Post #8: Daniel Picard's Stunning Photography

These are the latest pictures Daniel Picard has shared with me :) As the saying goes "A picture tells a thousand words" so I'll just let the pictures do the talking. ENJOY

The pictures are much bigger than they seem (especially the landscape ones below - scroll down to see the rest) but due to limitations of blogger, they can only be viewed in a smaller size. Click on each picture for a bigger and better view. You can really appreciate the art more!

The picture above is just awesome! The Bat-pod doesn't run on nuclear power so Batman has to pump it with petrol when the tank runs dry right? Looks like he prefers Esso fuel haha I would've thought he'll choose BP for his Bat-Pod ;p

The last two pictures are Dan's new experiment of adding human actors into the mix. He just makes all the pictures look 1:1 scale to me

You can check out Daniel Picard's website www.danielpicard.com for more pictures :) He doesn't just shoot toys. Daniel Picard takes very nice pictures of people, places and things as well. Go to his facebook page and like it as well.

Daniel Picard's pictures featured in my earlier posts:
Sept 10, 2010 - Post #1: Meet Daniel Picard, Photographer Extraordinaire
Nov 12, 2010 - Post #2: More STUNNING Daniel Picard pictures!
Jan 12, 2011 - Post #3: Popbots, MOPP, WWII, Stormtrooper and Beachhead!
May 9, 2011 - Post #4: Ninja, Star Wars Imperial Stromtrooper, Iron Man and friends
Nov 11, 2012 - Post #5: Popbot, 3A Ambush, Hot Toys Terminator, Battle Droids
April 19, 2013 - Post #6: Daniel Picard makes 1:6 figures look like 1:1
May 23, 2013 – Post #7: Daniel Picard does it again

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Lego Star Wars Boba Fett LED Key Light Figure

The previous post showed Boba Fett in all-white armor (prototype). This is Boba Fett is full color :)

I have previously posted on some of these Lego LED Key Light Star Wars figures (namely Darth Vader, Stormtrooper and Darth Maul) in my toy blog post HERE and now there's a new addition to the collection :) This is the latest Lego Star Wars Boba Fett LED Key Light Figure and I really took a liking to it because of the great paint job / application. All the previous figures were just straight on paint application but Boba Fett is the first figure to have the "weathering" effect, one of the major differences between Star Wars and Star Trek.

Star Wars creator George Lucas opted to abandon the traditional sleekness of science fiction by creating a "used universe" in which all devices, ships, and buildings looked aged and dirty. One of the most revolutionary things about Star Wars when it came out was, that the things in the movies did look like they were used. Everything was dirty, sooty and worn-out. Before Star Wars it was more common for science-fiction movies to look clean and futuristic. This look, that George Lucas called a “used universe”, heavily supports the believability of the Star Wars universe.

And unlike Darth Vader, Darth Maul and the Stormtroopers, Lego Star Wars Boba Fett LED Key Light Figure has that "used universe" look to him. I also took a liking to these Lego Key Light figures because they are much bigger in size compared to the regular mini figures which seem rather small in scale. Scroll down to see more pictures :)

The packaging for the Lego Star Wars Boba Fett LED Key Light Figure is very simple. The Boba Fett figure is fastened front and center and you can activate the key light feature by pressing the button on his chest. On the back of the package are instructions on the removal and replacement of batteries when necessary. As for me, I always remove the batteries and that's my hot toy collecting tip #1 - see my post HERE to understand why.

Boba Fett was a Mandalorian warrior and bounty hunter. He was a clone of the famed Jango Fett, created as the first of many Fett replicas designed to become part of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was raised as Jango's son. Jango taught Boba much, training him to become as skilled bounty hunter as his father-figure was before him.

Star Wars didn’t just became famous for its story or special-effects. Its groundbreaking designs shouldn’t be ignored. Great design always depends on some kind of contrast and Boba Fett's armor and look was all about contrasts. (source: http://essenmitsosse.de/the-designs-of-star-wars/)

Boba Fett's armor is made of all different materials and colors. He has a cool looking helmet contrasted by the small antenna on one side and the slender top of his jet-pack. All this gives him a pretty complex look that seems to be a stuffed together on all his adventures.

Unfortunately for a Lego figure, you really cannot get the look and feel of all the different materials because they are all painted on a flat surface. His antenna / range finder is also missing. It also seems like Lego forgot to paint the back of Boba Fett because everything is just in one color - Green. Disappointing since they did such a great job on the front.

Scroll down to see some more pictures of the Lego Star Wars Boba Fett LED Key Light Figure

It almost seems like there's a face under the helmet but unfortunately, the helmet is non-removable so I guess we'll never know.

Related posts:
August 27, 2012 - Review I: Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Scum and Villainy 1/6th scale Boba Fett 12-inch Figure
August 29, 2012 - Review II: Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 1/6 Boba Fett 12-inch Figure
September 9, 2012 - Comparisons of 12-inch Boba Fett Action Figures made by Marmit, Medicom Toys and Sideshow Collectibles

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Sideshow Exclusive Edition Star Wars 1/6 scale Boba Fett (Prototype Armor) 12-inch action figure

'Meet Boba Fett'

In 1978 Joe Johnston designed an early prototype of the infamous bounty hunter Boba Fett, for Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. The original 'Supertrooper' design featured striking all-white armor and the first prototypes of Fett's trademark weapons.

Sideshow Collectibles proudly presents the Boba Fett (Prototype Armor) Sixth Scale figure. With a fully articulated body, detailed accessories and unique armor, the Boba Fett (Prototype Armor) Sixth Scale figure is a must-have addition for dedicated Star Wars fans.

The Boba Fett (Prototype Armor) Sixth Scale Figure features: Boba Fett Prototype Armor, Helmet with Rangefinder, Prototype Rifle, Prototype Blaster, Jet Pack with Grappling hook, Fabric Cape. Sideshow Exclusive: Star Wars Beach Towel 'Cape' and Figure Base with matching design

I find this pretty cool :) For a prototype, it is quite finished. And being clad in all white outfit, he looks like a Mandalorian in Winter camouflage. The grappling hook on the jetpack looks sweet. In the prototype video, the rocket is loose and can be removed from the pack.

I just saw the initial 1978 Boba Fett Costume Screentest video on YouTube on Monday :) Here's the link

Many have seen the early Ralph McQuarrie sketches of Boba Fett sporting the all-white helmet and armor. What you haven’t seen is the original white Fett costume in action. A videotape was rolling to capture “proto Fett’s” reveal to Lucas and company at the filmmaker’s home on June 28, 1978. In the video, sound designer Ben Burtt “hosts” Fett’s reveal, describing the different weapons, functions, and characteristics of the costume (worn by Empire’s assistant film editor Duwayne Dunham for the test).

Boba Fett looks very cool even back then - even in all-white armor :) and somehow, his look lasts the test of time and you never get tired of it. So getting this !

Sideshow Exclusive: Star Wars Beach Towel 'Cape' and Figure Base with matching design. The exclusives actually have some real meaning. The Star Wars beach towel was used in the original 1978 prototype test shots as a substitute for the cape. There's a YouTube video of the proto test, which is presented by a young Ben Burt.

Related posts:
August 27, 2012 - Review I: Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Scum and Villainy 1/6th scale Boba Fett 12-inch Figure
August 29, 2012 - Review II: Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 1/6 Boba Fett 12-inch Figure
September 9, 2012 - Comparisons of 12-inch Boba Fett Action Figures made by Marmit, Medicom Toys and Sideshow Collectibles

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Incoming: Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Blackhole Stormtrooper Premium Format Figure

For much of the Galactic Civil War, a mysterious agent of Palpatine, code-named Blackhole, carefully sifted through countless streams of data, distilling it into useful information for Imperial Intelligence. Blackhole had an impressive amount of resources available to him, including an entire Star Destroyer and its complement of troops and fighters. Per his orders, the stormtroopers under his command had their armor cast in black to match his own particular eccentricities. The armor modification had practical benefits as well. The stygian-triprismatic polymer afforded the stormtroopers increased sensor-stealth.

Blackhole disappeared completely during the Galactic Civil War, and his forces were absorbed by other Imperial groups. When the Empire fragmented after the Battle of Endor, some of the Blackhole stormtroopers found their way into Carnor Jax's private army.

Sideshow Collectibles presents the Blackhole Stormtrooper Premium Format Figure. This Exclusive trooper features the unique all-black armor modification worn by agent Blackhole's elite squadron during the Galactic Civil War. The Blackhole Stormtrooper Premium Format Figure which is 19.5 inches in height (495.3 mm tall) i.e. 1/4 scale features: Blaster, Leather Holster, Fabric Bodysuit and Hand-Cast Armor

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Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi 1/6 Darth Vader Deluxe Figure

“I have you now…”

Tall and menacing, Darth Vader is the most potent icon of the Galactic Empire's might. The product of the Emperor himself, Vader answers to only the highest in the Imperial command structure and is granted great leeway in the work he conducts on his master's behalf. Once a Jedi, Vader possesses absolute command over the Force, and through him it is directed to terrible and often fatal effect. As a Lord of the Sith, the dark side flows through him, and it can be channeled to kill with a single thought or to subdue his detractors, enemies, and sometimes even subordinates. Feared by Rebels and Imperials alike, Darth Vader is a terrifying union of man and machine hidden beneath black robes and forbidding armor. Determined to hunt down and extinguish the Rebel Alliance, Vader commands the massive Imperial fleet and rules his forces through unquestionable terror.

Cue the Imperial March! It’s been four years since Sideshow Collectibles's first Darth Vader release in Sixth Scale (has it been that long?), and the Sideshow team is thrilled to revisit the Dark Lord – just in time for the Return of the Jedi 30th Anniversary!

Sideshow celebrates the 30th anniversary of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi with the new Darth Vader Deluxe Sixth Scale Figure. Recreate every memorable scene with this essential Vader figure, featuring a fully articulated body, faithfully reproduced costume, and detailed helmet, mask, and portrait options. To complete your display, we've included an impressive Imperial-themed light up figure stand and a meditation chamber stand for Vader's helmet and mask.

Sideshow Collectibles announcement:
We’ve gone above and beyond to capture Lord Vader in cinematic detail. In addition to a redesigned body and expertly crafted costume, the Darth Vader Deluxe Sixth Scale Figure includes essential accessories sure to impress true Star Wars fans.

Collectors will find astonishing detail inside the helmet, and an intricate mask with head reveal. Twelve interchangeable hands offer the ability to pose Darth Vader with a variety of powerful Force gestures. To complete this Deluxe edition, we’re including an impressive Imperial-themed light up display base, and meditation chamber stand for helmet dome and mask display.

The Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi 1/6 scale Darth Vader Deluxe Figure features: Newly Developed Fully Articulated Darth Vader body, Fabric body suit and cape, Detailed armor and gloves, Head with Helmet and Mask, Additional Anakin Skywalker Portrait, Detailed chest and belt boxes, Multiple Gloved hands for various gestures, Lightsaber(s): Hilt Only and Hilt with Blade, Light-up figure display base with Imperial symbol, Helmet and Mask accessories with light-up Meditation Chamber display base. Sideshow Exclusive: Severed Gauntlet

Scroll down to see more pictures

'Return of the Jedi' 30th Anniversary Exclusive: The Sideshow Exclusive version of the Darth Vader Deluxe Sixth Scale Figure will feature an additional swap out of Darth Vader’s severed gauntlet and hand. This unique accessory represents the climactic battle between father and son from the conclusion of Return of the Jedi, moments before Anakin’s final redemption. Both the regular and Exclusive versions of this figure are priced at $249.99 (ouch!).

“Impressive. Most impressive.”

Related posts:
July 19, 2009 – Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Episode V: A New Hope 1/6 scale Darth Vader Figure Review HERE
July 21, 2009 – Sideshow Collectibles Darth Vader (version 1.0) Review II pictures HERE
July 24, 2009 – Sideshow Darth Vader vs Sideshow Obi-Wan Kenobi final duel posted HERE
July 30, 2009 – Comparing Sideshow with Medicom and Hasbro 1/6 scale Darth vader figures HERE
July 31, 2009 – Sideshow Darth Vader with Sideshow Stormtroopers on my toy blog HERE
August 1, 2011 – Sideshow Collectibles 1/6 Darth Vader with Hasbro helmet posted HERE

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