Packaging - ***1/2
I like the heavy use of film graphics, rather than depending entirely on photos of the product. Don't get me wrong - the product looks great. But it's nice to have a clear reminder of what the character looked like on screen.

The interior styrofoam trays look great, and they are the nice sturdy type, so they shouldn't shed. But there is one cheaper piece that holds the base in place. I don't particularly like it when the base is packed on the exterior, rather than on the interior, of the large trays. It's no biggie when you first unpack the statue, but if you return it to the box, you'll need to be very careful when you remove it next time, lest you forget and the base comes dropping off the side.

Sculpting - ****
Sleeping Beauty was released in 1959, and animation back then was a tad different than it is today. Can you imagine what one of those early animators would think of the style of the Simpsons, or God forbid, South Park? They're heads would explode in flames.

The style of the day was very soft, giving characters a smooth, ethereal quality. Capturing that in three dimensions is not easy.

Sideshow has done an excellent job with both portraits. With either head, she has a look of superiority and presence, and both hands (one pointing, one gesturing evilly as though invoking an incantation) look terrific. The exclusive gives you four different potential looks, but any one of the four works well.

The staff with her faithful raven atop is very heavy, and appears to be largely metal. That means it's less likely to break, and it fits nicely in her right hand.

The pose is just about perfect, jumping right off the screen. She doesn't have a uni-body, unlike some of the previous female PF's, and she has actual legs under the skirt.

Most of the proportions are also quite good, although some folks might be off-put by the very long neck. That's appropriate though, based on her on screen persona. The animated character had an almost serpentine neck, and it all made sense when yo saw the reveal of her true self at the end of the movie.

Remember, these are quarter scale statues, and Mal comes in at 18" right at the top of her head.

The round base is fairly thick, but not particularly heavy. The top is the usual dungeon brick style, with creepy thorny vines on all sides. She has a long metal post running from her back leg that fits inside a square hole and holds her nice and straight.

Paint - Regular **1/2; Exclusive ***1/2
Most of the pant work is exceptional, especially on the raven and staff. The skin tone, mouths and eyebrows look fantastic, but there's a pretty major issue with the eyes.

Actually, the most major issue is with the regular head sculpt eyes. The left eye is wandering a bit, messing up the otherwise steely gaze. That's pretty disappointing, considering the price point.

The exclusive smiling portrait didn't have that problem. The gaze is case further downward, and the pupils line up perfectly. I did deduct slightly though because the yellow of the eyes isn't quite as clean, with some slop around the edges.

It's worth noting that while both portraits have yellow eyes, the regular is more subdued, while the enraged nut case version is a darker, brighter color.

Accessories - Regular Bupkis; Exclusive ***1/2
Generally speaking, Premium Format statues don't come with accessories, but the exclusive version from Sideshow always throws in a goodie or two.

Here you get the sadistically smiling portrait, with gesturing hand. These are held in place with very strong magnets, and the swap works great.

This is one of those rare times when I think picking up the exclusive is a must - the crazed head sculpt is just too good to pass up.

Outfit - ***1/2
There's several layers to the costume, including a thicker, crinkly material at the front seam that helps it maintain it's shape.

The black skirt looks great, and the double layer of purple and black robes are perfectly tailored. The tails hang down well past the tall base too, allowing you to drape them on the shelf.

My only complaint here is that the edges aren't hemmed. I suspect that's on purpose to give the clothing a similar appearance to what was on screen, but I always worry that over time it will result in fraying and damage.

Value - Regular **; Exclusive **1/2
At almost $300, she's just as expensive as Premium Format statues that are far more complex.  For me, that means the regular version takes a hit when it comes to value. However, the additional portrait and extra hand makes the exclusive version, even at $10 more, far more palatable.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing. There is little chance, short of being a total klutz, that you'll have any issues with this PF.

Overall - Regular ***; Exclusive ***1/2
At $300, this is not a cheap Premium Format statue. With the slightly wonky left eye, I couldn't give the regular better than a B score in good conscience, even with the excellent design and outfit.

However, the exclusive portrait is much better, and I love the grinning expression. That's what I'm going with on the shelf, paired with the gesturing hand. I've included photos showing both portraits and both hands, and you can see that in either combination, she looks great on the shelf. Hopefully, your regular version will have straight eyes - if not, I suggest getting in contact with Sideshow's customer service group and seeing what they can do for you.

Score Recap:
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ****
Paint - Regular **1/2; Exclusive ***1/2
Accessories - Regular Bupkis; Exclusive ***1/2
Outfit - ***1/2
Value - Regular **; Exclusive **1/2
Overall - Regular ***; Exclusive ***1/2

Where to Buy -
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Alter Ego Comics has her at $261.

- Urban Collector has it at $261.

- Big Bad Toy Store has him for $270.

- Fanboy Collectibles has her at $265.

- Hollywood Heroes has her at $300.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
I've reviewed plenty of Sideshow Premium Format statues over the years, but the one most appropriate to have with Maleficent is the Evil Queen.

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