Sideshow's Mola
Ram is Here
08/01/10, 12:07pm
EST
Mola Ram - Premium
Format Figure |
|
Do you have a burning desire to own an evil Thuggee high priest? Well,
hold to your potatoes as the good folks at Sideshow are bringing out
their first Indy villain Premium Format Figure and it's the one and
only Mola Ram! The highly detailed figure features Mola
in his famed shrunken head and horned headdress with his hand held
high, grasping the beating and burning heart of a hapless victim.
If you are one of the lucky few to
order early you can get the exclusive ceremonial challis (skull/head)
that was used to make Indy drink the "blood of Kali Mai" and fall into
the black sleep. This is an awesome piece of Indiana Jones memorabilia
and will no doubt be as treasured as a sacred Shankara Stone to any
Indyfan!
To see more images and to order this figure, visit the Sideshow Collectibles website.
UPDATE: The Sideshow Exclusive Edition
is already Sold Out!
Posted by Mitchell
Hallock
Disney Unveils New
Mickey Jones 18
12/01/10, 10:07am
EST
Young Indiana
Jones Autographs at Official Pix
11/02/10, 10:56am
EST
Though
Official Pix may have closed the door on their
Indiana Jones photos (for now), it doesn't mean they are Indyless.
While supplies last, Official Pix is
offering several autograph photos of "Young Indiana Jones" star; Sean
Patrick Flanery. The photos include two of Flanery as Young Indy (one
astride the horse from Spring Break Adventure that was also
Harrison Ford's in Last Crusade), and the other from
Flanery's recent hit The Boondock Saints sequel.
Check them out now at Official Pix.
Posted by Mitchell
Hallock
Indy 'Well of
Souls' 2010 Hallmark Ornament
17/02/10, 12:35pm
EST
New Indiana Jones
Hallmark Ornament. |
|
Though many of the Christmas ornaments have been packed away for the
year by now (if not, what are you waiting for), but save a spot on the
tree next Christmas for the Man with the Hat.
Hallmark will continue producing
ornaments based on Indiana Jones in 2010, the third so far in their
series, with a look at Indy fending off snakes from the Well of the
Souls! While it's had to tell if there will be a sound chip on this
ornament, it would be cool if it said the immortal line; "Snakes... why
did it have to be snakes"!
A big thanks to Indyfan Justin, for sending the image and the
information over to me.
Source: DC Metro Area Star Wars Collecting Club
Posted by Mitchell
Hallock
Sideshow Toys
Talks NEW Indy Collectibles
25/02/10, 10:11am
EST
Sideshow
Collectibles recent Q&A had a lot of great news for Indyfans,
including new 1:1 props in the future and Temple of Doom
figures coming soon!
You can read the full transcript from
Sideshow's
Q&A here.
I have been wondering if you
are going to produce a Rene Belloq 12-inch figure wearing the Jewish
High Priest robes that he wears when they open the Ark of the Covenant
at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark?
We are currently evaluating more 12-inch Indiana Jones figure
development, but our focus is really on Temple of Doom
characters currently.
After the release of the
Indiana Jones Golden Idol, will the Crystal Skull or Holy Grail prop
replicas be a possibility?
Yes, we're VERY interested in creating Grail and Skull prop replicas.
Sideshow used to be the
company for female figures with your Buffy and James Bond lines (you
made them look good without being hypersexual). Thus I am sorely
disappointed that Marion Ravenwood has not shown up in the Indiana
Jones line. Could you explain what prompted the apparent decision to
not pursue a major character like her when she appears to be in high
demand among collectors?
Fair question. We've fallen
out of love with our old female body and delayed development on new
female 12-inch figures until we sort out an update to the base body or
a new body entirely. Things are still cooking at Sideshow HQ, and we'll
reopen the doors to female dev soon.
I LOVE the Premium Format Crystal
Skull Indy. Trevor did another amazing job on the face sculpt. I
might even prefer it over my PF Raiders Indy, but time will tell. Is
Trevor working on any sculpts for the other two Indy movies in the PF
format? It'd be great to add to these "bookends".
Yes! Trevor recently completed
the Indiana Jones from Temple of Doom, and we're working on
the prototype now!
I'm so excited to have
placed my order for the 1:1 Raiders of the Lost Ark Fertility Idol.
What's next for the 1:1 Indiana Jones relic line? I'd love to see the
Crystal Skull (I have your small one that came with the DVD set), the
head piece to the Staff of Ra, the eye of the Peacock diamond from the
beginning of Temple of Doom, a Sankara Stone (or all 3), the
Cross of Coronado and the Holy Grail.
Several of the props you mention are in the works and even another that
you didn't mention. Stay tuned!
With German Indy and Henry
Sr. shipping, can we get a hint of what Indiana Jones 1/6 Figures are
coming in the new year?
There will be a bit of a break
between the shipment of KOTCS Indy and the announcement of
our next Indiana Jones 12-inch figure. We're looking hard at designs
from Temple of Doom for the next releases.
I have to tell you, that the
Indiana Jones vs. Mola Ram diorama is awesome!!! You said that this is
the first from the freshly launched IJ diorama series, so what about
the next one? Is it in the works? can you give us some hints ? e.g.:
from which installment did you choose? I think the scene, when Indy
cures his father with the grail would be great!!
Duly noted! We have not yet selected the next Indiana Jones diorama,
but there are several GOOD designs on the table! Stay tuned!
I was wondering if you were
going to sell the Indiana Jones Life-Size Bag separate from the Indiana
Jones VS Mola Ram Polystone Diorama? I love the bag and want one very
badly!
We will not be offering the bag separately from the Diorama, but we
will share your interest with Sideshow creative!
I love the Indiana Jones
line, all of it…1/6, 1/4, props…all of it. I have purchased every item
made for it. Are you going to continue the 1/6 scale line with more
figures from the series, or is KOTCS Indy the last of the
Mohicans? Also, if it's not dead, would Sideshow consider the Hot Toys
DX route and include a different outfit change with a figure?
We do have plans to continue the line, but we don't have a firm
timeframe to share with you. A deluxe Indy could be very interesting!
Are there any plans to have
a Willie Scott figure for the Indiana Jones line, in any format?
Our Creative Director, Tom Gilliland, has a real soft spot for Willie
Scott. It's a safe bet that she'll appear in some form.
Concerning the Indiana Jones
license, does Sideshow also hold the rights to developing characters
from the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles?
We're not certain, but we still have a lot of ground to cover from the
films before we dip into the Young Indy material.
Ok, you guys really have me
freaked out after prior rounds of ‘Ask Sideshow' questions. Indy fans
were told there would be "a pause in the Indiana Jones 12-inch line
after Henry Jones" and that Sideshow was "in the midst of evaluating
TOD characters." The Indy freaks require clarification…. Does this
mean, in any way, that the 1/6 line is in jeopardy?
-AND-
I'm very (VERY) disappointed by the news that the Indy 1:6 line is on
"pause". Can you clarify what that means? Does that mean that there
will simply be a long wait before the next announcement but that there
IS a definite announcement coming, or does that mean that there is no
new figure to be announced in the foreseeable future? I have all the
figures from the line so far, and it was the Indy line that got me into
collecting 1:6 figures in the first place. So I would be incredibly
disappointed if the Indy 1:6 line was indeed dead, like many of us
fear.
-AND-
Have you stopped work on the Indy 1:6 line to re-assess whether it is
still viable? I know you intend to continue the license with dioramas
and Premium Formats. But many of us are only interested in the 1:6 line
and were hoping to at least get one or two figures (and personally, at
least one Indiana Jones figure) from each movie. We all know what
happens when a line is put "on hold", and "pause" seems like the same
thing. What would have to happen for you guys to continue with the
line? Please reconsider!
-AND-
I'm sure you're getting swamped with this question, but I thought I'd
add mine to the pile … What's the status of the Indiana Jones 1/6th
line? Just hoping for some clarification. A few weeks back you
mentioned that the line was "paused." A lot of collectors then leapt to
the immediate conclusion that the line is struggling badly and is
therefore headed inevitably toward being axed. But I read the "paused"
announcement differently. After re-reading it a few times, it seemed to
me you guys were announcing a GOOD thing — that you were pausing to
consult with Hot Toys so you could figure out how to do shirtless
figures. NOT that you were gearing up to pull the plug on a struggling
line. Could you please clarify? As a big lover of the 1/6th Indy line,
I'm REALLY hoping I'll need to buy a few more Detolfs in 2010 for a
growing Indy 1/6th collection!
Great questions, all of you.
The pause is indeed to give us the opportunity to evaluate our future
plans for 12-inch Indy, including diorama type environment pieces. In
the meantime, our development teams have been working hard on the 1:6 Star
Wars and GI Joe lines, and we will redirect their
efforts to Indiana Jones in due order. From here out, we're most likely
to develop ‘bursts' of Indiana Jones 12-inch figures, ie a Temple
of Doom subset, then onto other films.
I'm a huge Indy fan and have
all the Indy items you've put out so far, keep up the great work! One
question… I've noticed the Indy 12-inch line is "smaller" in proportion
to your Star Wars line, as well as the New Line House of
Horrors line. In fact, your Indy is "shorter" than your Han Solo!
Was the reason for this so the Indy line would work with other 12-inch
WWII era military lines like Dragon, G.I.Joe, etc? Or was there a
different reason for the different "scale" of the Indy Line?
When we launched Indiana
Jones, we also launched the new Pro Body, which ended up a bit smaller
than ideal. We've since added body parts to the Pro platform allowing
additional height, arm, shoulder, and butt configurations - and future
Indiana Jones figures will benefit from these advances (and potentially
others).
I love the Indy vs. Mola Ram
diorama. Please Sideshow, give us an Indy & Marion Well of Souls
and Indy with Henry Sr. before all is said and done. I could go on, but
these would be very iconic.
Certainly, we'll share your wish list with the creative team!
Will the Indiana Jones 1:6
environment pieces continue? I am really hoping we'll get a Map Room
Indy with polystone Map Room environment. What is the possibility of
this happening?
Yes, most likely on a basis paired with future 12-inch Indiana Jones
offerings. We can't promise the map room as a certainty, but it's high
on our list too.
Where does the Indy 1/6th
‘paused' announcement leave us for the 1/6th KOTC Indy? Will
we still see this figure?
We hope that you have him in hand as you read this!
Source: Sideshow
Collectibles
Thanks to Throwmetheidol.com's
Les for the heads up!
Posted by Mitchell
Hallock
REVIEW: Sideshow's
Fertility Idol
17/03/10, 12:43pm
EST
There
are many props from the Indiana Jones film series that Indyfans have
been dying to get their hands on. While imitations of Indy's famed
fedora and whips have been around for years, it has been nearly
impossible to become an "obtainer of rare antiquities", such as
authentic prop replicas.
There have been some fantastic
recreations over the years (the amazing work of prop master Anthony
"Indy" Magnoli come to mind), but there has been little "official"
licensed products from Lucasfilm made available. Recently, the Noble
Collection offered up the Headpiece to the Staff of Ra, Mutt (or rather
Spalko's) sword, Indy's TOD machete, and whip. However, one signature
item, or rather idol, is instantly recognizable to Indyfans, and even
non-Indyfans, has eluded fans. That would be the Chachapoyan Fertility
Idol first seen in the opening sequence of 1981's classic film, Raiders
of the Lost Ark.
Sideshow's Fertility Idol
(Life-Size Prop Replica)
USA; 21st century
Phoney gold |
|
Now, you don't have to travel to Marrakech or borrow several thousands
of dollars from a museum curator to try and obtain this golden idol.
The artisans at Sideshow Collectibles have trekked through the
Peruvian jungles, braved the attacks from Hovitos, the betrayal of
untrustworthy guides and even eluded the giant boulder to bring to
market a 1:1 scale replica of Indy's first treasure! Just released is
the Fertility Idol, this heavy duty prop replica is breathtaking in its
detail (and I do mean heavy duty as the box weighed in at 10 pounds).
If one were to throw it in exchange for a whip, they will need some
serious muscles, or be on the receiving end of a severe bruise if they
didn't catch it right!
The packaging, like all previous
Sideshow offerings, is impeccable with great graphics, and even
includes that rare and controversial image of the idol with real human
eyes. It gives a brief description on the pursuit of the idol, from
Forrestal's failed attempt to the brief and successful retrieval by Dr.
Indiana Jones. The story goes on to tell of how Indy did in fact get
back "in his hands" from Rene Belloq, and return it to the National
Museum after the events of Raiders.
Fertility Idol collection. |
|
Some fans have been criticizing the Sideshow Fertility Idol sculpt and
claim it is not film accurate. As one who has over a dozen variations
of the fertility idol from miniature Hasbro action figure accessories
to knock-offs purchased on eBay to the great Diamond bank, these
remarks are too nit picky to detract from the look. The likeness is
terrific in my book; from the hideous open mouth expression to the
creepy "child" emerging beneath it, it is simply amazing. Most striking
is the material used to give this idol its shine, the process used to
give it that "metallic" luster is the big selling piece. The eBay
knock-offs I own, have never got the color just right, the gold was
either too flat, or when sprayed with gold paint, never shined like the
prop in the movie. The Sideshow Fertility Idol has a polished,
mirror-like golden finish, and makes me feel that I should wear gloves
when handling it as not to smudge it with oils from my fingertips.
The idol comes with a "temple-like"
pedestal, which is carved in the style of the architecture seen in the
opening of "Raiders". The attention to detail even has some moss-like
material engraved in it to give it that added touch of screen
authenticity.
As with all pricey collectibles is the
inevitable big question always is; "is it worth it"?
The answer is A RESOUNDING "YES"!
Inverse-Face Beaker
Sicán (Lambayeque),
Peru; 9th-11th century
Hammered gold |
|
In my opinion, as one who has purchased many big ticketed Indiana Jones
related items, as well as other film prop replicas, this is one of the
best ever done. I admire the skill labor that Sideshow's designers put
into it, and will not squabble over the curve of the mouth or roundness
of the eyes as I have read some fans mention. It is immediately
recognized as the idol from Raiders when my family and
friends see it, and because of the sophisticated construction of it, it
really does look like it "belongs in a museum". In fact, after just
returning from a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York
City, I saw many South American small golden idols that look very
similar to the Chachapoyan fertility idol, and would not be surprised
if they were the inspirations for the Indy's onscreen treasure. My only
complaint is that it did not come with a small canvas bag of sand as an
exclusive that you could put on the pedestal when you "borrow" the idol.
Do I recommend that Indyfans seek this
out, again, if you can afford the $189.00 suggested retail price, by
all means go ahead and try and find it and purchase it. With only 1500
made, the wait list on this at Sideshow is full; perhaps tracking it
down at a local comic shop or online might be a great source. I bought
mine, as did the songwriter behind "The Ballad of Indiana Jones", High
Adventure's Glen Nelson, at the Alternate Universe comic shop in
Connecticut. They were only made available two weeks ago and have
disappeared off the shelf, so start tracking yours down, immediately.
Now, if Sideshow would continue this
line of 1:1 Indiana Jones prop replicas, I would like to add the Holy
Grail, Sankara Stones (that light up), the Cross of Coronado, and maybe
the remains of Nurhaci (the crystal skull from Uncle Milton is fine
enough). Are you listening out there Sideshow?
Here's offering my sincerest
appreciation on a great job and kudos to Sideshow Collectibles on the
Fertility Idol. I hope I can get to it without causing my house to
collapse and the giant boulder rolling after me.
Sideshow Fertility Idol Product Size:
10" H (254mm) x 10" W (254mm) x 10" L (254mm)
Product Weight: 10.00 lbs (4.54 kg)
Run: 1500 pieces.
For more information and images visit Sideshow Collectibles website.
Posted by Mitchell
Hallock
Sideshow's Peak at
TOD Indy Figure
30/03/10, 12:05pm
EST
A movie theater in Stamford was running a special showing of Indiana
Jones and the Temple of Doom on Thursday, March 25, but since it
was my son, Owen's 10th birthday that night I had to pass. However,
after all the cake and balloons were put away, I was surprised to see
that that day did not pass without a glimpse of Indiana Jones from his
epic battle against the blood thirsty Thuggees. Well at least a close
up of his hand. A sculpted hand at that.
The artisans at Sideshow
Collectibles, fresh off dazzling Indyfans with their 1:1 scale replica
of the Fertility Idol, were showing a sneak peak of what the future
has in store. While they had mentioned that they were hard at work on a
Premium Format figure of the Man with the Hat from his adventures in
the Temple of Doom little more was known or seen about it. Well, thanks
to a
posting of a photo, both of those things have come to pass - with
an image of the sculpting of the newest Indy fig... rather, just a
close up of Indy's bandaged hand as he had it holding the Thuggee
sword/machete in the climatic rope bridge sequence.
This will be the third version of
Indiana Jones in the Sideshow premium format line, as well as, a Mola
Ram figure that will be released later this year. With the Temple
of Doom Indy fans can pose the two adversaries and have them stare
each other down from across a room.
You can see the preview on the Sideshow
site, and hopefully the coming weeks will reveal more of it, as
well as ordering information and release dates. Now if I can only get a
local movie theatre to show Temple of Doom, Raiders
and Last Crusade again...
Posted by Mitchell
Hallock
Temple of the
Forbidden Eye 15th Anniversary
18/04/10, 9:01am EST
If
you have been one of the millions of Indyfans who dared to walk, or
rather ride, along with the intrepid archeologist on DisneyLand'sIndiana
Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, you should celebrate its
15th Anniversary. Indyfan and Disney employee, Brandon Kleyla, and
Raven poster 'Violet Indy', let me know that the house of the Mouse is
planning to celebrate this occasion in style.
While the attraction really
celebrated its actual 15th year in operation last month, Indyfans will
start to see new merchandise at the the theme park celebrating Indiana
Jones. One Disney Park blog site is showing off new T-shirt designs, and the article goes on to
mention that other new items, like mugs, magnets and other goodies are
comings soon.
So make a trek to Anaheim and visit
DisneyLand to take a ride with Indiana Jones and wish him a happy 15th
anniversary!
If you cant get to a Disney Park, you
can still obtain these rare antiquities by using the Disney
Resort Mail Order program.
Thanks to Brandon and 'Violet Indy'
for the heads up!
Posted by Mitchell
Hallock
Sideshow's Temple
of Doom Indy is Here
23/05/10, 10:52am
EST
If
adventure has a name... no it's not a shameless IndyCast plug, but the
tagline of the trailer and poster that was 1984's Indiana Jones and
the Temple of Doom. Now, Indyfans who have waited 26 years to own a
substantial piece of that roller coaster ride of a flick can be
satisfied thanks to Sideshow Collectibles!
Joining the companies other
outstanding Indiana Jones Premium Format Figure/Statues like the Raiders
and Crystal Skull Indys, and the soon to be released Mola Ram
will be a Temple of Doom Indy. While we we will have to wait
until May 25th for a full description and images via a Sideshow
Production Blog, and then endure another two day wait until May 27th to
order it, you can see a sneak peak now at their site.
With Thuggee machete in hand and what
looks like a Shankara stone or maybe a whip in the other this figure
will be the one to own! It may cost you a small "fortune" but you will
be able to bask in the "glory" that is Indiana Jones!
Thanks to Sideshow Collectibles for rewarding us "true
believers" now if only we could have the filmmakers drink the blood of
Kali and do our bidding, like make Indy 5 next year!
Posted by Mitchell
Hallock
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