|
|
Yodasnews Review: eFX Clonetrooper Helmet (Phase I Armor)
Review and Photography by: Mark Picirilli (Yoda027) and Jeffrey A. Gouse (SithLord0498)
Review Date: October 6, 2008
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Back in the good old days of science fiction cinema, filmmakers had to rely on the artistic capabilities of human beings. There were no CGI shortcuts nor were there sophisticated computers capable of facilitating the design and construction of props. The Stormtrooper helmets of the Original Trilogy are excellent examples of this old-fashioned artistry. While the look was high-tech, the asymmetry of the sculpting was a testimonial to the imperfections of living hands. eFX wisely transferred this to their replica of the Stormtrooper helmet. An added benefit was that it gave them more leeway with regards to any design flaws and imperfections.
The Phase I Clonetrooper helmet, however, is another beast entirely. Whereas the Stormtrooper armor represented the capabilities of human artists, the Clonetrooper armor showed the mathematical precision of computer software. Rendered entirely in CGI, the Clonetroopers of Episode II sported armor that was, for lack of a better word, perfect. That alone raised the bar for this replica and slashed the margin for error.
In order to replicate the CGI helmet in physical form, eFX Collectibles needed to bring their A-game to the table.
PACKAGING: Not Applicable for This Item
Although this is an ungraded category and not factored into the overall rating of the helmet, eFX did such a nice job with the packaging that it merits discussion. Also, time constraints forced this discussion to be postponed during the Stormtrooper helmet review, so it was already long overdue.
Starting with the brown shipping carton, eFX’s mark is prominent with the company logo printed on both the box and the “eFX Secure” tape which seals it shut. Think of it as the first “certificate of authenticity” for the item. Upon opening the carton, one finds a box design adhering to the Lucasfilm-mandated “30th Anniversary” template, which collectors are more than familiar with at this point. Cracking open the box reveals a very well padded styrofoam carton with more “eFX Secure” tape and the replica’s paperwork taped to the back. Cushions, bumpers, and padding within the styrofoam carton ensure that the helmet arrives in factory condition.
The paperwork contains eFX’s unique Certificate of Authenticity. Just like that found with the Stormtrooper, it is a type of folder which contains helmet diagrams and other information. Lastly, there are the obligatory eFX stickers, warnings, and detailed instructions for installing the batteries (more on the reason why later on).
SCULPTING: Excellent
Because every single clone in Attack of the Clones was a pure CGI creation, eFX had no physical model to study and replicate. Instead, they relied on the original animation files stored in the Lucasfilm Archives. Many would think that made the job easier, but not so. Computer renderings, regardless of how streamlined they may appear, are nothing more than millions of small flat polygonal shapes. More polygons = smoother illusion. Additionally, the digital helmet was a bit under-scaled because it was not required to fit over an actual human head. In the end, it was clear that the CGI model alone was not the perfect source for creating a physical replica. Even in this bold new digital age, realizing the Phase I Clonetrooper helmet required the talents of human artisans.
To that end, eFX did a near-perfect job in bringing the Phase I helmet to life. Proportions and angles appear to match a hundred percent as does the overall bucket shape of the helmet. The heat dispersion vents along the jaw bone and the T-visor recess nicely into the helmet, giving the physical three-dimensionality of the helmet an added bump that the CGI version lacked. The only perceivable flaw is that the upper border of the visor is not quite a perfectly straight line. Additionally, the helmet has too much white between the visor and black molding on the brow. However, that is something which can only be seen through careful and deliberate analysis.
Overall, eFX and the project’s engineer, Mark Costas, did a phenomenal job with the Phase I helmet, and it would be extremely difficult to find a company that could have done better.
PAINT APPLICATIONS: Excellent
Standard Clonetrooper infantry armor has very little in the way of color, so paint applications are typically a matter of black, white, and the shades of gray in between. However, that does not mean that there isn’t room for mistakes. If anything, the slightest flaws will stand out more in this kind of monochromatic palette. Thankfully, there are almost no flaws to be seen. The darker gray and black applications that encircle the helmet just above the brow are even with no runs or splotchy areas. On the back of the helmet, there are a few spots in the gray near the black strip where the paint is missing. However, they are pinhead-sized blemishes, and the paint applications as a whole do not suffer in the least from them. The two shades of dark gray used to color the mouth are also painted with the precision of an ILM computer.
As with the sculpting, it would be hard to produce results better than what eFX has produced.
DISPLAY STAND: Excellent
Readers of Yodasnews’ eFX Stormtrooper helmet review, feel free to skip this section as you are already familiar with its contents. The only new noteworthy aspect to the stand is that the issue some had with the support rod on the Stormtrooper base coming loose has been corrected. The Clonetrooper base remains sturdy even with frequent use.
For those collectors seeking a uniform look amongst their higher-end collectibles, they will be happy to know that eFX has provided the same base that was used for the Stormtrooper. Once again, the metallic base has a subtle, museum-quality feel to it with the Star Wars logo etched into it. The subtle details and mechanics of the display stand remain the same. The base itself is held down by three screws, the heads of which are once again adorned with the eFX logo. As for the product-specific plaque, eFX revisited the brushed metallic theme with the Episode II logo with the item name etched next to it. Like the Stormtrooper plaque, it comes separate from the base and slides into a name plate, allowing collectors a great amount of flexibility in where they place it.
The only negative is that the Master Replicas line came with completely incompatible stands. While looking at this helmet with others, one can only hope that eFX makes the stands themselves available for the purchase, so that collectors can replace the outdated MR stands in their collection.
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS & DURABILITY: Excellent
Constructed of fiberglass and weighing in at just under five pounds, the Phase I helmet has a decent amount of weight to it and is quite sturdy—everything a collector can want in a display piece (remember—even the instructions and warnings caution that this is not to be worn). The finish is well done and should hold up well to a ding here and there, but one should still treat it with great care as this is an expensive replica. This particular sample was devoid of any major flaws and had a smooth and clean exterior. The only way the slightest of flaws can be seen is if a macro lens captured the helmet at just the right angles. Rest assured: you will be very satisfied with the way your helmet arrives.
As for the interior, it is lined with soft padding and can be worn for a short period without any damage to the helmet, but it can get extremely difficult to hard to breathe in it since there is no type of breathing apparatus. Again, though, this helmet is not meant to be worn. This is a beautiful high end collectible that is meant to stay on display.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Excellent
Considering the special electronic feature is nothing more than an LED light, there is very little that can be said. It’s red, and it’s bright. However, the feature is just as impressive when inactive. The covering for the light is molded in red plastic, and the texture is reminiscent of a bicycle safety reflector. A stencil-like black plate is attached over the red, creating a detailed pattern that looks just as sophisticated whether the LED light is active or not.
With regards to the power source, eFX did a great job concealing this from view. In order to either install the two AAA batteries or turn on the beacon, it is necessary to go inside the helmet, and there are two pads you need to remove to do so. The first is the large round pad at the top, which is attached by a strip of Velcro on each side. Beneath is another pad (approximately 2" by 2") attached via Velcro. Once that is removed, you will see the battery box fit snugly inside the fin. Carefully pull this out and use a small Phillips head screwdriver to remove the plate. Insert two AAA batteries and screw the plate back on. Once they are in place, simple put the switch to the ON position. It may seem like a lot to do for a single light, but it preserves the helmet’s aesthetics, which is extremely important given the MSRP.
OVERALL RATING: Excellent
With this second entry into the fledgling Star Wars replica license, eFX Collectibles proves they are very capable of producing solid and consistent results. The compromises made in terms of full accuracy to the CGI model were both wise and imperceptible, and the aesthetics are second to none. Like the Stormtrooper helmet before it, the Phase I Clonetrooper helmet is solidly constructed and seems to be quite durable as well—provided collectors treat it with the care and respect that its price tag dictates. The inclusion of electronics push this beyond anything Master Replicas ever did in their full scale helmet line. That in conjunction with the forthcoming “Extreme Edition” Obi-Wan Kenobi lightsaber proves eFX is a company willing to take bold risks, and their track record thus far leaves collectors no choice but to have complete faith in their abilities.
