Disney and Lucasfilm Unveil STAR WARS Replica Prop Shop
Here's something guaranteed to shake up the replica industry! We just got a press release that says Disney and Lucasfilm have partnered with Pinewood Studios UK, who made the props for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, to open a movie-accurate prop shop.
In this shop, you can purchase many replicas from TFA including Chewbacca's Bowcaster, Rey's staff, and even the melted helmet of Darth Vader!
But this stuff isn't cheap. The Vader helmet pictured above (which is a limited edition of 500) rings in at $3,500 American! That's a steep price, but considering it's coming straight from the studio that created it, you can guarantee the quality will be that of the film.
Other items, like Rey and Kylo Ren's lightsaber hilts, seem affordable (both $1,250 each) when you look at other lightsaber dealers in the market, so if anything, this could lead to some more competitive pricing overall!
One downside I'm seeing is they are VERY big on letting you know this is not meant for cosplay or as a toy. This leads me to wonder if the durability of these things aren't that good, or if they're more worried about idiots breaking their stuff at a con and demanding their thousands back. I don't know if I would bring one of these out in public if I got one!
All in all, good deal or no? Experts of the web, speak out! Read the full press release below:
[San Francisco – June 1, 2016] – Disney and Lucasfilm today launched Star Wars Collectibles: Ultimate Studio Edition bringing an unprecedented level of authenticity to prop replica products for fans. Made to order by propmakers at Propshop in Pinewood Studios using digital data collected during filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the production process marries cutting edge 3D printing technology with master craftsmanship to produce replicas virtually identical to those seen on screen. Available initially in the U.S., starwarsultimatestudioedition.com is the exclusive location to purchase these products.
“We’re delighted to be able to produce such a groundbreaking line of merchandise,” said James Enright, Assets Director and CEO of Propshop. “Designed, made and finished by the hands of specialist motion picture prop makers and artists, we’ve worked extremely hard to create something that we know would make fans and filmmakers proud.”
The initial offering from the Star Wars Collectibles line features eight prop replicas from Star Wars: The Force Awakens including Darth Vader’s melted helmet, Rey’s lightsaber hilt, FN-2187 Stormtrooper helmet and more. Each replica item is a limited production piece due to the high level of craftsmanship required to create them.
These made-to-order replicas will come with custom display pedestals, packed in branded wooden crates that are inspired by the real crates used to ship the film props. Each one is custom built to accommodate the shape of the replica inside.
“We are continually looking for new ways to extend the storytelling from movies in innovative ways,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing at Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “We’ve worked hand in hand with the film makers and talented team at Propshop to create a unique product experience for fans and we’re excited to see their reactions to these incredible prop replicas.”
Visit Disney’s YouTube channel to view the latest installment of their “Boxed” series to get a behind-the-scenes look at Darth Vader’s melted helmet being created; then tune in each month to see reveals of new items added to the Star Wars Collectibles: Ultimate Studio Edition line. For more information, visit starwarsultimatestudioedition.com.