Well, this thread has opened my eyes to some of the aspects of the ANH version of the costume which I had never appreciated before. I had always preferred the ESB/ROTJ costume. I like the inner robe under the armor, I like the more visible chain attached to the armor, I like the chest box better, the stitching on the gloves going the same direction as the arms, and the more polished look of the ESB/ROTJ versions too that probably came from having a bigger budget and being able to better execute putting the whole thing together. However, I never really paid attention to the differences between the helmets in the films. I knew they were different but never considered them very consequential. But, now that I am looking at this figure, which lead me to look up pictures of the some of the original props and look closer at screen shots, it is clear that the ANH helmet is by far the best version (IMO). The ANH helmet is just so much more menacing with the pointier widows peak and with the outer helmet sitting lower over the eyes. I am sure there are other differences too, like the less opaque lenses, but I haven't figured out all the differences yet. But I have come to appreciate why some people enjoy the ANH version of Vader more than the others.
So now I am tempted to pick this up, though I may have to wait until after Christmas to do so (because of all the other figures I am getting) and hope its still available. I am still not thrilled with the gloves, it really is the only knock against the figure I care about. The difficulty with the electronics I could care less about because I won't use it. I will use the LED saber, something I previously thought I wouldn't but I surprisingly really like it on my Ben Kenobi.
But the gloves
![Slap :slap :slap](/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/old/slap.gif)
The gloves on the SS Vader I have are great (dispite its many other flaws), they are so expressive and seem to be part of Vader's character. I see very "expressive" hand options on the HT version, but I notice that not many of the pictures posted of him take advantage of these or highlight his hands in the poses. I would love to see more of the hands and hear more about how much futzing one can do on the "leather" pieces that fit over the hands to make up the "gloves" in order to feel like you can pose him in a way where the hands can be emphasized. Right now it seems like the best way to pose him are in ways that doesn't draw attention to the hands.
Anyway, I am really falling in love with the helmet and now wondering if a first appearance Vader is something I "need" in my collection of classic ANH figures.