ToysRus AU: Transformers Masterpiece Hasbro MP-06 Bluestreak & TakaraTomy MP-24 Starsaber Online

So pretty much identical to the Takara release, a la Prowl? I might bite, but I already own Prowl. Would rather get Sideswipe first before dipping on the Datsun mold again.

With those high prices. Might as well just get the lower priced Takara versions.

TRILINGUAL BOXES!

The age of neglected markets is truly over!

...

Jezz, those prices are scary.

Tsutsukakushi wrote::shock: With those high prices. Might as well just get the lower priced Takara versions.

No kidding! At the current exchange rate they can get the Japanese Star Saber at the 18,000jpy retail price for under $200AUD, but with heavy online discounts for less than half of the AU TRU price. Crazy stuff.

Emerje

$129.99 and $299.99?? I'm so sorry Australians, I will never complain about US pricing ever again. Dang. ;_;

Tsutsukakushi wrote::shock: With those high prices. Might as well just get the lower priced Takara versions.

Been there, done that, will continue to do it.

That being said ... prices haven't fluctuated too much over the years. When MP-02 was released through Target he was $120.

Similar sized figure from earliert his year ...

Oh you can still complain. The minimum wage in Australia is literally more than twice that of the United States ($7.25 in the US vs. $16 in AU). They're making twice what we are, so if you half the price of those releases, it is actually not that bad.

Black Bumblebee wrote:Oh you can still complain. The minimum wage in Australia is literally more than twice that of the United States ($7.25 in the US vs. $16 in AU). They're making twice what we are, so if you half the price of those releases, it is actually not that bad.

Let's see ... $7.25US = $9.53AUD. Not quite half.

Now let's take a look at the price of TF's shall we? Even at the raised TRU US rate of $19.99US a combiner limb translates to $26.28AU. Still a bit lower than the $29.99AU we're paying.

Shall we compare some more? (Because it's always good to be thorough)

Average Gas price in US - $2.388USD/Gallon.
Average petrol price in AU - $1.28AUD/Litre.

Transposed ... 1 gallon of petrol/gas in Australia = 1.28 x 3.785 = $5.07AU = $3.85US

Now we could keep this up going tit for tat, but at the end of the day you can't just say "oh they're not that bad off" just because our minimum wage is higher than yours because our cost of living is higher.

Black Bumblebee wrote:Oh you can still complain. The minimum wage in Australia is literally more than twice that of the United States ($7.25 in the US vs. $16 in AU). They're making twice what we are, so if you half the price of those releases, it is actually not that bad.

It's the standard of living that matters. Australia has a much higher standard of living. It off sets the higher value minimum wage.

fenrir72 wrote:

Black Bumblebee wrote:Oh you can still complain. The minimum wage in Australia is literally more than twice that of the United States ($7.25 in the US vs. $16 in AU). They're making twice what we are, so if you half the price of those releases, it is actually not that bad.

It's the standard of living that matters. Australia has a much higher standard of living. It off sets the higher value minimum wage.

Plus, walking outside is like a living traditional japanese RPG, with monstrous encounters every two steps that they must survive. Fortunately, their beds have miraculous healing properties.

$130 and they still have the nerve to charge ($14) for shipping...

Oh, that's right... AusPost are corrupt gougers too...

I'll wait a couple months, then import the same thing for a total cost that's 80% of how much TRU-AU is charging for the figure alone.

Nothing really to add but "Yeesh, those prices are steep!"

I wonder what this means for the rest of the world? What were the USD and CAD prices for the previous Datsun? Am I right in remembering $80 CAD here in Canada TRU's?

HASBRO MASTERPIECE?

HASBRO MASTERPRICE!

More new from the land down under! Fellow Transformers fan Kelvin Chan of Talk Transformers on Facebook has posted an image showing off the recently confirmed Hasbro Masterpiece Transformers MP-06 Bluestreak. Check it out below, in the sleek red and black Hasbro box.

TRILINGUAL BOX!

About freaking time! Now, I will not have to worry about having to buy TrU's exclusives from scalpers anymore! Both Platinums and MPs confirmed for that fact. It took YEARS but it's FINALLY done.

Now, the only thing I'm worrying about is how much Bluestreak will cost in Canada.

Big news for Hasbro Masterpiece fans. We knew Hasbro MP-06 Bluestreak was coming and he is now available on Toysrus Canada's website for preorder at 89.99$.

The listing also gives us the very first official images of the figure (let us know if you spot differences with the Takara version) which have been mirrored below.

Also, this will be the very first exclusive Masterpiece figure available in retail in Quebec (any previous release could not be shipped to an address in Quebec).

william-james88 wrote:let us know if you spot differences with the Takara version

The box

carytheone wrote:

william-james88 wrote:let us know if you spot differences with the Takara version

The box

Very funny

Lookie there. French! right on the box.

Cobotron wrote:Lookie there. French! right on the box.

I know its great news for things to come. Now we are on an even playing field. I hope they rerelease Soundwave one day. I guess all those letters Kanrabat and I sent payed off.

Also, its pretty smart how generations is the same in french and in english.

william-james88 wrote:Also, its pretty smart how generations is the same in french and in english.

I wonder if it's pronounced the way same way as Cajun french down here; "GeneraSHONs"

With the exchange rate, 89.99 Canadian is just over $73 US. We can probably guess the US price point will be $70, just like Prowl.

It Is Him wrote:With the exchange rate, 89.99 Canadian is just over $73 US. We can probably guess the US price point will be $70, just like Prowl.

Yeah, I am assuming the only reason why there is a price increase for candians from last year's prowl is due to the exchange.I dont think the figure itself has augmented in price.

Also, in Quebec it's pronounced gainairaSSion.

Are there any notable differences between Hasbro's and Takara's versions?

They're wasting time making Autobot G1 car Masterpieces and repaints of the Seeker jet mold, when they SHOULD be doing MP Shockwave!

Shockwave7 wrote:They're wasting time making Autobot G1 car Masterpieces and repaints of the Seeker jet mold, when they SHOULD be doing MP Shockwave!

I think there is a problem with the rights issue for likeness of the original toy. Same reason he can't be reissued.

MaverickPrime wrote:Are there any notable differences between Hasbro's and Takara's versions?

No shoulder canons/rocket launchers?
I actually find them to be cumbersome anyway.

Cobotron wrote:

MaverickPrime wrote:Are there any notable differences between Hasbro's and Takara's versions?

No shoulder canons/rocket launchers?
I actually find them to be cumbersome anyway.

I don't see any notable difference (like Prowl). The normal Bluestreak and Prowl don't come with the external missile launchers.

I wish there were differences... something, anything. Have something different (like an add on) to justify buying it here in North America. The price of the American Masterpiece cars has been far too high in comparison to the imports from Japan. When the MP cars come out in Japan, you can usually find them for under $70 US.

Forget the fact that there's knock offs. That's beside the point.

The point is... anyone who wants this, should already have this.

I had high hopes when we got MP Soundwave in the states for such a great deal. The $100 I spent on Optimus, I felt was worth it. But Prowl and now Bluestreak... what gives?

The only thing I can figure is that the the North American licensing fees for the automobile companies must be much higher than in Japan. And that's a shame, as I see it as free advertising.

Black Bumblebee wrote:The only thing I can figure is that the the North American licensing fees for the automobile companies must be much higher than in Japan. And that's a shame, as I see it as free advertising.

Free advertising for Crazy Sammy's Used Car Emporium!
No, but I hear you. I never actually considered the licensing.

While I a happy to have the option to get Bluestreak, it's too bad I will have to wait for a sale to get him since at this price, he is pretty much the same as going to an import boutique toy store and getting a takara release of the mold. It has been confirmed through a tru computer that Hasbro MP Starscream released later this year will cost the same price as bluestreak and that boggled my mind.

But then I realized something. License agreements are national/regional, not global (we know this from the alternators line when Honda Japan would allow stuff Honda USA wouldnt and thus the hasbro release was different from Takara's). So, a license could (and probably does) cost more for Hasbro than Takara. Which explains why the licensed MP cars cost so much compared to Hasbro's MP 10, Grimlock and Soundwave which were cheaper than Takara's and didnt need a license from a manufacturer outside of Hasbro.

The fact that Starscream doesnt need a license would explain why he will cost the same as this Bluestreak MP.

EDIT: Sorry Black Bumblebee if I am repeating what you wrote, I was writing my message for a while.

ABOUT FAWKING TIME!!!

...

Still, that's one hefty pricetag for what is basically just a voyager/Alternators. :/

If this had the shoulder launchers I'd be all over it As it stands, I could take it or leave it.

I saw a difference: notice the awesome "tattoo" on the left foot? The CE logo...

I'm hoping mold degradation fixes that perma-clip, that occurs in the chest when this mold is "properly" transformed into robot mode, for prospective buyers.
My poor TakaraTomy Streak/Bluestreak is still afflicted by the Nucleon and stuck in robot mode.
I miss transforming that guy.
That one issue is what's keeping me from jumping on the Blue Bluesteak before it's out of a reasonable price range forever.

@ the mods or anybody who is in the know. How is it that Australia TRU gets dibs on certain Materpieces while the US does not?

Iirc MP-02, MP-24 and the upcoming Bluestreak. Is it because Australia is in Asia or whatever is the reason?

fenrir72 wrote:@ the mods or anybody who is in the know. How is it that Australia TRU gets dibs on certain Materpieces while the US does not?

Iirc MP-02, MP-24 and the upcoming Bluestreak. Is it because Australia is in Asia or whatever is the reason?

Well to get nitpicky Australia is next to Asia, not in it.

I'm not sure of the exact reason but I would imagine that it's likely a far more limited run. To my knowledge there are fewer than 50 TRUs in Australia, meaning you could comfortably flood the shelves with a run of 1000. There's more than 800 TRUs in the US, which means that the run, and the costs and issues associated with it would be far larger.

william-james88 wrote:But then I realized something. License agreements are national/regional, not global (we know this from the alternators line when Honda Japan would allow stuff Honda USA wouldnt and thus the hasbro release was different from Takara's). So, a license could (and probably does) cost more for Hasbro than Takara. Which explains why the licensed MP cars cost so much compared to Hasbro's MP 10, Grimlock and Soundwave which were cheaper than Takara's and didnt need a license from a manufacturer outside of Hasbro.

The fact that Starscream doesnt need a license would explain why he will cost the same as this Bluestreak MP.

You know the situation is more complex still. If you look at the MP seeker mold it is easily the most accurate replica of any aircraft from the Transformers line ever. Yet none of them are licensed by Boeing Defense. Meanwhile every single Movie Starscream toy, no matter how abstract of an F-22A Raptor it was, they were licensed by Lockheed Martin.
So either Lockheed is a stickler for licensing, or airplane Transformers don't need to be licensed at all. Which would make sense. Aircraft aren't consumer items and as such don't really have a brand/image to keep.

welcometothedarksyde wrote:

william-james88 wrote:But then I realized something. License agreements are national/regional, not global (we know this from the alternators line when Honda Japan would allow stuff Honda USA wouldnt and thus the hasbro release was different from Takara's). So, a license could (and probably does) cost more for Hasbro than Takara. Which explains why the licensed MP cars cost so much compared to Hasbro's MP 10, Grimlock and Soundwave which were cheaper than Takara's and didnt need a license from a manufacturer outside of Hasbro.

The fact that Starscream doesnt need a license would explain why he will cost the same as this Bluestreak MP.

You know the situation is more complex still. If you look at the MP seeker mold it is easily the most accurate replica of any aircraft from the Transformers line ever. Yet none of them are licensed by Boeing Defense. Meanwhile every single Movie Starscream toy, no matter how abstract of an F-22A Raptor it was, they were licensed by Lockheed Martin.
So either Lockheed is a stickler for licensing, or airplane Transformers don't need to be licensed at all. Which would make sense. Aircraft aren't consumer items and as such don't really have a brand/image to keep.

Yeah, its strange. And plus, last years AOE toys had licensed Lambourghini and Bugatti toys and they cost the same as every other toy.

william-james88 wrote:

welcometothedarksyde wrote:

william-james88 wrote:But then I realized something. License agreements are national/regional, not global (we know this from the alternators line when Honda Japan would allow stuff Honda USA wouldnt and thus the hasbro release was different from Takara's). So, a license could (and probably does) cost more for Hasbro than Takara. Which explains why the licensed MP cars cost so much compared to Hasbro's MP 10, Grimlock and Soundwave which were cheaper than Takara's and didnt need a license from a manufacturer outside of Hasbro.

The fact that Starscream doesnt need a license would explain why he will cost the same as this Bluestreak MP.

You know the situation is more complex still. If you look at the MP seeker mold it is easily the most accurate replica of any aircraft from the Transformers line ever. Yet none of them are licensed by Boeing Defense. Meanwhile every single Movie Starscream toy, no matter how abstract of an F-22A Raptor it was, they were licensed by Lockheed Martin.
So either Lockheed is a stickler for licensing, or airplane Transformers don't need to be licensed at all. Which would make sense. Aircraft aren't consumer items and as such don't really have a brand/image to keep.

Yeah, its strange. And plus, last years AOE toys had licensed Lambourghini and Bugatti toys and they cost the same as every other toy.

That was the case for all the movies, and you're right. All toys cost the same regardless of license or not. My best guess is that there was some sort of deal with the owners of the license for product placement in the movie.

Really cool and I want it but DAYUM that price.

welcometothedarksyde wrote:
That was the case for all the movies, and you're right. All toys cost the same regardless of license or not. My best guess is that there was some sort of deal with the owners of the license for product placement in the movie.

Part of me highly doubts Bugatti would care for advertising. They don't even have dealerships worldwide and only target a specific niche clientele (millionaires). I feel this is more Bay wanting the coolest cars in his film than Bugatti reaching out to want some coverage.

william-james88 wrote:

welcometothedarksyde wrote:
That was the case for all the movies, and you're right. All toys cost the same regardless of license or not. My best guess is that there was some sort of deal with the owners of the license for product placement in the movie.

Part of me highly doubts Bugatti would care for advertising. They don't even have dealerships worldwide and only target a specific niche clientele (millionaires). I feel this is more Bay wanting the coolest cars in his film than Bugatti reaching out to want some coverage.

Wasn't that the talk before the movie was coming out though? Actually I found the link that backs up what I was saying. It's a Michael Bay interview that alludes to these supercar companies being very forward with their cars this far into the franchise.
http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/ ... ion/30522/

The Jedi Temple Archives has reported that the upcoming ToysRus Exclusive Hasbro Transformers Masterpiece MP-06 Bluestreak is going a slightly different route than the Masterpieces of old. Its customary for these Masterpieces to be sold at the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) ToysRus booth before hitting general retail release, but supposedly there won't be one. The Star Wars fansite is saying that this figure is destined to be an online exclusive. We'll have to wait and see if this comes to fruition, so stay tuned to Seibertron.com for all your Transformers News!

The online exclusivity makes perfect sense to me. Walmart was already doing it (and is currently doing it with the platinum seekers) and its no matter to me. It's the same price online, shipping is free at their price and I get it delivered to my door. These are for collectors and most are well versed in buying online. This will liberate shelf space for more toys that families can afford and keep scalpers at bay due to the restrictive purchasing quantities online. As long the item is available in some easy way (like this), I have no issues with it.

At "leader" price, meaning 60$, I would buy that Bluestreak. At 90$+, that's just highway robbery. I don't really care about online exclusivity because NOW we can finally buy these in Quebec, with free shipping.

I'll just have to wait for the innevitable clearance sale and hope I will be able to grab one before the scalpers grab them all.

I don't really know if financially it makes sense to this, but I will say it makes me was when ANY figure doesn't see a store shelf.

my TRU IS TOTAL WEAK MUTHA-%$#@! SAUCE!!!

Ive checked every Sunday or

monday for 2 years. never a single one. not even acidstorm.

WTF!?

shajaki wrote:I don't really know if financially it makes sense to this, but I will say it makes me was when ANY figure doesn't see a store shelf.

That depends. Do these fly off the shelves? Because if yes, then they should be on shelves. Quebec only had exposure to exclusives this year so all I have seen so far are the insecticons and YOTG soundwave and Prime. And as Kanrabat can attest, they are not budging. They are also sold online and collectors can get them there. I am sure TRU would rather have that nice space to put more hyperchange figures or voyagers and other low budget fast selling products instead of those. Thats how I reason this decision financially speaking.