I receive emails from collectors looking for pieces that are either retired and/or no longer available through authorized WDCC dealers and/or the Theme Parks. Recently, a much sought after piece is Robin Hood.
Many emails in the past few weeks are from collectors looking for Robin Hood ("Romantic Rogue"). It's ironic the popularity of this character/sculpture since its retirement that eluded it when initially released. Haven't received emails on the other releases (Maid Marian, Little John and the Sheriff of Nottingham, the remaining original releases from this film), so unable to gauge the sudden interest in this particular character.
When initially released, I don't believe there was strong interest in these characters, hence sales weren't robust and thwarted any chances of more releases from this film. A great pose was chosen for Robin Hood and translated into a well executed sculpture. Why wasn't this scene more popular and why the sudden interest now?
Until recently, mine were in storage and had the opportunity to put back on display this past weekend. As I unpacked each piece (Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Prince John & Sir Hiss), I marveled at how well each sculpt was done and the detail specifically on Prince John & Sir Hiss. My only regret, they never did Lady Cluck or The Rooster/Alan-A-Dale.
Robin Hood made his WDCC debut in February, 2003 along with an Opening Title, Little John and the Sheriff of Nottingham (all Open Edition) and Maid Marian (Members Only Scene Completer). In August 2004, they were joined by Prince John & Sir Hiss (Members Only Numbered Limited Edition). All sculpted by Dusty Horner. Robin Hood, Little John and the Sheriff of Nottingham were all retired in November, 2004.
The Opening Title was not retired, so hopefully we'll still see future releases from this film.
This is a great piece and I am glad to read that there is renewed interest in it.
ReplyDeleteRustin Allison
I don't really care for Robin Hood himself (as awesome a sculpt as he is), but I'm still keeping an eye out for Prince John & Sir Hiss. It's a great set.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame this set didn't do as well as it could have. There are so many colorful characters from this animated feature that would have been great to see in sculpted form. For example, Lady Kluck, Friar Tuck and Alan-A-Dale would make great additions.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if the scene chosen wasn't exciting, but I sure hope they reconsider and revisit this great film.
I like Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Wish they would do othes.
ReplyDeleteI too am glad to see renewed interest in Robin Hood and hopefully this will be a trend and the other releases will follow suit.
ReplyDeletePrince John & Sir Hiss are my personal favorites of the releases done from this film. An excellent job was done with both characters and the plussing of an actual mirror makes for some great display opportunities.
Not really sure if the moment chosen was too static or not. Always found it quite colorful. For me, my least favorite is Little John. I would have much rather seen him in his Sherwood Forest attire.
There are a lot of great secondary/esoteric characters from this film that could be done, so like everyone here, really hope they revisit this film again in the future.
This is one of my favourite scenes. And allthough many dislike Little John as Sir Reginald, i love him in this attire. I hope they do another scene with him in sherwood attire too. I was dissapointed when retired, because i was hoping for at least Lady Cluck.
ReplyDeleteHope WDCC/Enesco notices the new intrest and will consider doing more from this underestameted movie.
it's possible that the Most Wanted edition of Robin Hood on DVD that came out not too long ago has gotten more interest in the character lately. The movie has also been on The Disney Channel quite a few times in the past couple of months as well.
ReplyDeleteI don't have this piece yet, but I would like to get my hands on it myself as well.
Koen, since the scene is retired, I wouldn't mind seeing them do as Bill suggested and offer these secondary characters as a Members Only type of release and Lady Cluck would be a perfect candidate for a release of this type. They could easily do her with the same type of base as the others.
ReplyDeleteI liked how they did the White Rabbit release a few years ago with the grassy base like those in the croquet scene from Alice in Wonderland. He works well and unless you knew how he was released, would think he was released as part of the scene when originally released.
Very good point William!
ReplyDeleteIt was noted in a discussion with Traci yesterday the renewed interest in this film. Hopefully with the Opening Title not retired, we'll see more from this film.
After speaking to Dusty Horner yesterday at the Gallery of the Lake's event, it was apparent his love for the movie Robin Hood (especially since having children) and his pride in these pieces. It's my favorite movie and WDCC scene. I was able to get every piece at the Gallery, but finding the elusive Robin Hood piece was a cross country/international search!
ReplyDeleteI wish the powers that be at WDCC would realize the renewed interest with the release of the movie, and the increased secondary market activity. I'd love to see "Lady Cluck" or "Friar Tuck."
I'm feeling guilty that the interest level was low. I foolishly waited to buy a curio thinking I could obtain them on the secondary market if need be...
Hi Cheryl! Was nice to meet you and glad you were able to find Robin Hood and complete your scene.
ReplyDeleteHopefully this strong interest in Robin Hood will not go unnoticed and we'll something more in the future -- a new scene (as Dusty mentioned he would love to do) or the addition of Lady Cluck, Friar Tuck and Alan-A-Dale (the Rooster) as we talked about.
Don't feel guilty. I think a lot of times when pieces are Open Edition, people put on the backburner thinking they have a lot of time and focus on the Numbered Limited Editions and those Limited to a Production Year, then get blindsided when they're unexpectedly retired :)
Very, very true! It won't happen again!
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