As I mentioned thousands of times my priority is the Witchking. He’s also the only one I’d pay any amount of money. With that being said I’m considering canceling my order for Lurtz so to have more money saved up for the Witchking who I still am hoping will come during the SDCC next month
Hey matey, I can relate to that totally! Likewise, I have key characters I’m now wanting & I’ll pay for those, within reason… I’m somewhat concerned now for this years MC release and what the price tag on that will be??… Cheers matey 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector lots of exciting stuff! Statue collecting doesn't have to be all pressure and stress, just being more picky and buying pieces that truly mean something to you makes it so much simpler. And just because someone can now only buy 6 statues a year instead of 11 doesn't mean they should quit and sell everything, you can even stop buying and keep the nice collection you have.
Hey mate - yeah, I’m the same with Mouth of Sauron & King of the Dead - don’t care who does them, not overly concerned with price, they’re what I’m waiting for now and it’s where my money will be going!… Oh… & if someone does a Sam vs. Shelob, I’m all over that as well! 😁👍🏻
Isn't that the Aragorn Hunter of the plains? Now it is at half the price and I'm considering getting it... (half the price but shipping and then taxes add a lot, which is another thing I don't like about the Weta shop)
Gil Galad price is ridiculous! More than Sideshow 1/4 pieces. Talking about prices I was charged 310 usd for economy shipping for P1 Gimli to Denmark :( This is also ridiculous and I just think they make a huge profit on shipping charges :/
Hey there matey… I’m sure that the companies don’t ‘make’ money on the shipping - I’ve posted statues abroad and the prices sending these are genuinely huge!!! (£330 to ship a 1:6 scale to NZ!!)… But… I can see some very choppy seas ahead for the statue companies as more and more collectors simply bow out!… 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector Please remember this is economy shipping that takes up to 3 months. Moreover they also charge 300 usd for some huge statues that come un two boxes. I assume Gimli is quite small.
@@basteqpowerslave I’ve never used the economy option as it’s unavailable to UK. But yeah, I always roughly price P1 shipping to be around £300 per box, minimum… that’s usually a good guide for us here in UK. 👍🏻
No sure if anyone has replied, but this animatic (available in FOTR appendices - link below) shows why Gil-Galad wasn't shown in the prologue anymore i.e. Sauron set him on fire. That also explains why he reaches for Isildur just before his finger and the ring are both cut off. ua-cam.com/video/wxb7tjb_sPY/v-deo.html
Hey mate - this is another concern collectors are going to have, not just the current price tag, but where is the ceiling price now being raised to for 1:6 scale??… As I say, we will see more & more people refusing to buy these pieces of these price rises continue…. Cheers my mate 👍🏻
Indeed!… But, the statue companies now must be seeing a huge decline in their customer numbers?… It’s why so many are moving into 1:6 scale, I reckon matey?… 👍🏻
So agree. I find it even worse that weta, based in nz, only charges based of US$. I moved from america to NZ and was shocked especially since NZD is weak. Its fluctuations is ridiculous.
Yeah, I’m surprised so many companies use just USD?…. I suppose it keeps it uniform and easier across the board for people to judge the prices by??… But I get your point here matey… sucks really?… 👍🏻
I am afraid I am perhaps in the minority here (we'll see when the Edition Size is announced)...but I wasn't surprised by the price at all, and don't actually agree that it's over-priced. I think it's expensive but that's the price that it is. Each piece is different - perhaps this one took a lot longer to sculpt (it certainly looks to me that way), it most definitely looks more difficult to cast than Elendil and to paint. All of the statue companies are increasing their prices - this suggests to me the factories in China have increased their production costs. Perhaps they are even using a different manufacturer for these more premium pieces. It is bigger than Elendil (549USD) and it is smaller than Sauron (I think Sauron was 899USD). Materials have gone up, price of labour has gone up, inflation is rife etc....The price is the price is the price - I don't think Weta are somehow sitting in a boardroom saying - 'How far can we push it before they stop buying them?' I think they are sitting in a room saying, 'How much realistically do we have to charge to make this as a high-quality collectible and make a little profit on it.' I think they did take a hit on Helm's Deep because of all of the issues they had at the time. I have Pre-Ordered it as I have waited for it a long time and want The Last Alliance triptych completed. I think it's a very beautiful statue by a very accomplished sculptor. I had put money aside for it as we all knew it was coming for what - 2-3 years now? Anyway, rant over! :D (It sounds a lot more angry than it is intended btw)
Hey matey - as always, appreciate your honest opinion on this! And I did say in the vid, that regardless of price, people are still going to buy it. For me, the concern is more that, for whatever the reason may be regarding these price hikes, that people are stopping buying! Pieces are now not selling!… And this isn’t a good thing for anyone & I would like to see ‘more’ from these companies to at least show they’re trying to assist with these increased costs?… DSC offer free shipping (within the EU), Prime 1 offer full refunds on their NRD if the shipping quote increases etc… I’m not buying this price, so I’m not invested in it, so I guess my opinion, for the most part, is kind of mute?… But these companies can expect to see, every time there’s a significant price rise, there will be a drop in customers!… it’s clearly happening now! Anyway, cheers matey and really appreciate your input on this subject matey 👍🏻
@hauntofthecollector I definitely agree on the shipping (though this one was just £19, so can't complain there). I think it's perhaps a matter of time, we are in the middle of an economic dip, disposable incomes are shrinking, inflation is high etc. Once things are on the up again, people will go back to it. I suspect companies will be releasing less pieces now - I wonder if all we see at SDCC/Collectibles Unleashed from Weta is 1x Classic, 1x Premium and the Masters Collection...and some mini epics/minis perhaps. Interesting times!
Yea, with space being a premium almost on par with price. Many collectors have to chose wisely. Buy Helms Deep was a bargain by any standard and I was more than willing to make room for it.
I was super excited to get Gil-galad, but honestly at $700 I may be out. Rather than spend that much on a character I don’t really love (and my favorite part of the statue itself isn’t even Gil-galad, it’s the base with the dead orc), I could finally put the money to a secondhand weta mouth of sauron. So we’ll see. Am still interested in seeing what else weta puts out this summer.
Hey matey - yeah, it’s their MC piece I’m most keen to see! Although, what the price could be now, given how much prices are going up, gives me pause for concern! Cheers matey for your comment 👍🏻
That’s what I’m thinking also…. You can still manufacture higher end pieces, higher priced pieces, but cater for those who prefer the smaller more reasonably priced pieces!… 👍🏻
I think size does not always equals money Helms deep and bag end are same size but much different in price (although i agree bag end was bit over priced) The details on Gil-galad imo are on another level. People had similar reaction to price of Elendil but you can definitely see its way better than any Classic series piece.
Hey matey - it’s more for me that the Argonath was massively overpriced (& not of great quality either!)… when you compare that piece to Helms Deep for example? And I agree that Gil Galad has amazing detail etc, but when a 1:6 scale pricing moves into the realm of 1:4 scale pricing, people are going to at tye very least ask questions as to why?… Cheers matey for your comment on the topic matter here, appreciate it 👍🏻
Saying the edition size affects the price would make zero sense in the case of Weta anyway, since the ES is determined after the price has been revealed. They could sell 3000 of these (won't happen lol) and still wouldn't reduce the price by even 10%. I think they are trying to find that ceiling where people will noticeably order a lot less. Elendil sold pretty well, although you can still find that statue everywhere, and now they are testing the next pricing stage. It's funny because in parallel you have statues like Lurtz Classic Series or Gandalf the Grey, you can order these for about 350 and 320 euro respectively when you know where to look, these are GREAT prices for such nice 1/6 statues. Personally I pretty much only buy Sauron/Ringwraith-related stuff anyway so I have no skin in the game, I am so selective with LOTR pieces that I can pay a bit more when I really want something, not pre-ordering new Weta stuff every month. But it's sad to see these prices creeping up and up.
Hey matey - yes, it’s a concerning trend being seen way too regular… and I do genuinely believe that some of these companies must be seeing a definitive downtrend in their sales now?… Surely they’d want to do something to entice customers back? Increase sales?… Hmmm?… I’m not a business person… what do I know??… 😁 Cheers matey for your input 👍🏻
💯 with you on this mate. Posted a very similar view on FB and FoU. The collectors market is rapidly changing and not all studios will survive this shift. IPs will (have to) be cut, edition sizes will continue to go down and unfortunately prices will continue to go up, making this more and more a hobby for a small group of collectors. This latest Weta piece is just the beginning and more and more collectors will soon realize that less and less can be bought with available means and hard choices will have to be. Now, specifically regarding Gil-Galad, it’s a really good piece but not without some issues, and it’s overpriced. Plain and simple. That said, every single (Weta) LotR collector out there will have to make a call if they want to get it or not, myself included. I personally think the ES will be less than 1K and thus less than Sauron and Elendil. Time will tell.
Hey matey! Cheers for the comment and sharing your views on this… Yes indeed… and the simple maths of this is, if the statue manufacturers are focusing more & more on ‘wealthy’ collectors only, by this action alone, their available customer basis will shrink exponentially! And therefore some companies will fold!…. I’m starting to think this may not be as bad a thing as it initially seems? Almost like a factory reset & let’s get started again with more realistic price ranges etc?… Although…. I think I’m being drastically over optimistic with this thought process!!??… 😆 Good to hear from you my mate 👍🏻
I really don't understand how this is $700, especially when compared to Elendil. Sure it's a bigger piece but I'm not sure $150 bigger. 100% agree I think Weta will lose customers with this one... I've seen some long collectors say they aren't getting it. I did end up pre-ordering, but I had some saved Weta dollars that really helped so it wasn't as bad for me. Nice video man!
Hey my mate! Yeah, there’s collectors now dropping out of lines and collectibles and once people move away, it’s easier for them to remain away! These statue companies really are playing a dicey game here!!!… I stick to what I said in a previous vid - we are going to see some of these companies abandoning the LOTR licence, maybe even folding altogether?… Great to hear from matey 👍🏻
Initially i was quite excited for this piece. But when i saw the price my excitement immediately dropped... No way this is a 700 dollar piece. Weta must be taking the piss😂
Hey matey…. It’s a shame that so many are now dropping out due to this high price tag, which is why I say, I’d these price hikes are indeed unavoidable, I’d like to see the statue companies doing more to alleviate the accelerated costs!… But maybe I’m just being unrealistic here?… 😁 Either way… these companies are going to continue to lose customers if these escalating prices continue on the trend they’re currently on!… Cheers matey 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector Well if the statue companies continue like this they will loose a significant amount of customers. I'm quite happy to just pay off my current pre orders and then more or less stop collecting statues if the prices continue to rise.
Hey there mate, I was seriously surprised when I saw it yesterday mate, especially compared with Elendil!!?… & when I thought of my 1:4 scale PO price!… Cheers mate 👍🏻
Yesterday I commented on this directly in Weta Workshop site. So a bit of a reiteration. It's "Greedflation" of the factories not purely down to Weta. I suspect Weta anticipate low numbers so they are hedging their price but I also expect they are suffering like all statue makers now from the inflation and greed coming from the Chinese production facilities - there is a helluva a lot of competition to get decent production runs in these factories now in meaningful timeframes. Off course Weta needs to take their fair cut but I do not believe the inflationary greed is coming from them. Even though i think these are priced too high its a beautiful and novel piece and i will add it to the rest of my magnificent Weta collection. I am sure it's not so easy to find alternative suppliers to produce to these requirements and timelines nor are the artisan skills in abundant supply. Just look at how many other producers have dropped lines or cancelled long PO products because of these issues. This in part probably explains drop in quality which should not be happening with high value pieces such as this. But I do agree with others on the shield hope they can correct that. PS - As an interesting comparison PCS on the same day released a great Ghostbusters 1/4 Scale Egon Spengler Silver Deluxe c/w Proton Stream and companion Slimer Piece (Ed Size 150). The sculpt looks lovely and well detailed and all coming in at 725$ (Silver Exclusive Ed Size 150 / Deluxe 375) with Regular at 675$ (Open?). So you have to wonder what the heck is going on here in value pricing with 1/6 scale.
Hey there, thank you for your superb input with your comment here and you’ve definitely raised some very valid points here! I think this is where I also have the main issue regarding the price here, is where you can find 1:4 scale pieces currently just coming up for PO which are of very similar price. It just doesn’t stack up in my mind? But as you say, (& as I did also in my vid), it is a stunning piece and clearly people will still go for this regardless of what seems to be at the very least, an inflated pricing! Thanks once again mate for a superb comment 👍🏻
Hey matey…. It’s a genuine real shame to see so many collectors now saying same or similar to yourself here! All down to escalating prices! But I get it! I’m fortunate that I’m now only wanting a few pieces and I’m ‘done’ in regards to required desired pieces! 😁👍🏻
Hey matey - in all fairness I think a fair few are in the same position as yourself? It’s a superb looking piece & will make for an awesome display… just a shame it’s priced as it is… Cheers matey 👍🏻
I'm really disappointed with this though not surprised. I collect the elves and Gil-Galad has been on my wish list for years. But every new statue has seen a price increase and I just can't justify spending $1000AU + shipping on this. His space on the shelf will forever remain empty unless I get stupidly lucky.
Wow mate, I’m genuinely sorry for you (the way you describe the empty space…), that this pricing has pushed you out! I do hope that the statue companies see comments such as this so they can see what they’re doing!! They have customers who are not walking away, they’re being PUSHED away!!! It’s such a shame… Cheers matey for your comment 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector Thanks. I've been lucky in the past picking up pieces for better prices whether because they were damaged or they missing a sword etc but they were also usually those who were not pre-order only. While I agree there might be the odd one in general stores most will go straight into collectors and never see open market again. Also Weta's shipping policy and customer service have been going downhill majorly for the last few years which makes it hard to support them. It's a rich persons game now.
@@tari_elven it certainly is seeming more and more that the statue companies are seeming to be focusing more towards those with ‘big budgets!’…. And I think this is a very flawed move by them….
@@hauntofthecollector maybe if I wait long enough they'll bring him out in the classic collection but even those are pricey these days. They're certainly easier to display! Oh well the life of the collector.
Cost is always a factor and space becomes a premium as well. In the end, it is a great piece, but for the space this Statue takes up I have other choices that will come first
Hey matey - yeah, I think it’s now becoming quite clear a lot of collectors are being far more deliberate in regards to their purchase choices?… Cheers matey 👍🏻
If you compared these statues side by side you’d understand the price difference. The base is bigger, Gil Galad has way more detail than Elendil by far,I have both these statues and can completely understand why Gil’s 150$ more. There’s just way more detail and work from the base to the statue itself. There’s a dead orc for one at the base and orc shield and Gil has a shield and actual hair design instead of just a helmet cast. Not to mention all other colors and paint work. To me it’s not questions worth the extra 150$ bucks.
And that’s the key thing here - no statue is truly ‘worth’ the price tag! As I’ve shown on other videos, they’re ALL vastly overpriced!!! It’s a simple question of whether you feel the piece justifies the price tag & you’re happy to pay it?… 👍🏻
Im general 1/6 scale cant be more than 500, im not even ok with that but thats gotta be the limit, how can they sell a 1/6 scale figure at 1/4 scale price ugh
I ordered Gil-galad because it’s GIL-GALAD, I collect Elves and was sitting on my pile of weta dollars like Smaug on his gold. But yeah, I think that was the last straw for me.
Hey matey! Yeah, as I said in the vid, regardless of the price tag, many will go for this regardless as it’s Gil Galad!!! If this was Mouth of Sauron, I’d be going for it, regardless of price!!… We all have that one piece we ‘need’!… But, these statue companies are losing, and will continue to lose, customers if these seemingly unfathomable price hikes keep happening? Many thanks my mate for your comment 👍🏻
Hey mate, yeah I get it, I’ve paid around $1700 to ship orders from P1 before now (1:3 Predator!!)…. It’s insane now… But for me, I’m now at a stage where I only now am looking for a few more key pieces that I’d like to add to my collection…. So, I can maybe justify paying ‘silly money’ on certain items? And this will be the case with this piece for some collectors, it’s a high price tag that’s ‘worth it’ to them!?… Cheers matey 👍🏻
Hey matey! It’s still fun, for me it is… When I see what I feel are overpriced items, I simply just turn away from it and I’m done with it… Good thing is at the moment with so many LOTR pieces being made, there’s usually a lot of potential choice?… Cheers buddy 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector I know matey but if one goes up in price others will follow and when 1/6 pieces get that high 1/4 will increase too. But yeah I hope it will fall them on their feet. But the trend is spreading. There are some shops here who have risen the prices for the standart classic series already. They are wanting over 500 € for that crap Balrog piece...
You are spot on with your comments on this. I couldn't agree more! That good old phrase 'taking the piss' comes to my mind. However, after saying that, I do love my elves. I have all the Weta male elves, so naturally I was really excited about the release of Gil-galad. So now I feel a bit undecided, partly due the silly price, and also there is one thing driving me crazy about the statue itself which is the fact part of his spear is hidden behind his billowing garments. To my mind the spear should have been at the front so we see all of it. Nobody else seems bothered about it or just haven't noticed. Perhaps it's just me been a bit picky, but it is bugging me. So at the moment I'm sitting on it. Anybody any thoughts on this?
Cheers matey, as I’m not in this line I shall refrain from giving any advice on the spear… But, it’s one of those, if you’re into that line and need it, then go for it! If I was doing the Last Alliance, I’d buy this! I wouldn’t be happy about the price, but I’d get it to complete!… 👍🏻
@@tari_elven Are you going to get him? It's annoying me enough to make me think. Oh, and I'm not convinced that the shield is correct size - looks a tad small to my eyes.
@@niallstranix5412 no sadly. They've priced me out. I collect the elves and have been hoping for years they'd make him. But it's to much now, can't justify the cost and that's before shipping is added! Also agree some details are off.
Yeah, they’ve certainly gone to be very pricey mate and now their shipping costs are vastly more also, as they no longer seem to ship from EU to UK, but from US - making my shipping now 3x the piece it was???..
Hey mate… well, Lurtz 1:6 is an acceptable price? But as I said in the vid, despite the $699 price tag, many will PO this as they simply want it enough!… And that’s totally fair enough and equally fine with me!… But, this is now a concerning trend!… 👍🏻
Well, "If U can't afford Ferrari buy Fiat"- simple as that... Is not personal first of all , but please let me explain mine point of view. It cost a lot but this is why those items after years cost so much on aftermarket. Weta makes art. I personally cant afford to buy statutes from all companies like slideshow, prime one, so im saving for Weta, and Im happy that it keeps prices high. Is not a Action figure Toy. I focus only on weta stuff since 2001 and first Gollumn statute i get with blueray. I think problem is ( as a general on the market) that those things slowly become a Toys, with led lights, changing heads and so on. Is not a sculpture anymore. But Weta is stil traditional , this is why I have focused only on them. From my perspective scale 1:6 and 1:4 is great and prices are fair for quality i get. Limited edition of Nike shoes cost more...
Yeah, what you’re saying is the case & always has been… however, the ‘aftermarket’ isn’t what it once was? And when you push the retail price up, that margin gradually narrows and narrows until that market is strangled out of existence! Having owned some of the most ‘expensive’ Weta pieces released in the last few years (Escape off the Road - The Dead Marshes etc), and then sold them on, I can assure you, that market is now VERY restricted! But, if you’re buying these high end pieces with their second hand price being your focus, then I feel that that is also the entirely wrong approach? The purpose of this video was simply to compare the price of this with recent Weta singular 1:6 scale figure releases! And to my mind, this piece is blatantly overpriced! Why? Because of demand for the character, little else! And also, remember, the recent release of the Fountain Guard with Tree of Gondor is just $200 more!! That really reflects on the very high price tag applied to this piece! But as I’ve said many times, no one is being forced to buy these pieces, and if you want something badly enough, you’ll pay the asking price, regardless of wether it’s overpriced or not… 👍🏻
I got the email that gimli is nearly ready to ship and the shipping never went up which was a surprise
Hey mate - ahh okay, that’s some positive news! Great to hear that! Nice result and it’s good to get some positivity in regards to shipping finally 👍🏻
Lucky, because mine increased almost $200 😥
@@dennissuijkerbuijk172 whoa!!!… 😱
As I mentioned thousands of times my priority is the Witchking. He’s also the only one I’d pay any amount of money. With that being said I’m considering canceling my order for Lurtz so to have more money saved up for the Witchking who I still am hoping will come during the SDCC next month
Hey matey, I can relate to that totally! Likewise, I have key characters I’m now wanting & I’ll pay for those, within reason…
I’m somewhat concerned now for this years MC release and what the price tag on that will be??…
Cheers matey 👍🏻
Same I'm all in on the Witch-king, I really hope they reveal him at SDCC... Don't care if it's 700 as well, as long as it's amazing
@@Siile_ yeah, keen to see what’s revealed at SDCC also mate…. & also P1’s Next Level X Part 3!! 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector lots of exciting stuff! Statue collecting doesn't have to be all pressure and stress, just being more picky and buying pieces that truly mean something to you makes it so much simpler. And just because someone can now only buy 6 statues a year instead of 11 doesn't mean they should quit and sell everything, you can even stop buying and keep the nice collection you have.
@@Siile_ couldn’t agree more with you on that thought process my mate 👍🏻
I only save my precious money right now for the ultimate Aragorn as Strider statue. I can't wait for the Infinity reveal!
Hey mate - yeah, I’m the same with Mouth of Sauron & King of the Dead - don’t care who does them, not overly concerned with price, they’re what I’m waiting for now and it’s where my money will be going!…
Oh… & if someone does a Sam vs. Shelob, I’m all over that as well! 😁👍🏻
Isn't that the Aragorn Hunter of the plains? Now it is at half the price and I'm considering getting it...
(half the price but shipping and then taxes add a lot, which is another thing I don't like about the Weta shop)
Gil Galad price is ridiculous! More than Sideshow 1/4 pieces. Talking about prices I was charged 310 usd for economy shipping for P1 Gimli to Denmark :( This is also ridiculous and I just think they make a huge profit on shipping charges :/
Hey there matey… I’m sure that the companies don’t ‘make’ money on the shipping - I’ve posted statues abroad and the prices sending these are genuinely huge!!! (£330 to ship a 1:6 scale to NZ!!)…
But… I can see some very choppy seas ahead for the statue companies as more and more collectors simply bow out!… 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector Please remember this is economy shipping that takes up to 3 months. Moreover they also charge 300 usd for some huge statues that come un two boxes. I assume Gimli is quite small.
@@basteqpowerslave I’ve never used the economy option as it’s unavailable to UK.
But yeah, I always roughly price P1 shipping to be around £300 per box, minimum… that’s usually a good guide for us here in UK. 👍🏻
No sure if anyone has replied, but this animatic (available in FOTR appendices - link below) shows why Gil-Galad wasn't shown in the prologue anymore i.e. Sauron set him on fire.
That also explains why he reaches for Isildur just before his finger and the ring are both cut off.
ua-cam.com/video/wxb7tjb_sPY/v-deo.html
Thanks matey - I’ll be sure to go have a look at that 👍🏻
Totally agree with you, I got Elendil collecting Weta over 10 years, but Gil Galad price is...just too much :(
It’s a shame, but still many have bought this, but this escalating costs is now seriously effecting how many collect… 👍🏻
What on earth? $700, how long until these things are a $1,000 a pop!!
That’s mental, taking the Mickey
Hey mate - this is another concern collectors are going to have, not just the current price tag, but where is the ceiling price now being raised to for 1:6 scale??…
As I say, we will see more & more people refusing to buy these pieces of these price rises continue….
Cheers my mate 👍🏻
Sadly as long as we keep buying, they will keep increasing the prices
Indeed!… But, the statue companies now must be seeing a huge decline in their customer numbers?… It’s why so many are moving into 1:6 scale, I reckon matey?… 👍🏻
So agree. I find it even worse that weta, based in nz, only charges based of US$. I moved from america to NZ and was shocked especially since NZD is weak. Its fluctuations is ridiculous.
Yeah, I’m surprised so many companies use just USD?…. I suppose it keeps it uniform and easier across the board for people to judge the prices by??… But I get your point here matey… sucks really?… 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector got some more bad news... new mini balrog statue for preorder from weta 🤣 just preordered mine
@@bennruda11 haha - me also matey!!! 😁👍🏻
I am afraid I am perhaps in the minority here (we'll see when the Edition Size is announced)...but I wasn't surprised by the price at all, and don't actually agree that it's over-priced. I think it's expensive but that's the price that it is.
Each piece is different - perhaps this one took a lot longer to sculpt (it certainly looks to me that way), it most definitely looks more difficult to cast than Elendil and to paint. All of the statue companies are increasing their prices - this suggests to me the factories in China have increased their production costs. Perhaps they are even using a different manufacturer for these more premium pieces. It is bigger than Elendil (549USD) and it is smaller than Sauron (I think Sauron was 899USD). Materials have gone up, price of labour has gone up, inflation is rife etc....The price is the price is the price - I don't think Weta are somehow sitting in a boardroom saying - 'How far can we push it before they stop buying them?' I think they are sitting in a room saying, 'How much realistically do we have to charge to make this as a high-quality collectible and make a little profit on it.' I think they did take a hit on Helm's Deep because of all of the issues they had at the time.
I have Pre-Ordered it as I have waited for it a long time and want The Last Alliance triptych completed. I think it's a very beautiful statue by a very accomplished sculptor. I had put money aside for it as we all knew it was coming for what - 2-3 years now?
Anyway, rant over! :D (It sounds a lot more angry than it is intended btw)
Hey matey - as always, appreciate your honest opinion on this! And I did say in the vid, that regardless of price, people are still going to buy it.
For me, the concern is more that, for whatever the reason may be regarding these price hikes, that people are stopping buying! Pieces are now not selling!…
And this isn’t a good thing for anyone & I would like to see ‘more’ from these companies to at least show they’re trying to assist with these increased costs?…
DSC offer free shipping (within the EU), Prime 1 offer full refunds on their NRD if the shipping quote increases etc…
I’m not buying this price, so I’m not invested in it, so I guess my opinion, for the most part, is kind of mute?…
But these companies can expect to see, every time there’s a significant price rise, there will be a drop in customers!… it’s clearly happening now!
Anyway, cheers matey and really appreciate your input on this subject matey 👍🏻
@hauntofthecollector I definitely agree on the shipping (though this one was just £19, so can't complain there). I think it's perhaps a matter of time, we are in the middle of an economic dip, disposable incomes are shrinking, inflation is high etc. Once things are on the up again, people will go back to it. I suspect companies will be releasing less pieces now - I wonder if all we see at SDCC/Collectibles Unleashed from Weta is 1x Classic, 1x Premium and the Masters Collection...and some mini epics/minis perhaps. Interesting times!
@@TheAngmarArchives yeah, you could be right mate? Although I am more hopeful now with P1’s Next Level Showcase X Part 3 out this weekend!!… 👍🏻
Yea, with space being a premium almost on par with price. Many collectors have to chose wisely. Buy Helms Deep was a bargain by any standard and I was more than willing to make room for it.
I was super excited to get Gil-galad, but honestly at $700 I may be out. Rather than spend that much on a character I don’t really love (and my favorite part of the statue itself isn’t even Gil-galad, it’s the base with the dead orc), I could finally put the money to a secondhand weta mouth of sauron. So we’ll see. Am still interested in seeing what else weta puts out this summer.
Hey matey - yeah, it’s their MC piece I’m most keen to see! Although, what the price could be now, given how much prices are going up, gives me pause for concern!
Cheers matey for your comment 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector yeah for sure. Just gotta wait and see. I’m hoping they’ll do a witch king, but never know!
Seriously lower the price and sell more, they're dumb for not doing that
That’s what I’m thinking also…. You can still manufacture higher end pieces, higher priced pieces, but cater for those who prefer the smaller more reasonably priced pieces!… 👍🏻
I think size does not always equals money
Helms deep and bag end are same size but much different in price (although i agree bag end was bit over priced)
The details on Gil-galad imo are on another level.
People had similar reaction to price of Elendil but you can definitely see its way better than any Classic series piece.
Hey matey - it’s more for me that the Argonath was massively overpriced (& not of great quality either!)… when you compare that piece to Helms Deep for example?
And I agree that Gil Galad has amazing detail etc, but when a 1:6 scale pricing moves into the realm of 1:4 scale pricing, people are going to at tye very least ask questions as to why?…
Cheers matey for your comment on the topic matter here, appreciate it 👍🏻
I still remember when I paid 500€ for azog on warg, ofc, as you said, weta are loosing customers. I’m one of them.
Hey mate - it’s such a shame that collectors are now feeling this way… and what’s worse, it’s all so common now as well!…
Cheers my mate 👍🏻
Saying the edition size affects the price would make zero sense in the case of Weta anyway, since the ES is determined after the price has been revealed. They could sell 3000 of these (won't happen lol) and still wouldn't reduce the price by even 10%. I think they are trying to find that ceiling where people will noticeably order a lot less. Elendil sold pretty well, although you can still find that statue everywhere, and now they are testing the next pricing stage. It's funny because in parallel you have statues like Lurtz Classic Series or Gandalf the Grey, you can order these for about 350 and 320 euro respectively when you know where to look, these are GREAT prices for such nice 1/6 statues. Personally I pretty much only buy Sauron/Ringwraith-related stuff anyway so I have no skin in the game, I am so selective with LOTR pieces that I can pay a bit more when I really want something, not pre-ordering new Weta stuff every month. But it's sad to see these prices creeping up and up.
Hey matey - yes, it’s a concerning trend being seen way too regular… and I do genuinely believe that some of these companies must be seeing a definitive downtrend in their sales now?…
Surely they’d want to do something to entice customers back? Increase sales?…
Hmmm?… I’m not a business person… what do I know??… 😁
Cheers matey for your input 👍🏻
💯 with you on this mate. Posted a very similar view on FB and FoU. The collectors market is rapidly changing and not all studios will survive this shift. IPs will (have to) be cut, edition sizes will continue to go down and unfortunately prices will continue to go up, making this more and more a hobby for a small group of collectors.
This latest Weta piece is just the beginning and more and more collectors will soon realize that less and less can be bought with available means and hard choices will have to be.
Now, specifically regarding Gil-Galad, it’s a really good piece but not without some issues, and it’s overpriced. Plain and simple. That said, every single (Weta) LotR collector out there will have to make a call if they want to get it or not, myself included. I personally think the ES will be less than 1K and thus less than Sauron and Elendil. Time will tell.
Hey matey! Cheers for the comment and sharing your views on this…
Yes indeed… and the simple maths of this is, if the statue manufacturers are focusing more & more on ‘wealthy’ collectors only, by this action alone, their available customer basis will shrink exponentially! And therefore some companies will fold!….
I’m starting to think this may not be as bad a thing as it initially seems? Almost like a factory reset & let’s get started again with more realistic price ranges etc?… Although…. I think I’m being drastically over optimistic with this thought process!!??… 😆
Good to hear from you my mate 👍🏻
I really don't understand how this is $700, especially when compared to Elendil. Sure it's a bigger piece but I'm not sure $150 bigger. 100% agree I think Weta will lose customers with this one... I've seen some long collectors say they aren't getting it. I did end up pre-ordering, but I had some saved Weta dollars that really helped so it wasn't as bad for me. Nice video man!
Hey my mate! Yeah, there’s collectors now dropping out of lines and collectibles and once people move away, it’s easier for them to remain away!
These statue companies really are playing a dicey game here!!!… I stick to what I said in a previous vid - we are going to see some of these companies abandoning the LOTR licence, maybe even folding altogether?…
Great to hear from matey 👍🏻
Initially i was quite excited for this piece. But when i saw the price my excitement immediately dropped... No way this is a 700 dollar piece. Weta must be taking the piss😂
Hey matey….
It’s a shame that so many are now dropping out due to this high price tag, which is why I say, I’d these price hikes are indeed unavoidable, I’d like to see the statue companies doing more to alleviate the accelerated costs!…
But maybe I’m just being unrealistic here?… 😁
Either way… these companies are going to continue to lose customers if these escalating prices continue on the trend they’re currently on!…
Cheers matey 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector Well if the statue companies continue like this they will loose a significant amount of customers.
I'm quite happy to just pay off my current pre orders and then more or less stop collecting statues if the prices continue to rise.
@@MWJ86 I think you echo a significant number of collectors, potentially, with this viewpoint matey… 👍🏻
I think that price is downright disgusting and I can’t think of any argument that would justify it.
Hey there mate, I was seriously surprised when I saw it yesterday mate, especially compared with Elendil!!?… & when I thought of my 1:4 scale PO price!…
Cheers mate 👍🏻
Yesterday I commented on this directly in Weta Workshop site. So a bit of a reiteration. It's "Greedflation" of the factories not purely down to Weta.
I suspect Weta anticipate low numbers so they are hedging their price but I also expect they are suffering like all statue makers now from the inflation and greed coming from the Chinese production facilities - there is a helluva a lot of competition to get decent production runs in these factories now in meaningful timeframes. Off course Weta needs to take their fair cut but I do not believe the inflationary greed is coming from them. Even though i think these are priced too high its a beautiful and novel piece and i will add it to the rest of my magnificent Weta collection.
I am sure it's not so easy to find alternative suppliers to produce to these requirements and timelines nor are the artisan skills in abundant supply. Just look at how many other producers have dropped lines or cancelled long PO products because of these issues. This in part probably explains drop in quality which should not be happening with high value pieces such as this. But I do agree with others on the shield hope they can correct that.
PS - As an interesting comparison PCS on the same day released a great Ghostbusters 1/4 Scale Egon Spengler Silver Deluxe c/w Proton Stream and companion Slimer Piece (Ed Size 150). The sculpt looks lovely and well detailed and all coming in at 725$ (Silver Exclusive Ed Size 150 / Deluxe 375) with Regular at 675$ (Open?). So you have to wonder what the heck is going on here in value pricing with 1/6 scale.
Hey there, thank you for your superb input with your comment here and you’ve definitely raised some very valid points here!
I think this is where I also have the main issue regarding the price here, is where you can find 1:4 scale pieces currently just coming up for PO which are of very similar price. It just doesn’t stack up in my mind?
But as you say, (& as I did also in my vid), it is a stunning piece and clearly people will still go for this regardless of what seems to be at the very least, an inflated pricing!
Thanks once again mate for a superb comment 👍🏻
Yeah, I have him on pre-order (with Hakan not Weta). Price is way too expensive. I think my collecting days are coming to an end to be honest.
Hey matey…. It’s a genuine real shame to see so many collectors now saying same or similar to yourself here! All down to escalating prices!
But I get it! I’m fortunate that I’m now only wanting a few pieces and I’m ‘done’ in regards to required desired pieces! 😁👍🏻
I was going to say something about the pricing, but during the video my wife said you are looking great, so I’m away in a huff ;)
Haha!… that’s made me genuinely laugh dude!…
When you’re back from your huff, can you thank your wife for me, please?… 😁👍🏻
Weta got me by the balls now & I had no chice to get Gil Galad to complete the set & battle against Sauron scene 😢
Hey matey - in all fairness I think a fair few are in the same position as yourself? It’s a superb looking piece & will make for an awesome display… just a shame it’s priced as it is…
Cheers matey 👍🏻
I'm really disappointed with this though not surprised. I collect the elves and Gil-Galad has been on my wish list for years. But every new statue has seen a price increase and I just can't justify spending $1000AU + shipping on this. His space on the shelf will forever remain empty unless I get stupidly lucky.
Wow mate, I’m genuinely sorry for you (the way you describe the empty space…), that this pricing has pushed you out! I do hope that the statue companies see comments such as this so they can see what they’re doing!!
They have customers who are not walking away, they’re being PUSHED away!!! It’s such a shame…
Cheers matey for your comment 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector Thanks. I've been lucky in the past picking up pieces for better prices whether because they were damaged or they missing a sword etc but they were also usually those who were not pre-order only. While I agree there might be the odd one in general stores most will go straight into collectors and never see open market again. Also Weta's shipping policy and customer service have been going downhill majorly for the last few years which makes it hard to support them. It's a rich persons game now.
@@tari_elven it certainly is seeming more and more that the statue companies are seeming to be focusing more towards those with ‘big budgets!’…. And I think this is a very flawed move by them….
@@hauntofthecollector maybe if I wait long enough they'll bring him out in the classic collection but even those are pricey these days. They're certainly easier to display! Oh well the life of the collector.
@@tari_elven there’s enough companies involved now mate with the LOTR licence, you may get other options as yet?… 👍🏻
Cost is always a factor and space becomes a premium as well. In the end, it is a great piece, but for the space this Statue takes up I have other choices that will come first
Hey matey - yeah, I think it’s now becoming quite clear a lot of collectors are being far more deliberate in regards to their purchase choices?…
Cheers matey 👍🏻
Totally agree, dude
Cheers my mate 👍🏻
If you compared these statues side by side you’d understand the price difference. The base is bigger, Gil Galad has way more detail than Elendil by far,I have both these statues and can completely understand why Gil’s 150$ more. There’s just way more detail and work from the base to the statue itself. There’s a dead orc for one at the base and orc shield and Gil has a shield and actual hair design instead of just a helmet cast. Not to mention all other colors and paint work. To me it’s not questions worth the extra 150$ bucks.
And that’s the key thing here - no statue is truly ‘worth’ the price tag! As I’ve shown on other videos, they’re ALL vastly overpriced!!!
It’s a simple question of whether you feel the piece justifies the price tag & you’re happy to pay it?… 👍🏻
Im general 1/6 scale cant be more than 500, im not even ok with that but thats gotta be the limit, how can they sell a 1/6 scale figure at 1/4 scale price ugh
I’ve no mate - but they clearly are! 😁
It makes me shudder to think what the upcoming MC piece will be pieced at??… 😱
I ordered Gil-galad because it’s GIL-GALAD, I collect Elves and was sitting on my pile of weta dollars like Smaug on his gold.
But yeah, I think that was the last straw for me.
Hey matey! Yeah, as I said in the vid, regardless of the price tag, many will go for this regardless as it’s Gil Galad!!! If this was Mouth of Sauron, I’d be going for it, regardless of price!!… We all have that one piece we ‘need’!…
But, these statue companies are losing, and will continue to lose, customers if these seemingly unfathomable price hikes keep happening?
Many thanks my mate for your comment 👍🏻
$700 hunh.. that's the shipping P1 is charging on the latest Berserk 1:3. Just the shipping. Hobby is out of control.
Hey mate, yeah I get it, I’ve paid around $1700 to ship orders from P1 before now (1:3 Predator!!)…. It’s insane now…
But for me, I’m now at a stage where I only now am looking for a few more key pieces that I’d like to add to my collection…. So, I can maybe justify paying ‘silly money’ on certain items?
And this will be the case with this piece for some collectors, it’s a high price tag that’s ‘worth it’ to them!?…
Cheers matey 👍🏻
I am so confused collecting used to be fun.
Hey matey! It’s still fun, for me it is… When I see what I feel are overpriced items, I simply just turn away from it and I’m done with it…
Good thing is at the moment with so many LOTR pieces being made, there’s usually a lot of potential choice?…
Cheers buddy 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector I know matey but if one goes up in price others will follow and when 1/6 pieces get that high 1/4 will increase too. But yeah I hope it will fall them on their feet. But the trend is spreading. There are some shops here who have risen the prices for the standart classic series already. They are wanting over 500 € for that crap Balrog piece...
You are spot on with your comments on this. I couldn't agree more! That good old phrase 'taking the piss' comes to my mind. However, after saying that, I do love my elves. I have all the Weta male elves, so naturally I was really excited about the release of Gil-galad. So now I feel a bit undecided, partly due the silly price, and also there is one thing driving me crazy about the statue itself which is the fact part of his spear is hidden behind his billowing garments. To my mind the spear should have been at the front so we see all of it. Nobody else seems bothered about it or just haven't noticed. Perhaps it's just me been a bit picky, but it is bugging me. So at the moment I'm sitting on it. Anybody any thoughts on this?
Cheers matey, as I’m not in this line I shall refrain from giving any advice on the spear…
But, it’s one of those, if you’re into that line and need it, then go for it! If I was doing the Last Alliance, I’d buy this! I wouldn’t be happy about the price, but I’d get it to complete!… 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector Yeah, that's what will probably happen despite my reservations. Cheers my friend.
Yes annoying me too. Aeglos is so integral to his character!
@@tari_elven Are you going to get him? It's annoying me enough to make me think. Oh, and I'm not convinced that the shield is correct size - looks a tad small to my eyes.
@@niallstranix5412 no sadly. They've priced me out. I collect the elves and have been hoping for years they'd make him. But it's to much now, can't justify the cost and that's before shipping is added! Also agree some details are off.
From what i see, weta statues is always OP compare to other companies. Their scale is smaller but more exp than others. 😅
Yeah, they’ve certainly gone to be very pricey mate and now their shipping costs are vastly more also, as they no longer seem to ship from EU to UK, but from US - making my shipping now 3x the piece it was???..
@@hauntofthecollector yep yep. Anyway, what do u think of the new weta statue? Foundation guard with white tree. 😅
@@applemonkey7305 it’s awesome mate! I think it’s one of their best ever pieces - can see myself going for this one! 👍🏻
@@hauntofthecollector yep it is. I am hoping they would do black gate aragon one day 😂
@@applemonkey7305 I believe DSC are doing that ‘scene’ mate?… Assuming they ever actually get round to releasing something??… 😁
I placed my order and which statue is not overprized these days ? Sooner or later all manufacturers will push the prizes.
Hey mate… well, Lurtz 1:6 is an acceptable price? But as I said in the vid, despite the $699 price tag, many will PO this as they simply want it enough!… And that’s totally fair enough and equally fine with me!… But, this is now a concerning trend!… 👍🏻
Well, "If U can't afford Ferrari buy Fiat"- simple as that... Is not personal first of all , but please let me explain mine point of view. It cost a lot but this is why those items after years cost so much on aftermarket. Weta makes art. I personally cant afford to buy statutes from all companies like slideshow, prime one, so im saving for Weta, and Im happy that it keeps prices high. Is not a Action figure Toy. I focus only on weta stuff since 2001 and first Gollumn statute i get with blueray. I think problem is ( as a general on the market) that those things slowly become a Toys, with led lights, changing heads and so on. Is not a sculpture anymore. But Weta is stil traditional , this is why I have focused only on them. From my perspective scale 1:6 and 1:4 is great and prices are fair for quality i get. Limited edition of Nike shoes cost more...
Yeah, what you’re saying is the case & always has been… however, the ‘aftermarket’ isn’t what it once was? And when you push the retail price up, that margin gradually narrows and narrows until that market is strangled out of existence!
Having owned some of the most ‘expensive’ Weta pieces released in the last few years (Escape off the Road - The Dead Marshes etc), and then sold them on, I can assure you, that market is now VERY restricted!
But, if you’re buying these high end pieces with their second hand price being your focus, then I feel that that is also the entirely wrong approach?
The purpose of this video was simply to compare the price of this with recent Weta singular 1:6 scale figure releases! And to my mind, this piece is blatantly overpriced! Why? Because of demand for the character, little else!
And also, remember, the recent release of the Fountain Guard with Tree of Gondor is just $200 more!! That really reflects on the very high price tag applied to this piece!
But as I’ve said many times, no one is being forced to buy these pieces, and if you want something badly enough, you’ll pay the asking price, regardless of wether it’s overpriced or not… 👍🏻