Being as the toy hasn't even been officially released yet, I think you're jumping the gun on this one a little...
This demonstrates that Hasbro is already planning ways to lengthen the line which negates the need for premiums. I anticipate we will only get Premiums as a store exclusive if the retailer pushes for it
I'm not basing this off anything except a couple of moments thought, but I'd guess the Premium line happened because of a demand for anything in the Movie packaging, so they slapped a better paint job on some figures to satisfy retailers. The Deluxe Cybertron repaints that Walmart got offer at least some support for this. IF that's right, I wouldn't expect a Premium line this time round, as there are so many more characters than in the first film. Besides, look at Deluxe Sideswipe. Isn't that already a Premium paint job?
True, you have a point there. I was just asking because I remember 07 had Premium BB, Barricade, Prime and Megatron. Plus Premium BB had his mask on, so I was just wondering whether it would happen again. Anyhow, it's also a fact that the toy isn't released yet and there isn't much that can be said, so I'll drop the idea for now.
We are getting ROTF Premiums, Hasbro already confirmed it in a past Q&A. Same goes for repaints and as we've seen from the Wal-Mart pictures, repaints with new heads or accessories. They've always been first and foremost, a business. They know to milk this line for all they can. It worked wonders last time, I'm sure it will happen again.
I doubt they could touch up Sideways or Sideswipe, except getting additional robot mode paints, but I could see Rampage and Breakaway getting the treatment. I'm still gonna get the figures the first time around, so I woun't buy any Premiums.
Well that's the thing, not everyone got the Premium treatment. Brawl, Bonecrusher, Skorponok, and Frenzy never got it. Unless you count the mini Frenzy and mini Skorponok that came with Premium Barricade and Premium Blackout. You could also say the movie scenes Skorponok got it because he had added "sand" paint detail. And of course, Brawl got a Leader class.
I believe the quote you are refering to said that they were open to the posibility of premiums. However, In the march Q&A Hasbro said this AUS Hasbro March Answers. - Ozformers Transformers Collectors Australia 7 - Many fans were frustrated when Hasbro announced the Premium Series of Movie figures as they had already made significant investment on what were now seen as Non-Premium toys. Many are now considering avoiding the initial releases of any movie figures in anticipation of a future Premium release. Is this a strategy that Hasbro intends to repeat with 'Revenge of the Fallen'? A - There are no plans at this point in time for any premium figures in 2009 and it is certainly a little early to discuss any plans past this year. We might get premiums in 2010 but cans have to decide if a 7-12 month wait is worth some extra silver paint or whatever. It's not worth it to me
