While the Predator's trademark set of mandibles may be the first thing people think of when visualizing the alien hunter, it wasn't until the very end of the first film that his face is revealed. What initially sold audiences on this creature from another world was its high-tech gear that was highlighted by the now-iconic hunting mask. Sideshow Collectibles has produced more than a dozen collectibles based on the Predator franchise and their most recent release is the expertly crafted 1:1 replica of the mask from the 1987 movie. They have given us a look at the new mask and it is a worthy addition to any Predator fan's collection.
As someone who owns Sideshow's 1:1 busts from Alien and Aliens that didn't come with the custom-designed boxes, I'm really enjoying the new box design they've been including with their larger pieces. Their new approach gives a better first impression, but, more importantly, having recently moved to a new home, the additional box makes it easier to relocate your pieces and ensure their safety.
The packaging keeps the mask and base as two separate pieces to avoid damage during shipping. Upon first inspection, I was surprised by just how large the mask was. Seeing as I'm not being hunted down by a Predator on a regular basis (or any basis for that matter), I didn't have exact frame of reference prior to seeing the mask in person. This is definitely larger than anything a human could wrap around their head securely, so don't go expecting to run through the jungle with this thing on.
With the base, this mask weighs in at 10lbs, which is surprisingly light for this size, but that doesn't take away from the overall feel or quality. The Predator mask is a companion piece to the Predator 2 Life-Size Mask Prop Replica. Both masks feature a base that matches the mask design perfectly and they have two methods of display: you can either have the display on a flat surface, propping the mask up, or you can hang it like a trophy mount on the wall. The mask easily attaches and detaches from the base with a magnet that's strong enough to secure it and give you multiple display options. If you wanted to set up an Alien and Predator trophy wall, it's pretty easy to do it with the way Sideshow has set up these bases.
Similar to the AvP masks that Sideshow Collectibles and Amalgamated Dynamics released, one of this mask's highlights is the red tri-laser target designator that lights up. It may not allow you to track a target from hundreds of yards away, but it's a nice addition and is especially cool when you're showing off the mask in a low-light setting. The light requires two AAA batteries and can easily be turned on and off with a switch inside of the mask.
The Predator mask design comes from Amilcar Fong of Viggiano Studio, with Matt Rose handling the sculpt, and Tim Gore responsible for painting. The sculpt and paint job very closely resembles the 1987 mask, down to the visible damage to the mask above the nose piece and at the top. The texture and paint job also give this mask the lifelike worn look that it needs. There are a few different versions of the visor portion of the mask in the Predator movies and this visor features a netted design. As a display piece, I prefer this look, as it does a nice job of making the eyes stand out from a distance. Comparing this to the Predator 2 mask replica, it's also a good match to that mask's visor design.
If you're a die-hard Predator fan, this is a perfect addition to your collection and it's the closest you're going to get to owning the original mask used in the movie. And if you already own the Predator 2 prop replica mask, picking this one up is a no-brainer. Sideshow continues to outdo themselves every year and this Predator mask replica is another quality release. You can tell the amount of care that went into producing this piece and I look forward to seeing what other Predator collectibles they have in the works.
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Predator Mask Prop Replica by Sideshow Collectibles
Product Details:
License: Predator
Scale: Prop Replica
Manufacturer: Sideshow Collectibles
Product Size: 14" H (355.6mm) x 13" W (330.2mm) x 18" L (457.2mm)
Product Weight: 10.00 lbs (4.54 kg)
Learn more at: http://bit.ly/GetPredMask
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