Ornament Review: Princess Leia - Star Wars #2 - 1998 Hallmark Ornament

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Iconic look for a well known character

Cons: A bit too white; something off with the face

The Bottom Line: 

Captures the classic

Look of Princess Leia with

a couple small flaws

Princess Leia Looks Regal in Her First Appearance in the Star Wars Ornament Series

Most people associate three main characters with the Star Wars movies, so it's not surprising that those characters were the first three chosen when Hallmark started a series or ornaments based on the franchise.  Princess Leia was the second of those characters released, and she definitely an improvement over the first installment in the series.

This is most definitely the Princess Leia from the first film.  She's wearing the flowing white robe she wears for much of the movie.  In fact, one of my complaints with the ornament is that she is so white.  On the other hand, she does stand out from a green tree well.  She is wearing a silver belt on her robe, but it tends to blend in with the white, so it's hard to spot.  And it doesn't help that she is folding her hands almost in front of her belt.  The robe has all kinds of pleats to it, which add some nice texture to things.

The face looks almost like Carrie Fisher.  Something seems off to me, and I can't quite put my finger on what it is.  Looking at still from the movie, I can't pick out an obvious flaw that would justify my feeling.  One thing that they definitely got right is her hair.  It's up in two buns on the sides of her hair.  I've only ever seen that hair style in this movie, and it's so iconic that I'm glad they decided to use it for this ornament.

Frankly, even with my complaint about her being too white, this is probably one of two costumes and looks most people associate with the character.  It's an iconic look, so they were wise to go with it.  Plus, I do like it on the whole.

Princess Leia does have two feet sticking out of the bottom of the ornament, and she is balanced perfectly, so she'll stand on any flat surface with no problem.  When you slip a hanger through the little brass hook on the top of her head, you'll find that she tips slightly forward and to the right.  It's only noticeable if you are looking for it, however.  You'll never notice when she's on your tree.

Being a Hallmark series ornament, they have hid a 2 in a Christmas tree on the ornament.  In this case, it's by her feet on the bottom of her robe.  There are other copyright details down there.

Even if the face is slightly off, this ornament is still instantly recognizable as Princess Leia.  It's a classic pose that will please Star Wars fans.

Be sure to check out the rest of the Star Wars ornament series

Original Price: $13.95