Attention: BANDAI will stop selling kits outside Japan

[Scratchy]

I've just sent my email to Disney. If you are a model building enthusiast, I ask you to do the same.

Mr. Chris Holm,

In light of the recent events with the licensing agreement between Disney and Bandai, I would like to bring to your attention the anger in the modelling community that was created when Disney chose to stop the distribution of Bandai’s Star Wars model kits to the North American and European markets via third party distributors.
I realize that Revell has the license for the North American and European markets, however their model kits are directed and focused on children and these kits are developed at an irregular scale and are more “Toy Like” in nature than an actually model kit which should be to a standard scale of 1/2256, 1/350, 1/144, 1/72, 1/48, 1/35 1/32, 1/24 and 1/12 and at a quality where the detail and accuracy are on par with the filming models of the Star Wars movie franchise.
The adult model enthusiast has always wanted an accurate Star Wars kit since the first showing of Star Wars in 1977. That need has been met with first, Fine Molds of Japan and now with Bandai. I ask that Disney reconsider and allow the third parties involved to ship these accurate detailed kits overseas so that the adult modelling community can enjoy and purchase a product that they desire.

Respectfully,

Jay ******

 

[Dobber]

Revell's first wave of Episode VII kits are skill level 1, but they did release higher grade Star Wars kits, and will again the (aforementioned) Fine Molds repacks as a 'master series'.

Apples and Oranges though. Those kits are OT subjects. They are still not offering anything from the new movies for more experienced modelers. Those FM master series kits may as well be cars, airplanes, or tanks when it comes to needing quality Ep. 7 kits.

Chris

 

[Reelo]

I've just sent my email to Disney. If you are a model building enthusiast, I ask you to do the same.
/QUOTE]

Done.

 

[Peter H]

I've just sent my email to Disney. If you are a model building enthusiast, I ask you to do the same.

Done, too!

 

[E Williams]

I preordered Boba Fett and Slave One on HLJ a couple weeks ago... does anyone know if the preorders will be honored? Since they're not in stock, HLJ has not billed me yet...

 

[Scratchy]

I preordered Boba Fett and Slave One on HLJ a couple weeks ago... does anyone know if the preorders will be honored? Since they're not in stock, HLJ has not billed me yet...

I hope so. I did the same, and my pre order is still in my account at HLJ.

 

[modelguts]

I hope so. I did the same, and my pre order is still in my account at HLJ.

I've received confirmation that HLJ will be fulfilling pre-orders for Bandai's 1/72 Slave I and 1/12 Boba Fett.

 

[modelguts]

Done, too!

Mine:

"Re: Bandai Japan "Star Wars" model kit licensing‏

Hello,

I am writing in response to several online Japanese hobby distributors having been recently served notice by Disney that they are to halt model kits orders for buyers outside Japan—specifically for the "Star Wars" franchise. These include HobbyLink Japan, 1999.co.jp, among others.

This has apparently been done at the behest of Revell Germany, which holds the European and North American Disney licensing for "Star Wars" model kits.

The "Star Wars" model kits which Revell offers are mostly toy-like and for children. Advanced modelers usually do not seek them out.

Instead, with this export ban on Bandai's model kit offerings, modelers will be paying high prices to get these models from third-party suppliers such as eBay and Amazon sellers. Neither Revell, Disney nor Bandai will see any of this this as revenue. Likewise, Bandai Japan is not stocking North American and European retail stores with their model kits; which is what Revell does.

Revell cannot compete with the quality and standards of the model kits which Bandai is offering, as Bandai does great research into the original props and costumes used on the "Star Wars" movies. In fact, what Revell will be selling as a 'master series' of "Star Wars" model kits are molds sourced from the prior Japanese licensee, Fine Molds. Many advanced "Star Wars" modelers have already purchased these kits online years ago.

I would appreciate it greatly if you could review the decision to halt Bandai Japan from exporting their excellent "Star Wars" models (attached photo).

<name>
<attached>"

---above are all dry builds---

 

[blakeh1]

I will definitely buy fewer models.

I love my 1/48 bandai x-wing but there is no way that I would pay the current ebay prices. At that point I would rather get a resin SS x wing

Currently it is on Amazon from several different retailers for around $88 with free shipping (pretty much equivalent to the MSRP of around $69 plus shipping)

Ther is plenty of other Bandai kits like the x and ties that are all going for the normal rates of around $22 with free shipping to $33 with free shipping for the y-wings

 

[DanielB]

This has apparently been done at the behest of Revell Germany...

Nope. Shame this rumor keeps getting spread as truth.

 

[modelguts]

Nope. Shame this rumor keeps getting spread as truth.

Then convincingly explain why Bandai's S.H. Figuarts & Egg Force "Star Wars" figures were not affected by the ban, or name another model kit manufacturer with a vested interest in having Bandai's "Star Wars" models barred from Japanese export.

 

[ABE]

excuse the question, this is only for kits or Star Wars figures also affects SH Figuarts?

 

[leyrich]

http://www.revell.de/en/products/star-wars/star-wars-episode-vii/id/06694.html


Well I seen the LV2 kit by REVELL go to this link.

 

[modelguts]

excuse the question, this is only for kits or Star Wars figures also affects SH Figuarts?

The ban only affects Bandai's MODEL KITS. However, buyers have now gobbled up Bandai's SW S.H. Figuarts, and it's currently all order stops.

 

[Jaitea]

http://www.revell.de/en/products/star-wars/star-wars-episode-vii/id/06694.html


Well I seen the LV2 kit by REVELL go to this link.

Never a truer word:

J

 

[ABE]

The ban only affects Bandai's MODEL KITS. However, buyers have now gobbled up Bandai's SW S.H. Figuarts, and it's currently all order stops.

It's a shame, because the model kits and the S.H. Figuarts are excellent pieces, I have a stormtrooper and biker scout 1:12 and are much better than the black series

 

[leyrich]

never a truer word:

http://media.giphy.com/media/kbzcjhnjerwqy/giphy.gif

j

ha ha ha i love it

 

[blakeh1]

Then convincingly explain why Bandai's S.H. Figuarts & Egg Force "Star Wars" figures were not affected by the ban, or name another model kit manufacturer with a vested interest in having Bandai's "Star Wars" models barred from Japanese export.

Most likely because they have a different license and contracts for those lines that may not have the "Japan only" stipulation?

 

[modelguts]

Most likely because they have a different license and contracts for those lines that may not have the "Japan only" stipulation?

I have it from a good source that this relates directly to Disney's Episode VII licensing. Bandai's is also releasing EP VII figures through the S.H. Figuarts line, so this *is* a ban on exporting Bandai's MODELS. It's okay, with Bandai's S.H Figuarts "Star Wars" lineup now pre-ordered to oblivion, this can't get any worse (famous last words).

 

[FlyingDachshund]

My email to Mr. Holm:

Mr. Holm,

As a sci-fi scale model builder and Star Wars fan I was disappointed to learn that, due to the licensing agreement between Disney and Bandai, retail online hobby shops such as HLJ.com and 1999.co.jp have been prevented from selling Bandai's Star Wars model kits outside of Japan.

Bandai's accuracy, attention to detail, ease of assembly, and commitment to quality in their model kits is well known in the modeling community. Their Star Wars model kits are the best scale representations of the ships and characters from that franchise that have yet been produced, surpassing even the improvements and advancements made by the previous licensee; Fine Molds. Their kits appeal to a more mature modeler of moderate experience or better who desires well engineered Star Wars subjects in consistent scales.

The alternative, model kits produced and sold by Revell in the US and Europe, have already shown themselves to be aimed at a beginner level market (children). They feature simplified detail, inaccurate proportions, and are inconsistent in scale. While these may be fine for an inexperienced modeler they are not what the more advanced builder is looking for in a Star Wars model kit.

In my opinion this restriction on sales will result in higher costs to modelers (who will now be forced to obtain the quality product they deserve by other methods), and increased frustration and ill will towards Disney for placing them in this position. I am confident that Disney can make a decision in this matter that benefits all concerned parties. I therefore respectfully request that Disney reconsider the ban on the retail sale of Bandai Star Wars model kits outside of Japan.