cdubya

Ah, I see. I had misinterpreted your original post to mean: 1xRipley, 1xQueen, and Power-loader...for the dream-world price of $19.99. And if your suggestion (Ripley vs. Queen) is the only manner in which to attain a reasonably scaled Queen, then so be it; I'll take what I can get. I know vehicles are a long ways off (if at all), expensive to tool, and have had a slow-return in the past (I believe the super-D scale is to blame). I realize I'm preaching-to-the-choir, but I truly believe that this license can support at least one Mini-Vehicle and the Power-loader makes the most sense (although APC and Drop-ship would certainly rock...despite being super-deformed!). The beauty of the Power-loader (besides being iconic and essential for squaring-off against Queens) is that even in 'mates form, it's still virtually in-scale. I just hope that if they ever do decide to produce one that they don't wait too long. I'd prefer to show my support by purchasing more Xeno-mates than by purchasing one of Medicom's!

I think that would be quite a stretch at that price-point even if the Queen was tiny. I can't imagine anyone wanting a drone sized Queen. Now two separate sets priced at $19.99 could work. One set with Ripley/Power-loader and one set with the Queen (she really needs to be based on a larger 'mate...2.5"-4" plus extension pieces for legs, arms, abdomen, etc.) / egg-sack stand (think "Hive-playset" shrunk into a display stand to support the Queen) possibly with 3-4 eggs would be a plausible option that would fit into the standard Mini-vehicle packaging that DST have been using. I think both would have high appeal to collectors and fit the price-point parameters of: 1x Minimate/ 1x Vehicle (stand, whatever) formula they've been using since the first releases. Even better if they were both in the same asst. (3x Power-loader, 3x Queen case ratio). I'd personally buy a case.

True. What's the general concensus if these were b/w, though?

Holy black on a Popo! Was that Rodan? I think that was Rodan! It sure looked like it!!!

Well, sure, it's the number one action figure line in America, and a top 4 cartoon, but that doesn't mean TRU will take it. I know they're taking our vinyl banks, but I have not seen Minimates on the list. Who are you quoting? Ummm, I guess I'm "quoting" myself based on how I interpreted these replies: Require permits many, money more. I suppose a better question would be: Is DST (or another party) interested in expanding into classic merchandise or are they waiting to see how the modern line performs first?

These (modern 2-pack) seem like a perfect fit for TRU as they are actually relevant to kids (of all ages)*fingers crossed*. So, "not part of current license" but has there been any discussion on pursuing "classic"? These could make for some nice nostalgic box sets (ala Icon's Thundercats) for the specialty market targeting older collectors!

I couldn't agree more.Quoted for truth. Perhaps this is why, despite it's many flaws in execution, I always feel compelled to defend the 'AVP' films. While I can't honestly say I loved either as a whole (the second was even worse than the first), there were moments of entertainment. I loved the concept, pred.& xeno designs, and "Wolf" is possibly the most bad-a$$ed Yautja...period. However, few films fill me with such hatred as 'Resurrection' does (no offence to those who enjoyed it, but...uugghh). I felt more pity for the "newborn" and wanted to Sparta-kick that Ripley clone out an air-lock. That's the most positive thing I can say; it ended at '3' as a trilogy for me and I want nothing to do with it.off-subject, but: *If it's 'Firefly' 'mates that we want (and I believe many do), then let's have them...no need for a fourth-rate facsimile even if it was the inspiration.

Very sad news about Harold Ramis. His unique vision truly touched the lives of many and will missed. At least we still have his movies.

Agreed. I can certainly understand some folks obssessing over uniformity in their collections, however if the source material is b/w then anything other would be glaringly incorrect. And as far as modern b/w cinema is concerned, I'm constantly amazed by how many miss the artistic intentions.

Yes, the powerloader is in Aliens. And it is amazing....and would translate beautifully into a mini-vehicle set (right after a deluxe Queen set). Just throw'in that out there!

Awesome! You know, I thought I saw gloves, but I couldn't determine if it was just a shadow. Great asst.! Do we know yet whether these 2-packs are specialty and TRU (with possible exclusives) yet?

Good call, and maybe why they aren't in Series 1? I'd seriously doubt that. I imagine they'll be able to hold them in a similar fashion as the Terminator gatling gun. It's the shorter pulse-rifles that I was more concerned about. Minimates have never really been "rifle-friendly" other than one-handed poses.

Now we have something constructive to talk about! This first asst. of 2-packs look awesome!!! Looks like eight total. I can make out: Colonist (chest-burster!!!), Apone, Ripley, Xeno (closed mouth), BD Xeno (extended jaw), and three Marines but it's hard to make out who exactly. I ran that clip over and froze frames and for a split second you can make out what appears to be female lips on the back, right 'mate. I'm 99% positive that this is Dietrich. The other two (based on skin-tone) are likely Hicks, Hudson, or possibly Crowe. Great asst., but I'm a bit surprised to not see one of the heavy gunners thrown in for variety (Vasquez or Drake). No Biggie, there's plenty of time for them. I think the biggest challenge for this line is going to be the Queen. I'm not sure how she can be represented (in reasonable scale) even with extension pieces without reintroducing the larger bodies of the past (2.5"- 4"). Just my opinion.

I was surprised to see that the box office for Alien was pretty much the same as for Aliens. I assumed Cameron had "popularized" the franchise, but it looks like the original was just as big a hit. I definitely don't want any Event Horizon or Sphere Minimates. Dude, Alien was a freakin' phenomenon in it's day; right up there with Star Wars and Jaws as far as it's cultural impact. That's not just an opinion, that is an established fact. Not to sound elitist or snooty, but you just would have had to live in that time to understand. I admittedly have watched 'Aliens' far more than 'Alien' because it is more easily accessible and fun to watch (great, nonintellectual, popcorn movie) and would never enter into a debate over which is better. It's apples and oranges. Alien is a suspenseful and psychological thriller (horror) that just happens to take place in space, and Aliens is a high-octane action/scifi film. Both dominate and remain relevant on their own merits...and just so happen to be connected by the "franchise". I'm always tickled by the arguments that seem to stem from this despite it's futility. Aliens is the ticket for extended toy sales because it was designed do so (and why it remains more memorable), Alien is a high-art, seminal masterpiece (in the same caliber as 2001) celebrating a milestone and deserves recognition for laying the foundation (regardless of how it evolves/ devolves depending on your view-point) for what we enjoy today. Regardless of preference, respect is paramount.

And there's not a one of you that wouldn't gobble-up a box set of either despite these claims!

Man PL, I so wanted to read your post, but after this, in good conscience, I just couldn't Prometheus? Why's everybody so down on Prometheus?!? It accomplished what it set out to do (provide a little background for the mystery of the "space jockey" and give a general idea of the Xeno origin) while leaving enough open for one's imagination (or possible, though unlikely sequel!). It's only what came between Aliens 3 and Prometheus (I can't even bring myself to say the name) that I'm in personal denial about (it's a trilogy and a prequel as far as I'm concerned)!

If you put out a set with the Alien OR Ripley, there'd be no reason to be unsure about a second set. Demand would be guaranteed. I guess I'm having trouble understanding why there's so little faith in this film. Because the only things I remember from Alien are the Xeno, Ripley and the dude with the chest buster. I know other people may like it, but I didn't care for Alien. Aliens is a MUCH better film in my eyes, and much more memorable, with actual characters. I'm glad it's your favorite, but I'd rather have DST air on the side of caution. I don't need 2 Alien box sets. One will suite me just fine. You see, you are exactly the audience we're talking about and are inadvertently illustrating our point. You're getting all you need from one, single $19.99 set and have no need, desire, what-have-you for another. But you'd likely buy the second (if you knew it was being released shortly after) to get the other key character that you remember were they split-up, correct? I'm no business major, but I think two sales are generally better than one. I understand that sales need to be strong on the first to allow for a second, but with this particular theme and small cast, I don't whole-heartedly agree that it was necessary. This, and the remaining cast on their own would not have much sales appeal to someone such as yourself.

Zach, please don't take offence to my metaphorical (and sometimes acidic) wit. It is not my intention to bash. That, and I prefer dandelions to roses anyday! No, anniversaries do not guarantee sales (though Alien is not just any movie IMHO), but they do put things back on the radar (much like a new Sin City movie...) of people who do not live and breathe a particular franchise. Both are excellent opportunities to take advantage of. Large, financially devoted fan-bases don't hurt either. Your last sentence actually sums-up our fear (of the obviously leaked photo) in that it appears to be putting too many eggs into one basket (or not enough...I can't remember which!) and not leaving enough to keep casual customers interested. Fans, like myself, are in it for the whole run without question (here's my credit card #). While there's no guarantees to anything in life (other than death), I just want us to make it to the finish-line. That's all. We should probably just let this one go since we were obviously not meant to see these yet...but they were glorious none-the-less!!! Pass that on to the powers that be.

I believe you meant closed-mouth (the proto has the inner-jaw), but point taken...and good to hear. I've no doubt that 'Aliens' will be knocked out of the playground and 'Alien' will see another offering(s). Both are time-proven "cash-cows" that always (provided the product is good) garner support regardless of when they are presented. HotToys, Neca, and others know this. I'd just like to see DST exploit the fact that Minimates are likely the only way a fan will ever get the full-cast (of this I am 99.999% certain) due to the cost and difficulties obtaining individual actor-likeness rights. This and the fact that characters like Lambert and such admittedly could not sell well alone, period. Bottom-line, the demand is there and a milestone anniversary just seemed like an excellent opportunity. I hope the zealous passion didn't come off as pushy or ungrateful, but Alien/s fans are hungry for a line that addresses more than just the awesome Xeno! I think you're taking away the wrong message, if anything we are saying give us as much as you possibly can and we will buy it. Look at it from our perspective, you've known about these for months and have in depth knowledge of the plans and designs. All we have is a crappy picture of 4 figures from a distance, with an almost immediate follow-up of something along the lines of "that might be all you get". When your customers' only complaint is we aren't getting enough of your product, that's a good thing. Well said YB, my sentiments exactly. We're not mad at you Zach (or DST). As I stated above, "we're hungry!" Some of us have literally been waiting 35 years for someone to give us (authentic) more than the Xeno. Guys like myself and Mr PL (hope you don't mind me speaking on your behalf friend) would almost rather get nothing than be teased by an incomplete line. We want the world to love Minimates and Alien as much as we do!

Excellent point. There is absolutely no comparison (no offence to either of those films, but c'mon) in terms of an iconic film that continues to dominate in multiple genres (scifi, horror, etc.) for decades (and will continue to do so). I think we're all just getting a bit worked-up due to the lack of details. Surely they are not blind to these facts. It just seems that their "priorities" would have been better focused on something as time-sensitive as an anniversary. It's the same reaction one could expect if you had forgotten your wife's anniversary...dog house! Here's hoping DST comes through in the 11th hour with a big bouquet of roses to smooth things over, though the air-lock doors of opportunity (between concept-production) are slowly closing!

I'm gonna guess no since this set features Ripley and the titular character, each of whom could have anchored respective boxed sets. Would a 35th Anniverary 8-pack really have been so unreasonable? I feel your anxiety bro, and in a perfect world "one-n-done" would be the way to go for an anniversary ($39.99 wouldn't be unreasonable for such an iconic film). Of course, then we'd be lamenting on how the Nostromo suit gets no love and one Xeno wasn't enough! I've no doubt that 'Alien' has enough support for as many sets as DST wants to produce (and there's more money to be made that way), but it is a bit disconcerting when they begin like this. We've been burned too many times in the past (not just by DST mind you) by the hopes of a great toy-line. (6)Fingers-crossed that we get a comprehensive line before the end of it's anniversary year!

Wait, who's the weak one, Parker or Kane? I want the whole crew. Here's hoping Kane comes with an awesome alternate chest block, Parker comes with a flame thrower, and Ripley comes with a Jones! In my world? None; I want every single character (with variants if applicable!). But to the casual fan who only wants the Xeno and possibly Ripley, I'm slightly concerned if series 1 contains: Xeno, Kane, Parker, and Ripley. As someone who wants everything, I maintain that three strategically planned sets (and possibly one vehicle!) will sufficiently cover this. I've no doubt that this (and Aliens) will sell through, but balancing each will hopefully prevent lagging sales after the first. Something like... Series 1: Xeno (closed snarl mouth), Dallas, Kane, Lambert (all pressure-suit...iconic "space jockey" theme anchored by the Xeno). Open egg (or eggs) with face-hugger and lamp accessories. Series 2: Ripley, Ash, Brett, Parker (anchor 3 weaker sellers with "must-have"). Jonesie, lamps, cattle-prod, flame-thrower accessories. Series 3: Xeno (extended inner-jaw), Dallas, Kane, Lambert (wrap-up with "civilian" versions of S1 anchored with Xeno and "chest-burster" Kane accessories. Done. All characters represented. If possible, ice the cake with a Nostromo Shuttle vehicle with Ripley [undies (I'm not kidding!) w/ add-on pressure-suit and harpoon]. Theeeeeeen secure a Predator license!

While I love the new show (actually more than the original), I think classic sets (ala Thundercats) are more geared to 'mates. That and the old-school "shell-raiser" just screams Mini-vehicle! Oh well, I'm in!

This is awesome, though I agree with all about the big "G" looking a bit...off. Surely Rodan, MechaG, Ghidorah, and more are planned (a baby G would thrill me!). FX accessories (lasers, sonics, etc.), micro vehicles (jets, tanks, etc.) and FX stands (dust cloud, fire, flight, etc.) would set my mini-world on fi-yaaaah!!! I'm going to start constructing cardboard cities right now!

I, like most, was really looking forward to seeing a big display and getting an idea of the asst.s (and vehicles) we can expect (and when). *sigh* However, the confirmation of 35th Ann. Alien sets makes me very happy! I just hope the four leaked aren't how they plan on grouping these (3 strong and 1 weak).