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Reviews |
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Comparison review between the Attack Of The Clones LE and The Phantom Menace EE Lightsabers
Obi-Wan Kenobi AOTC LE
Released : 2002
Edition Size : 2500
Display Case : Sold separately (old style case)
Retail Price : $299.99
Part No : SW-103
Obi-Wan Kenobi TPM EE
Released : 2005
Edition Size : 1250
Display Case : Included (Premium new style case)
Retail Price : $525.00
Part No : SW-143
Obi-Wan AOTC LE (back), Obi-Wan TPM EE (front)
In 2002 Master Replicas released their second Limited Edition Lightsaber:
the Obi-Wan Kenobi Lightsaber from Attack Of The Clones. Essentially this
was a chromed version of the same style of lightsaber that Ewan McGregor had
selected during the pre-production for The Phantom Menace. From the still
photographs, behind the scenes footage, and shots from the finished movie it
was obvious that the TPM version of this lightsaber had some definite
differences beyond the simple chroming, and was considerably more detailed.
However Master Replicas found it hard to get definitive reference material
for this prop, and it was therefore not until 2005 that they produced a TPM
Obi-Wan lightsaber. The reasons as to why the TPM Obi-Wan lightsaber was
produced as an Elite Edition rather than the more traditional Limited
Edition are not entirely clear, and can only really be speculated upon.
However the stated difference between an Elite Edition and a Limited Edition
is that the EE is made from higher quality materials.
Since these two lightsabers are so similar in overall design, but yet
different in many subtle ways, this article will take a closer look at the
differences and similarities between them with the aim of increasing the
appreciation of how these two Master Replicas offerings can be used as
companion pieces, or to help make a selection between them.
Obi-Wan AOTC LE (back), Obi-Wan TPM EE (front)
The first overall difference between the LE and EE is in the finish of the
silver metal portions of the saber. The LE is chromed, whereas the EE is
brushed stainless steel. The finish of the stainless steel on the EE
produces a very subtle sheen that is very hard to capture in pictures, but
very impressive in person, particularly when viewed in good lighting. The
chroming on the LE is of course very shiny, but there is no subtlety to it
at all, it is simply chromed.
Obi-Wan AOTC LE (left), Obi-Wan TPM EE (right)
The second most noticeable difference is that the EE appears to be much more
slender than the LE. However this is actually slightly deceptive, more on
this later. The two sabers also feel very different, and there is an overall
weight difference, this is detailed later. Lastly as an overall impression,
the EE is very slightly longer (approximately 5mm longer).
Emitter end
Obi-Wan AOTC LE
Obi-Wan TPM EE
Starting at the emitter end where there are a number of differences. The
AOTC LE has one of my least favourite emitters. It is simply a chromed end,
with a small indentation in the center which is accented with a gold color.
Given that the Luke ROTJ EE had a green crystal embedded in the emitter,
there was some speculation that the Obi EE emitter might have something
similar; however this was not to be. The Obi EE emitter is a vast
improvement though. This is a classic example of how very minor changes can
have a large impact on the overall impression given. The actual end of the
emitter on the EE has simply been given an engraved circle. However this
simple change when combined with better definition of the edge of the
emitter by the addition of an extra ridge, has led to a far more impressive
overall end to the saber.
Obi-Wan AOTC LE (left), Obi-Wan TPM EE (right)
Obi-Wan AOTC LE (back), Obi-Wan TPM EE (front)
Below the emitter are the three 'legs' surrounding a black metal grooved
section. One of the surprises was the difference in the depth of the grooves
in this section of the saber. They are much deeper on the EE than they are
on the LE (this can be seen in the above picture). They are also narrower
and sharper edged on the EE, as well as having a more matte finish. Overall,
once again, the EE is a vast improvement as a cumulative effect of many
subtle changes.
Obi-Wan AOTC LE (left), Obi-Wan TPM EE (right)
Obi-Wan AOTC LE
Obi-Wan TPM EE
The legs have a similar groove across them on both versions, however the
notch at the bottom is a little smaller on the EE giving it a more
understated look. At the base of the legs are three 'shaved' LEDs. On the LE
version these are chromed buttons rather than LEDs, but on the EE they have
small inserts made of crystal. However given that they have a white backing
(which is prop accurate) they do not stand out as much as might have been
expected. Crystal tends to imply a gleaming, shiny look, however these are
just a very slight improvement over the AOTC LE version, and were my only
slight disappointment on the EE saber.
Obi-Wan AOTC LE
Obi-Wan TPM EE
The rest of the top end of the saber has two major differences. Firstly the
valve has a purple hemishere in it on the TPM saber. To some this was a
disappointment as the shade of purple is very subtle, and in some light it
just looks white. Many fan-made versions were a brighter shade of purple,
and this is what we had come to expect. However the understated look of the
purple hemisphere is actually a positive point to me. I was rather afraid
that this was where the artistic license inherent in the EE line would take
over and that the purple hemisphere would stand out too much, but
fortunately this is not the case. In addition the detailing on the valve
itself, which is a beautiful gleaming gold color, is wonderful. The valve
sits flush with the saber, and the addition of knurling round the edge
finishes it off really well. The AOTC LE looks very dull in comparison, it
is a brass/gold color, with no edge to it, and it sits slightly away from
the saber on a short neck.
Obi-Wan AOTC LE
Obi-Wan TPM EE
The second difference on the top end of the saber is the red button (or
'blanking cap' from an aircraft). Once again this is flush with the saber on
the TPM EE version, but sits on a short neck on the LE. Also the knurling on
the edge is 'female' (i.e. the detailing is indented in, rather than
pointing out). This is a very subtle difference, but when combined with the
more subdued, but very slightly reflective deep red color on the EE, it
really stands out as being a vast improvement over the simple bright red
painted button on the LE.
Obi-Wan AOTC LE (left), Obi-Wan TPM EE (right)
From the top end of the saber the AOTC LE has the step, whereas the TPM EE
has a very narrow embedded O-ring as can be seen in the picture above. Both
of these are screen accurate. From here the actual neck is slightly longer
on the TPM EE version, and the EE has a single step leading up to the curved
'ring' as opposed to the AOTC LE which has an extra step, and a wider
'ring.'
Obi-Wan AOTC LE (left), Obi-Wan TPM EE (right)
Obi-Wan AOTC LE
Obi-Wan TPM EE
Next comes the grip section. The black slotted metal portion of the grip has
rounded edges on the LE, whereas the TPM EE has sharper edging. Also the
silver portion behind the grip area is, appropriately for an EE, nice and
shiny. On the AOTC LE this is a dull silver.
Obi-Wan AOTC LE
Obi-Wan TPM EE
The grip section is also one of the main parts of the saber that on the EE
gives it the impression of being sleeker than the AOTC LE. The black grip
section is much thinner on the EE, with the difference being made up by a
much thicker silver metal section. So the diameter of the outside portions
of the saber is roughly the same as the AOTC LE, but it has the appearance
of being thinner due to a combination of the thinner inner grip, and the
overall extra length. This can be seen in the pictures below which show the
bottom of the grip and the depth of the metal section.
Obi-Wan AOTC LE
Obi-Wan TPM EE
The reverse side of the grip is much narrower on the EE. This can be seen in
the picture below where the covertec clips are lined up, but much more of
the grip can be seen on the EE. The length (if it were to be flattened) of
the metal portion behind the grip on the LE is approximately 52mm, whereas
it is 30mm on the EE.
Obi-Wan AOTC LE (left), Obi-Wan TPM EE (right)
As well as the change in appearance that these differences to the grip area
cause, these changes also combine to make the sabers feel very different in
the hand. The AOTC LE has a more comfortable feel to it in my opinion which
was unexpected. Whilst discussing the feel of the sabers it is worth noting
that there is quite a large weight difference between the two which also
affects how they feel. The light weight of the EE was a bit of a surprise on
first holding it.
- AOTC LE 2lb 5 1/8oz
- TPM EE 1lb 15 3/4oz
Obi-Wan TPM EE (left), Obi-Wan AOTC LE (right)
Below the grip section is the last section of the shiny silver part of the
saber. This section is a fair bit longer on the EE (about 10mm longer),
which contributes to the additional length of the EE over the LE. Past this
is the black pommel, the shape of this varies between the LE and the EE,
with the LE having a more pointed end to the pommel, and slightly different
detailing in the section between the cubes and the rest of the saber.
Obi-Wan AOTC LE
Obi-Wan TPM EE
The pommel cubes on the AOTC LE are quite large and slightly squared off at
the corners. These are quite different on the EE which has much smaller
pommel cubes, which are shaped at more of a slant. Obviously the TPM version
has the holes in the pommel cubes as well. Once again the sum of these
changes is greater than the changes themselves and it makes quite a large
improvement to the saber overall in my opinion. I have always found the
pommel cubes on the AOTC LE to catch the eye a little bit too much, and
detract from the rest of the design. However this is less apparent with the
TPM version.
Obi-Wan AOTC LE
Obi-Wan TPM EE
Obi-Wan TPM EE (left), Obi-Wan AOTC LE (right)
Obi-Wan TPM EE (left), Obi-Wan AOTC LE (right)
Both of these sabers are a worthy addition to any collection, and should a
decision between them need to be made, it will be dependant on a huge number
of factors. However, ignoring price and availability influences, in my
opinion the EE is a superior offering. That said, those that like a shiny
chromed look to their sabers may prefer the AOTC. It is possible that down
the line there may be other variants of these sabers (a TPM LE for example),
but for now these two fine replicas are finally available from Master
Replicas.
Obi-Wan AOTC LE (left), Obi-Wan TPM EE (right)
MikeyX
14th Feb. 2006
All images ©2006 MikeyX.
Unauthorized copying is prohibited.
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