Review: Spanish Speaking Buzz
A while back, I picked up a couple of Mattel's new six inch Toy Story figures. If you read my review, you know I wasn't particularly impressed.
Anyway, a new Disney Store just opened in Times Square. We headed in and came across a twelve-inch store exclusive "Spanish Speaking Buzz" figure and decided to give the property another chance.
I do want to stress that there are a LOT of different twelve inch Buzz Lightyears out there these days. This isn't the same as the "Ultimate" Buzz, the "Karate Action" Buzz, or any of the others - several of which are for sale in the Disney Store. If you are interested in picking one up, make sure you note the features and remember the packaging: everything else looks pretty much the same.
To further complicate things, there's another version of this figure. That one is labeled, "Talking Buzz Lightyear." His expression is a lot happier, which is the main reason I went with this version. Also, that one only has one "talking" feature, rather than two. There was a sign in the store which implied it might have more English phrasing, but I didn't hear any mine doesn't have.
Anyway, a new Disney Store just opened in Times Square. We headed in and came across a twelve-inch store exclusive "Spanish Speaking Buzz" figure and decided to give the property another chance.
I do want to stress that there are a LOT of different twelve inch Buzz Lightyears out there these days. This isn't the same as the "Ultimate" Buzz, the "Karate Action" Buzz, or any of the others - several of which are for sale in the Disney Store. If you are interested in picking one up, make sure you note the features and remember the packaging: everything else looks pretty much the same.
To further complicate things, there's another version of this figure. That one is labeled, "Talking Buzz Lightyear." His expression is a lot happier, which is the main reason I went with this version. Also, that one only has one "talking" feature, rather than two. There was a sign in the store which implied it might have more English phrasing, but I didn't hear any mine doesn't have.
Appearance and Construction: 7/10
I'm going to set a pretty high bar here and score Buzz's appearance like any 12" action figure. As such, he does all right, but not great.
The proportions look right to me, not that Buzz is a difficult character to reproduce. The decals and colors are fine, as expected, and the face looks good. In particular, I really like the expression. I'm not sure why so many Buzz figures give him a goofy grin. While he certainly smiled in the movie, in-world he's supposed to be a "serious" action figure. I guess it comes down to a question of whether you want him to look like Buzz Lightyear, the Toy Story character, or Buzz Lightyear, the action figure. Personally, I prefer the latter, but then I'm not exactly a six year-old. Anyway, even though this doesn't match the expression of the toys in the film, it's close enough.
Overall, the action features don't seriously impact the appearance of the figure. The buttons on his chest and right arm are supposed to be there. I'm not 100% sure whether the one controlling his "karate chop action" mirrors the one onscreen, but it looks fine on his jet pack either way.
There is one exception, and even that's a minor one: the button which flips opens his helmet means he's a tad asymmetrical.
Also, if you were curious, Buzz does have Andy's name written on the bottom of his boot.
The main reason this score isn't higher comes down to construction. Something about the lightweight plastic feels - and to a lesser degree looks - a bit on the cheap side. This guy doesn't have the presence or the heft of the more expensive versions (which is why those are more expensive).
If you're looking for a simple display piece and money's no object, you'll probably want to check out some of those. However, if money is an object, this might be a better way to go. Plus, there are some other factors we need to consider.
The proportions look right to me, not that Buzz is a difficult character to reproduce. The decals and colors are fine, as expected, and the face looks good. In particular, I really like the expression. I'm not sure why so many Buzz figures give him a goofy grin. While he certainly smiled in the movie, in-world he's supposed to be a "serious" action figure. I guess it comes down to a question of whether you want him to look like Buzz Lightyear, the Toy Story character, or Buzz Lightyear, the action figure. Personally, I prefer the latter, but then I'm not exactly a six year-old. Anyway, even though this doesn't match the expression of the toys in the film, it's close enough.
Overall, the action features don't seriously impact the appearance of the figure. The buttons on his chest and right arm are supposed to be there. I'm not 100% sure whether the one controlling his "karate chop action" mirrors the one onscreen, but it looks fine on his jet pack either way.
There is one exception, and even that's a minor one: the button which flips opens his helmet means he's a tad asymmetrical.
Also, if you were curious, Buzz does have Andy's name written on the bottom of his boot.
The main reason this score isn't higher comes down to construction. Something about the lightweight plastic feels - and to a lesser degree looks - a bit on the cheap side. This guy doesn't have the presence or the heft of the more expensive versions (which is why those are more expensive).
If you're looking for a simple display piece and money's no object, you'll probably want to check out some of those. However, if money is an object, this might be a better way to go. Plus, there are some other factors we need to consider.
Packaging and Extras: ----
The front of the packaging is fairly simplistic, offering a brief description of the character and an open space for kids to put their grubby hands all over the toy. I appreciate the marketing logic, but I'm no fan of this style of packaging. I kind of like the red arrow stickers that invite you to try the buttons, and might try to salvage mine:
That said, mine came through all right, so I'm in no position to argue. Also, I don't blame them for trying to show off the action features.
Which actually brings me to another point: I feel like the packaging sells Buzz a little short. It doesn't seem to tell you how much dialogue the figure has, and, if anything, the descriptions on the back seem muted.
Buzz doesn't come with any accessories, but he doesn't really need anything, anyway. his accessories are all built in.
At any rate, I don't typically adjust the score for packaging, and this is no exception. Sure, I'd have been amused if they'd packed him in a replica of the "space ship" box that appeared in the movie, but I have a feeling they have an agreement with Mattel ensuring only the $60+ Ultimate Buzz comes that way.
Play and Display: +2
I'm going to start by explaining why I'm hitting this with a two-point deduction (no, that's not a typo - I'll explain in a moment).
The articulation on the figure isn't awful, but it is very uneven. The legs are pretty good, with pin jointed feet and knees, as well as ball-and-peg joints on the hips. This is actually almost great, but we're missing a cut on the upper legs, which would offer some really dynamic posing options.
The left arm is in a similar predicament: you get a cut wrist, along with ball jointed shoulders and elbows. The shoulder works well, though the elbow is limited by the figure's design.
The right arm is a little less impressive: the karate-chop action feature means you have to forgo the ball joint on the shoulder. Instead, there's a cut here, though you can only place it in two positions; ready to chop or at rest. In addition, the elbow joint is just a pin, further limiting movement.
Both hands have finger joints, as well, allowing his hand to open or close. In addition, the index fingers move separately, allowing him to point. Unfortunately, even the left shoulder won't move far enough to bring this to his front. A cut joint on his upper arm might have allowed this, but no such luck.
The most annoying omission comes in the head: it's solidly in place. He doesn't even have a cut joint there.
There is a cut joint on Buzz's waist, which is nice, but not enough to forgive everything that's missing. On its own, the head is a -1, with an additional point deducted for the lack of cuts on the upper arms and legs.
The articulation on the figure isn't awful, but it is very uneven. The legs are pretty good, with pin jointed feet and knees, as well as ball-and-peg joints on the hips. This is actually almost great, but we're missing a cut on the upper legs, which would offer some really dynamic posing options.
The left arm is in a similar predicament: you get a cut wrist, along with ball jointed shoulders and elbows. The shoulder works well, though the elbow is limited by the figure's design.
The right arm is a little less impressive: the karate-chop action feature means you have to forgo the ball joint on the shoulder. Instead, there's a cut here, though you can only place it in two positions; ready to chop or at rest. In addition, the elbow joint is just a pin, further limiting movement.
Both hands have finger joints, as well, allowing his hand to open or close. In addition, the index fingers move separately, allowing him to point. Unfortunately, even the left shoulder won't move far enough to bring this to his front. A cut joint on his upper arm might have allowed this, but no such luck.
The most annoying omission comes in the head: it's solidly in place. He doesn't even have a cut joint there.
There is a cut joint on Buzz's waist, which is nice, but not enough to forgive everything that's missing. On its own, the head is a -1, with an additional point deducted for the lack of cuts on the upper arms and legs.
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So, why is this category +2 instead of -2? Simple: because, I'm giving him four bonus points for action features. And, keep in mind, I usually hate action features. But this is a special case. First of all, Buzz Lightyear is supposed to be loaded with features: that's kind of the point. Second, they did a REALLY good job with said features, particularly at this price. How many action features does this Buzz have? Well, unless I'm forgetting something, every single one he's got in the movie. |
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I'll start with something that isn't really an action feature at all: there's a panel on his left wrist that flips up to show a decal of a display. The decal looks like a decal, but that's okay: it's supposed to. This is a nice detail, the sort of thing I'd expect but would forgive if it was missing. I'm glad it's present, though.
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Next up is the only action feature I'd rather they left out - the karate chop. Even this, they did well: I'd just rather have the articulation. You activate it by locking his arm in the upright position. Hit button on his back, and his arm swings down. Despite my whining, it's actually pretty cool.
Next up, there's his helmet, which pops open. This works really well, though I wish they'd placed the button on his suit instead of the side of the helmet. Even so, it doesn't look bad, and I'd rather this than have it left off. He also has his iconic wrist laser, complete with red light and sound effect. It doesn't seem to keep going if you hold down the button, but I'm not about to whine about that. It works well. |
Two of the three small buttons on Buzz's chest are connected. These activate his English dialogue track. I haven't counted the exact number of phrases he has, but I think it's over fifteen. I'll put it like this: I can't think of anything I'm upset about not being there. Any toy that says "How dare you open a spaceman's helmet on an uncharted planet? My eyeballs could have been sucked from their sockets!" is a good toy in my book.
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But that's not all! The third button cycles through the Spanish language phrases he used in the third movie while malfunctioning. These never get old. Finally, we come to my personal favorite: the pop-out wings. Hit the large button on his chest, and they flip out and fly open while a red and green light blink, one on each wing, and a bright red light shines on his pack. I like all of the features, but I love this one. It's just awesome. |
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I do have an interesting side note. I noticed on mine that if you hit any button while an existing electronic effect is active, it immediately shuts it off and runs the new one instead. When I was trying out the "Talking Buzz Lightyear" in the Disney Store, it wouldn't allow you to use a new button until the existing lights or sound had finished. Just another reason to go with the Spanish Speaking Buzz.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 9/10
Normally, I tend to prefer appearance over articulation, and both over action features. Buzz is a special case, though: I love having what almost amounts to a replica.
This is a nice toy, despite the minor issues with cheap plastic and limited articulation. I'm really glad I found it and picked it up.
Now, let's talk value. The Disney Store originally had this marked at $25, but he was on sale for $20.
Come again?
That's less than half what the "Ultimate Buzz" will run you (granted, that has a motorized head, but still). Heck, it's less than I've seen the Karate-Action Buzz figures going for.
Given the number and quality of action features, twenty-five is a bargain. Twenty is a steal. Heck, I wind up paying close to that for six inch figures these days.
This is a nice toy, despite the minor issues with cheap plastic and limited articulation. I'm really glad I found it and picked it up.
Now, let's talk value. The Disney Store originally had this marked at $25, but he was on sale for $20.
Come again?
That's less than half what the "Ultimate Buzz" will run you (granted, that has a motorized head, but still). Heck, it's less than I've seen the Karate-Action Buzz figures going for.
Given the number and quality of action features, twenty-five is a bargain. Twenty is a steal. Heck, I wind up paying close to that for six inch figures these days.
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