Review of Caesar's Warrior Collection Blu-Ray Case/Bust

Introduction

The second film in the new Planet of the Apes film franchise hit stores last week, with a variety of potential exclusives. I wanted to get the Target exclusive that included a repainted NECA classic Gorilla Soldier action figure, but found out too late that this was only an online pre-order exclusive - they had none in the store, and you couldn't order it online either once the blu-ray was available.

Not to be halted when I'm trying to spend money, I switched gears and picked up the steelbook offered by Best Buy. It was really the best deal anyway, giving you both the regular and 3D discs for just $20.

But there was another option that tempted me - the "Caesar's Warrior Collection", which is a large bust/case that includes both Rise and Dawn. The price was a kicker though, with it coming in at $117 at Walmart, and at the same price on Amazon.

I did a little shopping later in the week at my local Costco, and lo and behold, they had it in stock for just $80, and that was a price I could go for. If you're a member, I'd give it a shot, and perhaps Sam's Club has a similar deal.

Packaging - ***
The box is pretty basic, but it does allow you to fully see the face and the paint you're getting right on the shelf, a big plus when buying a collectible like this. It's also collector friendly, if you take a little care when opening it up. There's no Certificate of Authenticity or edition numbering, but that's a minor issue for those of us that aren't big into limited editions anyway.

Sculpting - ****
This bust stands about 12 1/4" tall, slightly smaller than some of the others (like the I, Robot) that you might be familiar with. I'd say that makes him about 1/2 scale, if I had to guess.

The detail work is very, very good, from the finely stranded hair to the craggy skin texture. Even the nose looks soft and fleshy, with just the right texturing.

I'm really digging the expression too, with the heavy lidded eyes and stern mouth. This is Caesar at his most pissed, and it's not a look you want him throwing your way.

My only complaint in this category would be the ears, which seem more plastic-like in appearance, with less texture and realism. They seem to be a bit of an afterthought, lacking the detail you see on the rest of the bust.

Still, it's a minor nit, and not one that's big enough to pull down my positive impression.

The discs are held in a drawer that slides out of the back of the base. This drawer is large enough to hold the blu-ray sets of both Dawn and Rise, as well as at least one more movie.

Paint - ***1/2
The paint work is extremely impressive here, with subtle variations in color and tone. The caked war paint looks fantastic, and it also brings out the detail in the skin texture quite nicely.

The eyes have a plastic coating, giving them a realistic, lifelike appearance, and the iris' are bright and eye catching. 

Once again, my only real complaint is around the ears, where the solid skin tone is a bit more sloppy and rough around the hair line.

Accessories - ***
The real reason you're buying this is for the case, so I'm counting the two movies as extras.  You get the Ultimate Edition of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (which includes the 3D disc), as well as the blu-ray/DVD set of Rise. Both of these are just like the regular store versions, with slip covers and shrink wrap. These fit nicely in a drawer in the back of the base.

There's also a packet with a small booklet on the history of the franchise, as well as photos of several of the apes.  These also fit in the drawer, and the best news is that there's plenty of room for another blu-ray when the third film is released.

Value - ***
That's going to depend on where you pick this guy up, and whether you can find any Christmas bargains. I paid $80 at Costco, and if you consider that the two films cost around $20 each (although you can find Rise cheaper now, and Dawn is more expensive since it's past the first week of release), you're paying about $40 for the case. That's a solid deal, especially if you compare it to the $130 for the Predator head blu-ray case, or the $100 for the I,Robot version, both of which only included one movie.

Things to Watch Out For -
Pick out the best paint you can find on the shelf, and you'll be good to go.

Overall - ***1/2
This bust/blu-ray case is a little on the small side, but the overall detail work is very, very impressive. I do wish it was really 1:1, but then it wouldn't be $80, now would it?

The sculpt and paint are excellent, and I love the expression. The large drawer will accommodate more films, which we're sure to get before this series is over. I popped him on the shelf alongside the aforementioned Predator and I, Robot cases, and he's easily the nicest of the bunch. Sadly, ape fans will already own the Rise blu-ray, but you can always give the extra as a Christmas present. Everyone needs a little more ape, don't you think?

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

Where to Buy
I picked this guy up at Costco for $80, but I know that Amazon and Walmart are other options, or you can search ebay for a bargain.

Related Links -
NECA has released a series of figures for the original films, as well as for the new films, with a second series hitting stores right now.

A couple years ago, Hiya Toys did their version of Caesar and Koba from Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Other Ape related reviews include:

- Hot Toys did a few excellent apes based on the original films.

- Sideshow did a Premium Format figure of Dr. Zauis.

- I reviewed Sideshow's Ape Marauder and Enforcer, Zira and Cornelius, and both the regular and exclusive versions of Dr. Zauis.

- I also looked at a couple of the smaller figures for the bad remake.

- here's a guest review of Sideshow's General Ursus, Caesar, prisoner Taylor, Astronaut Brent, slave Brent,

- and the first guest review ever done at my site, way back over 13 years ago, was on the Medicom POTA figures.

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!