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The Art of John Howe : Smaug™ The Golden - Faux bronze : Reviews
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11/10/11
Weta Collector
Ladies and Gentlemen, Smaug
First of all the box, huge. The packaging was incredible,... Read more.
First of all the box, huge. The packaging was incredible, box within a box, foam everywhere, no chance this beauty could get damaged, even by the airlines!
Then the sculpture. Words cannot describe the attention to detail and the sheer brooding power of this piece. I am so amazed and so happy with my purchase. What a centrepiece this makes. Just wish I could have afforded the bronze. Thanks Weta Hide.
2 of 2 people found this useful.
08/09/11
Gold Collector
Smaug the Magnificent
Have just received my Smaug Faux Bronze today and can honestly... Read more.
Have just received my Smaug Faux Bronze today and can honestly say the detail is superb. I think it will take a long time just to take in every bit of treasure there is in his hoard. The black base in my opinion makes a good contrast to the bronze statue and sets it off really well. The faux bronze finish is very well done also with subtle touches of green and although it's not to everyone's taste I find it very pleasing. The packaging was also very substantial which is reassuring. Altogether a very fine piece for any Lord of the Rings/Hobbit enthusiast. Hide.
2 of 2 people found this useful.
05/09/11
Gold Collector
Breathtaking beautiful
One of the greatest pieces I have ever seen. Smaug looks... Read more.
One of the greatest pieces I have ever seen. Smaug looks so real, impressive and dangerous. A must have item!!! Hide.
2 of 2 people found this useful.
01/09/11
Weta Collector
Simply Amazing
I've known the illustration by John Howe of Smaug for many... Read more.
I've known the illustration by John Howe of Smaug for many years and can honestly say this sculpture has captured the very essence of that illustration perfectly. I could go on and on about this piece, but instead I'll point towards this quick review http://www.graeme-skinner.co.uk/wordpress/2011/08/a-long-expected-sculpture/ ;-) Hide.
3 of 3 people found this useful.
20/03/11
Gold Collector
As dragons Go...
Smaug is more than just a bit NICE. The sort of... Read more.
Smaug is more than just a bit NICE. The sort of piece of artwork that insists that you save up all your pennies for the purchase, and not so that it stays in a cabinet - Oh no, but allow yourself to see it from all angles. Smaug the Golden in 3D is spectacular!
The faux bronze has a patina that allows a softening of green to show...How long has Smaug been sleeping?
The new bases will offset the dragon in a way that is reminiscent of the cave den.
*sigh*
My heart is heavy because my purse is too light...for now ;) Hide.
2 of 2 people found this useful.
12/08/10
Gold Collector
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Alright, let me just start by saying if you're looking for... Read more.
Alright, let me just start by saying if you're looking for yet another cheerleading review you might might want to stop reading right now. I'm not interested in helping Weta sell more of these statues, I'm interested in giving a fair and balanced, honest opinion for those considering purchasing one.
The Good
The sculpt and paint app's are top notch. The detailing is exceptional and no corners have been cut. The subtle application of the patina finish to the faux bronze is fantastic, truly giving this piece the look of real bronze. The statue is also much larger and heavier than I anticipated.
I also have to commend Weta on the care they've taken to ensure these statues arrive safely. The shipping/packing materials used are first rate. The statue was double boxed with plenty of protective styroam thrown in for good measure. It would be hard to envision one of these arriving damaged.
The Bad
The statue is beautiful, but it's also expensive. People, by their very nature, will only spend their money on a companies products when they feel they are getting good value for that money. Obviously, since Weta has been unable to sell 300 of these in almost a year, there is a problem with the pricepont.
The Ugly
The base. The Smaug pre-order page still lists the base as being solid wood, but it is not. It is wood veneer and it's not only cheaper in cost, it looks cheaper as well. Wood veneer also has a characteristic you will not see in solid wood, it has the potential to lift or bubble. As I have recently found out. Hide.
11 of 17 people found this useful.
31/07/10
Gold Collector
John Howe's gift
What an amazing statue! Thanks too all at Weta and Mr.... Read more.
What an amazing statue! Thanks too all at Weta and Mr. Howe for creating such an incredible piece of art, an instant masterpiece and a prized piece in any collection. Hide.
4 of 8 people found this useful.
30/07/10
Gold Collector
A Masterpiece
This piece is beyond stunning! The craftsmanship and the details... Read more.
This piece is beyond stunning! The craftsmanship and the details are simply mind blowing.
This is now the centerpiece of my LOTR collection and is one that I will always cherish. Gollum may have had the Ring, but this, this is my precious. Hide.
6 of 10 people found this useful.
29/07/10
Gold Collector
Smaug the incredable!
This is a massive display of an intrically detailed Smaug spread... Read more.
This is a massive display of an intrically detailed Smaug spread out in splendor across his stolen treasure. The detail's have to be seen to be appreciated. Thousands of gold coins laced with shields, swords, cups and chests strewn about with the great dragon perched jealously on top of the pile with his wicked claws stretched out before his as if daring some intrpid burglar to dare his wrath! Add in a huge wooden base with a numbered metal plate on the bottom and Smaug will surely be the centerpiece of any collection. Weta and John Howe should be as proud of thier creation as I am to own it. Truly a masterpiece. Hide.
4 of 8 people found this useful.
29/07/10
Gold Collector
Must be seen in person
Photos do not do any justice to this incredible piece of... Read more.
Photos do not do any justice to this incredible piece of art...huge, heavy and truly beautiful...this now is proudly displayed in the center of my living room coffee table...it is better than I thought upon recieving this...WOW!!! Hide.
5 of 9 people found this useful.