So I was browsing around the web a couple of weeks ago and stumbled upon a news story on Rebel Scum where Wal Mart and Target were having online specials on the Vader Episode V and Anakin Episode III Master Replicas Force FX Lightsabers.

I've been a Star Wars collector for a while - mainly the action figures and Unleashed but I've always wanted an FX lightsaber. My desire only increased after seeing a few of these beauties at the Revenge of the Sith midnight show. However a voice in the back of my head (my mother?) kept telling me that the $100 or more price tag was just way too much. Which, in retrospect, seems odd as I spent more than that amount the night the Episode III action figures were released.

The $79.99 price tag was just too appealing, though, so I made the plunge and purchased the Anakin saber. The lightsaber arrived on Tuesday of this week and all I can say is WOW. The hilt is very detailed (though not to the level of the prop replicas). It truly looks like a hero lightsaber used in the filming of RotS. The blade is much much sturdier than Hasbro's roleplay lightsabers. Additionally, there are several rows of LEDs inside that simulate the power up/down effect very nicely. The sounds are top notch and when hit the saber makes a very realistic crashing sound. My only, very very small, complaint is that the blade doesn't detatch - which considering the nature of the electronics I understand. It would be cool to wear around on a belt, though.

If the deal is still going on or you just want one, I very highly suggest it. It's well worth the money.