Review: R2-D2 Sixth Scale Figure by Sideshow Collectibles

You can relax, everybody. I've found the droid I was looking for! Whew. Sideshow Collectibles had it all along. R2-D2 is one of my favorite characters in all of Star Wars so I was excited when Sideshow announced their R2-D2 Sixth Scale Figure complete with accessories, compartments that open, his drink tray from Return of the Jedi, and a Princess Leia hologram. That last accessory makes me particularly happy. The R2-D2 statue isn't scheduled to ship until February-March, but Sideshow sent one my way for advance review purposes. It happened to arrive at my doorstep on my birthday last week which seemed like a good sign, and this little astromech model didn't disappoint.

My R2-D2 arrived in a white box since he shipped early and was in simple but secure packaging. Every part was carefully nestled into place, and I can see that it won't be a puzzle to get all the parts back in if I ever need to put R2-D2 away. As you see, the package has the droid, the serving tray and arms, cups, Luke's lightsaber, Ben Kenobi's table, a Leia hologram, and lots of tools that you can insert into all the compartments that open on R2-D2's body.

Has R2-D2 ever looked so pretty? At 6.75 inches tall, he's big enough for you to appreciate all the little touches. The panels are all weathered just right, and it's apparent Sideshow's artists spent a lot of time looking at reference pictures of R2-D2. The wires look just right, the legs are spot on, and in short, it's like a mini R2-D2 walked off the screen and into my house.

Several panels pop open on R2-D2's front and on the top of his dome. You can use the magnetic end of the lightsaber to make them swing open too! I found that quite entertaining and recorded a short video to show you how it works. You can open the panels on top of his head by pushing in to release them. Inside you'll find the life scanner and periscope! If you can't get them to extend, just gently turn R2-D2 upside down and shake them out. They'll stay extended until you retract them. Another cool moving part: the third leg extends and retracts. Again, all you have to do is push in to release it and then push the leg back in to lock it. Easy as pie.

Artoo is loaded with gadgets, gizmos, and Luke's lightsaber. He's basically prepared to get you out of any scrape you find yourself in. We know he's good at saving the day and this is one reason why: he has everything he needs on hand.

You can take the many accessories and insert them into any of R2-D2's open compartments. There are plenty of mix and match options so you can trick R2-D2 out or give him a holiday.

If you really want to put R2-D2 to work, make him serve a round of drinks! The serving tray fits easily over R2-D2's legs, and the seven cups snap right into place without pushing them very hard. And yeah, each cup of green liquid looks detailed.

The part I like best about the serving tray is the serving tool. It slides onto a peg on the top of R2-D2's dome and is completely articulated. You can stretch it out and move it around so you can pour liquid into each and every glass. Wouldn't want to leave anyone on Jabba's sail barge out!

Did I mention the light-up parts? No? Well, let's remedy that. R2-D2's dome and the table both have on/off switches to add an extra bit of oomph to the figure. The dome portion of the figure easily comes off so you can control the battery; it then lights up the projector, Artoo's "eye," and a couple panels on the back. Obi-Wan's table has the power switch on the bottom, and you can turn Leia on and off by pressing down on one of Obi-Wan's salt and pepper shakers (what else do you think he used to add flavor to bantha steaks?)

My figures and statues are organized in a messy way if that makes sense. There's not a rhyme or reason to how they're displayed. But that might change because of this R2-D2. The details, the lights, and the accessories all add up to a gorgeous collectible that makes me want to build a diorama. I want to create Ben Kenobi's Tatooine home so I can re-create the scene where R2-D2 reveals Leia's plea for help. Now, will I actually complete that? I don't know. Not any time soon. The point is that this statue makes me want to.

You can pre-order a sixth scale R2-D2 of your very own for $149.99 or set up a payment plan for $75/month. He'll be shipping between February and March, and I expect you to send me pictures on Twitter or Instagram when you receive yours.

Ready for the long list of what comes in the box?
Highly Detailed R2 Series Astromech Sculpt
Rotating Dome with Articulated Projectors Ports and Hinged Panel Utility Access Ports
Light Up Logic Function Display, Processor State Indicators & Holographic Projector
Extending Life Scanner
Extending Periscope
Hidden Skywalker Saber Hilt with Magnet Tip for Panel Access
Articulated Terrain Tread Legs
Articulated and Retractable Third Tread Leg
Two (2) Articulated Control Arms
Three (3) Application Arm Compartments with Hinged Panels
One Access Compartment with Hinged Panel
Articulated Drink Serving Arm
Multi-Tiered Serving Tray Attachment
Seven (7) Drinking Glasses
Ben Kenobi's Table with Optional Illuminated Princess Leia Transmission Hologram
Computer Terminal Arm
Grasping Arm
Power Charge Arm

Yes, you can pose him until the banthas come home!

Need more pictures of R2-D2? I've got them at Flickr.

Full disclosure: R2-D2 was provided by Sideshow Collectibles for review purposes. This did not affect my review of the product.