About
Sideshow.com is an online retailer of high-end collectible figures, statues, and art prints. The company specializes in licensed products from popular franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, DC Comics, and more. Sideshow.com offers a wide range of collectibles, including sixth-scale figures, premium format figures, life-size busts, and other unique items. They also produce their own original content through their Sideshow Collectibles brand.
Sideshow.com is known for its high-quality products and attention to detail, as well as its commitment to customer service. The website features detailed product descriptions, photos, and videos to help customers make informed purchasing decisions. Additionally, Sideshow.com offers a variety of payment and shipping options to make the buying process as smooth as possible.
In addition to its online store, Sideshow.com also has a physical location in Thousand Oaks, California, where customers can view and purchase select products in person. The company also regularly participates in conventions and events around the world, showcasing their latest products and interacting with fans.
PROS & cons
Here are some pros and cons of using Sideshow.com:
PROS:
Wide selection: Sideshow.com offers a wide variety of collectibles from popular franchises, including Star Wars, Marvel, and DC Comics.
High quality: The products sold on Sideshow.com are known for their high quality and attention to detail, making them popular among collectors.
Detailed product information: The website provides detailed product descriptions, photos, and videos to help customers make informed purchasing decisions.
Customer service: Sideshow.com has a reputation for excellent customer service, with helpful and responsive representatives who are available to assist customers.
Payment and shipping options: The website offers a variety of payment and shipping options to make the buying process as smooth as possible.
CONS:
High prices: Sideshow.com’s collectibles are often more expensive than those sold by other retailers, which can be a deterrent for some customers.
Limited availability: Some products on Sideshow.com are only available in limited quantities, making them difficult to purchase.
Shipping costs: The cost of shipping can be high, particularly for international customers.
Long wait times: Some products on Sideshow.com are available for pre-order, which can result in long wait times for customers to receive their orders.
Authenticity concerns: There have been some concerns raised by customers about the authenticity of some products sold on Sideshow.com, although the company has taken steps to address these issues.
Sevices
Sideshow.com primarily offers high-end collectible figures, statues, and art prints from popular franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, and DC Comics. Here are some of the specific services they offer:
Collectibles: Sideshow.com offers a wide variety of collectibles, including sixth-scale figures, premium format figures, life-size busts, and other unique items. They specialize in licensed products from popular franchises and produce their own original content through their Sideshow Collectibles brand.
Pre-orders: Some products on Sideshow.com are available for pre-order, allowing customers to reserve an item before it is released.
Payment options: The website offers a variety of payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and financing options through Affirm.
Shipping: Sideshow.com offers a variety of shipping options, including domestic and international shipping. They also provide tracking information for all orders.
Customer service: Sideshow.com has a reputation for excellent customer service, with helpful and responsive representatives who are available to assist customers. They also offer a variety of resources on their website to help customers with their purchases.
Rewards program: Sideshow.com has a rewards program called Sideshow Rewards, which allows customers to earn points on their purchases that can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.
Online community: Sideshow.com has an online community where collectors can connect with each other, share photos of their collections, and participate in discussions about their favorite franchises and products.
Exploring the History of Sideshow Performers
Sideshow performers, also known as sideshow freaks, have been a part of popular entertainment for centuries. These performers, who often exhibited physical abnormalities or performed dangerous feats, were a staple of circuses, carnivals, and traveling shows throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The origins of sideshow entertainment can be traced back to the medieval period, when performers with physical abnormalities were often exhibited in markets and fairs. However, it was not until the rise of traveling circuses in the 19th century that sideshow performers became a major attraction.
Early sideshows were often crude and exploitative, with performers being treated as little more than curiosities. However, as the popularity of sideshows grew, performers began to organize and demand better treatment and working conditions.
One of the most famous early sideshow performers was Joseph Merrick, also known as the “Elephant Man.” Merrick, who suffered from a rare genetic disorder that caused severe facial deformities, was exhibited in sideshows in London in the late 19th century. He eventually gained some measure of fame and sympathy, and was taken in by a doctor who provided him with care until his death in 1890.
In the United States, sideshows became a staple of traveling circuses in the early 20th century. One of the most famous of these circuses was the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which featured a wide variety of sideshow performers, including “bearded ladies,” sword swallowers, and contortionists.
However, as attitudes towards disability and diversity began to change in the mid-20th century, sideshows began to decline in popularity. Many performers found new opportunities in other forms of entertainment, such as theater and film.
Today, sideshow entertainment continues in a more limited form, often as part of the “freak show” subculture or as part of burlesque or variety shows. While the exploitation and mistreatment of sideshow performers is now widely recognized as unacceptable, the history of these performers remains a fascinating and important part of popular culture.
A Brief History of Sideshow
Sideshow entertainment, also known as the “freak show,” has a long and complex history dating back several centuries. The term “sideshow” refers to the exhibits and attractions that are presented outside of the main circus or carnival performances, usually featuring performers with unusual physical characteristics or abilities.
The earliest examples of sideshow entertainment can be traced back to the 16th century, when people with physical abnormalities were put on display in markets and fairs as a form of entertainment. These individuals were often referred to as “freaks” or “monsters,” and were displayed in cages or tents for the public to view.
In the 19th century, traveling circuses began to incorporate sideshows into their performances, with performers such as bearded ladies, Siamese twins, and “human oddities” becoming popular attractions. These performers were often exploited and mistreated, forced to perform dangerous and degrading acts for the entertainment of the crowds.
Despite this mistreatment, many sideshow performers found a sense of community and acceptance within the traveling carnival world. They were able to earn a living and gain fame by showcasing their unique talents, and many developed close relationships with their fellow performers.
As attitudes towards disability and diversity began to change in the mid-20th century, sideshows began to decline in popularity. Many performers found new opportunities in other forms of entertainment, such as theater and film, while others chose to retire from performing altogether.
Today, sideshow entertainment continues in a more limited form, often as part of the “freak show” subculture or as part of burlesque or variety shows. While the exploitation and mistreatment of sideshow performers is now widely recognized as unacceptable, the history of these performers remains a fascinating and important part of popular culture.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about sideshow entertainment:
What is a sideshow?
A sideshow is a form of entertainment that features performers with unusual physical characteristics or abilities. These performers are often displayed in exhibits or shows outside of the main circus or carnival performances.
What types of performers are featured in sideshows?
Sideshow performers can include bearded ladies, Siamese twins, sword swallowers, fire eaters, contortionists, and other individuals with physical abnormalities or unique talents.
Is it ethical to exhibit sideshow performers?
Many people today view the exhibition of sideshow performers as unethical, due to the exploitation and mistreatment that many performers faced in the past. However, some sideshow performers have argued that they were able to gain a sense of community and acceptance within the sideshow world, and that they were able to earn a living by showcasing their unique talents.
Are sideshows still performed today?
While the popularity of traditional sideshows has declined in recent years, sideshow entertainment continues in a more limited form today, often as part of the “freak show” subculture or as part of burlesque or variety shows.
What is the history of sideshow entertainment?
Sideshow entertainment has a long and complex history dating back several centuries. The earliest examples of sideshows can be traced back to the 16th century, when people with physical abnormalities were put on display in markets and fairs. In the 19th century, traveling circuses began to incorporate sideshows into their performances, with performers such as bearded ladies, Siamese twins, and “human oddities” becoming popular attractions. Despite the exploitation and mistreatment that many performers faced, sideshow entertainment remained popular throughout much of the 20th century, before declining in popularity in recent years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sideshow entertainment has a long and complex history dating back several centuries, featuring performers with unusual physical characteristics or abilities. While the exhibition of sideshow performers is now widely recognized as unethical due to past exploitation and mistreatment, some performers argue that they were able to gain a sense of community and acceptance within the sideshow world. Today, sideshow entertainment continues in a more limited form, often as part of the “freak show” subculture or as part of burlesque or variety shows. The history of sideshow performers remains an important part of popular culture and serves as a reminder of the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity.
