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Master Replicas Darth Vader Helmet
Revenge of the Sith Version |
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Though delayed a good 18 months, these helmets finally shipped in 2006 and
were well received by collectors. I received pics from Bryan
in Hawaii, John Casey and Vader Darth from the RPF who all received theirs
(as did I). Their pics are below kicking off with one from Vader Darth -
thanks guys. I've
added a new section showing a comparison
between the RotS and ANH Vader helmets using this and a Ghost Host ANH. |
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MR has cast these helmets from the original
moulds used to make Haydens helmet, so these
should be 1:1 with the originals. Its interesting when you compare the RotS
Vader helmet to the OT Vader helmets there are a number of differences.
Overall the size is approximately the same although the face (in relation to
the dome) appears much smaller, and is as we know symmetrical. |
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Side on it has a real mean look about it and
the quality of finish on the helmets looks to be excellent. Despite the
helmet being available in 3 versions (standard, signed and
double-signed) it is actually exactly the same helmet with only the
plaque and documentation changing. |
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Some of the first helmets shipped out had
problems with them, including scuff on the dome which unlike the face was
not put in a protective bag. However MR has said that all faults will be
rectified and all helmets going out will be padded better. Below a shot
showing the helmet on the stand (same as the Clone Helmets) with the
separate plaque. Note how the RotS neck flows down far more than the OT
Vader helmets |
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It looks like MR has done a great job on this
helmet. There had
been a rumour that MR will be producing a Return of the Jedi
Vader Helmet (originally a "Reveal") although they have now
said (Feb 2006) that this is "on hold" since they opted for the "Sith" helmet
instead. If they do go for a "Jedi" OT helmet it'll be interesting to see
how they approach the asymmetrical beauty of the original Vader. |
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Above and below, another couple of great shots
from Vader Darth which show how glossy this helmet is, and how MR has
replicated the detail under the dome, as well as provide a piece
which goes behind the back of the neck. |
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Below, a studio shot from Matthew of the
prototype RotS Vader helmet |
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As you can see MR have produced what is effectively a kind
or "reveal" type helmet as the connection between the face and
dome (and the detailing) is the same as used in the movie. |
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This view from behind shows the excellent internal work
which is apparently exactly the same as the Hayden Christiansen original
used in Revenge of the Sith. Retailing for $900-$1500 dependant on whether you want the
standard or Signature Edition versions these helmets are due to start
shipping again later sometime late 2006
Finally, another
trio of great photos, this time from Paul M. in Memphis. |
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Paul was one of the lucky ones to receive his
helmet early, although it did have a few teething problems, although most
were east to resolve. Paul explains....
Most of the helmets shipped prior to
February’06 had the issue of the top of the dome being rubbed by the box
since MR shipped the dome outside its fleece bag. On my helmet the dome
scuff was hardly noticeable and I was able to polish it out. The worst quality problem that
I’ve decided to live with is the neck brace. It mates up to the left side of
the helmet just fine but on the right side there is about a half inch gap
between it and the faceplate. No big deal though since the neck brace is to
me is the most insignificant piece of the helmet.
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Bottom line is that this really is an
excellent helmet despite the quality problems. The helmet may not be perfect
but it sure is a nice piece. For fun I’ve even taken a few shots of
it with the Rubie’s Vader Supreme chest armor.
Nice photo's Paul - thanks |
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Finally a
comparison shot showing the evolution of the Vader Helmet from
Revenge of the Sith to A New Hope. There's a section showing a
Comparison between the RotS and ANH Vader
helmets following this link. |
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