Okay, Masters fans, today is the day that we have all been waiting for: the crown jewel of our already impressive Masters of the Universe Classics collections is set to go up for pre-order. Yep, the one and only Castle Grayskull has a chance to make to our shelves (though it looks large enough to dedicate an entire room to it), but only if enough pre-orders are placed in the allotted time frame. So, consider this to be your friendly Fwoosh reminder that the pre-order sale starts TODAY, October 16th, 2012 at 12:00pm EDT.
Now, just in case you are not completely up to snuff on all of the details, here is a quick rundown of what is needed to make the Castle happen, as well as the details of the make-up of play set that have been revealed thus far. If you have any questions, please leave a comment and we will try to get them answered. Here goes:
- The REQUIRED MINIMUM Pre-Order period runs from October 16th 2012 to November 10th 2012. I cannot stress enough that the minimum order requirement MUST be met during this time in order for the Castle to go into production.
- IF the minimum is met, the pre-order period will continue through January 3rd 2013.
- The price of the Castle Grayskull play set is $250.00 USD plus all applicable shipping and taxes.
- Your credit card will NOT be charged until the Castle ships. A pre-authorization will be placed on your card for the amount when you order, but that will fall off after a couple of day. I repeat: YOU ARE NOT CHARGED UNTIL THE CASTLE SHIPS.
- If it goes through, the projected shipping time frame for Castle Grayskull will be FALL OF 2013.
- Due to the high cost of producing the Castle, no actual sculpt work will begin until the minimum pre-order is met. Thus the Castle has been presented with details and specifications from its “B-Sheet”. You can see the size and the details below, and at the following links to the pre-order page
- The Castle will, of course, be sculpted by the Four Horsemen and will take most of its design cues from the vintage Mark Taylor prototype. Again, see below.
- IF the Castle does happen, the possibility for more play sets like Snake Mountain could be on the table, so this might only be the beginning.
- If you are ready to go, then you can go right to this page to place your pre-order.
Okay, I think that covers all of the main points. Mattel is willing to make Castle Grayskull, but only if they know there are enough people that want to buy it. It does take some faith from us as customers, but based on the B-Sheet alone, a Four Horsemen Grayskull will be simply amazing. You can check out all of the pictures and details from the website below and from our NYCC slideshow.
Finally, the progress thermometer will be updated on the pre-order page on Matty Collector as the order come in. I don’t think it is a real-time monitor, but if you are familiar with how the subscription pre-orders work, this will likely be the same. Check back often to see how it is doing.
This is our one chance to get this done. As a Masters of the Universe fan, I cannot think of a better way to set the crown jewel of my Classics collection than this. It does take some faith and commitment, but whatever your choice, now is the time. Spread the word! The time of Castle Grayskull is upon us!
From Matty Collector:
PRE-ORDER YOUR CASTLE GRAYSKULL HERE
Pre-order Starts: October 16, 2012 9 a.m. PT
Minimum Production Goal: November 10, 2012 11:59 p.m. PT
If Goal Reached, Pre-order Ends: January 3, 2013 11:59 p.m. PT
Standing solitary in the desolate lands of Eternia®, the legendary Castle Grayskull® offers sanctuary for He-Man® and those who stand for all that is good. An essential component in the original Masters of the Universe® toy line, this long-awaited icon is finally available for pre-order. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of the original series or new to the Classics line, no collection will truly be complete without Castle Grayskull®!
Our all-new Castle Grayskull® playset is slated for a late 2013 release. Because it’s still in its very earliest stage, the final design is subject (and likely) to change. Why are we offering it for pre-order now and asking you to make a commitment when the design hasn’t been finalized? Because the production cycle for an item like this takes over a year and is extremely costly. If we don’t reach the minimum pre-order goal by November 10th, we can’t go forward.
So, here’s everything we can tell you at this time. Please read carefully before you make your purchase – if we reach our production goal during the pre-order period, there will be no refunds or exchanges when the product is released.
Product Features
- It’s Castle Grayskull®!
- Ideally, the set will include everything shown in the “B sheet” product drawings to the left, but please remember these are working drawings and aren’t final yet.
- If produced, this will be the largest, most ambitious MOTUC item ever made – the dimensions are expected to be somewhere around 25”h x 26”w x 28”d (subject to change).
- The overall sculpt will be based on the original 1981 prototype, with the addition of an extra battle ledge, elongated jaw/face, a removable minaret on top of the dome and more!
- Just like the vintage toy, it will be a two-sided foldout but there will be three levels to show off your MOTUC figures (in scale with most of our 6.5” figures). The vintage set only had two levels, but we’ve added another across the top for maximum display options.
- Two secret doors – the first, a traditional door that opens out the back, and the second one, a secret brick wall that exits to the outside ledge.
- Trap door leading to the dungeon (of course) that has an opening door, plus “locks” and chains to hold one figure.
- Throne fits most 6.5” MOTUC figures – who will rule yourCastle Grayskull®?
- Bat wing jet pack and training device were both cut from the vintage prototype and finally get a chance at production!
- Working elevator like the ‘81 prototype had, but we’ve added back the red skull on top that was cut. The elevator goes to all three levels, not just two levels like vintage toy.
- Real opening Jawbridge just like you remember, only cooler!
- Have Wind Raider? The playset will include an attachment so you can be ready for air-battle at a moment’s notice (and create a complete diorama).
- Secret Orb room is hidden inside the dome.
- Removable ladder to the roof leads to a blaster and the flag of Castle Grayskull®.
- Carrying handle is optional for easy transport or clean display.
- Did we mention… it’s Castle Grayskull®!
Ordering Information
- Castle Grayskull® will only be produced if the minimum production goal is reached by November 10, 2012. If the minimum number of pre-orders is received by November 10, we’ll continue to accept pre-orders through January 3, 2013.
- If production goes forward, everyone who pre-orders is guaranteed to receive a playset. Some sets will be available on MattyCollector.com after pre-orders are fulfilled, but the price will be significantly higher and you won’t be guaranteed to get one. If you want one, a pre-order is the best way to ensure you get it.
- When you place your order, the card you used will be “pre-authorized” for a zero dollar amount. This pre-authorization simply verifies that the card is valid. You will NOT be charged until the item ships, at which time you’ll be billed for the product, shipping costs, and any taxes/fees.
- Please note that because this item is so large, shipping charges will be substantially higher than items we normally sell.
- This item is scheduled for late 2013 shipment. We’ll send an email reminder about a month before the product is scheduled to ship. If you need to change your address or credit card information at that time, you’ll have plenty of notice.
- If this item reaches the pre-order goal, there will be NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES, even if the design or features change. If you place a pre-order, you are committed to the purchase and will be billed when the item ships.
- Should we not reach the minimum pre-order goal, your order will simply be canceled (because there’s no charge until it ships, there’s no refund needed).
One last thing… because this is a work-in-progress, features may be added or removed from the proposed design, but we can’t confirm anything now. We’re seriously as excited as you are by the prospect of finally having a Castle Grayskull® playset and Mattel will do everything to ensure we can deliver as much value as possible!
You must be 18 or older to purchase this product.
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