Customer Reviews

Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Luke Skywalker and Tauntaun

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The darkside of this is it is very expensive. We're kind of used to Star Wars toys being overpriced, so, we come to expect it.

Don't look for this to go up in value, any time soon. With a plethora of these still available, and the already hefty price tag, it seems these will take a long time to appreciate in value

For those of us who care not about future value, this is a must have item. This extremely large tauntaun and Luke is one of the single most cool items put out. Highly detailed and articulate, it really add that "WOW!" to one's Star Wars collection.

The downfall is the tauntaun falls down. My best solution: Keep it mint in box. Other solutions have come up, some include damaging the tauntaun. If you really want this figure out of box (and, who wouldnt) try using some removeable mounting putty.
WalMart sells the white mounting putty for $1. A full stick, maybe 2, under the tail, and one on each foot should do the trick. Using the white will blend in better than the yellow or any other colored putty. It's safe, and can be easily removed, without damaging your figures.

Overall, this is a cool item. Some flaws, but, certainly they dont warrant passing this one up.

The Luke and Tauntaun is just as beautifully rendered as Han and Tauntaun. Great addition to your collection. Yes the figure has a balance problem, but as suggested before, the putty on the feet and tail works perfectly.

But for the total price plus shipping....I'd rather walk in to my neighborhood Toys R us and buy it for $60! I can pick the undamaged box and won't have to wait for it.

This is one of the best installments in the Star Wars 12" series since the 12" Taun Taun and Han Solo. It's large, makes an impressive display, and is always a conversation piece when company comes over.

The only problem I see with this is that it's off balance, much like the Han/Taun Taun from a few years ago. When Luke is placed on the Taun Taun it will fall forward. The way I solved this with the one I have on display was simple: Drill a small hole under the base of the tail. Drop enough BBs inside until the Taun Taun no longer falls forward. This may take a while, but if you're a Star Wars freak you won't mind. Squirt silicone inside the hole until the BBs no longer rattle, then viola! Problem solved. You can now stand the Taun Taun in any position without it falling over.

I highly recommend this beautiful, fun action figure set. If you're a serious Star Wars collector it won't disappoint.

The official review mentions the tipping problem, but doesn't mention HOW much of a problem the tipping is. Those of you who may have the rancor figure from ROTJ are well aware that front heavy toys with little to no counter-balance and LOOSE LEG JOINTS tend to go forward very easily. This is not a problem for every day play but for those of us who display figures out of the box, this can be problematic. The problem with the 12" Luke / Taun Taun is this: if you put Luke on the Taun Taun and put the Taun Taun on a flat surface, it will, eventually, fall. There are two ways to get around this: 1) buy a doll stand from some place like Wal-Mart (one of the white ones works well for this Hoth-themed toy) and use it to support the chest of the Taun Taun; 2) place the Taun Taun at the edge of a table/shelf and let his tail dangle off the edge, placing the Taun Taun upright so that the curve of his tail is actually lower than the pads of his feet - as though the Taun Taun were rearing up on Luke. In this position, the Taun Taun's center of balance is higher and more directly over the legs whereas the default position puts the center of balance over the toe claws.

Once the late `90s 12" Star Wars figure line started to explode in popularity, Kenner decided to issue several figure 2-packs and distribute them exclusively (for a time, at least) through specific retailers. These sets drove collectors crazy, as they often featured characters that fans had long requested.

This set featured Luke Skywalker in Hoth gear and a Tauntaun, the goat/lizard beast of burden featured in the Empire Strikes Back.

Pros - This is a terrific Luke figure. He's got an incredibly detailed outfit and comes with a ton of gear, including goggles, a helmet, binoculars, a blaster pistol (that fits in his holster) and a lightsaber (with detachable hilt). The Tauntaun, while not to scale, looks really good too. It's a great display piece, particularly if you leave it in the box (something I was never able to do).

Cons - The head sculpt on the Luke is the same as the early version, so it really doesn't look much like him. Also, the Tauntaun is almost impossible to stand, especially if Luke is in the saddle. Something about the leg positions and the overall lack of balance keeps it tipping over.

It's a much better display piece than it is a playable figure set. If that's your thing, by all means pick this up. If you just want a Luke Skywalker in Hoth gear figure, it was released separately.

You have to love this set. It is simply awsome!

This is a figure that has great play value, for your young Jedi.
It will help your child develope a strong imagination. Now for the big Kid's adding this item to your collection complet's the Hoth line. The package art is great. The new head sculpt of Luke Skywalker is great beast likeness yet!!!!!!!
Get Luke and his Taun Taun befor they
are not in this solarsystem any more.

This is a massive toy. It comes in a large box with a window allowing you to fully enjoy this item without removing it. The sculpts on both Luke and the taun-taun are incredible while the paint jobs are acurate and subtle making the pieces look truely life-like.