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Licensed Products: eFX Collectibles, Master Replicas, Hasbro and more => MR Force FX Reviews => Luke ANH Reviews => Topic started by: Bin Adam on October 03, 2007, 07:14:16 AM

Title: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Bin Adam on October 03, 2007, 07:14:16 AM
Peace be upon all,

Well, the highly anticipated -and controversial, Luke EP IV Force-FX Lightsaber arrived on Monday, October the 1rst! There have been plenty of text-only and photo reviews so I did mine with video to add some variety .
I hope you find it beneficial. If you have any follow up questions let me know.

At your service,
Bin Adam

Full Length, Higher Quality version...
http://homepage.mac.com/islaminamerica/filechute/LukeANH_FXSaber.mov

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhomepage.mac.com%2Fislaminamerica%2Ffilechute%2FLukeFFXreview1.jpg&hash=e99c84f437761eb7abe965281d317be274dbbde4)

Shortened YouTube version...


-- Just a technical note on the reason I post two video links:
1) I post on YouTube to raise saber-awareness and to interact with a new audience
2) I post a higher quality version on my own server because i can't stand how much extra compression gets done on the YouTube videos :P
3) YouTube has a 10 minute duration limit which can be annoying when you have something longer and don't want to split it up. The YouTube version of my Luke EP IV FX Saber is about 2 minutes shorter than the version you can see from my server link.

hope that helps

Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Kyp Durron on October 03, 2007, 08:39:25 AM
Nicely done my friend!

I see what everyone is talking about with the creaking noises when swung. Sounds like they didn't quite reinforce the blade well enough to prevent that.

The Luke ESB had a rubber bushing in the emitter ring to prevent that. Why they didn't do that as well with this FX, I have no idea. Probably because they were rushing to get this one out, I'd bet. ::)




-Joclad
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Bin Adam on October 03, 2007, 09:16:15 AM
Joclad,
Peace be upon you,

Yeah, the creaky-squeaky thing really bummed me out actually :(
Not everyone battles with their sabers but everyone swings their sabers so I just can't get passed this aspect!

Bin Adam
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Plane Crazy on October 03, 2007, 09:27:06 AM
Nice review Bin Adam! I am awed by your video skills.  :)

Sorry to see / hear the creaks in the saber! I got one yesterday as well, but I don't have any of that creakiness in mine. Hopefully it isn't something that will worsen in time.

Thanks again for sharing the video.

Plane Crazy
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: darthmorbius on October 03, 2007, 11:12:09 AM
I just opened mine about 20 minutes ago, and I must say that the bumps under the red button and glass eye are not as bad as they seem in pics, but this one has the creakies with the blade, and the sounds are so muted because of the pommel cap, that I shut it off and boxed it back up.

I'm having trouble downloading your video Bin Adam, so I will patiently await the youtube vid. ;)



Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Dark Helmet on October 03, 2007, 11:35:13 AM
That is an excellent video review, i've enjoyed it. Good work!
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Andy Anonymous on October 03, 2007, 12:44:58 PM
Good review!

That creaking is a lot like what my Ani used to sound like. My Luke doesn't have that, fortunately.

Yours definitely looks (other than the creaking) to be structurally the same as mine, with mostly metal and none of the issues with unscrewing the pommel that others have reported. Interesting.
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Bin Adam on October 03, 2007, 01:59:27 PM
Peace be upon all,
Thanks for the feedback brothers! I tried inserting the code for the YouTube video,

but I didn't see any change  ???  so i just posted the link until I get help figuring it out :-[

I love the looks of this hilt but not the performance so I am sending the Luke back tomorrow and just put money into my Overlord Fund.
Unless and until a new and worthy Lucas-licensed lightsaber vendor comes along, it's all about custom sabers for me moving forward  8)

I'm still waiting for someone to start a "Pimp-my-Saber" video series where enthusiasts not only push the light and sound technology to new levels (built-in color changing, high-end portable sound, wireless sound, USB saber-sound customization/tuning software) but also take hilt design/function to new levels (precious metals, jewels and fine wood inlays, leather, interchangeable parts)  8) ...
Maybe a few good sketches/renderings would kick it off  ;)

Bin Adam
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: robiwan on October 03, 2007, 05:09:04 PM
Great review! I especialy like the "comercial" for Yoda's lightsaber and for our forum! That was a great touch! I look forward to getting mine. Why? I don't know. This is just so dissapointing. Has Amy been around lately?
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: darthmorbius on October 03, 2007, 05:24:43 PM
My issue in downloading was with my computer. I got it eventually though! 8)

Great video review! I agree on nearly all points, but I am also biased in opinion because of my high expectations for this particular saber.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for representing FX-Sabers Forum galaxy, and plugging all the great sabersmiths that post here! Plus, you plugged the Master Sabersmith responsible for the TRUE Graflex Fx's!

Your video was very informative, and you are a very well-spoken individual. You pulled off a great review without a hitch! :)

Thank you Bin Adam!
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: BEN KENOBI on October 03, 2007, 06:04:45 PM
 ;D

Love the video and the review!!I thought it was a very classy video indeed.You had some great spin moves too.I think that you would be a cool person to meet someday.Great job bin!! ;D
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: OBI-WAN KENOBI on October 03, 2007, 06:48:32 PM
Great show-and-tell Bin Adam.  :)

Unfortunate about the creaking.  :-\  Thankfully, creaking isn't really an issue on my Luke ANH.  Interestingly, however, I had to exchange the new Darth Vader ANH FX due to EXCESSIVE creaking.  The replacement is fine, though.  You just never know what you're gonna get with these FXs.
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Andy Anonymous on October 03, 2007, 07:07:50 PM
Yeah, I think the major issue with the FX line isn't bad quality, but inconsistent quality.
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Bin Adam on October 03, 2007, 10:49:48 PM
Peace be upon all,

Thank you -to everyone for the generous and humbling feedback. What comes from the heart, goes to the heart.
Honestly, all of you were my source of motivation to take the time to dust off my video camera, re-arrange my living room, rally up the wife and kids to be production assistants and "force" myself to edit this  on my day off.
On a production note, I focused on the vocal sound quality by using a wireless lavalier mic and manually adjusted the audio levels. I figured that if I am going to go through all this, then people should not have to struggle to hear what I'm saying which is often the case when relying on a camera or camcorder's built-in, general-purpose mic. So keep that in mind on your next video project.

I really hope to capture detailed video and photos of the Overlord sabers if/when I am honored to possess them.

Thanks again to all who, " keep it real, even when fakin' " as i like to say  ;)

at your service,
Bin Adam
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: darthmorbius on October 03, 2007, 11:15:48 PM
If I may be so bold to ask, What is the artwork between your Maul sabers? It looks very interesting, and my being the curious type, I took it upon myself to ask.

I see that you are using it in your avatar as well. Just wondering if we could see a more detailed shot? :)
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Bin Adam on October 04, 2007, 02:14:50 PM
Tyranus,
Peace be upon you
Thanks for asking about the artwork. Curiosity is the door to enlightenment!  ;)
I will post a larger image with explanation shortly.

Bin Adam
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Ulic Qel-Droma on October 04, 2007, 02:52:11 PM
Bin, very nice review. You can really tell when someone is putting effort into and enjoying what they do and you obviously did.
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: PokerJedi on October 04, 2007, 06:49:25 PM
Peace be upon all,
Thanks for the feedback brothers! I tried inserting the code for the YouTube video,

but I didn't see any change  ???  so i just posted the link until I get help figuring it out :-[

I love the looks of this hilt but not the performance so I am sending the Luke back tomorrow and just put money into my Overlord Fund.
Unless and until a new and worthy Lucas-licensed lightsaber vendor comes along, it's all about custom sabers for me moving forward  8)

I'm still waiting for someone to start a "Pimp-my-Saber" video series where enthusiasts not only push the light and sound technology to new levels (built-in color changing, high-end portable sound, wireless sound, USB saber-sound customization/tuning software) but also take hilt design/function to new levels (precious metals, jewels and fine wood inlays, leather, interchangeable parts)  8) ...
Maybe a few good sketches/renderings would kick it off  ;)

...

Thank you -to everyone for the generous and humbling feedback. What comes from the heart, goes to the heart.
Honestly, all of you were my source of motivation to take the time to dust off my video camera, re-arrange my living room, rally up the wife and kids to be production assistants and "force" myself to edit this  on my day off.
On a production note, I focused on the vocal sound quality by using a wireless lavalier mic and manually adjusted the audio levels. I figured that if I am going to go through all this, then people should not have to struggle to hear what I'm saying which is often the case when relying on a camera or camcorder's built-in, general-purpose mic. So keep that in mind on your next video project.

I really hope to capture detailed video and photos of the Overlord sabers if/when I am honored to possess them.

Thanks again to all who, " keep it real, even when fakin' " as i like to say 

at your service,
Bin Adam

Extremely good review- Well worth the effort & I don't think I could've done a better one myself...
Sound quality, video quality, script (if there was one...) ... all top-notch.

Judging from the performance issues, I don't blame you for parting with that saber & spending the $$ on your future Overlord. {Go Ultra!!!} I didn't even bother ordering a Luke ANH and am now glad I didn't... 

"Pimp My Saber"....  {LOL} What a concept!!!  Maybe we could produce a custom Dooku for the series premier!!!  {Ultra... want a piece of that action???} {Wink-Wink}

That's my 2 Republic credits...  I love my Imperial Knight & can't wait for the Overlord!!! ;D

Tim the PokerJedi


Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Bin Adam on October 04, 2007, 11:37:26 PM
Peace be upon all,

- Qel-Droma, you perceive goodness outside of yourself because it is within yourself. Thank you for your feedback.

- PokerJedi, the custom "Dooku-Pimped" sounds like a great way to start  8). Your feedback is worth waaay more than 2 of those Republic Credits!

-Tyranus,
The scroll in my avatar between the Maul sabers is an original piece of sacred art by renowned Muslim Calligrapher, Haji Nur Deen of China. He is a dear friend and brother who visits Zaytuna Institute (www.zaytuna.org) which is where I work and does calligraphy workshops that the community always enjoys.

The lower part of the calligraphy  says, Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Raheem which means, "In the Name of God the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate ". It's one of the most oft repeated Islamic invocations usually said before any formal speech or act that you want to have blessing in.

This "bismillah" is encased in a circular shape meant to represent a seed. Growing and rising above this seed is a floral/vine design patterned after a favored flower that the Chinese associate with many benefits (I forgot it's name).
Together, this piece conveys that this invocation is the seed from which multiple benefits and blessings bloom.

I just felt the style and color of the Maul sabers looked good next to this and added to the whole esoteric vibe. My personal interpretation of the red-colored sabers is that the red is a reminder of the sanctity of blood and that it can only be spilled under the most dire of circumstances and under the limits and restraints of sacred law.
* Read this excellent article to understand what I mean by this last, easy-to-distort point...
http://www.zaytuna.org/seasonsjournal/article.cfm?article_id=91

Attached are also a picture of the artist and a picture of another scroll that I purchased from him.
Sorry to be long, but you asked Ty  ;)

Bin Adam

Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: darthmorbius on October 04, 2007, 11:47:44 PM
Thank you for the enlightening articles! I will read through these with much interest!

The Caligraphy is quite beautiful, and you are honored to posess such art from such a master. :)

No need to apologise, I asked because I wanted to view a larger world than my own hometown!



Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: BEN KENOBI on October 05, 2007, 07:08:00 PM
 ;D
wow thanks for the info bin!!You're a cool guy!! 8)
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: OBI-WAN KENOBI on October 05, 2007, 10:21:32 PM
That's very nice.  And I like the way you have it set up too.  :)
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Hamill82 on December 23, 2007, 12:26:48 AM
Most excellent video review there Bin Adam  ;)
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Bin Adam on December 26, 2007, 12:59:18 AM
Peace be upon all,

Excellence is in the eye of the beholder  ;)

thanks for the feedback Chancellor.


Bin Adam
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Hamill82 on December 31, 2007, 06:41:09 PM
Peace be upon all,

Excellence is in the eye of the beholder  ;)

thanks for the feedback Chancellor.


Bin Adam

I'll quote Anthony Daniels here as he started to blush on convention " You make me shy"  :D
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Taskmaster99 on January 02, 2008, 04:59:26 PM
Peace be upon you my friend. I see that your ANH Luke has the "creak" also. Great video and review!!!!!!
Title: Re: Bin Adam's Luke ANH-FX Saber VIDEO Review!
Post by: Bin Adam on January 02, 2008, 09:05:33 PM
And upon you be peace as well, Taskmaster99
Thanks for the positive feedback!

A little annoying
This creaking
This saber could use
Some tweaking
But at my age
I must confess
It's still a joy
To possess!

Bin Adam