Preliminary Thoughts on Master Replica's Fozzie Bear

[Kevin Knight]

I just wanted to start a thread on Fozzie to get everyone's thoughts and concerns on the forthcoming Fozzie replica. I for one cannot wait for it to become available. His size, the posability next to Kermit, the materials being used etc. I imagine getting Fozzie right will be as easy as Kermit once the nose and eyes are set for production. I actually am surprised at the mentioned prices as for Kermit, Animal and Gonzo they've been able to use the same amount of materials for packaging. His box will be huge! PLUS, guys think about this.... how easy it will be to get a plastic banana and rubber chicken for accesories! Hope you folks are interested in talking bout this as much as I am. But I know let's deal with getting gonzo! I hear ya!

Kevin

[Was Once Ernie]

Here's what I think is so great about Terry's protos that is wrong with the REAL posers being used. The bottom jaw is set back slightly, so that when his mouth is closed, his top lip sticks out more than his bottom lip. To me, it gives him that "Fozzie" look that the professional posers are missing!

:p

[Luke]

I cannot wait for Fozzie, that proto is beeeeeautiful, i hope so much they manage to keep it EXACTLY like that in the actual replica, and the price doesn't bother me, i want an identical replica and am prepared to pay what it takes for them to do that. Anything else would be an injustice to da Fozz!

[frogboy4]

How the heck are they gonna ship the bear? That's what I'm curious about. Dude is huuuuge. And you're so right about the mouth, WOErnie. The bear should sell like the frog.

[Ignohippo]

Here's what I think is so great about Terry's protos that is wrong with the REAL posers being used. The bottom jaw is set back slightly, so that when his mouth is closed, his top lip sticks out more than his bottom lip. To me, it gives him that "Fozzie" look that the professional posers are missing!

:p

Absolutely! The slight overbite on Terry's Fozzie is a big part of the likeness. Being able to move Animal's bottom jaw from side to side (and close his mouth) is another example of how important it is to the likeness that they have some kind of articulation in their jaws/mouths.

I can't tell you how excited I am about Fozzie! If MR can replicate Terry's proto it will be the greatest thing ever. My only concern is that Terry's Gonzo was spot on also, so who knows what he will look like when he comes from China. As long as they keep his overbite, don't over-stuff him, and keep his face in proportion of Terry's proto, we should be okay.

As far as the price, my hopes are that Fozzie will stay well under the $500 range – shipped. Since there aren't any individual hair applications, accessories, or clothing (besides the scarf and hat), I hope that he will be close to Animal's price even though he's quite a bit bigger. I would think that Animal would have been one of the costliest Muppets to produce.

[Rowlfharris]

The only thing that might be possible to muck up in the final product would be the mouth.

Lets hope they don't.

The reason is, that Fozzie has a 'shaped tongue' (similar to Animals), so if they tried putting in a firm rubber casting like they did with the final Animal, they would run into the same problems with being able to close his mouth.

Although Terry's proto looks absolutely perfect, remember that so did Gonzo, and there was no hint of Animal’s mouth having the limits that it ended up with.

Fozzie's mouth needs a reasonably firm mouth plate, so that will mean to close it they need either a soft compressible material for the tongue (like foam) or designing the mouth plates in such a way that there is space for the tongue to allow closure.

I would rather that the form of his tongue be compromised in some way, than lose the ability to completely close Fozzie’s mouth.

[Kevin Knight]

Price, heck because of materials alone, I would expect at the least a 499. price tag. You guys are right about Terry's proto. For that I would gladly pay the possibility of 500. But Piggy? Wow between gown, gloves, faux ring, and hair, she may cost even more! Look at the prices MR put down for the Millenium Falcon! The higher price keeps it more exclusive so that not just anyone is buying. Which is good for us when you look at it that way. We will treat these replicas with care, dignity, and a treasure. The prices kinda reflect true collectors. But I digress. How many differences were there in Fozzie's hat and scarf if any?

open and closed mouth
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j138/Heartoutofhell/frog/sdcc07_mr_06.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j138/Heartoutofhell/frog/MR2BFozzie2BHead.jpg

Now is this the proto with hat?
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j138/Heartoutofhell/frog/1520518073_8ec35b912b.jpg

size comparison
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j138/Heartoutofhell/frog/sdcc07_mr_05.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j138/Heartoutofhell/frog/MR1.jpg

So what are we talking about here a four and a half foot bear? Heck my mother is only 4' 7"! Let's think about it this way. Kermit's box was 2 and a half feet tall! How big of a box are we talking about here? LOL

Kevin

[Was Once Ernie]

Fozzie is 44" tall. Somehow Terry was able to find a box to ship him in, but I agree... it will be much more expensive to ship him than the others.

:p

[MuppetCaper]

I am so looking forward to this sping when they put his preorder up! :o

[rexcrk]

He's gonna be soooo expensive lol

[MuppetCaper]

I'm just going to use my tax return to get him hehehe.

[Kevin Knight]

Ya know with the size of :o and :mad: (crosses fingers) some of us are going to need a whole room for them! For those that have dedicated muppet collectible rooms, I mean ANOTHER ROOM! LOL I just don't know how we're all going to protect them and preserve them. Other than leaving them MIB. Building a glass case would take an entire wall, and who'sd wife is going to give the go ahead? (laugh ladies) I'm just looking forward to posing Kermit and Fozzie like this

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j138/Heartoutofhell/231356466_2dd29735ae_o.jpg

For some reason that photo just envokes the words teamwork, and best friends to me. Like Ernie and Bert, Bird and Snuffy, etc. Amazing that Gonzo was considered Kermit's Best Man at the wedding!

Back on track....
I think with Fozzies size it's gonna take one **** of a stand to make him stand on his own. Imagine thatsize when thinking bout packaging!

But alas, what I was saying before about packaging materials... it will be the same materials and tooling for Piggy.

[Was Once Ernie]

Terry's protoype Fozzie stands on his own if you balance him properly.

:p

[Luke]

I just don't know how we're all going to protect them and preserve them. Other than leaving them MIB. Building a glass case would take an entire wall, and who'sd wife is going to give the go ahead?

I think this is an interesting point so wanted to highlight it, just how are people planning to preserve these? I would have thought the ultimate best case scenario would be to take them out of the packaging and re-package them in a large airtight plastic container and keep out of sunlight. However then your replica may get depressed, claustraphobic and owners may also get withdrawal syptoms. Having them on permanent display the ideal option may well be to have some kinda perspex display case made from anti glare plastic - though it may cost as much as the poser itself. I guess while a lot of people will have them freely on display it's probably not a good idea to do that for years on end as nobody really knows for sure how the materials on these will stand the test of time, not even Master Replicas.

The other thing is maybe there is a routine people could do to keep them nice and maintained. I don't mean have them do a workout DVD once a month but i'm sure the Muppeteers must do stuff to keep their puppets nice. Maybe they are sprayed with something special to keep them looking nice, or brushed with a certain type of brush? All this is gonna help the lifetime of these.

[Kevin Knight]

One other question I pose (no pun intended) is do we think the hat will be permanantly attached? or even sewn on? Same with scarf.(btw does anybody remember Terry's Muppet central username? Iwant to go back and see what he's talked about.

Kevin

[Luke]

Terry is Butchcat

[Was Once Ernie]

I would expect the hat and scarf NOT to be sewn on. I would be very disappointed if they were.

:p

[Bear Man]

I would expect the hat and scarf NOT to be sewn on. I would be very disappointed if they were.

:p

I'd be really surprised if the hat was, and it would probably be quite easy to remove even if it was. The scarf on the real puppet covers up the join between the head and the body, right? So it could conceivably be sewn on to the poser, even if just to keep the bow in order.

[frogboy4]

Animal's rope is tied to his pants, but the pants to come off. Not that I've tried really! His shirt also can be removed. MR wouldn't do something inconsistent with Fozzie. I'm expecting Gonzo to also be changeable. :concern:

[MuppetCaper]

When I made photo's of Animal and Kermit, I noticed that Animals shirt ties where sewn . I could not untie them due to the string around them. So what I had to do is slip the shirt off over his pants to take it off. I imagine that you can get the string off to untie the shirt, I just never wanted to do that. When I put the shirt back on, I had to take the pants off and he was nekkid, to put the shirt back on then put his pants back on again. WOW it was too much work. :halo:

[frogboy4]

When I made photo's of Animal and Kermit, I noticed that Animals shirt ties where sewn . I could not untie them due to the string around them. So what I had to do is slip the shirt off over his pants to take it off. I imagine that you can get the string off to untie the shirt, I just never wanted to do that. When I put the shirt back on, I had to take the pants off and he was nekkid, to put the shirt back on then put his pants back on again. WOW it was too much work. :halo:

There's so much to say, but I'm staying silent. He he.

I am still amazed by my Animal and Kermit replicas. They've never looked better! And if you've seen the new cover art for Muppet Show Season Three DVD coming this May, you will notice the depicted Fozzie poser pales in comparison to Terry's beautiful work. I actually made a crude mock-up (http://www.wijitworld.com/stock_images/fozzie_box.jpg) of what I felt the cover art should be (although the set could come in a brown wrapper as long as I get the episodes) and used a low-res filtered version of Terry's MR prototype. It doesn't shine in this piece, but when sifting through my catalog of Fozzie images, his were the by far the best. Can't wait for him! :o

[KermieBaby47]

I think this is an interesting point so wanted to highlight it, just how are people planning to preserve these? ...I guess while a lot of people will have them freely on display it's probably not a good idea to do that for years on end as nobody really knows for sure how the materials on these will stand the test of time, not even Master Replicas.
I keep a container of canned air handy right beside my MR Muppets display. Usually spray 'em down 2 or 3 times a month (we don't have a lot of dust in our house) and they're still beautiful. Kermits' joints are still very tight, as if he was right out of the box. Animals' joints have never been tight, but his joint strength has remained the same. I don't expect to have any trouble with my MR Muppets!

Fozzie is going to kick all kinds of... well, you know. I actually don't think they'll take up too much room. Once I get my final display built, there'll be lots of room within a fairly small space. Pics to come this summer...
;)
Anthony

[MuppetCaper]

There's so much to say, but I'm staying silent. He he.

I am still amazed by my Animal and Kermit replicas. They've never looked better! And if you've seen the new cover art for Muppet Show Season Three DVD coming this May, you will notice the depicted Fozzie poser pales in comparison to Terry's beautiful work. I actually made a crude mock-up (http://www.wijitworld.com/stock_images/fozzie_box.jpg) of what I felt the cover art should be (although the set could come in a brown wrapper as long as I get the episodes) and used a low-res filtered version of Terry's MR prototype. It doesn't shine in this piece, but when sifting through my catalog of Fozzie images, his were the by far the best. Can't wait for him! :o


What I was doing was putting a plain T-shirt on him for my Christmas cards. I just replaces his current shirt that came with him.


:halo:

[Keeermit]

I wonder if they would be able to fit fozzie in a slightly larger box? it would be cool if all the replicas would fit in the same size box because i think the boxes a great compliment to the replicas - i have both my replicas sitting on their boxes. Maybe fozzie is only filled with wadding and can be squashed in to the same box , as long as his head is squashed - i think that would be cool :o
I'm sure fozzie is going to look AMAZING! i can't wait

[pinocchio]

For the amount of $ Fozzie is going to cost i don't thik there'll be too much box squashing involved.

Besides as he must contain a stong wire frame skellington to enable him to freely stand.


I Believe he'll be arriving in a much larger box than the first 3 replicas

P

[TheJimHensonHour]

Well since no one is really saying anything I like the body that's fine..but the shape of the head looks odd or his face looks smooshed or to flat or the eyes are in the wrong spot or something it's off just like Animals still is.
I really want to plop down my cash for these things but so far the only one I've had any intrest in is Kermit because he actully looks like the frog 100%
Oh well...

[frogboy4]

Well since no one is really saying anything I like the body that's fine..but the shape of the head looks odd or his face looks smooshed or to flat or the eyes are in the wrong spot or something it's off just like Animals still is.
I really want to plop down my cash for these things but so far the only one I've had any intrest in is Kermit because he actully looks like the frog 100%
Oh well...

Terry has changed the eye ratio since the initial Convention photographs (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j138/Heartoutofhell/frog/MR2BFozzie2BHead.jpg). Are those the ones you are referencing or is it the newest third/final attempt listed on the MR forum (http://masterreplicas.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1219)? :o

Personally, I think the bear's the best so far if he comes out like the final attempt. :) It's a heck of a lot better than the preliminary art for the Season Three Muppet Show Set. I don't believe I've ever seen a Fozzie poser look like that cover art. :confused:

[Luke]

I keep a container of canned air handy right beside my MR Muppets display. Usually spray 'em down 2 or 3 times a month (we don't have a lot of dust in our house) and they're still beautiful.

Good idea. I think people should be doing something to maintain them. It's not the same as a plush toy and at this money people want them to last a long time. A monthly maintenance routine would probably pay off in the long run.

As for the Fozzie prototype, its near enough perfect for me!

[Was Once Ernie]

As for the Fozzie prototype, its near enough perfect for me!

Me, too. I can't think of one thing I would change. He's 100 times better than the poser they used for the "Muppets Take Manhattan" photos... and those were built by the original Henson workshop.

:p

[KermieBaby47]

Quick off-subject question: Is Rowlf's lower lip flush with his upper lip? Or is it set back a little like Fozzie's?

I agree with mostly everyone about Terry's Fozzie, he's beautiful! If China can really outdo themselves this time around it would be greatly appreciated by us crazies.
:D

[Was Once Ernie]

Quick off-subject question: Is Rowlf's lower lip flush with his upper lip? Or is it set back a little like Fozzie's?

Here is a picture of the original Rowlf (http://mynameisearlkress.com/kermit/mikeandrowlf.bmp). On this puppet, his lower jaw almost slightly juts out more than his upper lip. But I think he would look right if they were both even.

:p

[KermieBaby47]

Thanks buddy. I thought that was right, but wanted to make sure.
:)

[TheJimHensonHour]

Terry has changed the eye ratio since the initial Convention photographs (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j138/Heartoutofhell/frog/MR2BFozzie2BHead.jpg). Are those the ones you are referencing or is it the newest third/final attempt listed on the MR forum (http://masterreplicas.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1219)? :o

Personally, I think the bear's the best so far if he comes out like the final attempt. :) It's a heck of a lot better than the preliminary art for the Season Three Muppet Show Set. I don't believe I've ever seen a Fozzie poser look like that cover art. :confused:
Ah I didn't see those images since I don't go to that site..but they look much much much better now!
Gotta say though in these pics the body is now looking off but hey I'm more worried about the heads than bodies.
This fozzie is looking great now thanks for showing me the other photos.
Can't wait to see the final product I may just have to pick this one up.

[frogboy4]

Ah I didn't see those images since I don't go to that site..but they look much much much better now!
Gotta say though in these pics the body is now looking off but hey I'm more worried about the heads than bodies.
This fozzie is looking great now thanks for showing me the other photos.
Can't wait to see the final product I may just have to pick this one up.

I was thinking you hadn't seen the latest pictures. I didn't see that much of a problem with the Con pictures until Terry's final proto. I also agree with you on the body. Fozzie's weight appears to fluctuate between projects. Hope he doesn't end up like Kirsty Alley. :zany: I couldn't bear to see him on Jenny Craig ads. Get it...bear? Wocka, wocka! :o

[Luke]

Please god they don't mess up that Fozzie at the factory, i want it so much .... and that isn't usually like me.

Surely there's not much that can go wrong

[MuppetCaper]

Please god they don't mess up that Fozzie at the factory, i want it so much .... and that isn't usually like me.

Surely there's not much that can go wrong


I remember Terry saying that he wrote a bible on making Fozzie to send to China in one of his post. Let,s hope that will work and they understand it.

[frogboy4]

I remember Terry saying that he wrote a bible on making Fozzie to send to China in one of his post. Let,s hope that will work and they understand it.

It's usually standard that a product bible is made for factory production. Let's hope the factory has their A-talent on it. That's the rub!

In a factory situation it's kindo of like the difference bewtween a Ford Mustang and a Ford Pinto. It's all about the talent they put on it. :p

[Was Once Ernie]

But it's also up to the people at MR to know what's wrong with the China prototypes when they come back. Obviously, no one tried to close Animal's mouth or noticed the white lining under his eyebrows or realized that they had eyelids that moved, but couldn't be posed. I hope they do a better job at spotting the flaws on Fozzie.

With Gonzo, it was a completely different problem. It was not so much spotting the flaws as what material they were going to use and how were they going to manufacture it, something we still don't know the outcome to.

:p

[MuppetCaper]

But it's also up to the people at MR to know what's wrong with the China prototypes when they come back. Obviously, no one tried to close Animal's mouth or noticed the white lining under his eyebrows or realized that they had eyelids that moved, but couldn't be posed. I hope they do a better job at spotting the flaws on Fozzie.

With Gonzo, it was a completely different problem. It was not so much spotting the flaws as what material they were going to use and how were they going to manufacture it, something we still don't know the outcome to.

:p


Well, if you remember Travis when he use to come on here, He was aware of the eyelid hinge problem and he said it was too late about that.

[Was Once Ernie]

Well, if you remember Travis when he use to come on here, He was aware of the eyelid hinge problem and he said it was too late about that.

That's what he told me at Comic-Con, too. I asked him if it could be corrected on Gonzo and he said he'd look into it.

I wonder what ever happened to him.

:p

[MuppetCaper]

That's what he told me at Comic-Con, too. I asked him if it could be corrected on Gonzo and he said he'd look into it.

I wonder what ever happened to him.

:p


You mean Travis? I know for a fact that he still works at MR cause Amy said that they are good friends and she went to his house for Thanksgiving last year. I remember her saying that he still works there but doing some different job. She really didn't get into it. I wonder who is in charge of the Muppets at MR now. Would be kind of interesting to know if Travis still has anything to do with the Muppets now. :confused:

[muppetperson]

He is now Marketing manager.

[Luke]

He is now Marketing manager.

He was always marketing manager, that meant he was in charge of promoting these things and it made sense he came on and gave updates before. I'm not sure if thats still his job or whether he switched to another area as has been suggested.

It's dissapointing that the customers are feeling out of the loop on these replicas to the point pre-orders are being cancelled or not placed at all. It's Master Replica's own fault, they have the opportunity here of addressing probably 90% of the customers for these. The thing is though, we have the main Muppet Central site (who i'm sure could contact Travis, Terry or that other main guy they interviewed for Kermit), Muppet Newsflash, and MuppetCast. It would probably only take some motivation from any of the guys working on these sites to get some kind of more detailed word.

[muppetperson]

His recent voice mail says he is marketing Manager.Wasnt he just in Sales before?

[Ignohippo]

He was always marketing manager, that meant he was in charge of promoting these things and it made sense he came on and gave updates before. I'm not sure if thats still his job or whether he switched to another area as has been suggested.

It's dissapointing that the customers are feeling out of the loop on these replicas to the point pre-orders are being cancelled or not placed at all. It's Master Replica's own fault, they have the opportunity here of addressing probably 90% of the customers for these. The thing is though, we have the main Muppet Central site (who i'm sure could contact Travis, Terry or that other main guy they interviewed for Kermit), Muppet Newsflash, and MuppetCast. It would probably only take some motivation from any of the guys working on these sites to get some kind of more detailed word.

Perfect point. It would take SO little time and energy to reach a huge percentage of their potential customers. I don't know of too many opportunities where you can say the same thing.

[ElecMayhem]

Hey everyone-

First of all, my sincere apologies for not being around at all lately. As Amy mentioned a while back, my role with the company has changed pretty drastically. Before I get into the Muppety specifics -- those that I can address, anyway -- a little background on me, and what I do exactly (in broad terms).

Interestingly enough, my title has not changed. I am Marketing Manager, and I have been Marketing Manager as long as I have been with MR. (I was, once upon a time, in sales at Palisades, but I was in Marketing the last half of my tenure there, as well.) Here's what changed for me: when I started with MR, my role was primarily in developing promotions and planning events, as well as placing ads and communicating to the public (and the media) specifics about products and product lines, etc. Basically, I was Marketing Communications, or MarCom.

NOW, I have moved more into a PRODUCT Marketing role... which means that certain lines "belong" to me. I come up with the product plans, I create the P&L for these products, I work with Product Development & Engineering to ensure that they look right, work right, are on time, are within their budgets, etc. Everything. It all comes back to me. Getting pictures taken, copy written... I may not DO everything personally, but ultimately it's my responsibility to get this stuff done. On time. With the approved budget.

While I have been transitioning to all of this, many of the MarCom aspects of the job have moved over -- in the interim -- to our Direct Marketing team. (Which included Amy!) Ultimately, I WILL BE responsible for the promotion and marketing of my lines. (We are in the process of trying to find the right PR Agency to assist in managing the day to day...) But I won't lie -- that's one area in which my attention has not really been focused. Don't take it personally that I've not been here. I am trying to get my 2008 & 09 product plans off the ground... and I started in this role late last year, so I am WAAAY behind the 8 Ball on the 08 plan! Working very long days (and nights) right now!

(While I am making pathetic excuses for not being around btw, I wanted to let everyone know about my OTHER excuse... my newborn son Alexander "Xander" Warner Allen, who has been taking up the vast majority of my time outside of the MR office!)

So, the burning question would have to be: which lines am I managing?

The answer is: you probably don't care about the others, but I am managing the Muppets (and all of Disney, actually.) The bad news is the Gonzo and Animal were both 90% developed before I moved into this role, and so while I DID try to impact them both, my actual involvement is much less than I would have liked. Not to say that I don't think that both are phenomenal... they are. But they do have their issues. (Jamie's review of Animal I think, was spot on and completely objective! Thanks, man!) Fozzie will be my first Muppet, soup-to-nuts... so you can come after me with torches and pitchforks if he is no good... ;)

So, I still cannot be here everyday, much as I would like to. But what I would like to do is start an "Ask Travis" Thread, which I promise to check several times weekly. I will start the thread tonight, and you guys can ask me anything you want there. (Maybe a Mod can sticky it up near the top or something..?)

As for Gonzo... the pics on the MR site are of the final factory samples. That is what the product looks like. BUT, that said, it's a bad photo... just like Animal. (Yes, we are working internally to address the photography issue...) What I will tell you is this: I have a Gonzo in my office, and I love him. My girlfriend in fact -- though admittedly not a die-hard Muppet fan like this crew -- says that Gonzo is her favorite of the four. Including Fozzie who is also in my office...

The likeness on Gonzo is phenomenal. And the structure of the nose is great too. The issue that fans will have is that the nose is solid foam, covered with a netting material. This was, in the end, our only option. Why? Well, we know that the actual material corrodes over time, so that was not an option. We tried a number of other materials, but for one reason or another, they all failed. (We even flocked it at one point, which actually looked nice... but failed age testing!) In the end that -- the net -- is the direction that Disney wanted us to go, and we had spent months upon months experimenting with nothing better to go on. And so, here we are.

I am going to try to get some better pics this week... if I have to take them myself. So I know that I am biased, but I truly believe that Gonzo is on par with Animal in terms of his accuracy. (Interesting note, the Gonzo in my office is actually not SUPPOSED to be in my office -- I couldn't resist him, and "borrowed" him from one of our engineering team!) Is he 100% accurate? No. But he's the closest thing we will ever have to getting the "real deal," and he's worth the price. (This as a fan... because I have to buy mine, too!)

Sorry for the long, rambling message... I as sleep deprived on account of the new bundle of joy. Hopefully this message is somewhat coherent. Now, off to start the "Ask Travis" thread... Later gang...

Travis

[Kevin Knight]

That was great! I think that pretty much cleared up everything I've been seeing here. Not being a long time poster. I believe Travis has possibly assured some concerning Fozzie's future, and the purchasability of Gonzo. That was a great recap of what's going on. Rest assured that someone who works with Master Replicas IS indeed listening. Travis thank you thank you thank you. And congrats on Xander. Now we see all activity move to the greatest show of all time. What time is it kids! ASK TRAVIS! YEaaaaaaaah! BRING ON THE BEAR! :) :o

Kevin

[muppetguy]

I already posted in the Ask Travis thread but wanted to say congrats on Xander! YAY! and thank you for listening to all of us. :)

[muppetperson]

I feel betrayed after we were told that Gonzo had gone back to the drawing board and that Amy told us that his nose was still being tweeked, yet we still have the sock nose!

[frogboy4]

I feel betrayed after we were told that Gonzo had gone back to the drawing board and that Amy told us that his nose was still being tweeked, yet we still have the sock nose!

It appears that they tried to change it but were unable to go beyond the sock. Disney's licensing department likely had the final say about using durable less attractive materials. There's no way around that.

I must admit, until Travis I had a hard time believing information coming from Master Replicas was on the level. Now I have great confidence. He's a brave guy coming on here (now on a regular basis) with us crazies. We're a cute lot, but some of us have been known to bite. :crazy: This is what we wanted from MR and they heard us.

I still think there are other solutions to the nose that weren't explored - fabrication of a textured lightweight plastic material that could be airbrushed and molded to look much more like the real deal than stocking-covered foam. It is my thinking there was nobody at hand with the know-how for that rout.

Either way, there's the final judgement that will take place when some of us own the little guy. He's the most challenging Muppet of the lot. I'm glad the pig is slated after Fozzie and not held till last or even after Rizzo. The set will seem core-complete with her inclusion.

I don't think they will mess up the bear under Travis. Honestly, I don't think think is possible with that design unless they get a crummy factory. I still can't help but think accuracy was deemed less important with Gonzo. There's the - oh, he's wearing that cute little suit - and - I always liked that Muppet, but isn't his nose blue? - sort of mindset that seems to go on with him with many people and companies. So far it appears he is a Muppet doll, not a photo replica. Little difference to the casual observer - big issue for fans when forking over cash for him...or not.

Again with the working prototype vs factory prototype (http://www.wijitworld.com/stock_images/gonzoproto.jpg)comp.

[ElecMayhem]

I feel betrayed after we were told that Gonzo had gone back to the drawing board and that Amy told us that his nose was still being tweeked, yet we still have the sock nose!

Hey Eric- First of all, I think to say that you were "betrayed" is a bit extreme, regardless of the outcome of the situation.

The truth of the matter is that we did go back to the drawing board, as I mentioned in my previous post. We tried a number of different options, and delayed the product for months -- in turn, delaying our cash flow and the ability to recoup the money invested in this very expensive product -- trying to get a more accurate nose. Ultimately, two factors contributed to the appearance of the final product -- (1) we reached a point where we HAD to move forward or kill the project, and (2) this is the direction that Disney signed off on.

All I can say (again) is that I love the product. Is it 100% accurate? No. Is it the best Gonzo ever produced -- and most likely, that ever will be produced. Yes. I will try to get better pictures this week or next, but the only thing that I can say -- man I feel like Ken -- is that you vote with your wallet. So you can either buy him, or not. And that's that. And if you DON'T like him, I don't begrudge you that. It's okay to not be pleased with the final product. But please don't infer that we misled or lied to anyone. We did everything humanly possible to get the nose 100% accurate, but it simply was not possible. Not when we're producing these en mass, and not for the price.

My only suggestion would be that if you want one with a foam nose that exactly mirrors the real Gonzo, you can either (a) commision one from a puppet builder (for probably somewhere between 8-9 x the price), or (b) have someone build you a nose for the MR one. (This, by the way, I do not advocate, as you void your MR warranty...)

I hope this reply does not come off as snippy... I just don't think it's fair to say that we betrayed anyone. Strong word, and we've been honest throughout the process.

[Luke]

My only suggestion would be that if you want one with a foam nose that exactly mirrors the real Gonzo, you can either (a) commision one from a puppet builder (for probably somewhere between 8-9 x the price), or (b) have someone build you a nose for the MR one. (This, by the way, I do not advocate, as you void your MR warranty...)

I can agree there, an exact made to order Gonzo would be about $5,000 from a puppet builder so it is really a testament to what you are achieving for just a few hundred bucks. I would say though that seeing as you near enough managed for $300/$400 to nail Kermit, Animal and its looking like Fozzie too - it's kinda understandable that customers will be dissapointed. It's not just the nose build either, there are things that could have been changed like the suit color, eye position, the color painted on the nose that would have made him a lot more accurate. Obviously not everythings possible but i hope now you have the controls again these will be as close to 100% humanly accurate as possible. They deserve it, its such a cool product.

[frogboy4]

I couldn't fathom any company tackling such a task in the first place. Until Palisades, Gonzos always looked crummy. Ken pushed for a lot of changes with Henson to make for a new standard! It was not easy.

[muppetperson]

muppet fleece would of been better than the material ladder nose.Travis, no hard feelings.I said I Felt betrayed, not were betrayed, but looking back, they were strong words.just the dissapointment I expect of not hearing anymore since we were told he was getting re done, and then later hearing he is the sock nose again,which I wasnt expecting to hear.Sorry.

[ElecMayhem]

muppet fleece would of been better than the material ladder nose.Travis, no hard feelings.I said I Felt betrayed, not were betrayed, but looking back, they were strong words.just the dissapointment I expect of not hearing anymore since we were told he was getting re done, and then later hearing he is the sock nose again,which I wasnt expecting to hear.Sorry.

Hey man, no hard feelings at all. Believe me, as a fan I agree with you. But I've watched the process and seen (or at a minimum, heard about) everything that we tried to do... and ultimately, our hands were tied.

Anyway, no harm, no foul. Hope all is well with you!

T

[Kevin Knight]

Bring on Da Bear! Looking at photo's I was surprised to see a difference in fur length. I am not saying a word about the future product of Terry's proto. I was just really surprised when looking at pics. Figured Henson would just always use the same um.. stock fur? I would assume for sake of charater that henson makes their own fabric? It would only make sense or am I giving them too much credit? Rock the next 6 months till the Bear! **** I'd be happy to see even more pics of the proto! (yes I think i've seen all the ones out there by now too! lol)

Kevin

[Was Once Ernie]

Looking at photo's I was surprised to see a difference in fur length. I am not saying a word about the future product of Terry's proto. I was just really surprised when looking at pics. Figured Henson would just always use the same um.. stock fur? I would assume for sake of charater that henson makes their own fabric?

Kevin

My understanding is that they buy in large quantities and store it, but when it's gone, it's gone. I don't think they use enough of any one fabric to have it made. The amount you would have to buy to make it cost effective would be massive.

Look at the current Cookie Monster. That looks like completely different material to me. But even the fleece used has changed over the years. It was originally Nylon Fleece, then Antron Fleece, which has gone through several generations itself.

They're in the same boat as Master Replicas when it comes to searching for the right material.

:p

[Kevin Knight]

Wow I really appreciate it! I must say I'm really surprised to hear that though. Figured it might be somewhat cost effective to make it then just color dye it depending on making it for cookie, then oscar, elmo. etc. Thanks alot for the info though. I wonder just how many of one character they've gone through. If they have a hero puppet for filming, a traveling, an international, etc. Or even if they just go through the process of making a new puppet say before production of a movie for some consistancy. I hate talking about the Muppets like this though to tell you the truth. Like when I was asked about TMM how did they get them to ride bikes through central park. I responded put one leg over and started peddling! LOL Gotta keep the mystique. OH well.

KK

[Kevin Knight]

sorry to post twice but I just noticed that Fozzie pre-order looks like it should be within a month. Well they said spring 2008. That is also the "date" they specify for gonzo's shipment, and he's been launched from what I've heard. thoughts?

[MuppetCaper]

sorry to post twice but I just noticed that Fozzie pre-order looks like it should be within a month. Well they said spring 2008. That is also the "date" they specify for gonzo's shipment, and he's been launched from what I've heard. thoughts?


How did you figure this?

[MWoO]

I feel betrayed after we were told that Gonzo had gone back to the drawing board and that Amy told us that his nose was still being tweeked, yet we still have the sock nose!

Like i said, just because they went back to the drawing board doesn't mean they wouldn't draw something worse, or in this case the same.

Is it me or does the nose in the MR pics look like the flocked one Travis mentioned?

Anyway, I really would have liked to buy Gonzo but too many issues with the likeness bother me. I mean all they had to do was get the face right at least and I would have ignored the "sock" but the eyes are too far apart again, due to the stupid white eyelid shells, and the mouth isn't right and the pupils aren't focused right. I wish they would just drop those white shells and give us proper eye placement.

[Kevin Knight]

From the MR replicas forum I clicked on the Kermit's world tour banner then on the The Great Gonzo Photo Puppet LE Pre-Order! "View Article" link It then gives this info
$299.00 each
Collectors Society Pre-Order Date: November 7, 2007 (9:00am PST)
General Public Pre-Order Date: November 8, 2007 (9:00am PST)
Expected to ship: Spring ‘08

So either he shipped ahead of time or they consider this spring. I don't know speculating. But they are also saying Fozzie pre-order in Spring '08. Thoughts?

[Luke]

I am soooooooooo looking forward to Fozzie. It's the main one i've always wanted and i have friends who wouldn't usually buy these who also want a Fozzie. I think he will be the breakout one that could boost the line to make sure it continues. I just so hope that with Travis on board, a perfect prototype, and the new factory they manage to get him perfect without any of the major kinks they've had recently.

Bring on da Bear!

[ButchCat]

Hi all,

Just a quick word about Fozzie’s fur being different than the original’s. When Master Replicas got me the Fozzie Bible and patterns they also asked Puppet Heap if they had any of Fozzie’s original fur on hand and sadly they did not all they could do was give me a very small sample of the fur and they got that off of a Fozzie puppet. So it’s all gone. We could not get our hands on it at all.

With swatch in hand I looked high and low. I even had Propologust help in the search. The stuff is just not made anymore and hasn’t been made for years. It took me a very long time to find what Propologust found and even that is gone now. I can’t even make myself my own Fozzie Bear because I am out of this stuff. We had the same problem with Gonzo. How ever Propologist did find me some fur that was dead on to Gonzo’s original fur but again there was not much. :(

Don’t get me started with how much of a pain in the A….. it was to dye this stuff. :grouchy: OK, OK breathe deeply! I’m good. Well I guess that’s it for now gang.

Take care and have fun, :excited:

Terry Angus

[Kevin Knight]

Wow so really all the swatch was good for was color matching? At least it did help eh? I actually thought your proto looked more like fozzie than Fozzie's on screen. I honestly think his looks are dead on. So what your saying is you would have to go through that dying process to have fur to create a fozzie of your own. If you don't mind me asking, from beginning to end, how long did it take to build the proto? Thanks for the insight.

Kevin

[Luke]

I honestly think his looks are dead on.

There is the picture of Fozzie and Kermit outside together, i honestly thought that was a frame from one of the movies, and several other people i have shown it to thought the same. I think the work Terry has put into these prototypes is amazing and i just hope the finished product does his work justice as that will take pride of place in my home - probably with a rubber chicken and oversized sunglasses, lol. :o

[muppetperson]

From the MR replicas forum I clicked on the Kermit's world tour banner then on the The Great Gonzo Photo Puppet LE Pre-Order! "View Article" link It then gives this info
$299.00 each
Collectors Society Pre-Order Date: November 7, 2007 (9:00am PST)
General Public Pre-Order Date: November 8, 2007 (9:00am PST)
Expected to ship: Spring ‘08

So either he shipped ahead of time or they consider this spring. I don't know speculating. But they are also saying Fozzie pre-order in Spring '08. Thoughts?

That is the preliminary information that Amy gave us last year.
However in a recent Ask Travis thread, someone asked when pre order would be and Travis said he didnt want to mis-speak at the early stage in the game.So it wont be next month.Maybe april/May.Travis said he was looking at a 6 month window with Fozzie shipping 3rd or 4th quarter.

[frogboy4]

:o It appears they are about to start factory production on Fozzie. I doubt pre-orders will be available until they have a factory sample to photograph. I was amazed that Gonzo got to me so soon after he was ordered. I'm looking at the little guy right now. :concern: His little shoes.

I suspect that Fozzie won't see customers before October. Just a guess when factoring in how long it takes to go through each process. I also can't believe Gonzo and Animal arrived at my apartment a month apart when it took a year between Kermit and Animal! If not one Muppet were made after Gonzo, I'd still feel these seem complete enough. I still really want Fozzie and Piggy! Scooter and Pepe follow right after that as indulgences. :rolleyes:

[KermieBaby47]

Really? Complete without Fozzie? :o

LOL, kidding, but yeah, I love that bear. He & Rowlf are who I need to feel complete. I can do without Piggy (can I?), but don'ta getta me wrongo, I'm buyin' her as soon as she's available.

Terry's Fozzie is so fantastically perfect, I can hardly wait to see some factory proto pics! I wish the same factory was doing him though, but maybe the new one will surprise us by paying a little more attention to the minute details. :insatiable:

[MuppetCaper]

With Travis on board now and he is going to see that Fozzie is done right. I knowwe are going to get a really good product when Fozzie comes out!

[Luke]

With Travis on board now and he is going to see that Fozzie is done right. I knowwe are going to get a really good product when Fozzie comes out!

I think we will too, but its the production manager who ultimately makes these things. I guess Travis is just focusing more on Muppets marketing more now so he can fight for certain things to be put right and keep his eye on the ball on those grounds, it means more to him than it will other people. I think its a smart move them having a true Muppet fan in the loop on these. These are fantastic products, hopefully the new factory can make sure there is no small errors that affect the whole thing as they really do deserve to do well.

[frogboy4]

By the way, Luke. It is my view that Gonzo isn't skipable as a replica. Even with the weird nose thing, he's just so cool! I can't wait for the bear, but my bank account can. :o

[MuppetCaper]

By the way, Luke. It is my view that Gonzo isn't skipable as a replica. Even with the weird nose thing, he's just so cool! I can't wait for the bear, but my bank account can. :o


I totally agree with you! Owning Gonzo is not the same as just looking at pictures on the web. To actually have him there is just another total experiance. I was in aww when I took him out of the box. To me, he looks like Gonzo, just cause his nose is not made out of foam does not mean that he is NOT Gonzo. Strip a chicken of all it's feathers....does this mean it is no longer a chicken? ;)

[KermieBaby47]

Strip a chicken of all it's feathers....does this mean it is no longer a chicken? ;)
LOL, very fitting analogy! :D

[frogboy4]

I'm certain Gonzo would support stripping chickens! :concern:

[muppetguy]

Hey guys, at least we won't have to worry about the eye-lid issue when it comes to Fozzie and Piggy, that's one thing everyone could be comfortable about. I'm acctually ready for Fozzie....and so is my bank account. I really want to start saving up for Piggy...I put $10.00 towards her already. (I know...might sound crazy, I just needed something put away for her....it makes me feel like she'll be made soon):)

[Luke]

By the way, Luke. It is my view that Gonzo isn't skipable as a replica. Even with the weird nose thing, he's just so cool! I can't wait for the bear, but my bank account can. :o

I agree in a way, they do all seem to "pop" nicely together as a group as i said in another thread. In another way though, i think it lacks much Gonzo character (the eye and pupil positioning being the reason - not the nose) but at the same time they have done a good enough job of it looking like him and not some other wierdo. I think a lot of people will be on the fence about him more than any other replica, and the decision will probably come down to whether they need the "group" - friends and colleagues have walked past my screen and seen these, and they do love Gonzo but its kinda like "hhhmmm yeah isn't that cute", but show em that Fozzie prototype and they pretty much bite my hand off as to where they can get one. Oh and for some reason any women is pretty hyped about Piggy being made as well.

Once the customisers get onto sorting the eyes i think the photos will gain a lot more character.

[Was Once Ernie]

By the way, Luke. It is my view that Gonzo isn't skipable as a replica. Even with the weird nose thing, he's just so cool! I can't wait for the bear, but my bank account can. :o

I'm sorry. I promised my comment in another thread would be my last... but this one really is.

I don't think Gonzo can be considered a replica. And it's not the materials that are the only problem. For instance, if I buy a replica Star Trek phaser, I wouldn't expect it to be made out of all the same materials that they used to make them for the TV show in 1966, but I would expect it to look EXACTLY like it.

Kermit, in my opinion, is as near perfect as he can be, considering how many different versions there are. And Animal, even with his minor flaws, still looks like the real Animal (just look at Anthony's most recent pictures).

But Gonzo, no matter how much you love him and how much he grows on you, is off. Apparently, he's close enough for some of you, and that's fine. I'm glad you like him and I'm glad he makes you happy. I hope MR sells a ton of them. But he's not a replica. No matter how far away you get or blur the photos or take them in the dark, that nose material doesn't look like the original. I don't need to list his other flaws, everyone knows what they are and are choosing to overlook them.

No matter how cute his little shoes are, he's just not a replica. There was a Broadway show that was probably before the time of most of you on this board. It was called "Beatlemania" and was a group of look-alikes and sound-alikes of The Beatles. The commercial said, "They're not The Beatles, but an incredible simulation." To me, that's what this Gonzo is... "He's not a replica, but a reasonable simulation."

Okay, I'm done now.

:p

[frogboy4]

I'm sorry. I promised my comment in another thread would be my last... but this one really is.

I don't think Gonzo can be considered a replica. And it's not the materials that are the only problem. For instance, if I buy a replica Star Trek phaser, I wouldn't expect it to be made out of all the same materials that they used to make them for the TV show in 1966, but I would expect it to look EXACTLY like it.

Kermit, in my opinion, is as near perfect as he can be, considering how many different versions there are. And Animal, even with his minor flaws, still looks like the real Animal (just look at Anthony's most recent pictures).

But Gonzo, no matter how much you love him and how much he grows on you, is off. Apparently, he's close enough for some of you, and that's fine. I'm glad you like him and I'm glad he makes you happy. I hope MR sells a ton of them. But he's not a replica. No matter how far away you get or blur the photos or take them in the dark, that nose material doesn't look like the original. I don't need to list his other flaws, everyone knows what they are and are choosing to overlook them.

No matter how cute his little shoes are, he's just not a replica. There was a Broadway show that was probably before the time of most of you on this board. It was called "Beatlemania" and was a group of look-alikes and sound-alikes of The Beatles. The commercial said, "They're not The Beatles, but an incredible simulation." To me, that's what this Gonzo is... "He's not a replica, but a reasonable simulation."

Okay, I'm done now.

:p

As one of this products greatest skeptics and critics I can agree with much of what you said. Not even my (fresh out of the box) photos do him justice. However he does look pretty sweet out of the box.

I wouldn't use the term "authentic" with this Gonzo, but I would use the term "replica" because by most definitions of the word there's a loophole of being a very close copy of the original.

I understand people passing on the item. That was never an option for me because I love this character. He's staring right at me and even my (sometimes harsh) critical eye is just seeing the Gonzo I know and love. Okay, so he likes to put socks on his nose. He he. :concern:

Added Note: This isn’t really a 180 statement from me. I still hold many of the same views about the product, but he looks far better than any of the truly atrocious pre-order photographs. :scary:

If I had money to burn I'd buy two of each of these guys. But I don't (thank goodness, think of the space issues).

[MuppetCaper]

Then if this is the case....Animal should be right up there with Gonzo. His tongue and nose are not made out of foam to replicate the character. He should also be considered a simulation. Gonzo's full body is still made out of the same patterns as the original. So that does qualify him as being part of a replica. The only thing stopping him is his nose which is a small percentage of him. We all know that this is the main part of that makes up who he is, and it is sad to say that this had to be his downfall for it.

[Luke]

Then if this is the case....Animal should be right up there with Gonzo. His tongue and nose are not made out of foam to replicate the character. He should also be considered a simulation. Gonzo's full body is still made out of the same patterns as the original. So that does qualify him as being part of a replica. The only thing stopping him is his nose which is a small percentage of him. We all know that this is the main part of that makes up who he is, and it is sad to say that this had to be his downfall for it.

Animal is a "replica" in the way he can be (with a little alteration) made to look EXACTLY like one of the later Muppet posers, no matter what hes made of. I wouldn't go so far as to call Gonzo a simulation, but i also don't view him as a replica in the same way i do Animal and Kermit. So to me, as is, he's a replica in the way he is a great "replica" product but not a true replication of the poser. It's not just the nose, the eye placement and pupil placement are a big part of what makes "Gonzo" - he may well look a LOT closer with some customisation, and they totally nailed him from below the head. I wouldn't say he looks an A- because you gotta leave some room on the scale for Fozzie, unless Fozzie will get an A+++ (lol) but i know these all look way better in person so it truly does feel like an "A" to actually have a scale Muppet in your possesion.

It is a question of where you store these beasts too, lol, the cardboard box mine was packed in was HUGE and the whole package together is quite heavy. Having five together will be a nightmare storage wise.

[Telly]

The only problem I'm having with the Gonzo replica is the area on the sides between his eyes and mouth. His eyes should be rounder and he shouldn't really have "cheeks". That's the only thing that makes him not look dead-on to me.

[frogboy4]

Animal is more accurate in terms of materials, but Gonzo is much more fun than him or even Kermit in my opinion. Either way, does this candid picture (http://www.wijitworld.com/stock_images/muppet_group.jpg) stir anybody up into wanting the entire gang so far? :) :concern: :halo:

When Fozzie comes Gonzo might be missed. But in all fairness, there might be plenty of bargain Gonzos to go around. Then again, maybe not.

[antonydavanzo]

I'm sorry. I promised my comment in another thread would be my last... but this one really is.

I don't think Gonzo can be considered a replica. And it's not the materials that are the only problem. For instance, if I buy a replica Star Trek phaser, I wouldn't expect it to be made out of all the same materials that they used to make them for the TV show in 1966, but I would expect it to look EXACTLY like it.

Kermit, in my opinion, is as near perfect as he can be, considering how many different versions there are. And Animal, even with his minor flaws, still looks like the real Animal (just look at Anthony's most recent pictures).

But Gonzo, no matter how much you love him and how much he grows on you, is off. Apparently, he's close enough for some of you, and that's fine. I'm glad you like him and I'm glad he makes you happy. I hope MR sells a ton of them. But he's not a replica. No matter how far away you get or blur the photos or take them in the dark, that nose material doesn't look like the original. I don't need to list his other flaws, everyone knows what they are and are choosing to overlook them.

No matter how cute his little shoes are, he's just not a replica. There was a Broadway show that was probably before the time of most of you on this board. It was called "Beatlemania" and was a group of look-alikes and sound-alikes of The Beatles. The commercial said, "They're not The Beatles, but an incredible simulation." To me, that's what this Gonzo is... "He's not a replica, but a reasonable simulation."

Okay, I'm done now.


I think with certain things like this us collectors may have to look past some of these flaws, sadly we were never going to get a perfect Gonzo, but I do thing that as a piece of work Gonzo is amazing. Everything you have said above is so true but sadly its a case of having to compramise and have Gonzo the way he is, or just not get him and get the rest of the line. But I do wonder if as a collector I would be kicking myself in 10 yrs time because I didnt get Gonzo because of the sock on his snout:D .......you know what I mean:D . I am getting him more for the last reason than any, I would have to have the line without him. Hey Ernie, would you get any more Muppet replicas from Travis wish list? Do you think any of those could create an issue with authenticness?
I hope MuppetCaper or LabRat buy another Gonzo then add a foam nose to him, that could be interesting!

[Was Once Ernie]

Hey Ernie, would you get any more Muppet replicas from Travis wish list? Do you think any of those could create an issue with authenticness?

I hope MuppetCaper or LabRat buy another Gonzo then add a foam nose to him, that could be interesting!

Oh, I would absolutely get others on his list. I'll be there on day one to place a pre-order for Fozzie, as long as he looks like Terry's proto, which there's no reason why he shouldn't. As long as they don't ruin the shape of his head, he should be perfect!

I also would get Bunsen and Beaker. Those are old fleece style Muppets and should be easy to duplicate.

And I would definitely get Rowlf if they made him. He's so simple, I (almost) don't see how they could mess him up.

Even though he wasn't on Travis' list, I would also get Scooter. Again, another fleece-covered Muppet with a simple shape that they should be able to make.

While I would love to have "replicas" of Statler and Waldorf, those are the next two that I see being huge trouble maintaining the likenesses.

I'm not down on the line at all. I just think they hit a home run with Kermit and Animal, while Gonzo is, at best, a double. And I'm not interested in spending $300 on anything but a home run.

:p

[MuppetCaper]

Well Statler and Waldorf where made out of latex foam so that leaves them out of the home run.

[KermieBaby47]

I thought they were always covered with fleece, or flocked like Piggy? :confused: Maybe not, but if you're right, "were" is the key word. Nowadays I'm pretty sure (by the look of them) that they are flocked or fleece covered, maybe someone in the know could ask a builder at Puppet Heap.

But I do agree with Earl here, they have so many intricacies on their wrinkly faces that it may prove to be too much of an obstacle. Maybe the new factory will surprise us though! Can't wait to see their Fozzie proto! :o

[muppetperson]

I thought they were always covered with fleece, or flocked like Piggy? :confused: Maybe not, but if you're right, "were" is the key word. Nowadays I'm pretty sure (by the look of them) that they are flocked or fleece covered, maybe someone in the know could ask a builder at Puppet Heap.

But I do agree with Earl here, they have so many intricacies on their wrinkly faces that it may prove to be too much of an obstacle. Maybe the new factory will surprise us though! Can't wait to see their Fozzie proto! :o

They are made from latex foam and then sprayed over with flocking.It still breaks down as it is just particles glued on it.

[Ignohippo]

Her KermieBaby, what'd you do to get Animal's hair so perfect? My Animal doesn't seem to have as much hair on the back of his head as yours does. You've got him looking PERFECT.

[Was Once Ernie]

About two or three years ago, shortly after Disney took over the brand, I got to put on Statler, and he was definitely flocked foam.

:p

[frogboy4]

About two or three years ago, shortly after Disney took over the brand, I got to put on Statler, and he was definitely flocked foam.

:p

Totally jealous Frogboy here! :o

[Kermieuk]

Was Once Ernie.

Were you able to take any pics of you with Statler, Id love to see them.

Does anyone else on here have photos of themselves with the 'real' Muppets?

On another note, Id love to see lots of Muppet Replicas, but I must admit I dont know about Statler & Waldorf, I really dont want to spend hundreds of dollars on them, but I know I would if they get made!

The core 5 are a must, then any extras are great, Scooter, Rowlf, Robin, Rizzo. I feel that the smaller characters, Pepe, Rizzo, Robin may not get made as even though there a lot smaller, the same amount of time and work would need to go into them, so the price would still be close to Kermit, casual fans probably wouldnt pay that for small characters?

Chris

[Blinky_Fish]

Look, I see a lot of whining :boo: about costs but not enough about what really matters - QWALITY - :rolleyes: If you want cheap stuff you are not going to get the best possible product.

Is this what I signed up for? I say NO - I Love the Prototypes, That is what I am willing to fight for as a voice of the people. If Fozzie is not up to par there should be blood at this point.

So, that said. I (personally) am willing to PAY MORE for accurate recreations of the Muppets. I know what it's like not having fundage for the best stuff - it stinks but - If you want to compare it it could be like buying a BMW and comparing theYugo because it's made of steel and plastic as being the same stuff the real thing is made of - I guess I woke up on the wrong side of the cubicle today, sorry. Nothing on Trav either - Glad he's in there now to help the cause. But, I saw a Gonzo and almost lost it. I can't see the difference in County Fair versions from the current product other than the nice package. And it HURTS so much, Because I know they are capable of doing so much more. I have proof hanging on my walls at home with my StarWars gear.

I have a hard time swallowing the "consumer" wants a cheaper product, isn't that understood? But what we really want is what we were sold on in the first place - Accurate representations of Jim Henson's Muppets in Photo Puppet Posable Form.

The reality is that "the MAN" wants a cheaper product so that overhead is cleared with gi-normous profit. I say **** the man! They had a LE for StarWars - Why not for the Muppets? Involve the people that build them. And throw back the monkey poo at the licensor for agreeing to alter the true character. Stop the selling out, show the love for this man's work:wisdom: .

[Was Once Ernie]

Was Once Ernie.

Were you able to take any pics of you with Statler, Id love to see them.

Does anyone else on here have photos of themselves with the 'real' Muppets?

Chris

Unfortunately, I was being given a tour of the Muppet Workshop and photos were forbidden. I also promptly got in toruble and got my host in trouble for allowing me to handle the puppet. Still, it was very cool. He's not easy to put on. Quite a lot going on inside, due to his construction. But once I had him on, he worked like a dream. Very easy to operate.

Here are pictures of me with 'real' Muppets.

From a trip to Sesame Street: Bert and Ernie (http://mynameisearlkress.com/kermit/bertandearl.jpg)

From the Muppet Movie: Ernie and Was Once Ernie (http://mynameisearlkress.com/kermit/ernieandearl.jpg)
This picture is a little grainy because I cropped it out of a much larger photo, but I'm the one with the glasses and beard. If you look carefully, you can see that my arm is in Ernie's arm. Look for his yellow sweater cuff to find it.

:p

[Reevz1977]

Look, I see a lot of whining :boo: about costs but not enough about what really matters - QWALITY - :rolleyes: If you want cheap stuff you are not going to get the best possible product.

Is this what I signed up for? I say NO - I Love the Prototypes, That is what I am willing to fight for as a voice of the people. If Fozzie is not up to par there should be blood at this point.

So, that said. I (personally) am willing to PAY MORE for accurate recreations of the Muppets. I know what it's like not having fundage for the best stuff - it stinks but - If you want to compare it it could be like buying a BMW and comparing theYugo because it's made of steel and plastic as being the same stuff the real thing is made of - I guess I woke up on the wrong side of the cubicle today, sorry. Nothing on Trav either - Glad he's in there now to help the cause. But, I saw a Gonzo and almost lost it. I can't see the difference in County Fair versions from the current product other than the nice package. And it HURTS so much, Because I know they are capable of doing so much more. I have proof hanging on my walls at home with my StarWars gear.

I have a hard time swallowing the "consumer" wants a cheaper product, isn't that understood? But what we really want is what we were sold on in the first place - Accurate representations of Jim Henson's Muppets in Photo Puppet Posable Form.

The reality is that "the MAN" wants a cheaper product so that overhead is cleared with gi-normous profit. I say **** the man! They had a LE for StarWars - Why not for the Muppets? Involve the people that build them. And throw back the monkey poo at the licensor for agreeing to alter the true character. Stop the selling out, show the love for this man's work:wisdom: .

Couldn't have said it better!

[Was Once Ernie]

I agree, too. When the rumor first reached me that these were being made... and the rumor originally was that they would be puppets... I was told they'd be in the $1200 price range, which actually didn't seem unreasonable to me. I didn't know where I was going to find the money, but I would have found it somehow.

It's not like MR doesn't have high end collectibles in that price range, because they do. They just decided that The Muppets couldn't fetch that kind of money. I say, if they had been done right, they could have, but probably not in the same numbers. I doubt they could have sold 2500 Kermits at that price, but I bet they could have sold 500.

I just can't justify paying $300 for an unreasonable facsimile, though.

:p

[Reevz1977]

Unfortunately, I was being given a tour of the Muppet Workshop and photos were forbidden. I also promptly got in toruble and got my host in trouble for allowing me to handle the puppet. Still, it was very cool. He's not easy to put on. Quite a lot going on inside, due to his construction. But once I had him on, he worked like a dream. Very easy to operate.

Here are pictures of me with 'real' Muppets.

From a trip to Sesame Street: Bert and Ernie (http://mynameisearlkress.com/kermit/bertandearl.jpg)

From the Muppet Movie: Ernie and Was Once Ernie (http://mynameisearlkress.com/kermit/ernieandearl.jpg)
This picture is a little grainy because I cropped it out of a much larger photo, but I'm the one with the glasses and beard. If you look carefully, you can see that my arm is in Ernie's arm. Look for his yellow sweater cuff to find it.

:p

Firstly, why do you look like your romancing Bert in the first picture and secondly, how do you spot a yellow sweater cuff on a black and white photo?

Only joking WOE, they are really really cool memories to have...really really cool!

[goodrastus]

I agree with Blinky about the quality vs cost aspect too. I also agree with KermieUK about Waldorf and Statler. While I like them as characters, I'd be more inclined to purchase a Bunsen and Beaker as replicas before them. If you look at the icons, I'd prefer something akin to the order there - but slot Bunsen and Beaker before the old guys. And I would like a Robin too!

[Luke]

Look, I see a lot of whining :boo: about costs but not enough about what really matters - QWALITY - :rolleyes: If you want cheap stuff you are not going to get the best possible product.

Is this what I signed up for? I say NO - I Love the Prototypes, That is what I am willing to fight for as a voice of the people. If Fozzie is not up to par there should be blood at this point.

So, that said. I (personally) am willing to PAY MORE for accurate recreations of the Muppets. I know what it's like not having fundage for the best stuff - it stinks but - If you want to compare it it could be like buying a BMW and comparing theYugo because it's made of steel and plastic as being the same stuff the real thing is made of - I guess I woke up on the wrong side of the cubicle today, sorry. Nothing on Trav either - Glad he's in there now to help the cause. But, I saw a Gonzo and almost lost it. I can't see the difference in County Fair versions from the current product other than the nice package. And it HURTS so much, Because I know they are capable of doing so much more. I have proof hanging on my walls at home with my StarWars gear.

I have a hard time swallowing the "consumer" wants a cheaper product, isn't that understood? But what we really want is what we were sold on in the first place - Accurate representations of Jim Henson's Muppets in Photo Puppet Posable Form.

The reality is that "the MAN" wants a cheaper product so that overhead is cleared with gi-normous profit. I say **** the man! They had a LE for StarWars - Why not for the Muppets? Involve the people that build them. And throw back the monkey poo at the licensor for agreeing to alter the true character. Stop the selling out, show the love for this man's work:wisdom: .

AMEN! The collectors want these to be "Replicas" and i would pay almost any price for a Fozzie like Terry's prototype. I have felt better about Gonzo since seeing some of the better lit side angle shots but the Muppet puppets are beautiful - you shouldn't have to look at your replica from the side 4 feet away for it to look slightly like the Muppet.

[Blinky_Fish]

I think I was way too harsh - I think that without someone on the project as dedicated as Travis is to the Muppets you get these results. I am behind the new direction and I am giving the blah blah of the doubt. Fine I'll eat this one... but it's for the kids

[Telly]

Maybe it's just the angle of the picture, but I could see problems arrising with with bear.

http://photos.actionfigs.com/showphoto.php?photo=20099

His face looks like it's slipping off and his bottom jaw looks like it jets out too far. :o

[FER SURE]

He looks drunk!

[theprawncracker]

WOW! I still think Fozzie looks AWESOME! Sure his face seems a bit... I don't know, the word that comes to my mind is smaller. But he still looks incredible. I'm thinking he'll be the best of the lot.

[Telly]

If that's the case, I'm bringing him to the bars with me! .... I wonder if i'll have to get him a picture ID? ;)

[theprawncracker]

If that's the case, I'm bringing him to the bars with me! .... I wonder if i'll have to get him a picture ID? ;)
Ha ha, no, I think Fozzie's pretty recognizable as an older than 21 persona... "You know if you put enough sugar in this stuff it tastes just like ginger ale!" :o

But I was looking at the Mayhem figures too, and they look a bit too cartoony for my taste. And Floyd and Dr. Teeth look very odd for some reason. I can't put my finger on it... But everything else looks great! Especially Zoot and Janice! Way to go Master Replicas! :excited:

[Reevz1977]

Maybe it's just the angle of the picture, but I could see problems arrising with with bear.

http://photos.actionfigs.com/showphoto.php?photo=20099

His face looks like it's slipping off and his bottom jaw looks like it jets out too far. :o

OK, I've been quite a harsh critic of Master Replicas, especially with Gonzo, however I gotta give credit where credit's due...I'M LOVING THE BEAR! I agree with Tellys comment, however I think thats all down to posing and everyone here knows what a difference that can make! I'm well happy, I will be buying multiples of this one.

Now about the figures...

[Luke]

I'm planning to buy two of the bear but he does seem to have changed from Terrys pictures, the face is a different shape and the fur looks very different. Maybe Travis can explain whether he was just having a bad hair day.

I agree on the figures, some of them (Dr Teeth, Animal) are a bit too cartoony. Janice and Zoot are good though.

[MuppetCaper]

I think that is one of Terry's prototypes from what I see. They haven't even got the factory prototype done yet. Remember, Terry did three of these posers. :o

[Luke]

Yeah i figured it was just a proto, thats why i asked if it was just a bad day for him. Looks like it could do with a wash.

Terry takes beautiful photos of these!

[Telly]

Like I said too...it might just be the angle.

[King Prawn]

The fur doesn't bother me, As with Animals feathers, Once you have it with you and start playing around with it a bit you'll get it looking perfect and I think that the only thing that makes his face look a little weird if the fact that his pupils are a little higher than they should be in my opinion but other than that he's perfect. I'm very happy with the way he looks.

Now I just need to save up two extra weeks and i'll be able to get myself Gonzo.

[Was Once Ernie]

Yeah i figured it was just a proto, thats why i asked if it was just a bad day for him. Looks like it could do with a wash.

Terry takes beautiful photos of these!

Those protos get manhandled quite a bit at these conventions. I even saw MR employees being pretty rough with the bear when he was brand new at Comic Con last year. Nobody on this board who owned one would mistreat them the way they get mistreated at a convention. I think that may be what has happened to Fozzie. But even with that mishandling, I think he looks incredible.

:p

[frogboy4]

:o Fozzie looks really good! He definitely has the "smooshing" thing that the others have and he'll soften up to our old bear in no time. Fozzie appears to have no issues in my eyes. Speaking of eyes, the focus looks on target. I actually expected more loss of subtlety in mass production. I can't wait for Fozzie. He gets my money! :D

The Electric Mayhem mini sculptures look okay. There are nice details like Janice's correct guitar and natural fluidity to the poses, but the likenesses generally fall short of the Palisades action figures. I expected the lack of Muppety texture - it makes sense. But I'm worried that these, in present form, might not catch on as I'd like to see. These are prototypes so I know there are possible changes to be made. The sculptural aspects of these not having the constraints of action figures have not been exploited to their best advantage...yet. Here's hoping for some tweaking and some interesting character/scene choices for wave two. :flirt:

[TheJimHensonHour]

Head fur looks good, Body fur is to shaggy, Nose is to small, and eye placement looks off but that could be because of the small nose.
I'm enjoying him the most so far though, Fozzie isn't that tough to do folks come on get it right and I'll plop down a huge chunk of cash on the cow! lol
But I was looking at the Mayhem figures too, and they look a bit too cartoony for my taste. And Floyd and Dr. Teeth look very odd for some reason. I can't put my finger on it... But everything else looks great! Especially Zoot and Janice! Way to go Master Replicas! :excited:
Same here, Just like Palisades they made Dr. Teeth to Small! argh!
Floyd is to tall I think or his shoulders are to high, Zoot is good, Animal wow he's um not good, & Janice looks pretty nice also.

[RKUNKLER]

In the ask Travis thread Terry said the Fozzie at Toy fair is the first prototype and that the second and third are at the factory in china.

[Blinky_Fish]

A) you are being harsh on the Bear.

B) Even if this is the first Proto - He looks Darned good. Looks like the Classic Bear. Not the early wiggly ears Fozzie, but the middle configuration. The new Fozzie looks too... Glib... is that correct. I like the TMS Fozzie rather than the current one.


C)Longer hair means he's cuddlier! - He is a Paddington Bear you know.:o

D) He is gonna Cost some SERIOUS DUCKETTS - Just imaging the packaging!

[Reevz1977]

Darn it:grouchy: Turns out this is Terry's proto and not a factory sample...no wonder it was met with such a positive reception. Well, I guess its back to wondering how MR can muck-up the bear? Maybe they could use denim instead of fur....only joking Travis...don't!

In all seriousness, Fozzie should be a home run for MR and hopefully show us that Gonzo was just a kink in the chain. :)

[chequepoint]

The problem with using actual fur is that it may fall out, or get dirty if handled by morons. There is the distinct possibility of tiny bits of it falling out. Also, by nature of it not being a styrofoam cup, it will eventually degrade over time and fall to pieces. These things need to last at least 4,000 years or it will be a customer support nightmare for MR.

The current factory solution involves carving the bear out of styrofoam, coating it in a fiberglass resin, and painting a very convincing fur like texture over it. While it sounds awful, we just need to place blind faith in Master Replicas and understand that this is the best fozzie product that we will ever have the honor of buying. Don't worry though, it looks a lot better in person than it does in pictures. Speaking of pictures, you need to order based off of a picture completely unrelated to what the product you are buying actually is, and a low res one at that.

Thats the bad news, but the good news is that he's only coming in at $150 more than what was originally suggested would be the price, and his hat has been abandoned due to budget constraints. However you won't actually find this out until you open the box, because none of the product literature will be adjusted to reflect this.

:o

PS. I kid because I love, and I want fozzie to be spectacular. Also because I am a miserable, sarcastic, passive aggressive, jerk.
:attitude:

[Blinky_Fish]

PS. I kid because I love, and I want fozzie to be spectacular. Also because I am a miserable, sarcastic, passive aggressive, jerk.
:attitude:


SHENNANGANS! :scary:

Someone quick dispose of his body before Travis sees this.

[Ignohippo]

Anyone have the heights of all four posers? I'm curious as to how much taller Fozzie is compared to Animal.

[Keeermit]

all i hope is that they don't make the rubber tongue like they did with animal, I don't think they have a problem using foam at all - considering both animal AND gonzo have been given foam eyelids - I think its that they would have to be carved and that would take much longer and would end up costing more. Thats my opinion anyway. Because they can't go around saying we don't want to use foam because it rots away in time and then use foam on two of the three replicas to date - but where they have used foam its just sheet foam. ponder that for a while :o

[LeanneFuller]

Even though he wasn't on Travis' list, I would also get Scooter. Again, another fleece-covered Muppet with a simple shape that they should be able to make.

While I would love to have "replicas" of Statler and Waldorf, those are the next two that I see being huge trouble maintaining the likenesses.


Does anyone have a link to the list Ernie mentions, I would be very interested to read it.

Thank you, I love reading all your posts.

Leanne

[antonydavanzo]

Does anyone have a link to the list Ernie mentions, I would be very interested to read it.

Thank you, I love reading all your posts.

Leanne
here you go Leanne.

Its a wish list from travis, do not take any of this as a green light for these to be made......notice no scooter! After a sucessfull poll for Scooter to be made I hope we may see him
Fozzie (Spring 2008)
Rizzo (Summer 2008)
Rowlf (Fall 2008)
Bunsen & Beaker (Spring 2009)
Statler & Waldorf (Fall 2009)
Sam the Eagle (Spring 2010)
Swedish Chef (Summer 2010)
Miss Piggy (Fall 2010)

[Luke]

all i hope is that they don't make the rubber tongue like they did with animal, I don't think they have a problem using foam at all - considering both animal AND gonzo have been given foam eyelids - I think its that they would have to be carved and that would take much longer and would end up costing more. Thats my opinion anyway. Because they can't go around saying we don't want to use foam because it rots away in time and then use foam on two of the three replicas to date - but where they have used foam its just sheet foam. ponder that for a while :o

I think your absolutely right!

A lot seems to be coming down to budget and the factory abilities with these, although thats not what people are told. If the first factory pulled out because what they were doing was too time intensive for the money then there would have been no chance carving a nose.

I really wish they would just make "replicas" at whatever cost, using the same materials. That's what they announced and thats what they have the license to do. That is, if they could actually find anyone over there to make them that good. What they are doing now is great but they aren't that far from being perfect so they oughta just concentrate on the really high end collectors and go the whole way.

[LeanneFuller]

here you go Leanne.

Its a wish list from travis, do not take any of this as a green light for these to be made......notice no scooter! After a sucessfull poll for Scooter to be made I hope we may see him
Fozzie (Spring 2008)
Rizzo (Summer 2008)
Rowlf (Fall 2008)
Bunsen & Beaker (Spring 2009)
Statler & Waldorf (Fall 2009)
Sam the Eagle (Spring 2010)
Swedish Chef (Summer 2010)
Miss Piggy (Fall 2010)


Thank you Antony, no relation to Angela Davanzo at all? This list sounds wonderful, although I thought that Piggy was coming out the end of the year. I am agast at only one female? surely they could balance it off with Janice, or even Camalia, a chicken would be cool.

A clothing range would be even fantastic Franklin Mint did this for their Lucy / Marylin and Jackie O Dolls. and they are wonderful. Think about Having Rowlf, Piggy and Janice with a set of Veterinarian Hospital outfits or for our very own Kermit the Frog, that Sesame Street fashionable trench coat and hat (Microphone accessory too) These are my own thoughts, but being a girl, I would naturally think of clothes and accessories. Sorry boys!

I totally agree that Scooter should be made, he was my favourite after Piggy when I was little. The main feature being the fantastic bomber jacket with the Muppet Show Logo on the back. Every Christmas I would ask Santa for one, alas, apparently Santa didn't have the license!


Does anyone know whether MR would fancy having at go at the Fraggles after they have exhausted the Muppets?

Keep up the posts guys, you are my number one source for my life long addiction. I love you all.

Leanne
x

(bring on the leading ladies!) :mad: :flirt: :excited:

[antonydavanzo]

Thank you Antony, no relation to Angela Davanzo at all?

I totally agree that Scooter should be made, he was my favourite after Piggy when I was little. The main feature being the fantastic bomber jacket with the Muppet Show Logo on the back. Every Christmas I would ask Santa for one, alas, apparently Santa didn't have the license!

Thats my Mum....how do you know her? :zany: You gotta let me know this as that is crazy! Do I know you at all
Anyhow, Scooter should be made, the poll we did clearly showed that he would be a fan fav and Terry did tell me that Scooter would be his no 1 Muppet to make.
Piggy is getting made after Fozzie, that list has since changed now....my hope is Piggy then Scooter then Rowlf.

Ant

[Luke]

Piggy is getting made after Fozzie, that list has since changed now....my hope is Piggy then Scooter then Rowlf.

Ant

I thought Travis commented she might be bumped?

[antonydavanzo]

I thought Travis commented she might be bumped?
I may have missed that, I guess I am partly assuming its Piggy as its her name that is generally used for being after Fozzie. I would love to see her next OR Scooter.

[Was Once Ernie]

Anyone have the heights of all four posers? I'm curious as to how much taller Fozzie is compared to Animal.

Animal is 38" tall, Fozzie is supposed to be 44" tall.

:p

[Ignohippo]

Animal is 38" tall, Fozzie is supposed to be 44" tall.

:p

Thanks!
So only 6" difference? Fozzie looks much larger.
That'll be perfect for my display!

[frogboy4]

Thanks!
So only 6" difference? Fozzie looks much larger.
That'll be perfect for my display!

Animal is always crouching so I suppose he seems shorter. That's my guess. Animal's stand also appears to favior a shorter crouched pose. :halo: Fozzie's nearly four feet tall! Wow. :o

[MuppetCaper]

That's a lot of bear to love! :o

[Telly]

When's this go on pre-sale again?

[antonydavanzo]

Soon Telly ....I would guess late spring. Hows your Gonzo?

[Telly]

Gonzo's doing good. Still gotta do the pupil adjustment. Plus I ordered clothes from eBay for him. Too bad the clothes are too big. I'm either gonna have to find somebody to alter them or buy smaller clothes. He's so much cooler looking in person. One of my friends stopped by yesterday to lok at him. She was holding him like a baby and walking back and forth and bouncing him. She's like, "This is what i do with my baby nephew!" My roommate got mad and said I treat them like babies. He said it's annoying. :zany:

[Kevin Knight]

Wanted to see if there was any interest in keeping this thread going and pose a question to all of you that have been here awhile... How much information were you given prior to the Gonzo and Animal releases? Like how long did you know Animal was being made till the time he went for pre-order? Also I guess this would be for the photos threads but what are Kermit, Gonzo and Animal doing in this waiting period before da bear comes home? (In other words pose your muppets?) My Kermit has been doing dishes, raiding my fridge for fly marmalade, and watching TV. Pretty lazy frog if you ask me. ;)

Kevin

[muppetperson]

Wanted to see if there was any interest in keeping this thread going and pose a question to all of you that have been here awhile... How much information were you given prior to the Gonzo and Animal releases? Like how long did you know Animal was being made till the time he went for pre-order? Also I guess this would be for the photos threads but what are Kermit, Gonzo and Animal doing in this waiting period before da bear comes home? (In other words pose your muppets?) My Kermit has been doing dishes, raiding my fridge for fly marmalade, and watching TV. Pretty lazy frog if you ask me. ;)

Kevin

Yes, it is definately worth keeping this thread going as Fozzie is the next release.Kermit we found out about in around oct,2005,
when the first factory prototype went on show at San Diego Comic Con.We were kept informed all the way and shown every updated prototype for our opinions.Kermit pre ordered around March,06 and shipped August 06.Gonzo was announced the next muppet in july,06 with Animal being likely to follow.However, with the problems of Gonzo's nose, Animal became the next muppet and preordered in May,07 and shipped in June,07. Gonzo pre ordered in November, 07 and shipped in feb, this year, a year and a half from when he was first announced.Unfortuately, since Kermit, we didnt get the informed updates that frequently.My photopuppets are kept behind glass and I try not to pose them that much.All pre orders mentioned are MR's dates, as Gonzo did pre order earlier with Wizard as has Fozzie over in the UK.

[ButchCat]

Originally Posted by muppetperson
And I wonder if this has anything to do with Terry's trip to somewhere?Terry has me curious because it is as though he was going to do something and then tell us when he gets back!

Eric Dumbfriend

Hi all,

Sorry I didn’t get back to you guys as soon as I got back. The trip I took was nothing really. I was getting my car paint fixed up and my Mother knew of a guy in Amherst Nova Scotia that could do the job for a good price. Sorry if it sounded like something was up. I grew up 20 miles outside of Amherst and that’s 2 to 3 hours from Halifax. I also used that time to bury the ashes of our cat of 19 years on the farm where he was born and I grew up. He had been very sick and we had to put him to sleep on April 14th. It was very hard to do but it had to be done. Yes it has been a hard month as my Aunt also passed away and of all things on the same day the 14th.

Now I will try to answer a wee bit about the Master Replicas business. As Bear Man correctly pointed out I don’t have 100% insight into what is going on at MR. All I know is what was told to be by Travis on the phone and that was that MR will not be ready to green light Miss Piggy for another two months or so and I made this call early in April. In fact they still don’t know if they will put Piggy off and do another character but he told me that so far the Muppet line is still on. It makes it hard for me because I have to get other work on the side as I wait for MR to figure out what they want to do.

Travis had also gotten the first factory prototype from China and he is not happy with it at all. Travis has decided not to show it as he does not want anyone getting upset about it and I think that’s a good idea. I had to give him Fozzie naked foam head pictures to help them over in China. So far that’s all I know.

As far as Corgi selling off thing I’ve got nothing on that, sorry.
Originally Posted by Kevin Knight
I agree with Ignohippo on Terry's abilities. Other than possibly not being a photographer, I'm surprised they do not have Terry posing them for Press Releases, Photots. Or even sending the protos with stills already taken, He would be the one to correctly do it I would imagine? Terry, has anything or any moves on their part surprised you? Feel free to decline comment. Also I may be opening up a can of worms but is there any character that you personally were hoping or looking forward to having the possibility to create the proto for?

Kevin

Kevin I am very glad that you like the way I take my pictures of the posers that I had built and the reason they are good is because I am a puppeteer too and working with Henson on Fraggle Rock as a performer I know how the puppets are suppose to look in pictures. I know about the focus and the fact that the puppets have to be tilted in such a way to work. The puppets should never be strait up in the shots. Anyway you know what I’m saying. Now I have offered to help them out in the picture taken department way back before Travis came along but they turned it down and I think it’s because of the $ plus they have a guy on staff I think.

Now as for your other question Kevin yes I have been surprised on a few things but in most cases I understand why they did what they did and I will leave it at that. Well I guess that’s it for now.

Take care everyone and have fun,

Terry

P.S. I almost for got that I have a new web site up now and it’s a simple address http://www.anguspuppets.com

Enjoy

[Frogster]

wow... I'm gonna get Kermit now just so I can get Fozzie. That's a pretty sweet Fozzie. When is Fozzie released and how much will he be?

[frogboy4]

wow... I'm gonna get Kermit now just so I can get Fozzie. That's a pretty sweet Fozzie. When is Fozzie released and how much will he be?

This is a very old thread. Master Replicas fell on hard times and was sold to the Factory in the UK while most of its employees formed EFX Collectibles in California. Everyone wanted Fozzie, but they decided he was too difficult (large and expensive) to produce as their first Muppet product so they went with Rizzo instead. Fozzie's still on the list, but much later. He will also be completely redesigned due to the loss of the prototypes by Master Replicas. For whatever strange reason, they've decided to go with other puppet builders instead of Terry Angus who pitched the idea of Muppet posers in the first place. The prototype pieces do look great so far, but I still find that to be a very lame move by EFX. Nonetheless, I'm sure they didn't come to that decision lightly. The world of these products is a tough one for everybody involved. So, there you go.