Author : Obrother in Dec, 2013
Talking about the Lord of the Rings Collection, almost everyone admits that Sideshow Weta collection should be No 1, but recently I often heard some common questions from younger collector about specific information like helm quantity, limitation and etc and relevant information turned less and less on the web. Meantime, more & more old collectors sold out their collection due to varied reason.
Base on it, I like to make one brief review to summarize this Sideshow Weta line to keep this great memory and contribute it to all Sideshow Weta collector whatever they still are in or not.
My personal LOTR collection begun almost on year 2003 after I watched 5th DVDs of gift set of The Two Towers movie because I used to be DVD collector, I still remember its name" Capturing movie moments". During that period, one common question is why and how one unknown work shop can make such an amazing work from New Zealand? Why Sideshow Weta is special? From my perspective, dedication, innovation and proactive attitude are key point in their successful story. They could make collection closer to actual movie props than any toy maker because they are there and they do love to do it.
And another possible reason is that "Weta must go!†As DVD explains, Richard makes first connection actively with Sideshow to see any coordination opportunity through one staff of Weta who is friend of Sideshow CEO, of course it can be called as “Newborn of Sideshow Wetaâ€.
At that time, that is creative idea because previously movie props maker and collection & toy maker are totally different person, no any direct collection. As a fact is who can do it better than movie props maker, this is Weta's best advantage, and sideshow love this brave idea to make it happened in the end
Finally, they reach an agreement to work together on LOTR memorials, and named this line with "Sideshow Weta LOTR collectionâ€, usually we call its short name “SSWâ€. Weta shop was responsible for product design and sculpture, Sideshow would do marketing & manufactory, the entire cooperation was running approximately from year 2000 to 2003.
Actually it was not easy in the beginning; I still remembered that I have found a lot of discount information on LOTR fan club magazine. One possible turnover maybe is "SSW collection introduction DVD"'s release as I mentioned early, it was another creative idea at that moment because they contain one polystone bookend into DVD gift set of movie expansion version, and introduced SSW product through 5th DVD “Capturing movie moments" of "The Two Towers" expansion DVD gift set. Beside DVD, another smart way is to build direct sales channel with DVD and GK collector, they includes one "Smeagole" polystone bookend into DVD set and one ticket which guide how to order another pair "Gollum" from Sideshow online shop at opening time. As you know, most of DVD collector are movie fan, LOTR fan as well, they loved "Smeagol" very much, why not buy "gollum"to make a family? To our surprise, all Gollum were sold out in a few hours even if its Limit edition is 7500, some guys who lost first round sales only can go to ebay to get some but price is a couple times more than original price.
The Return of the King DVD continued with same way, "Minas Tirith" from light side came with DVD set easily with open version and "Minas Morgul" of dark side was limited purchase on the web. Almost same story occurred in few hours and market price was kept on 3, 4 times as well. As a summary, light side is always easy to collect, open version and dark side is harder, limited edition, higher market value!
"SSW" which contains 54 Statues, 49 Busts (1 Bronze “Gandalf bronze, others are polystone) , 37 Helm (Usually 1 piece in 1 box but one thing particular is "4 Gondorian Helms in 1 box"), 16 Medallions, 12 Environments, 11 Weapons (9 Sets weapons suite), 4 Wall Plaques , 3 Art Work ( art painting), 5 misc. As Richard says, it is about 200 pieces in SSW line, most of them were release during year 2001~2003 by movie release. All are made by polystone except Gandalf Bronze and helms in metal. Some unreleased pieces like Lutz, skull orc bust, wizard in brown, you only can find in Weta Cave or historic EXPO pictures.
In recent years, Weta has released some new LOTR environments, weapons and etc and Sideshow did some on LOTR diorama, legendary scale bust, premium figures but both are nothing to do with SSW.
SSW has three release phases same as movie trilogy, the color of outer box identified difference accordingly. Fellowship of rings is in green, the two towers in red and return of the king in blue but there was some expectation that it has some White/Black box in weapon, medallion and helm line during early period. Inside package is always great foam protection with different sharp to fit with different. In the end, there is one white sticker always on the bottom of color box to identify Limited edition.
Basically, Limited Edition “LE†goes around 500~10000 and Gandalf Bronze is a special case with LE 34, and open version does not mean that release quantity are large. For some earlier pieces like Sam and Bill the Pony, Aragorn, Son of Arathor, and Meriadoc systemic which released with open version but it market value are higher than some LE pieces, I have discussed this with some old collectors and estimation should be some thousands.
It always has some regretful thing, some great sculpture like Ringwraith & Steed (5000), The Morgul Lord (9500) and Escape off the Road Wall Mount (10000) did not reflect right position in the market by large LE effect.
There is another special version "Art Proof Edition", some unverified channel said:"AP version is not for public sale, product maker pick up some high quality pieces in the factory and make very careful painting & process in order to ensure that everything is perfect, then named it with AP version. Actually, it is very similar as later exclusive version by sideshow. These pieces will be used as a gift to anybody who is relevant to movie, collection, public relationship or some public donation auction, so AP value is higher than LE pieces. Another fairy is “faux bronze or gold†version, you can try to dig some out.
There is 54 statues on this line and usually the scale of statues is 1/6, some big monster and horse riding are smaller like the Balrog, watcher in water and etc. Sculpture are very impressive especially for monster character, human character is good on likeness.
There is a lot of “Grail†on this line, Grail is one common name that die hard collector called some rare and great sculpture pieces with (not only status), possibly it is from “Holy Grail†in movie “Indiana Jones Adventures “. These grails have some interested aliases like “Big Daddy†for Balrog.
[IMG]http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy349/obrotherp/nEO_IMG_balrog_main_colorspecjpg_zpsd670c6b7.jpg[/IMG]
Gandalf Bronze is very rare and my big pain, I do not know if I am enough luck to get it in my life, here is a picture in memory of it.
Peter Jackson also acted as Corsair in the movie so that he owned a personal sculpture to reflect him honestly, big stomach was one icon for Peter but it is less happiness to see it gone now.
Bust is ¼ scales usually. The most impressive is “Gandalf the Grey†bust which was made by “Mike Asquith†, I saw more information from DVD that he has taken several months to sculpt it and of course the detail and likeness are amazing, his dedicated attitude should be thanked by us. Frankly I always think that top level sculpture always needs more effort even if concept design is great.
Another is Hooded Rohirrim Soldier bust, his armor was made by large number of small chain and wooden shield, and all look like real totally. By movie bonus, it is known that chain armor are handmade by two Weta workers who have made 600K chains finally during several years and lost figure print in the end, their dedication are admirable!
In the meantime, it is great for some bigger bust like Gollum, Cave troll and treebeard, more big and more likeness and more live!
Helm is 1/4 scales full metal made. This line is pretty unique, you can feel its heaviness when you hold it on the hands. Sometime you may feel it sharpness and it really looks like movie props. Sauron’s helm is the heavies and almost biggest, and some human helmet are very great details like Rohan Theoden, Royal Guard, Eomer and Eowyn, some collectors like to classify it as different nation or different kind then make one team picture for them.
Beside helm, some beautiful king crown are made as well, Crown of the Witch-king is one of the rarest in the market, a lots of collectors needs that to complete whole helm set.
The weapons line has 11 pieces in 1/6 scale, 9 is arm set under black base which can be hung up on the wall. The Arms of the Fellowship collection 1 is the most precious and it features the weaponry of Frodo (Sting and Sting in Scabbard), Gandalf the Grey (Staff and Glamdring) and Aragorn (The Shards of Narsil), everyone is detailed polystone weapons and captures the textures from the original weapons used in the films. And each piece has one printed certificate highlighting the weapon names. Another two piece are not Arm set, Cave Troll Hammer is pretty original without any base, Sauron,'s Mace can be light on like red fire in the movie.
Environment is my favorite and includes 9 pieces, its scale is smaller due to large size, especially the Orthanc Tower and Stone Troll, I really love them and maybe will keep it forever. If I remember, Richard said that the collection is to “Capturing movie moments!â€, accordingly it can say that the environment is" Capturing movie stories! ". If thinking about it, there is a lots of recalls like Grima’s murder to Saruman when watching orthanc’s top, Saruman’s call to warm his uruk-hai army when watching windows in the middle, Saruman’s death when watching ruined gear close to orthanc gate.
The roof of Hall in Mine of Moria top only can be detected with flashlight.
Detail is everywhere; stone crack and green moss appear clearly on body of Stone troll, I love brother 3 than other alive monster, they are more cute comparing to Hobbit verison
There is something close to original art work like medallion, wall plaque and art print, it is strongly recommended if it displays at home. Medallion line includes 16 pieces, usually its LE is 1000 or 1000, and No 16 is “The Duel of Light and Fire†which describe fighting between Gandalf and Balrog very dynamic. Wall plaque includes 4 pieces, “Escape off the road†is the best and sculptor is Virginia Lee , Allan Lee's daughter, she also made Theoden bust and other works, all is great!
Art print includes three pieces with high quality frame which have some beautiful movie film clips and signature from painter, Peter and Richard; it is very warm that one button was setup in the bottom to light up clip for clearer watching in the dark. Allan Lee has two painting “Gandalf on Gwaihir Giclee†and “Rivendell Lithographâ€, both are elegant and look like real world of Middle earth, John Howe’s Barad-dur is more close to Art concept, very dynamic and fantasy. This is smart idea that two LOTR concept designer can show their wonderful work with this way.
For other miscellaneous, it includes 5 pieces. Personally it is comfortable to put all bookend into this type like Argonath, Smeagol Minas Tirith because they release with expanded LOTR DVD Trilogy and not go through Sideshow Weta channel as early introduction. "No Admittance Except on Party Business" Bookends is one independent set and one version is come with one LOTR book, very awesome match. Last one is LOTR Trilogy Sideshow Weta Film Frame without any Limit edition, each one has three random films, this is luck game if you can find some character you love or find hobbit movie related
In a summary, there is 183 pieces in Sideshow Weta line, 54 Statues, 49 Busts, 34 helms, 14 Medallions, 11 weapon sets, 9 environments, 4 Wall Plaques, 3 Art works, 5 misc. You Should NOT Pass! You Should NEVER Regret if you are luck to complete it, my friends!
I appreciated Weta shop and Sideshow release very much to conduct this holy and amazing collection line which brings too much happiness and fun to movie collector and fan around the earth!!!
In memory of ten year of WETA collection 2003~2013!
Obrother from Shadow & Frame
2013.12.19
Inside story:
Appendix: Sideshow Weta Series Catalog
STATUES
36 : Gandalf Bronze
500 : Newborn Uruk-hai
750 : Cave Troll
750 : Stone Trolls
750 : Watcher in the Water
1000 : The Balrog
1000 : The Witch-King of Angmar
1000 : Bilbo
2000 : Gimli
2000 : Elrond
2000 : Boromir
2000 : Theoden
2000 : Grima Wormtongue
2000 : Ugluk
2000 : Galadhrim Archer
2000 : Easterling Soldier
2000 : Pippin, Guard of the Citadel
3000 : King Elessar
3000 : Fell Beast & Morgul Lord
3000 : Uruk-Hai Berserker
3000 : Gandalf, The White Wizard
3000 : Mumak of Harad
3500 : Peter Jackson as Corsair
4000 : Haradrim Soldier
4500 : Gothmog on Warg
5000 : Ringwraith & Steed
5000 : Aragorn at the Black Gates
5000 : Legolas and Gimli on Arod
5000 : Shelob
5000 : The Lady Galadriel
5500 : Battle Troll of Mordor
6500 : The King of the Dead
7500 : Gollum as Gollum
7500 : Eowyn, Dernhelm
8500 : Gandalf on Shadowfax
9500 : The Morgul Lord
9500 : The Dark Lord Sauron
Open : Aragorn, Son of Arathorn
Open :Moria Orc Swordsman
Open : Moria Orc Archer
Open : Uruk-hai Scout Swordsman
Open : Orc Brute
Open : Orc Overseer
Open : Orc Pitmaster
Open : Orc Warrior
Open : Saruman
Open : Lurtz
Open : Balrog - Flame of Udun
Open : Sam and Bill the Pony
Open : Frodo Baggins
Open : Meriadoc
Open : Gandalf the Grey
Open : Legolas Greenleaf
Open : Arwen Evenstar
BUSTS
1000 : Hooded Rohirrim Soldier
1500 : Treebeard
1500 : Gollum
1500 : Wounded Orc
2000 : Witch-King
2000 : Uruk-hai Berserker
2000 : Galadriel
2000 : Eomer
2000 : Theoden
2000 : Uruk-hai Swordsman
2000 : Galadhrim Soldier
2000 : Grishnakh
2000 : Grima Wormtongue
2000 : Gandalf, The White
3000 : Elrond, Herald of Gil-Galad
3000 : Gil-Galad
3000 : King Elendil
3000 : Prince Isildur
3000 : Legolas
3000 : Saruman
3000 : Attack Troll Maquette
3000 : Grond Troll Maquette
3000 : Catapult Troll Maquette
3000 : Siege Tower Troll Maquette
4000 : The Mouth of Sauron
6000 : Smeagol
10000 : Cave Troll
Open : Gandalf, The Grey
Open : Arwen Evenstar
Open : Aragorn, Son of Arathorn
Open : Boromir, Son of Denethor
Open : Gimli, Son of Gloin
Open : Frodo
Open : Sam
Open : Merry
Open : Pippin
Open : Bilbo
Open : Numenorean Infantryman
Open : High Elven Infantryman
Open : Dwarven Lord
Open : Lurtz
Open : Uruk-hai Scout
Open : Moria Orc Archer
Open : Moria Orc Swordsman
Open : Cleaved Orc
Open : Orc Soldier
Open : Orc Overseer
Open : Ringwraith
Open : Nazgul Steed
HELMS
500 : Crown of the Witch-king
1000 : Gondorian Helm Collection
2000 : Easterling
2000 :Galadhrim Warhelm
2000 :Rohan Royal Guard
2000 :Theoden's
2000 :Uruk-hai Berserker
2000 :Uruk-hai Scout
2500 : Orc Legion Helm
2500 : Orc Muzzle Cage Helm
2500 : Helm of a Battle Troll
2500 : Frodo's Orc Helm
2500 : Sam's Orc Helm
2500 : Peregrin Took's CG Helm
2500 : Rohirrim Helm of Merry
3000 : Eomer's Helm
3000 : Eowyn's Helm
4000 : Crown of the King of the Dead
4000 : Helm of the Mouth of Sauron
4500 : War Mask of the Morgul Lord
5000 : Sauron's Helm
8500 : Crown of King Elessar
Open : High Elven
Open : Numenorean Infantry
Open : Elendil's
Open : Isildur's
Open : Gimli's
Open : Gandalf's Hat
Open : Moria Orc's
Open : Orc Iron Cap
Open : Orc Crowface
Open : Orc Squinter
Open : Orc Trapjaw
Open : Orc Hide
ENVIRONMENTS
750 : Orthanc
1500 : Amon Hen
2000 : Buckleberry Ferry
3000 : Weathertop
4000 : Helm's Deep
4000 : The Golden Hall
4000 : The Mines of Moria
8500 : Minas Morgul
WALL PLAQUES
1000 : Flight from Isengard
2000 : You Shall Not Pass!
3000 : Meeting of Old Friends
10000 : Escape off the Road
WEAPONS SETS
2500 : Fellowship 1
2500 : Fellowship 2
2500 : Aragorn
2500 : Legolas
2500 : Gimli
2500 : Lurtz
2500 : Nazgul
2500 : Moria Orcs
2500 : Hobbits
3500 : Sauron's Mace
2000: Cave Troll Hammer
MEDALLIONS
10000 : 1 The Orcs of Moria
10000 : 2 The Nazgul
10000 : 3 The Industry of Isengard
10000 : 4 The Last Alliance
10000 : 5 The Birth of the Uruk-hai
10000 : 6 The Soldiers of White Hand
10000 : 7 The Cave Troll
10000 : 8 The Watcher in the Water
1000 : 9 The Uruk-hai Berserkers
1000 : 10The Amibtions of Grishnakh
1000 : 11The Return of King Theoden
1000 : 12The Warg Riders
1000 : 13The Master of Fangorn
1000 : 14The Dilemmas of Smeagol
1000 : 15The Easterlings
1000 : 16The Duel of Light and Fire
ARTWORKS
400 : Alan Lee Gandalf on Gwaihir Giclee
500 : John Howe Barad-dur Giclee
1000 :Alan Lee Rivendell Lithograph
MISC
Open: LOTR Film Flame
Open : Argonath Bookends
Open : Smeagol
Open : Minas Tirith
Open : "No Admittance Except on Party Business" Bookends
Talking about the Lord of the Rings Collection, almost everyone admits that Sideshow Weta collection should be No 1, but recently I often heard some common questions from younger collector about specific information like helm quantity, limitation and etc and relevant information turned less and less on the web. Meantime, more & more old collectors sold out their collection due to varied reason.
Base on it, I like to make one brief review to summarize this Sideshow Weta line to keep this great memory and contribute it to all Sideshow Weta collector whatever they still are in or not.
My personal LOTR collection begun almost on year 2003 after I watched 5th DVDs of gift set of The Two Towers movie because I used to be DVD collector, I still remember its name" Capturing movie moments". During that period, one common question is why and how one unknown work shop can make such an amazing work from New Zealand? Why Sideshow Weta is special? From my perspective, dedication, innovation and proactive attitude are key point in their successful story. They could make collection closer to actual movie props than any toy maker because they are there and they do love to do it.
And another possible reason is that "Weta must go!†As DVD explains, Richard makes first connection actively with Sideshow to see any coordination opportunity through one staff of Weta who is friend of Sideshow CEO, of course it can be called as “Newborn of Sideshow Wetaâ€.
At that time, that is creative idea because previously movie props maker and collection & toy maker are totally different person, no any direct collection. As a fact is who can do it better than movie props maker, this is Weta's best advantage, and sideshow love this brave idea to make it happened in the end
Finally, they reach an agreement to work together on LOTR memorials, and named this line with "Sideshow Weta LOTR collectionâ€, usually we call its short name “SSWâ€. Weta shop was responsible for product design and sculpture, Sideshow would do marketing & manufactory, the entire cooperation was running approximately from year 2000 to 2003.
Actually it was not easy in the beginning; I still remembered that I have found a lot of discount information on LOTR fan club magazine. One possible turnover maybe is "SSW collection introduction DVD"'s release as I mentioned early, it was another creative idea at that moment because they contain one polystone bookend into DVD gift set of movie expansion version, and introduced SSW product through 5th DVD “Capturing movie moments" of "The Two Towers" expansion DVD gift set. Beside DVD, another smart way is to build direct sales channel with DVD and GK collector, they includes one "Smeagole" polystone bookend into DVD set and one ticket which guide how to order another pair "Gollum" from Sideshow online shop at opening time. As you know, most of DVD collector are movie fan, LOTR fan as well, they loved "Smeagol" very much, why not buy "gollum"to make a family? To our surprise, all Gollum were sold out in a few hours even if its Limit edition is 7500, some guys who lost first round sales only can go to ebay to get some but price is a couple times more than original price.
The Return of the King DVD continued with same way, "Minas Tirith" from light side came with DVD set easily with open version and "Minas Morgul" of dark side was limited purchase on the web. Almost same story occurred in few hours and market price was kept on 3, 4 times as well. As a summary, light side is always easy to collect, open version and dark side is harder, limited edition, higher market value!
"SSW" which contains 54 Statues, 49 Busts (1 Bronze “Gandalf bronze, others are polystone) , 37 Helm (Usually 1 piece in 1 box but one thing particular is "4 Gondorian Helms in 1 box"), 16 Medallions, 12 Environments, 11 Weapons (9 Sets weapons suite), 4 Wall Plaques , 3 Art Work ( art painting), 5 misc. As Richard says, it is about 200 pieces in SSW line, most of them were release during year 2001~2003 by movie release. All are made by polystone except Gandalf Bronze and helms in metal. Some unreleased pieces like Lutz, skull orc bust, wizard in brown, you only can find in Weta Cave or historic EXPO pictures.
In recent years, Weta has released some new LOTR environments, weapons and etc and Sideshow did some on LOTR diorama, legendary scale bust, premium figures but both are nothing to do with SSW.
SSW has three release phases same as movie trilogy, the color of outer box identified difference accordingly. Fellowship of rings is in green, the two towers in red and return of the king in blue but there was some expectation that it has some White/Black box in weapon, medallion and helm line during early period. Inside package is always great foam protection with different sharp to fit with different. In the end, there is one white sticker always on the bottom of color box to identify Limited edition.
Basically, Limited Edition “LE†goes around 500~10000 and Gandalf Bronze is a special case with LE 34, and open version does not mean that release quantity are large. For some earlier pieces like Sam and Bill the Pony, Aragorn, Son of Arathor, and Meriadoc systemic which released with open version but it market value are higher than some LE pieces, I have discussed this with some old collectors and estimation should be some thousands.
It always has some regretful thing, some great sculpture like Ringwraith & Steed (5000), The Morgul Lord (9500) and Escape off the Road Wall Mount (10000) did not reflect right position in the market by large LE effect.
There is another special version "Art Proof Edition", some unverified channel said:"AP version is not for public sale, product maker pick up some high quality pieces in the factory and make very careful painting & process in order to ensure that everything is perfect, then named it with AP version. Actually, it is very similar as later exclusive version by sideshow. These pieces will be used as a gift to anybody who is relevant to movie, collection, public relationship or some public donation auction, so AP value is higher than LE pieces. Another fairy is “faux bronze or gold†version, you can try to dig some out.
There is 54 statues on this line and usually the scale of statues is 1/6, some big monster and horse riding are smaller like the Balrog, watcher in water and etc. Sculpture are very impressive especially for monster character, human character is good on likeness.
There is a lot of “Grail†on this line, Grail is one common name that die hard collector called some rare and great sculpture pieces with (not only status), possibly it is from “Holy Grail†in movie “Indiana Jones Adventures “. These grails have some interested aliases like “Big Daddy†for Balrog.
[IMG]http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy349/obrotherp/nEO_IMG_balrog_main_colorspecjpg_zpsd670c6b7.jpg[/IMG]
Gandalf Bronze is very rare and my big pain, I do not know if I am enough luck to get it in my life, here is a picture in memory of it.
Peter Jackson also acted as Corsair in the movie so that he owned a personal sculpture to reflect him honestly, big stomach was one icon for Peter but it is less happiness to see it gone now.
Bust is ¼ scales usually. The most impressive is “Gandalf the Grey†bust which was made by “Mike Asquith†, I saw more information from DVD that he has taken several months to sculpt it and of course the detail and likeness are amazing, his dedicated attitude should be thanked by us. Frankly I always think that top level sculpture always needs more effort even if concept design is great.
Another is Hooded Rohirrim Soldier bust, his armor was made by large number of small chain and wooden shield, and all look like real totally. By movie bonus, it is known that chain armor are handmade by two Weta workers who have made 600K chains finally during several years and lost figure print in the end, their dedication are admirable!
In the meantime, it is great for some bigger bust like Gollum, Cave troll and treebeard, more big and more likeness and more live!
Helm is 1/4 scales full metal made. This line is pretty unique, you can feel its heaviness when you hold it on the hands. Sometime you may feel it sharpness and it really looks like movie props. Sauron’s helm is the heavies and almost biggest, and some human helmet are very great details like Rohan Theoden, Royal Guard, Eomer and Eowyn, some collectors like to classify it as different nation or different kind then make one team picture for them.
Beside helm, some beautiful king crown are made as well, Crown of the Witch-king is one of the rarest in the market, a lots of collectors needs that to complete whole helm set.
The weapons line has 11 pieces in 1/6 scale, 9 is arm set under black base which can be hung up on the wall. The Arms of the Fellowship collection 1 is the most precious and it features the weaponry of Frodo (Sting and Sting in Scabbard), Gandalf the Grey (Staff and Glamdring) and Aragorn (The Shards of Narsil), everyone is detailed polystone weapons and captures the textures from the original weapons used in the films. And each piece has one printed certificate highlighting the weapon names. Another two piece are not Arm set, Cave Troll Hammer is pretty original without any base, Sauron,'s Mace can be light on like red fire in the movie.
Environment is my favorite and includes 9 pieces, its scale is smaller due to large size, especially the Orthanc Tower and Stone Troll, I really love them and maybe will keep it forever. If I remember, Richard said that the collection is to “Capturing movie moments!â€, accordingly it can say that the environment is" Capturing movie stories! ". If thinking about it, there is a lots of recalls like Grima’s murder to Saruman when watching orthanc’s top, Saruman’s call to warm his uruk-hai army when watching windows in the middle, Saruman’s death when watching ruined gear close to orthanc gate.
The roof of Hall in Mine of Moria top only can be detected with flashlight.
Detail is everywhere; stone crack and green moss appear clearly on body of Stone troll, I love brother 3 than other alive monster, they are more cute comparing to Hobbit verison
There is something close to original art work like medallion, wall plaque and art print, it is strongly recommended if it displays at home. Medallion line includes 16 pieces, usually its LE is 1000 or 1000, and No 16 is “The Duel of Light and Fire†which describe fighting between Gandalf and Balrog very dynamic. Wall plaque includes 4 pieces, “Escape off the road†is the best and sculptor is Virginia Lee , Allan Lee's daughter, she also made Theoden bust and other works, all is great!
Art print includes three pieces with high quality frame which have some beautiful movie film clips and signature from painter, Peter and Richard; it is very warm that one button was setup in the bottom to light up clip for clearer watching in the dark. Allan Lee has two painting “Gandalf on Gwaihir Giclee†and “Rivendell Lithographâ€, both are elegant and look like real world of Middle earth, John Howe’s Barad-dur is more close to Art concept, very dynamic and fantasy. This is smart idea that two LOTR concept designer can show their wonderful work with this way.
For other miscellaneous, it includes 5 pieces. Personally it is comfortable to put all bookend into this type like Argonath, Smeagol Minas Tirith because they release with expanded LOTR DVD Trilogy and not go through Sideshow Weta channel as early introduction. "No Admittance Except on Party Business" Bookends is one independent set and one version is come with one LOTR book, very awesome match. Last one is LOTR Trilogy Sideshow Weta Film Frame without any Limit edition, each one has three random films, this is luck game if you can find some character you love or find hobbit movie related
In a summary, there is 183 pieces in Sideshow Weta line, 54 Statues, 49 Busts, 34 helms, 14 Medallions, 11 weapon sets, 9 environments, 4 Wall Plaques, 3 Art works, 5 misc. You Should NOT Pass! You Should NEVER Regret if you are luck to complete it, my friends!
I appreciated Weta shop and Sideshow release very much to conduct this holy and amazing collection line which brings too much happiness and fun to movie collector and fan around the earth!!!
In memory of ten year of WETA collection 2003~2013!
Obrother from Shadow & Frame
2013.12.19
Inside story:
- To all respective collectors, welcome any revision comment to make it perfect!
- I made Chinese version in Nov, 2012 on my blog at http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_9f69b77d010172cn.html but struggle too long to make English version , thanks Marschen’s list which encourage me to restart it this week
- Merry Christmas to Tolkien, Peter, Richard, Weta shop staff! This is gift coming in year 2013
Appendix: Sideshow Weta Series Catalog
STATUES
36 : Gandalf Bronze
500 : Newborn Uruk-hai
750 : Cave Troll
750 : Stone Trolls
750 : Watcher in the Water
1000 : The Balrog
1000 : The Witch-King of Angmar
1000 : Bilbo
2000 : Gimli
2000 : Elrond
2000 : Boromir
2000 : Theoden
2000 : Grima Wormtongue
2000 : Ugluk
2000 : Galadhrim Archer
2000 : Easterling Soldier
2000 : Pippin, Guard of the Citadel
3000 : King Elessar
3000 : Fell Beast & Morgul Lord
3000 : Uruk-Hai Berserker
3000 : Gandalf, The White Wizard
3000 : Mumak of Harad
3500 : Peter Jackson as Corsair
4000 : Haradrim Soldier
4500 : Gothmog on Warg
5000 : Ringwraith & Steed
5000 : Aragorn at the Black Gates
5000 : Legolas and Gimli on Arod
5000 : Shelob
5000 : The Lady Galadriel
5500 : Battle Troll of Mordor
6500 : The King of the Dead
7500 : Gollum as Gollum
7500 : Eowyn, Dernhelm
8500 : Gandalf on Shadowfax
9500 : The Morgul Lord
9500 : The Dark Lord Sauron
Open : Aragorn, Son of Arathorn
Open :Moria Orc Swordsman
Open : Moria Orc Archer
Open : Uruk-hai Scout Swordsman
Open : Orc Brute
Open : Orc Overseer
Open : Orc Pitmaster
Open : Orc Warrior
Open : Saruman
Open : Lurtz
Open : Balrog - Flame of Udun
Open : Sam and Bill the Pony
Open : Frodo Baggins
Open : Meriadoc
Open : Gandalf the Grey
Open : Legolas Greenleaf
Open : Arwen Evenstar
BUSTS
1000 : Hooded Rohirrim Soldier
1500 : Treebeard
1500 : Gollum
1500 : Wounded Orc
2000 : Witch-King
2000 : Uruk-hai Berserker
2000 : Galadriel
2000 : Eomer
2000 : Theoden
2000 : Uruk-hai Swordsman
2000 : Galadhrim Soldier
2000 : Grishnakh
2000 : Grima Wormtongue
2000 : Gandalf, The White
3000 : Elrond, Herald of Gil-Galad
3000 : Gil-Galad
3000 : King Elendil
3000 : Prince Isildur
3000 : Legolas
3000 : Saruman
3000 : Attack Troll Maquette
3000 : Grond Troll Maquette
3000 : Catapult Troll Maquette
3000 : Siege Tower Troll Maquette
4000 : The Mouth of Sauron
6000 : Smeagol
10000 : Cave Troll
Open : Gandalf, The Grey
Open : Arwen Evenstar
Open : Aragorn, Son of Arathorn
Open : Boromir, Son of Denethor
Open : Gimli, Son of Gloin
Open : Frodo
Open : Sam
Open : Merry
Open : Pippin
Open : Bilbo
Open : Numenorean Infantryman
Open : High Elven Infantryman
Open : Dwarven Lord
Open : Lurtz
Open : Uruk-hai Scout
Open : Moria Orc Archer
Open : Moria Orc Swordsman
Open : Cleaved Orc
Open : Orc Soldier
Open : Orc Overseer
Open : Ringwraith
Open : Nazgul Steed
HELMS
500 : Crown of the Witch-king
1000 : Gondorian Helm Collection
2000 : Easterling
2000 :Galadhrim Warhelm
2000 :Rohan Royal Guard
2000 :Theoden's
2000 :Uruk-hai Berserker
2000 :Uruk-hai Scout
2500 : Orc Legion Helm
2500 : Orc Muzzle Cage Helm
2500 : Helm of a Battle Troll
2500 : Frodo's Orc Helm
2500 : Sam's Orc Helm
2500 : Peregrin Took's CG Helm
2500 : Rohirrim Helm of Merry
3000 : Eomer's Helm
3000 : Eowyn's Helm
4000 : Crown of the King of the Dead
4000 : Helm of the Mouth of Sauron
4500 : War Mask of the Morgul Lord
5000 : Sauron's Helm
8500 : Crown of King Elessar
Open : High Elven
Open : Numenorean Infantry
Open : Elendil's
Open : Isildur's
Open : Gimli's
Open : Gandalf's Hat
Open : Moria Orc's
Open : Orc Iron Cap
Open : Orc Crowface
Open : Orc Squinter
Open : Orc Trapjaw
Open : Orc Hide
ENVIRONMENTS
750 : Orthanc
1500 : Amon Hen
2000 : Buckleberry Ferry
3000 : Weathertop
4000 : Helm's Deep
4000 : The Golden Hall
4000 : The Mines of Moria
8500 : Minas Morgul
WALL PLAQUES
1000 : Flight from Isengard
2000 : You Shall Not Pass!
3000 : Meeting of Old Friends
10000 : Escape off the Road
WEAPONS SETS
2500 : Fellowship 1
2500 : Fellowship 2
2500 : Aragorn
2500 : Legolas
2500 : Gimli
2500 : Lurtz
2500 : Nazgul
2500 : Moria Orcs
2500 : Hobbits
3500 : Sauron's Mace
2000: Cave Troll Hammer
MEDALLIONS
10000 : 1 The Orcs of Moria
10000 : 2 The Nazgul
10000 : 3 The Industry of Isengard
10000 : 4 The Last Alliance
10000 : 5 The Birth of the Uruk-hai
10000 : 6 The Soldiers of White Hand
10000 : 7 The Cave Troll
10000 : 8 The Watcher in the Water
1000 : 9 The Uruk-hai Berserkers
1000 : 10The Amibtions of Grishnakh
1000 : 11The Return of King Theoden
1000 : 12The Warg Riders
1000 : 13The Master of Fangorn
1000 : 14The Dilemmas of Smeagol
1000 : 15The Easterlings
1000 : 16The Duel of Light and Fire
ARTWORKS
400 : Alan Lee Gandalf on Gwaihir Giclee
500 : John Howe Barad-dur Giclee
1000 :Alan Lee Rivendell Lithograph
MISC
Open: LOTR Film Flame
Open : Argonath Bookends
Open : Smeagol
Open : Minas Tirith
Open : "No Admittance Except on Party Business" Bookends
Excellent SSW database. 
no wonder SSW Sauron so rarely shows up for sale nowadays, there's roughly 2000 less of them made than we thought.
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