Jun 2, 2016 | By Alec

Star Wars: The Force Awakens has been a veritable treasure chest for the 3D printing community. Remember this gorgeous 3D printed replica of Rey’s Blaster? Or this 3D printed functional BB-8 droid? If, however, these DIY projects don't satisfy your Star Wars fandom needs, Disney has just released some fantastic news. Propshop, the company that built many of the iconic props used in the movie, will release a limited line of high quality 3D printed prop replicas.

What’s more, all of the fan favorites are included in this exclusive and limited set of collectables. Loved the melted Darth Vader helmet? 500 exclusive replicas will be 3D printed, and one can be yours for ‘just’ $3,500. In fact, James Enright, assets director and CEO of Propshop, said that these props will be 3D printed using the same digital file that was used for the helmet visible in the movie. Now you too can brood over Darth Vader’s remains and swear to finish what he started. It’s the centerpiece of the collection, and is also the most expensive of all the props. But as you can see for yourself, it is a truly marvelous creation of the highest quality.

If you rooted for other characters, there are plenty of alternatives in the 3D printed collection. Other helmets include: a FN-2187 Stormtrooper helmet with bloody handprint ($1,750), Kylo Ren’s helmet ($2,000) and Poe Dameron’s helmet ($1,500). The Stormtrooper helmet (as worn by Finn) is also limited in its availability. It is not known if any of them are wearable.

Propshop is also working on a wide range of weapons. Of course, the lightsabers wielded by Kylo Ren and Rey are included, and cost $1,250 each. Excitingly, Kylo Ren’s lightsaber is complete with the red quillons that caused so much controversy among fans. Rey’s staff, which she used as a scavenger on Jakku, is also available for $1,250. Chewbacca’s iconic Bowcaster can also be yours for just $2,500. Several 3D printed components will be included on the weapons.

Should you spend your lifesavings on these fantastic props, it’s good to know that all will be made by the same Propshop experts in England’s Pinewood Studios who worked on the movie itself. All 3D printed parts will be produced in the highest possible quality, the company says, and Disney promises that all will be virtually identical to those seen on screen. “We are delighted to be able to produce such a groundbreaking line of merchandise,” James Enright said. “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.”

To complete the experience, the pieces will be fitted on a custom pedestal for displaying purposes and will be packed in customized wooden crates reminiscent of the crates used by prop companies. Each prop will be made to order, with delivery expecting to take about 16 weeks. According to Joe Cooper, the digital art director at Propshop, this is the first time such a service is available. “It’s the first time I’ve seen where the consumer can access props by the props company that worked on the film itself. It’s a unique feature. Basically, what you end up with at the end of the day is what you see on set,” he said.

 It  seems like this effort fits in perfectly with Disney's strategy of reaching fans through every possible avenue. “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. “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.”

Considering that original Star Wars toys released 40 years ago are worth thousands today, there is little doubt that this exclusive line of collectibes will also soar in value. And if the quality of these 3D printed props is anything to go by, we see no reason why this shouldn’t happen again. If you want to get your hands on one of these exclusive props, you can order them here.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Technology

 

 

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3D wrote at 6/2/2016 7:15:28 PM:

Only 3500 dollars for a helmet? That's a steal.. for them :-) Of course there is lots of material and labor in these pieces but 3500 is a bit too much I think. Or I'm in the wrong business.



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