Replica "Zoltar Speaks" Fortune Teller Demo (inspired by 1988 film "big")

You can read the full story about the design and construction of this machine at www.technitoys....
I finally got around to making a video of this little project that I completed in 2008. As a collector of old slot and penny arcade machines from the '30s and '40s, I thought that the original fortune teller appearing in the 1988 film "big" was the most visually interesting piece I had ever seen. To the best of my knowledge, the original fortune teller existed only as a movie prop, and was never a real production unit, so I built one in my basement shop. It is 8 1/2 feet tall and comes in at over 600 pounds. This was done entirely by looking at screen captures from the DVD and by guessing at the internal mechanisms and parts that I could not see. It is fully functional and operates just as you see here, including the music and sound effects.
I wrote a short story about this for the Homebrew feature in MAKE magazine volume 21, available January 19, 2010. I hope to post another video shortly showing a slideshow of the construction process for anyone who may be interested in the DIY project side of it.
I thought it would be fun to do this demonstration video using roughly the same camera shots and cuts from the film, so it may look vaguely familiar to some.
This video was taped at Kilroys (www.kilroysusa.com) in the warehouse district of Minneapolis, which is one of the most fascinating stores to visit if you are into coin-op machines and unusual items of this nature.
I would be interested in hearing from anyone that has any information about the original machine used in the film. I've never heard anything about it except there appears to be a slightly different version ( perhaps a second backup prop) that occasionally makes appearances in commercials for the Fox Legacy show on the Fox Movie Channel.

[@kawaiipop07]

The one from the movie literally terrified me! This is amazing! Kiddos!

[@rolfingerbier]

I love this machine since the first time seeing it in the movie. Wish i had one. Great 80´s movie by the way.

[@Phaota]

I'd love to have a miniature desktop version of this like the FAQ Schwartz Zoltan one. This is a perfect replica of the film machine. Love it.

[@spino-tinodon1146]

Phaota How about a screen saber?

[@kentuckyspecialfx]

The paint, color, facial detail, clothing detail is astounding. There's a lot of dedication and pride in this piece and it shows. I commend you and say that yours blows the cheap junk $8,500 zoltars that are being mass produced that don't even deserve the name zoltar. Yours is a true work of art, I would love to see more video of it.

[@MANCHESTERMAN01]

Oh my god I am so jealous I would love one of these machines. This is a work of art an exact copy of the original... BRILLIANT.

[@thebrokenrattle]

Watching this late at night...I said to myself "Oh God, the music as well" Very eerie, very awesome

[@abob77807]

That's so awesome, I saw a "Zoltar" machine on the Santa Monica Pier but was disappointed because it was a dollar to use it and it didn't move. Finally someone who appreciates the original one from the movie :). Now I just to have a road trip to see it!

[@maurolevy5147]

I made this wish a couple of years ago. I'm now 30 pounds heavier. Not what I had in mind, Zoltar!

[@rcrooksJD2010]

This is the best thing I've ever seen. I'd pay you to make another.

[@Dimino519]

I think it is incredible how many people would LOVE to own one of these original style machines. The "Zoltar Speaks" that are for sale today really aren't anything like what was in 'Big' and as seen here. The only ones available for sale, you put the money in - he says a really cheap line and then it gives you a card with a fortune on it. I guess I can see that the manufactures anticipate people are more likely to engage if feel they get a decent bang for their buck and walk away with a fortune card in hand as opposed to being able to just "make a wish" and be done as with the original. But if people saw THIS thing at a carnival, mall, store, haunted house, etc. they would love to play - I guarantee it. It's just so creepy and cool and awesome! It's like throwing that penny into the fountain on creepy animatronic steroids! At the very least, there is clearly a huge market for movie enthusiasts and collectors who would shell out the money to own one for their personal collections. Beautiful craftsmanship. If I had the knowhow I would absolutely construct one of these myself. It is one of the coolest things I have seen in my life. GREAT WORK and thank you for sharing this beautiful video with the world!!!

[@pitts8rh]

Thanks very much for your comments. If you would like to see more about the machine, I have been sitting on a short "Inside Zoltar" video and a "making of" article as part of a new website. The site will go online on April Fool's Day, 2014, appropriately enough, and I will make a note of it here in the video Info.

[@rhuxley5130]

This is so legit. It's way better then any other attempt.

[@ventiada9649]

this is so cool i want to make a wish and have the card that Zoltar gives you at the end, big is one of my favorite movies

[@MrLadiesman216]

This is amazing! Love that film & props to you for building this!

[@nomadictree5795]

Very impressive. Just as foreboding as the original.

[@Manceinion]

Every time I watch that film I very predictably say 'I want that machine!' Very impressed. Hope to see it in action some day. =)

[@Zolwena]

Oh I have friggin goosebumps watching this! thanks for bringing back awesome memories!

[@porsche558]

That is the coolest thing I have seen in a long while! Great job making a movie replica!

[@WiseGuy02]

This is awesome! How do you even start a project like this?? The head, the creepy glowing eyes, the breathing. Fantastic! This kicks the factory made Zoltar's butt.

[@Smashie_90]

I think that thing is so creepy! And the music in the movie makes it more creepy!

[@pitts8rh]

@chaddvanzanten It is fully functional with the motions, lights, music, and sound effects shown here. It dispenses the card only if you hit the mouth. If you miss the mouth, the coin ramp stays in the last position to make it easier to tweak your aim on subsequent plays, but once you finally hit the mouth, a motor resets the coin ramp to the neutral starting position just before the machine stops. As for wishes being granted, only those who have actually paid and played know for sure!

[@DmitryKlevtsov]

Thank you very much. It's a great job. How? How did you manage to do it. It's just incredible. The similarity of design and functionality so that the film was simply incredible. Огромное вам спасибо. Это прекрасная работа. Как? Как вам удалось сделать это. Это просто невероятно. Сходство по дизайну и функциональности с тем что был в фильме просто невероятное.

[@underwoodsfamilyalbum5801]

It really works. . .11 years ago when I was 10 I made the wish, I am now a 21 year old trapped inside of a 43 year old body!

[@adrienyo6124]

😂😂😂😂😂 yep me to bor

[@AssassinatorScout1]

I do hope wishes do come true~ :(

[@pitts8rh]

Thanks. I decided against posting the construction video initially, but I am now thinking about posting it later this year or whenever I get a new website ready.

[@roodroid]

Excellent job Mr. Hess. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@mikeferr107]

You did a hell of a good job on this video. If you're not a filmmaker, I can't imagine why not. Thanks for an entertaining vid that features a great looking machine.

[@kevintheblacksmith]

Best replica ever . Love it

[@zersockpuppet]

Amazing job. I've wanted a machine like that ever since I saw the movie as a teenager. They do sell some voice activated Zoltar machines for around $8,000, but they can't compare to this custom one. The only way it could be better is if it could actually grant wishes!

[@EvilFrog9]

such an accurate replica it makes me think i'm watching the movie... spot on... and a great job Pitts8rh

[@sadeaton]

The coin drop was a good Bankshot, happy you got your wish.

[@bronsonb1696]

Now "Big" is available on Disney+.

[@thetwistedsamurai]

Fun fact: This literally traumatized me when I was really little. Then when I got to be around 12 I could watch the movie with no issue.

[@27clubband74]

AMAZING ,CONGRATS

[@jonnoz]

that is awsome !!! luv the film so much and too see how accurate u made that to the original is brilliant .

[@Chertograad]

Great devotion has been put into this contraption! I must commend you sir on a perfect job well done!

[@pitts8rh]

Thanks for your comments. I am not familiar with any Zoltan machines out there (other than the non-animated vintage machine that plays a recording), but I have seen some "Zoltar" machines that are for sale. They seem to be very nicely done, although they don't bear much resemblance to the original prop, possibly due to fear of potential retribution from the film studio.

[@scrapescrape2007]

Was the machine plugged in?

[@Youmemichael]

no it runs on batteries

[@dan_hitchman007]

@@Youmemichael Shhh! It runs on magic.

[@henrytherobot]

ZOLTAR, I WANNA BE A REAL BOY!

[@unstoppableguy]

This is brilliant! I wanna get one. Cool video and music. So eerie and haunting!

[@MisterFitShace]

That is very cool. Zoltar would be great for Halloween parties.

[@pitts8rh]

@MrWaynestorm Thank you. Everything on and in the machine is custom-made except for the vintage turban and necklace pendants and the diecast crank wheels, which I believe are identical to the original. I bought them from McMaster-Carr.

[@Alan-lv9rw]

This scene in the movie was filmed at the Playland Amusement Park in Rye, NY.

[@mikemoss9559]

But does it run unplugged? Got a hidden power supply in there or something? 😝 very cool replica.

[@jooppoojk2356]

That reminded me of my childhood

[@pitts8rh]

The music in this video was recreated on a keyboard synthesizer and is a mix of the track that is loaded on the machine itself, along with some intro and closing parts. The film's original soundtrack music was created by Howard Shore and should be available as a soundtrack or possibly elsewhere on KZbin. My version has the breathing sounds embedded into the music so is probably not what you want anyway.

[@LadyLLLL]

It sounds perfect to me! ♥️

[@pitts8rh]

@ogiebendogie I appreciate the tip. I have updated the info based on your comment. The photo at your link shows a figure that has some minor differences to the actual figure that appeared in the main film, although this slightly different copy does show up in the extras on the DVD. They either built two, or more likely they just had multiple figures (the shirt colors and the face painting are slightly different).

[@Redbaron863]

It´s a really cool and haunted machine..fantastic!

[@jillkx]

Is it just me or is this very creepy? 👀😰

[@JCE3000GT]

This is a great reproduction. Wish I had the skills and or money to make or have one made.

[@dirtydukeV]

Late to the party but amazing ingenuity, persistence and result!

[@mikeyfocus3845]

if only the last fading shot was of the unplugged socket!

[@HSC1000]

So hang on a minute! This is probably the ONLY real Zoltar machine out in the world. This is so cool. You've made an exact replica (amazing). Ive seen some other Zoltar machines but they look stupid....probably got something to do with copywright maybe? But yeh thumbs sup dude! Perfect - its got the freaky feel to it as well. You are very talented individual

[@lisaknox4113]

Yeah. That'd be great!

[@TickleMonster333]

I watched Big as a kid and I forgot how terrifying that Zoltar was

[@cetera06]

This is absolutely awsome my friend! congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ratcliffave]

Wonder what they did with the original zoltar machine in Big after they made the film.

[@clamshell6863]

It was actually stolen from a warehouse unit being used for storage where it got robbed in the mid nineties. It was rediscovered in a garage later in 1999 obviously owned by whoever stole it as well as other stolen items discovered. It is now displayed at a replica museum with other film replicas at Universal Studios.

[@pitts8rh]

Could you elaborate on this? It is my understanding that an original is on display at the Falcon Theater in Burbank, but it appears to be slightly different from the one used in the film. What museum are you referring to?

[@ThePatcore]

I believe a company made more of them based off the origional, there is also one at Michigans Adventure Amusement park. But as you said, slightly different (no coin into the mouth)

[@pitts8rh]

It's more than slightly different. It's an original design that bears no resemblance to the one in the film other than the fact that it also uses a male figure (well crafted, however) and shares the Zoltar name.

[@ThePatcore]

I strongly disagree, its clearly made to replicate the one in the movie. from the lettering behind the "man" to the red eyes, to the coin in mouth. To say its not would be just ludicrous.

[@snu288]

Would you still ever consider to sell one of these in the future? I know it took a LOT of work and is worth thousands of dollars.

[@masonsnouffer4258]

Ok, did anything else find him terrifying, cause it can't just be me!😨

[@michaelmarama-de4gx]

Yup it's creepy as f***

[@JusticeGamingNetwork]

Not that specific one, but there was a Zoltar fortune telling machine that looked really similar that I recently saw at a hotel I stayed at. I don't know if it was made before or after the movie, though.

[@jaycea1338]

That Scary

[@MrHulltech2]

They use to have one in the arcade at the Mall in Lubbock Texas It was creepy as Hell.

[@pitts8rh]

@er10b If by the original one you mean the prop built specifically for the movie, I doubt that there was anything inside except a motor to move the head and lights for the annunciator panels (but I don't know for sure). There were many coin-operated fortune tellers produced in the early to mid 20th century for amusement parks and arcades, but the Zoltar fortune machine from the film never existed as a production unit..

[@JOEmega64]

INCREDIBLE job.

[@sbanks4421]

What happened to the original?

[@DuucKSauce]

Where can I get this machine?

[@KaydeyRai]

Cool, I love this piece of music

[@joshninny]

That would be cool if they had a fake cord running on the side that wasn’t plugged in. OooooOoOoOhhh

[@khammerbeck]

Beautifully done!!

[@satirida]

MAGIC

[@donaldjohnsonjr3450]

Thanks for the information in the description it's very helpful

[@mikeygoodboi]

Awesome!

[@pitts8rh]

@liamblackere I recreated the music on keyboard using Cakewalk Sonar for the midi sequencer with various soft sythesizers for the orchestral sounds. It is, as you noted, based on themes from the film, which had to be adapted to fit the timing of the machine's operations and the video, although I should make it clear that no original sounds from the film were used. The machine itself can play several different original tunes, as well as the more familiar one that you hear.

[@pearrock2]

Holy Moly, this is just awesome! Is it still at Kilroy's?

[@pitts8rh]

Thank you. To answer your question, it was sold to a private collector many years ago. And unfortunately Kilroys is no longer in business at this location.

[@cingle2004jp]

This scene seems vaguely familiar since I watched such a movie in the childhood..

[@maicwand]

Just amazing! fantastic job!

[@TED5165]

I've wanted to make one of these for a while, although I had planned one on a smaller scale. This is great, would love to see how you did it!

[@ogiebendogie]

According to worstpreviews com/headline php?id=20202 the original is in the lobby of the Falcon Theater. Great job on this replica!

[@chaddvanzanten]

Holy cow. That's just astonishing. Does it really function as an arcade game? Does it start up because of the inserted quarter? Do the lights activate in the way the video depicts? Does it grant the wish if you get the coin in the mouth and not grant it if the coin misses? This is one incredible replica!

[@Riverli75]

Wow, this is awesome. I wish I had one myself!

[@blbarchi]

I would love to know how you made this game. The issue in Make magazine didn't really get into the nuts and bolts of how you did it. If you could make the game into a kit, I would definitely be interested in buying such a kit, as would many other people.

[@flyingveda]

Amazing

[@jpcguy89]

Fantastic. If it doesn't infringe on any copyrights, you should put it into mass production. I know I'd buy one.

[@voicetube]

Just finished watching this CLASSIC film (Big) and have to say, BRAVO!! Man, you captured it SO damn well!! Just curious, for what amount are you selling the unit (treasure!)?

[@sswhaat]

Nice work... Looks so sweet....

[@DanielSadjadian]

Best machine ever!

[@JTC2227]

1:20 I Wish I Were Big

[@xCombixGirlx]

simply amazing

[@EarlsOfSweetSwing]

This is so cool! It's great to finally see a faithful replica as opposed to those lame talking ones "inspired by the movie" that you sometimes see in arcades. Now the real question: Does it grant your wish when you unplug it, too? ;P

[@warrengonline]

This is AWESOME!!

[@pitts8rh]

@arlichar11 I thought about doing that-making the machine inoperative (but trickle charging an internal battery) while plugged in, and then switching to battery/inverter power when unplugged. It would have been fun for the first couple of demonstrations but not very practical for unattended operation.

[@thecphughes]

Looks good fantastic job!!

[@afriendofbean]

The question you wondered if the wish gets granted only if the coin goes in Zoltar's mouth is a question I wondered. From watching the movie "Big", I saw that young Josh and adult Josh as Tom Hanks got the coin in Zoltar's mouth where the message came out saying "Your wish is granted" but, maybe if the coin misses Zoltar's mouth a message will probably come out saying "You missed Zoltar's mouth. Your wish has not been granted. Better luck next time."

[@dan_hitchman007]

No. It just says. The End is Nye. Bwahahahahaha!

[@qwer58j]

That was pretty cool.

[@calebs086]

Damn, that's talent right there. Please upload the DIY instructions. :D

[@sonicfreak04]

would be cool to make the metal fittings out of actual metal

[@pitts8rh]

Except it was over 600lbs even with the resin parts. Plus the coin ramp would have been difficult to rig with the extra weight.

[@RMJ1984]

Really scary machine :P amazing if you could actully get a wish granted like that. The only that is missing is to show that its Disconnected from power :)

[@joshcoyle3804]

Zoltar says make your wish Me make my wish I wish the new doctor who series would come out on the 1st of November on tv

[@agentdark64]

Can it make me big?

[@blackhossproductions]

Well done!

[@bundeligafan]

wow that's amazing great job