Detention Block Rescue - POTF2 [R/G] - Playsets

Imperial stormtroopers are in close pursuit as our heroes attempt a daring rescue to save Princess Leia from the Death Star's Detention Block!

Almost immediately out of the gate, the modern Star Wars line introduced playsets to Star Wars collectors. The launch of The Power Of The Force “2” line brought much joy, but that joy turned into elation once we knew that Kenner/Hasbro would be making playsets to interact with the basic figures they produced for the toy line. They released two corresponding playsets at the same time. One of them, the Detention Block Rescue, was one of the most ingenious concepts to come out of Kenner/Hasbro since the vintage Kenner era. Based on Princess Leia Organa’s detention cell block AA-23, the playset incorporates details of this area in the Death Star, including cell number 2187, the specific cell of our favorite heroine. Although too small in size, and with incorrect proportions, the Detention Block Rescue playset does possess merit because it has an incredible amount of detail faithful to what we see in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

To make the Detention Block Rescue more interactive, Kenner/Hasbro added some play features here, not screen-accurate to the prop in the film. You’ll find swiveling blaster guns on the outside doorway to the cell block. You’ll also find a giant cannon that fires two projectiles as well. Presumably, this enormous cannon is supposed to be the main cannon we see firing during the Battle of Yavin. It’s a bit obtrusive in this playset and takes up a decent amount of space. We almost wish that Kenner/Hasbro didn’t incorporate it here. But they did as best they could to make it part of this set, and we’re able to look beyond it. Outside of cell 2187 is a garbage chute doorway, which leads to the outside of the cell block. We appreciate this detail very much because it helps keep this playset faithful to the events we witness in the film. Unfortunately, there is nothing to dump the action figures into after you push them through the escape hatch.

The color palette of the Detention Block Rescue is simple but beautifully painted. The gold-colored floor contrasts wonderfully with the mostly black interior and exterior of the playset. Kenner/Hasbro included two decals to help add a few elements of color here as well. They go on the sliding door and doorway on the left-handed side of the playset. Let’s face it. The Death Star is a big deal for Star Wars collectors. And we didn’t get the Detention Block in the original classic Kenner Death Star Space Station playset either, so getting it now is a big deal. It’s not a perfect playset by any means, but there is enough here to make it worthwhile in a display or diorama. More and more Star Wars action figures will come down the line and help us to populate playsets like this. But whatever you choose, know that the Detention Block Rescue is a fine specimen to add to any Star Wars collection. Oh, and the price is right. It’s only $9.99.