Review of Toy Story 3 Disney/Pixar Collection
Action Figures

Introduction

I've already mentioned that there aren't a whole lot of movies hitting this summer that I'm dying to see - Iron Man 2, Last Airbender, maybe Scott Pilgrim...there's plenty I'll see, but few I'm dying to see.

But the top of the list, in front of everything else including Iron Man 2, is Toy Story 3. Pixar has never disappointed me, and every indication so far is that they'll keep the streak alive. I also think that while we *think* we've seen a lot fo the general plot in the trailers, Pixar will have some terrific story surprises waiting for us.

As much as I love their movies though, the only real product I buy in quantity are those damn addicting Cars. I have hundreds, and I just can't stop.

I do pick up the occasional Toy Story item though, and there's a new series called the Disney/Pixar Collection. These are intended for the 'adult collector' (it says so right on the package), but they look pretty much like slightly articulated PVC's.

I picked up a bunch in my first buy - Woody, Jessie, and Sparks in the 'regular' size, and Bullseye and Rex in the 'mega' size.

These can be had at Target right now, but other mass market retailers will be putting them out soon. Expect to pay around $11 each for the regular sized figures, and $13 each for the 'mega'.

Packaging - ***1/2
The packages are very attractive, with cool interior trays with are personalized to each character. They are also somewhat collector friendly, since you can remove the figures, cut free a couple rubber bands, and put them back after if you're so disposed.

I particularly like the reflective logos, which are very colorful and striking. Sadly, the packages turned out to be the best thing about these figures.

Sculpting - Sparks, Rex ***; the rest **1/2
I'm giving Mattel the benefit of the doubt on Sparks, since until we see the film we can't be quite sure. But the detailing on the little bot is good, and he reminds me of the Zeroids I had as a kid.

The rest are decent sculpts - the characters aren't really that complicated - but most of the poses are weak. Woody is tuck in a hat-tipping pose that doesn't do much for him, Bullseye has a warped appearance to his body and expression, and I don't even want to think through the possibilities of what Jessie is posed for.

The thin knees and elbows are very easy to break - they aren't bendy or articulated, so don't try it! I almost snapped Woody's knee before I realized my error.

Jessie is the only one that needs a stand to remain upright, and thankfully that's included. These are fairly small too - Jessie is about 4" tall, with Woody slightly above that. They are a little bigger in scale than the SDCC exclusive Buzz, but that figure is worlds apart from these in quality.

Paint - ***
The paint work isn't exceptional, but it's fairly average to slightly above average for the usual mass market toy. Considering the price point, that's really not enough.

The eyes and facial attributes are all clean, and the skin on Rex has different shading on various parts of his body. Some of the smaller details, like the work on Jessie's costume, is actually pretty impressive, but we've seen as good on far cheaper toys.

Articulation - Rex **; Jessie, Woody, Sparks *1/2; Bullseye Bupkis
These are almost large PVC's. Actually, Bullseye pretty much is. His tail might be jointed (mine is not going anywhere, but that might just be me), but that's not enough to boost his Bupkis score.

Woody, Jessie, Rex and Sparks have a cut neck joint. Woody, Jessie and Sparks also have cut shoulders, and Woody adds cut joints at the top of the boots and hips. In fact, that makes Woody the most articulated, but there's really only one pose that works for the sculpt anyway.

Rex has the neck joint I mentioned, as well as a cut neck and cut thighs. He gets the highest score, because the joints work the best with the basic sculpt.

Accessories - Woody, Jesse **; the rest Bupkis
Rex, Sparks, and Bullseye come with zippo. Since two of these are the higher priced 'mega' figures, that's a problem for me.

Woody comes with his hat of course, but that's it. Jesse has her hat as well, and both hats can be worn. I don't particularly like either figure in their hats, though, since they tend to slip off if placed too far back on the head, and look funny too far forward.

Jess also has a small clear display stand that keeps her standing and holds her hat near her outstretched hand. It doesn't work particularly well, and the hat doesn't quite touch her fingers, but I've already said that the pose leaves a lot to be desired.

Fun Factor - **
The fragile legs on Jessie, Woody and Bullseye make them less than perfect toys. But Mattel clearly knows that...these are for the 'adult collector'. Specifically the adult collector that's more clueless than the average 6 year old.

Value - *
Easily the worst part of these figures is the price. Eleven bucks for Sparks? You can buy Happy Meal toys for a buck that are better. Thirteen bucks for Rex? You have got to be kidding. This is one of the very worst values I've seen in quite awhile - and here I was whining last week about $13 for a highly articulated 6" War Machine figure? I was clearly confused.

Things to Watch Out For -
As mentioned, the thin knees and hips on Bullseye, as well as the thin knees on Jesse and Woody, can easily be broken with just a little pressure.

Overall - **
When I picked these up, I had pretty high hopes. I'd love to get a great series of small, well done figures, and the SDCC 4" Buzz was going in the right direction. These look decent in the packages, but once I had them out, I was seriously disappointed.

Paying $11 - $13 a pop for these is outright ridiculous. These are not much better than high end kid's meal toys, and are some of the most overpriced figures I've seen in ages. Avoid these at all costs - stick with the larger series, and don't feel bad that they aren't labeled for 'adult collectors'. Six year olds don't deserve better toys for you.  And if you are looking to buy for a six year old? All the more reason to avoid these.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***1/2
Sculpting - Sparks, Rex ***; the rest **1/2
Paint - ***
Articulation - Rex **; Jessie, Woody, Sparks *1/2; Bullseye Bupkis
Accessories - Jesse, Woody **; the rest Bupkis
Fun Factor - **
Value - *
Overall - **

Where to Buy 
I picked these up at Target, which seems to be the place to get your Toy Story 3 items, at least for this week. Other stores will be putting them out en masse soon.

Related Links -
This is the first of the Toy Story 3 goodies I've checked out, but past merchandise includes - 

- one of my favorites is the Toy Story Collection version of Buzz Lightyear.

- Medicom also produced a nifty Buzz.

- And if you're looking for more Buzz and Woody, check out the Mattel action figures in the larger and smaller sizes.

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

Discussion:
Want to chat about this review?  Try out one of these terrific forums where I'll be discussing it!

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