Omaha, NE Master Replicas. What are they up to?

I received an e-mail the other day from Master Replicas in which they state that they have the Lord of the Rings "electronics" contract. Now, I'm fishing for ideas as to what they could do for LOTR that is electronic besides a glowing Sting. Let's hear those ideas.

 

a micro chip in sam telling frodo he's a whiny bastard?

 

You actually READ that?!? I got it too. Saw the subject, and thats its MR and laughed. Long and heartily. Then I deleted it. They have no reason to be entering in that realm. Leave it to the real sword smiths for LOTR stuff.

 

Other than glowing blades, I can't think what they'd be doing. Someone one else already has the license for official LotR replicas. I have to say, I'm curious, but not biting yet.

 

Oh, to further update how MR is stretching themselves way too thing, AGAIN... Apparently, they're reducing their output on all things Star Wars and Star Trek. This was stated in an e-mail distributed in another list I belong to. They're attempting to "increase the collectibility" of their items. I agree with Mark, but when I saw Master Replicas and Lord of the Rings in the same e-mail I had to read it. Maybe they'll come out with an electronic horse replica that people can ride at conventions. Also, apparently they're going to.. Hell, I'll just post the e-mail.
Dear Collector,

It's been hush-hush...till NOW!
But, we just can't keep it secret any longer.

So, we're giving you ? our valued and loyal customer ? the inside
scoop. You're the first to know about the amazing year we have
planned for you so that you can start planning your 2004
collection.

In 2004 we've reduced the number of prop replica releases from our
Star Wars and STAR TREK lines so you'll want to collect them all.
Many of our limited editions will be offered in smaller quantities
than in the past, which will enhance the value of these
collectibles, but you'll have to act fast! Our first two limited
edition Star Wars releases this year, the Anakin Lightsaber and the
Medal of Yavin, both have edition sizes of only 1500, and they are
selling out quickly. Here's a taste of what you have to look
forward to in the coming year:

Our Star Wars line is more diverse than ever this year. You can
look forward to collectible vehicles, jackets and our elegant new
scaled lightsaber replicas.

-- NEW! 45 Scale Lightsaber replicas, including:
- Luke Skywalker, Episode VI - February
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, Episode II - February
- Mace Windu, Episode II - February
- . . . And more!
-- NEW! AT-AT vehicle, Episode V - Spring/Summer
-- NEW! Star Wars FX Jacket, Episode IV - Spring

Plus, we'll have more of the high-quality prop replicas you love
to collect:

-- Princess Leia Organa Blaster, Episode IV - Spring
-- Stormtrooper Blaster, Episode IV - Summer/Fall
-- Rebel Blaster, Episode IV - Summer/Fall
-- STAR TREK Klingon Disruptor - Summer
-- STAR TREK Tricorder - Summer

And, we'll offer two new versions of our incredible Force FX
Lightsabers:

-- Luke Skywalker FX Lightsaber, Episode V - Summer
-- Mace Windu FX Lightsaber, Episode II - Summer

It'll be a busy year for you, so start your planning now so that
you're sure to get your hands on the collectibles you covet most.
As always, you'll receive email announcements as each collectible
is released. And remember, when you order from
www.masterreplicas.com, you'll be among the first to receive
your new treasures and be the envy of all your friends.

Master Replicas will reveal our 2004 collectibles at the American
International Toy Fair in New York on February 15-18 along with
a showcase of this year's exciting new licenses and product
prototypes. Appealing to a diverse group of movie-goers, Master
Replicas plans on announcing several new licenses, including Oscar
nominee The Lord of the Rings, Disney, Alien vs. Predator, Shrek,
Elvis and Men in Black. The press is welcome to stop by our
booth (#5951) at the Jacob Javits Center.
We're looking forward to a phenomenal year ? with intriguing new
lines and exceptional new products that will make your favorite
movie moments come to life!
Now that you're in the know, you can start dreaming!
Your Source for Quality Collectibles, Master Replicas
For all the latest news about Master Replicas' official prop
replicas,
click or simply copy the link below into the address bar of your
browser:
http://www2.masterreplicas.com

 

What exactly is an FX jacket? Lights & sound effects?

 

What I want to know about it the AT-AT replica. Most likely it'll be a piece of junk to throw in the corner, but I've always wanted a scale remote control one. Oh well. and for LOTR, another thing I was thinking was an enlarged "one ring" with lights for the words. Who knows.

 

Got another one. We were just watching LOTR:FOTR. Gandalf's staff with light up crystal.

 

Now that you mention it, a lighted version of the One Ring would be kinda cool. Gandalf's staff wouldn't be bad except for the fact that the same company who holds the rights to the swords has also done replicas of both Gandalf's & Saruman's staffs.

 

And seeing how thin they are stretching themselves...Arent they supposed to be the ones making the licensed armor? This doesnt bode too well for the quality of that now does it?

 

I just saw a picture of the FX jacket @ Rebelscum. It's basically a black letterman-type jacket with the SW logo embroidered across the top. Below that is embroidered a scene from the Death Star battle in ANH. It features the Death Star in the upper left hand corner & Vader's TIE tailing Luke's X-Wing in the lower right. The FX? Fiber optics. The SW logo is illuminated. I can't tell if there are any other lighting effects or not. I'd probably beinterested in the thing if it weren't for the fiber optics feature.

 

So, has anyone seen this AT-AT they're supposed to be releasing?

 

Yes! That thing is amazing! Looks exactly like the models used in Empire. I don;t even want to think about the price tag? There are pictures at Rebelscum in the Toy Fair coverage section.

 

Hey guys, how's things going? The MSRP on the AT-AT was shown as $1200, and the MR armor was a rumor that has been denied. Not that that really means anything, just that they've officially denied that one. The AT-AT is amazing but definitely not worth the price tag for me.