Recommended music: Angus McSix – Laser-Shooting Dinosaur
For this #StarWarsSaturday, we’re on the icy plains of Hoth during The Empire Strikes Back. From The 30th Anniversary Collection, it’s the Laser Turret!
EXT. HOTH – ICE PLAIN – SNOW TRENCH – DAY
Rebel troops carry heavy bazooka-type weapons and position them along the snow trench. Men hurriedly respond to their officers’ yelled orders and brace themselves against the rhythmic gusts of bitter-cold wind.
Other troops load power packs into a gun turret and swing its guns into position.
…
While only getting that lone mention in the script, the laser turrets are an iconic fixture on the snowy landscape during the Battle of Hoth. In the vintage Kenner toy line, a rotating turret was included in the ‘Turret & Probot Playset,’ with another one included in the ‘Hoth Battle’ playset during The Power of the Force 2.
Hasbro included this laser turret in the ‘Battle of Hoth Ultimate Battle Pack’ in 2007. The Target exclusive set also came with eight figures and an AT-ST, all for just $49. While the action figures and AT-ST were all either kitbashes of previous figures or slight repaints, the laser turret is all-new.
While similar to the POTF2 version from a decade earlier, it is scaled up and much more accurate to the weapon seen on-screen. Not only is it large enough for a figure to stand on the platform for the opening top hatch, but other troops can also use the opening door to stand inside at the same time. The inclusion of a firing projectile is a nice play feature, and the slightly damaged and worn paint deco is a great look.
The Empire Strikes Back turned 45 years old this year! I “figure” there’ll be a new Episode V figure to share here for the rest of the year. Happy 45 years of ESB!
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