In this video I compare a hand built Proton Pack to the Hasbro version.
The Proton Pack we used to build was sourced from a screen used shell and made in the traditional way using fiberglass, metal, etc. This way takes a long time and costs a lot of money.
Using these materials and methods used to be the only way to get the results that the serious cosplayers wanted and as their demands increased for accuracy and function so did the price.
We probably built over 500 shells, kits and packs since 2011.
What is a serious or professional cosplayer?
These people spend thousands of dollars and hours on their costumes, visiting all over the Earth to attend shows and cons, some get paid for appearances. For them, having the most accurate and professional costumes and gear is what matters most.
For other casual fans, they are happy to have a "toy" or store bought "costume" that is mass produced. The Hasbro pack out of the box is great! Perfect for the casual fan, with a little
work it can be made to look just as good as a professional built pack.
Obviously the Hasbro Haslab-Pulse Spengler Afterlife Pack is a feat of engineering and manufacturing. With the power to sell over 21,000 units at an 8,400,000 million dollar budget this allowed them to use all forms of industrial manufacturing to make these amazing packs!
That said, the methods and materials utilized thin plastics, rubber in place of metal, less detailed paints and finishes, sounds, etc., but as a display and costume piece this could never be replicated by a prop builder for even five times this money!
Don't misunderstand my comparison, the Hasbro pack is absolutely amazing!
We no longer make our packs regularly and every once in a while we will sell one but not often.
I know that there are a lot of forums out there, filled with trolls who just make things up and say all sorts of things about me. People send me links or screenshots to these ridiculous conversations and accusations and I have no idea where this stuff comes from.
What I can tell you is that I am a bonded and insured professional prop builder and vendor with both NBC-Universal and Sony Pictures.
I have worked directly with Jason Reitman under NDA and contract with Sony and WalMart.
I was featured in the 2016 Ghostbusters film "Answer the Call",
I was an invited VIP guest to the premiere of Ghostbusters in New York City,
I have made many appearances with Ernie Hudson,
I was an invited VIP guest to the GHOSTBUSTERS FAN FEST at Sony Studios in Culver City, CA.
I have been selling props and things on my eBay since 1998 with 100% positive feedback.
Anyone who ever bought a car or a prop from me is happy with it and you will only find positive reviews of my props online.
You will find the Delorean Time Machine I built (one of 45) on display at Universal Studios Orlando.
I say all this not to toot my own horn but to explain,
if ANY of things in these ridiculous fan forums filled with nameless and faceless trolls were true, would I be working directly with Sony and Universal Studios?
Where are the bad reviews? Where is the negative feedback?
It doesn't add up or make sense does it?
So keep this in mind when someone is speaking 3rd party blabbering about things they know nothing about. A couple of jealous prop builders started rumors on a forum and they have the ability to delete or ban anyone who tries to refute it or defend me.
One of those people is AJ Quick who runs GBFANS.
AJ even dresses up as me as cosplay and pretends to be me, stalking me, etc.
I have had an ongoing problem with him and I am speaking to lawyers about what can
be done about this harassment and bullying.
Unfortunately anyone can just make a website and say anything they want.
These people like to troll my comments, so I turned them off.
I run a business with employees and work with the biggest studios,
theme parks and museums in the world. I don't have time for these forum trolls.
We have two locations of production in Dallas Texas and Las Vegas NV where we are building some new and amazing attractions.
I hope to meet many of you when you come to visit!
-VB