Post by Bandit-Jedi on Feb 27, 2007 18:31:46 GMT -5
THE STORY
With the news in the Master Replicas Blog of the Obi-Wan Force FX being sold at the San Diego Comic Con to the public for the first time, I was excited. But the realization set in that I would not get my hands on it, unlike the lucky con-goers in California....or would I? Days after finding out about the Obi-Wan FX for sale at SDCC, I get a message from Mike at FX-Sabers.com. He informs me that Master Replicas has invited us to join them at Comic Con as guests! The excitement that I had before returned and I made all the arrangements to head out to the West Coast for Comic Con. Now with the knowledge that I would be one of the first to handle the Obi-Wan FX. As we get to the Con on Preview night we make it to the Master Replicas booth and get in the long line to purchase the Obi-Wan. $120 dollars later and we are heading out to store the FX's in the Mini Cooper for safe keeping. Knowing that I wouldn't be able to open or touch my Obi-Wan FX was not really a problem since all we did at MR booth was showcase the new FX saber for MR. Getting to swing it around and have some mock battles at times. I was able to get my Obi-Wan Fix and it has lasted me...until the day I got mine in the mail.
THE SABER OUT OF THE BOX
The packaging for the Obi-Wan has been improved. The interior styrofoam pieces are more custom fitted to hold the saber in place. Most noticeable are the removable "crossbar" sections that fit on top of the saber. Instead of them being flimsy pieces, they are now thicker and molded to fit down and around the hilt of the saber.
The design of the saber closely resembles that of which we saw on screen. The enlarged neck area is there to accomodate the blade and electronics. The finish is exquisite. The contrast between the Chrome sections and the Glossy Black grip sections are like the contrast between the Dark and the Light. All bringing balance to the design.
The Battery Holder is the same as the 4th Generation* sabers like the Anakin ROTS and Vader TESB. Three AA batteries give power to this beautiful weapon.
The Endcap for the Obi Wan is rather large compared to some of the others. It is meant to be in design as the battery holder doesn't sit entirely in the saber. Making one think that you don't have it all the way in, eventhough it is. The Master Replicas and Lucasfilm LTD copyrights are stamped on the pommel. Curiously, the "Made In China" that was on the Darth Maul saber is not there.
The finish on the metal pieces of the Emitter area are quite classy. With the Polished Aluminum look of the Emitter itself, in contrast against the painted Metallic Copper neck to the Dark Gold plated metal section.
The "grenade" handgrip section was a welcome surprise as I came to find out it was All Metal. Many were worried that it had a plastic look to it in most of the prototype photos. Made of Cast Metal and painted a Gloss Black. The rounded edges of the grip give way to a very comfortable feeling.
The On/Off switch on the Obi-Wan is the Gold plated Circuit board in the center of the Control box. It is a slider switch mechanism that is easily used. Push the circuit board toward the blade to ignite and push back towards the pommel to deactivate. The setup is much like the Vader TESB.
The FX version incorporates all the small details of the original prop. Down to the small detailed greeblies on the side of the clamp. Making you wonder what that knob controlled and why is there a Copper button right there?
Another wonderful visual detail are the dimples that are recessed into the Emitter. When the saber is lit, the dimples reflect the light in a strange way that causes them to look like there are more little lights inside the holes.
*Bryan, Head of Product Development for Master Replicas reinforced the information that there are indeed, 5 Generations of sabers. Even though the Obi-Wan was released after the Darth Maul, which is the 5th Generation. The Obi-Wan is still considered 4th Gen due to the battery holder staying the same.
THE SABER IGNITED
In Normal Room Light
In Low Room Light
In Complete Darkness
WORKING REVIEW
The first thing you notice when you pick up the Obi-Wan Force FX is the weight of it. It is quite heavy and there is no doubt that it has all metal construction. It feel durable enough to take a good many hits and still shine like no other. Holding it like one should, you find that the Obi-Wan is a very comfortable saber. The rounded edges of the "grenade" grip area allow for comfort where even the ROTJ Luke FX had its issues with harsh angles on the grip section. The Control Box is down far enough that it is out of the way when handling.
The On/Off switch which is the Gold plated circuit board on top of the Control Box is easily used. There is some issue of turning the saber off accidentily when swinging the saber around. Even doing a simple spin, if hand placement is off, then so is the saber.
The Blade is the same thickness and strength as the other 4th Gen sabers. The Cobalt Blue is near to the same as the Anakin, with only slight difference due to a different diffuser being used. The diffiser allows for a smoother look in the LED's, which is a definite plus. The light emitted by the blade is quite bright. Just as bright as the Anakin, if not more so.
The Sound FX in the saber are the same as the Anakin ROTS sounds. With a minor difference most likely due to the speaker. The Ignition sound is very loud and flows well with the thrumming of the saber idle loop. There are 3 motion controlled sounds. 2 buzzes(one short, one long) 1 arc movement (one movement with direction change). The Clash Sound FX are easily activated as the sensor is well-calibrated to pick up any shocks. there are 4 clash sounds: one hiss, one "blaster-bolt", one sizzle, one pop-sizzle. The deactivation sound is as loud as ignition and it is perfectly timed with the FX blade.
THE BOX
For those that want a detail look at the box
Left-Hand Side Front and Top
Right-Hand Side Front and Top
Left-Hand Side Back and Bottom
Right-Hand Side Back and Bottom
Shipping Container - Full
Display Box - Full
Character Story on box
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Obi-Wan Force FX is a great addition to my collection. With its classy Prequel styling and its unique visual lighting effects that the emitter gives off, it is indeed a special piece. I have had a place to display the Obi-Wan since about the time it was announced. Now with the purchase of the ROTS Obi-Wan I am able to finish my "Battle of the Heroes" FX display around my Episode III poster. I am now at peace.
Bonus Pics
Darth Skywalker's Apprentice}}Force Power{74} 
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