The Balrog by Asmus Toys from The Lord of the Rings Unboxing & Review

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  • Опубликовано: 1 дек 2024

Комментарии • 118

  • @hauntofthecollector
    @hauntofthecollector Год назад +4

    Hey Ryan - superb vid as ever!! And really appreciate the shout out my mate!! Happy 2023 to you dude 👍🏻

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      Thank you sir! Again thanks for the help, Happy 2023 man!

  • @DementedDistraction
    @DementedDistraction Год назад +14

    Speaking as someone who works in the toy/collectible industry; given the complex nature of the Balrog's design, going with a single mold for production would've been very difficult for the factory to achieve and thus mean Asmus would either have to pay their contracted factory more to accomplish the task, or find a different, more expensive factory to work with. The molding process is always the most expensive part of development and production, so that's always where companies will try to save money - this is doubly true for a smaller company like Asmus.
    With that in mind, I'm thinking they had to mold his limbs separately in order to save on production costs, and then decided to market it as an 'action figure' in order to explain the odd articulation where the different pieces connected.
    That said, some masking and matte spray with an airbrush will tame the shine, and I'd be inclined to give the base a dark wash as well to give it some visual depth and bring out the sculptural detail.

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +2

      That actually makes a lot of sense, I appreciate the insight. Yeah I guess the extra step would have been to go and fill in all the gaps. A wash could have also helped as you say. Thanks for commenting!

  • @michaelshugart7506
    @michaelshugart7506 Год назад +2

    Thanks for the great video! You can always count on Asmus toys to drop the ball as usual

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      I've got 2 more things I plan to make videos of from Asmus after that I'm probably done. Thanks for commenting man!

  • @KlanibalFD
    @KlanibalFD Год назад +1

    Thanks for the honest review. Now I saw in BBTS $110. I may buy and make Diorama for him. Thank you for review.

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      yeah I've heard from multiple people getting from BBTS is the way to avoid the crazy shipping cost, they have the $4 flat rate. Thanks for commenting

  • @ns2664philly
    @ns2664philly Год назад +9

    I can’t believe the shipping cost???? That is outrageous. I love your honest opinions in your reviews. I’ve also been waiting a long time for this Balrog, but after your video I’m not sure it’s worth it.
    Great video as always, can’t wait for your next one!

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +2

      it really doesn't make sense other than they felt they charged too little and wanted to make up for it... it's much lighter than most Asmus figures. Thanks for commenting!

    • @MalovskyV
      @MalovskyV Год назад

      @@thecyberhobbit I cancelled order, when they showed me shipping cost...

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      @@MalovskyV don't blame you at all, it's crazy

  • @panupuikkonen
    @panupuikkonen Год назад +2

    Thanks for the review - this will be very helpful to others considering this! Meanwhile, in very happy with my Classic Series Balrog 😊

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      Thanks! I do like the look and detail of the classic series Balrog I just wasn't a fan of of the pose, I really want a Balrog as if it was fighting Gandalf, appreciate the comment!

  • @ConradStanley93
    @ConradStanley93 Год назад +1

    This is such Masterpiece Love this channel keep up the amazing work

  • @mithoviel
    @mithoviel Год назад

    I am glad I found this comprehensive video on the balrog. I am wanting a good display worthy maquette/figure as well...and this isn't it! Great work...I really enjoy your content.

  • @user56dkf334ddnfs
    @user56dkf334ddnfs Год назад +3

    I think the coolest Balrog sculpture ever made is the first one made at the weta workshop. Currently, it is rare and very expensive, and it is very difficult to obtain, and the size is very small, so I do not want to own it, but if weta increases the size and sells it again, it will be the best Balrog. Asmus' balrog is also a nice shape, but it has a strong toy look. I always enjoy watching your videos.

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      Yeah I agree the Weta Balrog is great! Would be cool to see a bigger version come out but that might be a while as they did the classic series balrog not too long ago... still hopeful though. Thanks for commenting 🙂

  • @jaxonsmith3633
    @jaxonsmith3633 Год назад +1

    It’s nice to see you almost at 2K subs! Wasn’t that long ago when you hit 1K, keep up the great videos!

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      Yeah I'm very grateful for the growth. Thanks for commenting Jaxon!

  • @n2darkness
    @n2darkness Год назад +2

    Another great video Ryan and honest review. If that piece didn't cost so much it would be ripe for a custom piece just as someone else had already said. More reasons why I stick with statues and prop replicas. Hopefully you have some better luck with the next pieces!

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      Thanks man! yeah I think if I had the time and patience it could become something much better... especially if adding an LED. I've never seen a piece cost more to ship than the price itself. Thanks again for the photos!

  • @weiyunchi
    @weiyunchi Год назад +1

    Well this is unexpected! Thanks for the unboxing and review! (Just finished watching the whole thing, oh man. Sorry to hear about the differences between the preorder and the actual product. We’ve all been there. Hope you’ll get the balrog you’re dreaming of one day! I’ve got the weta balrog classic series and the weta balrog bust and love em both!) Happy New Year!

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      Thanks for watching and the comment!

    • @weiyunchi
      @weiyunchi Год назад +1

      @@thecyberhobbit of course!

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +2

      Yeah this was just not worth the $$. I have 2 more items from Asmus that I'm looking to make videos for... after that I'm not sure I'll continue buying from them as other players have emerged.

    • @weiyunchi
      @weiyunchi Год назад +2

      @@thecyberhobbit I think the only piece I was really curious about from them was the Gandalf figure. But since I already have the weta Gandalf classic series, didn’t need another Gandalf (and prefer statues anyway). Hope the next two will be much better!

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +2

      @@weiyunchi I got their Gandalf the White but haven't opened it... it looks like it's better than their crown series Gandalf the Grey but as I've learned looks can be deceiving. I really think I need to start sticking with statues only... I never pose the figures anyway.

  • @michaelblack9076
    @michaelblack9076 Год назад +1

    Man that’s unfortunate that it was so much different from the original pictures that they had shown. I’m super excited for you to get the P1 Gandalf with that Balrog Base though because that one looks phenomenal!

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      Yeah i've never been so excited to then get so disappointed. Thanks I'm really looking forward to the P1 Gandalf!

  • @chuck-a-luck5690
    @chuck-a-luck5690 Год назад +3

    Ridiculous that they charged that much & it's such a disappointment. Thank you for saving us the money.

  • @youtongan
    @youtongan Год назад

    Good review.

  • @olavaudunbrennemo7433
    @olavaudunbrennemo7433 Год назад +3

    Nice video, i'm not sure if i'm gonna order it or not but i'm gonna buy the witch-king of angmar on weta workshop 👍👍👍

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      I think for the price the FoF Witch-king is really good. Just wish it didn't have the fire on the base. Thanks for commenting dude!

  • @darksoulsss2618
    @darksoulsss2618 Год назад

    I highly recommend the sideshow weta balrog. Its a very old piece. But if you are not wanting to completely break the bank thats by far the best option. Looking at him now on my shelf beautiful statue. the only drawback is he doesn't have any if his weapons hes kinda just chilling. Love your channel.

  • @coolminivandad2400
    @coolminivandad2400 Год назад

    You just save me a bunch of money. It’s definitely very different from the early photographs which is very unfortunate because if they had been able to achieve what was in the photos, it would’ve been a home run.

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      fully agree, I was REALLY looking forward to this.

  • @Joshula337
    @Joshula337 Год назад +1

    Heat bottom of feet with hair dryer before inserting on the base.

  • @larrywarfield9919
    @larrywarfield9919 Год назад

    I got mine today from BBTS with the $4 shipping so like $120 total. Maybe not terrible for that price but overall a disappointment for the reasons you mentioned.
    Asmus wouldn't let me get my $20 back for the pre-order either so they've definitely lost any potential future business with me.
    I came to this video to see if the tail was supposed to be detached out of the box but it looks like mine broke during shipping. Hopefully I can get it put back on.

  • @billdaly59
    @billdaly59 Год назад

    Another great video Ryan. Well done sir. Sorry you are, understandably, so unhappy with this Balrog. However, I'm sure you are handy enough to improve it, should you wish to do so e.g. pack the base with some filler, spray the balrog with a mat sealer and add some LEDs for the mane and whip. All of which I'm sure you are more than capable of doing. Give it a go and let us know how you get on. I'm sure it would be well worth doing, especially as you are so unhappy with it as it stands. Who knows, you may even end up loving the upgraded version and maybe even give it a 7 or 8 out of 10. Keep the videos coming, they are great.

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      Thanks Bill, yeah I have some ideas but it's a back burner project for now... many other things in the works! Thanks for commenting!

  • @Joshula337
    @Joshula337 Год назад

    Also try heating whip if it it not a hard ridged plastic.

  • @Jprimus
    @Jprimus Год назад

    You should check out the MASSIVE Neca Balrog. I still have mine.

  • @Keepinitreel108
    @Keepinitreel108 Год назад

    Have you seen the latest Inart pics of the 1/6 Aragon? It is perfection bro!!👌🏽👌🏽

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      Yes! Looks like it could be the best Aragorn yet

  • @erpheus1
    @erpheus1 Год назад

    I ordered mine last year December. If shipping cost like this from Asmus Toys I can't image how much Sideshow's can be.

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      I'm actually thinking getting it from Sideshow or BBTS might be the better route... I somehow doubt Sideshow would allow shipping fees that cost more than the item. When the time comes, could you post how much you paid? very curious

  • @jameswebber359
    @jameswebber359 Год назад

    I'm really glad I didn't preorder this item.
    Regardless, sorry to hear that this purchase wasn't to you liking.
    Loving your videos 🫶🏻

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      Yeah a bit of a disappointment. Thanks for commenting man!

  • @davidsola2205
    @davidsola2205 Год назад +2

    Man you should have bought it in BBTS, it is 110 USD, shipping cost is not so high there

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      usually Asmus toys only cost 15-20 to ship... just this 1 item they jacked up for some unknown reason.

  • @rayk62
    @rayk62 Год назад

    Thanks for the honest review. I’m surprised since Asmus has been nailing previous LOTR figures likenesses. I originally had the Flame of Udun statue from SIdeshow way back when. I seriously considered this but ultimately bought the Prime One EX Balrog v Gandalf and now am glad I didn’t go this route. I’ve been seeing other issues with production quality on not matching on some other non LOTR products from normally reputable companies **cough, cough…I’m looking at you Queen Studios

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      I think the Prime 1 Studios Balrog is the best I've seen, I wish I had gotten that myself. Yeah the last few things Asmus has done have been pretty good, especially the Gandalf the White. I think I'm beginning to think I may start sticking with statues only as I never really pose any of the figures anyway. Thanks for comment man I appreciate it!

  • @hectorb3960
    @hectorb3960 Месяц назад

    I have the old NECA Balrog and I think that looks better though the flames on the back of this do look better

  • @MaliceMessiah.
    @MaliceMessiah. Год назад

    The gentle giant balrog is awesome. If you don't already have one I'd say you could get one at a decent price on ebay.

  • @HarleyQuinn-qq7vz
    @HarleyQuinn-qq7vz Год назад

    How hard do you think you had to press to get the whip into its hand? I just got mine today after it being pushed back almost three months lol and I’m worried about snapping something from pushing to hard

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      It was actually pretty difficult to get his hand to hold it, I went far enough to where it was solidly in his hand and then literally stopped touching it

  • @michaelshugart7506
    @michaelshugart7506 Год назад

    Ya for the Balrog in my collection I have the Eaglemoss(large version) Balrog

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      Oh I hadn't seen that before, looks pretty cool.

  • @WarwickEwanMellow
    @WarwickEwanMellow Год назад

    The face discrepancies compared to the original LOTR movie Balrog made me steer clear of this figure. I ended up buying Weta's Classic Series Statue for this reason.

  • @rickyonthewebs9841
    @rickyonthewebs9841 Год назад

    Aw man, sorry that this balrog turned out so disappointing. It does look quite different from the promo pic. And what a jump in shipping cost compared to their other figures in this series. I appreciate your honest and respectful review though. Hopefully Weta will make another great balrog one day, so you and I can get our hands on one. I didn’t get the Weta classic series one because I didn’t really like the crouched pose.

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      yeah I've never been so excited for something that turned out this disappointing. Appreciate your comment man!

  • @Joshula337
    @Joshula337 Год назад

    Oof. BBTS has original price and $4.00 shipping. I’m assuming buying direct from Asmus end up being an overseas purchase. International shipping from Asia has absolutely exploded a crazy amount cost wise in the last two years.

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      yeah definitely should get this from another place besides Asmus. I'm not sure why this one cost so much more. I bought a figure both a month before and a month after this and both of those cost $25 to ship.

  • @Max._M
    @Max._M Год назад

    I love all ur videos but could u please maybe consider getting Thorin Oakenshields regal sword?

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      If I could find one that isn't a rip off I definitely would jump on it, it's just so rare! Thanks for commenting man!

    • @Max._M
      @Max._M Год назад

      Ok thanks it’s just my favourite sword and I love LoTR and The Hobbit

  • @davidundefinedrivera9473
    @davidundefinedrivera9473 Год назад

    Wow, Asmus really dropped the ball on this one...

  • @LastBastian
    @LastBastian Год назад

    Agree that it's too shiny. A coat of Krylon clear matte finish spay would fix that. Also fyi to anyone considering buying this, it's $110 at bigbadtoystore and shipping is only $4.

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      ha yeah I've since seen it at BBTS and yeah that's definitely the way to go. I can't believe Asmus is still to this day charging that ridiculous amount. Thanks for commenting!

  • @gamingmaster5727
    @gamingmaster5727 8 месяцев назад

    Hi my balrog pose is different than yours don't know why

  • @se2018
    @se2018 Год назад

    Neca also made a good Balrog figure

  • @kaicollectibles
    @kaicollectibles Год назад

    Get the Weta one Demon of shadow and flame he is absolutely amazing

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      I've really considered it, maybe 1 day.

    • @kaicollectibles
      @kaicollectibles Год назад

      @@thecyberhobbit Do you not liked it?

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      @@kaicollectibles definitely do, I just woul dwant one that has never been opened

  • @Novasonic23
    @Novasonic23 Год назад +1

    I think you should argue that shipping cost with them. That isn't right. :(

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      They're still charging it for new orders, im guessing they have a reason. I think from now on I'll buy figures elsewhere. I heard someone got it from bbts for $4 shipping. Thanks for commenting!

    • @Novasonic23
      @Novasonic23 Год назад

      @@thecyberhobbit oh, okay. Yeah I saw that top. They always have a $4 flat shipping rate.

    • @Novasonic23
      @Novasonic23 Год назад

      @@thecyberhobbit I really want that big fancy statue with the balrog and gandalf on the bridge, but it's sold out and it was $1399, way out of my budget. I think you mentioned it in the video too.

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      @@Novasonic23 Yeah the Prime 1 Gandalf vs Balrog... sad I missed out on that too, I did however order the new Prime 1 Gandalf Ultimate Edition, it has a "Balrog vs Gandalf" mini diorama on the back. Very excited!

  • @davidvardanyan7129
    @davidvardanyan7129 Год назад

    Thanks for your video, I cancelled mine after watching it. Really disappointed. Truly I did not expect, what the differences between production photos and final result, what the shame. All statue companies saying that in final stage product details can be changed - size, weight , etc. but I did not expect kind of changes. Again thank you for saving my money.

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      yeah I was so disappointed, after waiting so long it really sucks

  • @jo.sevigny
    @jo.sevigny Год назад

    have you tried to contact them regarding the shipping cost ? maybe if you complain a bit, you could get a partial refund or a discount on your next purchase.

  • @SandraOrtmann1976
    @SandraOrtmann1976 Год назад

    This type of poor jointing reminds me of the "actionfigures" Neca did a long time ago. It they had left that gimmick off and be him a statue (I guess nobody would have been angry if they put him in the pose from the promos?), they probably could have kept their normal shipping costs. And everybody would be much happier. Oh well...

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      yeah all it seemed to do is put cracks all over the figure while remaining useless. A statue would have been much better

  • @11AleZZ
    @11AleZZ Год назад

    Don't forget the delay

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      over a year delay and a huge disappointment :(

  • @Phodis
    @Phodis Год назад

    Personally I don't like any of the Asmus figures at all. To me they all look like Barbie dolls.... I did buy Lurtz however from them and at just $40 he was good but his shield was way off. This Balrog looks more like a kit to me. If I owned this one I would strip back all the paint.. pose and fill in the gaps...install an LED (its begging for it)...3d print a new hand with a sword fill the base with resin, repaint it with a mini Gandalf, and have a really nice figure...it's sculpted with a lot of detail and could be a really good model when it's finished.
    As it stands I just bought a 3d stl of a fantastic looking Balrog from RN and will be printing a large version of him... 50/50 if it's really worth doing tho as all the time and messing around would add up to this one anyways.
    Good video Cyber Hobbit, and happy new years.

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      I'm starting to lean away from figures and will probably start sticking with only statues in the future. Your right the Lurtz looks pretty good for it's price, I own that as well. They really missed the mark on this one I think... I'm jealous of your ability to see through it and ways to fix it, I don't have the patience for that 😆
      Thanks for commenting man!

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      Hey curious, you said you bought a 3d stl of a Balrog from "RN"... what is RN?

  • @bubby14
    @bubby14 Год назад

    You were robbed on this shipping cost. My giant MOTU Classics Castle Grayskull didn't cost that much and weighed far beyond this figure.

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      it makes no sense, and still to this day that are continuing to charge that amount. You can get it at BBTS for $110 and they have $4 flat shipping.

  • @GameyDave
    @GameyDave Год назад

    Damn. No way to get your money back? I don't think someone can just charge whatever they like for shipping

  • @krzychuk.6364
    @krzychuk.6364 Год назад

    I’d rather get the Weta Classic Series Balrog tbh

  • @der_ruge
    @der_ruge Год назад

    its a shame from asmus, their lurtz was a joke even for that price and the balrog is also very disapinting.they should stick to their 1/6 scale thing.

  • @smallvillefan72
    @smallvillefan72 Год назад

    Thanks for the video. Certainly not worth the very very long wait.

  • @STEEVEWES
    @STEEVEWES Год назад +5

    thank you for your sacrifice i wont buy it

  • @TheAngmarArchives
    @TheAngmarArchives Год назад

    How very disappointing! It has the bones of a really good statue, but it has missed the mark significantly...I can recommend WETA's Classic Series Balrog, it scratched my demon of shadow and flame itch and is a very nice compact piece. Waiting to see what DarkSide do...

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      yeah I really considered the Classic Series I just wasn't a big fan of the pose, though the paint and sculpt looked wonderful! I really wanted a Balrog in the pose he has when going against Gandalf. Def also waiting for DarkSide!

  • @DEVASTATOR478
    @DEVASTATOR478 Год назад

    Sculpt Is Amazing , but Gloss finish Paint Is terribile

  • @erika9301
    @erika9301 Год назад

    運費實在太貴了

  • @m0rktfh284
    @m0rktfh284 Год назад

    Awesome video as always. I'm sorry the figure is not what you expected and indeed to be honest is insufficient in general. Real disappointment!

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      I have 2 other Asmus figures I've already ordered, after I get those I'm done.

    • @m0rktfh284
      @m0rktfh284 Год назад

      @@thecyberhobbit I don't know, they usually do good stuff, this could be just a misstep. Anyway, imho a creature like the Balrog is better in statue form than in action figure. I think it's difficult to get enough articolation.
      Great review as always anyway man!

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад +1

      @@m0rktfh284 Thank you sir!

  • @thendroidz
    @thendroidz Год назад

    why would you order a 120 $ statue when they do far more realistic articulated figure?? i mean...this is clearly not one of their strong skill, they seems to do far better realistic action figure...

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      Because the photos looked nice and I always wanted a Balrog. This isn't a "statue" as it does have limited articulation (they labeled it an action figure) but as I said in my video the articulation is pretty useless. Thanks for commenting

    • @thendroidz
      @thendroidz Год назад

      @@thecyberhobbit they labeled that as action figure XD they really didnt care at all!

    • @thecyberhobbit
      @thecyberhobbit  Год назад

      @@thendroidz it's really dumb because it looks so awkward if you change it from anything but it's normal standing pose.

    • @thendroidz
      @thendroidz Год назад

      @@thecyberhobbit yeah, why even bother? it only looks good in the original pose, the articulations are just raw cuts XD what is wrong with them!

  • @Zhorez1321
    @Zhorez1321 Год назад

    My God, final result and quality control are awful! What a letdown. It's ok for 100$ range, but definitely not for 200$+.
    Yeah, I could repaint, resculpt it and give it LEDs. But I'd better not buy at all.

  • @dannyreddy
    @dannyreddy Год назад

    Glad I didn't buy this. Looks bad