MY STORY
Along with everyone else on the forums, when I found out that Master Replicas was to Re-release the Return of the Jedi Luke Force FX saber, I was thrilled. Why was I thrilled? I'm sure that you already know....the upgrade to an LED blade from the Electroluminescent of 2003. I couldn't wait to see what it would look like. I would watch my DVD of ROTJ just to see the Bright Green blade flash on the screen and wonder if the version that MR would make would look just as good. Along with finding out that the saber was to be re-released, it was also to be a retailer exclusive to Borders Bookstores. That got me thinking, I don't have a local Borders and the closest one was 40 miles away in New Orleans. So I bide my time and wait, then we hear that Thesabervault.com will be getting a great many for sale and they have quite a deal on them $119.00 + free shipping. I neglected to jump on that wagon and missed out, but along came Killertoys.com and also said they would be getting some. So I went ahead and Pre-ordered with them. And then Disaster struck months later....Hurricane season was upon the Southeastern United States and Katrina was bearing down on us. Well, as you all know Katrina completely obliterated New Orleans and any hope that I might have of getting a Luke locally. (or so I thought) So October rolls around and we find out that Killertoys got hit hard by Wilma and lost much of their inventory and cancelled many orders. So I was out of luck...no Luke ROTJ LED for me. Unless....hmmm. I use the Borders store locater and get the number for the Borders in New Orleans. I give them a call....and they are open! Not only that but they have the Luke's in-stock. I tell them to hold me one and the employee tells me that there is a Holiday coupon for 30% off any ONE item in store from November 3-6 and she said she would tape the coupon to the box. So after work I hurry and gas up the Trans Am and head down to New Orleans. Make it to Borders and go inside to pay for my saber. Get to the register and with the 30% off coupon I only have to pay
$83.99 + tax for the Luke!!! Yes, I'm so glad I waited. I was sure to bring some batteries with me and once I had the saber in the car I powered it up and checked it over to make sure everything was okay. It was still daylight so I couldn't see the blade in all its glory....yet. After I get home its quite dark. I go back out to get my Luke FX out of the car and as I ignite it in the dark gloom of night I am taken aback by the intense Green Glow that is before me. I actually had to turn away because this was the brightest saber I have every seen. Wow....great job Master Replicas!
THE SABER OUT OF THE BOX
When I removed the saber from the box it was not anything new to me since I had gotten the orignal EL version in 2003, but the excitment was still there all the same.
The Battery Holder remained the same from the 2003 version as a 6-battery holder. I am glad that they kept the 6'er because it adds to the weight of the saber and I'm afraid the saber wouldn't feel right with only 3 batteries.
Just like the Original ROTJ Luke this one had the Copyright information stamped on the Battery Endcap with the only difference being the year change for production.
The emitter remained the same size with the "fat neck" that many do not care for. I don't mind it at all. Someday I would like to see a thin necked version, but until that time this will definitely do. After looking at the emitter closer I felt as if something about it was different, but more on that later
Many things stayed the same with this Luke. If it isn't broke, don't fix it right? well one thing I am glad they didn't change on this FX is the On/Off switch as seen here. The small black rectangular piece remains to be the power switch for Green Goodness! Also duplicated is the faux control box panel with screws. Just another small detail that can't go unoticed.
The Speaker emitter remained the same, as well. Though the sound itself, did not!
THE SABER IGNITED
In Low Room Light
In Complete Darkness
WORKING REVIEW
When I first ignited this saber, I was amazed by the blade. Just the brightness alone seemed to fill all my senses. Once I regained composure I was able to check it out completely. While the Blade is indeed a Bright Green, it is not without the tell-tale LED tiny dark spots. All LED blades tend to have these so it is nothing new to this saber. The Sound is Amazing! It is much more crisp and clear than I had hoped for. Comparing it to the Original it is indeed much louder The ignition sound is the Same as the original but the Idle hum is definitely different. The Original Luke had a bit of a "stutter" in the idle hum loop and the New Luke does not have this. The Clash sounds are the same, but as with many sabers all they did was change the pitch to make it sound different. The motion sounds are more well calibrated on the LED version. There is no overlapping as on previous models when the motion sounds are activated and it is not as sensitive. The standard motion sounds are used, nothing special. The deactivation remains the same as the Original Luke. Handling the saber is a Dream! I was in love with using my EL Luke for saber practice and this one is no different. Due to the Simple hilt design and excellent placement of the on/off switch, it allows for uninhindered play. I don't think any other FFX is easier to twirl in your hand than the ROTJ Luke's are. That taken in mind and with the LED blade....you just don't want to put this saber down until all the Guards on Jabba's Sail Barge are dispatched with Jedi power!
THE COMPARISON
This is what you have been waiting for. Though many think that the Sabers are alike other than the LED blade they would be mistaken. With close scrutiny you can discern the differences between the two model years
First we will take a look at the obvious. The Copyright dating stamp is of course different. Changed from 2003 to 2005.
And the Blades are quite different. EL on top and LED on bottom
Here are the not-so-noticeable differences.
First we have the difference in neck color. The Copper color used on the EL (left-side) is much lighter than the LED's copper colored neck.
Next, there is the difference in the Emitter that I mentioned earlier. Upon closer inspection I noticed that the EL sabers(bottom-right) emitter fits snugly against the blade. While the LED version has been given some space between the metal of the emitter and the blade itself.
Lastly, the Black Accents on the EL (bottom) are of a more glossy sheen. The LED version is a bit more of a Dull or Flat Black.
So, that is folks. The same, yet different. I am overjoyed that I was able to get this saber and I ignite it everyday. If you get a chance to get one, this is the one to get brand new. You will not be dissapointed!
Coming in 2006 my full review of the Double-Bladed Darth Maul TPM FFX saber!....
Topic: Luke Skywalker ROTJ Force FX (2005) Review and Pics (Read 16071 times)