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A screen-matched light-up hero close-up neuralyzer from Barry Sonnenfeld's Men in Black. The neuralyzer was the MIB's signature alien-tech tool. Dubbed an "electro bio-mechanical neural transmitting zero-synapse repositioner," this device isolated, erased, and even rewrote memory by emitting a precise flash that targeted specific neural impulses - an effect that leaves subjects momentarily pliable to suggestion. This hero version is used by Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) during several pivotal scenes. In the opening sequence, K sets the neuralyzer's year to 1961, resetting his partner's memory to that date, effectively retiring him. In the "present," set in 1997 (the year of MIB's release), K formally handed the Neuralyzer to Agent J (Will Smith), marking not just a transfer of a device, but a generational shift. Visible nicks and wear patterns on the body and dials of this neuralyzer screen-match to its appearance in the opening sequence.
This hero neuralyzer was custom-built for detailed close-up shots and is approximately 30% larger than the "standard" versions seen in the film. The increased size accommodates the internal LED display, which provides a numeric "Year" readout - a feature exclusive to this insert model. Standard neuralizers could collapse and extend, but did not include the year readout and were not filmed in close-up. The design is specific to the first Men in Black film, as it was altered for subsequent sequels.
This example is believed to be the only neuralyzer with a functioning year display made for production. It is fixed in the open position and does not retract. It is predominantly constructed of milled aluminum with a high-polish finish. The neuralyzer features a control panel with rotating dials marked "Hours," "Weeks," and "Year," and a front-facing red LED light visible in the film. The "Minutes" dial face was lost at some point and has been restored with a precisely recreated faceplate, while retaining the original red acrylic backing. The spring-loaded "MAF" button - believed to represent Male / Alien / Female - is non-functional, as it was in the film.
A wired harness, wrapped in black gaffer's tape, exits the base of the prop, and would have run up the performer's sleeve to an off-camera control box. While the original control box was lost, a new one has been engineered using the original, unmodified wiring and connectors. The custom-built controller allows users to select the final two digits of the year (the first two digits are fixed at "19") and toggle the red LED. It can also be set to activate the light only when the red "Flash" button is pressed - though in the film, the blinding flash effect was achieved in post-production.
It has undergone sympathetic restoration to reattach the "Minutes" dial faceplate and exhibits adhesive residue on the tape-wrapped wire hardness. Also included is a custom display stand. Dimensions: 15" x 1.5" x 1.5" (38.25 cm x 4 cm x 4 cm)
Contains electronic components; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.
Estimate: $75,000 - 150,000
View all lots from MEN IN BLACK (1997)
View all lots from MEN IN BLACK - ALL ITEMS