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Offline Bandit-Jedi

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Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« on: October 08, 2007, 07:24:38 PM »


THE STORY

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars, Master Replicas decided to release many special Original Trilogy replicas.  A couple of these were two new Force FX lightsabers.  First came the Darth Vader ANH Re-release and now the Luke Skywalker ANH which is completely new!
The preorder for this wonderous new FFX took place in February 2007, of which I got in a group order to save on the purchase price.   The saber was finally released in July to a limited amount of MR direct customers.  Then the Dark Side clouded the minds of the fulfillment center and no more FFX's were shipped for another couple of months.  Waiting and
waiting took its toll on many a Jedi as they waited for this  "Elegant Weapon from a more civilized age".  Finally only 7 months after the Preorder, stores and online orders finally started getting product to ship.  So in late September I finally received the lightsaber that exemplifies what a lightsaber is,  The Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX!

THE SABER OUT OF THE BOX

This FX is truly an elegant weapon that every Jedi would be proud to own.  With lightweight metal construction adding to the realism of what a lightsaber might feel like.
The packaging is the same this go around as it has been for the past few FX's.  My saber was received without a scratch or flaw to be worried with.



The On/Off switch is placed correctly on this Third Graflex-type lightsaber from Master Replicas.  As imagined by many throughout the years as being activated by the "bubble strip" on the control box, we can now reenact that scene in Ben's hut as much as we want with a slide of the thumb.



The body of the saber seems to be a lightweight material.  I would have to say its a milled aluminum tube as I tested it with a magnet and it would not stick.



The Battery holder is a Generation 4 style that is shared with its ANH Vader counterpart.  With the use of three of your favorite Lithium batteries (recommended) you can power your saber.



The battery endcap with the Lucasfilm and Master Replicas copyright info stamped onto it in a not so noticeable way.  With what I like to call "pepper shaker" sound holes.  The Endcap does take some strenght to get it unscrewed as well as screwing it back into place to line up the D-ring.



The details are well done, but not a perfect match to the original prop replica.  Since the same tooling was used as the Anakin FX it would explain why there are large holes near the emitter that were filled with the Glass eye on this side of the graflex-style hilt.  The Glass eye details are reproduced in molded plastic to replicate the look of the original.  The recharge pins seem to be brass.



The Emitter ring was also replaced with a chromed plastic piece  that is part of the blade holder and not connected to the metal tube of the hilt in any way. 



The button detail is also a molded plastic piece that was chromed to more match the look of the hilt.  The button is non-moving as is the replica "rabbit ears"  Even though the Rabbit ears look a bit off, they do match the faux emitter ring detail with its chrome like appearance.  The Rabbit ears are made out of metal and riveted to the metal tube of the hilt.



The grips are well done, as well.  Rounded at the edges and covered in a soft rubber for easy gripping.  The D-ring is set in very tightly and does not move around without pressure being applied.



The Control Box is constructed in metal.  The crystal clear bubble strip sits on top and the clamp lever is set on the side of the control box.


THE SABER IGNITED

Normal Room Light


Low Room Light


Complete Darkness



WORKING REVIEW

As I picked up the ANH Luke, I noticed that it was very light, even after putting batteries in it.   Although it is light it is nicely balanced.  The balance point is about 1/8 inch from the tip of the emitter and even though it would be a tad better if the hilt were a bit heavier.  Still very good for spins and tricks.   Feeling the weight of the saber is very unlike other FX's which are quite heavy.  The Luke ANH actually feels like a lightsaber.  Its so light that you can imagine that the blade is weightless and all the weight is coming from the hilt.

A welcome detail is the small square hole in the tip of the emitter that allows light from the blade to shine through, just as it should.

A drawback to the chrome plated emitter ring is that in complete darkness you can notice a slight transference of light through the plastic as seen in the above pic. A problem with this plastic ring is upon back and forth motion with the saber it causes a bit of a creaking noise.  More noticeable when the saber is turned off and only slightly noticeable when ignited.

Now with the use of faux rabbit ears the tube loses the holes that allow more light from the blade to shine through, but I did notice upon close inspection that some unwelcome light comes through the large hole filled with the plastic button detail.
The blade itself seems to be the same as the Anakin and Obi-Wan in color and brightness.  It is a thin-walled blade so heavy duelling is definitely not recommended.
The Sound is actually quite loud, but it is interfered with by the endcap.  Just not enough sound transmission holes to allow for full sound.  The sounds used are all the standard Jedi saber sound fx.  The motion sensor is quite finely tuned for  movement and clash sounds.

One definite improvement is the On/Off switch resistance.  Many of the other sabers had enough play in the switch to allow the saber to be accidentily shut off during use.  This is not so with the Luke as it takes two things into consideration.  The first being that the switch itself is tighter against the sliding bubble strip.  The other is the area on the end of the bubble strip that would overlap past the control box when turned on has been decreased.  This completely eliminates the chance that the saber would shut off while being used.

THE BOX

A couple of shots of the box

Top front


Bottom back


Story


Specifications


A look at Luke


The logo that has so much more meaning now.


THE COMPARISON

ICONS Skywalker lightsaber replica vs. Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX









FINAL THOUGHTS
With this being the last FX released by Master Replicas, it had a lot to live up to.  Although it didn't quite make it in all areas it did deliver in the areas that matter.   The details that are needed are there.  I've actually been using this saber every night having fun with it in this the 30th Anniversary year.  Now my MR Force FX lightsaber collection is complete.

Now I have to acquire on of Yoda's prized creations!  8)

May The Force FX Be With You!


Offline vivan_cygna

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2007, 07:47:55 PM »
Congratulations Master Anakin, for the completion your collection. It really is something to finally have a complete MR collectibles.
This is an amazing review as well.  :)
Eat all the bacon!

Offline RogueJedi

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2007, 07:53:11 PM »
Yes, It is an amazing review, very through anf detailed. I've seen alot of mixed reviews with this saber and I think I'm still glad I decided not to get it. It really seems hit and miss with this one. Congrats for completing for collection as well. ;D

Offline Aluke123

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2007, 07:55:02 PM »
Wow, the glass eye and red button look horrible compared to the real deal. That is a horrible effort by MR, I mean, come on man, the light shines through the red button  :o

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Offline Kyp Durron

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #4 on: October 08, 2007, 09:37:47 PM »
I'm still not going to pick this up. Even though the clash sensor on the Ultrasound board needs to be more sensitive, this saber is still far superior to a stock FX and I know that I wouldn't be as happy owning this as I am with my Yoda built ESB.

If anything, it seems that the Anakin ROTS is better than the ANH, and that really, really blows. :-\




-Joclad

2010...I certainly hope it's better than 2009 was! ::)
10/10/10~Well, so far with my Father's passing away, I'd say that this year was actually worse than 2009, even the fact that I now have a full time job (For now) isn't anywhere near enough to make up for that...so...maybe 2011 will be better? I'm not holding my breath... ::)

Offline Andy Anonymous

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #5 on: October 08, 2007, 10:26:46 PM »
Great review, Anakin! Yours have always been excellent, and are the standard I tried to live up to in my own review.

Your observations about the light showing through in places interested me, so I checked my own saber in full darkness. Here were my findings:

1) The light transference through the emitter ring is there, but seems to be less than in your picture. It took me some intense study, but finally I was able to detect a very slight transference through the ring...I think. It was hard to tell if it was transference or just reflection of the ambient glow, but I think it was transference.

2) No light whatsoever shines through the areas of either the red button or the glass eye on my hilt. There is only a tiny pinpoint of blue light that can be seen in the corner of both of the charging ports, above the pins.

So we see another way in which there's some inconsistency of manufacture among these sabers. Still, I'm glad that you're enjoying yours as much as I am. It really is a very well designed saber; it just suffered from some manufacturing issues. I'm still far happier with the minor cosmetic differences between this and a Graflex than I am with the Jabba versions of sabers we've gotten in the past.




Offline darthmorbius

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #6 on: October 08, 2007, 10:57:35 PM »
:D "Jabba Versions" ;)

This was an excellent review Anakin!

I've had mine almost a week now, and the more I play with it, the more I like it!  At first I was very biased against this particular FX, and pretty much ripped it apart (not literally) with a scolding mini-review. But after comparing it to some of the FX's, it really isn't that bad.

Given, there definitely seems to be some major inconsistencies in the manufacturing process. Leaving a little to be desired in MR's quality conttol in their overseas factories. It also seems that there is a bit of difference in the first batch that hit back in June/July as compared to the "Version 2" That we seem to have gotten on the current shipment.

I have also noticed that there is a definitive change on the final release of the Luke ANH in comparison to the Working Prototype pics we saw a while back. Most notably in the area of the "Bumps" under the red button and glass eye. They seem to be a little smaller in size than that of the proto. Although the larger appearance of the bumps on the proto could just be tricks of the camera.

Needless to say that I WILL be picking up two more Luke ANH sabers now. One for Pristine condition, and another for Ultrasabers conversion to Luxeon III Sunrider's destiny for a more accurate blade color. ;D

Thanks for the excellent review once again Master Anakin!

Offline Darthmischief

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #7 on: October 09, 2007, 02:07:52 PM »
  Anakin!

  I've always wondered why your saber does not really look the same as it did when Obi Wan passed it on to your son. Ya think Obi-wan tinkered with it during his long hermitage? No offense, but I think it looked better by the time Luke got it!  ;)

    Great review! Thanks for all the details and great pictures!  As someone whose budget does not currently allow for a Graflex- I'd want the same set up that Joclad has (Yoda Ultrasound Lux V cyan)- I'm tempted! But then I'm on the list for the Overlord with Ultrasound-and I am REALLY looking forward to that!

  I'm also wondering if an Ultra converted Luke ANH would improve things- ie do away with the cheesy plastic emitter ring. A Lux III cyan would not be so bad!

Offline robiwan

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #8 on: October 09, 2007, 02:16:37 PM »
Great review and great pictures. I'm glad you like yours. I'm also glad that tempers are starting to settle down now that the shock of it not being the perfect $120 Graflex lightsaber have subsided. I look forward to getting mine in the mail from our preorder........someday......
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Offline Bandit-Jedi

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #9 on: October 09, 2007, 04:22:49 PM »
Congratulations Master Anakin, for the completion your collection. It really is something to finally have a complete MR collectibles.
This is an amazing review as well.  :)

Thanks Threepio!  I had wished to have at least one more TPM and ROTJ sabers to really complete the display I was working on but I shall just double up on the Single Mauls for the TPM display and do the Same for the ROTJ display(one LED, one EL)


May The Force FX Be With You!


Offline Bandit-Jedi

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #10 on: October 09, 2007, 04:33:27 PM »
Yes, It is an amazing review, very through anf detailed. I've seen alot of mixed reviews with this saber and I think I'm still glad I decided not to get it. It really seems hit and miss with this one. Congrats for completing for collection as well. ;D
I make it a point with anything to not really take the judgement of others so seriously.  As with anything, it really comes down to your own experience with the subject matter as to how good or bad it is.  For example, I couldn't tell you how many times I have had close friends tell me that a movie was just garbage, but when I went and saw it I actually enjoyed it.  Opinions and perspectives will always differ, but in the end the only one that matters is yours.


Wow, the glass eye and red button look horrible compared to the real deal. That is a horrible effort by MR, I mean, come on man, the light shines through the red button  :o
Yes, they aren't up to par....but neither was the fat neck Luke and Obi-Wan for a lot of people.   MR did the best they could to make sure that this saber saw the light of day and I know some shortcuts, like reusing the tooling for the Anakin, had to be taken.  The little dissapointments with the saber are sliced away when I'm holding it and making motions like I'm deflecting attacks from the Jedi Training remote!  ;D

I'm still not going to pick this up. Even though the clash sensor on the Ultrasound board needs to be more sensitive, this saber is still far superior to a stock FX and I know that I wouldn't be as happy owning this as I am with my Yoda built ESB.

If anything, it seems that the Anakin ROTS is better than the ANH, and that really, really blows. :-\

-Joclad
I know for a fact that if you have that Yoda saber, then buying the ANH Luke would be a step down.  Heck, buying any other saber would be a step down.  MR or not...the Yoda Graflex saber is the "King of the Hill"

May The Force FX Be With You!


Offline Yoda

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #11 on: October 09, 2007, 04:38:18 PM »
Congratulations Master Anakin, for the completion your collection. It really is something to finally have a complete MR collectibles.
This is an amazing review as well.  :)

Thanks Threepio!  I had wished to have at least one more TPM and ROTJ sabers to really complete the display I was working on but I shall just double up on the Single Mauls for the TPM display and do the Same for the ROTJ display(one LED, one EL)




I guess you'll just have to bend your non licensed rule a bit :D ;) ;)


Offline Bandit-Jedi

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #12 on: October 09, 2007, 04:46:01 PM »
Great review, Anakin! Yours have always been excellent, and are the standard I tried to live up to in my own review.

Your observations about the light showing through in places interested me, so I checked my own saber in full darkness. Here were my findings:

1) The light transference through the emitter ring is there, but seems to be less than in your picture. It took me some intense study, but finally I was able to detect a very slight transference through the ring...I think. It was hard to tell if it was transference or just reflection of the ambient glow, but I think it was transference.

2) No light whatsoever shines through the areas of either the red button or the glass eye on my hilt. There is only a tiny pinpoint of blue light that can be seen in the corner of both of the charging ports, above the pins.

So we see another way in which there's some inconsistency of manufacture among these sabers. Still, I'm glad that you're enjoying yours as much as I am. It really is a very well designed saber; it just suffered from some manufacturing issues. I'm still far happier with the minor cosmetic differences between this and a Graflex than I am with the Jabba versions of sabers we've gotten in the past.


Very interesting point you have made.

I wonder if that at some point the material for that ring was changed?  I will have to check my recharge ports for any light.  Although in mine it is really not that noticeable and you really have to look for it to find it.  not a big deal to me.
I am very much enjoying my ANH Luke and will continue to do so.   I will most likely buy one or two more before the end of the year. ahhah

May The Force FX Be With You!


Offline Bandit-Jedi

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #13 on: October 09, 2007, 04:48:45 PM »


I guess you'll just have to bend your non licensed rule a bit :D ;) ;)

Well, there was no doubt that one day I would have one of your legendary Graflex's.  But I knew if I got one while MR was still making FX's, that I would not be able to get another due to the forthcoming disappointment that they would bring no matter how well done they are! ahha

Now, I just have to wait until after all my other MR pre orders are done and then I can set my sights on a Yoda Graflex!  8)

May The Force FX Be With You!


Offline Bandit-Jedi

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Re: Luke Skywalker ANH Force FX (2007) Review and Pics
« Reply #14 on: October 09, 2007, 04:57:18 PM »
:D "Jabba Versions" ;)

This was an excellent review Anakin!

I've had mine almost a week now, and the more I play with it, the more I like it!  At first I was very biased against this particular FX, and pretty much ripped it apart (not literally) with a scolding mini-review. But after comparing it to some of the FX's, it really isn't that bad.

Given, there definitely seems to be some major inconsistencies in the manufacturing process. Leaving a little to be desired in MR's quality conttol in their overseas factories. It also seems that there is a bit of difference in the first batch that hit back in June/July as compared to the "Version 2" That we seem to have gotten on the current shipment.

I have also noticed that there is a definitive change on the final release of the Luke ANH in comparison to the Working Prototype pics we saw a while back. Most notably in the area of the "Bumps" under the red button and glass eye. They seem to be a little smaller in size than that of the proto. Although the larger appearance of the bumps on the proto could just be tricks of the camera.

Needless to say that I WILL be picking up two more Luke ANH sabers now. One for Pristine condition, and another for Ultrasabers conversion to Luxeon III Sunrider's destiny for a more accurate blade color. ;D

Thanks for the excellent review once again Master Anakin!

I'm the same way with mine.  I like it a little more each day.  I tried to go into this saber unbiased by anything that was said.  To be honest I was very worried that I wouldn't be happy with the saber and the MR had finally failed me.  But they did pass this one and I'm happy they did so.
I'll have to check some of those prototype pics out and do a bit of comparing.  You made me a bit more curious about it now.
Enjoy your ANH Luke's!

May The Force FX Be With You!


 

retrousse