eFX Star Wars Luke Skywalker "Reveal" LightsaberAs seen in Episode VI: Return of the JediLimited Edition No. 0130 of 1000 After seeing several of the reviews posted here on the FX-Sabers forum for eFX's Luke ROTJ Reveal, I've been on the hook for one of these. After trying to lowball Redford Films on eBay for a week or so (and failing), as luck would have it they were having a 20% off moving sale for all in-stock items, including the Luke Reveal. I ordered my eFX Luke Reveal prop replica from Redford Films earlier this week and it arrived the next day, for $399 and free shipping. After unboxing this masterpiece, I can definitely say it was the deal of the century.
What's in the boxThe idea for this prop replica centers around the deleted scene from the beginning of ROTJ, where Luke is constructing his new lightsaber in a cave on Tatooine. You don't actually see the saber in "reveal" mode in the scene, but you can see the inside of the activation box and Luke tooling it. A very awesome scene that was first premiered at C5 in Orlando, FL.
eFX pays a grand homage to this legendary scene by including a whole ensemble of goodies with this piece. The hilt comes protected in a well-appointed and classy display box with slipcase. Also included is an adjustable metal display stand with acrylic supports that adjust for displaying the hilt in either "Reveal" mode or the standard hero prop mode. Other accessories include a special envelope which includes the metallic display plaque, instructions, warranty and registration info, and a nifty storyboard card which serves as the official tribute to the deleted scene from ROTJ. Inside the storyboard card are stills from the deleted scene, as well as some background information on it. The certificate of authenticity is also included as part of the card. A very sharp-looking large acrylic and hardwood display base is included which could accommodate an acrylic case (I plan on having one made). Lastly, a small print of "Knight of Passage" by Jerry Vanderstelt is also included as a bonus. It can be framed and displayed next to the saber.
The LightsabereFX did an outstanding job on this hilt, based off of Luke's ROTJ V1 Hero. They pulled off the first mass-produced electronic static prop replica lightsaber ever, and did a damned fine job at that. The attention to detail is impressive, as is the seamless design of the "reveal" function. The only misgiving I have is that the hilt segments are a little loose, but as this is meant as a display piece, that can be overlooked. At the base of the heatsink there are two set screws on opposing sides that can be tightened. This will resolve the majority of the "loose" segments. Tightening these down will prevent the heatsink from being moved at all, a cool plus is you wanted to use this as a belt hanger. For conversion potential however, that could pose some issues. I do note in my video review that a sound card and speaker could be added to the hilt just below the activation box. Not sure about a battery however.... So who will be the first to successfully convert one of these? Or at least attempt it? ;D
In my video review, I demonstrate the Reveal effect and compare the hilt with my FX-Sabers Vintage Graflex-V by Yoda. The two sabers look amazing side-by-side...and for me this is about as good as it gets before I can land an MKVI with crystal chassis. The crystal chamber in the Luke Reveal doesn't disappoint. It's nowhere near as detailed as the FX-Sabers chamber, but it's a simple design that works, and is very bright. The pulsating effect adds to the aura of the Luke ROTJ and completes eFX's homage to the deleted scene perfectly.
The inner workings of the saber within the heatsink and emitter are very well-detailed. Everything opens up and closes back up seamlessly and with ease. The activation box contains the PCB, power buttons, and red/green arrow LEDs. The button inside the box turns on the arrow LEDs, while the slide switch on the outside activates the crystal LED.
eFX Reveal compared with MR Elite and LE static propsWhen compared to the old Master Replicas static props, the eFX "Reveal" is a strong competitor. The main differences aside from the obvious are:
1) The weight: The eFX Reveal is relatively light compared to the solid MR. Not owning an MR ROTJ static, I can't provide an actual weight comparison, but I do own other MR statics and those things are pretty heavy. Even the Sidious, my favorite static, is heavier than the eFX Luke Reveal.
2) The "feel" of the prop: Regarding the "feel" while handling the prop, I previously mentioned the segments are somewhat loose, so this means it handles a little differently from a truly solid static prop like an MR or eFX. However, the Reveal is more useful as a costume accessory than an MR ever could be due to the weight differences. The eFX can also be "locked" by tightening the set screws at the base of the heatsink, as mentioned before.
3) The "esthetics" of the prop: Appearance wise, the eFX Reveal appears to blend the esthetics of the MR Luke ROTJ LE and Elite. The neck and activation box on the MR LE was more flat, while the Elite was very shiny. The two had differing tones of copper however. The Elite was more of a gold while the LE tended to more of an orange color. The eFX brings these two together for a shiny more screen accurate appearance.
Master Replicas Luke ROTJ LE
Master Replicas Luke ROTJ Elite
eFX Luke ROTJ Reveal
Overall I gave this saber an A+ rating. This is the premier prop replica lightsaber so far. Let's hope eFX continues in this direction!
Video Review: Comparison with FX-Sabers Vintage Graflex V by Yoda
Video Review: