While the Twelfth Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control (URC) offers fans a fantastic piece of Doctor Who memorabilia that feels remarkably close to the on-screen prop, it’s essential to understand that it isn’t an exact replica. To make the Sonic Screwdriver URC more accessible in terms of manufacturing and price – significantly undercutting accurate replicas that can reach prices of $4,000 – several key differences exist between the URC and the prop used in the Doctor Who TV series. Let’s delve into the most noticeable distinctions that Doctor Who enthusiasts and collectors should be aware of.
Key Differences Between the Sonic Screwdriver URC and the Prop
The variations primarily stem from manufacturing necessities and cost-effectiveness, but they are crucial for discerning viewers. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas where the Sonic Screwdriver URC diverges from the genuine article:
Tip Material and Swirl
The tip of the Sonic Screwdriver URC is constructed from a single piece of solid, transparent, self-colored injection molded polycarbonate. While the color closely resembles the prop, the URC tip lacks the distinctive lighter swirling pattern found in the original. This omission is functional: the swirling effect would impede the infrared signal required for its universal remote capabilities to pass through the tip effectively.
Clasp Assembly, Upper and Lower Cage Shape
The metallic components of the URC are produced using die-casting, a mass-manufacturing process, rather than the individual hand machining techniques employed for the hero prop. This shift in manufacturing method necessitates slight alterations in the shape of the clasps and both the upper and lower cages. These adjustments ensure the parts are suitable for casting, streamlining production.
Absence of Brass Rivets
To minimize production costs, the design of the Sonic Screwdriver URC eliminated the need for actual rivets. Instead, faux brass rivet details are cleverly integrated into the lower cage molding. These are purely cosmetic features, replicating the appearance of rivets without the added expense and complexity of their implementation.
Cover Ring Shape
Perhaps the most visually apparent deviation is the shape of the cover ring. Unlike the hero prop, the Sonic Screwdriver URC is designed to be taken apart for battery replacement. To maintain a clean exterior appearance devoid of visible parting lines or screws, the separation point was ingeniously placed in the middle, concealed by the cover ring. This elegant solution, however, necessitates a less tapered cover ring on the URC compared to the more pronounced taper on the original prop.
Handle Material and Button
The handle of the URC is not crafted from leather, again a cost-saving measure. Furthermore, the genuine prop features a distinct protruding button, soldered onto a square cutout in the grip, which actors use to activate the tip’s glow as dictated by the script. While the Twelfth Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver URC does incorporate a button to activate its features, it is positioned beneath and protected by the grip material. This design choice assumes that the external button was not intended as a core aesthetic element of the device and prioritizes a more durable button solution for the URC’s intended uses.
Weight Difference
Finally, while the Sonic Screwdriver URC feels satisfyingly weighty in hand, it is actually lighter than the screen-used prop, weighing approximately 205 grams compared to the original’s 268 grams. This weight difference is attributed to the prop’s more solid construction, lacking the internal space required to house the URC’s electronics and batteries.
Conclusion
In summary, the Twelfth Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control provides an impressive and tangible connection to the Doctor Who universe for fans. While not a perfect screen-accurate replica, the identified differences are primarily driven by manufacturing practicality and affordability. The Sonic Screwdriver URC successfully captures the essence and feel of the iconic device, offering enthusiasts a fantastic and functional collectible without the prohibitive cost of a true, screen-used prop replica.
