different angles. Looks well made.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 12, 2008, 10:13 AM
No worries Sal.   :)

Regarding this set... I've got more than enough Sandtroopers, so I really don't need more of those.  I can see why they'd want to market it as a "battle" though, but I'd much rather see something like this packed with the homestead...

AOTC
- Owen Lars (new)
- Beru Lars (new)
- Cliegg Lars (new)
- C-3PO (resculpt)
- R2-D2 (repack)
- Padme (resculpt)
- Anakin Skywalker (Evolutions repack) w/ Shmi corpse (new)
- Swoop

That's a good set. Puts it in the $60 range I'd think.

If Hasbro were to keep this around $30-50 then I'd say to drop out the droids, Padme and Anakin.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: CHEWIE on May 12, 2008, 10:50 AM
I just hope we get some of the greeblies around the homestead (boxes, crates, small machinery, etc.).   :)
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: ctonra on May 12, 2008, 12:29 PM
A little What if here? No that I know any inside Info or anything
But Maybe this isn't the only Version of the Set?    Last year we were treated to Two Ultimate Battle Packs with the AT-ST in each.   Could we get two sets again this one and a ATOC on too?
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: evenflow on May 12, 2008, 12:58 PM
I wouldnt mind if they did 2 of these, one OT and one PT. That would at least get us 2 houses and hopefully the Lars family.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: CHEWIE on May 12, 2008, 01:41 PM
Two versions of this... I'd be very pleased with that.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: David on May 12, 2008, 03:45 PM
That'd be great, then I'd only have to buy the PT one. Perhaps we could get:

Lars Homestead
Moisture Vaporator
Anakin Skywalker w/Shmi Skywalker's corpse
Cliegg Lars
Owen Lars
Beru Whitesun
See Threepio
Padme Amidala v2 w/blue milk tray
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Rob on May 13, 2008, 01:27 AM
I highly doubt that would happen.  Hoth and Endor are two entirely different things that have the AT-ST in common.

Prequel Lars Homestead and OT Lars Homestead are the same place with slightly different figures standing around it.  Parents and kids wouldn't see any real reason to buy both.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: ruiner on May 13, 2008, 09:25 AM
  Parents and kids wouldn't see any real reason to buy both.

Heck, I don't even know if the collectors would bite.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: jedipurge on May 13, 2008, 11:24 AM
that would probably depend on the figures included.  You get new molds of OT Owen & Beru in one version, and completly new figures with Cliegg, Owen, & Beru in a PT version and it'll sell.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Nathan on May 13, 2008, 12:12 PM
I don't think kids and parents are the target audience for this set anyway. I mean, it's basically a shed with some people standing around it--not the most exciting thing for an eight-year-old. It looks to me like they're throwing a bone to the collectors who've been wanting a Lars homestead set for thirty-odd years.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: CHEWIE on May 13, 2008, 12:25 PM
Oh, I don't think anyone is saying they're going to make two versions of this.  Just that some of us would be willing to pick up both sets if the pack in figures were desireable ones.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: David on May 13, 2008, 01:34 PM
  Parents and kids wouldn't see any real reason to buy both.

Heck, I don't even know if the collectors would bite.

I agree. I would think that if anything the PT sets would sell right away and the OT sets would just sit there.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: CHEWIE on May 13, 2008, 02:11 PM
Even if the Lars were all new sculpts?  And if it came with a couple of the farm droids?
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 13, 2008, 02:53 PM
I have to agree with Chewie here. I don't think they would just sit there if the Lars were new sculpts and there were new farm droids. The dome is the central piece here, so the figures are almost secondary. However if they were new sculpts, it would most certainly increase their selling potential. Besides, it's been so long since the release of both Beru and Owen that even many modern collectors still do not have them.

So (and I'm saying this a little begrudgingly), even if the Lars were the same old sculpt, I'd still think they would sell pretty well (just not as much or as fast as if they were all new sculpts).

-Sal
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Mister Skeezler on May 13, 2008, 02:54 PM
You're still talking about trying to sell kids a farm. Once kids are old enough to play with Star Wars, they're done with the wholesome fisher price barn that makes a weird cow sound when you open the door.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: CHEWIE on May 13, 2008, 03:10 PM
Only the most important farm in the galaxy... are you saying that Hasbro shouldn't be making this at all?

As long as this is an exclusive (which it is, right?), then I'm sure there's not going to be a problem selling these.  If the kiddos aren't interested, there's more than enough adult collectors that will want to pick this up.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 13, 2008, 05:59 PM
Again, I have to agree with Chewie here. There are PLENTY of collectors who want this, regardless of the figures packed in. It will sell. If it's exclusive all the better. Hopefully Target, so they will blow it out on clearance in a month after (but I won't wait for that to happen).
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: David on May 13, 2008, 06:13 PM
Once kids are old enough to play with Star Wars, they're done with the wholesome fisher price barn that makes a weird cow sound when you open the door.

Old Man Lars had a farm
E-I-E-I-O
And on his farm he had a cow some moisture
E-I-E-I-O
With a drip-drop here
And a drip-drop there
Here a drop
There a drop
Everywhere a drip-drop
Old Man Lars had a farm
E-I-E-I-O
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Mister Skeezler on May 13, 2008, 06:31 PM
There are PLENTY of collectors who want this

B-I-N-G-O!

I'm not saying I don't want it, I'm just saying I doubt its a good idea for the line.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Jesse James on May 13, 2008, 06:39 PM
I'm pretty sure I'll buy it just for the dome thing, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea, as Lando says...  It's unlikely there'd be a bunch of new figures, as that's just not the norm for battlepacks, and at best you can hope for "kitbash" figures that make for something a notch about what you have in your collection already.

So the matter basically boils down to it being a good idea to put out a plastic dome for people...  Time will tell when the set hits retail.  If it sells then great, if it sits then not-so-great (but still nice to get the dome, for those of us that want the dome).

I think the Kashyyyk pack is outstandingly cool but it's hardly been a big seller, and it was packed with GOOD army builders and a Vader figure.  Not everything that looks cool/good turns out to be a good idea at retail, and that's the bottom line usually.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Rob on May 14, 2008, 01:47 AM
Even if the Lars were all new sculpts?  And if it came with a couple of the farm droids?

I think it's beyond established at this point that battle packs are almost always rehashes and repaints thrown out at a minimum cost to sell things with a high margin.  They're clever enough about the resculpts to make them worth picking up, but I'll eat my hat if we see 2 battle packs full of newly sculpted figures that would normally go into the basic line.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Nathan on May 14, 2008, 02:08 AM
Perhaps we will get PT Owen and Beru in the basic line, and then they will repack and rerelease them with the dome in a couple of years (the AOTC tenth anniversary or something).
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: CHEWIE on May 14, 2008, 02:35 AM
Glad we're on the same page Sal.   :)

Lando my friend, I was pretty sure you did want this... I think it will sell pretty well.  Maybe not as well as something completely Imperial or Clone related, but it's really nice to see variety in the line with sets like these.

Also, I don't think we're going to see many new figures thrown into Battle Packs either Rob - Hasbro's basic premise is to use these as an easy way to rehash figures into the line.  I was throwing out different scenarios regarding what could make it a more appealing set.  If we get any sort of new figures in this, great.  But I don't think anyone who has a memory of Battle Packs is holding their breath for that... you don't actually believe that anyone's expecting to see two different versions of all new figures in this do you?

Regarding the comparison to the Kashyyyk Battle Pack - I don't see too much of a comparison actually Jesse... yeah it's a good value, but look at what's in it -

Vader - Always on the pegs.  Nothing new or different here.

Stormtroopers - Been in abundance for quite a while now, and similar version already sitting on shelves collecting dust (Tantive IV set).

Wookiees - Kind of lost their luster I think, plus all we're really looking at is a repack of figures that were easy as pie to find for most of 2005-2006.  Now, if the Wookiees had been new, probably a different story.

Nathan, that's a pretty good idea you have there...
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Darth_Anton on May 14, 2008, 09:16 AM
I'm kind of excited to get the dome. However, if the teaser picture is any hint, the selling point could be the squad of troopers confronting the Lars. I'd be interesting to get all the Sandie variants in one pack.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Scott on June 22, 2008, 09:43 PM
Lame...lame...lame ::) ::) ::) ::)

Q3. A mock up of the long rumored Disturbance at the Lars Homestead has turned up. Now this mock up is showing the POTF 2 Owen Lars, is the Owen going to be replaced with a new one? That mold is old and doesn't hold up compared to the new figures. Is the igloo dome plastic and does it have a
removable top or anything inside? Finally, can you possibly through in the crispy Owen and Beru skeletons in there as an accessory? After all, you have released skeletons and crispy characters before (Amanaman's accessory and Sith Anakin)
Thanks again for letting us have the opportunity to ask questions.

A3. To be honest, this was a bear of set for us to produce and our expense is tied up in the homestead itself, so even though we wanted to, we could not get the figures updated (the alternative was never doing the set at all).
The dome is injection-molded plastic and there is a table on the inside fastened to the base. The crispy skeletons are not included... we aren't planning to do them.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Jesse James on June 22, 2008, 10:11 PM
I'm not surprised, and I think I'm gonna pass on this one maybe.  I don't want the dome this badly.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Jeff on June 22, 2008, 11:20 PM
I'm sort of torn...

On one hand, I want to support the set because it is a new playset/display piece; but on the other hand, it sort of sucks to pay $35 for a house (even Luke's house) and crappy PotF2 repaints.   :-\
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Daigo-Bah on June 23, 2008, 01:25 AM
Made this a few years back, so it's a pass for me, but I'm consistently surprised how Hasbro is getting to making most of the things I never thought they would!  Here's mine:

(http://threads.rebelscum.com/photogallery/data//500/tathomesteaddone2.jpg)
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: Darth_Anton on June 23, 2008, 09:32 AM
I'll take yours, thank you.

But, yeah, Lame that we're getting POTF2 molds.
Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Battle Pack?
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on June 23, 2008, 10:00 AM
Regardless of the old figures included (do not forget we get 2 Sandtroopers too) I am happy they are making this at all. Let's be a little realistic with expectations ,we cannot get everything new in a set like this. At least Hasbro is trying to take a stab at more display pieces. (I was happy last year when we got a new Hoth Turret) This is a Diaroma backdrop at the end of the day and not really a play set, so in this case I am not missing "features". Re-enacting a Lars dinner is not on the top of my list of pivotal action scenes. I will gladly pay for more of these kinds of sets, even if they use old figures in them, they are still great custom fodder. If the paint jobs are improved on the Lars from the old ones like the new WM Droid factory sets reissues, I will take that as a step in the right direction.

If you really think about this is a better value than the $40.00/$55 vehicles like the recently overused Tie.
Hasbro, please do some sort of Bespin/Cloud City Chambers please!
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jeff on July 23, 2008, 03:21 PM
It's a preview of SDCC Preview Night, thanks to Comingsoon.net (http://www.comingsoon.net/imageGallery/Comic_Con_2008/Comic-Con_2008_28.jpg):

(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/7-08/sdcc_preview_lars.jpg)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Phrubruh on July 23, 2008, 03:32 PM
Does it come with skeletons? Maybe inside the building?
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jeff on July 23, 2008, 03:42 PM
Hasbro already said "no skeletons" in the Q&A:

"The crispy skeletons are not included... we aren't planning to do them."
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Padawan Wagaboodles on July 23, 2008, 05:06 PM
I do like the homestead, but I'd much rather see updated Lars family figures soon. Beru isn't bad (for a POTF2 figure), but that Owen figure is terrible.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 23, 2008, 08:04 PM
The figures suck as they're repacks, but Hasbro's finally looking at a new way towards making playsets - make them actually look like something out of the films, not this (http://www.rebelscum.com/episodeI/ep1playsethangar-generator.jpg) garbage.

A definite must buy for me.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Greg on July 23, 2008, 10:32 PM
Crap. I love me some Tatooine scenery (I have a dream of making a huge Tuskens vs. Sand Troopers Dio/Photonovel) but $50 might be too steep for this. Both this house, the Skiff, and the Sarlaac pit would be put to much use in my collection but I'm not even sure I can justify them at their price points.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JangoTat on July 23, 2008, 10:36 PM
there are prices on them already? what are they?


edit*****Never mind I found them.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Reid on July 23, 2008, 10:59 PM
Ooooh, womp rat. Very nice. Seeing as how I don't have a Beru or Owen in my collection, I might get this pack. It'll depend on whether or not I have enough room.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on July 23, 2008, 11:45 PM
Woah! 50 bucks for that?! It's short about 4-5 figures minimum.

Homestead is nice though.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on July 23, 2008, 11:47 PM
Repacks aside, this set is pretty nice, I never knew womp rats were that big.

I do not mind the repacks, I only wish they polished the paint jobs up on them. Why is it the Uncle Owen has always been molded in a newborn hamster color plastic. It still looks shiny/translucent. I even hated that when the set came out in 97'. I am in for this set despite the hefty price tag.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth Broem on July 24, 2008, 01:11 AM
I will certainly buy this at some point for the dome.   I wish Hasbro would have at least gotten rid of the pointed finger on Owen.  That is the one thing that drives me nuts about that figure.  Anyway I am glad Hasbro is making an attempt at playsets/dioramas.  I can't believe they made the Sarlacc thing.  I gotta give them kudos for at least attempting to go this way.  Make a freaking Death Star playset/diorama and I'd be pretty happy.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on July 24, 2008, 09:05 AM
Very true.
I would rather see some stuff like this than nothing at all. In time they can get better. I am surprised the amount of complaints. Not that I want to grovel to Hasbro but I definitely appreciate the attempt and will support both endeavors.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Phrubruh on July 24, 2008, 09:33 AM
Where are the womp rats? I don't see them.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JangoTat on July 24, 2008, 09:37 AM
I actually dont mind the Dome all that much. I dont have the Lars family, a romp rat is always welcome, and I am building a Sandtrooperr squad anyways. my only complaint is it being a TRU exclusive and the price tag.$50 US usually comes around $60CDN which is a bit much for this set and since it is a TRU exclusive no chance of a sale. I might have to wait it out and see with this set, maybe even just buy it in the States or look for a bargain at the next con I go to (after it comes out of course).


Romp Rat is right behind Owen. huge sucker you cant miss it.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Brian on July 24, 2008, 09:41 AM
It would have been nice to have some new sculpts for Owen and Beru, but I guess I'm not overly surprised.  I don't have either of the earlier figures (was holding out for new versions), and I like the dome, so I'll likely grab this set.  Plus, there's always room for another Sandtrooper.  I'm a little surprised (disappointed) at the $50 pricepoint, it does seem a bit steep for what we're getting.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jeff on July 24, 2008, 09:45 AM
Where are the womp rats?

(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/7-08/womprat.jpg)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Rob on July 24, 2008, 09:59 AM
Come on... they couldn't have at least thrown a new right arm onto Owen?!
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: ruiner on July 24, 2008, 10:04 AM
I am surprised the amount of complaints.

Really?

A lot of the collectors (the target market for this set) already have the three figures included so essentially they have to justify fifty bucks for a dome and a womp rat.

Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on July 24, 2008, 10:14 AM
Come on... they couldn't have at least thrown a new right arm onto Owen?!

****, I would have been happy with a normal plastic color for Owens skin.

I am surprised the amount of complaints.

Really?

A lot of the collectors (the target market for this set) already have the three figures included so essentially they have to justify fifty bucks for a dome and a womp rat.

Really.
But not in regards to the hefty price tag, I was referring the Dome/Sarlacc pieces themselves. My apologies if I was not clear. I thought this was going to be $35 as did many others. Repacks with a new dome, womp rat and an evaporator for $35 I was fine with, I understand the need to repack. The $50 is very steep for what's given so I totally agree with you there.

I still have not seen a clear pic of the price tag, can anyone find a pic to confirm the $50 price tag? I have not been able to find a clear shot to confirm.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jeff on July 24, 2008, 10:32 AM
ARP: $49.99  :(

(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/7-08/lars_price.jpg)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 24, 2008, 10:36 AM
Anyone besides Dagobah around here ever try making your own custom version of the homestead?  It's very frustrating to get the curves/shapes right.

I just hope that the "base" isn't some thin piece of plastic that can dent/etc.  And I agree, the Owen and Beru just suck.  We should be getting new versions of them with this.   

$50 may be expensive, but it's certainly worth it to me... I've been waiting for this for 13 years now.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: David on July 24, 2008, 10:42 AM
Personally, I love it. I can't wait to buy this set. I think it's definitely a step in the right direction. :)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on July 24, 2008, 10:45 AM
Thanks Jeff!
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Nicklab on July 24, 2008, 11:25 AM
The womp rat is definitely a cool addition to this pack.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on July 24, 2008, 01:53 PM
Am I missing something?  Does this thing have electronics or dispense blue milk?  I know this is a TRU exclusive and all, but $50.  No thanks.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 24, 2008, 02:33 PM
I am surprised the amount of complaints.

I'm not surprised one bit.  Some people seem to only post in the forums to compain about something.  Over time one comes to expect it from certain individuals.


Not that I want to grovel to Hasbro but I definitely appreciate the attempt and will support both endeavors.

Same here.  I'm certainly not bowing before them.  But like you, I appreciate Hasbro being willing to explore new ways of putting out environments/playsets.  If they say that they can't put them out as stand-alone pieces, well I actually don't agree with that, but this is better than no attempt at all.

Let's enjoy what Hasbro's doing here - this isn't the typical "more of the same" kind of playset pieces they've put out in the past.  These are environment pieces that actually are a fair representation of what we see on screen, and don't have action features included. 

A number of collectors have been clamoring for this sort of thing for years now, and quite often get blasted by other collectors telling us to just "shut up and quit speculating" because we're annoying them by bringing it back up, as we attempt to hammer the idea into Hasbro's head.  Well, that's what a lot of the fun is in this hobby - speculating what could be made - Star Wars is all about creative imagination, and the fans' imagination and sharing of ideas is a huge aspect of this hobby and will continue to be.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jesse James on July 24, 2008, 04:02 PM
First, nobody's opinion is invalid so can we just leave the way people feel about it out of the conversation?  I've said this in the past, it's not a difficult rule to follow really...  Someone doesn't like it?  Fine...  State why you do or don't, but lay off the "Some people just like to complain" remarks because they're not appreciated on this board.  Enjoy the toy if you want, and don't enjoy it if you don't...  Everyone has valid reasons for both points of view.

Second...  I'm in the camp that does NOT like this...  Not for $50.  $30, maybe...  I dig the womprat, the paintjob is nice and spiffs it up a bit, but the figures are a detraction from the set to me and have to be factored into the overall "value" here.

This is essentially just a couple pieces of plastic too...  Keep in mind Hasbro confirmed as much.  It's a very simple piece, yet it's costing us $50 for said simple piece + some rehashed figures?  Come on...  That's not cool at all.

I dig the womprat, I dig another vaporator even, but I guess I'm just disappointed.  To me the Sarlacc Pit is more interesting as a toy...  It has some "action" to it sort of, so I'm into it as it's really kind of an action figure unto itself.  The plastic dome though, just doesn't do it for me... 

Had the figures been better, I think my opinion would've been swayed.  I think Hasbro could've used an existing Jedi body as a base, add some softgoods, and a slightly new tooled head to fit the body, and they'd have delivered a better Owen that I'd probably have been content with.  The Sandtrooper...  Eh.  I dunno, a new gun would've been nice at least to push me on that figure...  Beru I'm cool with as-is as she's at least a nice sculpt.

For me though, Hasbro just needed to put forth a little more effort on the figures to get me to like it "enough".  For $30 I'd be totally there right now though.  THe rat and paintjob would've probably sold me.  For $50, not so much.  To me it was all about pricing on this one and I think Hasbro overpriced it.  I feel the same way on the Previews TIE Fighter, and as much as I want the pilot I'll be skipping it due to outrageous pricing.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 24, 2008, 04:31 PM
First, nobody's opinion is invalid so can we just leave the way people feel about it out of the conversation?  I've said this in the past, it's not a difficult rule to follow really...  Someone doesn't like it?  Fine...  State why you do or don't, but lay off the "Some people just like to complain" remarks because they're not appreciated on this board.  Enjoy the toy if you want, and don't enjoy it if you don't...  Everyone has valid reasons for both points of view.

As long as that goes for both sides of the aisle, then fair enough.


Second...  I'm in the camp that does NOT like this...  Not for $50.  $30, maybe...  I dig the womprat, the paintjob is nice and spiffs it up a bit, but the figures are a detraction from the set to me and have to be factored into the overall "value" here.

This is essentially just a couple pieces of plastic too...  Keep in mind Hasbro confirmed as much.  It's a very simple piece, yet it's costing us $50 for said simple piece + some rehashed figures?  Come on...  That's not cool at all.

I dig the womprat, I dig another vaporator even, but I guess I'm just disappointed.  To me the Sarlacc Pit is more interesting as a toy...  It has some "action" to it sort of, so I'm into it as it's really kind of an action figure unto itself.  The plastic dome though, just doesn't do it for me... 

Had the figures been better, I think my opinion would've been swayed.  I think Hasbro could've used an existing Jedi body as a base, add some softgoods, and a slightly new tooled head to fit the body, and they'd have delivered a better Owen that I'd probably have been content with.  The Sandtrooper...  Eh.  I dunno, a new gun would've been nice at least to push me on that figure...  Beru I'm cool with as-is as she's at least a nice sculpt.

For me though, Hasbro just needed to put forth a little more effort on the figures to get me to like it "enough".  For $30 I'd be totally there right now though.  THe rat and paintjob would've probably sold me.  For $50, not so much.  To me it was all about pricing on this one and I think Hasbro overpriced it.  I feel the same way on the Previews TIE Fighter, and as much as I want the pilot I'll be skipping it due to outrageous pricing.

The way I see it is we're seeing some cool environments coming out this year.  Finally, finally, finally!

While neither of them that we know of so far are stand alone pieces in how they are being marketed, at least we are finally getting an attempt by Hasbro to put out some movie-esque diorama/playset pieces.  Call them whatever one wants - all I care about is that they're good for display. 

The price on these is also a bit high like you say, as apparently Hasbro is banking on this being the best way to sell these sort of pieces - pack in existing figures, a vehicle or something too, and package it all up into one box, and market it as a Battle Pack.

I'd rather see stand-alone pieces priced more affordably - but for now at least, this is Hasbro's approach.  And if you really want them, you at least now have the option of picking them up. 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Nicklab on July 24, 2008, 06:18 PM
First, nobody's opinion is invalid so can we just leave the way people feel about it out of the conversation?  I've said this in the past, it's not a difficult rule to follow really...  Someone doesn't like it?  Fine...  State why you do or don't, but lay off the "Some people just like to complain" remarks because they're not appreciated on this board.  Enjoy the toy if you want, and don't enjoy it if you don't...  Everyone has valid reasons for both points of view.

Agreed.  Offering an opinion on someone else's opinion strays off topic and it's not conducive to an honest discussion about the actual product.


Second...  I'm in the camp that does NOT like this...  Not for $50.  $30, maybe...  I dig the womprat, the paintjob is nice and spiffs it up a bit, but the figures are a detraction from the set to me and have to be factored into the overall "value" here.

I agree here to an extent.  I think the idea is good.  The dome from the Homestead is one of those images that brings you back to ANH.  And seeing that in plastic form is cool.  And a womp rat too?  Very cool indeed!

But there are some definite negatives to go along with the positives.  The price is prohibitive.  Especially because I think the dome itself isn't much better as a set piece than the POTF2 Endor bunker or Hoth playsets.  And both of those sold at a $19.99 price point.

Certainly you also need to factor in the figures as well, but those aren't impressive.  We're getting 2 POTF2 repacks (which look very dated) and a TSC Sandtrooper plus the new Womprat as well as the moisture vaporator.  But even if you price the figures at $5 each, the pack should only cost about $40 at the most.  I feel like those of us who would really like the dome are getting squeezed a bit.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on July 24, 2008, 06:42 PM
I'd really like to get this just for the dome.  Obviously many of us don't need the figures, but Hasbro had to throw something in there.  I just can't see how a dome, 2 old people, a Sandtrooper, and a rat would be appealing to too many folks outside of our realm.  I don't think Target or WM would have picked up this set since it's pretty darned boring, but I'm pretty sure they would have sold it for $10-$15 cheaper.  I think the Sarlac pack will do fine since there's a lot going on there, plus I'm sure it'll be around the $50 range just like last years UBPs.  But this price?  For such a small set?  I recall early on a price of $30-35 and I think that would have been fine for the majority of us, but I really think these things are just going to start piling up at $50.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 24, 2008, 06:56 PM
(http://jediinsider.net/g/generated/2008_SDCC/Preview_Night/Multipacks/Ultimate_Battlepacks/Lars_Homestead/136__scaled_600.jpg)

^ There's clearly some sort of environment on the interior... a table?
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jesse James on July 24, 2008, 07:18 PM
Hasbro said the inside does have a table in oen of the Q&A's recently, but I forget who asked it now...

But they did say inside is just a basic table.  No mention of other stuff for it though (IE: chairs or anything).
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darby on July 24, 2008, 09:07 PM
Outside of the figs, this is a great concept.  $50 however is outrageous.  I appreciate Hasbro taking a leap at playsets and big ships when gas is what it is, but my dollars only go so far and this is not worth $50.  Plain and simple.  Shame.  Was looking forward to it.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Pete_Fett on July 24, 2008, 11:21 PM
I am really excited about this set, but I'm a tad bit disappointed with the price.

The Womprat is a nice addition to the set, the three figures are a wash for me, I'd really be buying this for the hovel part.

What would be really cool is if Hasbro is trying to down-play the fact that hidden in the package will be two burnt skeletons. I know that's wishful thinking, but it would really help sell this set if it came with crispy Owen and Beru. Heck, if it did, I'd even forgive them for packing in these two figures from the 90s.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Sprry75 on July 24, 2008, 11:42 PM
Star Wars is all about creative imagination.

No it's not.  It's about two things: lightsabers and bargains, and this thing's got neither.  Okay, Star Wars isn't about bargains, but still, I would totally buy two of these things if it was just the hovel for $20 each.  That "pull my finger" Owen is one of the worst figures in the entire line.

Is that a womprat, or is it the tusken raider/geonosis dog lizard thing?
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jayson on July 25, 2008, 02:04 AM
Is that a womprat, or is it the tusken raider/geonosis dog lizard thing?

Womprat

(http://www.yakface.com/Features/SDCC2008/hasbro/images6/27.jpg)

Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Sprry75 on July 25, 2008, 08:21 AM
Man, that thing's uuuugly.  They're much cuter in the Star Wars Lego game.  Now I don't feel so bad about Luke targeting them in his T-16.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Phrubruh on July 25, 2008, 10:20 AM
They may be ugly but they sure are good eat'n!

(http://www.dearauntnettie.com/images/26.jpg)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: roron corobb on July 25, 2008, 11:49 PM
I never thought that was a womp rat. I thought they were smaller? It is cool they offered something different in this set. Would have been really cool to get a better Owen and Beru though. I'll be getting this when I see it. I really like the homestead.
roron corobb.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Nicklab on July 26, 2008, 02:24 AM
I never thought that was a womp rat. I thought they were smaller?

[nerd photographic memory]"I used to bullseye womprats in my T-16 back home.  They're not much bigger than 2 meters."[/nerd photographic memory]
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on July 28, 2008, 10:10 AM
I feel like we're being abused with these sets, especially this one. The playset part is really, really cheep to make, probably about as cheep as a basic figure, and the others are just repacks which are even cheeper for Hasbro to produce. Realistically, I would guess that the true retail value of this set should be $25. Everything over that is abuse.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 28, 2008, 11:42 AM
It's definitely overpriced.  That's the price we have to pay for this being a TRU exclusive.  This would probably be $15 or so cheaper at Target (they just overprice the "single figure" exclusives it seems).

$35 or $50... if you're willing to pay $35 or so, then I'd think $50 is doable too.  That's just the price of two figures extra.  Yeah, it's overpriced, but if one wants something that bad, especially considering the thousands of dollars we've already dropped on this line, then I don't see why $15 would stand between adding something this unique into one's collection.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jeff on July 28, 2008, 11:59 AM
I can't really tell what I'm going to do on this set yet.

It looks like a really nice, well scaled/sculpted house, but is it over-priced at $50?  I really have no idea until I have it in my hands and can check it out in person.  Pictures are great, but there is nothing like holding something in your own hands and looking it over yourself. 

$50 is a lot, but TRU has been running a lot of "Spend $x, Get $x off" type coupons that can soften the blow a bit...
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Reid on July 28, 2008, 02:05 PM
$50 is a lot, but I don't buy a lot of big items, so I may consider purchasing this.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 28, 2008, 02:35 PM
It looks like a really nice, well scaled/sculpted house, but is it over-priced at $50?  I really have no idea until I have it in my hands and can check it out in person.  Pictures are great, but there is nothing like holding something in your own hands and looking it over yourself. 

$50 is a lot, but TRU has been running a lot of "Spend $x, Get $x off" type coupons that can soften the blow a bit...

Very good points Jeff.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Dan on July 28, 2008, 05:07 PM
I just can't believe we are looking at those sculpts for the Lars. I love the idea of props/playsets, but that doesn't mean they can't find a way to make them bad.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: David on July 28, 2008, 05:19 PM
2 meters

Why, that's no bigger than a womp rat!

(http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:lIWtgDNaVQVeWM:http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y210/HomerJBrannigan/MayorAdamWest.gif)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on July 28, 2008, 06:06 PM
I guess it's a good thing for business that it went to TRU and not Target, otherwise it'd be 75% off in under 45 days.   It's just so... so... geez.  I like the Womp Rat, and I like the house, but in this configuration it seems like Toys "R" Us could choke on it unless it's part of an elaborate holiday promotion.  I'll be buying one, of course. 

I really hope it does well so other fun bits of scenery could see production in the future.  I really liked the turret.  The pit of carkoon looks like it'll make a nice little display on my shelf.  It's just amusing after years of hearing the phrase "kid appeal" with higher dollar products that something like this comes up, which probably would be one of the most boring gift sets one could find under a tree on Christmas morning.   Unless, you know, you're a collector.  In which case it's pretty awesome.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 28, 2008, 08:38 PM
^ Absolutely Adamn, absolutely. 

Boring non-action feature diorama stuff = cool in my book. 

I hope it does well too, and want to see many more environment pieces such as this, as I've been holding out hope for stuff like this for years... and also trying to make my own/buy them from other customizers.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on July 29, 2008, 07:46 PM
But is it worth $50 to more than just the hardcore crowd?   I personally have real doubts that fans (young or old) are going to support an environment with figures in this configuration.  Maybe if it had Luke, it might sell better to kids... or if it had Camie/Fixer/etc., there might be collectors buying it just for the figures.  But as it stands, it's going to be the building or the womp rat that makes the sale, and I gotta say I don't think it's going to be easy to seal the deal.

With items like this, the Falcon, and the AT-TE, it's going to be very interesting to see where collector dollars go in such a crowded 5 months.   It certainly doesn't provide a lot of bang for the buck, but man, is it neat.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on July 29, 2008, 09:28 PM
Right on every point AP....

I'm not buying this set unless I get a deal on it.  Very boring IMO, but I'd buy it at $35-$40.  I know that TRU charges more for their exclusives, but $50 is beyond insane.

Bring me some blue milk
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jayson on July 29, 2008, 09:55 PM
As much as I like the Homestead, I'll pass on this set until promo/sale comes along. I'll reserve final judgment until I see one in person.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 29, 2008, 10:41 PM
I think it's stating the obvious that this set has questionable pack-ins and that Hasbro is taking a risk here.  In the eyes of collectors they would have been better suited to include different figures instead, and that could also have benefitted TRU as well. 

But, to Adam's point that I find compelling - this set in itself has a lot of competition within its own line in higher ticket items like the Falcon and AT-TE... and let's face it, the repainted ARC ship as well.

Sometimes I feel that a lot of collectors get in a mindset that since Hasbro hasn't been making such items for the past 12+ years, that there's no need to, or that they are doomed to fail before they even hit shelves.  Personally I don't feel that way, and commend Hasbro for trying something like this as there's been a lot of support in the community for this, in spite of a vocal minority attempting to shoot the ideas down.

I'm sure there are a lot of folks who simply look at Hasbro's past playset attempts and use those as a meaure for success or failure.  I don't see that as being an accurate way to judge how this will do however (or the Sarlacc).  Ater all, this isn't an action-oriented gimmick toy like the other things we've seen in the past... also, since ROTS, there is an ever expanding kid market in this line.  Now is the time to release this.  And it might do better than some of us are expecting, might do worse.  We'll have to wait and see. 

Regardless of this item's success or lack of it, for those that really want it, it will be fun to finally get this sucker the first time we see it.   :)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on July 30, 2008, 03:06 AM
I completely agree that now is as good of a time as any to release this item.  For years, we've been seeing Master Replicas, Illusive Originals, Icons, Sideshow, Gentle Giant, and so many others going after the medium dollar and high-end collectible market, while a lot of fans spend just as much if not more on Hasbro goodies annually, just in $5-$30 morsels, save for the odd $50 Ultimate Battle Pack (arguably aimed at gift-givers) and $70 gift set bundle from Diamond and/or Entertainment Earth.

This year, it's ridiculous.  As of last Saturday through the end of the year, there will probably be $600 worth of big ($35+) exclusives coming that we either have had confirmed or vaguely alluded to by Hasbro.   Hopefully Star Wars will continue to be huge and the kids can help support it, because when I know I'll be curious to see what kids buy when faced with a giant ship with a fire-breathing snow monster on the side against two old people, a rat, and a stormtrooper with an igloo.  (Heck, it'd  be a hard decision for me.  I freaking love wampas.)

...and there's tons of $20 vehicles, Battle Packs, Evolutions sets, low-high-end exclusives, basic figures, and other stuff too.

Hopefully it all works out well.  I mean, who wouldn't love to have one or more little scenes like this from each major film?  I'd be quite happy to see a snowy Hoth cave, or the gantry from Cloud City, or Jango's landing pad on Kamino, or, yes, even Palpatine's office.  I can't imagine a year with this much great stuff, but if it all works, odds are we're going to get just as many big ticket items in 2009 or 2010.  I don't think it's even fair to look at past attempts of Hasbro or even Kenner as a comparison, I don't think this much variety has ever been on-shelf at any given time in the past.  (For figures, OK, yes-- but scenes and vehicles?  Not unless you count the micro stuff.)

I can't wait to see what Santa brings us in the future if the market can accept all of these goodies.  Looking at my own collection, I can say it's going to be a tight fit.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 30, 2008, 10:54 AM
I completely agree that now is as good of a time as any to release this item.  For years, we've been seeing Master Replicas, Illusive Originals, Icons, Sideshow, Gentle Giant, and so many others going after the medium dollar and high-end collectible market, while a lot of fans spend just as much if not more on Hasbro goodies annually, just in $5-$30 morsels, save for the odd $50 Ultimate Battle Pack (arguably aimed at gift-givers) and $70 gift set bundle from Diamond and/or Entertainment Earth.

This year, it's ridiculous.  As of last Saturday through the end of the year, there will probably be $600 worth of big ($35+) exclusives coming that we either have had confirmed or vaguely alluded to by Hasbro.   Hopefully Star Wars will continue to be huge and the kids can help support it, because when I know I'll be curious to see what kids buy when faced with a giant ship with a fire-breathing snow monster on the side against two old people, a rat, and a stormtrooper with an igloo.  (Heck, it'd  be a hard decision for me.  I freaking love wampas.)

...and there's tons of $20 vehicles, Battle Packs, Evolutions sets, low-high-end exclusives, basic figures, and other stuff too.

Hopefully it all works out well.  I mean, who wouldn't love to have one or more little scenes like this from each major film?  I'd be quite happy to see a snowy Hoth cave, or the gantry from Cloud City, or Jango's landing pad on Kamino, or, yes, even Palpatine's office.  I can't imagine a year with this much great stuff, but if it all works, odds are we're going to get just as many big ticket items in 2009 or 2010.  I don't think it's even fair to look at past attempts of Hasbro or even Kenner as a comparison, I don't think this much variety has ever been on-shelf at any given time in the past.  (For figures, OK, yes-- but scenes and vehicles?  Not unless you count the micro stuff.)

I can't wait to see what Santa brings us in the future if the market can accept all of these goodies.  Looking at my own collection, I can say it's going to be a tight fit.

I agree, this is some new territory for Hasbro.  I'm very excited about the prospect of more items like this.  Like you, I would love to get an environment or two like this from each film (though I'm afraid one from EPI might not be as popular - any ideas on some that might be interesting?).

The TRU stores in my area at least are cleaned out of figures, and vehicles (save for some Falcons).  One TRU (and a huge one at that) only had 4 figures yesterday - Animated Battle Droid, Yarna, Bane and Mace Windu... that's it!  They still had a few Falcons (it looked like three) and a couple of repacked vehicles (Jedistarfighters)... 

They even had a sign stating something about a limit per customer due to high demand.  :o
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Dave on July 30, 2008, 12:12 PM
The only thing that really worries me about this playset is if it doesn't sell well.  (I personally think its pretty lame at $50).

Hasbro has always said "we're not doing playsets because they don't sell".  Well, I think they may be creating a self fulfilling situation.

I could think of a bunch of potentially more interesting playsets than this one.  Cantina, Jabba's Palace, Ewok Villiage...

I'm just worried they're creating a dog (or is it Womprat?) of a playset that will end up justifying their position that playsets don't sell.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 30, 2008, 12:57 PM
I see your point Dave, and I am a bit worried as well. 

I think the dome itself is fine though.  It's a combination of the price with the old repacks.

Had they somehow pulled this off with the prequel Lars family, then I think this sucker would be flying off the shelves when it hits.  As it stands, we'll have to wait and see... but I'm getting one!  Perhaps two!   :)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Rob on July 30, 2008, 01:07 PM
Weren't we worried about that last year too?  An AT-ST and some repaints or a Turret and some repaints for $50?! 

Those sold well enough that they made more of them.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on July 30, 2008, 01:27 PM
Weren't we worried about that last year too?  An AT-ST and some repaints or a Turret and some repaints for $50?! 

Those sold well enough that they made more of them.

That set had a lot of "action" going on, plus it was an awesome value.  This set - not so much. 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darby on July 30, 2008, 01:43 PM
The PT Lars family would have been a slam dunk.  I'm glad they're doing this, but the price and the figure choices put it out of reach for me. 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on July 30, 2008, 02:29 PM
The PT Lars family would have been a slam dunk.  I'm glad they're doing this, but the price and the figure choices put it out of reach for me. 

Can't say I agree from a sales perspective-- I think it'd be more appealing to those of us who read the boards, but it's still boring, non-action characters with little dialogue and little backstory.  Although I suppose you could fudge it if you built the set up around the comic story in which a cyborg Darth Maul tracks down Luke, and gives Obi-Wan one last fight.  (Goofy, yes.  Sales gold, and prequelish Lars family, also yes.)   But I have little doubt this set's budget went to the playset and the figures are, more or less, an afterthought.

Weren't we worried about that last year too?  An AT-ST and some repaints or a Turret and some repaints for $50?! 

Those sold well enough that they made more of them.

Those had a remarkable amount of marketing behind them (which is probably more important than the product itself), were an awesome value, and also hit extreme clearance in many parts of the country.  In my neck of the woods, they were pretty much gone before the second round of clearances hit BUT I did hear from a lot of fans who got them for $12.24 or whatever it was. Lucky, lucky fans.

Maybe Anakin and his pals hang out there in the Clone Wars movie... that'd help.   I don't know the edition size either, but here's hoping that, like Target's UBPs, there's some crazy huge marketing scheme behind this one as well.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Rob on July 30, 2008, 02:59 PM
Those had a remarkable amount of marketing behind them (which is probably more important than the product itself), were an awesome value, and also hit extreme clearance in many parts of the country.  In my neck of the woods, they were pretty much gone before the second round of clearances hit BUT I did hear from a lot of fans who got them for $12.24 or whatever it was. Lucky, lucky fans.

Yeah but that's mostly Target's problem.  Hasbro had their money.  And whatever the case, Hasbro felt good enough about those to do less exciting, more collector focused ones that have less play value (although I'd say that this only applies to the Homestead one as the Sarlaac Pit has plenty of play value too) .
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 30, 2008, 03:23 PM
On the issue of the $50 sets from last year hitting clearance, that was Target's doing, I think.  They could have sat on them for another month or two and most probably would have sold at full price... in my area, the Hoth ones never even hit clearance that I'm aware of... and this is about 6-7 Targets relatively close.  The Endor sets did at a couple stores, but didn't last long... I don't think I saw a single one of these anywhere outside of a three week window. 

I guess we'll have to wait and see how this Lars set does... I just wish it had been released on 7/26. 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Nicklab on July 30, 2008, 03:43 PM
The potential interest from the casual buyer on this set might be downright tepid.  And I can see longterm collectors being turned off both by the price and the figures.  But Hasbro appears to be taking a chance here.  I'm curious to see how it will play out.

The clearance scam won't work with this, btw.  TRU takes their sweet time to clearance anything.  They've got more shelfspace to spare than the other retailers.  And even when they do clearance items, if they knock $10 off of this set I'd be surprised.  And I wouldn't expect a clearance anytime before Q4 of 2009.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on July 30, 2008, 04:01 PM
I hope this succeeds, this could pave the way for a new Jabba with throne! Maybe it's me, but if it's cool enough and OTC I will buy it. Despite the two geriatric reissues with the same 1997 Pink Newborn Hamster flesh tone I am really digging this set.

TRU always moves their SW exclusives, it may not sell out right away but they will sell through. The lame White Tie Fighter seems to be selling through, that's one of the worst reissues ever. I saw the purpose of the small one but that exclusive was really bad. The Bantha packs were slow sellers but even they sold out eventually without being on clearance. That was a really boring set for kids, think about it. You had a hairy Snuffaluffigas with horns, some desert mummies along with the mommy mummy and her baby mummy. Oh yeah, and the rat dog on a chain....how can I forget.

What Kid does not want to harass & vaporize old people, then pretend that the desert scavenger rat comes to suck the marrow out of their brittle charred bones! Now that's a fun play pattern for Kids!
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on July 30, 2008, 05:49 PM
I hope this succeeds, this could pave the way for a new Jabba with throne!

<snip>

It's my hope/expectation that the as-of-yet unconfirmed-but-mentioned-at-the-panel "Mystery Clone Wars Ultimate Battle Pack" is indeed a Jabba with Throne and a bunch of Clone Troopers.

The clearance scam won't work with this, btw.

Nobody's saying "let's wait for a TRU exclusive clearance sale," because those are like the Easter Bunny.  Target's plenty impatient to clear out, but still, a good exclusive sells *quickly* when put in front of enough people.   There's definitely a "magic number" or "sweet spot," and whatever it is, I think Wal-Mart more or less has it figured out. (And I think it's just foot traffic.)   It's just, as people pointed out, if the Bantha didn't grab the kids, well, I can't say I'm hopeful.  But the Geonosis Arena did just fine, it seems, and I don't think a lot of collectors (save for variant huntin' freaks like me) got excited about that one.

I think the basic point I was trying to make is "as cool as it is, it's probably gonna sit."  TRU's vehicles have done great-- I'm really astonished to see how fast those TIE Interceptors went.  But there's no shortage of Banthas, at least around where I shop, and those had at least some action going on.  Although not much.   Maybe someone will play up the "Troops" angle on all the fan sites and that'd ramp up the interest... I mean, when you think about it from a marketer perspective, there's already a super-popular viral video that will support the set. :)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on July 30, 2008, 06:00 PM
It's my hope/expectation that the as-of-yet unconfirmed-but-mentioned-at-the-panel "Mystery Clone Wars Ultimate Battle Pack" is indeed a Jabba with Throne and a bunch of Clone Troopers.

....and wouldn't that piss everyone off if he's in the animated style.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 30, 2008, 06:08 PM
Animated Jabba w/ new dais... I dunno how I'd react to the Jabba itself, but for the dais, and any sort of surrounding environment, I'd be thrilled. 

I'd just sell off the clones and let my dog use the animated Jabba as a chew toy... give me the environment he's in though, and Hasbro has just reached into my wallet yet again.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on July 30, 2008, 08:05 PM
....and wouldn't that piss everyone off if he's in the animated style.

Not necessarily.  It could be animated, but knowing Hasbro's budgets, it's a lot more likely they would just do a realistic Clone Wars-style set to save on tooling costs.  And if they did an animated one, long-time collectors should be in good shape because you can grab the 2004 release and plonk his delightful self onto the display throne.

...or for all I know, it's Muunilist, or Jabiim, or something else.  That'd just be my guess.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darby on July 30, 2008, 08:54 PM
I think Hasbro has confirmed somewhere (Q&A, or an interview in one of the magazines) that an animated Jabba is coming in a battlepack later this year.  I would be happy if they did tool up a realistic dias, because one assumes a realistic Jabba is inevitable.  As for the PT Lars being a slam dunk, I meant for me.   :)  I don't think they're any more eye catching than what they did.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: David on July 30, 2008, 09:20 PM
What Kid does not want to harass & vaporize old people, then pretend that the desert scavenger rat comes to suck the marrow out of their brittle charred bones! Now that's a fun play pattern for Kids!

(http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Laughing/lol-030.gif)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on July 31, 2008, 10:03 AM
I donno. We've been waiting for these sets ever since Hasbro gave up on playsets way back when. I can't help but feel that Hasbro is making a different mistake that's going to kill any more playset lines. Do collectors want the actual playsets? Absolutely. Are they willing to pay extra for these sets and get a bunch of other items they already have (that aren't army builders?) That's the question.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on July 31, 2008, 10:15 AM
I think that would be a good solution Anton. 

If Hasbro absolutely has to include repacks, why not army builders like you suggest?  For the Target Sarlacc set, I think they're fine with the variety included... you get the Skiff along with some hero and villian figures... essentially a true battle scene.  The Lars homestead really isn't a battle scene in my book.  It's a desert home with blue milk, and it looks cool. 

Since it's hard to really throw in a ton of army builders in this set, unless they went with a few Sandtroopers I suppose, perhaps they could have included a couple Jawas, an R5-D4 with a "light up" feature for when his motivator explodes, and Luke.  I think that might have been better.  Or just a few homestead droids. 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jayson on August 26, 2008, 11:46 AM
RS posted a boxed shot (http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=http://www.rebelscum.com/2008/LarsHomestead.jpg) of this set. Woo Woo  ::). Odd that they didn't use Sandtroopers for the artwork on the packaging and they managed to install the backpack on the sparkling clean trooper upside down.  :P
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: ruiner on August 26, 2008, 11:48 AM
Can't believe the coolest figure in the box is not facing forward.

And that hut gets completely lost in that package....definitely not feeling the $50 value here.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jayson on August 26, 2008, 11:50 AM
Can't believe the coolest figure in the box is not facing forward.

And that hut gets completely lost in that package....definitely not feeling the $50 value here.

Also, you'd think they'd more prominently display the Womprat - the only item in the set worth getting.  :D
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: ruiner on August 26, 2008, 11:51 AM
Oh yeah, I didn't even see him - the only exclusive figure in the box!
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: evenflow on August 26, 2008, 12:12 PM
I am very worried that the womprat did not make it into the set. They mentioned at SDCC it may not be included because of cost. I don't think its in there.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jayson on August 26, 2008, 12:17 PM
I am very worried that the womprat did not make it into the set. They mentioned at SDCC it may not be included because of cost. I don't think its in there.

It's there. You can see him between Beru and the trooper.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on August 26, 2008, 12:21 PM
That's a pretty lame presentation IMO.  This may be the first SW action figure that is packaged ass backwards.  Those figures don't help this set from looking any better and they chose to hide the womprat? ugh..

 Might be a hint that they'll be re-releasing the Sandcrawler again though.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: evenflow on August 26, 2008, 01:39 PM
I am very worried that the womprat did not make it into the set. They mentioned at SDCC it may not be included because of cost. I don't think its in there.

It's there. You can see him between Beru and the trooper.

That makes me feel much better.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: darth punkinhed on August 26, 2008, 02:12 PM
It looks to me that they packed the trooper in backwards to make it appear as if he was approaching them. It looks like crap but that appears to me to be what they were trying to accomplish.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: ruiner on August 26, 2008, 02:29 PM
Wow, I think you're right.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on August 26, 2008, 03:34 PM
It looks to me that they packed the trooper in backwards to make it appear as if he was approaching them. It looks like crap but that appears to me to be what they were trying to accomplish.

I agree.  With the looking like crap part, I mean.  Who the heck packages a set with the most recognizable toy in the box with its backpack facing the buyer?     There's no reason he couldn't approach from the side, for example.

It's neat to see the spare moisture vaporator, but where's the Womp Rat?
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jayson on August 26, 2008, 03:42 PM
It's neat to see the spare moisture vaporator, but where's the Womp Rat?

Sniffing Beru's backside (http://www.galactichunter.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=4714&fullsize=1)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on August 26, 2008, 04:01 PM
I don't really care how the figures are arraged in the package.  I'll be opening this thing.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on August 26, 2008, 07:05 PM
I don't really care how the figures are arraged in the package.  I'll be opening this thing.

For us openers, it doesn't matter-- nor does it matter (as much) to internet buyers.  For people walking in the stores and seeing it, it might be a little bit more off-putting if you can't get a good look at what it is the packaged product is attempting to sell you.   If you can't see the trooper's face, or if you have to pick up and move around the box to get a good look at the womp rat, that's just poor package design.  The box should put your best foot forward, this set seems to hide it behind a middle-aged lady.  The packaging is one of the most important-- if not THE single most important-- piece of marketing a consumer will see before making the final decision to buy the product.  It needs to show all the wonderful features and benefits to the best of its ability, and pretty much every single box Hasbro makes does this.  Their vehicles show off the features nicely, the figure packaging shows off the character in such a great format we collect them by the hundreds, and even the Mighty Muggs packaging is so nice I'd argue it looks as good as or better than the figures.

But this?  Not so great.   When you're used to largely gorgeous packaging, anything less than wonderful is a little off-putting.

I'm curious, if there are any MISB collectors out there-- would you rather see the figure's face when you look at the packaged sample or do you prefer this quasi-diorama-ish packaging?  I thought the Endor and Hoth sets at Target last year were just about perfect (except maybe for the hidden Derlin repaint) when it came to showing off tons of toys in a great way, so this moisture farm set is a little jarring.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on August 26, 2008, 08:23 PM
I agree that the way the trooper is facing is weird, but that's just them trying to make it look like he's approaching them. 

Either way, I think this is aimed more at the collectors than kids or the casual buyer, and they should have included new sculpts for Owen and Beru.  And the real potential problem on this is if we're getting a real value for $50 - which in all reality, we're not.  But I think we all agree on that.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Force Guy on August 26, 2008, 10:12 PM
At $50, $40, even at a mere $20, I don't understand why anyone would consider paying any amount of money for such a crappy set.  I mean, you get two POTF2 repacks, a couple of Sandtroopers, and a horrible looking playset piece (which is the real reason most collectors would like to buy this set).  It's just not worth the price.  Maybe for $10.99.  Maybe.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JangoTat on August 26, 2008, 10:29 PM
At $50, $40, even at a mere $20, I don't understand why anyone would consider paying any amount of money for such a crappy set.  I mean, you get two POTF2 repacks, a couple of Sandtroopers, and a horrible looking playset piece (which is the real reason most collectors would like to buy this set).  It's just not worth the price.  Maybe for $10.99.  Maybe.


A couple of troopers? Did you even look at it man? We get one.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Pete_Fett on August 27, 2008, 12:29 AM
I'm curious, if there are any MISB collectors out there-- would you rather see the figure's face when you look at the packaged sample or do you prefer this quasi-diorama-ish packaging?  I thought the Endor and Hoth sets at Target last year were just about perfect (except maybe for the hidden Derlin repaint) when it came to showing off tons of toys in a great way, so this moisture farm set is a little jarring.

Speaking for myself - this exclusive sets me back $100 plus tax since I'll be getting two. Right there, I'm less than thrilled thanks to the price. It's not like I'm getting $150 worth of BMF value here. This set is hardly worth an eighth of the value of the BMF let alone a third. But I digress...

Like you, my opener side could really care less how it's packaged and as soon as new sculpts of Owen and Beru come out, these two figures go straight to the trash. It's really just a great chance to have the set piece, which isn't "great" - but it's "okay" and it will make a semi-nice display in my ANH cabinet.

My MISB side hates the way things are presented and yes, compared to the UBPs from Target last year, this thing looks like the same WalMart greeter who plans waves and case-packs also designed this. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is an early sample and it gets fixed before mass production.

God, I need to get sleep, my answer sounds like a cheesy frosted mini-wheats commercial. My frosted side likes the Womprat, but my wheat side really likes looking at the ass of the Sandtrooper....  ::)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on August 27, 2008, 12:55 AM
I think the real problem lies in the price for what we're getting, and that might come down to the retailer that is carrying it as an exclusive.  If it was at Walmart, I think it would be about $20 cheaper.

Also, I look at it this way - the Legends line, and Wave 3 (repaints) are a waste of my money.  Whatever I'm saving by not getting those, goes towards this. 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Biffette on August 27, 2008, 01:53 AM
I think the design choice is actually a smart move on Hasbro's part.  If you rotate the box ninety degrees (and if that side of the box has transparent plastic) you will see Lars and Beru facing the Stormtrooper, and you will also be able to get a look inside the dome.  TRU can choose to display multiple boxes in a smaller area by simply "facing" the narrow end instead of the broad side.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on August 27, 2008, 09:38 AM
This is one of those few instances in where the more I see of an item, the less I want it.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Brian on August 27, 2008, 09:52 AM
Yeah, I'm really on the fence with this one too.  The price is what gets me, mainly.  I'd really like the Lars "hut", and don't necessarily mind the Beru/Owen figures since I don't have them (although new would have been much better, and the Womprat is cool - but all of it just doesn't seem worth $50.  I would have felt more comfortable with $40 even, although $30 seems to be a little more fair - even considering TRU's higher prices on exclusives.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on August 27, 2008, 03:25 PM
I agree that the way the trooper is facing is weird, but that's just them trying to make it look like he's approaching them. 

Either way, I think this is aimed more at the collectors than kids or the casual buyer, and they should have included new sculpts for Owen and Beru.  And the real potential problem on this is if we're getting a real value for $50 - which in all reality, we're not.  But I think we all agree on that.

Right, and that's bad packaging design.  You wouldn't see a carded figure of a Sandtrooper facing you backwards unless it was a factory accident.  However, I will totally agree with you on this not being a real value. :)   With 3 figures at-- and I'm being generous here-- $7.99 a whack, plus a Womp Rat which-- again, being generous here, let's put it at $8 with the moisture vaporator, we're looking at $32 for everything that ISN'T the home.

Which puts the home at about $20, meaning it should be at least as neat as a TIE Fighter or a new small vehicle.  And it isn't.  (Maybe this is going to be some supremely limited edition and a year from now everybody who passed on it will be crying.  Hey, it can happen.)  Call me spoiled after we've seen so many decent deals (Diamond's $35-$40 Death Star Briefing had 7 figures, EE's $70 Elite Forces set had 14 figures, Target's exclusive $20 Battle Packs typically have 5 figures, etc.) but this one is hard to peg.  The closest thing I could compare it to was the 2007 Bantha set at TRU, as that had 3 whole figures (4 if you count the toddler) and a refurred Bantha for $45.

...actually, with the Bantha pack in mind, this doesn't really seem all that far out there in terms of its pricing.  It's certainly reusing less attractive molds, but considering rising toy prices and the fact it's a new mold for a critter and a display area, eh.  I hate it when my gut feeling of "overpriced, blargh" becomes replaced by "well, I guess it makes sense given this and that."
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: ruiner on August 27, 2008, 03:52 PM
I can convince myself that $8 figures are a value if I think about it long enough.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Force Guy on August 27, 2008, 04:58 PM
...actually, with the Bantha pack in mind, this doesn't really seem all that far out there in terms of its pricing.

But you really cannot compare the Bantha pack with this crappy set.  The Bantha pack had, well, a Bantha.  The Bantha is BIG.  The Bantha initially had a $30 price point (with the POTF2 line) and came with one figure.  How can you compare the Bantha to a crappy, significantly smaller piece of desert igloo?  And c'mon, we all know that the main appeal of this upcoming set isn't the crappy POTF2 repacks (or, to be PC, the "less attractive molds" pack-in).  It's the playset piece, which is certainly NOT worth anything close to $50.         


Quote
I hate it when my gut feeling of "overpriced, blargh" becomes replaced by "well, I guess it makes sense given this and that."

That's the type of "logic" needed to justify and convince yourself of making a not so sensible purchase.   
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on August 27, 2008, 06:53 PM
But you really cannot compare the Bantha pack with this crappy set.  The Bantha pack had, well, a Bantha.  The Bantha is BIG.  The Bantha initially had a $30 price point (with the POTF2 line) and came with one figure.  How can you compare the Bantha to a crappy, significantly smaller piece of desert igloo?  And c'mon, we all know that the main appeal of this upcoming set isn't the crappy POTF2 repacks (or, to be PC, the "less attractive molds" pack-in).  It's the playset piece, which is certainly NOT worth anything close to $50.         

Can't you?  The appeal of the Bantha pack wasn't the Tuskens either-- extra figures packed in are an excuse to raise the price.  And what you have with the Bantha pack was a $30 toy with new fur (less the $5 for the missing POTF2 Tusken), a $5 Tusken Female from 2002, another $5 Tusken with Massiff from 2002, and a $10 (let's be generous) VTSC Tusken.

The Bantha was a barely modified version of an existing mold.  And it isn't really all that big.   The desert igloo is an entirely new mold, which required new development costs.  Also, the Womp Rat isn't free.  So the Lars Homestead set has new molds in it, and the Bantha doesn't.  Considering Hasbro's products have had one (and are about to have a second) across-the-board price increase soon, well, it doesn't seem quite as outlandish.

I'm not saying the Lars Homestead set is as fun as a Bantha, or as neat as a Bantha, or as interesting to me personally as a Bantha.  But as the sets go as a sum-of-the-parts, they're somewhat comparable.   It's not as fun, of course, but I'd be curious to know the actual development costs against that of, say, a Hoth Turret.   (And having a few dealings with Hasbro exclusives, I can say it's not always possible to get newly molded figures.)

...I'll give you "crappy" for the figures they picked.  That's totally fair.   But still, crappy costs money, and even POTF2 figures have to cost something.  It's not like they'd be $5 if Hasbro put 'em out on Legacy cards today.  But still... $50... gah.   What would you guys think the Lars homestead piece by itself should cost, anyway?  $20-$25?  (That'd be my estimate.  Even if it isn't quite as exciting as a vehicle.)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Force Guy on August 27, 2008, 10:23 PM
But still... $50... gah.   What would you guys think the Lars homestead piece by itself should cost, anyway?  $20-$25? 

More like $10.  Tops.  It would make more sense to release the homestead piece by itself and keep the crappy POTF2 repacks.  And the Womp Rat?  They can keep that, too.   
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jesse James on August 28, 2008, 01:55 AM
I don't care how you rationalize plopping (and I stress "plop", as in taking a dump in a deep dark toilet), $50 for this is too much to stomach for me.  I'm passin' on it.  I don't care if it is worth $400 in a year either.  This is just one of those things that's become a very easy item to pass on.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: ruiner on August 28, 2008, 08:33 AM
  The appeal of the Bantha pack wasn't the Tuskens either-- extra figures packed in are an excuse to raise the price. 

I think you're mistaken here.  I believe the extra figures are included to increase the play value.  How boring would that Bantha look without those Tusken Raiders?  You know collectors aren't the only ones supporting this line.

Similarly, if you think that sand hut looks lame now in the box, imagine how it would look without the figures.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on August 28, 2008, 03:10 PM
  The appeal of the Bantha pack wasn't the Tuskens either-- extra figures packed in are an excuse to raise the price. 

I think you're mistaken here.  I believe the extra figures are included to increase the play value.  How boring would that Bantha look without those Tusken Raiders?  You know collectors aren't the only ones supporting this line.

That's one way to spin it. :)  Adding extra product is a great way to squeeze a few extra dollars from the customers (both Toys "R" Us and any collectors/parents/kids).   *A* Tusken is necessary, a Tusken clan?  Not so much.

Play value is absolutely important, but is there a reason it *had* to be a $45 set?  Why sell you a $30 Bantha when you can sell a $45 gift set?  Sure, it's more play value.  But call me a cynic, I don't think Hasbro takes an existing product and adds more to it just to give a kid a good time.  (Especially since, and correct me if I'm wrong here, I don't think a lot of kids get birthday presents and holiday gifts at the $50 price point unless they've been VERY good that year.  At $45, you're probably looking at special occasions or collectors.  Or, of course, spoiled kids.)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Morgbug on August 28, 2008, 03:37 PM
I'm going out on a limb here and suggesting ruiner's comment was more sarcastic than anything else.  Hasbro continually feeds the line about kids being the major consumers and I think there are relatively few here that agree. 

I would suggest that they have done a smart thing with the Clone Wars movie in targeting kids as the next generation of collectors, but I don't think things like this, as you have said, are targeted at the kids as a great many things shouldn't be (cough*Indiana Jones*cough).
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: ruiner on August 28, 2008, 04:01 PM
No, I was serious. 

I know the hut isn't targeted towards kids (one of the few exceptions) but like I asked before, can you imagine how poor the presentation would appear if it were packaged by itself?  The figures included help tell a story.  Without them it's just a lame sand igloo.  It's not even Star Wars to most people without the figures.  Why do you think there are two large stormtroopers plastered on the front panel?

The same question applies to the Bantha.  No, three Tuskens were not required but in Hasbro's defense they are trying to tell a story with each sku (their words, not mine) and I think it makes sense as a strategy.

And yes, as a result the price goes up but I think it's worth it if the perceived value is there.

Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Morgbug on August 28, 2008, 04:59 PM
Damn, my mistake. 

I stick by my opinions on the targeting. :-X
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: EpicGon on August 30, 2008, 02:38 AM
Why only 3 action figures and a scurrier? it is good, but needs more sandtroopers
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Dressel Rebel on August 30, 2008, 07:32 PM
Wait.  What's the price of this thing?
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Muftak on August 30, 2008, 07:44 PM
Fifty bucks was what we've all been going by, but the speculation about the Target UBPs being sixty here in the Clone Wars UBP thread (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=18116.0) really puts that up for debate.

It's sad because, ugly pack-in figures or not, I would have been all over this thing three years ago. Now I think it is a nice idea, but far too little too late. Last year I made a decision of how I would display my collection, and this just doesn't fit my plans at all.

Maybe in a few years when I upgrade to a real collection room I can pick up one of these off of eBay/trading on the cheap. Til then, I'm not gonna miss it.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Dressel Rebel on August 30, 2008, 08:56 PM
Fifty bucks was what we've all been going by, but the speculation about the Target UBPs being sixty here in the Clone Wars UBP thread (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=18116.0) really puts that up for debate.


Okay this thing is very overpriced then.  For this price I better have an all new Owen and Beru with 14 points of articulation and a bunch of sandtroopers.

The dwelling itself is worth about $15.  Hold it up next to a Homing Spider Droid or a Torrent Fighter that you can get for $20 and that should be self explanatory.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on August 31, 2008, 09:52 AM
This TRU set is $60, the Target sets are still supposed to be $50, last I heard.

BTW, Bluesnaggletooth found one (Lars Homestead) here in LA. Didn't say what he paid for it.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on September 1, 2008, 10:10 AM
Update: Crunchy Nug (a local) said he found a couple and that the price was $50.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Force Guy on September 1, 2008, 10:47 PM
Update: Crunchy Nug (a local) said he found a couple and that the price was $50.

Did he say whether or not that $50 price point included lubricant? 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jesse James on September 2, 2008, 01:37 AM
No, but it included a "Mister Fister" attachment, and directions with where/how to insert.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on September 2, 2008, 09:46 AM
I held one myself yesterday. $50.

Although I didn't buy it, I was tempted. Despite my moaning and groaning, the dome really does look nice.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: ruiner on September 2, 2008, 10:05 AM
Oh, I'm sure it did - just not $50 nice.

Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on September 2, 2008, 10:52 AM
I'll get it and just brown bag lunch for a week.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: knashdx on September 2, 2008, 10:52 AM
Crappiest battle Pack ever....


Not worth $50.


Why have the Jawa Sandcrawler in the picture?
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth Broem on September 2, 2008, 11:03 AM
This would have been the perfect time for them to add some cool weapons for Owen and Beru to use to.  We could have had an SA Owen and Beru packing heat against the stormtroopers.  I guess Luke took the only weapon the family owned with that big long rifle with him.  Must have left the Lars defenseless. 

I will still be tempted to get this thing for the dome.  To bad it was not $35.00.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: evenflow on September 2, 2008, 11:54 AM
I still want one. Will try to hit up TRU today after work.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jesse James on September 2, 2008, 02:08 PM
I like that Owen's best offense is to point his finger and put his other hand on his hip scolding the Stormtroopers, and Beru just pours them a drink and makes them a sammich.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on September 3, 2008, 10:23 PM
I just bought this in LA and I can confirm that it does indeed suck and/or blow.  The packaging issues aside, the dealbreaker for me here is that the base is a vacuum-formed thin and flimsy plastic.  The actual Lars igloo element is pretty good-- not super-thick, but it feels like it might make a reasonable toy. There's a table under the igloo that's the same color as Beru's blue milk accessories (which were NOT included) and is made from a similar feeling plastic as those accessories.

I feel like the base desert component will, over time, be one of the most broken items in collections.  It really doesn't feel sturdy at all, and I would say it feels like a Halloween costume mask-- you know the kind, with the crappy piece of elastic on it.

I can safely say-- without exaggeration-- with the exception of MAYBE the metal hilt/plastic blade lightsabers-- this may be the flimsiest feeling toy Kenner or Hasbro produced in the modern line.  I'd say it seemed barely worth the $49.99 on paper, but now that I have it in my hands, I can say if you're on the fence, don't bother.  Although it may be worth it if you don't have the figures or vaporator.

Oh, and the Womp Rat is a single-piece PVC figure with no articulation.  Owen and Beru have paint jobs about a half a notch below their original releases.  The Sandtrooper is really just fine, but is missing his Saga/Saga Legends accessories.

I know a lot of people say "don't wait for clearance," but seriously, wait for clearance.  Or coupons.  I had some bonus store credit and even with a decent discount, I think I'd feel this is-- at best-- a $25-$30 piece.   If they used a better plastic for the base, it'd be a good item at-- maybe-- $40ish.

I am now officially nervous to see how the Pit of Carkoon turns out.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Force Guy on September 3, 2008, 10:36 PM
Hey Adam...can I say "I told you so" now? 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on September 3, 2008, 10:50 PM
Hey Adam...can I say "I told you so" now? 

Are you implying that I would listen to *anyone* before deciding not to purchase a Star Wars action figure toy for my collection? :)

If they ditched the vac-form plastic, I wouldn't complain.  That's basically a dealbreaker.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jesse James on September 3, 2008, 11:24 PM
Quote
the dealbreaker for me here is that the base is a vacuum-formed thin and flimsy plastic.

I have something similar, actually, for a Power Team Elite toy...  PTE is basically a knock-off military line, and they sell various vehicles and stuff, but that aside they sold a Navy SEAL boat last year, which is a quite nice toy in general, and it came with a "water" base for the boat to sit on and look like it's cruising over the waves...  It's the same vacu-formed super thin plastic you're describing Adam.  It can take sitting on a shelf but as a toy it's doomed to crack and break.

Knowing that's what Hasbro did for the base for this, and that vacu-forming is insanely cost-efficient (IE: Cheap), that just makes passing this up that much easier to me.  It sounds like the dome isn't even all that fabulous actually, so yeah this is easily a lame move by Hasbro. 

I've been at this hobby for long before there was even a modern line, and I can safely say I'm fidning it easier and easier to pass stuff up.  The price usually is enough for me...  I'm not nearly as forgiving as some of you guys are on rationalizing it being "quality for the cost", but stuff like this coupled with the cost is making it easier for me to just say no...  I know I'm not biting on that Durge comic pack.  A price hike and no articulation increase despite being told we would get one.  **** that.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on September 4, 2008, 08:56 AM
Thanks for taking the bullet for the team Adam! I'm not going to think twice about not picking it up now.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Force Guy on September 4, 2008, 09:48 AM
Hey Adam...can I say "I told you so" now? 

Are you implying that I would listen to *anyone* before deciding not to purchase a Star Wars action figure toy for my collection? :)


Yet, you give critiques on several SW items on forums, websites, etc.  Ironic, isn't it?   ;D

It looked like a piece of crap before, and low and behold, it was.  That's all I'm saying...
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Brian on September 4, 2008, 10:31 AM
Thanks for the news/review on this set Adam.  I'm one of those who was/is "on the fence", mostly due to the pricepoint, and your viewpoints might just cause me to pass on this altogether.  I really wanted to get the "igloo", but $50 seemed too much before - and definitely does now.  I guess I can just hope I can pick it up cheaper later on.  Personally, I don't have the Owen or Beru figures - but neither seem to be much to write home about, so I might just wait for possible future re-dos - or pick them up cheaper on ebay.  If this were $20 (or even $10) cheaper, I probably wouldn't hesitate.  With so many of us running out of room, and trying to stick to a budget, I don't know if this was a great decision by Hasbro.  If they wanted to charge $50 for it, how about sticking the Saga Landspeeder in there with the set piece instead - and maybe a repack of VOTC Luke or something instead of the craptastic Beru and Owen (since you know we wouldn't get all-new versions here).  Anyways, thanks for the thoughts, I think it will help a lot of us decide on this one.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Pete_Fett on September 4, 2008, 01:39 PM
Boy this set just gets worse and worse.

Why did they even bother?
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on September 4, 2008, 01:53 PM
I'm still glad that Hasbro did give something like this a shot, but at the same time aggravated because it's sounding like their delivery is going to piss away the chance at more mini diorama/playsets or whatever they are.

I'll still fork over the $50 though when I see it.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on September 4, 2008, 04:04 PM
Yet, you give critiques on several SW items on forums, websites, etc.  Ironic, isn't it?   ;D

It looked like a piece of crap before, and low and behold, it was.  That's all I'm saying...

Some people tell jokes on network TV at 11:30 at night.  Some people write books.  Others work in offices, help people get well, and cure diseases.

I play with and write about small plastic men.  You may as well ask a bird not to sing, or to vomit into the mouths of its young.

I played with it more since I got it and once you remove the igloo from the base, it's less crappy.  Expensive, sure, but it's amazing what juxtaposing an item of modest quality (the igloo) next to a piece of junk (the base) can do for the entire package.  Hasbro may have been better served to merely have sandy-colored cardboard, just because it would remove the "bad" element and just have fewer overall pieces.

I'm not like CHEWIE-- I have no talent, no skills, and can't make a cool custom to save my life.   But *I* could replicate the base out of actual sand sold at TRU, a comb, and, I presume, some hairspray.  (Hey, I've played in the sandbox, I know the score here.)

Also, if you get one of these, take a look at the bottom of the igloo.  There are some holes near the entrance that almost look to me as if there was another kind of base originally planned for this item.  It wouldn't surprise me if they downgraded it as Hasbro talked a lot about costing this item out at Comic-Con and it sounds like there were definite budget considerations in its development.

Given the chance I'd still buy it again.  I wouldn't suggest everyone else do so, but I like to get my hands on these things.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on September 4, 2008, 05:08 PM
Hopefully there's enough people like you and me Adam that will buy this thing, even though it's clearly not the quality or value that it should be.  If it were a vehicle they screwed up this bad on, then for me at least it *might* be a different story... but seeing that this is the closed thing to a playset that I like in the modern line, I'm getting it. 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on September 4, 2008, 05:27 PM
Well, I just hope people who buy it know what they're getting, be it from something they read on forums, a hands-on play test, or a good examination of the toy in the store.  Surprises aren't welcome when it comes to this sort of thing, especially given the quality of previous Hasbro playsets and environments.

If the Sarlacc is like this-- and I'm going to bet that it will be-- I'd be fine never seeing another environment out of Hasbro again.  (And that might hurt even worse, because the figures are recycled from a Battle Pack, the Skiff is recycled, and the selling point IS the mound of dirt.)  If the selling point of the $60 set is essentially a flimsy, disposable piece, why bother going down this road?

I miss cardboard.  At least they passed the savings along, and they store flat.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Hobbie on September 4, 2008, 05:46 PM
Well, I always wanted the igloo, but I expect a little more for $30 than this igloo. 

Right now, you can buy a Hoth bp with 5 figures, including a big probe droid and a repainted R5-M2 for $20.  This set has 3 reissued characters plus the igloo and a womp rat of the same size as that wolf thing that was released a couple times with a tusken and a geonesian.  Assuming the womp rat is equal to the value of the probe droid + R5-M2, (which of course it isn't) that leaves the igloo for $30, which is the same price point we've seen the X-Wing, ARC fighter, etc for. 

To make this worthwhile, or at least not an insult, they should have included 2 troopers and that little light-up green security droid.  Actually, that still wouldn't have made this worthwhile...
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Rob on September 5, 2008, 06:13 PM
I bit the bullet today and bought this.  Maybe if I waited a few months I could get one for less at a show or something, but I never find good clearance deals at TRU and I'm starting a big re-do of the shelves this weekend and wanted to have this now to be able to factor it in.  I'm also trying to look at it as a waste of $20 instead of a waste of $50, since I'd have gladly paid $30 for it.

Oh well.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Rob on September 6, 2008, 12:43 PM
After opening it up I was also surprised by the flat out cheapness of the plastic they used for the base.  It feels like a throwaway Halloween decoration or a cheap plastic mask or something.  Not sturdy at all.  I'm thinking about taking the hut off of it and throwing it into the closet.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on September 6, 2008, 03:36 PM
I feel the same way Rob.  I really like the hut - it looks fantastic.  The base though is really weak... yeuck.  Overpriced, but I'm still glad that I picked this up.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Force Guy on September 6, 2008, 09:11 PM
After opening it up...

Overpriced, but I'm still glad that I picked this up.

Suckers.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Morgbug on September 10, 2008, 08:20 PM
This oughta make y'all smile:  it is listed in TRU Canada's computer at $39.99 :-X
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JangoTat on September 10, 2008, 08:47 PM
This oughta make y'all smile:  it is listed in TRU Canada's computer at $39.99 :-X

 :o

so not only is the AT-TE like $5 cheaper in canada but this thing is 10? I guess the price is easier to swallow but I am still skipping it.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: ruiner on September 10, 2008, 10:27 PM
I bit the bullet today and bought this.  Maybe if I waited a few months I could get one for less at a show or something, but I never find good clearance deals at TRU and I'm starting a big re-do of the shelves this weekend and wanted to have this now to be able to factor it in.  I'm also trying to look at it as a waste of $20 instead of a waste of $50, since I'd have gladly paid $30 for it.

Oh well.

Be honest.  You bought it just for the womprat didn't you?

Title: Re: Disturbance at the Lars Homestead Scene Pack?
Post by: Jeff on September 11, 2008, 09:41 AM
This oughta make y'all smile:  it is listed in TRU Canada's computer at $39.99 :-X

Well, when it first appeared in our TRU computers, it was $35...

From the TRU computer (courtesy of RS):

059672 - $34.99 Ex Disturbance at Lars Homestead

Either you guys didn't get the price bump we did or your lazy TRU employees haven't updated the price yet...
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Morgbug on September 11, 2008, 10:10 AM
Interesting.  I'll let you know when it comes out.  Not that I'll be buying it. 

At the same time, the AT-TE was $5 cheaper up here, so strange things do happen on occasion.  It certainly is hard to accept the notion we might get something cheaper, but I guess times change.  Our dollar is moderately stable at $0.96 US, a far cry from what it was six years ago.  Third world we may still be, but it seems you've sunk to our level ;)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jesse James on September 12, 2008, 12:40 AM
MMMMMmmmmm  I can almost taste the Pemacan trading.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on September 14, 2008, 06:11 PM
I picked this set up today - as in lifted it off the shelf to check it out and set it back down.  Nice dome, but I have no idea where TRU came up with a $50 pricepoint.  Sure they charge more for their exclusives which has come to be expected, but WTF happend on this set?  I would have reluctantly bit at $30 - $35 which was what was first reported, but there's no way in hell they're getting $50 from me for the dome and some lame outdated figures.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth Broem on September 22, 2008, 11:03 PM
I saw this set today at TRU.  I love the dome itself.  Unfortunately I can't do it guys/gals.  I cannot plunk down the $50 for this set.  At least not right now.  It truly is priced $15-20 more than it should be.  When they so much other cooler items on the shelves I just can't plunk down a 50 spot for this item.  I will go for the Sarlacc set though. 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jayson on September 22, 2008, 11:07 PM
Hell, tonight I had a $20 gift card from buying the TFU game and still couldn't bring myself to buy it. I grabbed an Evo set I needed instead. I don't recall an item that has been more panned than this "turd in the punch bowl".
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on September 24, 2008, 03:39 PM
I bit the bullet on this item on Friday. It's a mixed bag for me, the Womprat and dome are great, they are the saving grace that made the purchase worthwhile. The Sandtrooper and the Evaporator are really nice too but been there done that. The two Old folks from 97/98 and the styrene sand base are what really brings down the set. I agree this is $10-$15 too much, hell even $39.99 would have been easier to swallow. Despite all of that I am glad they made an attempt, the dome itself looks great in Dioramas.

I will support the Sarlacc too, hopefully given time Hasbro will get the ball rolling making these kind of sets truly special. It takes time to get these things right so I will give Hasbro some slack. (FYI - TRU set the price not Hasbro) Unfortunately for them they raised the bar so high people get overly critical when they fall short.

Let's see the Sarlacc before final judgment is passed with Hasbro and "Play sets".
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on September 24, 2008, 03:56 PM
Agreed... and I wonder how much TRU is marking these up.  If they're only making a 30-35% profit, then I think Hasbro is charging them too much.  But if this thing is marked up 50-60% or something, then I think the real problem lies in TRU on this one; not Hasbro.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on September 25, 2008, 09:25 AM
Agreed... and I wonder how much TRU is marking these up. 

Whatever it is, it's the standard retail mark-up. These things seldom work on a slide rule.  :D
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on September 25, 2008, 10:35 AM
Even on exclusives?  In my experience in retail, there can be a huge variance.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JangoTat on September 25, 2008, 10:40 PM
someone take pictures. I want to see the crappyness of this set.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jayson on September 25, 2008, 10:48 PM
someone take pictures. I want to see the crappyness of this set.

Chewie took some pics of his playset. Feast your eyes on an igloo sitting in dogshit (http://www.yakfaceforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=50389#50389).
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth Broem on September 26, 2008, 12:27 AM
Ugh,  it's just frustrating.  I really do want them to make playsets or dioramas.  But man that thing is just too much money for what it is.  There is no play value at all.  Yeah the roof comes off but all you get is an incredibly lame table.  Barbie and Ken have better table accesories than that thing.  Then you get 2 lame figures from the tale end of the last century.  The womp rat is boring.  The vaporator and sandtrooper are okay of course.  But for $50 there has to be something more exciting to this Hasbro.  Add the garage or the Lar's family speeder.  Or even Luke's landspeeder.  Spice the damn thing up big H.   Of course it will not sell well and they will say "playsets and dioramas just don't sell."  Well yeah when the final product is this lame sure it won't. 

Sorry, just disappointed in this thing.  Anyway, crank out the damn Death Star Playset.  It's been 13 years overdue anyway. 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jesse James on September 26, 2008, 01:50 AM
I hate to be the Debbie Downer here though, but Hasbro's said what you get for what you pay is going to be something like this...  They didn't lie to us, this thing is what they said basically they can deliver for $50.  Some old figures and a single-piece of molded plastic...  They've always been honest that Playsets = lotsa moolah though.

I agree wholeheartedly though that this isn't worth $50, not by a longshot.  I just think that, according to everything they've always said, this is what we have to expect from them for that price.  Expecting more just isn't going to happen.

The Falcon is $150, it's "iconic", it's not exclusive because of the material it's based on so it can be sold at every major retailer, and it even has at least some "major event" helping it go along.  It's more akin to what people want I think as far as detailing goes and whatnot.  I guarantee there's little "corner cuts" Hasbro made there though to bring it in at $150 even, and even at $150 I can't say the Falcon's a runaway hit (at least not near me, I see them just about everywhere I go readily available).

I do think the Falcon is more akin to what people want in terms of the quality in a "playset", but how many things could Hasbro make that have that level of appeal/iconic status that kids would want them too, and would they be as grand as the Falcon?  Would they be even something all the major retailers would want to pick up or would they fall to exclusive status and a higher pricepoint (likely)?

Tough to say...  I just know looking at the Tatooine Igloo there, I'm not impressed and won't support it, not for $50.  $30, and I'd probably bite.  The Sandtrooper, Womprat, and Vaporator would be enough to make me take the hit at $30 for a very nice display piece for my Tatooine shelf.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Phrubruh on September 26, 2008, 09:35 AM
Did you notice in the background they put an old dewback with the buff-style sandtrooper?

(http://www.yakface.com/toyguide/dioramas/chewie/090608home2.jpg)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on September 26, 2008, 10:28 AM
Even on exclusives?  In my experience in retail, there can be a huge variance.

If there's a variance, it's usually on the side of less mark up for promotional sake.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on September 26, 2008, 01:42 PM
Did you notice in the background they put an old dewback with the buff-style sandtrooper?

(http://www.yakface.com/toyguide/dioramas/chewie/090608home2.jpg)

Yeah, I did see that - pretty funny.  I dig the dio they made for it, but that really just shows me that know the base is lame.  Heh.  At least the dome is removable.

This thing seems to have a lower approval rating than Congress... yet, I'm not seeing them sitting at TRU.  I couldn't find one if I hadn't gotten it the first day it was out here in St. Louis.  There's three different TRU in my area that I hit on a semi-regular basis, and no stores in my area have had them in a couple weeks now.  I suppose that more could be on the way, and they'll sit, but so far they haven't been a hindrance that I can see.

I wonder if they hadn't made a base for it, and instead had included a Dewback, if people would like it better.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: darthjaybay on September 26, 2008, 02:05 PM
I saw four of them at my TRU a week ago and passed.  Decided i wanted to get it (for the dome only), went back yesterday and they were all gone.  Hope they get more in!
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on September 27, 2008, 09:57 AM
Hope they get more in!

I don't think you have to worry about that.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Ice on September 27, 2008, 03:23 PM
I really think TRUS gets offered the stuff WalMart and Target pass on $50 bucks for this piece of crap! JUSt SAY NO to harbro when they try and push this crap on us their loyal customer base, this thing is a disgrace!  ;D
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Brian on October 7, 2008, 01:05 PM
I saw one of these on the shelf at our local TRU this weekend, but at $50, I just couldn't pull the trigger.  I'd really like to have the hut (and I actually don't have the earlier craptastic Beru/Owen either), but it just seems like a lot of money for what it is.  Plus, the online reviews were less than stellar, so I held off for now.  If it was $30, I'd have bought it for sure, but right now I'm still on the fence with it.  I may wait for a sale/coupon as well, and see if that works out.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: evenflow on October 7, 2008, 01:11 PM
My girlfriend surprised me and got the set for me ;D
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on October 7, 2008, 01:16 PM
I have a $10 off any $75 purchase I got a few weeks back, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet.  $35 - like first reported would have been much more manageable (with the $10 off coupon of course) 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JediJman on October 7, 2008, 09:50 PM
I have a $10 off any $75 purchase I got a few weeks back, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet.  $35 - like first reported would have been much more manageable (with the $10 off coupon of course) 

This should have been $29.99 or less along with the other battle packs.  I still get pissed every time I hear about this stupid set.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: jedi_master_sal on October 9, 2008, 09:52 AM
One big problem too is that TRU is NOT known for clearance/discounts. So this thing is going to collect some major dust on their shelves. I want the set, but won't buy it for that much. I really only want the hut and womprat. The figures I could care less about.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on October 9, 2008, 09:55 AM
You got that right Sal. My stores are still sitting on tons of Bantha's and Geonosis Arena sets. They're pretty beat up, but they're still sitting on them.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Brian on October 9, 2008, 09:59 AM
Yeah, the only things I ever really notice TRU clearancing out are things like the Golden Compass figures, or crap like that.  Its pretty rare when you see any Star Wars stuff getting the clearance stickers.  Heck, our local store has a display within the front store "Clone Wars" display full of Elis Herlots for $7.99 each.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: David on October 9, 2008, 10:00 AM
Heck, our local store has a display within the front store "Clone Wars" display full of Elis Herlots for $7.99 each.

Same here, only with Juno Eclipse and Pit Droids. It's pretty funny.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on October 9, 2008, 11:01 AM
$50 seems to be the new favorable exclusive price point. Target TRU and WM all have that magical price point this year. All of the retailers are got wise to the fact that these will sell no matter what. So far I am 2 for 3 with plunking down the money for them It will soon be 3 for 3 when the Sarlacc UBP gets released. Face it, they got us by the balls with these. I sold all 3 figures from the Lars set to make up some of the cost but I still like this item a lot. If the base was "real" plastic I would not have a second thought.

Those who plan on waiting for this set to be put on clearance can join those who waited for the Saga2 Endor AT-AT, Saga2 Dagobah X-Wing, TAC Bantha BP. Those 3 items never went on clearance. There is still hope as some TRU's have the X-Wings and Bantha's still hanging around........
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: jedi_master_sal on October 9, 2008, 12:31 PM
They don't have me by the nads. I've passed on a whole lot of crapola this year.

I'm not taking the chance that I can sell the unwanted figures. The set even WITH the figures shouldn't be any more than $35. At that price I'd buy it and then take a chance on selling the figs. I don't want to start out with what I perceive as being $15 in the hole with this set.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Rob on October 9, 2008, 10:39 PM
Those who plan on waiting for this set to be put on clearance can join those who waited for the Saga2 Endor AT-AT, Saga2 Dagobah X-Wing, TAC Bantha BP. Those 3 items never went on clearance. There is still hope as some TRU's have the X-Wings and Bantha's still hanging around........

I can't remember the last time I found anything on clearance at TRU.  That's why I just bought the damn thing the first time I saw it.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on October 10, 2008, 01:00 PM
I bought this over a month ago, and haven't looked back.  Glad that it's set up in a diorama and is now collecting dust on my shelves rather than at TRU.

On Monday, my TRU had 4 more of these in... went back yesterday and only one was left.  So apparently not everyone and their mother is passing on it.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JesseVader08 on October 11, 2008, 03:15 PM
I only saw this at TRU once - I loved the look of the hut, but I just couldn't convince myself to pay the steep cost for it.

Of course, now they're out of stock and I'm having second thoughts.  I just wish I could take a closer look at it again and finally decide whether to grab it or not.  :-\
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Ryan on October 11, 2008, 03:24 PM
Our TRU here in Fort Collins just moved down the road to a much bigger building. The new store opened up around August 31st and the old store wasn't getting any new stock in for the last month or two before it closed. The new store got a **** ton of 7/26 release product, the probelm is it was all over a month late. So now it is so jam packed with crap that should have been sold months ago that there isn't any room on the shelves for the Lars pack.

I initially was pretty excited about this set, when it was supposed to be about $35 that is. All I really want is the hut and the womp rat. And there is no way in hell I can justify $50 for them. The Sandtrooper and moisture vaporator are nice and I wouldn't mind another one of each but they don't offset price difference. Maybe my opinion will change if I ever see it in person, but honestly I really don't mind passing on it at this point.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on October 17, 2008, 09:23 AM
Opened this up last night and - wow, that base really is crappy. Not that I didn't believe the reports, I didn't think the plastic could be that flimsy.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JesseVader08 on October 17, 2008, 05:48 PM
I only saw this at TRU once - I loved the look of the hut, but I just couldn't convince myself to pay the steep cost for it.

Of course, now they're out of stock and I'm having second thoughts.  I just wish I could take a closer look at it again and finally decide whether to grab it or not.  :-\

I saw it again today.  Once I confirmed the $50 price (the package was damaged), I had to walk away.  I really want that hut, but I will NOT pay that ridiculous price.

Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on October 17, 2008, 07:09 PM
Not sure if this has been brought up yet or not, but I noticed a variant on this sucker this evening on two sets that were on the shelf at my local TRU.  One of the domes was completely off white, the other set I saw was all creme colored with a wash (same color) as the base going up from the bottom 1-2 inches all the way around the dome.

I still have a $10 off any $75 purchase that expires tomorrow.  I still just couldn't bring myself into buying this set.   :-\
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: David on October 17, 2008, 08:42 PM
I still haven't seen this yet, despite two special trips to TRU looking for it. I'll have to see it in person to decide whether or not I want to pull the trigger.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: speedermike on October 17, 2008, 09:48 PM
I saw this for 44.00 last nite...but bought the Akator/Indiana Jones playset...
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: King_Maul on October 23, 2008, 01:33 AM
I saw this pack for the first time at the Dublin TRU in Nor Cal.  The set looks nice, but I passed on it due to the price.  I did take a few pics of the set with my phone, so I can admire the scene when I wish.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth Broem on October 26, 2008, 12:31 AM
I saw at least 8 at a TRU near me last weekend.  I am tempted  to get it anyway even though I whined about the price.  It would just be a nice addition to a Tatooine dio.  I just feal like it's $15-$20 overpriced. 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on October 26, 2008, 06:23 PM
...I caved and bought the white dome last week before my coupon expired.  Hard for me to resist any $10 off coupon.  Anyone else noticing the variant or am I just seeing things?
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JediJman on October 26, 2008, 09:32 PM
...I caved and bought the white dome last week before my coupon expired.  Hard for me to resist any $10 off coupon.  Anyone else noticing the variant or am I just seeing things?

White dome versus what?  I can't believe you caved on this...well okay, I can believe you caved on it, but I'm still not willing to buy it unless it gets down to the $25 range.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on November 30, 2008, 08:59 PM
...I caved and bought the white dome last week before my coupon expired.  Hard for me to resist any $10 off coupon.  Anyone else noticing the variant or am I just seeing things?

White dome versus what?  I can't believe you caved on this...well okay, I can believe you caved on it, but I'm still not willing to buy it unless it gets down to the $25 range.

I'm still seeing two versions to this day at TRU unless it's some stupid exclusive to certain MN TRU's which you can't find?   ::)     Peace be with you.....and the force   :)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jayson on November 30, 2008, 10:08 PM
White dome versus what?  I can't believe you caved on this...well okay, I can believe you caved on it, but I'm still not willing to buy it unless it gets down to the $25 range.

I'm still seeing two versions to this day at TRU unless it's some stupid exclusive to certain MN TRU's which you can't find?   ::)     Peace be with you.....and the force   :)

I've seen both versions as well.

Version 1: Homestead is tan with brownish/red vertical streaks near the foundation
(http://www.swcollector.com/photo/legacy_battlepack/lars_181802/181802pic/181802cfpre.jpg)

Version 2: Homestead is a very pale off white/eggshell color without the brownish/red vertical streaks
(http://www.swcollector.com/photo/legacy_battlepack/lars_181802/181802pic/181802cf2pre.jpg)

Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Darth_Anton on December 1, 2008, 09:07 AM
This makes me really glad I stopped caring about variants.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on June 1, 2009, 03:32 PM
FYI - I saw this item on clearance today for $39.99. So for all of you who waited now may be a good time to buy. The TRU by me had 5 in stock.

I am considering getting another to get the plain egg white version, I like that one better than the streaky one I have.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on June 1, 2009, 04:07 PM
Well it's about time - I still feel raped even though I got mine for $5 off.  I wonder why TRU is finally clearancing out exclusives like this and the B-Wing. 

I wasn't around for the great clearances of POTF, but I remember scoring the Royal Starship for $50 back in the day.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jayson on June 1, 2009, 04:20 PM
I wonder why TRU is finally clearancing out exclusives like this and the B-Wing.  

Probably cause they keep reconfiguring the shelves in that aisle to allow for the extra Star Trek and Terminator **** and they have to constantly look at those overpriced POS. Maybe they'll finish off the discount trifecta and mark down those Wampa ARCs one of these days. ::) :P
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on June 2, 2009, 01:07 AM
If they mark this sucker down more, I think I might get a second one. 
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JediJman on June 2, 2009, 01:25 AM
Wait, it's on clearance for $40?  That's a tremendous bargain.  In an unrelated story, it apparently takes an average of seven years for TRU to sell thru their clearance merchandise.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jesse James on June 2, 2009, 01:58 AM
I may consider it at $40 but I probably will wait.  I really want the dome, but $40...  eh.

I'm trying to hash it out financially, and so I figure $5 for the vaporator and $5 for the Sandtrooper...  I think Beru and Owen are worth about $0 combined.  that's not fair to Beru's blue milk container, but I have to stick by my guns I think.

So that would be $30 for a plastic dome...  And $10 for a figure with a vaporator which really should only be $7, but I can be gracious and say at least it's an army builder with a vaporator.

Anyway, if it drops $10 more I think I'll get one.  I could pay $20 for the dome and be somewhat happy about it.

You know what's funny though?  21st Cent. Toys got their start at TRU and they had "playsets" out years ago.  They're gorgeous, and really they're works of art.  Anyway, they too went on clearance, and I paid $5 for about 8 Fountain Playsets one day ($5 a piece that is).  I sold most of them off but kept a few for me, and the figures they came with which were, at the time, really good basic infantry grunts.

Anyway, I got this glorious fountain with a cobblestone street circle base for it, and a partially destroyed statue on top of it (comprised of about 4 or 5 total pieces), and painted amazingly well/detailed, and it was $5!  This thing is insanely cool and even works for Naboo dioramas actually.  Their bigger sets were hard to find on sale and sold through fairly well even at full price ($40 I believe), but their mid-range set of a partially destroyed brick building, I managed to get for $20 or so, and again worth every red cent. 

This dome, while nice and accurate seeming, is not on par with those sets, not by a longshot.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jeff on June 2, 2009, 03:02 AM
I figure $5 for the vaporator and $5 for the Sandtrooper...  I think Beru and Owen are worth about $0 combined.  that's not fair to Beru's blue milk container, but I have to stick by my guns I think.

So that would be $30 for a plastic dome...  

You forgot one...

$15 - Sandtrooper, Vaporator, and Womp Rat; that leaves just $25 for the Hut.  ;)
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Brian on June 2, 2009, 09:20 AM
I might consider this set at $40 as well, but I'd feel better at around $30.  I'd really like the dome, and the Sandtrooper, vaporator and Womp Rat are nice bonuses as well.  I don't have either of the original Lars figures, so I guess that would help the "value" for me, but I'd rather get new versions of those figures some day.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on June 2, 2009, 11:15 AM
I supported this set from day one because I would like to see more of them. Was the price great not really, we the set mind blowing, not really however it is a nice addition to the line. The Hutt & Womprat made it worth it to me. Hopefully sales were decent enough on this to warrant another. Same goes for the Sarlacc set, the Sarlacc itself is really a great piece.

I know a lot of collectors were not overly impressed but I still feel it was better than nothing. We need to look at the bigger picture as these sets were toe dips into environments. If they were poor sellers they may not venture into developing others. It usually takes a few trys to get it right. I am open to more of these.

Here are some backdrops that would be very nice to have:
Bespin Freeze Chamber
DS2 Throne Room
Trash Compacter room
Detention Block

There is a lot of potential for more sets. I am going to buy another Lars set, I want more of these.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jesse James on June 2, 2009, 03:12 PM
Yeah I forgot the Wompie, but I'm gonna count him as an accessory to go with the Vaporator as he's one solid piece of PVC.  I'm surprised nobody's casted and sold that thing yet.  If it had movable legs I might be more lenient there.

While I'd love more environment pieces like this, or the Sarlacc, I cannot justify the price.  It's just too much money for too little "toy".  If there were more to it, perhaps the price would've been ok to me, but right now I think Hasbro's dangerously on the edge of becoming simply too expensive.

A lot of talk about the Force Cast interview with Darryl DePriest is going on, and a lot of talk about price hikes weren't brought up much at all, or were simply glossed over.  There was some indication that "well CW and Legends is selling", but CW and Legends aren't necessarilly geared at collectors.  Parents buy and always will...  I think their cost threshold is just naturally higher.  Adults will bail on certain aspects of the line if it gets to be too much though, and I think we're seeing some of that now with some of these items like the Homestead and Sarlacc.  I'm kind of curious to see if the Rancor sits or not actually.  The TFU one's not a fair gauge I think since it was obscure and had no real media tie-in, but the ROTJ one, if it sits, could be a sign that people are not digging the price of things.

Sometimes I don't think Hasbro takes into account the money spent looking for things, etc.  We have our overhead too.  Everything costs a little more, but I know this hobby costs a LOT more than it did just a few years ago. 

I'm not looking for a trail of people who want to argue why things cost what they do either, it is what it is, but I do think it's a reason that the Lars Homestead and Sarlacc were dismal sellers, and to me that's not Hasbro's fault then if they honestly could not get those two items out for cheaper than their retail prices.  If that wasn't possible, then I simply feel they're ideas best left shelved then.  They were tried, they failed, and if they can't be done cheaper then that's ok.  Move on and forget the idea.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on June 2, 2009, 07:07 PM
I'm not looking for a trail of people who want to argue why things cost what they do either, it is what it is, but I do think it's a reason that the Lars Homestead and Sarlacc were dismal sellers, and to me that's not Hasbro's fault then if they honestly could not get those two items out for cheaper than their retail prices.  If that wasn't possible, then I simply feel they're ideas best left shelved then.  They were tried, they failed, and if they can't be done cheaper then that's ok.  Move on and forget the idea.

Superb post and very fair. I do have to respectfully disagree on the last part, I think smarter designs can make a huge difference (It also did not help both being retailer exclusives that drives the price because volume is not as high). I rather have something than nothing, I think they can do a superb Cantina in this format, surely everyone here would plunker down for the bar. That would have been a better choice to produce in my opinion. They could set it up somewhat like the old school set with more details. # Flat walls (x2 Side Walls and the floor). They could have even sold it in two halves and use common tooling to reconfigure the L/R sides. They could have also including some existing stuff Braniac's Table and the Bar sections. We could have got the distiller that way. Each set would only come with one figure to put the cost towards the set. This could have been a great way to get the Tonnika sisters with 1 in each set. Tell me what collector would not buy that?

I am a Director of Design at a Toy company and I can relate to cost challenges, I am glad you were understanding of that. Most collectors are not. I would rather pay $75 for a killer set than $50 for an ok-mediocre one, but that's me. I am bored of vehicles and want more environments so I hate to see Hasbro not attempt this again.

Hopefully Sideshows current attempt is successful so they or Hasbro attempts the format in 1:18th scale.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JediJman on June 2, 2009, 07:48 PM
I'm curious to know if anyone would be complaining about the price point if the set included new figures instead of repacks.  The Lars home and 3-4 new figures at $45ish honestly doesn't feel that far off the mark.  Even kitbashed figs in this set would make it more viable in my opinion.  Or if we saw the base, an accessory, and the womp rat for the price of a normal battle pack at $20-$25, that feels far more reasonable as well.  I'm not sure if these options are just too costly for Hasbro, but I would have picked up the set with either of the above options.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Jesse James on June 2, 2009, 09:43 PM
Quote
I'm curious to know if anyone would be complaining about the price point if the set included new figures instead of repacks.

I for one wouldn't have complained quite as much.  I haven't bought the set though so I'm not complaining at all about much of anything but price.

Say for instance they took some random fairly generic female body, decently articulated, and added a new torso/head to it and a softgoods skirt...  Or even if they just updated the arms/legs of the current Beru.  I'd be ok with that as an improved figure of Beru...  Say they took Owen and used some Jedi parts + maybe a new torso/headsculpt, and a softgoods coat?  I'm down for that too... 

If the set included 4 new to semi-new figures, the price starts to change a LOT in my eyes, but you're also paying for the figures now and not feeling bad about it.  That Beru and Owen were pretty shoddy figures to get, and then they throw you a bone with the Sandtrooper, however it's really not special either and I've already got 40+ of them so do I really want that? 

As far as a Cantina, Death Star or whatnot...  I'd love a real neat one, and for $75 if they did a "full" Cantina (I'm talking the whole interior of it), and it interacted with things like the bar pieces and the tables and whatnot, $75 would probably be ok by me...  However I don't think Hasbro would do that for $75.  I think they'd do that for closer to $100 or more, and for that I'm not so sure...  Definitely not more though.  Thing is, for $75 (little less I guess) we're getting really a LOT less in these new "deluxe starfighter" assortments they're going to have.  The ARC Fighters, the Y-Wing...  I think those are equally poorly priced, but that's me.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on June 4, 2009, 08:04 PM
FYI - I saw this item on clearance today for $39.99.

$39.98 here in MN - a whole penny cheaper!  Not even adverstised on clearance which I thought was pretty stupid, but hey...it's TRU.   I think I actually saw a third variant on the dome.  Not sure which one, but I saw both a clean white and a clean cream version with no wash/weathering/diff paint on the bottom of the dome.

Looks like all of the clearanced B-Wings finally sold through so that's a good thing I suppose.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on June 5, 2009, 12:03 PM
I agree with you Jack, it's Hasbro's blame if they put out a weak product and it doesn't sell.  Not the consumer. 

The dome itself was nice, as was the Womp Rat and the vaporator.  But that really was about it.  Then they threw in some junk figures and raised the MSRP on it.  If they had just made the Owen and Beru new figures, this set would have probably done fine.

Or, they could have done this instead for the figures -

- VOTC Luke
- TAC Jawa
- two new droids

Or hell, go the route of crispy Owen and Beru as a couple of piles of bones instead of the Womp Rat, and make the set include 2-3 Sandtroopers rather than just one... even make a variant dome with battle damage (burn marks).  I know I would have probably bought both versions then.   :)

Something like this would have made the set much more appealing I think.  Putting in figures that are well over a decade old was a dumb call on their part.

Hopefully this isn't the end of sets like this and they can look at a similar format in the future.  Given how Star Wars is a gold mine for them, if anyone has the resources to make something like this work, it's Hasbro.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Brian on June 5, 2009, 12:55 PM
Yeah, I think lowering the price a bit - or improving the figures included - would have greatly helped this set (same could be said of the Sarlacc set).  I can understand having Owen and Beru included, but if they weren't going to be new sculpts it was sort of pointless.  I don't think people liked these figures (the Owen in particular) in their first releases, let alone this many years later with the improvements we've seen in sculpting/paint/articulation.  They could have packed it with VOTC Luke, some Tuskens, more Sandtroopers, Jawas, or something like that and I think it would have been more appealing.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: King_Maul on June 29, 2009, 06:35 PM
I picked up this set at the local TRU this afternoon.  It was on clearance for $40 minus a 20% off clearance items, so I ended up paying $32 plus tax.  I didn't know until now that inside the homestead was a turquoise table included.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: Phrubruh on June 29, 2009, 07:08 PM
What would have been better is to include young Owen and Breu figures with a re-release Anakin, C-3PO and Padme.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: CHEWIE on June 29, 2009, 10:02 PM
What would have been better is to include young Owen and Breu figures with a re-release Anakin, C-3PO and Padme.

No arguments there at all.  Prequel stuff seems to be more popular these days too.
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: iFett on June 29, 2009, 10:31 PM
Mine has still been kickin it in the back of my truck since Nov/Dec as with the Target UBP's.  Someday I'll get to see how much this rules or sucks.  I know the figures are all lame outside of the Sandtrooper...
Title: Re: TRU "Disturbance at Lars Homestead" Battle Pack
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on June 30, 2009, 10:15 AM
Mine has still been kickin it in the back of my truck since Nov/Dec as with the Target UBP's.  Someday I'll get to see how much this rules or sucks.  I know the figures are all lame outside of the Sandtrooper...

The Womprat is kinda cool with great deco. while he has as much articulation a s a smurf he is neat. I actually have three, two from my sets and one I got in a trade. So I have a nice pack of these things. Despite being a disappointment to many I really like these sets. It goes with my to scale Cantina I just commissioned so I can actually build Mos Eisly.

This set is worth $32, anyone waiting should jump on this.