San Diego Comic Con 2011: Video Interview with Brandon Alinger, Prop Store (Wrath of Khan, The Empire Strikes Back, Predator)

As a continuation of the Prop Store booth at this year’s Comic Con (see previously published interview with Stephen Lane), this next video segment includes an interview with Brandon Alinger, COO of the Los Angeles office, along with Ian Mutch from the London office.  This feature takes an in-depth look at pieces from Star Trek: Wrath of Khan, The Empire Strikes Back, Drive Angry, Gladiator, Batman Returns, and Predator. Read more

San Diego Comic Con 2011: Video Interview with Stephen Lane, Prop Store (Star Trek, Scarface, The Fifth Element)

As part of my ongoing coverage of Comic Con 2011 and as has been tradition (see 2008, 2009, 2010), Prop Store CEO Stephen Lane took the time to show off some of the amazing props and costumes on display at their exhibit area.  This year, Stephen provided some insights and a closer look at the ZF-1 weapon from The Fifth Element, Tony Montana’s green card from Scarface, and a uniform worn by Uhura in the original Star Trek series. Read more

San Diego Comic Con 2011: Prop Store Brings “Comic Khan”-Centric Exhibit to Show

2011 marks Prop Store’s third year as an exhibitor at Comic Con in San Diego, and as has been the case in the past, they have brought an assortment of props and costumes from an assortment of film and television programs.  As part of their t-shirt promotion this year, they have billed their experience “Comic Khan”, which is emblazoned across the shirts and the Khan costume from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is in the coveted display case spot at the corner of their exhibit. Read more

Original Prop Blog in England: Short Video Tour of Prop Store of London

England Journal: Prop Store of London Video Tour.  Interview with Stephen Lane.  This is in supplement to Journal Day Two, when we made a visit to Prop Store in England.  Stephen was kind enough to play host and give us a tour of the Prop Store, which was unfortunately abbreviated due to the adverse weather conditions hitting England. Read more

San Diego Comic Con 2010: Interview with Tim Lawes of Prop Store

This Original Prop Blog coverage of the Prop Store exhibit at San Diego Comic Con concludes with Tim Lawes.  The video interview series continues the exploration and discussion about some of the most important pieces on display at their booth, including material from the Alien films, Shawshank Redemption, Gladiator, The Empire Strikes Back, Clash of the Titans, Superman Returns, and more.

Read more

San Diego Comic Con 2010: Interview with Brandon Alinger of Prop Store, Part 2

This is Part 2 of the two part Original Prop Blog interview with Brandon Alinger of Prop Store at San Diego Comic Con. This video feature continues the discussion about some of the most important pieces on display at their booth, including pieces from the Alien films, Gremlins 2, The Black Hole, Hellboy, Army of Darkness, Spider-Man 2, and Batman.

Read more

San Diego Comic Con 2010: Interview with Brandon Alinger of Prop Store, Part 1

The Original Prop Blog interviewed Brandon Alinger of Prop Store at San Diego Comic Con last week. This video feature includes a discussion about some of the most important pieces on display at their booth, including an original bullwhip used by Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the grail diary used in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, and an original Biker Scout Helmet from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Brandon also demonstrates the use of an iPad to make an interactive interface to explore the pages within the grail diary.

Read more

San Diego Comic Con 2010: Interview with Stephen Lane of Prop Store

The Original Prop Blog interviewed Stephen Lane, CEO of Prop Store, at San Diego Comic Con last week.  This video feature includes a discussion about the recent rebrand and relaunch of the long time television and movie prop & costume dealer, their new logo and website, some innovations employed within their exhibit, and a new booklet about their business, soon to be available as a downloadable PDF document from www.PropStore.com.

Read more

Prop Store Brings Style & Substance to San Diego Comic Con with Array of Original TV and Movie Props and Costumes

The newly rebranded Prop Store are making their third consecutive San Diego Comic Con appearance this year.  Their exhibit and original props and costumes are displayed in increasingly impressive fashion, and attract a constant flow of attendees as well as media coverage.  Video interviews and discussions of the pieces and news will follow in a few days, including a close look at a fantastic new glossy brochure with information about the company, what they do, and highlights of some of the pieces from the store and within the collection.  Below is still photography of the pieces on display.  Prop Store will also be an exhibitor at next month’s Star Wars Celebration in Florida.

Read more

Brandon Alinger, Prop Store of London – “Gremlins” Animatroic Movie Prop Showcase Video Shorts

During my trip to Burbank last September, I made time for a short visit to meet with Brandon Alinger of the Prop Store of London at their Los Angeles facility.  While at their offices, I took the opportunity to shoot a few brief videos (approximately 1-2 minutes each) with Brandon to feature and provide some background on some of the more interesting showcase pieces on display, including some pieces from Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Read more

Prop Store of London to Offer Original Props and Costumes from the Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks HBO Miniseries “The Pacific”

Beginning March 12th, The Prop Store of London will be offering original props and costumes from HBO’s miniseries, The Pacific.  The first of the 10-part series, produced by Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman, airs on Sunday.  Read more

Golden Closet Holds “Collectors For Charity” Auction to Benefit the Haitian Earthquake Victims

Original prop and wardrobe dealer The Golden Closet and The Prop Store of London has launched a series of eBay auctions, the proceeds of which will benefit The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.  The auction includes pieces from Mars Attacks, Three Kings, Gladiator, Tropic Thunder, V for Vendetta, The Sopranos, and other properties. Read more

Prop Store Restoration of Original Nostromo Prop Model from Ridely Scott’s “Alien” (Video Part 3)

The 7 foot model of the Nostromo ship featured in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic, Alien, has been the focus of a restoration project by The Prop Store of London. Suffering decades of damage from poor conditions of improper outdoor storage, the piece has required extensive cosmetic restoration as part of its ongoing preservation.  Read more

‘Collecting Movie Props’: Prop Store of London Featured In “TV Film Memorabilia Annual 2010″

The Prop Store of London is featured in the “Collecting Movie Props” article in the “TV Film Memorabilia Annual 2010″, which was recently published in the UK.  This issue can be purchased online for £4.95 and the article is presented as a primer on collecting movie props. Read more

Prop Store of London Official Auction of “MOON” Original Movie Props, Costumes, Miniatures, Memorabilia

The Prop Store of London has begun their official eBay auctions for original movie props, costumes, artwork, blueprints, and model miniatures from Duncan Jones’ “Moon“. Read more

Brandon Alinger, Prop Store of London – Movie Prop & Costume Showcase Video Shorts

During my trip to Burbank this past Tuesday, I made time for a short visit to meet with Brandon Alinger of the Prop Store of London at their Los Angeles facility.  While at their offices, I took the opportunity to shoot a few brief videos (approximately 1-2 minutes each) with Brandon to feature and provide some background on some of the more interesting showcase pieces on display. Read more

Prop Store Restoration of Original Nostromo Prop Model from Ridely Scott’s “Alien” (Video Part 2)

The 7 foot model of the Nostromo ship featured in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic, Alien, has been the focus of a restoration project by The Prop Store of London. Suffering decades of damage from poor conditions of improper outdoor storage, the piece has required extensive cosmetic restoration as part of its ongoing preservation.  Read more

G4TV Coverage of Prop Store of London Exhibit at San Diego Comic Con

G4TV has some video coverage of the Prop Store of London exhibit on their website as part of their “Comic Con 09 Floor Tour” from San Diego Comic Con. Read more

San Diego Comic Con 2009: Event Recap, Impressions, Experiences, Perspectives

As with last year’s event, I thought I’d share my own personal impressions and experiences about Comic-Con International 2009 in San Diego, to close out my series of articles and features on the event (see San Diego Comic Con 2009).  Read more

San Diego Comic Con 2009: Video Interview with The Prop Store of London (Stephen Lane, Brandon Alinger, Tim Lawes, Dan Hill)

I had an opportunity to meet and chat with Stephen Lane, Tim Lawes, Brandon Alinger, and Dan Hill of The Prop Store of London while at San Diego Comic Con.  The video interview includes an introduction of the group, a review of the original props and costumes on display at the show, and a discussion of their experience at the convention this year. Read more

San Diego Comic Con 2009: Original Movie Props on Display by The Prop Store of London

As part of the continuing coverage of original props and costumes at San Diego Comic Con, below are photos of costumes and props on display at the Prop Store of London exhibitor space.  Read more

Prop Store Restoration of Original Nostromo Prop Model from Ridely Scott’s “Alien” (Video Part 1)

The 7 foot model of the Nostromo ship featured in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic, Alien, has been the focus of a restoration project by The Prop Store of London.  Suffering decades of damage from poor conditions of improper outdoor storage, the piece has required extensive cosmetic restoration as part of its ongoing preservation. Read more

Authentic Superman Costume Fabric “DNA”: Extreme High Resolution Photography

With my recent trip to Burbank, to compare “Super Hollywood” Superman costumes with confirmed authentic examples from the Warner Bros. archives, I had a very limited window of time with which to take photographs of the costumes and produce comparisons.  While I did take over 700 digital photos, I did not get every shot I would have liked to have obtained. Read more

Monsterpalooza Convention & Event May 29-31 in Burbank, CA

“Monsterpalooza – The Art of Monsters” will be held at the Burbank Airport Marritt Hotel & Convention Center May 29-21, 2009.  This 3-day event is “dedicated to the art of monsters and the artists that create them”. Read more

Bonhams & Goodman in Australia Sell Incomplete Superman Costume for $21,000 at Auction

Bonhams & Goodman of Australia held a toy and memorabilia auction on Sunday which included a partial Superman costume attributed to the films of the 70s and 80s starring Christopher Reeve.  This set realized a hammer price of $22,500 Australia Dollars, or about $27,000 including Buyer’s Premium (or about $17,500/$21,000 USD). Read more

Photos from The Prop Store of London, Los Angeles

In my visit to the Prop Store of London in Los Angeles last month, I did take the opportunity to take some photos of the facility and props and costumes on display in the offices and warehouse in Burbank. Read more

Superman Costume Comparative Analysis: Warner Bros. Archive, Authenticated vs. “Super Hollywood”

I started asking questions about Superman costumes in the marketplace, attributed to the Christopher Reeve films of the 70s and 80s, over two years ago.  Since, I have published over 100 related articles, asking questions and sharing information and insights – all in an attempt to bring clarity to the marketplace and empower collectors and other interested parties with more information with which to make their own assessments and conclusions.  Read more

“Hands On” Superman Costume Comparative Analysis In Development: Warner Bros. Archive, Authenticated vs. “Super Hollywood”

I spent the day in Burbank yesterday, performing a “hands on” analysis and comparison of confirmed authentic costumes (two recently released from the Warner Bros. Archives) from multiple Superman films starring Christopher Reeve (Superman II, III, and IV) with the three “Super Hollywood” costumes examined in a recent article (see “Super Hollywood” Superman III Costume Case Study: High Resolution Photo Archive & Analysis).  A substantive article is under development that will include the results of this analysis and high resolution comparison photos. Read more

Interview With Brian Johnson, Special Effects Artist (Special to the OPB)

Brandon Alinger of the Prop Store of London has shared some interviews with me with permission to publish them on the Original Prop Blog for readers to enjoy. The first interview is with Academy Award winning Special Effects Artist Brian Johnson. Read more

Analysis: Indiana Jones Fedora, Bullwhip, Jacket with “Lucas Film Ltd.” Certificate of Authenticity (“DNA Authentic”)

The Prop Store of London provided information today regarding an Indiana Jones costume (fedora, jacket, and bullwhip) being offered for sale in the marketplace with a “Lucas Film Ltd.” Certificate of Authenticity which appears to be a fraudulent document made using the distinct Warner Bros. “DNA Authentic”style COA as a model along with a photo of a genuine costume from the Lucasfilm archives. Read more

James Bond, Prop Store, TV Film Memorabilia Magazine

There is a two page spread in the current issue of TV Film Memorabilia Magazine out of the UK featuring an interview with Stephen Lane of The Prop Store of London, discussing original James Bond movie memorabilia, including original props and wardrobe. Read more

Comic-Con 2008: Event Recap & My Personal Experience

I thought I’d share my own personal impressions and experiences about Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego, to close out my series of articles and features on the event.  Some bits admittedly off topic… Read more

Comic-Con 2008: Three Questions for Stephen Lane, The Prop Store of London (Video Interview)

Stephen Lane, owner of The Prop Store of London, took a moment to answer a few questions at Comic-Con International 2008, where the London and Los Angeles stores hosted their first exhibit for this annual event: Read more

Comic-Con 2008: The Prop Store of London ~ Los Angeles

Below are photos of The Prop Store of London ~ Los Angeles exhibitor booth at Comic-Con International 2008 in San Diego this week: Read more

Make-Up Artist Trade Show – Photos of Stan Winston Tribute

As reported about a week ago, The International Make-Up Artist Trade Show was held at the Pasadena Convention Center in Los Angeles – June 21-22, 2008. Make-Up Artist Magazine and Stan Winston Studios  assembled a large museum display of Stan Winston creations in tribute to the late Academy Award-winning special effects and make-up artist.  Brandon Alinger of The Prop Store of London attended and sent me photos to share with OPB readers: Read more

Star Wars “Prototype” Stormtrooper Helmets

Over the past several years, one issue that has been discussed among hobbyists from time to time relates to questions about Stormtrooper helmets characterized as “prototypes” and attributed to the production of the first Star Wars film, A New Hope. A number of hobbyists do not believe these helmets are indeed prototypes (precursors to the helmets made for and used in A New Hope) but made following that production, which would classify them as non-Original or replicas. Read more

Prop Store Featured On BBC’s “The One Show”

There is a short video segment available online featuring Stephen Lane and The Prop Store of London from “The One Show” on BBC: Consumer: Investing in film props – Dominic Littlewood Read more

Prop Store Mention on Attack of the Show: I Am Legend M4 Rifle

Olivia Munn of G4′s Attack of the Show made mention of an original prop for sale at Prop Store of London on their “Gadgets” segment last night. This featured the non-firing M4 rifle from I Am Legend, starring Will Smith. Prop Store has both a non-firing and live fire version of this prop (for $8,999.00 and $12,499.00 respectively) used prominently in the film on their site: LINK Read more

The Side Arms of James Bond, 007: From The Walther PPK to the P99

I recently acquired a very rare James Bond Walther PPK for my own collection, so I have done some research as to what handguns have been offered to the marketplace attributed to use in the films as the side arm of James Bond. I thought it might be of interest to readers to know “what is out there”. The focus of this article is primarily hero and “real” firearms (no stunts). Read more

“Prop Store Collection” Superman Costume, Fabric Discussion Continued, Part 3

This is part of the ongoing series of articles about costumes in the marketplace attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s (see “Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Authenticity, Sources, Quantity“).

As previously discussed, The Prop Store of London, which recently sold an original Superman costume with a Certificate of Authenticity from Warner Bros. (see “Authentic Superman Costume In The Marketplace – The Prop Store of London“), has recently showcased a complete costume on their website (currently on display at the Movieum of London – see related article). Read more

“Prop Store Collection” Superman Costume, Fabric Discussion Continued, Part 2

This is part of the ongoing series of articles about costumes in the marketplace attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s (see “Questions About Superman Costumes in the Marketplace: Authenticity, Sources, Quantity“).

The Prop Store of London, which recently sold an original Superman costume with a Certificate of Authenticity from Warner Bros. (see “Authentic Superman Costume In The Marketplace – The Prop Store of London“), has recently showcased a complete costume on their website (currently on display at the Movieum of London – see related article). Read more

“Prop Store Collection” Superman Costume, Fabric Discussion Continued, Part 1

The Prop Store of London, which recently sold an original Superman costume with a Certificate of Authenticity from Warner Bros. (see “Authentic Superman Costume In The Marketplace – The Prop Store of London“), has recently showcased a complete costume on their website (currently on display at the Movieum of London – see related article). Read more

Authentic Superman Costume In The Marketplace – The Prop Store of London

Yesterday The Prop Store of London listed as “Sold” on their site an original Superman III body suit with a COA from Warner Bros.

I thought it appropriate to make note of this piece here, along with photos, as an archive reference of what an authentic suit looks like.

Of particular note is that the very few I’ve seen with impeccable provenance (such as the costume sold by ScreenUsed) have a very distinct features which differ from those that have no studio paperwork, such as the distinctly shaped collars, the “S” symbol sewn “into” the costume, rather than “onto” the costume, etc.

It is also interesting that the suits with questionable provenance never include high resolution, full coverage (front, back, close-up) photos for comparison.

The Prop Store of London Description: Read more

bmi’s “Voyager” In Flight Magazine Feature: “As Seen On Screen”

The UK’s bmi airline company’s latest in-flight magazine, “Voyager”, has a feature on the original prop hobby titled “As Seen On Screen“. Read more

Deactivated Firearms & UK Restrictions – Update

This is a follow-up to an article posted a few days ago, “More Potential Restrictions in the UK – Deactivated Firearms May Be Banned“, which referenced an article from the Press Association reporting on the Home Secretary commenting about outlawing deactivated firearms.

Also of interest are previous reports about restrictions in the UK – “Research & Dialogue About Importing Firearms to the UK” and the “Update” to that article – which raised issues and questions related to the implementation of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 in the UK and the affect of that legislation on prop collectors and dealers.

Stephen Lane of The Prop Store of London has provided some additional information today in regards to these developments, and a request of UK-based original prop hobbyists that have deactivated firearms in their collections: Read more

Research & Dialogue About Importing Firearms to the UK: Update

This is an update to the prior article (Research & Dialogue About Importing Firearms to the UK), which raised issues and questions related to the implementation of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 in the UK and the affect of this legislation on prop collectors and dealers. Read more

Notable Studio Auctions: Sunshine (The Prop Store of London)

The Prop Store of London has begun a second wave of their studio auctions for the film, Sunshine, under the eBay User ID propstore_auction. With the film opening in the states (following the UK debut), it appears that some pieces were held back for promotion here in the U.S. Read more

Research & Dialogue About Importing Firearms to the UK

I’ve always been interested in the laws, rules, customs, and perspectives revolving around the importation and/or ownership of “live fire” (i.e. “real”) firearms into the UK.

Because this is a varied, multi-faceted topic with many different opinions and areas of expertise, I thought it would be interesting to open a dialogue of sorts, though a blog doesn’t lend itself to such. In any event, I’ve been corresponding with Adam Bosman (sharpsticks on the Movie Prop Forum) about these issues. As a UK citizen, he has done some research, which he has given me permission to share here: Read more

Featured Interview: Stephen Lane, The Prop Store of London

Article Summary: A Featured Interview with Stephen Lane of The Prop Store of London. Read more