he planet is Tatooine. Luke Skywalker chases a runaway robot into the Jundland Wastes. He is set upon by a Tusken Raider and is rescued from certain death by an old hermit that his uncle warned him about—Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan takes Luke back to his house for a safe recovery, where he reveals not only that he knew Luke's estranged father, but that he has a present for Luke—his father's lightsaber—the traditional weapon of the now-defunct Jedi Knights, who once policed the galaxy. In this scene, for the first time, audiences saw a strange new weapon that had never before been conceived of, and it instantly made every person watching the first of the Star Wars films want to become a Jedi Knight, wielder of this glorious weapon. Emerging from a high-tech handle/power source was an intense shaft of laser light that ended three feet up and could cut through stone without the slightest resistance. The weapon instantly
came part of modern popular culture.
Master Replicas has created a likeness of one of Luke Skywalker's father's earlier lightsabers, as seen in the prequel film Star Wars: Episode II—Attack of the Clones. This replica features a 34-inch blade section that resembles a fluorescent light tube, connected to a chromed metal handle that is a good likeness of the movie prop. The Force FX lightsaber features a polished metal hilt and an intense electroluminescent blade, and it plays sound effects from the film.
The handle of Anakin's lightsaber is made from hand-machined and die-cast components, and is not an exact replica, but a faithful one nonetheless. The designers made certain changes to accommodate the electronics required to make it work, but differences are minimal, and the effect quite nice, featuring a sliding power switch and details that closely match the original.
The following description of the blade is found on Master Replica's Web site: "The Anakin Force FX lightsaber features an extremely durable polycarbonate blade which houses an EL (or electro-luminescent core). The EL core contains a sheet with special inks that contain phosphors that glow brightly when a voltage and frequency is applied to them. The sheet is bonded to a plastic backing which protects the ink and wiring inside, making it very durable."
The hilt contains two motion sensors, which control the sound effects. As the blade is swung in various directions, the constant droning hum changes to a surge of power—a sound quite familiar to fans of the Star Wars films. Then, if the blade encounters an obstacle, it plays a clashing static-charge-like impact sound.
The lightsaber takes six AA batteries, which should last four three or four hours in constant use, and, tempting as it may seem, the blade is not intended for removal, as it could expose the user to high-voltage charges from the batteries.
A blade earns a glowing recommendation
Lightsaber replicas intended as toys vary in quality, with the best probably being the Hasbro retractable electronic line. These also played sounds from the film, but used unattractive concentric retractable lengths of tubing in colored plastic, with a light in the handle to light the blade. These toys were designed for children to play with, and could take a beating. The realism suffered, though, to make up for functionality. The Master Replicas Force FX Lightsaber goes the other way, offering a better look, but slightly less play value, and is not intended as a toy for children.
Master Replicas warns that, while the blade is durable, it is not recommended for play dueling, and this item should be treated as a collectible. This warning should be taken to heart. The blade does indeed seem like it could take a beating, but it would be an expensive experiment. The outer coating does indeed seem to be made from a highly tensile plastic, but impacts against solid objects could scratch, dent or otherwise damage it.
The sound effects are quite realistic and enjoyable. Swishing the blade around results in satisfying sounds of electrical energy, which correspond well with movement.
The most amazing feature of this replica is the blade. Firing up the power results in instant brilliant blue light so intense that it almost hurts the eyes. The blade, by its nature, lights up evenly along its entire length. The light is not simply a bulb at the base, spread out by diffusing along the blade (which almost always produces a fading effect as the light nears the tip); the entire length of the EL layer lights up equally, and beautifully so. When it is turned off, the blade's light slowly fades out.
The major problem with this lightsaber is that the battery replacement is quite difficult. The instruction sheet takes two pages and six diagrams simply to demonstrate how to replace the batteries. The problem is twofold. To remove the battery section, first the power-level indicator (a nonworking feature of the hilt) has to be rotated to reveal two hidden screws. One screw has a Phillips head, while the other requires a special triangular screwdriver head not found in the
average toolbox. Do not confuse the two screws, which otherwise look identical. The correct screw also must not be removed completely, though it can be. The hardest part is yet to come. Realigning the battery compartment as it is screwed back on can be a chore, and must be done with attention to the hole the first screw goes back into. It is not a simple process.
Still, with six batteries providing hours of nonstop light and sound, this process is not one undertaken frequently.
The Force FX Anakin Lightsaber is a collectible replica and is not recommended for ages under 12.
