i think you have to be reaaly careful with them, work the tabs out one side at a time, then just reverse the steps...i have a clonetrooper that i tried opening, but i only got 2 tabs out, then i chickened out...since i used a razor blade on the tape, it doesn't close entirely as tight:( you'd think they'd make a box that would be easy to open for collectors, but i guess they're aiming more at kids who obliterate the packaging, and to hell with the collectors...if they want a mint box, buy another one:(