FX-Sabers.com
Licensed Products: eFX Collectibles, Master Replicas, Hasbro and more => MR Force FX Reviews => Anakin AOTC Reviews => Topic started by: Bandit-Jedi on November 28, 2005, 02:45:20 PM
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MY STORY
The Anakin Skywalker AOTC lightsaber was made into the very first Force FX lightsaber from Master Replicas. Released for Order back in early 2002. Original Price for the Anakin was $129 with $19.95 shipping per item. I placed my order for two of the Anakin FX sabers. One for me and one for a friend. I couldn't get just one and have no one to duel with if I wanted to! So, the order was processed and shipped and I received the Lightsabers late in 2002. In September or October I believe. Being that these were the very first Generation of the first Series both of them had problems right out of the box. The one I got my friend did not even light up and the sound quit working after 5 minutes. Mine lit up, and the sound came on and lasted for about 30 minutes then went out. The construction was very flimsy and shaky. Needless to say, I was disappointed and angry. Next came a call to MR customer service dept. They were Great, very helpful. They emailed me the FedEx Pre-paid shipping labels for the return of the sabers. All I had to do was box it up in the box it came in, slap on the label and call FedEx for a pickup.
I finally received my replacement FX sabers in November. I took both out and I could tell they were different from the previous malfunctioning models. I've dubbed the faulty models SubGEN1 and the model I received SubGEN2. The first thing I notice about the saber is the construction was improved. It was a bit tighter and didn't make a rattle sound as much. Next thing I noticed is they placed a rubber seal in between the grip and the main body where it screws into. (See Pic)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg24.imageshack.us%2Fimg24%2F8373%2Fim001334hm5.jpg&hash=c9b13c88158f8b4ba35a74d1811e597bb759f3e5) (http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8373/im001334hm5.jpg)
The original Anakin had no rubber seal like such. (See Pic)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg407.imageshack.us%2Fimg407%2F5531%2Fim001335gh6.jpg&hash=77dd9986d1c655153186e2a8fb22098a2655f567) (http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/5531/im001335gh6.jpg)
The battery installation on both stayed the same. Not a very easy to get to design. First you had to twist the fake control box open to access a Philips head screw. (See Pics)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg214.imageshack.us%2Fimg214%2F5402%2Fim001337sv5.jpg&hash=ff49bac3120833fab5b16a31cc442685ce4ab10e) (http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/5402/im001337sv5.jpg)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg444.imageshack.us%2Fimg444%2F2821%2Fim001336gx5.jpg&hash=03775d2ebdd37f976dfa761abe467477e67e55a7) (http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/2821/im001336gx5.jpg)
Once the Screw was loose you then had to unscrew the grip handle from the body of the saber to access the battery holder/Speaker/motion sensor.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg9.imageshack.us%2Fimg9%2F8167%2Fim001332lb0.jpg&hash=d1ecf0d2aaae59a04901c81c1e9ffead2f3f93b5) (http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8167/im001332lb0.jpg)
Now you just install the 6 AA batteries and reverse the deconstruction process. I always thought that this was one of the worst battery compartment designs on an electronic item ever. I guess its tough to design something that has never been done before and I am very pleased with the current Series of FX sabers and their ease of accessing the battery holder.
THE SABER OUT OF THE BOX
Now, to the actual operation of the Saber. At the time I had no other saber to compare it to, so it was the BEST that I had ever seen. I still regard it as a quality saber except for the battery holder design. One thing noted for this saber is the sound and light electronics have a "warm-up" time frame. Explanation: Once you flip the switch you hear the "Activation" sound and the saber immediately lights. But if you turn it off quickly the blade instantly goes out and the sound "Thrumm" sound keeps playing for 3-4 seconds then goes into the "Deactivation" sound. So to get the Light and Sound FX to work with each other all you have to do is not turn off the saber right after you turn it on. You leave it on for 10 seconds and you are good to go. Then you are able to turn it off with the EL blade slowly fading as the "deactivate" sound is played.
The activation/deactivation switch shown here. It is the Black plastic piece with the horizontal ribs going across it. To activate you push up towards the blade, to deactivate just push back down
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg178.imageshack.us%2Fimg178%2F8896%2Fim001349fk8.jpg&hash=c659f1d3072353d72ef9b31649e63f475e8d32fb) (http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8896/im001349fk8.jpg)
The Grips of the saber are really quite rubbery feeling. I did have a problem with one of the grips coming off, but that was soon remedied with some super glue. The speaker and "swing" motion sensor are included in the same assembly at the end of the battery holder. There was space between the battery holder and the outer shell of the grip to give the battery holder "movement space" for the motion sensor to activate. Only flaw in this is that it kinda makes the saber feel like it is falling apart or loose.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg9.imageshack.us%2Fimg9%2F728%2Fim001347bm8.jpg&hash=0cdef995af5b3e7d559d25c685d1c5f06ee96190) (http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/728/im001347bm8.jpg)
The Anakin Force FX saber was only marginally larger than the actual prop replica. I couldn't tell a difference between the two in pictures, at least. Here is a detail pic of the faux red and green LED's on the side of the FX saber.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg17.imageshack.us%2Fimg17%2F9536%2Fim001346bw5.jpg&hash=57a687eeefdc6448b0f946ef315e0dce65274363) (http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9536/im001346bw5.jpg)
The Master Replicas and Lucas film LTD. logos and 2002 copyright stamping
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg201.imageshack.us%2Fimg201%2F1694%2Fim001333hn3.jpg&hash=5a95d43096da49bab2666b511fc7970ffde48f8d) (http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/1694/im001333hn3.jpg)
THE SABER IGNITED
Here you can see the infamous EL blade line. This is the wrap around end-point of the EL sheet. Doesn't bother me too much and you don't even notice it until you look closely at the blade.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg22.imageshack.us%2Fimg22%2F9977%2Fim001352uy2.jpg&hash=cef019eb9ca8d317cd39b9e0440475cf705e1199) (http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/9977/im001352uy2.jpg)
The Anakin Force FX in Room Light
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg11.imageshack.us%2Fimg11%2F1214%2Fim001350wl1.jpg&hash=6d86b9d3c7ac33b15f23f45b48363d5bb8a5532b) (http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/1214/im001350wl1.jpg)
The Anakin Force FX in Low Room Light
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg11.imageshack.us%2Fimg11%2F5526%2Fim001351cw8.jpg&hash=a601ea847e7067b7f4f176c916fe3467b194bd64) (http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5526/im001351cw8.jpg)
The sound of the saber is not that loud compared to the newer Series sabers. It also tends to be a little staticky. The motion sensor tends to work very well if you don't mind the feel of the movement and sound of the battery holder clanking around a bit. The "battle clash" sounds are sounded much louder than the idle hum, but still not as loud and crisp as the newer series clash sounds. To activate you pretty much have to hit the blade in the area toward the lower half of the blade near the handle. To get the sounds to activate using the tip takes a lot of "force".
As for handling the saber, the awkward size of the "control box" is kind of limiting. The Control box and the various knobs on the top end tend to get in the way when you spin the handle in one hand. With your Thumb on the ignition switch and your fingers wrapped around it seems to feel almost like a strange rifle that you are holding and the control box is the finger grip/trigger. It takes some getting use to. The weight of the saber is decent. makes it feel more real with the heft of the 6 batteries.
And here are some pics of the Box detail
Left-hand side top and front of box
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg338.imageshack.us%2Fimg338%2F6210%2Fim001338kz5.jpg&hash=38a2dc11ae477f31d1cbb7bb537ed83631fb3b35) (http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/6210/im001338kz5.jpg)
Right-Hand side top and front of box
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg10.imageshack.us%2Fimg10%2F6506%2Fim001339to3.jpg&hash=4dc1b8ed9724726818e0ae1c177a40b4047c15a7) (http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/6506/im001339to3.jpg)
Right-Hand side top and front of box
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg10.imageshack.us%2Fimg10%2F6506%2Fim001339to3.jpg&hash=4dc1b8ed9724726818e0ae1c177a40b4047c15a7) (http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/6506/im001339to3.jpg)
Left-hand side back of box
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg87.imageshack.us%2Fimg87%2F1162%2Fim001340ny3.jpg&hash=17649dcf4b398425c37642901e38a0c109a22a21) (http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/1162/im001340ny3.jpg)
Center back of box
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg293.imageshack.us%2Fimg293%2F6002%2Fim001341pu0.jpg&hash=26d17597dcd299abbc87c434dadfc0e102d93450) (http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/6002/im001341pu0.jpg)
Right-Hand side back of box
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg14.imageshack.us%2Fimg14%2F7408%2Fim001342ks8.jpg&hash=2192c41d0beafd32d6fa4bbfae9a6864c766bf5a) (http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7408/im001342ks8.jpg)
Overall, I'm still quite pleased with this saber considering it is the First Force FX ever made. I am glad that I got in on these at the Beginning and I hope to continue adding on to my collection. For anyone who can get their hands on one of these in good working order for a decent price, I don't think you will be disappointed.
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Pretty awesome review Anakin, once again... ;)
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Nice review of the AOTC FX Saber. I have one on the way and hope to not have problems.....(Knock on wood).
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Another great review Anakin. You're a seasoned professional now.
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If you add more black to it you would the Vader ANH saber
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Yes it is basically the same Hilt as Vader's. I would hope they do a re-release of this hilt. It looks so wicked. I would buy it. I am not that impressed by the look of the Anakin ROTS. Luke ESB is a much better choice then Anakin ROTS. I loved your review Anakin. I wish I could get a Anakin AOTC (LED 2006) verison. Hahahahaha I wish that would come out.
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I just noticed something funny about those older MR boxes, NEVER use to strike others :D
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Does this Anakin Skywalker lightsaber have power up and down effects?
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No it doesnt have the power up and down sequence, which to make a point here. I am beginning to think that the power up and down thing is oeverrated, if you watch the original ANH, I mean the original release on video not dvd, Luke holds his father's lightsaber ignites it and the blade comes all at once, later in the film we see Obi power up sequence. In the ESB against Vader Luke's saber comes on all at once, but Vader's is the power sequence, I am pointing this out cause the LEDS do produce a great effect but you do get those dark spots aka in the middle of the blade or you see the LEDS going up the blade due to the color of the blade like red and green and the mixing of the colors to get that color. I do like the power up thing but I dont like blotches or dark spots. When I get my Luxeon saber back I will post pictures and my thoughts of the converison which by all account I am going to love.
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In The Return Of The Jedi, Luke's saber ignite is so fast that you hardly even notice the power up effect. Custom Luke ROTJ with EL blade might actually be closer one to the movie saber than Fx saber.
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that was some review.....i think im sweating from reading so much, lol
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does the light just turn on, like the other ones?
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does the light just turn on, like the other ones?
Check here for a video I made of it:
http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=619.0
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hey is the ani aotc possibly a different shade of blue then the rots?
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hey is the ani aotc possibly a different shade of blue then the rots?
Oh, it most definitely is!
You have to remember that the AOTC version is an Electroluminecent Blade. Where as its just a rolled up sheet of EL "paper" that ignites and light up. It is about 40% on a brightness scale compared with the ROTS Anakin, which is in turn a Darker color Blue than the AOTC EL Blue.
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Ya the ROTS one is way brighter.
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Awsome review I just got my Anakin AOTC and found your reveiw very useful. I was a little disapointed due to the fact I already have 3 LED lightsabers I guess this should be expected. So I would not recomend this for someones first lightsaber only to someone who is looking to complete a collection.
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hey i like the avatar malice......
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Thanks yours isn't to shabby either.
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Awsome review I just got my Anakin AOTC and found your reveiw very useful. I was a little disapointed due to the fact I already have 3 LED lightsabers I guess this should be expected. So I would not recomend this for someones first lightsaber only to someone who is looking to complete a collection.
I'm glad it helped.
So comparing the AOTC Anakin to the newer ones...isn't it like the Anakin is so much bigger? Like a broad sword against a rapier!
btw, did you get the version with the auto-shutdown?
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You know, I've always been interested in this lightsaber..
But I just don't think it chalks up to the newer ones. Might be worth getting if Master Replicas pulls a 'Luke ROTJ', though.
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Awsome review I just got my Anakin AOTC and found your reveiw very useful. I was a little disapointed due to the fact I already have 3 LED lightsabers I guess this should be expected. So I would not recomend this for someones first lightsaber only to someone who is looking to complete a collection.
I'm glad it helped.
So comparing the AOTC Anakin to the newer ones...isn't it like the Anakin is so much bigger? Like a broad sword against a rapier!
btw, did you get the version with the auto-shutdown?
Yea I agree , and yes it has the auto shutdown
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question...auto-shutdown, what is that? Is that when you leave the saber on for too long so it shuts off on its own?
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Exactly
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Which Anakin we talking about here? My AOTC doesn't have auto-shut down, but the ROTS does. Am I lost here?
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how long until the saber shuts down?
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The later version of the Anakin AOTC has the auto shut down feature. The early ones did not.
If you have one and leave it on and it doesn't shut itself off in a few minutes (About 2 minutes) then you have the earlier variant.
-Kyp
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how long until the saber shuts down?
My anakin ROTS takes 3 minutes to shut down
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The later version of the Anakin AOTC has the auto shut down feature. The early ones did not.
If you have one and leave it on and it doesn't shut itself off in a few minutes (About 2 minutes) then you have the earlier variant.
-Kyp
I guess mine is the earlier deviant! :P
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cool :D
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Yeah I finally got my Anakin AOTC FX lightsaber. I really do love it alot, it really does feel like the orginial fx lightsaber I can tell you that much. I would definitly not use it for dueling because of the battery pack but over all it's great for collecting. I do like the EL blade but the only problem is it's not bright enough and sounds kinda like a Harsbo lightsaber. But I don't care, It's a 2002 first gen lightsaber and that's all that counts for me. Now my next goal is to find the Darth Vader ANH, I see those a bit more often than I do with Anakin's aotc fx. Thanks again Anakin for this review I'm very happy with my Anakin AOTC and your right it's the biggest fx I've ever seen.
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Yeah I finally got my Anakin AOTC FX lightsaber. I really do love it alot, it really does feel like the orginial fx lightsaber I can tell you that much. I would definitly not use it for dueling because of the battery pack but over all it's great for collecting. I do like the EL blade but the only problem is it's not bright enough and sounds kinda like a Harsbo lightsaber. But I don't care, It's a 2002 first gen lightsaber and that's all that counts for me. Now my next goal is to find the Darth Vader ANH, I see those a bit more often than I do with Anakin's aotc fx. Thanks again Anakin for this review I'm very happy with my Anakin AOTC and your right it's the biggest fx I've ever seen.
Hehehe......Try finding a 2003 Luke ROTJ EL. It's like winning the lottery.
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Hehehe......Try finding a 2003 Luke ROTJ EL. It's like winning the lottery.
well, I guess I won the lottery a couple months ago..ahaha. After I broke my original EL Luke I found a replacement on ebay within 2 weeks. You just gotta know how to look
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Hehehe......Try finding a 2003 Luke ROTJ EL. It's like winning the lottery.
well, I guess I won the lottery a couple months ago..ahaha. After I broke my original EL Luke I found a replacement on ebay within 2 weeks. You just gotta know how to look
You're kidding me! :o Where'd you get lucky for that one?
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Great review. I have to tell you that this post is one of the reasons I bought mine.
And I love it. I'ts definitely one of my favorites to hold, just feels really good.
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I definitely think someone is trying to drive up their post count... hey Tom you all ready posted in this thread...
Very nice review with all the pics and all that was madnes
:P
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Ya, you gotta watch that little green guy! He hops all over the place! :P
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I definitely think someone is trying to drive up their post count... hey Tom you all ready posted in this thread...
Very nice review with all the pics and all that was madnes
:P
Post deleted.
Oops...no he didn't already post in this thread. Sorry about that Tom :-\
-Joclad
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hey is the ani aotc possibly a different shade of blue then the rots?
Oh, it most definitely is!
You have to remember that the AOTC version is an Electroluminecent Blade. Where as its just a rolled up sheet of EL "paper" that ignites and light up. It is about 40% on a brightness scale compared with the ROTS Anakin, which is in turn a Darker color Blue than the AOTC EL Blue.
Which one of the two do you like better?
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Which do I like better?
Well, with an AOTC and ROTS its like comparing apples and oranges. They are both fruit but totally different in appearance and flavor kinda thing. When that AOTC came out in 2002 I loved it, thought it was the coolest thing ever! Now its pretty much just another piece of the collection. I love how bright the ROTS Anakin is though and Blue is my favorite color on a lightsaber no doubt.
On another note: I will be working on getting the photos for this review back up.
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Holy thread revival!
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Holy thread revival!
For sure, but I've been gettin some PM's about this FFX so I unlocked it for further discussion.
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I'm actually thinking about having my Anakin AOTC gold plated. Mine has some small imperfections on the chrome..
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i just got my ani AOTC and it lights up pretty well. sad part is the soundboard only worked for about 3 min and then just flat out quit working.
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I have this lightsaber myself, but the bubble strip that you turn so that you can access the battery pack is missing. Does anyone know where I can find one, or has one for sale I would appreciate it.