In before, "AKSHUYALLY they used X in the movies..."
Disney has allegedly brought a working lightsaber to the "A Special Look Inside Disney Parks" press conference. And although no photos or videos of the new device have yet been released, Chairman D'Amaro said that the lightsaber was “real” and that fans could expect to get their first look soon.
The retractable lightsaber could be made by Disney for the upcoming Star Wars hotel, which would allow young Jedis to begin training in their hotel rooms. Currently, Star Wars fans can build their own lightsabers in Disney parks, however, this retractable element could potentially deliver a more accurate replica of the lightsabers we know and love from the movies.
Thankfully, one need not be one with the Force to use them.
In the past, Disney did claim patents for this device that looked like a functioning lightsaber, and while we can only hope the lightsaber is one, it does appear as such. The device was specifically designed to make a sword effect which was referred to in the patent as an "energy" sword. And, to make things even better, it extends and retracts at the push of a button.
The patent reads:
“A special effects device for providing an energy sword effect. The device includes two long plastic semi-cylinders, and these two blade body members are rolled perpendicular to their length, which creates compact cylinders of material of small volume that can be provided on a pair of spools in a hilt. To extend the blade, a motor provided in the hilt unrolls the blade body members from the spools. Each blade body member passes through a blade forming guideway that nests the semi-cylindrical blade body members together as they leave the hilt. To retract the blade, the process is reversed. The lighting of the blade is achieved with a flexible strip of light sources. The light source strip is attached to a blade end cap and positioned in the centre of the two-blade body members such that it is pulled up along with the blade body members during their extension.”
As opposed to the old-school lightsabers we used to have as children that would slowly unravel and ruin the illusion of being a real lightsaber. We can only imagine how wonderful it would be to have a lightsaber that unfurls like those we love watching on screen. Likewise, it also entails that each of us should save our money for the next time we are at the park and wish to make our own lightsabers.
Reporters who attended the virtual press conference, took to Twitter to describe what they saw.
Did #Disney invent a real working #lightsaber?
— Ben Ridout (@benridout) April 12, 2021
Yes they did.
It won't melt through metal blast doors, or cut off your hand, but it does feature an illuminated blade that will extend and retract at the push of a button.
This animation shows the concept behind the tech. pic.twitter.com/e7fwP06CxF
Next, widen the tapes and increase the curve, allowing them to partially wrap around each other and form a complete cylinder. Drive this system with a motor so both reels can be extended and retracted in synch at the push of a button. Now, you've got a lightsaber! pic.twitter.com/B3lLMmclDN
— Ben Ridout (@benridout) April 12, 2021
According to Star Wars lore, a lightsaber is made from a Kyber crystal and is exclusively used by the Jedi. Other characters have used sabres, such as the Mandalorians, they remain a core component of the Jedi and the Sith we have grown to love throughout the years.
There is no official word as of right now as to when the Star Wars hotel is opening or when these retractable sabres will be available at the Galaxy’s Edge Park. Yet, seeing people wield them in the park is sure to be a sight to behold.
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