Boba Fett [Episode V] - Premium Format Figures

Sideshow Collectibles collectors started getting antsy when they learned that a version of Boba Fett based on his appearance from The Empire Strikes Back wasn’t coming immediately after the one based on his appearance from Return Of The Jedi. But the long wait was a good thing because it allowed Sideshow to make the best collectible possible thanks to updates in approaches and technology. The Boba Fett [Episode V] Premium Format Figure is worlds away in quality and authenticity from the 2007 Boba Fett based on Episode VI. Although nearly a decade separates the two of them, it feel like light years is what actually divides them in quality and final appearance. It’s no secret that Star Wars fans prefer The Empire Strikes Back version of Boba Fett to the version from Return of The Jedi, so the long grueling wait was especially painful. Thankfully, the time elapsed has been worth it as Sideshow Collectibles delivers a truly stunning portrayal of Boba Fett. The pose, the “scenery” and the costume are all just completely stunning. We’re not sure if we can accurately pinpoint the environment he is standing in, but we’re pretty sure it’s somewhere before boarding the Slave I with a frozen Han Solo in tow. In Sideshow’s description, this Boba Fett [Episode V] Premium Format Figure is from an “off screen” moment somewhere before the Millennium Falcon parks itself on the landing platform and Fett is scoping them out unbeknownst to them from another area on Bespin. It is a truly spectacular collectible to ogle and we couldn’t be more pleased with the final results.

Unlike the 2007 Boba Fett Premium Format Figure, Sideshow Collectibles decided to make this version a little more hefty and weighty. The first version was light as a feather. Sideshow claimed to use high quality foam (whatever that means) and Boba Fett felt a little too light on his feet, if you know what we mean. This version has been cast in heavy polystone and is the picture perfect example of a mixed media figure. There is polystone, metal, leather, fabric and threading amongst other materials that give Boba Fett [Episode V} a stunningly authentic and accurate likeness to the onscreen character. His gauntlets have been updated. His flight suit is the grayish blue color. His helmet is lighter green with plenty of battle-damage and scraping. His visor articulates beautifully and doesn’t fall down if you stand it up. His arm tube is thicker and doesn’t collapse from the pressure of it running from the clothing to the gauntlet. He is perfectly proportioned and wonderfully dressed. His armor is neatly arranged and parts like his knee armor have been given elastic elements to assist you with the exact placement you hope to achieve with them. Boba Fett [Episode V] has an amazing pose as well. It looks like he is aiming to do some damage. Obviously he thinks twice about this and ends up capturing Han Solo instead, but had he followed through with what this Premium Format Figure insinuates, things may have looked rather grim for Han Solo. But without speculating a whole lot, one could assume that he is getting ready to border the Slave I too. You have imaginary options here.

One of the tallest Premium Format Figures we can recall in the entire lineup, Boba Fett stands over two two feet tall. This is easily six inches over the second tallest figure in the line. Sideshow Collectibles is getting more and more aggressive about the environmental pieces they have interacting with their figures. Examples like Captain Rex, Shaak Ti and Aayla Secura come readily to mind. But Boba Fett [Episode], we feel, takes this to a whole new level. And deservedly so, Boba Fett [Episode V] gets this gorgeous treatment. One thing we’re not too happy about is the MSRP of this figure. Premium Format Figures have officially exceeded the $400 price point. This is completely out of range for most of the collecting community, and it’s a shame that so many people have been priced out of this line. We wish the price range for this line was more reasonable so that so many more Star Wars fans could partake in the enjoyment of this line. But with all Star Wars collectibles, price is becoming a major issue and it’s changing the hobby in so many ways, and not too many are for the better. For those that are Sideshow Exclusive collectors, you’ll be treated to an interchangeable arm that is holding a BlasTech Industries EE-3 Blaster Rifle Mark II weapon, the gun from Return of The Jedi. It’s a neat way to connect this character from the two Original Trilogy films in which he appeared (before the dark times, before the Special Editions). If there is one Premium Format Figure to purchase and you have the budget for it, we’d have to say this is the one. We fell in love with it instantly. We think you will also.