Blade Runner Figures

[Ara]

Who makes Blade Runner figures? (besides Scott Pettersen and Brother Production)

Thanks!

[Replicant 13]

Ara -

There have been several companies and a few individuals that have offered the 1/6 scale (12") figures.

It all depends on your taste and budget. Currently I am unaware of any figures in that scale being offered in any quantity or of decent quality, at an affordable price.

The first I recall was offered several years ago, for a time, by a Japanese outfit. Called simply "Android Hunter" it resembled the figures produced in the 70's by Kenner. A simple resemblance to Ford, but like the original 12" G.I.Joe, more toy-like. Still, a favorite -


THE ORIGINAL "HUNTER"

Those that came later attempted more realism, influenced by companies like HOT TOYS, but few have captured Ford's likeness.

Unfortunately, with time and the limited releases, the prices have soared. Some, like Petersen's, could be said to be worth it (if you have the $$$), considering the excellent craftsmanship. But many seem to be existing figures, reworked -"custom" jobs featuring new or altered head sculpts, that vary greatly in quality and price.

While not as detailed or "accurate" as the newer, more expensive models, I found the Android Hunter (with its original head) a nice piece, fitting better the style at the time when the film was released.

It all depends on your taste and budget. Aside from those you mention, currently I am unaware of any new figures in that scale being offered in any quantity or of decent quality, at an affordable price.

Best bet? Probably eBay. Good hunting! - R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[Rambo_troop]

[Replicant 13]

Unfortunately 'The Blade Runner Partnership' has had absolutely no interest in marketing the movie.

- R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[andy]

[Replicant 13]

Agreed. A fresh start in today's market, might well change 'The Partnership's' mind. And now it seems toy companies are willing to develop figures based on almost anything, including films and franchises that came and went decades ago. It's hard to say - if they might have made some money off the original back then, had it been marketed like Star Wars. It's possible that Harrison's popularity might have helped sales in spite of its lackluster results at the box office, but perhaps that's overly optimistic.

Probably fewer kids back then would have been allowed to see it, so like ALIEN before it, it would have had to depend on the smaller adult market. With exposure to the roleplaying games of today, the violence of the original film would almost seem harmless by today's standards. It was a different world in 1982.

- R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[andy]

The product made for the film in 1982 sold worse than the tickets for the film at the time. They made the two books by Blue Dolphin, the Sketchbook and Illustrated screenplay, the ERTL toy cars (not learning from the lesson Alien got from making toys for an 'R' rated film), as well as patches and a Fanclub, that never got past the first newsletter. The mature themes and 'R' rating kept it from crossing paths with the patrons of that kind of merchandise...kids. As a result the stuff is pretty rare now, especially since collectors are now often adults, the prices have also grown. The film did grow in popularity through the years, but maybe not to the amounts we think it should have.

On the other hand most of the films fans also seem to be in the tech industry, and have a bit more money to spend now days. Higher end collectibles would probably be the best bet. Many of the fans would certainly buy toys, but nowhere near the amount fans of more family affair like Star Wars. There isn't that much money into making the figures, especially after paying the fees of the Blade Runner Partnership. They would have to be low run and high price. I could certainly see stuff like nice die-cast replicas of the spinner with crossover Syd Mead collectors. I do know someone already has asked for the rights to make an official replica blaster that won't be seen until after the new film if they get the chance.

Personally the main BR thing I still long for is a true "Art of.." coffee table book of the making of the film, and its props. I am okay with the lack of toys for the film, but still would buy them if made. I own a couple versions of the Japanese Android Hunter figures, and the Android 001 Rot Batty. Not very accurate and also not that valuable. Proof that they never found their market and also another reason why toys may not be made for the new films in any large capacity. I know Todd McFarlane wanted to make them and even he balked. Supposedly there are prototypes made too that I never got to see, but were hinted at. Too bad, because they would have been cool, but also gathering dust on my shelf if they ever sold them.

Who knows what will happen when the new film(s) get made? Maybe Bud and Jerry will let the gates open, or let a single group control the license with multiple companies, or even sell it all off to someone else who wants to deal with it. By not letting too much out now it helps keep the potential value of the license greater, and also more speculative.

The one wild card has always been Japan, which both has a personal love affair with the film and seems to have ways around what the US and European companies have had to deal with. The Medicom spinners skirted it by first tying in with 'Back to the Future' instead, then by piggy backing off of the Warner Brother media license by packaging it with the Blu Ray. The Fujimi model kits I am not sure about 100%. They don't use the films name on the cover of the boxes, but do use names like "Spinner" and "Deckard" on them. A little bolder than the 'Android Hunter' lables, and avoidance of direct copying that Time Wave Zero did.

There was another Deckard 6th scale figure that came out in early 2000 or so, but it was not much better than the still readily available Android Hunters, and much more expensive. Brother Productions seems to have bought up much of the unsold stock of the earlier figures and focused on accurizing and customizing them. They do them only a few at a time and are slow to ship I have heard. Nothing compared to the Scot Petersen figures. I am waiting to see what time will show us. I know pressuring any particular company means nothing at this point. They have the access to all the numbers. I also know that a quick google search would lead them here, and they probably have already been here. We will just have to wait until the new film.

Andy

[joberg]

TFS Andy, yes, Scott figures cannot be beaten, he has set the bar way high (and the price reflects the quality of the product).
Maybe the new movie will unblock some of the copyright stuff related to the first BR, but I'm not holding my breath on that one.

It's a movie that fits a special niche in this world and that's why the runs are low and expensive.

[Ara]

Thanks everyone for the information! I had no idea McFarlane had already considered producing Blade Runner figures. McFarlane type-figures, while not a good idea back in 1982, would probably sell well now that BR is considered a classic cult film. But, as Andy mentioned, I think releasing higher end collectibles would be the best bet in this case.
I'm not sure we'll ever get to see mass-produced figures from the original movie, but chances are we'll get a few figures, vehicles or at least a prop replica from the sequel.
I was about to give in and get a Brother Production figure, but another member told me Scott Pettersen will do another version of his Deckard figures in the near future, so I'm putting money aside to try and get one... They're expensive, but so worth it in my opinion.

[Lt Dan]

Hi Ara,

Spenser (who posts on the Sideshow Freaks forum) also made some custom BR figures and clothing a few years ago:

http://www.prophouse2000.com/bladerunner.html

http://prophouse2000.com/dckardjacket.jpg

http://prophouse2000.com/finalbattleshirtpaints01.jpg

http://prophouse2000.com/deckardoutfit01.jpg

Apart from a few custom head sculpts of Deckard, Rachael, Leon and Tyrell, the other posters have included all the 1/6 scale figures I'm aware of.

[Ara]

Thanks Dan. I found his website doing a google image search after I started this thread. I guess he doesn't do commissions, right?

[Lt Dan]

[Replicant 13]

At present there is an "Android Hunter" on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blade-Runner-Android-Hunter-Rick-Deckard-1-6-12-Harrison-Ford-version-1-0-/251702281052?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item3a9aa0035c

It's an auction with 5 days left, so no telling where the price will wind up, but if you're interested you might put it on your watch list. It's the original box and the original version (Kenner®-like head).

I would assume this will go for less than its more detailed "brothers".

(And over the years the clothing does not seem to have changed/improved much.)

Just a thought. - R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[Ara]

I saw it yesterday, the seller doesn't offer international shipping...

[Buch]

I don't know if there's shopusa in Spain, but perhaps other companies offer the same service? I know it can be a bit expensive, but it's a possibility
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Monsieur, azonnal kövessen engem bitte

[Mr_Creepy]

[Ara]

Exactly, I guess that's why a lot of sellers in the US don't offer international shipping. And on top of that they make you pay considerable amounts of money when a parcel of a certain size/price goes through customs, I've ended up paying more for those fees than for the shipping costs themselves sometimes.

[ridleyville]

Not too sure if I should say but I will say it quickly and off the record, a guy flew over to me in the Uk from LA and took exact measurements and pictures of Zhoras spiked leggings that I have. He works for Stan Winston Studios.
He said they are producing a limited run of high quality displays.
Hope I do not get told off.
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More human than human

[Ara]

Thanks a lot for the info.
BTW, I attended LFCC last summer and heard you had your collection on display in previous editions. Will you be there again next year?

[ridleyville]

Hi Ara
Not sure about next year as yet. Cost is a big factor and as I am only displaying and not selling it makes a big difference in cost.
See how it goes later next year and I will let you know.
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More human than human