JediDefender.com Forums
Collectibles => The Vintage Collection => Topic started by: Jesse James on February 10, 2011, 01:02 AM
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And it's not the Death Star... ;)
Darryl DePriest said in the Forcecast that three items he'd love to see get the major update are the Sailbarge Death Star and the Sandcrawler. He said a theatrical re-release are the best hope for anything getting done, and that *drum roll* they have that... A Death Star then, come the re-release of A New Hope to 3D theaters?
Hmmm... Interesting.
The Sandcrawler, DD said basically doesn't stand much chance of getting redone. Sorry to those who were hopeful on that then. Also said that the Barge wouldn't likely happen till Episode 6 is out in the theaters again, even then he's doubtful it will get done as well.
But, playset fans rejoice. As with any film release, you have a chance now of getting what you want.
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Wait! Oh, my God!
You mean - Stan got something completely wrong?
...Again?
::)
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Wait! Oh, my God!
You mean - Stan got something completely wrong?
...Again?
::)
You misunderstand, he is just "reporting" from a certain point of view......
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After so many years of wishful thinking on the playset front, at least this looks like a small light at the end of the tunnel. However, given Hasbro's track record on playsets and the high expectations that I have on what makes a good playset, I'm not sure they'd make something that I'd be impressed with.
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I kind of actually figured if there was any hope, it was the re-releases of the movies... They've kind of always said this, actually, for years now. It takes a movie release for the hopes of a playset to rise...
6 movie releases means 6 possible big items people want I figure. The Death Star was the only playset mentioned.
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What six bigger items/possible playset might those be? (going with the theme of wishful thinking...)
Ep1: ?
Ep2: ? (Could they shoe-horn the Sandcrawler in here?)
Ep3: ? (Tantive IV?)
Ep4: Death Star
Ep5: ?
Ep6: Sail Barge
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Ep1: Bongo Sub
Ep2: Outlanders nightcub
Ep3: Tantive IV
Ep4: Death Star
Ep5: Star Destroyer Bridge
Ep6: Sail Barge
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I'd say more realistically, you need to balance new and existing tooling...
Ep1: Naboo Royal Starship
Ep2: AT-TE
Ep3: Turbo Tank
Ep4: Death Star
Ep5: AT-AT
Ep6: Sail Barge
My own personal wet dream playset is a larger Carbon Freeze Chamber with working lights...complete with Vader/Luke battle areas
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Derryl really know how to get those wheels spinning, huh?
He and Hasbro appear to be relishing the opportunity to cash in on the theatrical 3d releases of the entire Saga. Does that mean a movie themed big-ticket item related to EVERY movie? I'm not so sure. It's really going to depend on just how much hype the Saga in 3-D is going to generate.
So will Hasbro take the plunge on re-offering the Naboo Royal Starship next year? Personally, I don't see it happening. I could see them taking a chance on a deluxe vehicle line re-imagining of the Sith Infiltrator because of the tie-in with Darth Maul. And taking into consideration recent events on Clone Wars this may be a possibility. And when you also look at how so many collectors were extremely disappointed with the Sith Infiltrator that came out in the 30AC line, maybe Hasbro will want to make this one good.
Any 3-D release related offerings from Hasbro will probably follow a marketing plan which resembles what we'll see in 2012 for Episode I. A Death Star would probably be the ULTIMATE offering Hasbro could make. But that's 4 years off, and who's to say what will happen between now and then.
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I was thinking a retooling of the vintage Star Destroyer playset.
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I'd say more realistically, you need to balance new and existing tooling...
Ep1: Naboo Royal Starship
Ep2: AT-TE
Ep3: Turbo Tank
Ep4: Death Star
Ep5: AT-AT
Ep6: Sail Barge
I like this Scott, except I think I'd replace the Turbo Tank... It did poor once, it'll do poorly again I think. I'd like to see something new/different in its place, though what that'd be I don't know. Perhaps a new Gunship? I'd be in if it's beefed up.
The rest of the list looks about right, especially if paintjobs are beefed up. I'd rebuy the AT-TE out of the group, and a Death Star I'd have to see to decide. The same would go for a Barge though my thoughts are it'd maybe fall short of what I'd hope for. It'd be neat to see though as a set piece too... I may do away with my palace set up and instead just do a barge set up to display the goons of ROTJ.
Either way, it's interesting stuff... And like Phruby, I think a retooling of the Vintage concept would be the way to go on a DS Playset rather than a complete reimagining of it. You can combine Death Stars to make them look like a bigger playset... I'd be interested to see Hasbro take the same formula and give it the modern treatment.
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The Turbo Tank did poorly? According to who?
Regarding the Death Star, if they approach anything like the vintage one, I'd be extremely disappointed. This is the modern era. We don't need to see them using a mold that's over 30 years old... I'd say that a modular version with a realistic touch is the way to go.
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The Turbo Tank did poorly? According to who?
Actually it's something Hasbro said themselves at one point, either in the scheduled Q&A's or a private one prior to 2010 Toy Fair. However if you wanted to gauge, I know I recall a lot of talk about TT clearances, even sort of larger price cuts and clearance before December, but I do recall seeing them for $50 at Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart/Sears, and eventually TRU even clearanced some.
Perhaps they simply got retail to buy more AT-TE's and fewer Turbo Tanks though? There were a number of AT-TE's around when the TT hit retail even, so that maybe impacted it too. I just recall somewhere Hasbro mentioned not being as happy with the TT's sales, and I think it was in general included with the line's sales slowing down overall.
By the way I don't think anyone said anything about re-using the vintage Death Star mold, but rather retooling it... For me that means keeping the same concept of the semi-circle tower. Reimagining the same basic idea that incorporated a lot of the important features of a Death Star, while still keeping that stacked level feel, and you could piece them side-by-side.
Everyone gets it that you think a modular hyper-detailed thing is the way to go though, I think. However, assuming Hasbro is probably looking at something like that as lacking "play features" or play patterns that they feel are required for something like this, and that it's basically an expensive (though cool looking) display stand, I think it's maybe not quite as realistic since they're wanting some kind of "play" to go along with the set. Same as hoping for a scaled Sail Barge isn't realistic on my part, so I don't expect a collector-targeted thing as much as something that's going to have bells and whistles for kids, even though I'd want something more like a set-piece.
The Vintage Death Star was a good format though... It's probably the most beloved playset from the original line. Updating that idea I think has some merit to it then. I'd prefer that over the sphere mock-up we've seen, or some other ideas I've heard of. Obviously I'd love hyper detailed rooms that all interlock in a variety of ways though, but then again I'm not 7 so I can't say I want a chasm with a string, an exploding cannon port, or whatnot. I've seen someone put Vinty DS playsets side-by-side and do something pretty cool with them though.
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I like Scott's lineup as well, and hopefully we will see something spiffy for each 3D release. Like it has been mentioned, they still have to be careful/cautious about it though - as I'm sure they don't want a big item hitting clearance instantly each year either. Plus, how long are the 3D re-releases actually going to stay in theaters? I remember when the OT SEs came out, and I did go to each of them, but I'm pretty sure the box office numbers fell with each release (with ANH doing by far the most business), and none of them staying in theaters for a particularly long time. Since they are aiming for another February release, and with all the 3D movies these days, I'm guessing they'll be making way for the summer movies pretty quickly. Not that I don't want them hanging around for awhile, I hope they do, but it isn't quite the same "movie year" scenario as it was for something like ROTS, where it was basically "the movie" for the entire year of 2005 (and beyond, as toys go).
Of the list, I'm most excited for some sort of Death Star as well. Although I think many collectors would like to see the hyper-detailed, modular sort of set that CHEWIE mentions, I think a "play" set is more likely as well. I wouldn't have any problem with them updating and/or following the vintage model for that either. That was really sort of the holy grail of the vintage line, and something I always wished I would have had as a kid (or even now). The chance to get an updated version would be pretty sweet. If Hasbro could strike the same balance they have with the Falcon, AT-AT, AT-TE, etc. I think it could be a nice looking piece, as well as a "fun" toy as well.
As for some of the other ideas, honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing the Royal Starship or Turbo Tank again, simply because I had to pass on them the first time around due to budget. But, at the same time, I could see them being pretty risky (the starship in particular) as far as the big items go. The Turbo Tank did hit clearance pretty quickly here as well, and sat more than the other big vehicles have - and we've never seen it again. The AT-TE and Falcon have both gotten re-releases at TRU over the years, and I wouldn't be surprised to see either (or the AT-AT) again. Its tough to judge with the big vehicles, as it seems someone always finds them on clearance - and sometimes at crazy clearance prices, while others seem them disappear quickly. I'd say, at least locally, the AT-AT has by far been the most successful. The AT-TE did pretty well too, and the Falcon wasn't bad - although I think the starting $150 price held that one back a bit. I have a feeling sales would have been a lot brisker if it was priced at $100 like the others have been.
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I really want to see the Sailbarge so I hope that we will get it one day but after listening to the Podcast it's hard to tell if it has a chance long term. Sometimes they are serious but then again look at the Cloud Car. I would hate to wait 6 years to get it for the theatrical realease od Jedi. On that note, will the steam be there to drag these 3D rereleases out for 6 years? The 3D craze is already fading. They should step it up to 2 per year.
While a Sandcrawler would be neat I am not too gung ho for that one. The modular Death Star should be easy, the Gundam chain Bases are a great example of how it could be done. I use them as ship hanger/halls for my displays. I will update my collection pics next week to show them, they rock! I would love to get specific SW walls/floors like that!
(http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/images/products/out/large/KOT10216.jpg)
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What about for the EP2 "big item" they come out with the Forward Command Center base seen during the battle/invasion of Geonosis?
Not that I would mind seeing them release a "movie version" of the AT-TE, I would prefer that for each of the movies we get something new, like this:
EP1: Bongo Sub
EP2: Forward Command Center
EP3: Tantive IV ship/playset
EP4: Death Star
EP5: Star Destroyer bridge playset/ship
EP6: Ewok Village or Jabba's Sail Barge
For EP5 I would also love to finally see an update of the Dagobah playset, but I think that's asking for too much.
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Regarding the Turbo Tank, my guess if Hasbro said it didn't do as well would be mostly due to retailer orders. I recall that thing being a good seller in my area, and then only saw a handful of them at various Wal-Marts on clearance right after Christmas. But I saw a lot more AT-TEs and AT-ATs marked down than I ever did Turbo Tanks... plus that sucker hauls in a lot of cash on ebay these days... a lot more than the other two.
Ok, I misunderstood some on the desire for a vintage-esque Death Star. Still though, rather than look at the vintage 3-3/4" one for inspiration, I'd actually be a lot more interested in something more along these lines in the 3-3/4" scale:
(http://www.toysrgus.com/images-toys/micro/micro-dsworld-front.jpg)
If it were modular though, I don't see any reason why they couldn't incorporate whatever play features they want (just make them hidden enough so they don't detract from the appearance).
Also one other point, price really is something that I don't get on Hasbro's end. I know a lot of toys these days are outrageously priced, but take a look at the Imaginext playsets... in particular, the Batman one... I wonder why Hasbro can't even do a Death Star for the Galactic Hero stuff, which would be the same scale as the Imaginext stuff...
Look at the Batman set... my son has this, and it's awesome... even better in person...
(http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-4527700dt.jpg)
(http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-4527700_alternate1_dt.jpg)
So, what does that thing retail for? $40-$45 depending on where you shop. But if that were a Hasbro item of comparable quality, there is no way in hell it would be that cheap, even it was GI JOE, which Hasbro owns the rights to. We'd have to shell out at least $75.00 probably... and for something that same size suited for 3-3/4" scale figures? I'm sure it would be at least $100.00.
Anyways, I do think there's more potential now than a few years ago because they made the business decision to price the AT-AT in the $100.00 range, but still... for a company with so many assets, and that makes so much money off this license, they really have wasted numerous golden opportunities.
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Regarding the Turbo Tank, my guess if Hasbro said it didn't do as well would be mostly due to retailer orders. I recall that thing being a good seller in my area, and then only saw a handful of them at various Wal-Marts on clearance right after Christmas. But I saw a lot more AT-TEs and AT-ATs marked down than I ever did Turbo Tanks... plus that sucker hauls in a lot of cash on ebay these days... a lot more than the other two.
I had never read that the Turbo Tank did poorly before seeing it in this thread. I'm with you Chewie, in that I think it did alright. They weren't exactly easy to find in my area, and the Turbo Tank didn't seem to enjoy as many sales as the AT-TE and AT-AT. However, I did see a lot more AT-TEs at regular retail and eventually discount stores, so maybe Hasbro didn't get to sell as many Turbo Tanks to retailers. Judging by the fact that they go for $200ish on eBay, I'd say that a re-release in a few years would do alright.
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Actually if you go through some threads at different sites, the TT was pretty widely put on sale actually in November, and saw clearance the day after Christmas at Wal-Mart. I wasn't sure if it was just my area but after just looking at the old threads I noticed it was pretty widespread that they hit $50 right around December 24th-27th at Wal-Mart, Target and Meijer followed suit...
I actually kept passing on it because of space issues and not digging the vehicle as much, but when they dropped down even lower at K-Mart around March or so, I wound up caving and picked one up because they'd gotten so cheap. I've yet to see an AT-AT clearance locally unless you count the KM drop that happened long before Christmas. :-\ I think it's likely that Hasbro just mentioned it in regards to what Retail bought off them though. The AT-TE did basically the same thing the TT did here, and they said it sold well, so I'd assume it means how willing retail was to commit to it.
As far as why playsets can't be done cheaper, I am not sure. Materials used, complexity of the molds (I've seen the super hero sets you've mentioned, and they're not as complex as most Hasbro Star Wars stuff tends to be, so maybe that's an issue). Power Team Elite puts out decent stuff for incredibly low prices... Maybe it's where they're manufacturing?
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I could totally see them doing a Galatic Heros scale Echo base like the above Batcave. We have that Batcave too. My son uses it as a combination batcave and imperial outpost for his GHs.
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I can understand if they never make the SailBarge and Sandcrawler. Although I would LOVE them to do so. Those 2 items are nowhere near the icon that is the Death Star. The Death Star should be an absolute no-brainer, automatic when the re-release comes out. C'mon Hasbro, you are a TOY manufacturer. The Death Star SCREAMS to be made into some sort of playset. I know every other toy company out there would be dying to make a damn Death Star playset of some sort if they had this license. LOL! I still can't believe this hasn't gotten the green light at some point. Yeah, if they made it there will be some that go to clearance just like the Falcon, Turbo Tank, and AT-AT. It is inevitable but there would also be a ton that get sold if they make it cool enough.
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I would do cartwheels over the Sandcrawler, but I know it's a pipe dream. I think the Sail Barge is too, but you never know. Enough clamor from us could change that. Given the fact that Hasbro will probably milk existing tooling, here's what I think we'll probably see if we get BIG ships:
EP1: Naboo Royal Cruiser
EP2: AT-TE
EP3: Gunship?
EP4: Death Star
EP5: AT-AT / Slave 1
EP6: Falcon
Here's what I'd like to see myself:
EP1: MTT
EP2: Republic Dropship
EP3: Tantive IV ship/playset
EP4: Sandcrawler
EP5: Echo Base Playset
EP6: Jabba's Sail Barge