Review: Sideshow Weta Minas Morgul environment
Posted by: Charles Song in Reviews, Sideshow Collectibles, Weta Collectibles, tags: LOTR, SSW
Minas Morgul | Sculptor: Mary Maclachlan | Edition size: 8500 | product page
::Sculptural Quality::
For the uninitiated, this Minas Morgul environment replica comes from Sideshow Weta as a companion to the Minas Tirith enviro included in the The Return of the King gift sets. The sculpt here, done again by Weta miniature expert Mary Maclachlan is wonderful. In comparison, it isn’t as astoundingly detailed as Minas Tirith, but much of this is dictated by the style of architecture; dominated by large, bold shapes, greatly contrasting complex ‘anthill’ design of the White City. You can still find intricate textures on MM indicating brick and stone work on its surface. There are also dilapidated ruins dotted throughout the massive bladed walls. The back face of the mountain is flat here again, mirroring Minas Tirith. We never get to see Minas Morgul in great detail in the films(and certainly not in clear light), so it is a great joy to be able to see MM for yourself and discover little details in what is all likelihood a scaled down version of Weta’s massive ‘bigature’.
::Paint Application::
What paint scheme do you give something that is only ever seen in darkness? It really is an interesting quandry, and I think Weta has resolved this problem quite well. As a matter of fact, I think it will receive far less complaints about the paintjob as Minas Tirith did for being “too grey!” The eerie green glow that is so characteristic of Minas Morgul is expressed here with a light green wash coming from below. The mountain backdrop and rocky base is dark in color, black from a distance. Quite a contrast with the warm tones of Minas Tirith as a whole. You might just see MT in a new light after you put them together.
::Parting Notes::
A beautiful piece in its own right, but it really shines when you place it next to its sister city (same could be said for MT). Be careful when handling this piece as the jutting blades of the city are paper thin and not likely to withstand any sort of punishment. Minas Morgul does not open up like MT, so save yourself the risk of damage and don’t bother!
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January 23rd, 2008 at 10:57 pm
I wants it, I don’t have it, and it’s one a large ES hasn’t bothered at all either. Much to Bull’s chagrin, just blows the big ES theory out of the water …………. what’s up with this high priced pretty anyway?
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Wow, how the hell did you find this, Max? I’ve been hiding these away, for the time being.
Oh, yeah there is a “Reviews” link up there, but no one clicks that.
January 24th, 2008 at 3:03 am
The famous pastry sculpture =)
It looks great in Chucks’s pic with gollum! This baby is still fetching around $300 on ebaY…so small, such a high ES and yet very expensive. A mystery like the sideshow “chick”, hehe.
January 29th, 2008 at 5:54 am
I guess I clicked it Chuck, always was putting my fingers where they weren’t supposed to be! Ha!
April 30th, 2008 at 7:20 am
I sold mine a long time ago and now I wish that perhaps I hadn’t. I’m only missing it and Orthanc in my enviroment collection. Hopefully I can find one at a good price, down the road.
May 9th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Did I mention that I recently obtained a replacement MM?… Yes! It did arrive with some damaged spires but I’ve been able to make repairs and the damage can’t be seen!
May 9th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Wow that was quick work eh?
Like you I sold mine back in the day, but haven’t seriously looked for a replacement though I obviously enjoyed it.