Friday, November 12, 2010

Tron Legacy


It's been close to 30 years since the original Disney Tron movie came out. My wife and I went and watched it. I immediately caught on how revolutionary it was for its time. My wife 'liked it' but wasn't really sure what to make of it.


Computer special effects were in their infancy and Tron was the first movie to use them extensively. Granted some sacrifices had to made in order to make its primitive (by our present standards) effects work. A good example of how new the technology was, actors were actually filmed in black and white with color added digitally later when they were integrated into the special effects. The Tron Cycle chase scene is still a classic.


While a technological success the movie was not a complete commercial success. It wasn't until years passed that the movie took on cult status. Fans of science fiction movies began to take notice. So much so that Disney has made a follow-up film, Tron Legacy, starring Jeff Bridges reprising his role as Kevin Flynn.


Spin Master Toys has acquired the toy rights to the new movie and have done a spectacular job of translating the film's characters and vehicles to toy form.


The Sam Flynn 3 1/2 inc figure, one of six Tron characters, captures the look of the film's character in fully-articulated miniature form. The coloring and details of the figure match the film's star right along with light up face and chest and the Base, Identity Disc and Baton that comes with it. An instruction guide comes with the figure and accessories sealed in a plastic bubble card package with a 'Try Me' hole to test the lights and a color photo of Sam alongside the Tron Legacy logo. Sculpting is tight with no flanges or sloppy joints and the color application is neat even around the figure's transparent helmet.


For a more dynamic Sam Flynn figure check out the 12-inch fully-articulated and ultra-detailed Ultimate Sam Flynn figure with light up chest with a face helmet that lights up and shows Sam talking. It also comes with a Identity Disc, Magnetic Baton and Katana.


This a tough figure that kids can spend hours playing with. It's also a perfect collector figure with its cool accessories and special light-up capability. The figure comes in a clear front display box with a flip open side panel with a full figure photo on the flipside detailing Sam's suit and weapons.


The highlights of the original Tron movie were the vehicles and Torn Legacy is no exception. It has taken the classic Tron transportation and made them ultra modern and super cool.


The Deluxe Light Cycle: Sam Flynn has Functioning Air Brakes, Figure-Activated Lights and Motion Activated sounds, including Engine noises. A Sam Flynn partially articulated figure comes with the Cycle and when placed on the Cycle it activates the lights. Look in the clever 3D viewer at the bottom of the display box to catch a glimpse of Sam on his Cycle in full 3D.


The Light Cycle: Sam Flynn Zero Gravity R/C can actually drive on walls. No kidding! Use the enclosed remote control to guide your Cycle up and along walls, seemingly defying gravity. You'll be even more amazed on how it leaves a light trail! It also drives upside down! I could use on of these during my drive to work.


The Deluxe Light Runner also lights up, holds two figures (not included) has Pop Out Blasters, Figure Activated Lights, a Cockpit that opens and is probably the coolest looking four-wheel vehicle I've ever seen! It super sturdy, looks awesome at any angle and looks exactly like its move namesake.


The white Light Cycle: Kevin Flynn is a slightly retro looking Cycle, reflexing the original movie design, with front opening Cockpit and when the Kevin Flynn figure (sold separately) is placed inside, it lights up. It also looks exactly like the film's version as do all the other vehicles after their movie counterparts.


All of the figures and vehicles are made of durable plastic, feature excellent paint and coloring and impressive articulation and fittings. Live the movie, buy the toys and go on your own Tron Legacy adventure courtesy of Spin Master Toys.

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