Aanchir Posted October 28, 2011 Posted October 28, 2011 Imagine a clear plastic minifigure for Bilbo or Frodo while wearing the ring. Clear minifigures are, as of yet, impossible, because polycarbonate (the material used for transparent parts) has different properties than ABS (the default material used for solid-colored parts). Specifically, polycarbonate has a lot of friction against other polycarbonate parts, as discussed here on pages 19 and 20. Since minifigures have many tight but delicate connections, such as the arm-torso, hand-arm, and leg-hip connections, the friction might cause these parts to snap easily. There have been attempts by TLG to create transparent minifigures in the past, but because of this problem they have never met LEGO's quality standards and thus have never been released in sets. I asked specifically about this at Brickfair this August, due to transparent minifigures being a frequent request on Eurobricks, and was told that transparent minifigures would unfortunately not be possible any time in the foreseeable future.
giggitygoo Posted October 28, 2011 Posted October 28, 2011 Is it a LOTR line or just Hobbit? Fingers crossed for both? No but, If they release the Hobbit I cannot see the reason why they wouldn't release LOTR sets as the two go hand in hand - perhaps not as the same time as each other - but im sure if it is a fact that they are arriving - we should expect both
TheLegoDr Posted October 28, 2011 Posted October 28, 2011 What I posted was an awesomely detailed MOC. I never intended for people to think it was a real set being produced. That thing would cost more originally than what the Cafe Corner is going for after-market.
lightningtiger Posted October 28, 2011 Posted October 28, 2011 Is it a LOTR line or just Hobbit? Well, if true it would have to start with LOTR then move on to the Hobbit.....though I'm waiting for the screams of when(if) sets are released 'Oh, it's <insert that tiresome argument>' or a like !
Ardelon Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 Clear minifigures are, as of yet, impossible, because polycarbonate (the material used for transparent parts) has different properties than ABS (the default material used for solid-colored parts). Specifically, polycarbonate has a lot of friction against other polycarbonate parts, as discussed here on pages 19 and 20. Since minifigures have many tight but delicate connections, such as the arm-torso, hand-arm, and leg-hip connections, the friction might cause these parts to snap easily. There have been attempts by TLG to create transparent minifigures in the past, but because of this problem they have never met LEGO's quality standards and thus have never been released in sets. I asked specifically about this at Brickfair this August, due to transparent minifigures being a frequent request on Eurobricks, and was told that transparent minifigures would unfortunately not be possible any time in the foreseeable future. Yeah, I learned this the hard way, when i shoved a lightsabre blade into a round 1x1 brick. My dad had to get it out for me with a pair of pliers... (it left marks ) Maybe if they made the torso and small legs one piece, or the legs connect to the torso via regular studs. And the shoulder connections could be like the old skeletons, with the hands and arms also being one piece. But that's just me rambling.
Omicron Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 Isn't that what we all thought between about 1980 and 1999 with regards to Star Wars? As kids we were all making x-wing fighters and tie fighters out of bricks, then out of the blue Lego came up with actual Star Wars sets (and coincidently a lot of people start drifting out of the "Dark Ages" around that time). All this speculation on LOTR sets does have a familiar feel about it. Yes except the difference is that around that same time, the SW movies were being re-released in Special Edition, not to mention the fact that Episode I came out that very year (1999). The Hobbit is due for release next year, and we have no word on anything as of yet for sets (when we should have already), and the LoTR series isn't being re-released anytime soon like how SW was. Not to mention the fact that Lego would have to have another licensing contract on the top of the others they have already (Lucasfilms, Marvel, DC, Disney, Harry Potter, and Nickelodeon). -Omi
Gryphon Ink Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 The Hobbit is due for release next year, and we have no word on anything as of yet for sets (when we should have already), and the LoTR series isn't being re-released anytime soon like how SW was. Not to mention the fact that Lego would have to have another licensing contract on the top of the others they have already (Lucasfilms, Marvel, DC, Disney, Harry Potter, and Nickelodeon). The first movie of the Hobbit won't be released until December 14, 2012, so I would not expect to see any Hobbit-licensed merchandise until Q3 at the earliest. And the Harry Potter license is going away, isn't it?
Omicron Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 And the Harry Potter license is going away, isn't it? Eventually, but they still have a game to release. -Omi
Jack Bricker Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 (edited) Yes except the difference is that around that same time, the SW movies were being re-released in Special Edition, not to mention the fact that Episode I came out that very year (1999). The Hobbit is due for release next year, and we have no word on anything as of yet for sets (when we should have already), and the LoTR series isn't being re-released anytime soon like how SW was. Not to mention the fact that Lego would have to have another licensing contract on the top of the others they have already (Lucasfilms, Marvel, DC, Disney, Harry Potter, and Nickelodeon). -Omi The LOTR extended edition was re-released this year on blue ray. Also I am starting to see the prices of LOTR memorabilia such as action figures, books, etc... starting to go up in price. Also, Lego will most likely not release the LOTR sets until summer or fall of next year which could be why we have not "seen" anything yet. While, it is still somewhat speculation that a LOTR theme will be released due to there not being any hard-physical evidence it is also just pure speculation that the LOTR theme will not be released since there is even less evidence to that end. Edited October 29, 2011 by Jack Bricker
Omicron Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 The LOTR extended edition was re-released this year on blue ray. I said like Star Wars. Re-released in theaters and then on video. Re-released on bluray is nothing, since practically every dvd is doing that. -Omi
lightningtiger Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 Now I don't want to upset people, but working something out in my head now....2010 saw 1 Disney Cartoon theme, 1 Disney live action and 1 TimeWarner live action (oh, who cares about Ben10 ).....2011 has seen the same, we know the Disney live action is to the Avengers and TimeWarner's rumoured Dark Knight Returns, now unless they are being totally group in the Super Heroes bracket then we are going to be seeing more licensed product instead of our beloved Kingdom's (or city for that matter....they wouldn't dare ) We need to wait until early next year before we go jumping off the deep end.
Elander Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 Clear minifigures are, as of yet, impossible, because polycarbonate (the material used for transparent parts) has different properties than ABS (the default material used for solid-colored parts). Specifically, polycarbonate has a lot of friction against other polycarbonate parts, as discussed here on pages 19 and 20. Since minifigures have many tight but delicate connections, such as the arm-torso, hand-arm, and leg-hip connections, the friction might cause these parts to snap easily. There have been attempts by TLG to create transparent minifigures in the past, but because of this problem they have never met LEGO's quality standards and thus have never been released in sets. I asked specifically about this at Brickfair this August, due to transparent minifigures being a frequent request on Eurobricks, and was told that transparent minifigures would unfortunately not be possible any time in the foreseeable future. That is really very sad that complete transparent minifigures not works. For the inversible ringbearers Frodo & Bilbo (if they carry the ring) would this technic simply perfect. I still hope that TLG will discover/develop for the body connection parts a better material like "polycarbonate". Meanwhile I've found a nice body with good technic elements for the Balrog. Okay, that is not the Balrog, but general are those figures (like this example) fit for creatures like the Balrog. The only thing what those figures additional need are more "natural" body elements. Those creatures must look like real creatures and no like robots. Maybe it is possible additional to add the Balrog with an small extra. And while we're on the subject of robots... I like this Roboter. You can see, this guy has a bricklight. If LEGO put this bricklight inside the body and connect this bricklight with some transparent bricks/elements in fire colors, so can LEGO to create an bigger source of illumination. I mean, a shining body with transparent bricks/elements in different fire colors and normal dark bricks/technic elements and also a shining head with transparent bricks/elements for eyes and mouth; and normal dark bricks for the rest of his head. Are you with me? And as the ultimate could LEGO to connect the transparent bricks/technic elements from inside the body in transparent-line to both hands. By the transparent hands can the Balrog take a transparent yellow sword and an transparent yellow lash. And if you to power on the bricklight -so shines the Balrog in orange/yellow/red fire colors additional with the fire lash and the fire sword. ...I hope that was not too over the top.
CMP Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 For the Balrog, I'd like (as well as expect) something like the Crystal King of Power Miners. Specially molded head, and yes, MAYBE, if he was the ONLY focus of the set, a small brick light.
Dorothy Vader Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 I've just read the news about the potential LOTR LEGO = Brilliant! Now, away to the shops to buy as many Collectable Minifig. Elves and Dwarves as possible. I feel a 'Battle of the 5 Armies' MOC coming on.
Gryphon Ink Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 I said like Star Wars. Re-released in theaters and then on video. Re-released on bluray is nothing, since practically every dvd is doing that. You are right in that there is not nearly the same level of hype at work here. The release of the Special Edition OT, followed by the Phantom Menace, generated more hype than any other film series could ever hope to match. Even the finale of Harry Potter, crazy as it was, didn't create the same kind of excitement. Lucas was building on twenty years of nostalgia for a series that changed the cultural landscape for a generation. I don't think even Lucas could match that feat again, because the mixed results of the Special Editions and the PT have contaminated his fanbase with feelings of disappointment and betrayal. Not to say that there aren't still fifty million hardcore Star Wars fans, since obviously there are - but before George started playing around there was a lot more nearly unanimous fan support. That aside, I think many people here, notably the big Star Wars fans, underestimate the power of LOTR and the Hobbit. LOTR generally shares top billing with the OT as one of the top movie trilogies and greatest franchises in general. Box Office Mojo claims that LOTR actually beats out both SW trilogies in worldwide box office when adjusted for inflation. And the Hobbit is actually a much more popular book than LOTR is, since it's a much shorter and more kid-friendly read. There are going to be A LOT of people lining up to see the Hobbit. I think this will bring on a whole new period of LOTR craziness, and it wouldn't surprise me to see the LOTR films getting another theatrical run, even if it's just a limited run leading up to the second Hobbit film.
mobricki Posted November 1, 2011 Posted November 1, 2011 You are right in that there is not nearly the same level of hype at work here. The release of the Special Edition OT, followed by the Phantom Menace, generated more hype than any other film series could ever hope to match. Even the finale of Harry Potter, crazy as it was, didn't create the same kind of excitement. Lucas was building on twenty years of nostalgia for a series that changed the cultural landscape for a generation. I don't think even Lucas could match that feat again, because the mixed results of the Special Editions and the PT have contaminated his fanbase with feelings of disappointment and betrayal. Not to say that there aren't still fifty million hardcore Star Wars fans, since obviously there are - but before George started playing around there was a lot more nearly unanimous fan support. That aside, I think many people here, notably the big Star Wars fans, underestimate the power of LOTR and the Hobbit. LOTR generally shares top billing with the OT as one of the top movie trilogies and greatest franchises in general. Box Office Mojo claims that LOTR actually beats out both SW trilogies in worldwide box office when adjusted for inflation. And the Hobbit is actually a much more popular book than LOTR is, since it's a much shorter and more kid-friendly read. There are going to be A LOT of people lining up to see the Hobbit. I think this will bring on a whole new period of LOTR craziness, and it wouldn't surprise me to see the LOTR films getting another theatrical run, even if it's just a limited run leading up to the second Hobbit film. I agree with everything said here. I think we will see another LotR craze start. I don't see how TLG can pass up this opportunity.
achris Posted November 4, 2011 Posted November 4, 2011 I have been told that negoitations are underway from someone who was at the Licensing show and that any developments will be made public in Jan.
Vindice Posted November 4, 2011 Posted November 4, 2011 Lets hope something is leaked by then so we can at least get some closure............ or openingsure???? What is the opposite of closure???
Tyrant Posted November 4, 2011 Posted November 4, 2011 I have been told that negoitations are underway from someone who was at the Licensing show and that any developments will be made public in Jan. Why are there negotiations if it's a done deal?
fred67 Posted November 4, 2011 Posted November 4, 2011 Why are there negotiations if it's a done deal? That's why we can't take anything seriously until we get something concrete, despite what correct information someone may have had in the past.
Vindice Posted November 5, 2011 Posted November 5, 2011 Why dont we just lock the topic until there is a concrete annoncement, my head hurts...............and it's not just because i was drinking last night.
lightningtiger Posted November 5, 2011 Posted November 5, 2011 (edited) I don't know why Lego is saying anything, retailers that I have spoken to well, I've seen the sheepish grins from them about this topic.....but it's still not a confirmation. Edited November 5, 2011 by lightningtiger
CorneliusMurdock Posted November 5, 2011 Posted November 5, 2011 Why dont we just lock the topic until there is a concrete annoncement, my head hurts...............and it's not just because i was drinking last night. How about instead of locking it, we redirect the discussion? Debating whether or not it's going to happen is going nowhere but we could still discuss what we'd like to see in this line if it were to come to fruition. Personally, I'd love to see what they could do with a Rivendell set. The unique elven architecture would be awesome. I'd also love to see a set with the Bilbo's troll encounter.
Mirandir Posted November 5, 2011 Posted November 5, 2011 I don't know why Lego is saying anything, retailers that I have spoken to well, I've seen the sheepish grins from them about this topic.....but it's still not a confirmation. Isn't there a few toy fairs in january or february? I'm guessing any revealings of a Lego Lord of the Rings theme would be done at at least one of those fairs.
Vindice Posted November 5, 2011 Posted November 5, 2011 How about instead of locking it, we redirect the discussion? Debating whether or not it's going to happen is going nowhere but we could still discuss what we'd like to see in this line if it were to come to fruition. Personally, I'd love to see what they could do with a Rivendell set. The unique elven architecture would be awesome. I'd also love to see a set with the Bilbo's troll encounter. Rivendell would be awesome!
Recommended Posts