The differences between Canadian and US 3 Packs

[Caswellbot]

Hi Guys, I thought I would continue the 3 Pack chat by explaining some of the differences between Canadian and US Kenner 3 packs.

In an attempt to save money by "not having to re-invent the wheel" Kenner Canada used the same design template as their US counterparts but had to make a number of changes because of the law regarding Bi Lingual packaging. As a result the canadian set also has the text: "Ensemble des Figurines."

In the US version of this set, under the text which reads "Imperial Forces" there is a paraphrase which describes the figures and how they tie in to the theme. On the canadain set this is missing. Most likely because it would have had to have both translations and would have looked very wordy.

The US version of this set carries a yellow "Special Offer" area in the top right hand side. On the Canadian set this is missing and is replaced with an area for the price/ "Prix" sticker.

Another really interesting inclusion in the Canadian version is the LP or Long Play logo which as most will know was abandoned in the US part of the way through the Star Wars era. From memory, I cant think of any other ESB items that carry a Long Play logo. (If you can, please let me know.)

The usual Canadian "Pour 4 ans et Plus" text is present in the top left.


Differences by Caswell2009, on Flickr


On the side of the box is "La Guerre des Etoiles" translation.


IMAG1777 by Caswell2009, on Flickr

On the back of the box the GDE logo is present again at the top.

You may also notice that the sets that are featured on the reverse of this ESB set are from the Star Wars line. In fact, they are the same Series 1 Star Wars sets that are featured on the reverse of Series 1 Star Wars 3 Packs. However rather than 3 sets featured on the reverse, there are only 2. (The Hero set is missing) This was to allow for the Bi Lingual translation for the images. The back simply couldnt accomodate images of three sets plus translations without making everything so small it would be illegible.


IMAG1778 by Caswell2009, on Flickr

Most of these differences came as a direct result of cost cutting measures but they do make for a really interesting and cool piece. I hope this has been at least informative. If you have any questions, let me know.

All the best, Chris. 8)

 

[Grant_C]

Nice Chris,- if only they were cheaper.

How many 3 packs do you think are out there?

 

[Dark Sith Lord]

This has been very informative indeed mate!

Your interest and love for three Packs is very evident. It shows real dedication!

Top stuff mate! 8)

 

[tundra9]

Great info Chris, how about a side by side comparison of the US vs CA version?

 

[Caswellbot]

Nice Chris,- if only they were cheaper.

How many 3 packs do you think are out there?

I know what you mean Grant. They arent cheap but sometimes the things that we really want dont come cheap. I am no millionaire mate believe me. I have to work very hard and save and delay gratification in order to buy these sets. I guess my passion for them means that I am willing to forego everything else in order to focus on them. Maybe Im just weird, who knows.

As for how many are out there mate; that is an impossible question to answer. It is probably easier to deduce how many of the rarest sets are out there in comparison to the sets that do come up with a degree of regularity. I wouldnt liie to guess simply because it would be pure speculation. I keep detailed logs of who has got what but that is by no means a comprehensive record of how many are actually out there.

Thanks Liam - im glad my enthusiasm comes accross. I cant help it in fact. Like many on here, I feel I have found my niche and Im really happy about that.

 

[jedi_masters]

Great writeup Chris, thanks for sharing the info. I have never really looked at the 3 packs mainly because they are so expensive. Its nice to read up on the differences though and I actually would like to read up more on the history of them as obviously they werent as main stream as normal MOC's. Is there a guide or website that has all the info Chris??

 

[Stormtrooper37]

Very informative and interesting to read Chris, can now appreciate how different and extra special this Canadian version of a 3 pack is

Paul

 

[Caswellbot]

Here you go Tundra. The image of the US set is taken from the SWCA. I hope Gus is ok with me using it.


Side by Side by Caswell2009, on Flickr

Hopefully the differences are clearly visible for all to see though.

Chris.

 

[tundra9]

Great!
But is it just me or is the US release a bit taller than the Canadian version?

 

[Mr Kenner]

Nice write up Chris. I share your passion on these 3-Packs and it nice to see them given some air time. The recent eBay auction has really brought them into the limelight. There probably going to be even harder to find now :? .

 

[Caswellbot]

No worries mate. No they are the same size. It is probably my poor iCT scaling up skills! Lol.

Thanks for the kind comments guys. I will be putting together a website some day and I aim to document a lot about the history of these sets as there is very little info out there. It is very scattered and i was amazed at how hard I had to work to find it. When I have a bit more time i will get going on it and hopefully shed a little bit more light on these sets for everyone. That is definitely the long term aim for me.

 

[Caswellbot]

Nice write up Chris. I share your passion on these 3-Packs and it nice to see them given some air time. The recent eBay auction has really brought them into the limelight. There probably going to be even harder to find now :? .

I think you're right Anthony but I guess we will just have to muck in and help eachother out where we can. Some of us aren't too far off any way though. :wink:

 

[Mr Kenner]

Nice write up Chris. I share your passion on these 3-Packs and it nice to see them given some air time. The recent eBay auction has really brought them into the limelight. There probably going to be even harder to find now :? .

I think you're right Anthony but I guess we will just have to muck in and help eachother out where we can. Some of us aren't too far off any way though. :wink:

:lol: :lol: :lol: :wink: Remember I owe you one.

 

[Lee77]

Great write up chris. I agree that the recent auctions have put some long overdue attention on these 3 packs. It was evident on Sunday how much you are into these awesome items. Hopefully you'll get the complete set one day!

 

[Richard_H]

And this is why I love this forum. Excellent job.

 

[Caswellbot]

Nice write up Chris. I share your passion on these 3-Packs and it nice to see them given some air time. The recent eBay auction has really brought them into the limelight. There probably going to be even harder to find now :? .

I think you're right Anthony but I guess we will just have to muck in and help eachother out where we can. Some of us aren't too far off any way though. :wink:

:lol: :lol: :lol: :wink: Remember I owe you one.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Christian]

That Canadian 3-Pack is simply stunning on 2 accounts - firstly that it still exists and secondly the condition is incredible. Many congratulations Chris on landing it for your collection - any chance of seeing a group shot soon?

Cheers,
Christian

 

[Dublinjeff]

Excellent write up Chris, Really interesting read, Thanks

 

[Caswellbot]

That Canadian 3-Pack is simply stunning on 2 accounts - firstly that it still exists and secondly the condition is incredible. Many congratulations Chris on landing it for your collection - any chance of seeing a group shot soon?

Cheers,
Christian

Thanks a lot christian, it means a lot to me to hear peoples appreciation. The condition is quite remarkable to be honest. I've never been into grading as many on here will know but I expect this would be an 85. I certainly feel blessed to own it and I'm glad I took the plunge so to speak. It was a huge investment for me but I knew I wouldn't get a second shot at it. In real terms, the set was cheap especially when taking into account what the sets sold for the other day on the bay.

As for the limelight photo I will update it as soon as i receive another long awaited package. This should be in a week or two hopefully.

Thanks also for the kind words Jeff. I'm glad you found it informative buddy.

Chris

 

[flycasual]

I probably enjoy reading the myriad of information out there more than the acquiring. It's great to see your enthusiasm as well. Thanks Chris!