New pics of 25th Anniversary Optimus Prime in package!

[Smkscrn GT]

Found these pics over on TFormers. Looks awesome! You can even make out the bio on the back of the packaging.

Transformers Toys News and Reviews G1 to Movie - TFormers.com (http://tformers.com/ig.php?mode=album&album=9863&dispsize=800&start=0)

[ActionMasterZod]

NICE, I don't have a G1 Prime so this is a very welcome addition to the collection!

[EvaUnit13]

Fucking want. That's the only Transformer I've ever considered getting 2 of, that box is just... epic

Pricepoint yet? I also find it funny that it's a level 3 conversion :lol

[flamingunicron]

nerfed stacks...darn, still might pick him up, although the price tag is pretty steep for his size

[Greyryder]

If I didn't already have Encore Prime, I'd be all over this.

[ckhtiger]

awwww crap, another one? le sigh. will pick him up, of course.

[Shin Densetsu]

This will be a great Xmas gift for fans who want G1 Prime. Not sure if I will pick it up, but it will be nice to stare at in online galleries.

[Deceptichage]

Nice Universe packaging. I have an Encore Prime as well. Might pick it up though.

[Melkava]

Crossing my fingers that Hasbro won't churning this out from the same mold as the one Takara used for the Encore Prime.

[Indiancowboy]

May have to get two. It's got my fave trailer version too.

[optimus major]

i've been waiting for the moment i will finally own a g1 prime for about 3-4 years....it is about frickin time

[Ktulu]

We will all own one million versions of this toy before it's all said and done with. How in the hell have they kept the mold in good enough shape to keep using?

I'm not sure I like the flap, but I'm still buyin the thing

[General Tekno]

Oh, wow...

This is the best Optimus Prime bio EVER DONE.

It's a real shame the Canadian one won't have the DVD. If I get one, I would have to get the US version.

[SMOG]

Okay... this is getting RIDICULOUS... but could somebody please explain to me what the story is on these clipped smokestacks???

I mean, we have other figures with protruding bits and pieces and guns and a TON of missiles. Why is it that Prime always gets his smokestacks trimmed, whether it be this G1 re-release, MP Optimus, etc??"

Toy regulations don't quite cut it as an excuse either... not when I can see toy trucks with proper stacks in any other line... not to mention all the various pieces we get in Lego and other building toys. Hell, even Movie Voyager Optimus had stacks longer than this, so obviously HE wasn't "dangerous" enough.

I know it's an old issue, but I just can't get my head around it. It's never made any sense to me.

zmog

[bhaalistik]

Oooo damn that's purty! I don't have a G1 Prime either and WOW that packaging is freakin' SWEET.

So what IS the price point anyways...anyone know?

[Rijie78]

Shorts stacks means no sale. Made worse by the fact that pic on the back of the box shows him with the stacks as they should be. I appreciate why they have the short stacks, but... not for me, ta.

However, it's a nice packaging variation, and it's good this is destined to be a mass retail release. Will be interesting to see if it ends up largely being bought by collectors, or has wider appeal & sells across the board. Might lead to a few more generally-available reissues.

EDIT Actually, I wonder if toy safety guidelines in the UK require the stacks to be clipped... and if not, there's a chance we might get an untrimmed Optimus? I suspect not, but anyone out there informed on these things?

[REDLINE]

you realize you can get long smokestacks and swap them out, right?

[Locustreign]

I was all set to pass on this. But that packaging.. GAH

[Rodimus Major]

you realize you can get long smokestacks and swap them out, right?

I did that with my Commemorative reissue, It's a bitch getting the arms back together, with all these small parts and little springs that jump out.

[atomicthumbs]

The one they had at Botcon wasn't altered (though it likely wasn't the finished version - kinda like Oilslick's chain).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v89/atomicthumbs/longstacks.jpg

[REDLINE]

yep. it'll be just like the original re-issue optimus, and ultra magnus too. they both had shortened stacks to comply with modern US toy safety laws.

[Pikatron]

I just may get this version for kicks. I know this figure is likely complete crap compared to the DVD, Classics and Animated (Voyager!) versions, but G1 stuff just makes me feel so nostalgic!

[bigpete]

I like the lighter grey in the trailer. Hate the smokestacks though...

[Th0r4z1n3]

Short stacks for the lose. Nice box and total package though, but I don't really need another g1 Prime. Definitely not bad for someone looking to get a g1 Prime though.

[Red leader]

Mine!!!

[ShortCircuit]

When I read bio's I pretend the dude from the intros of G1 is saying it. Just wanteds to tell you that. And primes awesome. I don't care how many releases he gets. I lie.

[AutobotMarine]

So they're not going to be re-launching Masterpiece Convoy/20th Anniversary Optimus Prime? :sly2:

Oh well, this looks awesome nonetheless. Does anybody know how much he'll cost at retail?

[Nevermore]

Oh well, this looks awesome nonetheless. Does anybody know how much he'll cost at retail?

Hasbro does. (http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/universe/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=9589780C-D56F-E112-4985BE693F87CFDD)

[LightningZERO]

Definitely getting this one!

[Locustreign]

Hasbro does. (http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/universe/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=9589780C-D56F-E112-4985BE693F87CFDD)

I just hope to christ that Hasbro don't do their normal "convert $ to £" trick on this one. £70 would be totally OTT.

[Chris McFeely]

Hell, even Movie Voyager Optimus had stacks longer than this, so obviously HE wasn't "dangerous" enough.

Go grab your Movie Prime, and chek out what his smokestacks are made of. See that? Soft, bendable plastic. That's safe. That won't break in a hurry. Now, G1 Prime's stacks. Firm, solid plastic. That NOT safe. If that gets dropped, it will snap with ease, and you'll be left with sharp edges and small parts could be choked on. And if you want chromed smokestacks, they HAVE to be made out of that - you can't chrome rubbery plastic. So, it's either short stacks, or non-chromed rubbery ones.

[Eric]

WANT. :D I can't wait for this Prime. Though, it really sucks since we're never gonna see G1 Megatron get reissued in the states...

[Takara_destron]

Do want! But at that pricetag...ouch.

[KidDynamite]

Hasbro does. (http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/universe/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=9589780C-D56F-E112-4985BE693F87CFDD)

What the hell? I must have missed this if it was common knowledge. Wasn't the first Hasbro reissue of him $35 or $40? I understand that was a few years ago, inflation occurs, extras are included this time, etc, but doubling or almost doubling the price seems pretty steep.

[SydneyY]

Nice packaging, but I'm happy with one G1 Prime I have (Encore).

[Maximo Prime]

gotta admit, that's an amazing bio fitting for a 25th anniv. version of one of the flagship characters in this franchise. I just may have to get this fig...(not just for the bio mind you...)

[wipedout]

I'll stick with my Encore Prime. Does anyone know if they are going to be releasing any other re-issues and what they will be?

[General Magnus]

I love the box. If I get this one it stays MISB.

[Incepticon]

Fingers crossed that Takara will also be releasing 25th Anniv editions of some of these. And not because Takara are the best blah blah... but because they'll keep Prime's smokestacks long AND possibly throw out a 25th Anniv edition of Megatron to boot... just in case anyone some missed any of the previous dozen reissues. :)

[Runamuck]

Are the colors slightly more bright and vibrant from the original '84 release? Or is that just my eyes?

Anyways, it's a shame they can't sell the damn thing without shortened smokestacks. This is clearly geared towards older fans and collectors. I don't care if it's on toy store shelves or not. Geez.

And I hope he does come with blue Roller, because that's the one I had as a kid. Not the silver one.

[Kimmer]

i really wish hasbro would bring back the commemorative series re-issues. stick them in universe packaging like this,i really don't care. just pump out those g1 bots! that line ended waaaay too soon.

[slugslinger2004]

Looks very good! It's decently priced, but I don't know if I'll buy one.

[JOHNDILLINGA]

Well I know why a 40.00 reissue went up to 70.00....


It's the dayum retooled/repackaged G-2 Lights and sound Trailer box (Autobot symbol)...

Atleast the G-2 version looked like it belonged on the trailer.

But this one clips on your belt or sits on your desk... they really could have ommited that and maybe retooled the gun so the hand peg is where the actual handle is that would have looked better.

Also give him the Matrix that takara made for their New years convoy...

[Draven]

VERY nice looking indeed. I love the lighter grey on the trailer, and I'm a sucker for the G1 Prime mould.
However, it'll be a cold day in Hell when I pay £70 for it. Pay heed, Hasbro UK.

[Powersa]

For $70 Hasbro could have offered some accessories that came with New Year Convoy, if not all.

[Soundwave84]

oh damn i don't have him...... and i cant wait to get him. It will def be a great addition to my collection. I really love the package.

[IhsantheCursed]

May have to get two. It's got my fave trailer version too.

Yep. This is one not to be missed guys.

[knook]

I just hope to christ that Hasbro don't do their normal "convert $ to £" trick on this one. £70 would be totally OTT.
He will probably be around £40 over here. I won't pay £70 or £60 but maybe £50. The original Hasbro reissue was £20 and wasn't $20 so I hope they do this again

[Moroni Prime]

Well, let's break this down.....
Optimus Prime reissue (according to TRU CSI) $39.99
DVD (average price of dvds at walmart) $14.99
Comic (again, average/guesstimate) $4.99

Which means that the voicebox costs roughly $9.99 (even though it isn't essential to the reissue). That sounds about right, electronic gadgets tend to cost a bit. so yeah, while $70 bones seems a bit steep, it makes a little more sense when you break it down.

[Runamuck]

Well, let's break this down.....
Optimus Prime reissue (according to TRU CSI) $39.99
DVD (average price of dvds at walmart) $14.99
Comic (again, average/guesstimate) $4.99

Which means that the voicebox costs roughly $9.99 (even though it isn't essential to the reissue). That sounds about right, electronic gadgets tend to cost a bit. so yeah, while $70 bones seems a bit steep, it makes a little more sense when you break it down.


It all depends on what's on the DVD. I've seen some really cheap DVDs because there wasn't much on the DVD anyways. I'm assuming the DVD that comes with this isn't going to be a feature length movie, so an average DVD price tag wouldn't be appropriate, imo.

[Jarodimus]

^ The DVD includes MTMTE (all 3 parts), reportedly remastered. Haven't seen a report of extras.

In other news, Hasbro really needs to stop using the long-stacked version for box pics. They've had ample opportunity to shoot photos of the circumcised version.

[Runamuck]

^ The DVD includes MTMTE (all 3 parts), reportedly remastered. Haven't seen a report of extras.

In other news, Hasbro really needs to stop using the long-stacked version for box pics. They've had ample opportunity to shoot photos of the circumcised version.


Cool, thanks for the info. I wouldn't imagine there would be many, if any, extras on the DVD. These pack-in, extra DVDs are usually pretty skimp on the extras, right? But an hour's worth of episodes is nice.

And no kidding on the smokestack comment. It's almost like they're teasing us on purpose. Just show him with the shortened smokestacks from the beginning, dammit.

[SMOG]

yep. it'll be just like the original re-issue optimus, and ultra magnus too. they both had shortened stacks to comply with modern US toy safety laws.See, that's just it! What are these so-called "safety guidelines"?? And why are they only selectively followed by Hasbro, and apparently nobody else who makes toy cars, building toys, action figures, art supplies for children, pens, sunglasses, etc...

I mean, I could walk down any aisle at any Toys R Us, and find probably a dozen toys with similarly "dangerous" parts. It really makes no sense.

Go grab your Movie Prime, and chek out what his smokestacks are made of. See that? Soft, bendable plastic. That's safe. That won't break in a hurry. Now, G1 Prime's stacks. Firm, solid plastic. That NOT safe. If that gets dropped, it will snap with ease, and you'll be left with sharp edges and small parts could be choked on. And if you want chromed smokestacks, they HAVE to be made out of that - you can't chrome rubbery plastic. So, it's either short stacks, or non-chromed rubbery ones.Aha!... do you own Movie Voyager Prime? Check your own, and you'll see that his stacks are NOT made out of a soft rubbery plastic, but rather the hard, brittle plastic used for the rest of the figure.

A quick survey of my toy shelf yields all sorts of "dangerous" articles. Alt Prowl's baton, Alt Rumble's little gunbarrels, various spurs and spikes on movie Dropkick, gun barrels on Cybertron Soundwave, Cyb. Metroplex's antennae, various missles in hard, brittle translucent plastics, Lego and Zoids pieces galore... all just waiting to break themselves into shards and jump down a child's throat.

But no... Prime will never have semi-proper looking stacks EVER AGAIN. I mean, couldn't they just slightly re-mold them to fit whatever arcane, ambiguous regulations supposedly apply? I mean, seriously... it's really nonsense.

zmog

[UltraDevmodious]

I love the box. If I get this one it stays MISB.

me too

[G1Wheeljack]

I'm so getting this, I just wish the price wasn't so high.

[Hound & Mirage]

Sigh.

*still waiting for hasbro and/or takara to start tampo-printing/painting all the prominent markings on their reissues.*

[Deceptigtar]

pretty bad the hasbro sites pictures have the long stack optimus shown.

[Chris McFeely]

Aha!... do you own Movie Voyager Prime? Check your own, and you'll see that his stacks are NOT made out of a soft rubbery plastic, but rather the hard, brittle plastic used for the rest of the figure.

"Rubbery" was a bad choice of words on my part - it's not like they're like Leader Prime's stacks. Those are proper bendy rubbery stuff. But they ARE a lot more flexible than plastic needs to be to be chromed. You can flex Voyager Prime's stacks in an arc. If that plastic was chromed, and you did that, it'd crack and flake right off.

Not that there's any reason they couldn't just, oh, say, not chrome the frickin' things, make them out of proper-length, grey bendy plastic, and be done with it.

[wolfe]

The box is gorgeous IMO. Will have to get one of these to display misb.

[Fit For natalie]

"Rubbery" was a bad choice of words on my part - it's not like they're like Leader Prime's stacks. Those are proper bendy rubbery stuff. But they ARE a lot more flexible than plastic needs to be to be chromed. You can flex Voyager Prime's stacks in an arc. If that plastic was chromed, and you did that, it'd crack and flake right off.

Not that there's any reason they couldn't just, oh, say, not chrome the frickin' things, make them out of proper-length, grey bendy plastic, and be done with it. I would presume it was because the stacks are part of the same plastic sprue as the fender and wheels. Not chroming all of them would look really crap, as Hasbto said back in 2002 or 2003.

[Fit For natalie]

Okay... this is getting RIDICULOUS... but could somebody please explain to me what the story is on these clipped smokestacks???

I mean, we have other figures with protruding bits and pieces and guns and a TON of missiles. Why is it that Prime always gets his smokestacks trimmed, whether it be this G1 re-release, MP Optimus, etc??"

Toy regulations don't quite cut it as an excuse either... not when I can see toy trucks with proper stacks in any other line... not to mention all the various pieces we get in Lego and other building toys. Hell, even Movie Voyager Optimus had stacks longer than this, so obviously HE wasn't "dangerous" enough.

I know it's an old issue, but I just can't get my head around it. It's never made any sense to me.

zmog The vacuum-metalization process (aka 'chroming') makes plastic weaker, more brittle and has far less tolerance to 'flex' (bending) than the usual Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic used for the majority of Transformers products. Additionally, when vac-metaled plastic snaps, it tends to break at angles that leave extremely sharp and pointy edges.

Back in 2002 or so, Hasbro said that they could not guarantee that shape or angle the plastic would snap when the stacks break, so they had two choices: Make long stacks and merely paint them silver (which would look abit crap) or retool the stacks as shorter ones, but keep the vac-metal.

Logic dictates that long-thin pieces not supported against other parts will more likely snap than thicker ones (such as Prime's front fender). This is doubly so with vac-metal plastic.

[sunnyswipe]

do we really need another g1 prime re-issue?
i can understand the assumption that new fans who have watched the movie see him on the shelves think "omg 1984 prime-must have!"
not gonna happen, id prefer some more effort and re-mold sunstreaker or wheeljack.
im not really bitching, and i can understand how prime would appeal to more people, just wish hasbro would go for something less obvious

[Chris McFeely]

I would presume it was because the stacks are part of the same plastic sprue as the fender and wheels. Not chroming all of them would look really crap, as Hasbto said back in 2002 or 2003.

I say phoo to you and your logic! PHOO, do I say!

(Also, wherever my head was at, when I was going on about flaking before, I was thinking of the transparent coloured lacquer that goes on TOP of the silver chrome, rather than the actual vaccuum-metalizing itself.)

[Silent_Magnus]

"Level 3: Advanced Conversion"
Haha, that's rich.

Sadly I don't think I'll be picking this up, while I don't own any version of the original Optimus toy.(that's actually called Optimus) I have not interest in buying it unless they also offer a Megatron, but I doubt that'll ever happen.

Now if they gave the cab part some new color, like white and blue, and gave him a new trailer. Then we'd be talking. A DVD featuring either the movie or "the five faces of darkness" would be a bonus.

[sunnyswipe]

Sadly I don't think I'll be picking this up, while I don't own any version of the original Optimus toy.(that's actually called Optimus) I have not interest in buying it unless they also offer a Megatron, but I doubt that'll ever happen.


thats a point, i may be missing something beyond the obvious 'guns r bad' mindset,but,
why has megatron never been reissued while prime has had more reissues than meatloaf's bat out of hell?

[Transfan2]

) I have not interest in buying it unless they also offer a Megatron, but I doubt that'll ever happen.

thats a point, i may be missing something beyond the obvious 'guns r bad' mindset,but,
why has megatron never been reissued while prime has had more reissues than meatloaf's bat out of hell?


Sadly I don't think I'll be picking this up, while I don't own any version of the original Optimus toy.(that's actually called Optimus) I have not interest in buying it unless they also offer a Megatron, but I doubt that'll ever happen.


I am thinking in my opinion, The Perfect counterpart would be using Generation 2 Megatron (Larger Tank) and coloring it in G1 Colors which would allow a Legal Megatron to be reissued, but just using a different mold.

I am saying this because it would be the most likely method of 25th Anniversary Counterpart to Optimus Prime and it would be legal.

-TF2

[Runamuck]

Still baffles me why Hasbro doesn't produce this thing in smaller numbers, make it a "collector's" toy, and sell it on their website. That would mean it's not aimed at kids....and maybe we could finally get the freakin long smokestacks.

[Silent_Magnus]

What about making a 25th anniversery Megatron in classics colors?

[Fit For natalie]

Still baffles me why Hasbro doesn't produce this thing in smaller numbers, make it a "collector's" toy, and sell it on their website. That would mean it's not aimed at kids....and maybe we could finally get the freakin long smokestacks. Because one presumes Hasbro doesn't want to just sell this to a piss-small group of collectors who know where to look, but get everybody else if they can. Online sales are still a drop in the bucket compared to what retail giants can move.

Also, I would think that is Hasbro self-regulation rather than a specific toy law. Hasbro care about kids not getting hurt (beyond the fear of litigation from parents). As such, they'd make toys kid-safe regardless of where they sell it.

Finally, do you enjoy paying over $100 for your toys? Because that's what would happen with a lower production run. That's also why BotCon and club exclusives cost so much, if anybody is wondering.

[Runamuck]

Because one presumes Hasbro doesn't want to just sell this to a piss-small group of collectors who know where to look, but get everybody else if they can. Online sales are still a drop in the bucket compared to what retail giants can move.

Also, I would think that is Hasbro self-regulation rather than a specific toy law. Hasbro care about kids not getting hurt (beyond the fear of litigation from parents). As such, they'd make toys kid-safe regardless of where they sell it.

Finally, do you enjoy paying over $100 for your toys? Because that's what would happen with a lower production run. That's also why BotCon and club exclusives cost so much, if anybody is wondering.


Us small group of collectors would be the only ones WANTING this in the first place. I don't know many kids that are going to sit there and say "hey, mom....I want a G1 Prime for Christmas". Sure, there are always going to be the exceptions, but come on. You know there are more collectors and G1 fans that are going to want this.

Lower production run doesn't equal Botcon production run. And I am just talking in general, not about this specific reissue with all the extras. I am just talking about a reissue Prime with longer smokestacks sold on their site. A smaller production run of a reissue Prime shouldn't make this thing $100 or more.

[SMOG]

"Rubbery" was a bad choice of words on my part - it's not like they're like Leader Prime's stacks. Those are proper bendy rubbery stuff. But they ARE a lot more flexible than plastic needs to be to be chromed. You can flex Voyager Prime's stacks in an arc. If that plastic was chromed, and you did that, it'd crack and flake right off.

Not that there's any reason they couldn't just, oh, say, not chrome the frickin' things, make them out of proper-length, grey bendy plastic, and be done with it.Truth. That seems like the sensible compromise.

Though I wouldn't want to try bending my Voyager Prime's stacks... they'd break, though admittedly they aren't as brittle as the oldschool plastics with chrome on them.

The vacuum-metalization process (aka 'chroming') makes plastic weaker, more brittle and has far less tolerance to 'flex' (bending) than the usual Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic used for the majority of Transformers products. Additionally, when vac-metaled plastic snaps, it tends to break at angles that leave extremely sharp and pointy edges.

Back in 2002 or so, Hasbro said that they could not guarantee that shape or angle the plastic would snap when the stacks break, so they had two choices: Make long stacks and merely paint them silver (which would look abit crap) or retool the stacks as shorter ones, but keep the vac-metal.

Logic dictates that long-thin pieces not supported against other parts will more likely snap than thicker ones (such as Prime's front fender). This is doubly so with vac-metal plastic.I've seen how chrome stuff snaps, and yeah, it tends to splinter more. I believe that's also one of the reasons that you're not supposed to paint motorcycle helmets. The effect of a layer of paint actually make the shell more brittle.

However, there are certainly a lot of other vac-metallized toys out there with dubious parts... even chromed stacks on toy trucks, and they're still sold legally. I'm fairly certain that Hasbro has their OWN safety standards (to protect themselves from litigation) and that they are not compelled to make toys this way...

Also, in recent years, I've noticed softer, more flexible plastics being covered with vac-metal. It surprised me, since I'd never seen that before... they must have a new technique or process for making it work on softer plastics. I wonder why they wouldn't use that stuff in cases like this.

zmog

[Fit For natalie]

Hasbro does things not just to protect themselves against litigation, but because they don't want to see kids get hurt. As for flexible chrome plastics, problem is his smokestacks are part of his sprue for his fender, his thighs and his wheels.

Us small group of collectors would be the only ones WANTING this in the first place. I don't know many kids that are going to sit there and say "hey, mom....I want a G1 Prime for Christmas". Sure, there are always going to be the exceptions, but come on. You know there are more collectors and G1 fans that are going to want this.

Lower production run doesn't equal Botcon production run. And I am just talking in general, not about this specific reissue with all the extras. I am just talking about a reissue Prime with longer smokestacks sold on their site. A smaller production run of a reissue Prime shouldn't make this thing $100 or more. If we collectors would be the only ones wanting this in the first place, then Hasbro probably wouldn't bother making this reissue at all, in light of how badly the collector-focused G1 reissue line did. With TF's increased exposure, Hasbro wants to flog this to all those people who aren't collectors who may be interested. I'm not talking about kids but anybody else our age group who may like a piece of 80s kitzch or a part of their childhood. They don't know if it would succeed, but hey, its worth having a go.

I almost forgot. HasbroToyStore (which, IIRC, isn't run by Hasbro) currently only deals with North America. If they went with your plan, well, a good portion of "us collectors" wouldn't even have the chance to buy one.

Regardless of if it is a collector toy for adult collectors, Hasbro would try to make it safe for children.

[NGW]

Fuck it, I'm biting.

I was originally passing on this, not wanting to shell out $70 for him (which in retrospect isn't that bad of a price), but I've never owned a G1 Prime and really ought to, plus the packaging is beautiful, and the DVD and comic is a nice bonus.

[panzerjedi]

Can't wait to get this Prime figure. =D

[Runamuck]

Hasbro does things not just to protect themselves against litigation, but because they don't want to see kids get hurt. As for flexible chrome plastics, problem is his smokestacks are part of his sprue for his fender, his thighs and his wheels.

If we collectors would be the only ones wanting this in the first place, then Hasbro probably wouldn't bother making this reissue at all, in light of how badly the collector-focused G1 reissue line did. With TF's increased exposure, Hasbro wants to flog this to all those people who aren't collectors who may be interested. I'm not talking about kids but anybody else our age group who may like a piece of 80s kitzch or a part of their childhood. They don't know if it would succeed, but hey, its worth having a go.

I almost forgot. HasbroToyStore (which, IIRC, isn't run by Hasbro) currently only deals with North America. If they went with your plan, well, a good portion of "us collectors" wouldn't even have the chance to buy one.

Regardless of if it is a collector toy for adult collectors, Hasbro would try to make it safe for children.


They don't know if a collector-aimed reissue Prime would succeed or not either. It could be a huge hit.

There are ways to aquire the things you want to buy from HasbroToyShop if you don't live in North America. I'm sure someone who does would be glad to help ya out.

Anyways, I'm done talking about this. I still think it would be a good idea. Maybe someday they will do this.

[SMOG]

Hasbro does things not just to protect themselves against litigation, but because they don't want to see kids get hurt. As for flexible chrome plastics, problem is his smokestacks are part of his sprue for his fender, his thighs and his wheels.Not to imply that Hasbro is an evil corporation that doesn't care for the safety of children, but when it comes down to it, I'm sure it's their legal department that makes things like that into firm policy. Sad, but true.

For the record, I also firmly believe that many stringent safety regs represent the culture of blame and litigation that has sprung up in the last couple of decades, turning us all into victims, while not acknowledging that it's often due to our own stupidity.

But to get back on topic, I humbly suggest that if Hasbro really wants to raise a fanfare and make a special thing out of a fancy re-release of a classic toy, I think it's completely reasonable to expect them to be able to produce an additional tiny sprue of vac-coated soft plastic, and mold proper, safe new smokestacks, rather than being lazy and cheap and simply lopping off the existing ones.

This set is already pricey enough, so any excuses to the tune of "Hasbro already does enough for us, fanboys should stop whining, it's all about the bottom line, blah blah blah..." is complete BS. The bottom line is, if you're going to do something, do it right. Just give Optimus Prime some proper smokestacks for god's sake. It's not asking much!

If you cut corners, consumers will notice, and are justified in feeling disappointed.

zmog

[Skywave]

I might bite on this one. I passed on the Encore release sine I have my vintage one in 'ok' shape and I was cutting the spending back then. But this time I could buy it. The price is quite steep though, I hope the DVD and comic will be worth it!

[Sidecutter]

Sadly I don't think I'll be picking this up, while I don't own any version of the original Optimus toy.(that's actually called Optimus) I have not interest in buying it unless they also offer a Megatron, but I doubt that'll ever happen.


thats a point, i may be missing something beyond the obvious 'guns r bad' mindset,but,
why has megatron never been reissued while prime has had more reissues than meatloaf's bat out of hell?


Several years ago now, we were shown by Hasbro, at BotCon, a picture of what they would have to do to Megatron in order to be able to sell it across the US.

All the plastic was bright, flourescent orange. All the chrome was a sort of Easter-blue color. IT was atrocious. And promptly, correctly, was named Easter Megatron.

It was brought up again at the convention a year or two ago. Worse news. Even Easter Megatron would no longer pass the laws that applied in some states order to be sold all 50 states.

[MagnusPrimal]

Because one presumes Hasbro doesn't want to just sell this to a piss-small group of collectors who know where to look, but get everybody else if they can. Online sales are still a drop in the bucket compared to what retail giants can move.

Finally, do you enjoy paying over $100 for your toys? Because that's what would happen with a lower production run. That's also why BotCon and club exclusives cost so much, if anybody is wondering.

One would also presume Hasbro would infer from the seemingly-low sales of Masterpiece Prime in this country (given all the clearance sales that featured them) that pricing something like this at $70 is not a likely way of drumming up high sales. Especially when MP Prime was a much bigger, better figure than this 25th Anniversary Prime will be.

[Feralstorm]

But to get back on topic, I humbly suggest that if Hasbro really wants to raise a fanfare and make a special thing out of a fancy re-release of a classic toy, I think it's completely reasonable to expect them to be able to produce an additional tiny sprue of vac-coated soft plastic, and mold proper, safe new smokestacks, rather than being lazy and cheap and simply lopping off the existing ones.

I'm not sure you can vac-metal coat soft plastic - at least not in a way that won't flake off the second the part is bent or stressed. Perhaps basic silver paint would do.

[Greyryder]

I'm not sure you can vac-metal coat soft plastic - at least not in a way that won't flake off the second the part is bent or stressed. Perhaps basic silver paint would do.

I've seen it done, and it works just fine.

[netkid]

I've seen it done, and it works just fine.

What was this done on? I'm curious because I've never seen it before.

[Xaxis]

The packaging is really nice, but that's not enough to get me to buy another of this mold. I still have my original G1 legless Prime, a G2 version in great condition, and a New Year Convoy (which was for me, the ultimate release of this mold).

While the opportunity of owning some of the original figures that I never got to have when I was a kid is appealing, the price alone has been enough to prevent me from collecting the reissues. Especially when Alternators and Masterpiece figures came into the picture. I'd much rather see something more along those lines as an anniversary figure than yet another reissue of the G1 prime mold.

[IACON]

This is so mine!!!!!!11

[Greyryder]

What was this done on? I'm curious because I've never seen it before.

1/64 scale toy trucks. I've got two that were bought for wheels and trailers for TFs. The cheap ass two dollar walmart toy has some flaking on one smokestack. The more expensive NASCAR truck, has no flaking on any of its flexible chrome parts. Something would have to flex around a lot, to flake the chrome off. Prime's stacks wouldn't flex that much, considering their length and thickness.

Seems to me, with as much as their charging for this, they could just drill hole into each stack, and insert a metal pin, to strenthen it.

[Fit For natalie]

They don't know if a collector-aimed reissue Prime would succeed or not either. It could be a huge hit.

There are ways to aquire the things you want to buy from HasbroToyShop if you don't live in North America. I'm sure someone who does would be glad to help ya out.

Anyways, I'm done talking about this. I still think it would be a good idea. Maybe someday they will do this. Yeah but see, I am not thinking about myself. I would prefer to see things released as widely as possible if circumstances allow it. You idea would only benefit a small number of people in a single market.

Not to imply that Hasbro is an evil corporation that doesn't care for the safety of children, but when it comes down to it, I'm sure it's their legal department that makes things like that into firm policy. Sad, but true.

For the record, I also firmly believe that many stringent safety regs represent the culture of blame and litigation that has sprung up in the last couple of decades, turning us all into victims, while not acknowledging that it's often due to our own stupidity.

But to get back on topic, I humbly suggest that if Hasbro really wants to raise a fanfare and make a special thing out of a fancy re-release of a classic toy, I think it's completely reasonable to expect them to be able to produce an additional tiny sprue of vac-coated soft plastic, and mold proper, safe new smokestacks, rather than being lazy and cheap and simply lopping off the existing ones.

This set is already pricey enough, so any excuses to the tune of "Hasbro already does enough for us, fanboys should stop whining, it's all about the bottom line, blah blah blah..." is complete BS. The bottom line is, if you're going to do something, do it right. Just give Optimus Prime some proper smokestacks for god's sake. It's not asking much!

If you cut corners, consumers will notice, and are justified in feeling disappointed.

zmog Actually it would cost them money to have retooled the mold back then to have short stacks. They don't actually '[lop] off existing ones'.

I don't really think most consumers would care about the stacks in the manner that fans do. Not unless you actually go up and tell people, but that would be sad.

One would also presume Hasbro would infer from the seemingly-low sales of Masterpiece Prime in this country (given all the clearance sales that featured them) that pricing something like this at $70 is not a likely way of drumming up high sales. Especially when MP Prime was a much bigger, better figure than this 25th Anniversary Prime will be. Depending on if Hasbro will let it be known that it is the 25th Anniversary, TF is a fair bit more well known now than it was in 2004 and 2006 respectively. So there's every chance this might do alright.

Hey, Hasbro Australia and Target have been able to move the $200 MP-4 Convoy + Trailer over the past few weeks at a decent rate, and I would say that's significantly helped by TF being much more well-known now.

[EvaUnit13]

This is good for people that didn't get the mold when it was reissued before, like Unicron. People who saw the movie and saw G1 as a kid might give in to buy this or get one for their own kid. Hasbro took the movie like a reboot point to sell toys again, or something in that manner IMO

[wolfe]

Yeah. Makes sense. Lot of people probably hitting the toy aisles that werent there before the movie. Any extra sales they can pick up from people who see something that brings back good memories is a good thing.

[SMOG]

I'm not sure you can vac-metal coat soft plastic - at least not in a way that won't flake off the second the part is bent or stressed. Perhaps basic silver paint would do.

What was this done on? I'm curious because I've never seen it before.

I've seen it, but I'll be damned if I can remember where... surprised the heck out of me because I was expecting the usual brittle plastic, and instead it was all flexible and rubbery-like (without the flaking). I would theorize it must be some new advance in the coating that allows the vac-chrome to flex?

I've seen it on toy swords, that I know. My nephews have a couple. The swords are nice and bendy, but totally blinged out with chrome.

Actually it would cost them money to have retooled the mold back then to have short stacks. They don't actually '[lop] off existing ones'. Yeah, I know that... I meant more figuratively "lopping" the stacks off the molds... since they'd probably have to make new positives in order to make a new mold, it might mean quite literally lopping off part of the stacks on the positive.

In any case, still the fastest, cheapest solution... not much time or money involved, though there wouldn't be much more time or money involved with making new stacks out of a second type of plastic either. Hence, a cheap and lazy solution that compromises the toy.

Think it doesn't compromise the toy? Are we having this conversation? Is this a point of contention in the fandom? If so, then yes, it compromises the toy. :)

Again, it comes down to Hasbro... if you're going to re-release the toy in a commemorative edition, do it right. Have a little pride. Make a bit of an effort.

I don't really think most consumers would care about the stacks in the manner that fans do. Not unless you actually go up and tell people, but that would be sad.You know how some people insist that G1 fans look back on G1 with rose-coloured glasses? Well I think a lot of those people are looking back and underestimating children. When I was a kid, all my friends were acutely aware of animation errors and story inconstencies... and likewise we knew when something was missing, omitted, or poorly designed on a toy.

While I seriously doubt that little kids are going to make up a big part of the market for this re-issue, any kid that A) knows what trucks look like, or B) knows what G1 Optimus Prime is supposed to look like (hell, it's right on the front of the box!) is going to notice that there's something amiss with the stacks. I wouldn't have missed that in 1984, and I doubt kids have gotten that much dumber... :)

I'm not saying that truncated stacks are going to ruin the toy forever... but it does sort of undermine it's status as a collector-worthy commemorative re-issue... and based on the price tag they've attached to this thing, that's exactly what it is.

zmog

[justinRODimus]

yeah, cant wait

[Backscatter]

Very nice, expensive but nice. I may replace the stacks. I'd love to get one MISB signed by Mr. Peter Cullen.

[Gingerchris]

Maybe Hasbro could just supply a set of long stacks in the box for people to swap-out themselves if they fancy. Parents buying for children could just throw away the long stacks before giving the set to a child. That way Hasbro can't really be blamed for injuries since the toy wasn't supplied with long stacks fitted.

[AutobotMarine]

I'll definately be getting this.

Still don't like the pipes though, damnit Hasbro!

[wipedout]

I think I may be in the minority here but I really dislike the packaging. I much prefer the encore style.

[Ravenxl7]

I might get him, though I probably won't. It all depends on how much money I have at the time.

[Zie]

Just curious, and forgive me if this was answered before

But how exactly do long stacks hurt kids?

[REDLINE]

they break and splinter easily. that = choking hazard.

[Fit For natalie]

They can also stab, being much sharper than normal plastic.

[ANDROID PRIME]

saw this first hand at TFcon. I like the box I just wish we would get a slightly remolded prime. maybe a moveable head, better fists, who knows maybe a ball joint or soemthing. I dont care if they even do him all plastic.

[Grimlock_13]

This is a maybe on my list. I have a battered old G1 Prime and my G2 Optimus is in decent shape. The packaging is nice though. I'm definitely not paying full price for it, if I can find it on sale for cheap I'll get it.

[REDLINE]

saw this first hand at TFcon. I like the box I just wish we would get a slightly remolded prime. maybe a moveable head, better fists, who knows maybe a ball joint or soemthing. I dont care if they even do him all plastic.

Its super duper easy to make his head moveable. there's just a lil nub that is keeping it in place that you simply shave off.

[Codimus Prime]

Might have to get it just have one MISB. Kinda pointless when I have a G1 since the molds different.

[smkspy]

WAY over-priced, but love that box artwork.

[SMOG]

they break and splinter easily. that = choking hazard.

They can also stab, being much sharper than normal plastic.GOOD GOD!!!

We'd better hope that our children never get their hands on REALLY dangerous items... like forks, pencils, ball-point pens, incredibly expensive monstrously oversized Walther P38's, etc... !!

It would be a bloodbath!! :wink:

zmog

[unicron's blues]

Minus the smoke stacks it looks good, I'd probably get it just for the Autobot shield, depends on the price point though, anyone know?

[rapid_fire]

they break and splinter easily. that = choking hazard.

do you have proof of this?

[eyeballkid]

Gee, I hope he is as easy to find as Soundwave was...

I also hope he can pose like the boxart. Right? ......cough...

[REDLINE]

do you have proof of this?

the proof is out there. If you feel the need to find it, feel free to go look for it, its not my responsibility to find things for you.

[rapid_fire]

didnt think so

[Ravenxl7]

Gee, I hope he is as easy to find as Soundwave was...

I also hope he can pose like the boxart. Right? ......cough...
At least Prime here isn't a store exclusive, let alone a TRU exclusive like Soundwave was, which is one of the reasons why he was so hard to find. As for his price, last I heard was that he was $70. A bit pricey, but considering what all he comes with, it's not all that bad.

[Jarodimus]

I like the box I just wish we would get a slightly remolded prime. maybe a moveable head, better fists, who knows maybe a ball joint or soemthing.
I was hoping for the iPod Convoy head. Ah, well.

[netkid]

Maybe Hasbro could just supply a set of long stacks in the box for people to swap-out themselves if they fancy. Parents buying for children could just throw away the long stacks before giving the set to a child. That way Hasbro can't really be blamed for injuries since the toy wasn't supplied with long stacks fitted.

This, OR supply a set of long stacks through the collector club.

[Seeker]

Is it just me or does the trailer seem to be a lighter gray?

[MagnusPrimal]

I'm definitely not paying full price for it, if I can find it on sale for cheap I'll get it.

Yeah, if I find it on clearance, I'll buy one. At full price though, it's not even close to worth it for me.

[cappeca]

Actually it would cost them money to have retooled the mold back then to have short stacks. They don't actually '[lop] off existing ones'.


I don't get this. It also costed them money to design a new package, and it's actually supposed to MAKE them money in return. Where's the problem? Oh, how would any of us know how significant would that cost be, and which part of the final price would it play? I'm not saying you're wrong, just that I don't think you guys have enough up to date information to be so matter of factly about it. This mantra should really be dropped.


I don't really think most consumers would care about the stacks in the manner that fans do. Not unless you actually go up and tell people, but that would be sad.


It looks out of place for anyone who likes trucks, let alone Transformers.

But anyway, I'm buying it. It's a nice bundle regardless. Another toy to keep misb, but I'm a sucker for Commemorative Primes.

[[Wing_Saber-X]]

PASS! Got the TFC version #0 MISB acoupe of years ago. Now its priceless. Encore packaging is more nostalgic ...this is just too uhh "crowded" and messy imo....

[GrimlockAutobot]

Okay... this is getting RIDICULOUS... but could somebody please explain to me what the story is on these clipped smokestacks???

I mean, we have other figures with protruding bits and pieces and guns and a TON of missiles. Why is it that Prime always gets his smokestacks trimmed, whether it be this G1 re-release, MP Optimus, etc??"

Toy regulations don't quite cut it as an excuse either... not when I can see toy trucks with proper stacks in any other line... not to mention all the various pieces we get in Lego and other building toys. Hell, even Movie Voyager Optimus had stacks longer than this, so obviously HE wasn't "dangerous" enough.

I know it's an old issue, but I just can't get my head around it. It's never made any sense to me.

zmog

Probably because we're extremely overprotective these days. Also, Hasbro probably sees them as a hazard that could poke someones eye out as well as choke someone if the longer tip were to break off.

WTS....shorter stacks don't bother me. IMO they don't take away from the look of the toy AT ALL.

[Brave Magnus]

Hm....reissue. Not my kind of toy but i'm sure loooooooots of fans are happy ^^

[SMOG]

Probably because we're extremely overprotective these days. Also, Hasbro probably sees them as a hazard that could poke someones eye out as well as choke someone if the longer tip were to break off.

WTS....shorter stacks don't bother me. IMO they don't take away from the look of the toy AT ALL.See my more recent posts to hear my rant on overprotective safety practices and our victim culture... as well as the ridiculous idea that somehow long stacks are more dangerous than say... a pencil!

Some people just aren't detail oriented about stuff like the appearance of their classic toys I guess. The funny thing is after all my complaining, that there's no way I'll be shelling out for this because my original G1 Optimus that I've had since I was 9 is still in really good shape (one of the few that I really took care of)... but if I did buy it, I know the stupid-looking stacks would bug me every time I looked at them, the same way the short stacks do on my 25th Anniversary Prime.

zmog

[Rodr-Evil]

I have it but looks so beautiful in that package.

[NIDARAM12]

Going by what I have handy I'll add a few to the list of inconsistencies... Leader Brawl's four little "smokestacks" on his right arm gun, his fingers, the little black machineguns on his roof.... the twin green cannons on Deluxe Brawl's back...Blackout's tail rotor, the previously mentioned smokestacks on Voyager Prime, Arcee's tiny little footpegs around her ankles...

I don't know exactly how they conduct these tests but this seems just as hypocritical as them saying they can't paint Classics Megatron black and grey and then selling black and grey Star Wars machineguns two feet over in the toy aisle.

And what about all the ball jointed hands in the movie line? That is a part that is designed to come off and would be perfect to get caught in a nose or throat.

I think what gets to people is that this is the umpteenth copypasta G1 Prime that's been released over here and they still can't work out some form of longer stacks. It seems like such an easy upgrade.

[optimus kimchee]

Being a huge Prime fan... I will own this! This year is going to set me back. Damn!

[EvaUnit13]

didnt think so
Backtalking a Mod?


A kid drops a toy with said sharp part. Sharp part breaks. Kid picks up sharp part and eats it

or

Kid holds toy next to face. Moves toy closer then the sharp part pokes his eye, which hurts

Get that?

[Twin Twist]

Backtalking a Mod?


A kid drops a toy with said sharp part. Sharp part breaks. Kid picks up sharp part and eats it

or

Kid holds toy next to face. Moves toy closer then the sharp part pokes his eye, which hurts

Get that?

Dude, google takes years to master! YEARS!

[NIDARAM12]

Backtalking a Mod?


A kid drops a toy with said sharp part. Sharp part breaks. Kid picks up sharp part and eats it

or

Kid holds toy next to face. Moves toy closer then the sharp part pokes his eye, which hurts

Get that?

Backtalking? I thought you just couldn't argue with mods over mod/board related stuff... not actual issues/discussion.

I guess we should take all our kids out of school then. All classrooms have pencil sharpeners in them and all through my elementary years kids would see just how sharp they could get those pencils. A room full of first graders with sharp sticks.

One day a kid is going to pull a Joker (but with the pointy end) and they're gonna make kids write with crayons. :p

[Scourge_151]

Nice presentation, nice extras too, VERY nice bio. Pity I have a long-stacked, silver roller'd Encore one.

[Gingerchris]

they're gonna make kids write with crayons
But crayons break. Sometimes into small bits. That's a choking hazard right there. And yet crayons are made pretty much specifically for little kids.

Boggles the mind, don't it?

[Velcrohead]

I'll buy this one on clearance, most likely, provided they ever get there. If not, then oh well.

Gotta tell ya, the short stacks aren't the breaking point for me. I've got an old G1 Prime with long stacks and a re-issue Magnus with short stacks. Naturally the long stack version looks better, but it's not that much difference in aesthetic, really. And kids won't care.

The DVD and the comic are a nice add-in, but I already have both, so unless the DVD is different than the Rhino version, those aren't great incentives for me.

By the way, someone earlier said that kids wouldn't be the ones buying this Optimus? Have to tell ya, you're wrong on that one. I was in a thrift store the other day on a Transformers hunt, and this kid who was about seven years old picked up a Prime figure (I think it was one of those rock-em-sock-em robots, but it was done in G1 Prime deco) and he went screaming down the aisles "it's OPTIMUS! MOM, I WANT OPTIMUS!"

So the kids know.

[SMOG]

Going by what I have handy I'll add a few to the list of inconsistencies... Leader Brawl's four little "smokestacks" on his right arm gun, his fingers, the little black machineguns on his roof.... the twin green cannons on Deluxe Brawl's back...Blackout's tail rotor, the previously mentioned smokestacks on Voyager Prime, Arcee's tiny little footpegs around her ankles...

I don't know exactly how they conduct these tests but this seems just as hypocritical as them saying they can't paint Classics Megatron black and grey and then selling black and grey Star Wars machineguns two feet over in the toy aisle.

And what about all the ball jointed hands in the movie line? That is a part that is designed to come off and would be perfect to get caught in a nose or throat.

I think what gets to people is that this is the umpteenth copypasta G1 Prime that's been released over here and they still can't work out some form of longer stacks. It seems like such an easy upgrade.QFT. Well said.

zmog

[jametron]

Ooooo, another "no stack" Optimus reissue!


//sarcasam

[Jarodimus]

Going by what I have handy I'll add a few to the list of inconsistencies... Leader Brawl's four little "smokestacks" on his right arm gun, his fingers, the little black machineguns on his roof.... the twin green cannons on Deluxe Brawl's back...Blackout's tail rotor, the previously mentioned smokestacks on Voyager Prime, Arcee's tiny little footpegs around her ankles...
But none of those pieces are chromed. As stated previously in this thread, vac-metallized plastic tends to become more brittle, leading to sharper pieces when breakage occurs. THAT is the reason Hasbro has given for the short stacks.

And what about all the ball jointed hands in the movie line? That is a part that is designed to come off and would be perfect to get caught in a nose or throat.
And that's why the toys are marked to be for >3-year-olds.

But crayons break. Sometimes into small bits. That's a choking hazard right there. And yet crayons are made pretty much specifically for little kids.

Boggles the mind, don't it?
Oy.

[Runamuck]

Yeah but see, I am not thinking about myself. I would prefer to see things released as widely as possible if circumstances allow it. You idea would only benefit a small number of people in a single market.

I am not just thinking about myself either. I am thinking about everyone who wants longer stacks too. :D

they break and splinter easily. that = choking hazard.

Everything small that can break off, or come off, of that figure is a choking hazard. The tanks on the side of his legs, his hands, his head....

I was hoping for the iPod Convoy head. Ah, well.

I was too. Those heads are awesome.

[optimus major]

I am not just thinking about myself either. I am thinking about everyone who wants longer stacks too. :D



Everything small that can break off, or come off, of that figure is a choking hazard. The tanks on the side of his legs, his hands, his head....



I was too. Those heads are awesome.

as awesome as the ipod head is...i want my first g1 prime to be as close to the original as possible....so this is perfect

[EvaUnit13]

Dude, google takes years to master! YEARS!
Man, I was trying to search something up and my letters kept disappearing. Took me months to find out I was pressing backspace instead of enter

[NIDARAM12]

I love how it's a level three transformation. Really, Hasbro? ;)

[Dinobot Nuva]

The pricepoint is hurting, maybe I'll just ask for it for Christmas. Question is then do I open it or keep it sealed? Don't really have anywhere to display a G1 figure.
DN

[mineraljane]

Hm, the 25th Anniversary Prime is up for pre-order at etoys.com (http://www.etoys.com/Transformers-Universe-25th-Anniversary-Optimus-Prime-with-DVD/PID/4830184/ctid/17/INstock/N/D/?_ts=A010) (of all places). $69.99 is pretty steep, but there is a $5 off coupon around and free shipping.

[MrkCmblz]

When will it be released?