Poe Ghostal wrote a lengthy article using quotes from several recent Mattel Q&A’s about the expected price hike for next year. I’m not going to rehash everything he said because I think he did a better job than I could. There were two choice quotes, though, he used made by Scott “ToyGuru” Neitlich, manager of the MOTU brand.
From the Ask Matty forum on MattyCollector.com:

The Horsemen tend to “overdeco” figures. Every figure in 2012 is delivering $22.00 worth of paint apps. In 2013 we are dramatically raising prices so we can afford more paint and accessories. If we wanted to deliver all the figures exactly as the 4HM painted the protos we would need to charge more and we already sold in the sub for 2012, so that is not an option. Legally we can’t raise prices on the sub after it is sold in. This is why we will start 2013 at higher prices.

The most frank and honest quote I have ever heard from a Mattel rep, again from the Ask Matty forum:

We will keep the line going as long as their are customers buying. But, yes, as I stated on Roast Gooble dinner, one day these figures will cost more to make then fans are willing to pay. Hopefully that day will be far in the future.

Again, I recommend fans of the MOTU Classics line to read Poe’s article, which can be found here.

It looks like ShoutFactory will be brining the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers to DVD at long last. Four offerings appear to be in the pipeline:
MMPR: Season 1 Volume 1
3 DVD set
First 30 episodes
MSRP: US$19.93
Available August 21, 2012
Available for pre-order now on Amazon (see link below)

MMPR: Season 1 Volume 2
3 DVD set
Second 30 episodes
MSRP: US$19.93

Full Season 1 Set
6 DVD set
Available through Time Life TV campaign and online
Available starting July 30, 2012

The Power Rangers: Season One – Seven
40 DVD set
Contains all 145 eps from MMPR Season 1-3
Contains 10 episode series MMPR: Alien Rangers
Contains all 183 episodes of Seasons 4-7 including:

• Power Rangers Zeo
• Power Rangers Turbo
• Power Rangers In Space
• Power Rangers Lost Galaxy

Bonus material will include but is not limited to:

• Retrospective featurette
• Interviews with cast and team

Available starting July 30, 2012

Full press release after the jump

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At Botcon 2012 we caught up with Matt “Tieg” Tieger” to talk about the upcoming Transformers video game “Fall of Cybertron”. If you’re not already excited for this game, you should probably check out this clip so that you can get on board.

You can this in the ‘creative use of toys and games’ category. A band by the name of Delta Heavy has put together a fantastic stop motion animated music video. The feature includes appearances of Connect Four, Battleship, Jenga, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Scrabble, Dominoes and more.

Borderlands is a synthesis of first person shooting action and RPG-style level grinding and looting. Playing as one of four survivors in a post-apocalyptic landscape, you search for what is called “The Vault”. According to legend, the Vault contains vast amounts of treasure. Since no one has ever made it there, you’re going to trek through miles of desert, battling enemies, and collecting weapons. You’ll complete several quests and meet several NPCs. The guns are a huge part of the experience. You’ll collect certain guns, fall in love with them, using them every chance you get, only to discard them when you find something even cooler and you’re nowhere near a shop where you can sell it. Each of their four characters have their own upgradable abilities, and you can team up with another player for online co-op. The sequel is on its way, so now is a good time to check out the original. If you got a little extra, you can buy the complete edition which contains all the downloadable content released for the game.

The Transformers Collectors’ Club Roundtable panel happened at 3PM EST on Saturday April 28th, 2012 at Botcon. Among the announcements were the free club exclusive membership figure for next year, the figure subscription service (FSS) for Transformers, and some narrative behind the creation of this year’s exclusive set and box artwork.

Join us after the jump for all the details, pictures and even a little video.

[UPDATE – Crazy: The Club has posted an official version of the Depth Charge artwork. I have included it in the banner]
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