SDCC08 - Dr WHO Replicas!
- Thread starter RKW
- Start date
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- doctor who
phez
Sr Member
I don't know if I would be comfortable modifying a sonic that is that expensive. :lol
protokev DMD
Sr Member
im wondering, do you think tennant ever got a sonic? I seem to remember him wanting to have one of them.
greatwazoo42
Master Member
Keep in mind that Davey is a fan boy just like we are so I've no doubt he'll be taking a whole Who Museum with him when he strides off set for the last time. :lol Sonic Screwdriver, "The Coat," a pair of the Converse he wears, some greeblies off the console...
Jack T Chance
Sr Member
This is RIDICULOUS. I completely understand Neil's concerns about his business, but the thing's only been on sale for half a day, and they've already sold about half the run! :confused
This really should have been put into the "Authentics" category, as an item that is ALWAYS available, because the demand is CLEARLY there. Big mistake on their part.
(
I sincerly hope that the Celestial Toymaker will be buying one and then making as exact a reproduction as he possibly can, because at this rate, that's the only hope some of us have of being able to own this prop. Right now, I can't justify spending something like $430 on one, no matter how badly I want it.
This really should have been put into the "Authentics" category, as an item that is ALWAYS available, because the demand is CLEARLY there. Big mistake on their part.
(I sincerly hope that the Celestial Toymaker will be buying one and then making as exact a reproduction as he possibly can, because at this rate, that's the only hope some of us have of being able to own this prop. Right now, I can't justify spending something like $430 on one, no matter how badly I want it.
phez
Sr Member
My bet is that they did not have any interest to go into mass production of the Sonics in house. I am guessing (only guessing) that the people who work at MFX are making a bit more than it would cost to do this piece in China as originally planed and the price reflects what it costs to pay the pros there wage. If the work is being done in house at an hourly wage a bulk volume discount would be difficult to apply. If you put out 5000 or 500 you still have to pay the base hourly rate.
The up side is that I think the process being used will yield basically the same Sonic Screwdriver that would be made if the studio requested them to make one.
The question is, is the demand there to buy a non-limited edition at $430.00. If they have to make them in house would removing the limited edition number have an impact on collectability and as a result require them to lower the price. From collecting over the years I have found that you can have low numbers and higher price or high numbers and a bit lower price. Maybe low numbers and higher price is the only way MFX could make it work.
You know, looking at the celestialtoystore.com web site there Sonic was priced right around what MFX origenally ball parked theres at. I would bet they have run into the same production issues and the price will reflect that if it does come out. It is also a limited to 500 edition size.
http://celestialtoystore.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=5
The up side is that I think the process being used will yield basically the same Sonic Screwdriver that would be made if the studio requested them to make one.
The question is, is the demand there to buy a non-limited edition at $430.00. If they have to make them in house would removing the limited edition number have an impact on collectability and as a result require them to lower the price. From collecting over the years I have found that you can have low numbers and higher price or high numbers and a bit lower price. Maybe low numbers and higher price is the only way MFX could make it work.
You know, looking at the celestialtoystore.com web site there Sonic was priced right around what MFX origenally ball parked theres at. I would bet they have run into the same production issues and the price will reflect that if it does come out. It is also a limited to 500 edition size.
http://celestialtoystore.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=5
Last edited:
the DOCTOR
Sr Member
Personally I think, and this is only a theory, that with year 5 of new 'Who' being called 'season 1' and talk of a new TARDIS inside and out, chances are that we'll be getting a redesigned Sonic as well, so after the new series starts, we'll all be wanting the 11th Doctor's Sonic, not the 10th's...
greatwazoo42
Master Member
Unless he's not Doc 11 and it's a universe reboot and he's Doc 1 Beta.
Tom Starkiller
Well-Known Member
Where do you get that? I've never heard any one say that before.
well, selling half the run does not equal selling out. It could very well peter out once initial interest has been fulfilled. You just never know.
This really should have been put into the "Authentics" category, as an item that is ALWAYS available, because the demand is CLEARLY there. Big mistake on their part.
it was mentioned in a communication from them that it is not in their "Authentics" line as they did not produce the original. Still not convinced that selling half the run constitues "clear" demand, but we shall see.
And honestly, at the end of the day, it is not the purpose of MFX to make fans happy. Their goal is to turn a profit. that fans are happy as a result of that goal is great, but it's not their goal. My guess is that they'll be happy if they can sell the entire run, turn a bit of a profit, and move on to the next product.
producing a sustainable product that will sell for years and years is a near impossibility. i would guess they dont' maintain a big inventory of the Authentics line, and with the cost and time involved in producing the sonics, it just isn't that INTERESTING to keep the product alive and in stock for years to come.
I sincerly hope that the Celestial Toymaker will be buying one and then making as exact a reproduction as he possibly can, because at this rate, that's the only hope some of us have of being able to own this prop. Right now, I can't justify spending something like $430 on one, no matter how badly I want it.
So basically, you are condoning "recasting" and ripping off a license holder so you can get what you want for cheap?? Pretty sure that's frowned upon around here, but maybe I missed a thread or two. Just because you can't afford it, doesn't mean someone should recast and offer it for cheap. that pretty much violates every ethic we have on this forum. Typically, people (especially license holders, or folks who put a LOT of time and money into developing a product) get upset when someone knocks off their work and sells it cheap.
E-Wan
Sr Member
Not trying to be a smart-ass here, but how is this different to people producing lightsabers while MR/EFX has the license? Again, not trying to be rude, just trying to get a handle on the "rules".
Primrodo
Sr Member
Guys...let me tell you from experience. Many machinists have picked this project up, not finished, gave up or not wanted to touch it with a 10 foot pole.
I have talked to so many machinists, here and on the RPF to get this made. Russrep kinda gave up on the project, a couple others here as well.
I was quoted from 1000-5000-10000 dollars for 1 single sonic, no sound and the single light. Its not a project many will touch, or want to touch.
Neill is doing us a favour by bringing it out at ALL! How many projects has MR just thrown away or how many companies presell and show nothing for it.
Yes its a expensive pen light.
No, its not an expensive prop. How many pay hundreds for a storm trooper or darth vader helmet that does nothing aside from sit on a stand? Or a lightsaber that collects dust on a cool stand etc etc.
Yes you can get cheaper lightsabers made, but again we are faced with teh licence problems, something we cannot get around, and teh time spend on each.
Its quite simple. Either you want it....or you don't. I am going to be selling off my props I just do not care for or need any more to help cover this and other costume stuff (from Doctor Who). I did not want to chance any hope at anyone MAYBE making one later or POSSIBLY getting one another time. After 5 years of measureing, collecting reference and talking with the guys about the prop...this is it, and its good
Cannot wait for that package to come!
I have talked to so many machinists, here and on the RPF to get this made. Russrep kinda gave up on the project, a couple others here as well.
I was quoted from 1000-5000-10000 dollars for 1 single sonic, no sound and the single light. Its not a project many will touch, or want to touch.
Neill is doing us a favour by bringing it out at ALL! How many projects has MR just thrown away or how many companies presell and show nothing for it.
Yes its a expensive pen light.
No, its not an expensive prop. How many pay hundreds for a storm trooper or darth vader helmet that does nothing aside from sit on a stand? Or a lightsaber that collects dust on a cool stand etc etc.
Yes you can get cheaper lightsabers made, but again we are faced with teh licence problems, something we cannot get around, and teh time spend on each.
Its quite simple. Either you want it....or you don't. I am going to be selling off my props I just do not care for or need any more to help cover this and other costume stuff (from Doctor Who). I did not want to chance any hope at anyone MAYBE making one later or POSSIBLY getting one another time. After 5 years of measureing, collecting reference and talking with the guys about the prop...this is it, and its good
Cannot wait for that package to come!
Primrodo
Sr Member
For example the Ki-Adi Mundi saber is not being made by any one, thus it does not fall into licence problems for the RPF.
TV8
Well-Known Member
Guys...let me tell you from experience. Many machinists have picked this project up, not finished, gave up or not wanted to touch it with a 10 foot pole.
I have talked to so many machinists, here and on the RPF to get this made. Russrep kinda gave up on the project, a couple others here as well.
I was quoted from 1000-5000-10000 dollars for 1 single sonic, no sound and the single light. Its not a project many will touch, or want to touch.
Neill is doing us a favour by bringing it out at ALL! How many projects has MR just thrown away or how many companies presell and show nothing for it.
Yes its a expensive pen light.
No, its not an expensive prop. How many pay hundreds for a storm trooper or darth vader helmet that does nothing aside from sit on a stand? Or a lightsaber that collects dust on a cool stand etc etc.
Yes you can get cheaper lightsabers made, but again we are faced with teh licence problems, something we cannot get around, and teh time spend on each.
Its quite simple. Either you want it....or you don't. I am going to be selling off my props I just do not care for or need any more to help cover this and other costume stuff (from Doctor Who). I did not want to chance any hope at anyone MAYBE making one later or POSSIBLY getting one another time. After 5 years of measureing, collecting reference and talking with the guys about the prop...this is it, and its good
Cannot wait for that package to come!
That summarises pretty much how I feel too about this prop.
I paid $700US a few years ago for my Vader IV helmet and didn't have a problem with it. But circumstances have now changed (got twins) and $650AU is just waaaay too much all in one hit, all in the next 24hrs. I guess if I really needed the Sonic, I would sell a kidney. It would be nice if it was made available over a longer period of time though.
