Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi, Luke Skywalker Reveal Lightsaber

replica movie prop

A storyboarded but unused scene from ROTJ depicts Luke, alone with his droids in a cave on Tatooine, creating his new lightsaber.  There was much speculation about whether the scene was ever actually shot and if so, what prop saber was used.  Elstree Props provided prop materials for ROTJ, and years later claimed to have produced just such a saber for a cave scene that was filmed but left on the cutting room floor, and thereafter ultimately lost.  

In 2007, two slightly different mechanically complex sabers, each supposedly an original prop from the cave scene, suddenly appeared and were offered for sale.  However, their authenticity has always been in question, and many believe that both props are fantasy replicas, not actually created for the production. Although the mythical cave scene was finally confirmed as having actually been filmed, and unveiled to rabid fans at Star Wars Celebration V on 8/14/2010, the lightsaber glimpsed very briefly in the darkness of that missing scene bears none of the 'reveal' saber's unique mechanical functions.  Nonetheless, this replica, of a prop that may not have ever actually existed, has been licensed by Lucasfilm Ltd.

Aluminum and chromed metal, with telescoping twist-lock articulations separately revealing the piston and crystal chambers, control box cover that slides back to reveal the circuitry, and emitter cover that slides forward to reveal the emitter elements. Alternately flashing red and green arrows on the side of the control box are activated by a small switch under the box cover.  Pulsating green crystal illumination is activated by the black slide switch on the side of the control box.

From eFX.

The last two photos compare this replica (in back) with that made by talented independent propmaker Rylo (in front).  The differences are very typical for high quality fan-made replicas versus licensed replicas produced in Chinese factories.  The eFX prop boasts nice electronics, while the Rylo prop has none. However, the construction of the Rylo prop is better in almost every way, with better materials, closer tolerances, and smoother mechanisms.  The eFX prop has a bit of rattle even when fully closed, which becomes more obvious when the linkages are extended; the Rylo prop is tight and ramrod straight in both closed and open positions.