Rubies 7'h Darth Vader Replica Statue Info?

[Spidey7]

Hey all you knowledgeable Star Wars types, I'm trying to gather any information that you might know about the 1997 Rubies Darth Vader "Life Size" ESB Replica. I don't know whether this item would be considered to be a prop, or a costume, or a studio scale model, so if this is in the wrong section, then MODs, please feel free to move it to the appropriate section.

I lucked into one and I would like to know more about it. Aside from the C.O.A. that came with it, I don't really know much else. I know that it was limited to 500 pieces and that it was the only licensed, full size, Vader Replica ever made. But that's about it. I tried to find out some info on another board, and (much to my surprise) I just ended up being flamed by a bunch of people telling me about how they didn't like it and how it didn't look right, and they would never buy one or have one in their home, etc. (An actual quote from one of the posters "..no kidding....this is the worst life size Vader ever created....it is one fugly mofo!..." On a side note: I'm not really sure why some people ALWAYS feel the need to piss in someone else's Wheaties for no reason). According to the C.O.A., it is the only Vader replica that George Lucas ever granted access to the Skywalker Ranch prop vault for. It was also supposedly the only replica ever molded off of all of the actual screen used pieces worn by David Prowse, so I'm not sure how it could be so "inaccurate", according to some others.

I really like the piece and would like to know more about it. Surprisingly there really isn't any web info on it. Most of the Star Wars collecting sites don't seem to mention it either. Is it rare? Is it valuable? Is it accurate? Can I use it as a pool floaty/sex toy? These are the sorts of things I need to know in order to be a responsible Vader owner.

For those who don't know what I'm talking about, here's a link to one of the replicas (not mine, but identical to it).

http://www.pbase.com/kepani/20050620darthvader

 

[Spidey7]

Wow, no love at ALL? Someone's gotta know SOMETHING! Why are people so hostile toward this particular Vader replica?

 

[Vadermonkey]

Having owned one myself I will say that strictly as a collector's piece it is a great item.

However, and not to be unkind, it is not an accurate representation of the Vader suit that was seen in ESB. It is closer in representation to a post ROTJ style promotional suit.

Still...it is quite a conversation starter and I will be happy to give you any further info should you wish to PM me.

Edit: Just saw the pics....wow, you dont see them in that great of condition anymore. Looks like you scored! thumbsup

 

[THStudio]

Damn, that is pretty impressive! I would love to own that, that thing is damn awesome. Any sane person who appreciates the world should look at that and see how well done it looks. Ignore any single person who tarnishes someone elses prized possesion. I do get why people do that, its because they're ****in spoiled. Some people just take everything for granted.

 

[d_jedi1]

Does that site say 7' 6" ?

dear god thats a BIG Vader..
That said, I always did picture him as HUGE in my mind.

 

[GINO]

Here are my thoughts.
I want to preface this by saying I'm not going to judge someone for what they prefer or what level of authentic they like to collect. Everyone has their own reasons for what they like better.
If you are happy with this display, then really that is all that matters.

However, this is a prime example of the issues I take with licensed companies over exaggerating the authenticity of their pieces.
They love to name drop the LFL archives etc... but in the end, their product does not reflect that kind of access. All that runs through my mind is what a wasted opportunity to have access to the archives if your product looks like that (not just talking about this particular piece).

Then, on discussion forums across the web, innocent unknowing fan/collector gets the licensed piece and regurgitates the marketing jargon they were fed. "This is cast directly from the original X in the archives. It is just like what you see on screen etc..."
Swallowed hook line and sinker.
It is unfortunate but true, not one single component on that display is made from authentic film used, or production made Vader items. (The helmet is the only component that has lineage, but far removed).

Unless that collector stumbles upon a prop forum (where their dreams are slowly shattered), they never get the chance to find out that the piece they just dropped a ton on isn't living up to the marketing messaging that prompted them to make the purchase in the first place.

So is it that licensed companies feel that when it comes to the end buyer, ignorance is bliss? Maybe the licensed company (in this case Rubies) are the ones who are ignorant not only about the subject matter they are working with, but also expectations of the target audience.

Coming to a prop forum and asking about the accuracy of licensed pieces is like taking the red pill in The Matrix. Say goodbye to Kansas.

It really sucks, but that happens with almost every licensed piece.

Rather than launch in with a 1000 words of all the stuff that is wrong with the rubies statue, here's a pic instead.

My ESB Vader display on the left (which now has gloves), Rubies on the right.
(Because no one would know which ones I'm referring to if I didn't label them.)

PS, Dave Prowse in costume from top of dome to bottom of boots was around 6'8"-6'9".

PPS, What REALLY sucks is to know that for about the same money these originally retailed for, a licensed vader could look just like mine.

.

 

[Clutch]

The big slap in the face for me was finding out the face has a checkerboard pattern to it. lol

 

[Vadermonkey]

Damn, that is pretty impressive! I would love to own that, that thing is damn awesome. Any sane person who appreciates the world should look at that and see how well done it looks. Ignore any single person who tarnishes someone elses prized possesion. I do get why people do that, its because they're ****in spoiled. Some people just take everything for granted.

Not spoiled, educated. As for taking things for granted it is quite the opposite, it was an expensive lesson that cost thousands and took years to correct. Do you know what I use from that statue on my current set up? Nothing thats what.

If people want watered down answers they should adjust their questions accordingly.

 

[Funky]

Hell, I wouldn't mind having one. However, I would have preffered the arms in the down-to-the-sides-position as opposed to the "Captain Marvel" stance.
I wonder if there's any way to fix that...?

 

[KevVader]

The big slap in the face for me was finding out the face has a checkerboard pattern to it. lol

LOL!

GINO has nailed it, actually. Bang on.
Again though, at the end of the day it's what you like about the piece that matters. But if you're afraid to find out the truth...take the blue pill.

 

[darendoc]

If I recall correctly...
The Rubies Vader was prototyped (and maybe production run as well) by a company called Michael Burnett Productions... in Los Angeles. I remember seeing bits and pieces of it in the Icons Days...

 

[jme3]

I owned one of these around 1997 or so and I can definitely say that, even before finding the greener pastures offered by the rpf, it was a disappointment to finally see this. At the time, there actually were two promotional shots of the Rubies statue, one of which seemed to have been shown with a leather(like) suit; I thought the rubber looking one was more of a prototype. When I took delivery of it, that's all it was, a giant rubber standup with little to nothing in the way of screen accuracy. At the time these were brand new and I paid the brand new price of almost $4,000.00; today I'd guess they could be found for much less than that but as a previous poster has said, I consider it a very expensive lesson. I held onto it for a few years for the uniqueness of it but after finding the rpf and other avenues that were available, I bid the Rubies a very fond farewell on ebay and I haven't looked back.

As others have said, my account is in no way a slam against what someone else appreciates or aspires to; if this statue brings joy to them, I'm ecstatic for them to have it and would give compliments on their having what they've wanted. But if it's screen accuracy they're after, steer clear of this one.

 

[Spidey7]

WOW!:eek You see the sort of animosity that this particular piece inspires? It's like it drives people to be shi*y to each other. Maybe it's evil!

I DO appreciate the info from everyone who has posted so far. I think that MAYBE the problem lies in the understanding of my question. This is pretty much the same response I recieved on the other board (which I was surprised at, but maybe that's normal).

To be precise, I didn't ask "Can anyone tell me why this piece sucks so bad?" or even "I really want to hate this statue and be disgusted with myself for owning it. Can anyone help me out?" Now I realize that there are those here who OBVIOUSLY feel , for whatever reason, upset by the Vader statue. That's fine, but as I stated before, I LUCKED into it (it was free), and I'm interested in knowing more about it. I don't particularly care if it's 100% screen-accurate. Frankly, everyone that's seen it has been hella impressed, and wouldn't know enough to discern the innaccuracies that it apparently has anyway (it's completely, 100% inaccurate, if I understand correctly). It's very imposing and cool looking in person, and as someone that is not particularly a Star Wars fan, I just wanted to know more about it. How some take that to mean "Please do your best to make me feel rotten about having it." is a bit of a mystery.

Even the "I would never own that because it's a piece of crap and horribly inaccurate. In fact, I wouldn't even cling to it if I was swept up in a tsunami and it was the only thing that floated by me. I'd rather DIE then hold on to that garbage!.........Oh, but if YOU like it then that's all that really matters.", posts trip me out. Again with the Wheaties pissing.

As I said to start, I lucked into it (right place, right time) and even though I'm not a Star Wars buff, I was excited by it when I saw how awesome I thought it looked. Thanks to all who have helped me realize what an ignorant n00b I was, and that I ACTUALLY should have been pissed off at the imposition of having to accept someone elses's garbage. :rolleyes

 

[jme3]

lol:lol

If there weren't so much humor in your post, we might find reason to be cross with you for what undoubtedly are misunderstandings of your own...)

I have read the posts whereby people have given the background information you requested on the statue itself (made by Rubies, Michael Burnett Productions, etc.) and also the reasons why most of the people you'd spoken with previously and here were not/are not impressed by the statue. These same people have also tried to make clear that the reality of why everyone was/is so dissatisfied with this statue is not in any way indicative of how you yourself should feel. I don't know how much more succinctly or realistically anyone can put it than 'if you're happy with it and think it's a great addition to your collection, that's ALL in this world that matters'. And there's no animosity to be found anywhere in that...

WOW!:eek You see the sort of animosity that this particular piece inspires? It's like it drives people to be shi*y to each other. Maybe it's evil!

I DO appreciate the info from everyone who has posted so far. I think that MAYBE the problem lies in the understanding of my question. This is pretty much the same response I recieved on the other board (which I was surprised at, but maybe that's normal).

To be precise, I didn't ask "Can anyone tell me why this piece sucks so bad?" or even "I really want to hate this statue and be disgusted with myself for owning it. Can anyone help me out?" Now I realize that there are those here who OBVIOUSLY feel , for whatever reason, upset by the Vader statue. That's fine, but as I stated before, I LUCKED into it (it was free), and I'm interested in knowing more about it. I don't particularly care if it's 100% screen-accurate. Frankly, everyone that's seen it has been hella impressed, and wouldn't know enough to discern the innaccuracies that it apparently has anyway (it's completely, 100% inaccurate, if I understand correctly). It's very imposing and cool looking in person, and as someone that is not particularly a Star Wars fan, I just wanted to know more about it. How some take that to mean "Please do your best to make me feel rotten about having it." is a bit of a mystery.

Even the "I would never own that because it's a piece of crap and horribly inaccurate. In fact, I wouldn't even cling to it if I was swept up in a tsunami and it was the only thing that floated by me. I'd rather DIE then hold on to that garbage!.........Oh, but if YOU like it then that's all that really matters.", posts trip me out. Again with the Wheaties pissing.

As I said to start, I lucked into it (right place, right time) and even though I'm not a Star Wars buff, I was excited by it when I saw how awesome I thought it looked. Thanks to all who have helped me realize what an ignorant n00b I was, and that I ACTUALLY should have been pissed off at the imposition of having to accept someone elses's garbage. :rolleyes

 

[Spidey7]

Well, at least I'm glad that you got the humor in my post, James. You must be British(I've been told that I have a very "British" sense of humor).

It's just a phenomenon that I've noticed web-wide. It doesn't even matter what the particular forum is about (watches, race cars, toupees) someone will always pop someone elses bubble. I don't take it personally in this case because I had nothing to do with the fabrication of the piece. It's when someone has put a great deal if time and effort into sewing a costume or building a prop or model and then eagerly posts pics of it, hoping for a few kudos, only to be torn down by criticism and negativity. Maybe it's just a repressed feeling on my part that's expressing itself now, but whether or not anyone admits it, NO ONE starts a thread about a project or prized posession of theirs HOPING that fellow members will jump in with criticism and explain why "it" sucks, and all the ways that "it" is wrong. Most times people just want a friendly response, or god forbid, even a "nice job" or "lucky *******". No one posts with the intent to come away from reading the responses feeling dejected.

I'm simply proposing a new era of kindness toward fellow posters about WHATEVER the topic. Isn't life hard enough with out us making it harder for each other.

Bottom line is that I made the post in the hopes of hearing some nice things about my new aquisition. I was having a rough day any I've never had anything nice enough to bother sharing here until recently. I thought that maybe others might like my new Vader, and that would make me feel better. Is that so wrong?

 

[Hecubus114]

I agree that it is full of inaccuracies - but would proudly own one (especially for free!)

Its hard to know people's intention's by what they type on a computer. I think most people here feel a duty to keep the less educated from being duped. The bubble-bursting is just incidental.

That being said, when I first saw one of these in person, I was blown away. I have learned much since then, but would still happily display this in my home.

 

[jme3]

Well, at least I'm glad that you got the humor in my post, James. You must be British(I've been told that I have a very "British" sense of humor).

No, I'm not but ironically that's exactly what I thought about you when reading the post. :lol It was on time to say the least. :cool

It's just a phenomenon that I've noticed web-wide. It doesn't even matter what the particular forum is about (watches, race cars, toupees) someone will always pop someone elses bubble. I don't take it personally in this case because I had nothing to do with the fabrication of the piece. It's when someone has put a great deal if time and effort into sewing a costume or building a prop or model and then eagerly posts pics of it, hoping for a few kudos, only to be torn down by criticism and negativity. Maybe it's just a repressed feeling on my part that's expressing itself now, but whether or not anyone admits it, NO ONE starts a thread about a project or prized posession of theirs HOPING that fellow members will jump in with criticism and explain why "it" sucks, and all the ways that "it" is wrong. Most times people just want a friendly response, or god forbid, even a "nice job" or "lucky *******". No one posts with the intent to come away from reading the responses feeling dejected.

As surprised as you may be to hear it, I know exactly what you mean. I walk a fine line in choosing how to respond to someone's threads about what they own. My first line of thinking is exactly what you described, that no one wants to be shot out of the sky over their props and they do want some praise from fellow enthusiasts. If there's something that's just too horrible to say anything good about, I don't bother because I don't lie, but for most of the things I see on here, my reasoning to myself is that if it makes the person happy, that's all that matters and they're just looking for one of those "way to go" reinforcements to make them feel even better about something they already felt good about. If it's something they've made themselves and they're doing a show-off thread, it goes without saying not everyone is a stellar artist and I'm certainly not, so I'm not about to jump in with criticism, UNLESS they ask and then I'll say what I think.

All that leading up to this: in the case of why everyone is so against the Rubies Vader, it can be summed up by saying that all those who are so passionately negative about it are undoubtedly Vader buffs themselves and NOT the casual observer, so they're totally put off by how NOT screen-accurate this statue is when it's supposedly referenced from original components in the archives. I'll venture to say that someone who really doesn't care or know one way or the other would think it's awesome just because of what would be a novelty to them, but anyone who truly has Vader "on the brain" is not at all likely to have positive things to say about it.

I'm simply proposing a new era of kindness toward fellow posters about WHATEVER the topic. Isn't life hard enough with out us making it harder for each other.

I'll raise a glass to that, as long as there's no danger of misleading someone on whatever the topic is. :cool

Bottom line is that I made the post in the hopes of hearing some nice things about my new aquisition. I was having a rough day any I've never had anything nice enough to bother sharing here until recently. I thought that maybe others might like my new Vader, and that would make me feel better. Is that so wrong?

As a collector you're definitely in the right place to share what you have in your collection. I'm sorry there's been such a misinterpretation of what you were hoping to find out about the Rubies Vader though. :unsure IIRC from another of your posts though, you do have a mean Spidey costume...:thumbsup

 

[GINO]

I'm just gonna put this out there, if you don't like it, send it right back.
Hey Michael Burnett Productions, nice job on that sh***y vader. Wait...

Just messin with you.

But spidey7, I submit to you this wise and famous quote.

"If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions." -Jules Winnfield


.

 

[blewis17]

If I recall correctly...
The Rubies Vader was prototyped (and maybe production run as well) by a company called Michael Burnett Productions... in Los Angeles. I remember seeing bits and pieces of it in the Icons Days...

...you are correct, sir.

 

[blewis17]

You're lucky to have one of these. They were horrendously expensive back in the day. I've actually got the chest and shoulder bells from one of these puppies.

The body position is wonky, it makes Vader look too thin somehow. And the helmet dome is way off.

The chest computer has the famous Lucasfilm copyright "LFL 1995" in auerbrush style letters below the third coin slot (which was copied over too the Wookiee Cantina version that they sold) - I find this fact hilarious.

The saber is idealized and way off. The belt is not bad. The inner cloak looks too big (or Vader too thin). Vader's torso is too long and the cod piece is too small, making him look like a bean pole.

Having said all of that, it is a GREAT display piece, and only RPFers and Vader costumers are going to know the difference.
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