CVI – The Review

by Darth Danno
on 2012-10-17, 07:32:03

Now, in the hopes that all those responsible for planning these sort of events will of course read this, take everything to heart, and make the necessary corrections for future Celebrations. Making improvements where necessary, and taking those areas that are good and making them better. I give you my unbiased and impartial review of CVI, using that rating scale we've all come to know so well: A+ through F. I've also included the rating each received for CV. So without further adieu, lets get to it!

ARTIST AREA:  MUCH improved from last Celebration! Got in, got done, and got out in record time! Being able to pre-order prints online was a great idea. I felt there were a better selection of prints at CV though (more bounty hunter themed), but I was easily able to pick out a top three. Would have liked to get at least one more, but as with CV, Some were just priced out of consideration. Target cost should be bet. $25-35.00.
RATING: A-  (CV rating D+)

AUTOGRAPH AREA:  Needed more stars! Had more headliners this year, but would have liked to have seen more behind the scenes people. Clone Wars performers were sorely lacking, not counting those that also had parts in the live action films, we had 2 this year compared to 7 from CV. I was able to get everyone I wanted to get this year (missed 1 at CV), but that wasn't too hard considering I only needed 5 for myself and 1 for a friend.
RATING: C  (CV rating A-)

CELEBRATION STORE:  Very spacious, easy to get into and move around in, just like last time. Three of the items I wanted were already sold out, just like last time, (do they limit the number of each item you can buy to leave enough product for everyone?) but I was able to get acceptable replacements for most of the items. Some of the “wares” were really nice, but priced out of consideration.
RATING: B  (CV rating B-)

CELEBRITY PHOTO OPS:  Got my picture with everyone I got autographs from, plus got my photo taken with Ian McDiarmid. What more could you ask for? (except a photo-op w/Ashley Eckstein!)
RATING: A  (CV rating C+)

PANELS: Actually being able to take in some panels this year was nice. Buy timing was everything. Of the nine I wanted to go to, I only made it to five. Had to miss out on “Smuggler's Gambit” to take in “The Secrets of the Cantina” and had to pass on “They Call Him Dr. Jones” to get everything done on Sunday. But that's what happens when there's soooooooo much to do and only three and a half days to get it all done in!
RATING: B-  (CV No Rating)

CONVENTION FLOOR:  Lots of room, even with all the people, it was easy to move around and get into whatever area you wanted, lots to see and do, but that was the same with last Celebration. No free photo-ops like w/CV(when you got your face superimposed on Starkiller's body for TFU II and you were given a nice framed 8x10 of it) The whole convention was spread out throughout the whole center, which led to a lot of walking, but the map in the program was extremely helpful. The lines to get into the convention itself were well organized. Very well put together for the most part.
RATING:  A  (CV rating A)

CONVENTION OVERALL:  A great time, always lots to see and lots to do. Perhaps too much to do. As with last time, I'm not suggesting they cut down on the stuff they have, but perhaps make the show run five days instead of four.

• Many fine additions with Rancho Obi-Wan,“Carbon Freeze Me”, and announcing next year's Celebration...in Germany (Ugh!).
• But some notable subtractions as well. Instead of speed dating, why not have a singles mixer? Charge for tickets, offer some light refreshments, and you have a great evening!
• When they had all the Slave Leias together, why didn't they get Froggy's Photos over there? You want your picture with the girls? Fork over $20-$30.00 and get it done professionally in a nice 8x10. The money could go to charity minus the cost of developing, etc...
• Where was the Celebration night at Disney?
  
• Hasbro had no exclusives this time around.
  
• Some of the more popular panels (like “Smuggler's Gambit”) should have been held more than once.
  
• The #1 thing I go for is autographs, and me not happy when I can count the number if signers I need on one hand.

At least I was able to go to the show part of the day on Sunday as opposed to last time when we couldn't go at all. So all in all...

RATING:  B  (CV rating B+)