The Goliath Power Saber: HASBRO BLUNDERS - Michael Unplugged

#retroblasting #goliathpowersaber #starwars
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Just when you think Hasbro couldn't get any stupider, they abandon the coolest lightsaber toy ever invented - The Goliath Power Saber. Michael has a lot to say on this one. Buckle up.

[@scottknudsen6611]

Who needs a cool lightsaber when I can take out a second mortgage for a cantina diorama?

[@retroblasting]

HA! Right?!

[@arctrooper999]

Who needs a cantina diorama when I can pimp out my wife for an Origins Eternia playset?

[@2Hats74]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHfIh5mteduHr68

[@jordanbureau6858]

Making a modern product so good that Michael devotes an entire video to it has to be the greatest compliment ever!

[@victorlazo238]

Yes I was waiting for the criticism but no, he really likes the product.

[@venomnbk3326]

Hasbro probably wanted to make this a $700 Haslab.

[@portland-182]

The inventor was not going to let them steal it, and Hasbro finally figured that out...

[@Exar_Kun]

💯

[@tomlewis4205]

that is my hunch- they wanted to OWN the patent exclusively ​@@Exar_Kun

[@T2rx6]

Hasbro has enough money to drag the inventor through the mud so long that they give up by attrition honestly..

[@jubsy]

"If I had been handed this in 1982..." I would have taken it literally everywhere. I just showed my kids this video and they are both yelling at me to buy them :D

[@WyldstaarStudios]

These days, the phrase "Hasbro blew it." is comparable to "The sky is blue." or "Water is wet." It's just a given. Other toy companies need to observe everything Hasbro does as a cautionary note.

[@SirFunky]

i know hasbro primarily from their ghostbusters line, where they have been well aclaimed for, what went wrong with there other divisions/brands?

[@fen4554]

They've been killing it with Transformers for the past few years.

[@WyldstaarStudios]

@@SirFunky Which Ghostbusters line? The modern one based on Ghostbusters: Afterlife & Frozen Empire, or The Real Ghostbusters?

[@SirFunky]

@@WyldstaarStudios ive not had any experience with their older kenner replicas but ive kept close track of their haslab campaings and theyeve far exceeded expectations with them, and the afterlife figures arent too bad either imo, i do own one marvel legend figure that ive not had any issue with but im not a diehard collector or anything

[@WyldstaarStudios]

@@SirFunky To be honest, I was using a bit of hyperbole. The idiocy at Hasbro varies from one creative team to the next. The folks assigned to Star Wars are constantly making bone headed decisions. The Transformers line seems to be doing quality work for the most part. As for Haslab, I never participate in Kickstarter campaigns for multi-billion dollar companies. The modern Hasbro Ghostbusters line is okay. I like the art style of the figure sculpts. The Ecto-1 was a fail IMO. The driver side door doesn't open?! Seriously?

[@mose717]

My first light saber was an unbranded version that i got in '77. It was a flashlight with a plastic tube mounted to it that worked well and was lots of fun.

[@MattMovies611]

Literally the toy every Star Wars fan wanted as a kid and Hasbro said no. My wish is someone at Lucasfilm who cared learned about this and took the license from them for their stupidity…but that’s not happening anytime soon

[@unmisfitminor101]

Disney is more concerned about woke politics than anything else

[@HughAverageHomoMan]

@@unmisfitminor101 Please find a better way to whine about stuff other than ruining a phrase that once meant something.

[@chrisstory563]

I think either the guy had a type of NDA that prevents him from talking smacks against Hasbro or he's trying to remain humble about whole ordeal. it a shame that wall street not only ruined the entire entertainment industry. it also ruined the toy industry as well.

[@ImTheKingOfHyrule]

He's being smart. He's got something Hasbro might want someday, and for now he can at least make some money off of it-- and potentially make even more money later if Hasbro comes back around asking for it.

[@yokaicustoms]

The cynic in me thinks they strung the guy along just so they could study it in detail, modify the design enough to not infringe on the patent, and then just release it themselves.

[@retroblasting]

Very possibly. Time will tell.

[@shadowynne]

Yeah, this is my feeling as well

[@VorpalDerringer]

I feel like this is the only logical explanation.

[@GeekHero_Bubba]

Just like Pizza Hut and the Stuffed Crust.

[@VorpalDerringer]

@@GeekHero_Bubba Oh, really?

[@rockabillyskydiverbear6344]

The craziest thing to me is that five years have gone by since your lightsaber video. How the time flies when your having fun

[@retroblasting]

Yep five years, and my bangs, have all gone away in that time.

[@cosmicjay8026]

The real thumb in Hasbro's eye? These are placed in official Star Wars sections in retail stores.

[@art-n-filmsam3844]

Can confirm at my local Target RIGHT NOW

[@belaskifilms2162]

The basic lightsabers from the mid 2000s had belt clips They had a locking mechanism that you would need to pull down then flick it open But it didn't have any electronics I had a couple of them as a kid and loved them

[@VolkswagenGamer]

Yeah I remember having the QuiGonn hilts but with different colored blades. They found their way into quite a few Halloween outfits.

[@DaltonUber]

Dude not even nostalgia blindness those ones where the best for saber fights. No bells and whistles, cheap, and the blades where made of thick plastic that we beat the crap out of.

[@TroyPacelli]

It doesn't surprise me in the slightest that Hasbro wiffed this. On the other hand, what a wonderful miracle that this made it to market anyway. And, honestly, I love that this video exists as a follow up to your previous lightsaber videos. I'll say win all around.

[@jedipoodoo]

I first saw this in my local Target last week, and my Walmart got them this week, and my first thought was: does Hasbro and Disney know? My second thought was: I wonder what Michael thinks of this toy?

[@stephens4175]

I've called them Hasblow for years now and this is just another reason to continue that tradition.

[@SonicMoon1]

Still really pissed off at how Hasbro fumbled Power Rangers.

[@arctrooper999]

They other day a 26 y.o. told me he wanted to start looking for Zords and make a shelf for them, I kinda patted him on the head.

[@Captain-Thievius]

Although I prefer Super Sentai, I saw the Lightning Collection as a cheaper alternative to S.H. Figuarts. I will never understand why Hasbro handled the LC the way they did. Random Rangers and villains spread out across different waves made Team building tedious if not impossible. As well as retail exclusives that were unannounced and random. The straw that broke the camel’s back for me was how bad Hasbro handled the Dino Thunder White Ranger. Walgreens exclusive, and his helmet was absolutely hideous.

[@S0larisPrime]

Lightning Collection deserved better but Power Rangers is a brand with no dignity and no future.

[@tecpaocelotl]

We all are. My daughter wanted the latest action figures (Cosmic Fury) which they didn't make. Is Hasbro allergic to money?

[@SonicMoon1]

@@tecpaocelotl we got the morpher and the Megazord but that was it

[@frostyfoster6056]

7:45 I love what you said here. This guy created something truly amazing and deserves the license much more than the multi billion dollar corporation that continuously screws up. That’s the real dream.

[@patrickholt8782]

That battery compartment can also help prevent a really bad battery leak if they are left in too long.

[@MrKyleboywonder]

I grew up in the Prequel era and the “flick” out sabers that the blade would fully go in, was and still is, my favorite toy I ever had growing up. Countless lightsaber battles. Those things were surprisingly durable too. Just to think… if I had this in 2005. Man. My heart mourns.

[@outoftheboxblaster7131]

I think in this case the simple answer is the right answer. Starwar toys aren't selling. The Disney shows aren't creating any interest. Light sabers may sell better than any other toy but at this point, what does that mean. It stays out of the bargain bin for two weeks.

[@TriarchVisgroup]

Star Wars toys aren't selling, because Hasbro isn't making them. They barely produce to any number. They lean on subscrition and kickstarter. Every toy company that puts in the work to put toys on shelves, is selling toys. Lego, Barbie, NERF, Lanard, Playmobil. They all have toys that people want, and they sell. Hasbro is Hasbro's worst enemy. It's not that people don't want toys. Kids will play with toys if there are toys to play with. Yes, not having good Star Wars films and shows coming out is hurting the brand overall, but people still love Star Wars and will collect good Star Wars toys. Like this. Shame Hasbro walked away and left the money on the table.

[@mindseyemelodies]

It seems Hasbro wants to force cosplayers and other adult collectors to buy their very expensive black series sabers and helmets. We don't seem to get any film accurate sabers or toy helmets anymore that are under $100

[@TheL1034]

How have we spent nearly 50 years without a decent lightsaber toy? The one I had in the early 2000's was telescopic, and man that thing took the beating we gave it, but twenty years later we haven't got any better options or designs. How?

[@Bribri-o5o]

A win for the fans! This video need to be everywhere! This saber bring back the sparks to star wars and it is our New hope!

[@kjpphotography4764]

The higher ups at Hasbro don't know how to run a toy company and business in general.

[@Captain-Thievius]

Hasbro: A fully automatic retractable Lightsaber that works? Nah, no one in their right mind wants that. Also Hasbro: This Action-Crackin’ Indiana Jones whip is a great idea. Everyone wants one. Seriously, what even goes on in the minds of these corporate morons?

[@solusprime8143]

Whilst I did chuckle immaturely at the opening of the vid, I did just order a green one from Amazon. Thanks for bringing this item to my attention, and keep up the awesome content.

[@JamesKenobi1138]

Disney has a lot of their Star Wars toys made outside of Hasbro using the same companies and factories that make their Disney and Disney Park merchandise. Maybe the inventor should cut out Hasbro and work with Disney directly- they would sell the hell out of these at DL and WDW.

[@mattdawg83686]

Hasbro blew it? What?! Say it ain’t so!

[@2Hats74]

Michael - Thank you for helping me to get a jump on the Hanukkah shopping! Sabres purchased.

[@gerainthorton8980]

Seeing that they retract properly is enough for me to want to get these for my boys. Being automated would be a bonus. My main frustration with their current toys is they end up like Michael's clip at the start. Stuck half retracted.

[@EpicJasonX9000]

Hopefully this guy will make more colored power sabers like blue, purple, yellow, & orange, and even double bladed options for these sabers without Hasbro’s influence. I got one would love to have a double bladed blue power saber.

[@Bribri-o5o]

Let's help this saber to be the biggest thing ever! It brings me back to my childhood and makes me feel in love with starwars again.

[@VenusHeadTrap2]

Hasbro has problems. More like Hasbeen.

[@AzurGamer81]

Found it on Walmart and saved it to my shopping list for next paycheck!

[@inthetoyroom4life]

Inventor: So, after two years, that's it!? So long and may the Force be with you?! Hasbro: I don't recall saying may the Force be with you

[@MayumiC-chan9377]

Interestingly enough because of you all at RB Influenced my husband acquired a 3d printer and started making 6 inch NATO,SANDF and Asian military action figures for a hobby. He always wanted figures of military forces he worked with during his time and also vehicles like the Olifant (Centurion tank) and others. RB you all influenced my husband and i’m thankful for it! He loved Marauders 1/18 figures Thank you❤ He’s planning on calling the line “Free world forces”

[@Geek_Chorus]

Michael Unplugged is always a good time. Thanks RB!!!

[@themainnerd0566]

unfortunately i think all hasbro's energy went into not fucking up beyblade again so they wouldnt lose the license...

[@warhorse03826]

"the people who are in charge of the IP's, often aren't fans" nailed it. likely this Power Saber was new, and new is scary and if it fails, you lose your job. no corp-type wants to take that risk. better to go with what has already worked. no one gets fired over the tried-and-true. hasbro does not seem to be able to do anything right, and here they're stuck in the mud and don't want to advance, in the RPG realm they go too far turning a tabletop RPG everyone likes into a videogame no one likes. same thing. they have no idea what they're in charge of, and if they don't understand it, it's scary and could lead to getting fired. people in charge of D&D aren't D&D players, they're videogamers. they have no idea what they have, so they try to make it what they know. so is there any part of hasbro that isn't screwing things up? transformers? GI Joe?

[@ChewieEst]

These would have been 20-50% more expensive for us if Hasbro would have put them out!

[@LeeONardo]

Isn't it better that it worked out this way anyhow? Although having the saber of your favourite character is one thing, at least with this you have original designs, so you can have a saber for your own Jedi you roleplay as. I mean everyone wants to have their own saber, there is that whole workshop after all at Disney.

[@retroblasting]

I don't recall complaining....

[@MrDrokkul]

Hasbro realized they couldn't produce this because there is no way it would have to be clearanced out at big box retailers and wind up on deep discount at Ollie's Bargain Outlets. That's all they make anymore.

[@Christolclear101]

Hasbro is given a Golden Egg, and they still refused to take it. That makes them a special kind of stupid in this case. Keep up the great work, Michael!

[@dariusq8894]

It's probably some stupid mandate from Disney / Lucasfilm saying: "We're moving Star Wars away from the Jedi. Stop making those toys and start working on how to market (insert new Disney property)."

[@GrabAStackofRocK]

I think this will work in my collection.

[@wolf1701A]

I see a bright future for these, I hope they keep going!

[@mixedhairless]

So glad you covered this .

[@nickmanzo8459]

I have a theory: Hasbro turned this down because Disney wanted these specifically branded for The Acolyte, Hasbro thought that was an idiotic idea considering no one was watching it, and so the deal fell through.

[@WagesofCine]

I was going to ask about the cool display and then was happy to hear it comes with it. Awesome all around!

[@RoyalKnightVIII]

Would it surprise me? No Michael no it wouldn't, not at all. I had seen these in store and just thought it was another lightsaber ersatz but wow I didn't know they were this neat. However i was wondering why Target had them next to official star wars products, now I get it. Great work as always

[@kingerikthegreatest.ofall.7860]

Hasbro is anti-fun.

[@shinasura777]

Half expect hasbro wanted the patent for it on silly terms and the designer was smart enough to say no

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Why do I have a feeling that HASBRO is trying to figure out a way they can either steal it or squash it....

[@retroblasting]

I think you're probably right.

[@sithcarebear1]

This is TOTALLY like Blockbuster walking away from Netflix 😂 #Hasbroken

[@scottstalcup6980]

Coming this Christmas! Hasbro's Star Wars Lightsaber! Comes with cardboard wrapping paper roll and flashlight! Batteries and duct tape not included. MSRP: $200.

[@shortnotice352]

So they will sell a $1000 dollar self transforming robot,but a self retractable lightsaber is too much. Talk about dropping the ball

[@Alex-17720]

From what I remember, the basic lightsabers with no sound had the belt clips for the prequels at least. The electronic ones haven’t had them to my knowledge. Also my local targets have had these ones n there Star Wars sections for some time now have been pretty curious about them since they seemed to be “legally distinct”. definitely going to have to given them a 2nd look now with all the info coming to light

[@retroblasting]

Yeah, I'm only referring to electronic offerings from 1995 forward.

[@scubapete9500]

I like the battery magazine, just like the high end cosplay sabers. Thanks for showing these off! 😎

[@skabcat242]

YOU BLEW IT HASBRO.

[@YakSquad]

A blunder becomes a great collection item if left in box.

[@sillypolplays]

Woah!! I want that power saber!!!

[@ljcostanzo7516]

It wouldn't surprise me if Hasbro finds a way to pull the rug out from under this guy in such a way to steal away the profits and completely block this guy from even getting recognized for coming up with it.

[@Plokman040]

Bit late, this stuff is out there. It is public knowledge and you know how fast that spreads nowadays.

[@darthethan1995]

Yeah hasbro really blew it big time. They would have made a shit ton of money if they went with this guy’s invention. I’m hoping to get a green one if it goes on clearance or for Christmas. When I was a kid, the spring action lightsabers blew my mind. But these here really blow all toy lightsabers out of the water. I’m still fond of the Telescoping electronic ones too, but this takes the cake.

[@themaypole]

Thanks for the head up, trying to buy tomorrow. Literal dream toy.

[@themaypole]

Got it.

[@DirtyDan16325]

Had this come out in before Christmas. I guarantee it would have broke top 10 kids toys of the year. It would have made Hasbro a ton of money, but instead they blew it. Again.

[@KreedsToyCollection]

I will always appreciate how unabashedly you share your opinions.

[@haydentcem]

More and more I’m disillusioned with these corporations and their executives resting on their laurels and never trying to innovate or compete. This damn system and way of doing things just doesn’t cut it anymore, and Hasbro’s rejection of a genuinely engaging toy like this is a perfect microcosm of that

[@TenkoVA]

In regards to the belt clip and whether hasbro actually used them on toys, the 2010s lightsabers (right before the bladebuilders line) had belt clips, and from what I remember, the blades would click into place when collapsed so they wouldnt just slide out. I remember that the way to "ignite" it being to just flick it out meant it would sometimes lock into place and overextend, making it really hard to push back in, but god those sabers were fun as a kid.

[@DagrtOne]

Well, it’s better that they cast him to the curb, because now he’s able to market this. What would’ve been worse if they would’ve bought him out right, then permanently shelved it. Then we wouldn’t have what we have.

[@delanodave7402]

I was able to pick up the red powersaber.This Halloween......its going down the way it should have back in 1985! Only this time, i will be taking my own kids' trick or treating. But will i be walking down the street like a bad ass with my retractable saber....yup!!!

[@JonathanMedd]

Incredible! Hasbro have levelled up to a new height of stupidity I didn’t think even they could manage. These sabers are a licence to print money.

[@ChewieEst]

I went to Target to grab one of these sabers and they were out of stock, which I’m sure this video is directly responsible for! 😁👍🏻

[@Savyon0]

I honestly have to wonder if Disney themselves didn't stomp this deal. Like Hasbro was ready to go, took it to Disney, and then Disney decided that having some random guy come up with a lightsaber toy that actually works the way lightsabers are supposed to (and which would retail at a sub-triple-digit price, at that) would steal too much thunder from their "innovative" glowy tape measure Starcruiser prop and told Hasbro to kill the deal because they didn't want to admit someone had come up with a cooler idea. Admittedly, that's probably giving Hasbro FAR more credit than they're due, but one never knows with MBA corporate brainrot. Plus there's all the factors others have already mentioned (Hasbro trying to lowball the inventor/screw him out of the patent, not wanting to give him royalties for the extension tech, etc.) that probably made them go "Eh, he won't be able to make them without us, anyways" and try to bury the product in favor of them not having to spend any money retooling their (what is it now?) 25-30 year old lightsaber toy production lines. (Please, Hasbro, let us know how that's working out for you.) Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go order a toy lightsaber I'm 30 years too old for.

[@Flanman113]

Just bought one. All it needed was some black and copper highlights painted on.

[@Toygains]

I saw this at Walmart and I was incredibly confused. Glad you're the one who led me to the info I needed.

[@slice1208]

He probably wanted royalties, and Hasbro couldn't buy him out. He should go to Disney directly for a lance to make lightsabers.

[@zachlennon2948]

Hasbro not bringing this toy to market has got to be dumbest corporate decision EVER. Even worse than new coke.

[@AnimeJSaysBah]

I'm just speculating here, maybe, just maybe...Hasbro is dumping Star Wars? Or maybe Disney is dumping Hasbro? I doubt it, but anythings possible.

[@harlannguyen4048]

Given the state of Star Wars, I wouldn't be surprised that Hasbro doesn't want to make any more toys for a dying franchise.

[@harveysmallwood729]

I'm not as old as some of you...I'm 29 years old.... I would have KILLED for a lightsaber that could ignite and retract like that when I was 10

[@MoviesMusicMonsters]

Really too bad - looks like GREAT toy!

[@Exar_Kun]

Goddamn Michael is always over target and ALWAYS nukes idiots like Hasbro EVERYTIME!!!! Thank you for always speaking your mind and having your finger on the pulse of fandom Michael!!😎❤️

[@SteelDog91]

Sounds like Hasbro is going to walk away from the Disney contract

[@arctrooper999]

Retroblasting is a TOY channel and i love it. Do you think that the nationality of the Inventer and some stuff going on and some people with signs plays any factor into this? Its my interest in history that asks, I dont know when this project was presented and walked away from. EDIT: Nevermind, i re-watched the first two minutes I got it. Cheers!

[@benparker1822]

Dude! Sudden brainstorm: Baloon-blade Light Sabers. They blow up, and then you can work in a mini vacuum to suck it back into the handle. Edit: And, if done right, they could be sturdy but safe enough to bop each other with.

[@retroblasting]

Please tell me this is a joke in reference to the 1978 Kenner Lightsaber... which sucked.

[@benparker1822]

@@retroblasting Can't say I'm familiar with those. Reason I thought about that is because of the balloon swords you can get at various Ren Fairs and Theme Parks. With a hilt like the one you showed, and a thick enough plastic along with a vacuum mechanism, maybe you could get something more functional. Because the sectioned plastic still looks wrong to me. But, it's just a spur of the moment idea. Don't know how practical it might actually be, so it could be a pipe dream.

[@CuteFluff8]

Thank you, Michael for the amazing review! Now I want one! 🙃😆🤟🏻🙌🏻👏🏻

[@lukerope1906]

What do you bet in a couple years your going to see Hasbro come out with their "own" version.

[@AL-ws5yi]

When I was in AnimeNYC there was a booth that made custom light sabers. They looked pretty cool. People should just go out on their own.

[@retroblasting]

Those are replicas for costuming. I'm referring to the TOY market. Stay focused.

[@Lio_Convoy]

Bobby’s been hinting that Hasbro is likely to lose the Star Wars license. Them dropping this out of nowhere leans towards that direction, I think.

[@Chronically0nline]

Lio, much respect. I seriously doubt that could happen though. But even if it did, I’d foresee whoever gets the license making such a poor product, Hasbro would likely reacquire it. As much as these guys are idiots, Hasbro has such a clutch in collectors, that unfortunately they seem to be the only one who CAN do star wars. Hope you’re well, and again, i say this all with respect. No snark intended!

[@Fauntleroy.]

While this seems unlikely at first blush, I have to wonder if there's something to it. Even though "corporations gonna corporate" and this alone explains countless boneheaded decisions... THIS boneheaded decision is so colossally stupid and so obvious that you have to wonder if there's another angle behind it that we aren't seeing. Some contractual or legal thing that's private and unobvious.

[@jesseguajardo8592]

I agree with lioconvoy statement if Hasbro keeps making dumb decisions with the Star Wars license they will lose it, just look what happens with 2015 Jurassic World toys line some of the worst toys ever put out under Hasbro, and they would lose their license to Mattel

[@Ut00bsux0rz]

Oh did the guy who got fired from Hasbro and is trying to compete with them now somehow get extremely sensitive inside info? Okay buddy.

[@clentallison2486]

Also Michael why were you defending the bullying of the Rosa call have you even seen all of the calls that lio did like he screamed and was being a jerk to mentally disabled women and you see it and are like “oh yeah this the problem with fandom’s or some shit I do support bullying this mental disabled person” bruh like what!

[@artpercy5944]

Man i love your videos! thank you!!!!

[@MurrayPrice-o2l]

That’s pretty cool. I might have to find one of those.

[@sxhbk]

You should dream about taking that away from them. Wow, what a savage line and delivered beautifully and worthy of an academy award.

[@E.L.Tigre32]

I got a name for the non-fans working with IP they don't understand, "Legacy Killers"

[@Plokman040]

Took me a hot second to realize what you meant, glad I realized you're not wrong. When Michael coined the phrase "The fans are doing the best work" he said something profound that collectors are blind to. And when I say collectors I mean "repro cops" not true enthusiasts like Michael, Tony, or Bobby.

[@BranakinSkywalker]

10:58 if you’re talking about the electronic sabers, no. The non electronic plastic sabers had belt clips

[@retroblasting]

I'm referring to electronic. Who wants a non-electronic lightsaber?

[@CappnRob]

If Hasbro really thought this wouldn't go somewhere without their blessings or licensing they're stupider than expected. There's souvenier shops all around Disneyland and the most common toy you see there are off-brand lightsabers - made of foam, made of plastic, telescoping, static, doesn't matter. Kids like lightsabers. Doesn't matter if they're not "movie accurate". If its fun and well made, kids will want them.

[@RAP-SKULLION]

My guess would be he wouldn't sign over his designs, or patent, or whatever it was that made sure he had ownership of and credit for the development. In a few years when they're trying to play catch-up I'm sure Hasbro will come out with an inferior version.

[@cernstormrunner7263]

how long until Hasbro reverse engineers this just differently enough to not get sued?

[@Exar_Kun]

Hasbro deciding not to release these amazing lightsabers is just as big of a fumble as them passing on the original Star Wars toy license in 1977.

[@craigdixon6496]

That toy looks and sounds like it would be a lot of fun. Thanks for the review and information on the history of the lightsabers toys.

[@kirktanka8199]

Correct on all accounts. This is what every kid wanted. That is AWESOME!!!