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Captain Toy/Michael's Review of the Week

Review of Caesar - Rise of the Planet of the Apes
DeFo-Real Figure

Star Ace
Date Published: 2021-04-05
Written By: Michael Crawford
Overall Average Rating: 3.5 out of 4

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Caesar Rise of the Planet of the Apes Defo-Real Figure by Star Ace

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Introduction

I have nothing against remakes, re-adaptaions, sequels, and prequels. In fact, I like - and occasionally love - a whole lot of them. But when they took on the Planet of the Apes franchise, they attempted something many have tried, but very, very few have ever done successfully. They attempted to remake something that was fantastic the first time around, and make it fantastic again.

And yet, they did it. The new Planet of the Apes trilogy was both a financial and critical success, re-imagining the original novel in its own way, yet still paying homage to the first films. It was all about the story, and what a great story it was. More films are supposedly in the works - let's hope.

Star Ace has just released several figures in their DeFo-Real series of vinyl figures based on the first film, Rise of the Planet of the Apes. While additional characters are coming, this first release is all Caesar. There are five different versions - five!  I'm looking at two of them tonight.

The five revolve around two sculpts. In both Caesar is screeching. In one, he has his left arm raised and is holding a chain with hooks in his right; in the other, the left is down, and the right is holding a spear. Both of these figures come in two ways - just the figure (for around $70 or so), and with a base (called 'deluxe', and running about $10 more). I'm looking at one of the deluxe figures, holding the chain and hooks.

On top of those four versions, there's a 'limited edition' version of the spear holding Caesar, with a different spear, and it will run around $80. It does not come in a deluxe version with the base. I'm also checking out this one tonight.

Caesar Rise of the Planet of the Apes Defo-Real Figure by Star Ace

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Packaging - ***
The box is attractive, although there's not much to tell you which version you have. Thankfully there's a big window on the front so you can see the figure (and base if it's the deluxe), and the interior tray keeps things very safe. It's all collector friendly of course, and there's some basic instructions that are really just there to point out the fact there are multiple versions of the figure.

Caesar Rise of the Planet of the Apes Defo-Real Figure by Star Ace

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Sculpting - ***1/2
Star Ace - subsidiary of X-Plus - knows how to make terrific vinyl figures. The Defo-Real line is an example of a super deformed style, hence the 'defo'. The head is much larger than the body, and is the main focus. While these are deformed, there's also the 'real' in the title, indicating the other main focus.

The sculpting is excellent, with deep cuts and sharp definition, and plenty of texture on the fur and skin. The work on the mouth, teeth, and tongue is especially realistic, and while the deformed style might not be, the sculpting overall is tremendously life-like and movie accurate.

These guys stand about 6 inches tall, without the base. It's also worth noting here that the chain used for the chain/hooks weapon is a real metal chain.

Caesar Rise of the Planet of the Apes Defo-Real Figure by Star Ace

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Paint - ****
Even more impressive, at least to me, is the production paint work. Again, the realism is striking in hand, and the clean eyes, defined teeth, and life-like fur really pop.

The deluxe version is simply skin tone, but the limited edition, shown below, has the war paint on the face and chest. It's a great contrast, and gives you an additional reason to pick up more than one of these.

Caesar Rise of the Planet of the Apes Defo-Real Figure by Star Ace

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Accessories - ***
The regular releases, as well as the limited edition, do not have any 'accessories'. The weapons are a permanent part of the figure.

But the deluxe versions do have a small base, complete with burning fires. It's nicely sculpted, and big enough for him to stand on without any issues. Since his feet are flat, and his center of balance is perfect, there's no need for a peg or support rod.

Caesar Rise of the Planet of the Apes Defo-Real Figure by Star Ace

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Caesar Rise of the Planet of the Apes Defo-Real Figure by Star Ace

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Value - **
These guys aren't cheap, even in the vinyl figure market. But they are very high quality, well above the usual fare.  I'm docking them slightly off average, but just slightly.

Caesar Rise of the Planet of the Apes Defo-Real Figure by Star Ace

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Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing!

Overall - ***1/2
This is an excellent example of the Defo-Real series, and will make fans of the movie and of vinyl figures happy. Obviously, you have to like the deformed style, and understand that the quality of sculpting and paint work is driving a higher price point. But we haven't gotten a ton of merchandise for the newest movies (unlike the original films, which were the first to truly exploit the concept of licensing, years before Star Wars), so these are a great addition to the POTA collection.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ***1/2
Paint - ****
Accessories - ***
Value - **
Overall - ***1/2

Caesar Rise of the Planet of the Apes Defo-Real Figure by Star Ace

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Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- has the limited edition for $80, and the DX for $83. The regular versions are $73.

- Entertainment Earth has the limited edition for $83 with free shipping.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Other Defo-Real figures include The Nun, the 2001 Astronauts, the Nazgul, Jason, and Pennywise. If you're just into Caesar, check out the Hiya Toys action figure, or the NECA version.

You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.

Enjoyed this review? Be sure to head back to the main page to find thousands more just like it!

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Caesar Rise of the Planet of the Apes Defo-Real Figure by Star Ace

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This product was provided for the review by the manufacturer. Photos and text by Michael Crawford.

This page copyright 2000 - 2021, Michael Crawford. All rights reserved.