Guess they are teasing us and making sure we have a doctor and/or priest ready in ten days' time when they reveal the price.
Some minor observations on the new high-res pics:
- I really wish someone had pointed out to the sculptor that Treebeard's third forehead 'eye' is very off-putting and distracting. I really can't un-see it after it was pointed out and it detracts from his face because it makes it look so weird. I know it's just a wood knot, but if I never noticed it in the movies, it shouldn't be so prominent now.
- Some folks are already poo-pooing Merry and Pippin's likenesses. I'm usually one of those folks as I hold Weta to the high standard they have placed themselves in, but some of their attempts lately have left me cold (Boromir, Haldir, Gamling.) In this case, however, I think people are wrong and Merry and Pippin look great, certainly 100 times better than the old SSW Merry, and 1,000,000 better than the SSW Pippin abomination. Plus, he's finally wearing Fellowship clothes. Where I do agree with the criticism is that as good as I feel they are, they fall a tad short of Masters Collection 'Wow' factor. I know Treebeard is the showpiece and he's definitely top notch, but the hobbits could be a bit more... I don't know... enhanced?
- Not a huge fan of the overall pose. Didn't notice before but with Treebeard half turned as he is walking and looking to the side, it presents a challenge in angling him just right to show off all the main features: his face, front of his body, and the two hobbits. Not a fan of the awkward angle one bit.
Well, I guess it wouldn't be Weta if it was 100% perfect.
I am borderline on this whole thing as of a few days ago. Emotionally and financially drained by my little kitty's failing health and faced with the hardest decision I will have to make one day soon now that it's confirmed terminal. Times of grief and loss like this really make one stop cold and question what we are doing and where our priorities are. The spark that is the joy of collecting is very dim for me at this moment. I guess I'll see where I'm at when this thing is priced out but if I do get it, it could be the piece to close out my collection for good. Seems like a fitting place to stop.