Mattel to produce 'real' hoverboard by Christmas

[Stainless]

Found this story on my local news website:
http://www.ksl.com/?sid=19217443&nid=1011&title=mattel-to-produce-real-hoverboard-by-christmas&s_cid=featured-2

I wonder how much these things will cost...

[SIMid]

I've been meaning to get one for ages, so this has come at a great time. :)

Cost wise, I'm hoping it wont be crazy like the Nike MAGs.

[Kukem]

I buy stuff from Matty Collector. Their stuff is good quality (it is high end Mattel). The prop stuff seems to go for close to $150 or so for the Ghostbusters stuff. I am assuming this will be about the same if not a bit more considering the size.

[SIMid]

I buy stuff from Matty Collector.

Do you have to be a US Resident to buy stuff off them? The Hotwheels LE in the Collectors box was a pain to get, the only way was for me through Ebay.

[Kukem]

Do you have to be a US Resident to buy stuff off them? The Hotwheels LE in the Collectors box was a pain to get, the only way was for me through Ebay.

I live in Canada so I know they ship outside the US. Here is a Link to their FAQ page MattyCollector FAQ (https://www.mattycollector.com/DRHM/store?Action=DisplayShippingInformationPage&SiteID=matty&Locale=en_US&Env=BASE#q3)

Hope this helps. I do know you have to sign up to the site. Their shipping to Canada is pretty quick. Not sure how long it would take to Australia. I have a few of the Masters of the Universe figures, The Ghostbusters figures and I have the subscription for the Voltron series that is being released this year.

[EdR5150]

I wonder if Mattel was inspired by this latest meme:
http://memearchive.net/memerial.net/4040/hoverboard-scientists-you-have-3-years.jpg

[Michael]

The board, made famous by its appearance in 1989's Back to the Future Part II, does not actually hover, Mattel noted

Sounds like they are making a skateboard without wheels

[SIMid]

I've signed up, so will check the updates as they come through. :)

[DL4567]

If you know what you're looking at, the "prototype" at the toy fair looks terrible.
Hopefully the production version will look much closer to their display poster, which misleadingly features a screen-used board from Profiles-In-History pics.

http://drh.img.digitalriver.com/DRHM/Storefront/Site/matty/pb/images/2012NYTF/photo1.JPG

http://drh.img.digitalriver.com/DRHM/Storefront/Site/matty/pb/images/2012NYTF/photo2.JPG

http://www.slashfilm.com/mattel-release-hoverboard-back-to-the-future/

[sean]

Just in case links break:

843984388440

[Dangermouse]

"Mattel to produce 'real' hoverboard by Christmas 2015"

thread title fixed :tongue2:

[Mike Z]

I'm still a little confused by this. It says it doesn't hover but glides across surfaces. Can you stand on it and glide or no??

[SIMid]

Can you stand on it and glide or no?? Vasoline ;)

[Karin]

That hoverboard is a little girl's board. Buy at your own risk. :giggle:

[1Mcfly4u]

I'm still a little confused by this. It says it doesn't hover but glides across surfaces. Can you stand on it and glide or no??

I think that's just a gimmick line for them. There's some prop guys over in Europe that have magnets in theirs so that the boards "hover" in place over a magnetic plate.

[pezzonovante88]

That hoverboard is a little girl's board. Buy at your own risk. :giggle:

Yeah, I'd way rather have a Pit Bull!

[mluder]

I'm still a little confused by this. It says it doesn't hover but glides across surfaces. Can you stand on it and glide or no??

My guess is they probably have plastic discs on the uderside that act the same as those furniture mover discs. iF you haven't seen them, they discs made of a plastic that you put under the legs on a heavy piece of furniture. By design they have a low friction allowing you to move very heavy items accross carpet and food floors.

http://www.buy.com/prod/master-mighty-movers-87007-furniture-slider-5-diameter-polymer-beige/205792036.html

Steve

[dvonk]

My guess is they probably have plastic discs on the underside that act the same as those furniture mover discs.

+1. i believe they make those with PTFE (aka Teflon). should skid across the carpet fast enough to hurt yourself... :lol:

[Mike Z]

My guess is they probably have plastic discs on the uderside that act the same as those furniture mover discs. iF you haven't seen them, they discs made of a plastic that you put under the legs on a heavy piece of furniture. By design they have a low friction allowing you to move very heavy items accross carpet and food floors.

http://www.buy.com/prod/master-mighty-movers-87007-furniture-slider-5-diameter-polymer-beige/205792036.html

Steve

Ah, I see...does anyone else think this and the BTTF Nike sneakers are kinda lame? Why come out with this stuff if it's not actually working like in the movie. I know, I know, money...but to be honest I can easily make a hoverboard replica that just sits and gathers dust like these will.

[ccurzio]

Why come out with this stuff if it's not actually working like in the movie.

You know, these DeLoreans of ours don't actually work like in the movie either...

Anyway, you answered your own question. Money. When has merchandising NOT been a part of popular films? It's not like there's never been any other BTTF merchandise prior to this.

[SIMid]

There's a preorder on ebay already. $225 + $25 shipping.

Don't know how they got this price.

[Michael]

Just a word of caution, Don't preorder anything on ebay. The seller has your money, and after 45 days, it's too late to file a complaint if he doesn't deliver.

[DL4567]

There's a preorder on ebay already. $225 + $25 shipping.

Don't know how they got this price.


Same way all the greedy ebay scalpers get their prices..... preying on stupid/lazy people.

[DL4567]

EDIT TO ABOVE:

A video came out a week ago showing a Mattel representative saying it will sell for around $120. Maybe you hadn't heard that yet. But that's why I made the comment about the ebay scalpers' price. Typical ebayers trying to make a quick buck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NJM4yCQM9O8#!

[Kukem]

EDIT TO ABOVE:

A video came out a week ago showing a Mattel representative saying it will sell for around $120.

Looks like my prediction wasn't too far off. Wish I would have seen this video earlier. I don't mind their stuff.

[Stainless]

EDIT TO ABOVE:

A video came out a week ago showing a Mattel representative saying it will sell for around $120. Maybe you hadn't heard that yet. But that's why I made the comment about the ebay scalpers' price. Typical ebayers trying to make a quick buck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NJM4yCQM9O8#!

For those interested in watching the guy talk about the hoverboard, skip to 14:45.

[Mike Z]

You know, these DeLoreans of ours don't actually work like in the movie either...

Anyway, you answered your own question. Money. When has merchandising NOT been a part of popular films? It's not like there's never been any other BTTF merchandise prior to this.

The DeLorean isn't a product of the movie...but yeah it's all just a cash grab.

[DL4567]

For those interested in watching the guy talk about the hoverboard, skip to 14:45.


Yep, that's the correct time. When I tested the link, it automatically went to around 14:30, so I didn't specify the time. Sorry if it started at the beginning.

[The_Reverend]

I'd actually love to see these come into production. Notice they said they wouldn't make them if they didn't get a overwhelming response. I don't see how there wouldn't be any demand for a product like this considering the ammount of BTTF fans out there.

I am for sure getting one. I REALLY want the Nike Mags, but again my wife would have killed me for spending 3k+ on shoes. :/

[Kenny_Z]

http://gizmodo.com/5889674/pre+order-the-back-to-the-future-hoverboard-right-now-for-120

They are 120 bucks and are taking preorders now. I'm on the fence...the Delorean could use that 120.

[Kukem]

Well, as with most Mattycollector pieces, they usually are released in runs. So, if you don't get one this time around, you can be sure that you'll get another chance. You just have to watch for the item to come available again.

[Tamir A.]

I put in an order. Something just feels right about having this as a fun thing to pull out of the trunk at car shows, along with Sal's cool flux capacitor behind the seat. That's about as far as I want to take the BTTF thing though, since while I do love the movies, I don't possess the need for a ton of BTTF stuff.

[DL4567]

Very promising video:

http://beyondthemarquee.com/?p=4869

[dvonk]

My guess is they probably have plastic discs on the underside that act the same as those furniture mover discs...

here is our answer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqW45ifIcNc&feature=player_embedded#t=136s) (starts c. 2:16) :smile:

[Ryan]

http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/awesome_of_the_day/2012/03/watch-a-mattel-back-to-the-future-ii-hoverboard-actually-hover.html

[SIMid]

I've been umming and R-ring to get one, so I bite the bullet and preordered one last night. Cause it's pink, it's for the chicks. :giggle:

[DL4567]

Just a heads up, if anyone is interested in one of these, you have to place your pre-order now (March 20th is the cutoff date). They don't charge your CC until Nov/Dec when it ships.

http://www.mattycollector.com/store/matty/en_US/pd/productID.247060500



(it goes without saying, but I don't work for Mattel, I'm just an avid Prop/BTTF fan!)

[mluder]

Yep... I'm in for one. I collect movie stuff myself and the hoverboard is a no-brainer.

[SIMid]

I bit the bullet and ordered one. :)

[pezzonovante88]

Just ordered one. Couldn't help myself.:bang: When do I get it!!!!????

[SIMid]

Just ordered one. Couldn't help myself.:bang: When do I get it!!!!????

Before Xmas if you're in the US. Mid 2013 if you're in OZ. :lol:

[pezzonovante88]

Before Xmas if you're in the US. Mid 2013 if you're in OZ. :lol:

I'm in Canada. Better be before Christmas!

[Kukem]

Well, judging from all of my purchases from them, they ship a little bit behind the U.S. Of course, I'm on the east coast, so that could be part of the problem. I just got the Voltron Red Lion that was released on Feb 15 on Tuesday.

[Don Camillo]

Ordered one as well. Even more motivation to finishing the car before the board arrives.

Best wishes
Don

[Stainless]

Bob Gale talking about the hoverboard & other things:

http://beyondthemarquee.com/?p=5460

[mluder]

Bob Gale talking about the hoverboard & other things:

http://beyondthemarquee.com/?p=5460

Does that guy always wear Hawaiian shirts?

Love that.

[DeloreanJoshQ]

Back to the Future™ Fans,

We’ve got great news… the authentic Back to the Future™ Hoverboard Prop Replica(s) you pre-ordered is going to ship soon! They’re on their way to our warehouse as you read this and expected to be ready for shipment to you around December 1st.

Approximately three days before your order ships to you, we’ll charge the card you used to place the order. This means you’ll need to have the funds available on your card by November 27th.

If you need to change your credit card or shipping address information, please call Customer Service at 1-877-GO-MATTY by Monday, November 26, 2012.

Remember, because you pre-ordered your Hoverboard, you’ll receive a mini-Hoverboard scaled to 6” figures with your order. We’ll have a small amount of additional Hoverboard Prop Replicas available at MattyCollector.com on 12/3 at 9am PT, but they won’t include the mini and the price will be higher than the pre-order price.

Thank you for being a loyal MattyCollector.com customer. We hope you enjoy your Hoverboard Prop Replica and exclusive mini-Hoverboard!

MattyCollector.com Customer Service

[SIMid]

I got the same email today as well. Will be interesting to see how long it will take till it arrives downunder.

[pezzonovante88]

I cancelled my order a few days ago. I decided I'll get a kick out of it for a couple of days, then toss it in the closet.

[yellowmxwheels23]

Last week I remembered that I had ordered one and people are going crazy over it on the Mattycollector forum. I guess the board isn't going to be that screen acurate after all. Alot of people were saying they canceled their order bc they were lied to this and that. It wasn't until people started threatening lawsuits for false advertisment that Mattycollector agreed to offer canceled orders.

[mluder]

Last week I remembered that I had ordered one and people are going crazy over it on the Mattycollector forum. I guess the board isn't going to be that screen acurate after all. Alot of people were saying they canceled their order bc they were lied to this and that. It wasn't until people started threatening lawsuits for false advertisment that Mattycollector agreed to offer canceled orders.

Whoah... What now?:jawdrop:

Cheers
Steve

[SIMid]

I guess the board isn't going to be that screen acurate after all. Alot of people were saying they canceled their order bc they were lied to this and that. It wasn't until people started threatening lawsuits for false advertisment.

Because they don't work on water?

[sdg3205]

Because they don't work on water?

Unless you've got power!

[pezzonovante88]

LOL They beat me to it!

[yellowmxwheels23]

From what I'm reading on the forum it looks like they went the cheap route and it won't have the lenticular top and sides but some form of sticker. The foot strap is also wrong. People are calling out the main dude at Mattycollector calling him a scammer, liar and a bunch of other things. I guess they got a ton of calls about people wanting to cancel. At first they said no bc it was a preorder but I guess all the lawsuit threats started comming in. In the news section on mattycollector they say you can call to cancel your order bc the hoverboard is not what they promised in the preorder offer. Hopefully people did cancel, makes mine worth more lol.

[LEVY]

From what I'm reading on the forum it looks like they went the cheap route and it won't have the lenticular top and sides but some form of sticker. The foot strap is also wrong. People are calling out the main dude at Mattycollector calling him a scammer, liar and a bunch of other things. I guess they got a ton of calls about people wanting to cancel. At first they said no bc it was a preorder but I guess all the lawsuit threats started comming in. In the news section on mattycollector they say you can call to cancel your order bc the hoverboard is not what they promised in the preorder offer. Hopefully people did cancel, makes mine worth more lol.


Guess what, if most people cancel, they will end up with excess inventory. Then that excess inventory may end up at
dollar stores!

So, hopefully people don't cancel.

LEVY

[Starglider]

From what I'm reading on the forum it looks like they went the cheap route and it won't have the lenticular top and sides but some form of sticker. The foot strap is also wrong.

Yeah, looks like a typical fan version (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Back-To-The-Future-2-Hoverboard-Prop-/181029157489?pt=UK_DVD_Film_TV_Film_Memorabilia_LE&hash=item2a262dba71) but with the electronic sounds. I have a fairly accurate replica with the right lenticular material + velcro, got it for $300 ish a fair while back. I saw someone trying to sell a similar lenticular replica for 2000 GBP on Ebay recently!

[Starglider]

On the subject of BTTF props, looks like one of the original BTTF1 Aiwa portable stereos (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Back-Future-Aiwa-HS-PO2-mkii-HS-PO7-Marty-Mcfly-Cassette-Player-RARE-Prop-/181028838854) is up on Ebay. 500 GBP though, too rich for me!

[Domi]

This is crazy :(

[sdg3205]

On the subject of BTTF props, looks like one of the original BTTF1 Aiwa portable stereos (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Back-Future-Aiwa-HS-PO2-mkii-HS-PO7-Marty-Mcfly-Cassette-Player-RARE-Prop-/181028838854) is up on Ebay. 500 GBP though, too rich for me!

Does it come with Van Halen?

[Timebender]

On the subject of BTTF props, looks like one of the original BTTF1 Aiwa portable stereos (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Back-Future-Aiwa-HS-PO2-mkii-HS-PO7-Marty-Mcfly-Cassette-Player-RARE-Prop-/181028838854) is up on Ebay. 500 GBP though, too rich for me!

For being English his english is horrible -
"ware and tare"
"repairer"
"took me 5 years to located"

[DeloreanJoshQ]

Anyone receive their hoverboard yet?

The tracking says I'll get mine in a week.

[DavidProehl]

My tracking number says it will arrive between 12/07 and 12/10. So if I'm lucky I may have it as early as tomorrow.

[thirdmanj]

I wish I woulda canceled my order. Anyone want to buy mine?

[DavidProehl]

I wish I woulda canceled my order. Anyone want to buy mine?

Put it on eBay. This one sold for $285 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/OFFICIAL-Mattel-BTTF-2-Back-to-the-Future-Hoverboard-plus-mini-Replica-PRE-NEW-/251191707201?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item3a7c314641) (not mine), most are near $200. You can make money right now selling them.

[Patrick C]

Reading the reviews and seeing pictures of the Mattel board makes me very glad I bought one from http://www.hoverboard.org.uk/ while they were still selling them. One person posted pictures of the official Mattel board with bubbling stickers and scotch tape on top! Ridiculous when Mattel is advertising it as a high end replica.

EDIT: See pictures from therpf.com forum below.

http://www.therpf.com/attachments/f9/mattycollector-mattel-hoverboard-discussion-untitled-5.jpg-130838d1354839094

http://www.therpf.com/attachments/f9/mattycollector-mattel-hoverboard-discussion-untitled-4.jpg-130837d1354838880

[Domi]

This is really amazing!
Does the one from http://www.hoverboard.org.uk/ has the lenticular sticker?
It looks really nice.
I bought mine from Tim Palmer a long time ago on eBay, but it it not solid plastic, but foam.

[Patrick C]

This is really amazing!
Does the one from http://www.hoverboard.org.uk/ has the lenticular sticker?
It looks really nice.

No, it does not. It's very nice and VERY heavy.

[Tillsy]

No, it does not. It's very nice and VERY heavy.

Why are things so heavy in the future? Is there a problem with the Earth's gravitational pull?

[Domi]

No, it does not. It's very nice and VERY heavy.

Do you have a closer picture than the ones we can see on their website please?

[Patrick C]

Do you have a closer picture than the ones we can see on their website please?

Unfortunately it is at a different house about 8 hours away. Let me see if I can dig up any pictures from when I first got it!

[Patrick C]

Unfortunately it is at a different house about 8 hours away. Let me see if I can dig up any pictures from when I first got it!

Here is a shot of a screen-used board:

http://www.therpf.com/attachments/f9/bttf-replica-hoverboard-question-profiles-history-auction-comic-con-2008-san-38187d1289322656

Here are two pictures of my replica from the UK Hoverboard vendor:

http://www.therpf.com/attachments/f9/bttf-replica-hoverboard-question-img_0072.jpg-38185d1289321455

http://www.therpf.com/attachments/f9/bttf-replica-hoverboard-question-img_0073.jpg-38186d1289321455

[Patrick C]

This sounds really cool. Do the hoverboards fly like in the movie?

No.

[thirdmanj]

No.

Do so! Do SO!!

[Domi]

Thank you for your pictures Patrick, it really looks awesome!

[DL4567]

For anyone interested, here's a comparison between the new Mattel board and the hoverboard.org.uk board:

http://www.therpf.com/f9/mattycollector-mattel-hoverboard-discussion-139326/index68.html#post2628287

[1Mcfly4u]

Haters gonna hate. Is it perfect, no. Is the UK one made by Mattel, no. Is the one in the movie made by Mattel, yes. Is the one I get this week made by Mattel, yep. Can I make a board that's close to SA, yep, therpf.com can help with that, as well as the other boards.

[Patrick C]

Is the UK one made by Mattel, no. Is the one in the movie made by Mattel, yes.

Prop makers built both of the boards in question, not Mattel the company.

[1Mcfly4u]

Prop makers built both of the boards in question, not Mattel the company.

To clear your confusion, in the MOVIE, the hoverboard was mass produced by Mattel, not UK hoverboards. In real life the boards were made by prop designers.

[SIMid]

End of the day, it's just a talking point at car shows than anything else for my use. If I really wanted it screen accurate, might as well buy the screen used prop.

It's like the Diamond Select FC. Not accurate at all, but I'm not building a TM replica and it does it's job nicely, and this HB will do the same.

[Tillsy]

Bob Gale has just issued a public apology (http://www.bttf.com/bob-gale-says-mattels-hoverboard-replica-did-not-live-up-to-his-expectations-okay-to-throw-eggs-at-him.php) for putting his name to, and endorsing, the hoverboard replica project.

[Dangermouse]

For anyone interested, here's a comparison between the new Mattel board and the hoverboard.org.uk board:

http://www.therpf.com/f9/mattycollector-mattel-hoverboard-discussion-139326/index68.html#post2628287

1700+ posts on a prop from a 26 year old movie!!!

Even our thread with (almost) naked women doesn't come close to that

[BTTF-1]

Well that was quite disheartening to read the review from Bob Gale. I have not received mine as yet. I think I will just leave it in the box. Over the years I have purchased numerous Hover Boards that are nothing less than stunning.

Just another thought in time!
Ed

[DL4567]

1700+ posts on a prop from a 26 year old movie!!!

Even our thread with (almost) naked women doesn't come close to that


OH yeah. It's serious business over there on the RPF! :)

The Nike Mag replica thread (started in Nov 2011) has 5100 posts and counting.

http://www.therpf.com/f9/nike-mag-knockoffs-132990/index204.html

[Mike C.]

I may hold onto it as this has become a piece of prop folklore at this point... lol! I may just use it as a base to build a screen accurate prop.

I said it on a post at FB that Mattel was whining how they couldn't get the lenticular pattern to look correct, yet guys building it at HOME were able to replicate it properly... Pretty sad.

[Patrick C]

It looks like Bob Gale is extremely disappointed in the officially released board. He has posted pictures with his screen used boards for comparison.

http://heavyfuture.blogspot.in/2012/12/bob-gale-offers-comparison-photos-of.html

Newly released board is in the middle:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee63/Spideristic/BTTF%20Misc/Bob_Gale_Hoverboards_Top.jpg

[Mike C.]

Im going to play devil's advocate for a second and say honestly, that's more than good enough for anyone to display in the vehicle or car show. YES, there are differences, and i get that... but lets be honest... as a car show judge or general public, are you going to walk up to it and go "that green line is not in the right angle and is 2 mm too thin!!"? Probably not.

[1Mcfly4u]

I'm with you Mike, looking at it next to the other boards it doesn't look too bad.

[Mark D]

I won't disagree that for display at a car show one of these would probably be fine, but I think the point is that Mattel had the real board in hand, measured, photographed, etc. and the expectation was for them to make extremely accurate replicas. Most of the people that bought these probably don't own DeLoreans and they were meant to go on display and wow people with authenticity. Mattel fell far short of those expectations, especially given the price they are charging.

[ccurzio]

...and don't forget that they still maintained the price point for a screen-accurate replica DESPITE the shortcomings. I think that's the main point that's trying to be hit here. Of course it's fine for most car show display fun to get the point across, but not at the price they're asking. I think if they were charging $40 or $50 then it would be much more reasonable. But people paid $120 to get a screen-accurate replica and got one that didn't measure up.

[thirdmanj]

Sure did come out fast, maybe we should get Mattel to make a binnacle.

[1Mcfly4u]

Got home today and my hoverboard was here. All the bitching and moaning everyone was doing over these astounds me. Other then the two pieces of Scotch tape on the graphics there are no air bubbles or any of the other blemishes people are complaining about. For 120 bucks it's not perfect but I'm going to love displaying this piece, to all the naysayers and haters, if you didnt spend the 120 bucks to get one STFU and move along.

[1Mcfly4u]

To show that Steve isn't the only one with awesome hats, I present you this fine specimen:
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm58/1mcfly4u/DSC02920.jpg Look at my amazement as the little girl on the box demonstrates how cool this thing is!

[thirdmanj]

Am I the only one who's nerd enough to notice this is all way more wrong than just Mattel not getting it 100% screen accurate? It's missing the HANDLE BARS!! Remember? The ones Marty unceremoniously ripped off when he stole it!? I get they were only featured for about half a second in the film, but this products packaging is running with the fiction that this is what it would look like if say a "future" kid was buying it at the Lone Pine Mall. Right?

[Mike C.]

Completely agree. I think it should have come with handlebars, to be complete and proper.

[ccurzio]

Seriously. The hole is there for it.

[thirdmanj]

Seriously. The hole is there for it.

That's...... [stop, mustn't]...what...[NO RESIST RESIST]...sh[CANT]...SHE SAID

[1Mcfly4u]

My mini board came with handlebars... that's good enough right?

[mluder]

Got home today and my hoverboard was here. All the bitching and moaning everyone was doing over these astounds me. Other then the two pieces of Scotch tape on the graphics there are no air bubbles or any of the other blemishes people are complaining about. For 120 bucks it's not perfect but I'm going to love displaying this piece, to all the naysayers and haters, if you didnt spend the 120 bucks to get one STFU and move along.

I had air bubbles on mine... Disapoionting for a $120 piece.

While we're at it - Not a fan of the glued box. Not very collector frinedly.

Cheers
Steve

[DavidProehl]

I had air bubbles on mine... Disapoionting for a $120 piece.

While we're at it - Not a fan of the glued box. Not very collector frinedly.

Cheers
Steve

All this talk of bubbles has got me worried if mine will have them. It sounds like Matty will let you exchange your board if you call customer service to complain about bubbles/creases on the sticker.

About the box - has anyone tried using a heat gun to melt the glue to open it? Maybe the glue isn't the kind that melts, I don't know. I've been able to open other boxes without tearing using heat, might work here.

[Mark D]

Bahahaha!

http://gizmodo.com/5967983/the-back-to-the-future-hoverboard-is-2012s-worst-toy

[Timebender]

It looks like Bob Gale is extremely disappointed in the officially released board. He has posted pictures with his screen used boards for comparison.

http://heavyfuture.blogspot.in/2012/12/bob-gale-offers-comparison-photos-of.html

Newly released board is in the middle:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee63/Spideristic/BTTF%20Misc/Bob_Gale_Hoverboards_Top.jpg

So let me get this straight- the MIDDLE one is the collector one, and the one on either side is screen-used? So which one was Mattel supposed to go from? The pink or purple one? Seems even the prop guys to some degree couldn't make extra props that were exact duplicates - being the one on the right is smaller than the one on the left. Example: I have a "screen accurate" R2D2 that I built, using plans from Astromech.net, which I'm a member of the R2 Builders. I got parts from other builders that I couldn't make, either in resin or shiny aluminum. Based on which movie and or scene you watch, mine matches at least one of those, as in the movies and even different scenes R2 changes - panels are painted, then not painted, then GONE, then back again, other parts are dented or not, etc. But when I take him to an event, everyone says "Wow! How'd you get them to let you borrow the one from the movie??" And the one's that are licensed for sale by Gentle Giant and so on are not even close...and cost $4,000 or more to buy.
So I'd say for the most part this looks (at least in the photo) pretty accurate - okay, aside from the lenticular thing. But how much does it cost to build a solid one with sound from scratch? How much does it cost for the lenticular effect, whether that's just holographic tape, or actually machine turned? Would a home built hoverboard with all the features this has come in at $120 bucks? Probably not.
I'd love one, as it could be screen accurate, no one will know it's not from the movie, in fact it's better because it HAS sounds...
If the UK one had sound and was $120 bucks I'd buy his.
The problem is, imho, is that a lot of people don't realize what it costs to make something, design, tooling, etc. Most likely Mattel broke even on this, as they didn't produce thousands to make a nice tidy profit. And still it was only $120 bucks.

[Timebender]

One quick thought.

If Mattel were to manufacture and sell a real hoverboard in the year 2015, most likely it would be in the $200 or more dollar range.
Also, if these were mass produced then there would be lots of manufacturing defects, and for the most part no one would care as it's a toy, or not everything is perfect, and it would probably be used by it's new owner for a year or less until the next cool toy comes out.

[Mark D]

So let me get this straight- the MIDDLE one is the collector one, and the one on either side is screen-used? So which one was Mattel supposed to go from? The pink or purple one? Seems even the prop guys to some degree couldn't make extra props that were exact duplicates - being the one on the right is smaller than the one on the left. Example: I have a "screen accurate" R2D2 that I built, using plans from Astromech.net, which I'm a member of the R2 Builders. I got parts from other builders that I couldn't make, either in resin or shiny aluminum. Based on which movie and or scene you watch, mine matches at least one of those, as in the movies and even different scenes R2 changes - panels are painted, then not painted, then GONE, then back again, other parts are dented or not, etc. But when I take him to an event, everyone says "Wow! How'd you get them to let you borrow the one from the movie??" And the one's that are licensed for sale by Gentle Giant and so on are not even close...and cost $4,000 or more to buy.
So I'd say for the most part this looks (at least in the photo) pretty accurate - okay, aside from the lenticular thing. But how much does it cost to build a solid one with sound from scratch? How much does it cost for the lenticular effect, whether that's just holographic tape, or actually machine turned? Would a home built hoverboard with all the features this has come in at $120 bucks? Probably not.
I'd love one, as it could be screen accurate, no one will know it's not from the movie, in fact it's better because it HAS sounds...
If the UK one had sound and was $120 bucks I'd buy his.
The problem is, imho, is that a lot of people don't realize what it costs to make something, design, tooling, etc. Most likely Mattel broke even on this, as they didn't produce thousands to make a nice tidy profit. And still it was only $120 bucks.



You may want to actually read the article you quoted in your post...it answers most of the questions you were asking.
http://heavyfuture.blogspot.in/2012/12/bob-gale-offers-comparison-photos-of.html


"The accompanying photos show my two boards flanking the Mattel replica.

As far as I'm concerned, the basic design and colors of Mattel's board are just fine.

Bear in mind the following: for the movie we had several different versions of the hero board, based on how it was to be used or seen in the film. Every version was a little different, both in color and material. Neither of my boards have the real lenticular finish that's seen in some of the movie shots.

One of mine (at left in the 3-shot) is the actual one used in the burning of the almanac scene. It's made of foam and has a wire stand on the bottom so that it could be filmed from above and appear to be hovering. That's why the middle part on the bottom is bigger than the one that Marty takes from the little girl: to accommodate the stand. It was never meant to be seen in any other way. The round rear pad with the velcro strap was lost.

My other board is made of solid wood. It's a stunt board, and was used by the 2nd unit. I have no way of knowing if it was hung from wires or sat on a piece of pipe. This board has no “magnets” on the bottom or any detail; it too was only to be seen from the top, and only in very wide angle shots.

In the images, you can see how different the green color on the top is between the boards. Remember too that my boards are over 23 years old, and no doubt, the color has changed a bit over the years. Furthermore, in the movie, the colors would look different under different lighting conditions, and was again altered by the normal color correction we did in the film. This is why no one should be troubled by Mattel's colors.

I hope that satisfies your curiosity!"

[Mike C.]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/1885mhxs61udygif/original.gif


LOL

[Ikeaboy1]

I just got mine in the mail. Honestly, it is a disappointment, but not because it is outright junk. It just misses the mark set by the hype and then reinforced by the price.

The goods:

- If we really went to Hill Valley and swiped that little girls hover board, this is what I imagine it would be. It feels like a kids toy, and the finish quality is meh because it is a kids toy.
- It has heft, so it feels like you're holding something substantial, even if it is plastic.
- The packaging is great. I really got a kick out of the girly box it came in.
The bads:
-The stickers are terrible. Even if this was a kids toy in 2015, they are still terrible. Bubbles, creases, scotch tape. I do vinyl graphics on the side, and this is just sloppy. There is no excuse for it to be this way.
-Not lenticular. Why?


I haven't tried the stand out, or the sounds, or the gliding. My intent was to buy this to put on display or throw in the car when I go to car shows. Bottom line: I don't regret buying it at all, and relative to other props you could buy, it wasn't a complete reaming, but it should have been better.

[Timebender]

You may want to actually read the article you quoted in your post...it answers most of the questions you were asking.
http://heavyfuture.blogspot.in/2012/12/bob-gale-offers-comparison-photos-of.html

Yeah, I read it right after. I'm not so bugged by Bob as he realizes there's not really anything that's "screen accurate", being a very nebulous term.
What bugs is all the fanboys (and I'm one for BTTF and Star Wars) who don't have a grasp of reality - which I do have. Okay so there's imperfections- the beauty of that is it's actually MADE my Mattel, not a prop replica guy somewhere by hand... that lends a certain amount of authenticity to it. This is a real product- okay it doesn't hover, but given time maybe when we have that kind of technology, we'd have a real hoverboard.
But this is as close to the real thing we're going to get. And it's perfectly imperfect, just like any mass produced toy.

[Kevin]

I had air bubbles on mine... Disapoionting for a $120 piece.

Mine also had bubbles, luckily they smoothed out easily. I also can't get mine to display on the stand, it keeps falling over. I locked the notches in the holes like it said but it won't stand up. It also sounds like there are a lot of loose pieces inside the board that rattle all over when the board changes orientation. Overall very plastic and cheap-feeling for a hyped-up $120 product.

[thirdmanj]

Wow, you guys all been had. Mine actually hovers like in the movie!!

...Suckers!!

[Jonathan]

If anyone has had second thoughts and does not want theirs, I will take it off your hands for the $120 you paid for it. PM me.

[Mike C.]

I opened mine today, and I guess I got lucky. No bubbles, no creases.

[Timebender]

If anyone has had second thoughts and does not want theirs, I will take it off your hands for the $120 you paid for it. PM me.

Ditto.

[Jonathan]

Ditto.

I'm pretty sure you're thinking the same thing I am.

And that is similar to how I feel about the Diamond Select Flux Capacitor I have. You know, the one that fluxes the wrong way? And the one that isn't technically the right shade of gray for the box itself? Yea, that one. The same one that no one in the history of any car shows I have ever been to has pointed out it's flaws. They always just see it and get this big sh!t eating grin and love it.

I would love one of these hover boards for pretty much the same reason. Tuck it in with you in the car and take to car shows as just another prop. Heck, I'm willing to bet you could modify one and purposely mispell the wording to read something like "Lover Bread" and no more than 1 out of 10 people would even notice.

Let me know where I can send the $120.

[thirdmanj]

I'm pretty sure you're thinking the same thing I am.

And that is similar to how I feel about the Diamond Select Flux Capacitor I have. You know, the one that fluxes the wrong way? And the one that isn't technically the right shade of gray for the box itself? Yea, that one. The same one that no one in the history of any car shows I have ever been to has pointed out it's flaws. They always just see it and get this big sh!t eating grin and love it.

I would love one of these hover boards for pretty much the same reason. Tuck it in with you in the car and take to car shows as just another prop. Heck, I'm willing to bet you could modify one and purposely mispell the wording to read something like "Lover Bread" and no more than 1 out of 10 people would even notice.

Let me know where I can send the $120.

Mines on eBay if you guys want it. It's got a retarded buy it now price, but the reserve is fair.

[Timebender]

Link?

[thirdmanj]

Link?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hover-Board-Mattel-Official-/230897076399?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c289c8af

[Timebender]

Yikes!

[thirdmanj]

Yikes!

I told you the buy it now price was retarded. Like I said, my reserve is fair though. I put a reDICKulous BIN price on the off chance that an idiot would pay that much. Does this make me a bad person?

[Dangermouse]

No worse than the people who bought Nikes and jacked up the price before ebaying them.

[Jonathan]

No worse than the people who bought Nikes and jacked up the price before ebaying them.

That's pretty much why I posted my comment here about buying one from a D community person that didn't want theirs. eBay is littered at the moment with Hoverboards at outrageous prices much like we saw with the shoes. And like the shoes, the majority I would guess, never intended on owning the Hoverboard as they knew it was immediately just going to go back up for sale at twice the price or more.

There are a couple neat write-ups out there about how to make your own. Knowing it is only going to be decoration at a car show and not needing the box or handle bars or whatever, I'm thinking I might give that a go. It can't be too terribly hard and might actually be kind of rewarding to get it finished and admire your handywork.

[Timebender]

I told you the buy it now price was retarded. Like I said, my reserve is fair though. I put a reDICKulous BIN price on the off chance that an idiot would pay that much. Does this make me a bad person?

Nah- I guess not. Better than all the people selling there's for $350 and up..

Godo luck on the sale. :)

[Timebender]

That's pretty much why I posted my comment here about buying one from a D community person that didn't want theirs. eBay is littered at the moment with Hoverboards at outrageous prices much like we saw with the shoes. And like the shoes, the majority I would guess, never intended on owning the Hoverboard as they knew it was immediately just going to go back up for sale at twice the price or more.

There are a couple neat write-ups out there about how to make your own. Knowing it is only going to be decoration at a car show and not needing the box or handle bars or whatever, I'm thinking I might give that a go. It can't be too terribly hard and might actually be kind of rewarding to get it finished and admire your handywork.

I was actually considering taking off the stickers and redoing them. If there was a way go get the sounds working with motion sensors then that would be a way to go.

[thirdmanj]

Ok you Bojos, which one of you is "hrassociates" on eBay? That was some funny shit. :lol:

[LEVY]

Ok you Bojos, which one of you is "hrassociates" on eBay? That was some funny shit. :lol:

I'm not 100% sure but I believe he is STEVE RICE


LEVY

[sdg3205]

Was Steve permanently banned or is he on extended time out?

[Ikeaboy1]

So I had some time this weekend to install some batteries and try out the stand. Terrible. The sounds are absolutely terrible. Only one motion triggers a sound that is barely recognizable as a sound from the movie, and the sound quality is poor at best.

The stand is even worse. It doesn't hold the hoverboard up at all. With or without the batteries installed, the board is not evenly balanced, so it flips right off the stand.

[Don Camillo]

Hi folks,

my Mattel hoverboard was delivered last week. It was send to an aunt of a friend of mine in the US. Right now an other friend goes over to the US over X-mas and he probably picks the board up for me and brings it back to Munich.
My Question is: What is the dimension of the carton box? My friend needs to now if it is fitting in his Samsonite.

Thanx and greetings from Munich
Don

[DL4567]

Hi folks,

my Mattel hoverboard was delivered last week. It was send to an aunt of a friend of mine in the US. Right now an other friend goes over to the US over X-mas and he probably picks the board up for me and brings it back to Munich.
My Question is: What is the dimension of the carton box? My friend needs to now if it is fitting in his Samsonite.

Thanx and greetings from Munich
Don

Hi Don,

Got the box handy right here. It is 5 x 10 x 31 inches. Hopefully that's not too big for your friend's suitcase.

[outatym2001]

Why are things so heavy in the future? Is there a problem with the Earth's gravitational pull?
Good one Chris.

My Hoverboard arrived at my door on December 8, 2012.

Yeah, so what. I bought a little girls toy. ;)

I paid a total of $146.13
$120.00 for the board.
$13.45 for shipping.
$12.68 for tax.

I'm happy with it despite the fact like others have noticed there is small clear tape holding down the end of the sticker where the front and rear stickers meet. I don't have any of the bubbles or creases in the stickers like other people do.
After I installed three AA batteries the sound effects sound like a childrens toy like I kind of expected.
It will not have the WOW factor like the Flux Capacitor (which I don't have one, yet).

And I'm definitely keeping the box since it's also a conversation piece. I like what's written on the pink box.
DON'T BE A BOJO ON A BIKE.
GLIDE ON A HOVER BOARD!*

* Hover Board will not actually hover. Colors and decorations may vary.