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Reviews |
Thermal Detonator - Return of the Jedi
Limited Edition (Weathered)
Released : 2003
Edition Size : 1,000
Display Case : Included
Retail Price : $199.00
"Because he's holding a Thermal Detonator!"
These words struck fear into the hearts of the members of Jabba's court, except of course for the unflappable Jabba himself. The Bounty Hunter Boushh, holding the captive Chewbacca reveals this formidable weapon as a deadly bargaining chip, and it works. The Thermal Detonator is only seen for a very short time on screen, but it was deemed worth by Master Replicas to be the subject of a Limited Edition prop replica.
The Thermal Detonator replica is available in 3 editions
- Limited Edition (weathered)
- Limited Edition (as first built by)
- Signature Edition (signed by Carrie Fisher)
The Weathered and Signature edition props are identical, both carrying a very nice weathered appearance. The AFBB prop is a pristine example, designed to show what the Thermal Detonator might look like brand new.
The Thermal Detonator comes in MR's trademark packaging for this era, encased in a black foam lined presentation box. Included with the prop are : the TD replica, presentation box, mirrored display stand, acrylic dust cover, certificate of authenticity, limited edition numbered plaque, black plastic plaque stand and batteries. Yes, batteries - more on that later.
The original movie prop for the Thermal Detonator was made of plastic and painted to look old and weathered. The Master Replicas edition however is made of die-cast metal and this gives the TD a nice weight and feel. The replica is approximately 2.5 inches in diameter. The TD is essentially 2 halves which twist open to reveal plastic innards that hold LED lights at the front and top of the prop and the sound chip. This is also how you insert the batteries. The 2 TD halves lock together tightly and feel solid in the hand.
To activate the Thermal Detonator, simply mimic Boushh in Return of the Jedi and slide the top activation switch towards you with your thumb. The TD springs to life, with white LEDs flashing at the front, a red LED on top and digital sound effects directly from the movie. It's a great effect and really adds to what would be a rather simple prop replica otherwise. Below is a Quicktime™ movie of the Master Replicas Thermal Detonator in action.
Master Replicas did a great job with the weathering on the Thermal Detonator, although it's hard to compete with the absolutely stunning job they did for the Obi-Wan Kenobi - A New Hope Lightsaber. Still, it fits the prop well and is faithful to the original movie prop.
Master Replicas rarely strays from it's primary market, and that means Lightsabers. However when they do it's usually something special, and this Weathered Thermal Detonator Limited Edition is no exception. It makes a nice change of pace from the usual Lightsaber and Blaster replicas, and will be a welcome addition to any MR collection.
Review by Grahame Wright - The Rebelscum Registry
All images ©2006 Rebelscum.com
Unauthorized copying is prohibited.
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