The reviews placed here are for collectable horror toys. Many horror fans like
to collect toys so here reviews shall be placed of various figures, games,
basically, if it's a toy of any kind then it stands a chance of being reviewed
here. If you're an avid collector of horror themed toys, then why not join
'Castle Dracula' as an official 'staff member' reviewing them. To do so, just
click on the 'Join My Staff' link in the menu to the left for details of this
and other vacancies. New reviews will be placed here whenever I can. Check my
front page under 'Castle Dracula Updates' to see what latest reviews have been
placed.
- Limited Edition 12" 'Lon Chaney as the Phantom Of The Opera/
Mask Of The Red Death' Figure -
Yet again, another figure from Sideshow Toys based upon the Universal Classic
Monsters series. This time, it's the 'Phantom Of The Opera' from the original
(and in my opinion best) 1925 version starring Lon Chaney. This figure has
captured him perfectly in the 'Mask Of The Red Death' costume. The costume is
where I will start. Dressed in pantaloons and a puffy shirt, the figure looks
absolutely stunning. The costume fits the figure nice and tightly. I would say
it seems to be extremely well made. The cloak especially looks the part as it
matches the costume perfectly. The brown boots are nicely made also although
the 'leggings' are prone to keep coming out and over the boots because they
are only ankle length and do not cover the whole foot. That is just a small
niggle however. The head has to be seen to believed. The likeness of the sculpt
to Lon Chaney is amazing. Every little detail of his face is recreated perfectly.
Every wrinkle is intact and the eyes are extremely well painted. Of course,
being the 'Phantom' he must have his infamous mask to hide his hideous features.
This is where things could have gone wrong on two counts, the look and the fit.
I am happy to say though, the look has been recreated just as accurate as the
face. The fit is nice and snug but not too tight where you have to struggle to
get it on or off. Along with the mask there is also a hat with a large red feather
attached. Again, like the clothing, the feather seems to be made of good quality
and is attached fairly well. What's more, it fits the head perfectly with or
without the mask attached. Another accessory that comes with the figure is his
staff. I quite like the staff, nice and sturdy. At the top of the staff is a
skull in the mouth of a snake. The snake's body wraps around the staff all the
way to the base. Like I said, very nice. As usual with Sideshow Toys there is
a stand to help display the figure. This is my only real complaint, it's just
a recreation of some cobblestones for the figure to stand upon. I would have
preffered to have seen something with the figures name and film it's from upon
it. Maybe that's just me being too greedy though. The packing the figure comes
in is not the best box artwork I've ever seen. It's taken from the films original
poster which in my eyes was never that brilliant to begin with. But I suppose
it's down to taste. After all, you're not buying it for the box. Limited to
only 7500, I recommend the figure, it's positives greatly outweigh it's negatives,
especially if you're a big fan of Universal's classic horror movies. It's very
doubtful that you will find a better one.
Reviewed By Dracula.
My sincerest thanks to Sideshow Collectables for kindly donating the above figure.
 Click here to read how this page is protected by copyright laws.
|