Landspeeder (Vehicle) - TVC - Vehicles (Exclusive)

During the silver anniversary of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Hasbro decided to update the Landspeeder from scratch and made a very impressive vehicle and figure set for collectors to enjoy in the form of a Toys R Us exclusive. Packed in a very nice window box during 2002’s Star Wars “Saga” line, the Landspeeder brought a new level of authenticity to collectors that just didn’t exist beforehand. The gimmicks like an opening hood and the slightly exaggerated proportions were abandoned and instead a true to scale vehicle was produced to satisfying results and most were impressed. It’s hard to believe almost a full decade has passed since we have last seen the Landspeeder available for purchase at retail. And out of the three times it has been released, two of the three were relegated as store exclusives. Interestingly, it's taken almost a decade to realize just how incorrectly colored the 2002 version was. Hasbro eliminates the pack-in figure (trust us, you don't need one here) and instead decides to impress collectors with a spot on perfect paint job. We have been treated to what can be considered the first ever completely accurate Landspeeder (Vehicle) in the basic figure line. Hasbro went above and beyond to replicate the vehicle we see in Episode IV and we best that this is as good as we’re going to get it. (And in case you're concerned, for the record, Hasbro did include the long blaster rifle that attaches to the side of the Landspeeder.)

We understand Hasbro’s reservations in bringing out the Landspeeder (Vehicle). Times have changed and technology seems to be the driving factor in kids’ toys today. While the Landspeeder was cool for a 1978 toy, “hovering effects” just don’t seem to have the same impact in 2011 and they did in 1978. But Hasbro has certainly tried their best to make these “special features” extra special for the collector. The cockpit of the Landspeeder (Vehicle) is perfect. Both Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi can fit with relative ease in their sets. And there is a nice steering column that was added with the 2002 reinvention that Luke can hold onto as he is driving along the dirty and dusty trails of Tatooine. And let’s not forget about the stunning paint job applied to this vehicle. Hasbro has significantly brightened up the whole body of the Landspeeder (Vehicle). It's mostly cast in a colorful shade of orange and accented with maroon lines that travel along the perimeter of the body of the vehicle. There is dirt splatter that travels up the front of the hood that looks unbelievably real. And there are actual carved in scratches worked into the body that are just brilliant as well. You'll also find periodic dirt marks here and there obviously from the elements and if you flip the vehicle upside down you find additional collections of dirt. (We're impressed that Hasbro added deco to the bottom of this vehicle.)

The hook to connect Luke's blaster rifle in still in place and works like a charm and stays in place when not needed to point at Tusken Raiders. We looked up and down this vehicle and it's quite possible we missed it, but Hasbro has etched a new date stamp of 2011 on the bottom of the Landspeeder (Vehicle). Usually when an updated date stamp is placed on an older vehicle, there is usually some sort of retooling done, small or large. But we don't see any differences. Again, it must be something so small that we're just overlooking it. But overall, this update to the Landspeeder (Vehicle) is beyond impressive and we are so thankful Hasbro decided to update when The Vintage Collection was active. It's literally an incredible feeling to get this vehicle in classic looking packaging again after all of these years. Whether this was conspired by Hasbro or not, we would recommend definitely picking up the 2011 SW [SOTDS] Episode IV: A New Hope - Blu-ray Release Commemorative Figure & Mini-Poster Collection multipack to go along with this vehicle. All four of the action figures in that set will wonderfully complement this vehicle. And both the Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi action figures that come in that set fit into the Landspeeder (Vehicle) perfectly well. The Landspeeder (Vehicle) TARGET exclusive is slightly overpriced at $24.99, but we think Hasbro has done enough here, including the packaging to warrant its price tag. This may be the last time we'll get the opportunity to buy this classic vehicle in classic packaging. We believe you will have regrets if you pass on it. Ensure yourself that you won't have regrets.