Just to be clear, the eFX Vader helmet was made from a mold created off casts that were made out of a mold made by Rick Baker of the original helmet seen in the photo? Is that the lineage?
If I recall correctly, wasn't that Rick Baker mold made specifically for the Grauman's Chinese Theater appearance and foot print ceremony of Vader, 3PO and R2-D2? I know Baker also made the bottoms of 3POs feet (since he had none) for the footprint ceremony but I also seem to recall the helmet story too. My brother worked for Baker for years and I was at Baker's house several times as a kid back then.
Sean
Seems like I recall it being said the Baker mold was cast from the screen helmet, at some point during or after shooting (I think after). The question people seem to have with it is how much was done to the screen helmet and/or mold to idealize it (clean up imperfections). I believe it is accepted that the Baker mold is from the original helmet though, which gives its lineage a certain pedigree. Is it the most accurate to the screen used helmet? I don't know. I've read page after page of commentary on this, that there may be another UK set of molds that are more consistent with the screen used helmet. The debate continues over that, and I believe Gino (who did the EFX helmet) is of the camp that the Baker mold is definitive.
I think it will suffice for most people to know, the Baker mold is the real deal. Only the absolute purists amongst us will grasp straws from there. I understand the original helmet was either modified for ESB, or is missing, and that we don't have any known way to compare replicas from the known "of lineage" molds, other than to use screen shots.
That said, you seem to have the most connection to Rick Baker of anyone here. Perhaps this is an excellent opportunity to call old Rick up and ask him about the lineage of his mold. Did he in fact, make changes to reduce the imperfections on the helmets coming from his molds. And, for the love of god, lay to rest if the c-scar was painted on for that "used look" George was going for, or is it a dimensional imperfection in the casting. ____ minds want to know. My guess is, he doesn't remember. I doubt they suspected there'd ever be so much friction over bumps and bruises of a movie helmet.
At the end of the day, it's a replica. So, you probably want it as close as possible to the original. I think Gino and team have gone beyond our expectations on these. The ANH Vader Legend helmet is probably my most desired collectible of all time. Frankly, I feel privileged to have it on preorder.
Gino, my friend, thank you and EFX for bringing these helmets to us. You've made it possible to fulfill this guys childhood wish of having these helmets, and on my birthday no less!!!!
