In 2093, the Weyland Corporation flagship ‘Prometheus’ arrived on moon LV-223 in search of ‘Engineers’, the creatures Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) believed were responsible for our entire existence and evolution, ‘invited’ via a series of ancient star maps found across the world. Their most significant and pivotal discovery were these vials, found carefully positioned around a mammoth statue inside the hermetically sealed chamber and full of a primordial black slime capable of rewriting DNA.
As always the Weyland Corporation’s true intentions are veiled and far from ethical, their newest robot David (Michael Fassbender) carrying out his own ‘experiment’, infecting Holloway with a mere drop of the substance with catastrophic repercussions resulting in shocking revelations: The Engineers weren't coming to change us, they were coming to destroy us. Their ship buried beneath the pyramid was packed with the vials full of their own brand of biological warfare.
Three different sizes of these memorable pieces were made and seen in the Ampule Chamber, with this version of the large-sized ampule one of only twelve used for the scenes in which the mysterious containers are seen leaking their transformative juices onto the ground within the ship. Such ampules can be seen being demonstrated by special effects supervisor Trevor Wood in the making-of documentary on the Blu-Ray special features.
‘Raku’ pottery specialist Rob Sollis was recruited to craft the pivotal urns which took interesting inspiration from delicate Roman glass. This particular version is created from resin with various fluid lines running internally to allow the flow of the black liquid, which run through a hole at the base of the ampule. For special effects use, a modified lid with a recessed top allowed for a pool of the black fluid to sit above the ampule while a speaker, installed within, created a rhythmic humming effect that made the fluid animate harmonically.
The ampule has alien text etched vertically into the gently curving body and every unit has its own bespoke special metallic paint effect incorporating silver, gold, brass and even blue colours to achieve an ethereal presence. In addition to the outstanding paint effect, each ampule was distressed to reflect its ancient heritage, with black traces of fluid still present running down the sides. A standard version of the ampule's lid is included with the piece.
Well used on the production, the piece remains in good condition with some minor scuffs revealing the cream coloured resin beneath and streaks of black fluid still present from its time in use on set.