# THE MUNSTERS REVEALED

**Source:** Pinball News Website  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2019-01-08  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2019/01/08/the-munsters-revealed

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## Analysis

Stern Pinball revealed The Munsters, a John Borg-designed pinball machine based on the 1960s TV series, debuting at CES 2019. The game arrives in three tiers (Pro at $5,999, Premium at $7,599, LE at $8,999) with significant playfield differences: the Pro features a two-flipper, two-ramp layout with a central Herman bash toy, while Premium and LE models add Grandpa's Laboratory mini-playfield below a Perspex window. The Premium uses black-and-white artwork honoring the original show, while the LE features full color with coffin-themed art, shaker motor, and mirrored backglass (limited to 500 units).

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] The Munsters was designed by John Borg and was known about for many months before announcement. — _Article opening: 'their latest title and their first of 2019, the much-anticipated John Borg design, *The Munsters*'_
- [HIGH] The Beatles pinball took precedence over The Munsters for 2018 holiday sales. — _Article states: 'As it transpired, The Beatles was seen as the better prospect for holiday sales and took precedence.'_
- [HIGH] Unlike recent Stern releases, The Munsters has significant playfield differences between Pro and upper-tier models. — _Article explicitly states: 'However, unlike the last few Stern releases, there are significant playfield differences between the Pro and the upper two models.'_
- [HIGH] The Premium and LE models feature Grandpa's Laboratory mini-playfield with smaller diameter ball and independent flipper buttons. — _Article describes: 'This Grandpa's Laboratory mini-playfield uses a smaller diameter ball and smaller flippers to match, much like the Stewie Pinball playfield on Family Guy. The flippers have their own dedicated buttons on the cabinet sides, allowing the upper and lower playfields to be flipper independently.'_
- [HIGH] The Limited Edition is limited to 500 units globally. — _Official press release states: 'The Limited Edition – only 500 units globally'_

### Notable Quotes

> "The Munsters are iconic and timeless, and it was time to create a pinball experience around this freaky-fun family. With beautiful artwork inspired by the supernatural family, this theme is perfect for a pinball machine."
> — **Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball**, January 8, 2019 announcement
> _Official framing of The Munsters as capturing timeless IP with thematic appropriateness for pinball_

> "However, unlike the last few Stern releases, there are significant playfield differences between the Pro and the upper two models."
> — **Pinball News article**
> _Highlights that The Munsters deviates from Stern's recent pricing tier strategy by offering substantive mechanical differences rather than cosmetic variations_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| The Munsters | game | 2019 Stern Pinball machine based on 1960s TV series, designed by John Borg, featuring three tiers and mini-playfield in Premium/LE models |
| Stern Pinball | company | Manufacturer announcing The Munsters as their first 2019 title |
| John Borg | person | Designer of The Munsters, legendary pinball designer at Stern Pinball |
| Christopher Franchi | person | Artist for The Munsters, created artwork including Easter eggs of John Borg and Dwight Sullivan on playfield |
| Dwight Sullivan | person | Lead programmer on The Munsters, referenced as Easter egg on playfield artwork |
| Gary Stern | person | Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, quoted in official announcement |
| The Beatles: Beatlemania Pinball | game | 2018 Stern release that took precedence over The Munsters for holiday sales |
| CES 2019 | event | Consumer electronics show in Las Vegas where The Munsters was debuted on Stern's stand |
| Jack Danger | person | Pinball content creator who streamed gameplay of The Munsters at CES launch via Dead Flip stream |
| Grandpa's Laboratory | product | Mini-playfield feature exclusive to Premium and Limited Edition models of The Munsters |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Three-tier pricing model (Pro/Premium/LE), Playfield differentiation across models, Mini-playfield technology (Grandpa's Laboratory), Artwork and theming (black-and-white vs. color variants)
- **Secondary:** Limited Edition scarcity (500 units), CES 2019 launch event, SPIKE electronics hardware
- **Mentioned:** Easter eggs and designer signatures

### Sentiment

**Positive** (0.82) — Article presents The Munsters as a well-executed, feature-rich release with strong thematic integration and interesting mechanical design choices. Tone is celebratory of the announcement and detailed in highlighting design features. No criticisms or concerns are raised.

### Signals

- **[design_philosophy]** Christopher Franchi includes Easter eggs and designer likenesses in artwork (John Borg and Dwight Sullivan depicted on playfield), suggesting intentional playful tributes to development team. (confidence: high) — Article identifies captions: 'This looks like game designer John Borg' and 'And this has more than a passing resemblance to be lead programmer Dwight Sullivan'
- **[collector_signal]** The Munsters LE limited to 500 units globally with exclusive features (mirrored backglass, anti-reflection glass, shaker motor, laser-cut spider web armor, sequentially numbered plaques). (confidence: high) — Press release: 'The Limited Edition – only 500 units globally' with specific feature list
- **[market_signal]** The Munsters pricing reflects tiered strategy with $2,000 gap between Pro ($5,999) and Premium ($7,599), and $1,400 between Premium and LE ($8,999)—establishing new price floor for 2019 Stern releases. (confidence: high) — Official MSRP: Pro $5,999, Premium $7,599, LE $8,999
- **[announcement]** Official announcement of The Munsters pinball machine at CES 2019 with full specifications, pricing, and model tiers. (confidence: high) — Stern Pinball official press release on January 8, 2019 with MSRP pricing and feature details
- **[product_strategy]** The Munsters explicitly designed with significant playfield differences between Pro ($5,999) and Premium/LE models, reversing recent Stern strategy of cosmetic-only tier differentiation. (confidence: high) — Article states: 'However, unlike the last few Stern releases, there are significant playfield differences between the Pro and the upper two models.'
- **[technology_signal]** Introduction of Grandpa's Laboratory mini-playfield with independent flipper buttons, independent ball control, and multiball capability—similar to Family Guy's Stewie playfield. (confidence: high) — Detailed technical description of lower playfield with 5 shots, 2 mini flippers, 2 balls, and dedicated side cabinet buttons
- **[licensing_signal]** The Munsters based on 1960s TV sitcom with licensing allowing both black-and-white (honoring original broadcast) and colorized artwork variants across model tiers. (confidence: high) — Article documents artwork strategy: Pro in full color, Premium in monochrome, LE in full color with coffin theme

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## Transcript

Stern Pinball today revealed their latest title and their first of 2019, the much-anticipated John Borg design, The Munsters. ![The Munsters, from Stern Pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/063-munsters.jpg) The Munsters, from Stern Pinball Based on the mid-’60s TV series of the same name, The Munsters has been known about for many months, with the only doubt being about the timing of the release – whether it would debut in 2018 before The Beatles: Beatlemania Pinball, or after it. As it transpired, The Beatles was seen as the better prospect for holiday sales and took precedence. The Munsters is being debuted at the CES 2019 consumer electronics show in Las Vegas where Stern Pinball have a large presence and are presenting this latest release alongside their other recent title The Beatles on their stand. As usual, the game arrives in three variants – Pro, Premium and a 500-machine Limited Edition. However, unlike the last few Stern releases, there are significant playfield differences between the Pro and the upper two models. Starting with the Pro, the cabinet, backbox and translite all feature very colourful depictions of the Munster family, even though the TV series on which this is based was shot in black-and-white. ![The Pro model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/001-munsters.jpg) The Pro model That black-and-white nature of the original TV series is mirrored in the Premium model which is largely monochromatic both on the exterior and interior. ![The Premium model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/002-munsters.jpg) The Premium model It was thought for a while that the Limited Edition model would get the monochrome treatment, but it’s back to full colour for the LE, albeit with a rather more classy coffin-style art package along with gold backbox trim and legs. ![The Limited Edition model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/003-munsters.jpg) The Limited Edition model Let’s start our look at the playfield with the Pro model before seeing what the upper models add to the mix. ![The model plaque for the Pro](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/007-munsters.jpg) The model plaque for the Pro ![The Pro playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/004-munsters.jpg) The Pro playfield So this is a two-flipper, two-ramp, six-ball game, with a central Herman Munster bash toy featuring a magnet in front, all-metal ramps, Grandpa’s Laboratory scoop, two Eddie orbit lanes, a side Dragway kicker lane, two long standup targets on the left and right, two inlanes on the left side, and an illuminated ‘Zap’ button on the lock bar. ![The pro model's two flippers, feature grid and central playfield area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/015-munsters.jpg) The pro model’s two flippers, feature grid and central playfield area ![The two inlanes and one outlane on the left](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/012-munsters.jpg) The two inlanes and one outlane on the left ![The Dragula taraget and drag race lane behind](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/013-munsters.jpg) The Dragula target and dragway lane behind ![The left Eddie orbit lane](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/017-munsters.jpg) The left Eddie orbit lane ![The left Eddie orbit lane](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/010-munsters.jpg) The left Eddie orbit lane ![The left ramp and Herman bash toy](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/011-munsters.jpg) The left ramp and Herman bash toy The left ramp hides Spot, who pops up to block shots. ![The left ramp has a trap door at the entrance](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/070-munsters.jpg) The entrance ![Here's Spot](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/071-munsters.jpg) Here’s Spot ![The top rollover lanes and pop bumpers](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/020-munsters.jpg) The top rollover lanes and pop bumpers – there is an up-post to stop the ball and send it into the bumpers ![Grandpa's Laboratory scoop and the Kitty standup target lane to the left](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/021-munsters.jpg) Grandpa’s left ![The right Marilyn ramp](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/018-munsters.jpg) The right Marilyn ramp with standup targets either side of the entrance ![The right Eddie orbit lane](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/024-munsters.jpg) The right Eddie orbit lane ![The right Lily target](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/014-munsters.jpg) The right Lily target ![The right inlane and outlane](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/016-munsters.jpg) The right inlane and outlane There are a couple of not-so-hidden characters in Christopher Franchi’s artwork. ![This looks like game designer John Borg](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/023-munsters.jpg) This looks like game designer John Borg ![And this has more than a passing resemblance to be lead programmer Dwight Sullivan](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/022-munsters.jpg) And Sullivan ![The centre of the playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/008-munsters.jpg) The centre of the playfield The Pro’s playfield has a rather sparse central area, and that’s because the Premium and Limited Edition models add a lower playfield below a Persepx window which occupies this section. Let’s look at the LE version first of the game before turning to the Premium. ![The Limited Edition's numbered plaque](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/055-munsters.jpg) The Limited Edition’s numbered plaque ![The LE features an uprated sound system with Kenwood speakers](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/051-munsters.jpg) The speakers ![The Limited Edition playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/006-munsters.jpg) The Limited Edition playfield The game designer’s signature is on the bottom apron these days, rather than under the playfield’s clearcoat. ![The signed apron](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/061-munsters.jpg) The signed apron So, let’s look at that lower playfield. ![The lower playfield in the LE model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/062-munsters.jpg) The lower playfield in the LE model This Grandpa’s Laboratory mini-playfield uses a smaller diameter ball and smaller flippers to match, much like the Stewie Pinball playfield on Family Guy. The flippers have their own dedicated buttons on the cabinet sides, allowing the upper and lower playfields to be flipper independently. There are five shots – two orbits, a left upkicker which feeds a wireform, a right clear plastic ramp, and a central The Machine target. There are no slingshots but there is a two-digit LED counter to show the time remaining. There are two balls installed beneath the Perspex, giving Grandpa’s Laboratory the unusual ability to play multiball modes. The lower playfield is the main addition to the Limited Edition and Premium models. The LE also includes inner-cabinet art. ![Interior cabinet artwork](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/054-munsters.jpg) Interior cabinet artwork ![The right-side inner artwork](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/056-munsters.jpg) The right-side inner artwork The LE and Premium also gain illuminated signs on the left and right ramps. ![The LE's upper orbit, top rollovers and pop bumpers](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/057-munsters.jpg) The LE’s upper orbit, top rollovers and pop bumpers ![The Limited Edition cabinet art](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/050-munsters.jpg) The Limited Edition cabinet art The Limited Edition model also comes with a shaker motor, anti-reflection glass, a mirrored backglass and laser-cut spider web metal cabinet armour. The Premium model sports the Centaur-like black-and-white art package with spot colour accents on the cabinet, backbox and playfield. ![The Premium cabinet art](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/030-munsters.jpg) The Premium cabinet art ![The monochrome Premium playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/005-munsters.jpg) The monochrome Premium playfield Although the artwork is black-and-white, all the inserts are the same colour as the Limited Edition model. ![Coloured inserts](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/040-munsters.jpg) Coloured inserts ![The left Dragula target bank decal is also full colour](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/042-munsters.jpg) The colour ![The Dragway lane](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/041-munsters.jpg) The Dragway lane ![Rather less colourful ramp sign artwork on the Premium](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/043-munsters.jpg) Rather less colourful ramp sign artwork on the Premium ![The upper part of the Premium playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/036-munsters.jpg) The upper part of the Premium playfield ![The pop bumpers](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/038-munsters.jpg) The pop bumpers ![The lower-left playfield area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/044-munsters.jpg) The lower-left playfield area ![The lower-right](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/045-munsters.jpg) The lower-right ![The whole Premium playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/031-munsters.jpg) The whole Premium playfield There have been several videos posted showing gameplay at the CES show, but Jack Danger was there for the launch, so it’s probably best to check out his Dead Flip stream to catch up on how the game plays. ![Jack Danger's Dead Flip stream of The Munsters](https://www.twitch.tv/deadflip) Jack Danger’s Dead Flip stream of The Munsters Here’s a list of all the features and the differences between the models. ![The Munsters' feature matrix](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/munsters/073-munsters.jpg) The Munsters’ feature matrix We’ll be back with much more on Stern Pinball’s The Munsters, but here’s how the company announced its latest arrival, along with the recommended prices for the three models. | | | --- | | Stern Pinball Announces New Munsters Pinball Machines CHICAGO, IL – January 8, 2019 – Stern Pinball, Inc., a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball, proudly announced today the availability of a new line of pinball machines celebrating the iconic American TV hit sitcom, The Munsters. Players will be transported to 1313 Mockingbird Lane, joining the entire Munsters family on this haunted pinball adventure. Featuring Herman, Raven, Lily, Spot and Grandpa, players will work their way towards Munster Madness in this frightfully funny and action-packed pinball world under glass. The Munsters pinball machines will be available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models. “The Munsters are iconic and timeless, and it was time to create a pinball experience around this freaky-fun family. With beautiful artwork inspired by the supernatural family, this theme is perfect for a pinball machine,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. Stern’s The Munsters Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models feature stunning and distinctive hand-drawn art. Each game features a custom sculpted Herman bash toy with magnetized ball catch, highlighting Herman multiball. In addition, all models include a pop-up Spot bash toy hidden under the left ramp, a custom sculpted Drag-U-La toy car featured near a left shooter lane kicker, as well as a metal turn-around, flip-up ramp. The Premium and Limited Edition models both feature Grandpa’s laboratory, a lower playfield that features 2 mini flippers, 2 ramps, a Grandpa bash target, a digital number display, and a multiball feature. The Premium model features an exclusive black and white custom art package in homage to classic black and white TV. The Limited Edition – only 500 units globally – includes additional unique features such as an exclusive mirrored backglass, anti-reflection pinball glass, shaker motor, exclusive custom art blades, a custom autographed bottom arch, a sequentially numbered plaque, and exclusive custom casket-themed cabinet artwork. Complementing the immersive theme and exciting gameplay experience, Stern Pinball’s powerful SPIKETM electronics hardware system enables high-definition graphics and innovative animations on the high-definition video display. SPIKETM reduces system complexity and energy usage resulting in enhanced reliability and simplified servicing. The state-of-the-art electronic system also powers a high-fidelity 3-channel audio system that is three times more powerful than audio systems of previous generations. Pricing and Availability: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes. Pro Model: $US 5,999 Premium Model: $US 7,599 Limited Edition Model: $US 8,999 The Munsters pinball is available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world. About Stern Pinball, Inc.** Stern Pinball, Inc. is a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball. Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise. Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe. Recent Stern Pinball titles include The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man. A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games from professional pinball players who compete in high-stakes international competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com. ### All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies. | | |

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