Review of Bellatrix Lestrange - Prisoner Version
Sixth Scale Action Figure

Introduction

I recently covered the latest character in the Harry Potter world produced in sixth scale by Star Ace - Bellatrix Lestrange. One of my favorite antagonists in the series, I was pretty pleased with the end result, although it wasn't a home run by any stretch.

They did two versions of Bellatrix, making it a bit easier for them to spread the fixed costs like tooling over a larger run. This second version is the 'prisoner', shown to us briefly in the movies. While she didn't have much screen time, she does go nicely with the earlier release of Prisoner Siruis and the upcoming Prisoner Lucious.

This version is a little cheaper than the first, coming in around $200 - $210, depending on the retailer. She's already shipping as well.

Packaging - ***
They've used the same package as the regular release, same graphics, but with a new sticker on the front informing you this is the Prisoner variation. Everything is collector friendly of course, but they did use some of that sticky paper to hold a couple of the accessories in place.

Sculpting - ***
In hand, I like this sculpt more and more. No, it's not perfect by any stretch, but the nose, lips, and jawline are very much Bellatrix. There is a subtle skin texture to avoid too much of a doll look, and the rooted hair looks terrific.

In fact, I think it's the rooted hair that really sells it for me.  The style is great right out of the box, an the soft kink is surprisingly in scale. The hairline looks great, the rooting is thick, and the final result greatly improves the overall appearance.

The biggest issue is her eyes. She needs more lid, similar to what you see on the front of the box. A better eye sculpt would have gone a tremendous way to increasing this score.

The hand sculpts include her rings, and are designed to work with the other accessories. She is wearing flat sandals, making her a little shorter this time, almost exactly 11" tall.

Paint - ***
Another area that's okay, but not perfect.  The paint work is clean for the most part, but it's not quite as realistic and life-like as we see with other sixth scale figures in this price range.

One change between the regular figure and this one is the lack of gray in her hair. This is a younger pre-jail time version of course, and stranding in less gray does set her apart at least a little from the original portrait.

On the plus side in this category is the shading around the eyes and nose. It works well, and mimics her on screen look.

Again, the biggest issue is the eyes. They lack life, giving off a flat, dead look which hurts a lot of poses. She always looks like she's staring off at something behind you, her mind a million miles away...

Articulation - ***
The underlying articulation is basic, but useful. There's plenty of tilt and lean in the neck, and the costume doesn't do much to restrict the elbows, shoulders, or wrists. Swapping hands is a little tough - the fit is quite tight - but it's still doable without heat.

The torso turns and has some crunch action, while the hips, knees, and ankles are fairly unencumbered. While the dress can be a little restrictive, it's less so than I expected. And without shoes, the ankles are quite free.

Accessories - ***
Another middle of the road score. There's a lot of re-use here, but with two versions that's not too surprising.

She has the same three extra hands, one posing left and two gripping rights. As I mentioned, getting them on can be a little tricky, but it's doable.

She also has the dagger and both wands that came with the regular version. There's not any screen accurate poses, but I'm sure you can come up with something.

However, she also has the manacles and prisoner number plaque. These sport real metal chains. The sculpted plaque is the best extra, and the most unique. These are the same shackles we saw with Sirius, and while the basic plaque concept is the same, this one has her number on it.

The shackles don't open, but rather you pop off the hands, put them on the wrists, and pop the hands back in place.

Finally, there's the basic display stand with a crotch support.

Outfit - **1/2
The outfit is about as simple as it gets, which is what you'd expect from an Azkaban prison.

There's the striped dress, sandals, and yes, she's wearing white panties. The dress is well made, and stitched together after it was placed on her body. That means you're not supposed to remove it, at least not easily. I like the patches and wear, and while it might be simple, they did a terrific job making it realistic.

But they scored low here for one reason - the sandals. These are merely sculpted on the feet. At this price point, I expect actual sandals, and pretty nice ones at that.

Fun Factor - ***
We already have the Sirius in prison garb to pose her with, and we'll have Lucious soon. Make yourself a cell block display, and you'll have quite the gang! Hmmm, maybe add in a couple Jokers and a Harley for good measure...

Value - **
Unfortunately, she's not at the level of a current $200 figure.  We're seeing some great work around $180 from Qmx, Asmus and ThreeZero, and she would have been much more appropriate in the $170 range.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing.

Overall - ***
Some folks really dislike this portrait, but I don't agree. I do think the biggest problem is in the eyes, where she ends up looking dead and lifeless. Better eyes, with some lowered lids, and the rest of the sculpt would look far better.

The costume and accessories are acceptable, nothing to write home about, bu reasonable. She needs to be about $30 cheaper, and on the secondary market you may get a price more in that range.

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

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Of course you'll want to check out the regular Bellatrix, along with the other Star Ace Harry Potter figures like Lucious Malfoy, Newt Scamander, teen Hermione, Dobby the House Elf, Dumbledore (Gambon), Teen Harry,  young Draco Malfoy, the Draco/Harry two pack in their Quidditch gear, the casual dress Hermione, the Casual Ron and Harry, Dumbledore (Harris), Hagrid, Snape, Tri-Wizard Harry, the young Hermione, young Harry and Ron, Voldemort, Sirius Black, Mad Eye Moody, and Sirius in his Prison Garb.

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

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