Quoted from Rarehero:About 8000 or so units exist. Go buy one.
Quoted from fosaisu:Who cares? Every game Stern has ever re-made was relatively plentiful compared to the truly-rare games out there like BBB (or 24, for that matter). Supply is entirely meaningless without acknowledging the demand. And demand for LOTR is strong. There are 8,000 of them and it still fetches $5-$6k. Which looks to me like stronger demand than for almost anything other than maybe Addams Family.
@srmonte wants a NIB LOTR with improved art and sound, and is apparently willing to pay for it. If there are enough buyers like him then Stern can make money on a remake. I think it's a pretty safe bet that they'd sell enough of this highly regarded game to make it worth their while.
I own one of those 8000 units. A very nice HUO game I bought from original owner many years ago with less then 300 plays on it. Now has shaker and LEDS.
If Stern would make a Vault with LCD, upgraded sound, and improved art. I would probably end up buying it if the improvements are worth it. Then sell the one I have now.