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Packaging - ***
If you plan on keeping the packaging, I'd leave the figures in.
Sideshow did make it simple to remove the insert with the figure, by
slipping it out the side. But the accessories are still blistered to
the insert, making it tough to remove them without damage. Still, if
your careful with a razor blade you can cut the bubbles of each of the
accessories and still keep everything in fairly decent shape.
The box also has 'updates' on
each of the band members. Well written, in the vein of the film, the
package adds to the attractiveness of these figures. Articulation -
***1/2
Sideshow is beating all others in the 12" market right now, including
Dragon, in terms of articulation. At least in terms of number of
points - there still are some quality issues. But with a ball
jointed neck, ball jointed shoulders, cut biceps, double jointed elbows,
cut jointed forearms, wrists, chest, waist, ball jointed hips, cut joint
hips, double jointed knees, cut joint calves, and ankles, *whew*...these
things have plenty of points. My
only complaint is that the joints tend to be loose. These figures
definitely need the small stands they come with to allow you to pose them
in the types of positions that you'd expect. Accessories -
****
Each character comes with his trademark guitar, and these are of the same
quality as the Resaurus Pickups. Right in 1/6th scale, with
excellent details and sculpting, the guitars are superb. They also
each come with a stand shaped like a guitar pick and with their name, an
album and album cover (made of cardboard), and one specific
accessory. See the picture below for a better idea. 
The
accessories are all top notch, and fit the characters well. Sculpting -
***
Sideshow is doing a great job capturing likenesses in their 12"
line. These figures are not quite as good as some of their other
offerings, but they are still quite nice exception. Each looks like
the original actor - Harry Shearer as Derek Smalls, Michael Mckean as
David St. Hubbins, and Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel - but the
sculpts aren't as dead on as the Karloff Frankenstein for example. Value -
***
At the original price of $30 a pop, these were a little steep. Not
terrible, but $25 is a little more correct for the current 12"
market. But on sale at seven bucks these guys are an absolute steal! Outfit -
***1/2
Each of these three costumes is very nice. Perhaps the best touch is
the shoes - if you're looking for 1/6th scale athletic shoes, then these
are for you. They are perfect, and are made of a nice soft rubber
that allows them to stand well, yet can be removed and put on with ease. The
stretch pants and outfits are great as well. The leapard print vest
on Nigel fits great and is well designed. All the clothes fit well,
and the quality is great, with one exception - the guitar straps.
The three straps could certainly have been made of a better material, but
they'll suffice. The real
chains on Derek's hand cuffs are the type of nice touch that Sideshow is
becoming known for. Overall - ***1/2
If these hadn't been on clearance, I never would have picked them
up. While I think the movie was terrific, I had no burning desire to
own the plastic versions of the band members. But I'm happy to say
that the quality of these is great, and further proves that Sideshow Toy
is the company to watch in 2001.
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