Ornament Review: Cantina Band - 2014 Hallmark Ornament

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Completely fun mix of music with characters

Cons: Nothing special to look at; tip

The Bottom Line:

Cantina band plays

On your command, on your tree

Brings smile to your face

Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy some Music from the Cantina Band

Each year, Hallmark releases a large, expensive Star Wars related ornament.  And every year, I manage to resist.  In 2014, I was tempted more than normal by their offering that year, Cantina Band.  And I finally broke down and bought it discounted after Christmas.  It’s just too much fun!

This ornament is inspired by the original Star Wars movie and the band playing in the Cantina where Luke and Obi-Wan hire Han Solo and his ship to take them off the planet.  The ornament isn’t that exciting to look at.  It’s essentially a long rectangle with the four members of the band standing on it holding their various instruments.  Of course, these aren’t humans but humanoid aliens, and their instruments don’t quite look like instruments we’d recognize.

No, what makes this ornament so much fun is the magic aspect.  This band plays a very fun, upbeat song, and that quick scene with them in it is the only place we hear it in the entire Star Wars franchise.  It’s also very distinctive, and the instant you press the button to start the song, you know what you are listening to.  Just pressing the button is enough to put a smile on my face, and it stays there for the full 30 seconds the song clip plays.  Of course, the magic does need a little help, and that comes in the form of the 2 button batteries that slip into the compartment on the bottom of the ornament.

Honestly, based on looks alone, I would completely skip this ornament.  It’s not that special or exciting.  But press that button and everything changes.  It was what made me give in and get it at the last possible moment.

Actually, I was lucky to find one (a friend tracked it down for me).  I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t resist this ornament because it proved to be more popular than the normal magic Star Wars ornaments that Hallmark releases.

When it comes time to put this ornament on your tree, you’ll find that there is a hook in the head of one of the band members.  The ornament isn’t quite balanced as it tips slightly to the right, but it’s a very small tilt easily disguised with tree branches.

Of course, this would be a fun ornament to have out on a desk or in a display year round.  And since there’s nothing tying it directly to Christmas, there’s no reason not to enjoy it.  The base of the ornament is nice and flat, so you can do that without worrying about it falling or tipping at all.

No, I don’t feel the need to back collect any of the similar ornaments.  I think Cantina Band will be a unique ornament in my collection.  It really is too much fun to pass up.

Original Price: $34.95