Hasbro Star Wars - Princess Leia in Ceremonial Gown 1999 Portrait Edition Review

If you've seen George Lucas' six-episode Star Wars film saga, you may have noticed that each of the movies ends with an almost all-musical coda with all - or some - of our heroes in the center of the frame before the "iris out" to the End Credits roll up.

The first of these, of course, was the sequence in which Luke Skywaller, Han Solo and Chewbacca are awarded the Medal of Valor by Princess Leia Organa after the battle of Yavin and the destruction of the Death Star in Star Wars - Episode IV: A New Hope.

Here, to the strains of John Williams' triumphant Throne Room march, Carrie Fisher's character was beautifully attired in a John Mollo-designed ceremonial gown that seemed more fitting for a member of the Royal House of Alderaan than the simple white outfit she wore throughout much of the movie.

Although most of Hasbro's Star Wars lines of 3.75-inch action figures and their larger 12-inch counterparts are normally recommended for children 4 and older, it has released a series of collectibles aimed at the older, more adult consumer. Its 1999 Portrait Edition of Princess Leia (Ceremonial Gown) is of those very few Star Wars products that have "For Adult Collectors" printed on the package.

Princess Leia's Ceremonial Gown outfit is quite unlike the simple outfit she wears throughout most of A New Hope; while not as elaborate as Queen Amidala's Parade Gown from the thematically similar victory celebration on Naboo at the end of Star Wars - Episode I: The Phantom Menace, it is still very regal and elegant.

The 12-inch Princess Leia in Ceremonial Gown is attired in, as Hasbro states, "a white, crepe-back white satin gown with a sparkle finish. Her cape is sheer sparkle spandex and her trademark braided hair is embellished with silver cording. A stamped metal necklace, bracelet and belt complete the...ensemble."

Although I prefer to concentrate on the smaller 3.75-inch action figures for space and financial considerations, I have acquired -- or been given -- a handful of the larger 12-inch ones, including the 100th Action Collection figure, Luke Skywalker. But that throne room sequence, with its dialog-free visuals highlighted by the amazing music of John Williams, has always tugged at my heartstrings, and this Princess Leia in Ceremonial Gown was just irresistible.

It's really wonderfully crafted; the detailing of Leia's facial features capture one of the very rare happy moments the character has in the Classic Trilogy, and Hasbro's team of artists reproduces costume designer John Mollo's simple-yet-elegant stylings, giving the normally tough-damsel-with-a-blaster a truly regal yet feminine look.

Even the packaging, which is a classy variation of the black-green-gold color scheme Hasbro used in its various Star Wars product lines until 2002, echoes the simple-yet-elegant theme of the doll.

The Princess Leia doll need not even be removed from the box, though it comes with a base to support it. The front cover has a panel that opens like a book to reveal a clear plastic window through which Leia can be seen -- it closes and stays shut with two velcro patches -- in all her royal finery.

The back panel of the box also has a clear window that allows you to see Leia's single long braid that runs to a point just above her waist. (I particularly like the idea of packages that allow me to see my collectibles -- or show them off -- without having to take them out of the box

My Viewpoint: Because it's not widely available in stores and because it's not designed to be played with - the box says it's intended for adult collectors - this is not a good gift for kids who are into either Barbies or G.I. Joes.  It's not one of the priciest collectibles - it can be found on eBay for less than $30.00 still - but it's clearly intended to be a static display item for a Star Wars or doll collector and not for the kiddies.

Nevertheless, this is one really nice Portrait Edition doll; there were three made and I've seen two of them (there's at least one of Leia's mother Padme out there), but because I'm a Star Wars fan of the 1977 Generation, this one is my favorite.  It's wonderfully rendered and the craftsmanship is outstanding.