Ornament Review: Tron Light Cycle - 2010 Hallmark Ornament

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Light up features makes this ornament absolutely cool

Cons: Slight lean when hung

The Bottom Line: 

This cool ornament

Is even cooler when lit

Geeks, don't miss this one

The Award for Geekiest Ornament of the Year Goes to the Tron Legacy Light Cycle

Even though I'm relatively new to the Tron universe, I was well aware of the light cycle.  These special bikes are used in a sequence in the first movie where our heroes must outwit other characters by trapping them without getting trapped themselves.  Not surprisingly, the cycles are making a comeback in the sequel coming out next month.  And Hallmark has gotten into the act with the Light Cycle ornament.  It is going to be the hot item for all the geeks out there.

The ornament is mostly back.  It features a figure, mostly likely main character Sam Flynn, dressed in black leaning over a black light cycle.  The light cycle is basically a bike that leaves behind a light trail that is potentially deadly to those who run into it.  As I said, the figure is pretty much lying down on the cycle, so at first glance you have to look closely to see where he is.  The exceptions are the hands and feet.  You can clearly see the hands holding the handlebars in the front of the bike and the feet on peddles in the back.  At the ends of the bike are big black wheels with big openings in the middle.

The image is so iconic that the first time I saw the picture of the ornament, I knew exactly what it was.  True, the cycle has been redesigned for the sequel, and this one definitely fits that profile.  But it still was immediately identifiable.

So, what makes this ornament so special?  It lights up.  There is a button hidden in the middle of the data disc on the figure's back.  If you press it, the wheels and mid-section of the bike light up for about 30 seconds with a whitish blue light like the color the heroes use in the franchise.  It would be cooler with sound, but it is incredibly cool as it is.  To light up, the ornament needs three watch type batteries, and your first set is included with the ornament.

Believe it or not, you can set this ornament down to display it.  The wheels are slightly flat on the bottom to allow you to do this, but it takes a very dedicated touch because it is much easier to get the ornament to tip over.  Once you've got it sitting up, it will stay there unless you really bump it.

As with all Hallmark ornaments, you will find a small brass hook to hang the ornament from a tree.  It's located just behind the data disc in the middle of the figure's back.  The hook must not be quite far enough back because the ornament tips slightly forward.  It is noticeable, but not enough to detract from the ornament.  It is a bit on the heavy side, but it's not as heavy as it appears from looking at it.

I think this ornament will be very popular with fans of either movie.  The light cycle is so iconic that fans of the original will want it even if they don't like the new one.  And if Tron Legacy hits big, expect the ornament to disappear very quickly.

If you enjoying having pop culture ornaments on your tree, Light Cycle will be a winner.  And if you are a fan of Tron, you absolutely need to get it.

Original Price: $16.95