The replica helmet looks superb to me.
The Chest Pack: I can't say whether or not that's original, however, it does look a little distressed like original props often do.
It looks in remarkable condition considering it's age. I did overhear a conversation while I was there from someone who speculated it might actually be from 2010: The Year We Make Contact.
However, the description card is quite clear.
My thanks to Jason Joiner for displaying it.
Super pics, Scoop. The suit and especially the helmet look amazing. Thanks for posting :)
ReplyDeleteA pleasure Tony. I would have loved to have tried the helmet for size :D
DeleteNow that would be living the dream, scoop. The angular design looks so inviting. I'm surprised there isn't a limited edition commercially available replica on the market somewhere? :)
DeleteA commercially available replica would be super, Tony, but I imagine it would expensive, but what a great display item it would make. : )
DeleteThe chest unit is a replica and not a very accurate one at that. The top round decal appears to be too large. The top 3 switches are entirely the wrong shape and too tall.
ReplyDeleteThe screen extends too far towards the center. The rectangle next to it should be smooth.
The light unit underneath it is way too large. The entire piece should be no wider than the screen above it. The upper left black disc seems to be several tubes and not a knob but this may be a trick of the lighting. No lettering next to the knobs.
The light unit over hangs the center slot. It should not be close to it at all. The center slot lacks the detail holes inside it. It also is the wrong shape as the originals have a beveled edge on the side by the lights.
The bay of three switches lacks any text. The center dial should be recessed way below the other two. All three should be smooth with flares at the top and bottom. The spacing and size of the black squares for the text are wrong.
Top text plate is to close to the dial text plate. It lacks text.
The control handle on the side lacks any proper detailing for the trigger area. It looks more like a wood approximation than a real piece. The finger grooves are way too large. The bracket is too thick. The bracket is not attached with a swivel to the mounting block. The mounting block is the wrong shape and wrong color.
The switches on the panel above the handle should be small knobs and not sticking so far out.
The straps are close but attach wrong. The rivets are too close the edge of the end of the material. The ends appear to not be folded and sewn for extra holding security.
While the piece does add to the suit, it is not an original movie piece. Given Kubrick's attention to detail, there is no way this would have come close to being on screen for 2001 ASO.
The helmet is a great job.
The suit seems suspect. One thing it lacks is the control panel on the left forearm. The shoulder patch seem to be missing and no indication of it ever having been attached. To my eye, the the padded 'worm' segments of the arms and legs are flat, more like tucks/detail lines sewn in than actually being slightly puffy.
Here's info on the only confirmed original chest unit and some great detail shots to see what the one above lacks http://www.icollector.com/Original-Discovery-space-suit-chest-pack-from-2001-A-Space-Odyssey_i10588434
Current Kubrick tour info with red suit pic https://www.stanleykubrick.de/en/ausstellungstour-exhibition-on-tour/#!
Some suit info but appears to be no longer updated http://www.2001spacesuit.com/Suit.html
Phew, I'm worn out after reading that comment,Lance, but I'm pleased to see you had a good look at my photos,;)
DeleteIt did cross my mind that the chest unit was fake, but then that part didn't profess to be genuine. The suit itself which does profess to be genuine obviously raises questions. Assuming it is a genuine prop, I suspect it may well be from 2010, in spite of what the description card says.
Sorry I got a bit wordy, Scoop. I was thinking it may be a suit from 2010, maybe even a stunt double suit (if there was such a thing). I know history of things can get a bit muddled as they change hands over the years. Plus in this case, quite easy to accidentally type/correct 2010 into 2001. I just wasn't able to find a good 2010 suit pic. Most of the differences were in the chest unit with 2010 having a smaller version.
DeleteDon't worry about it, Lance, I'm happy it got you thinking, and going to the trouble of commenting (I'm always grateful for comments!). I do understand that sometimes enthusiasm for the subject runs away with us all at times.
DeleteAs for the suit, I do have a DVD copy of 2010 which I haven't seen in a while, so I should give it a watch just to check things. To be honest, I should have got more info on the suit while I was at Smallspace, but I was too busy taking pictures. :)