I'd say the Tamashii C3po looks more like an Empire Strikes Back 3po and Sideshow has more of a Star Wars look overall. In Empire, he's more shiny and refined, in Star Wars, he's more gritty & beat up looking. If you want an Empire look, I'd say go with Tamashii and Sideshow for a New Hope look. Anyone agree??
The “screw” on the hip is in fact screen accurate. The cut-away on the top of the leg is supposed to line up with the “screw” that is on the hip on the costume. It is supposed to act as a pivot point for the hip and leg. However, the cut-away and the screw were rarely aligned during the filming. Therefore the Tamashii rendition is more accurate regarding that screw. Really nice review, very informative. Thanks for that!
This video is more than two years old, I’m sure you had already rewatched the old films and recognized it on your own by now. But I do appreciate you responding to my comment.
Lol you give me too much credit. I rarely go back to movies to confirm accuracy of figures. I used to, and there's always differences since it's very difficult to perfectly capture lifesize in 1/6th scale and still have all the form and function.
I understand. Hey, since I have your attention, could you please tell me how many inches tall this figure is? I don’t have one, but been thinking about it.
The weathering looks great. I think people are just being overly picky. For the price I guess it really shouldnt have that many flaws. Lucky for you Sideshow has a great customer service when it comes to returns. Good luck!!!
Bandai Threepio beats Sideshows, hands down. People complain the Bandai is too 'clean' but I weathered mine down with a quick dark brown wash, looks amazing.
The Sideshow figure I received has none of the issues you point out. No scuffs, marks or unexpected head indentations. The paint job is quite solid. The arms on mine also flex fully end to end. I did have trouble getting the neck out to pull the battery tab, but it finally came out without damage. That could have been designed better. I also haven't put the broken arm on because I also won't display it like that. The hands on mine do bend, but maybe only slightly better than yours. The thumbs being the least articulated. Though, the actual C-3PO on film didn't have that much finger control either. So, I'm actually okay with the finger articulation. Though, I'm not terribly find of the dent in the head. Instead of looking like a dent, it looks like it was carved out. I will also say that the molded plastic itself could have had better quality control before applying the paint. If they had had better quality control before painting, you might not have received yours with that head dent. There are also some mold issues that show unexpected ridges and whatnot in the molded plastic itself that paint can't cover. Overall, though, it's still far better than anything Hasbro has ever done. I don't have the Bandai version for side by side comparison. Hopefully, Sideshow can you get you a replacement.
+abigguitar Sideshow only offered me a $25 credit on next purchase, or a full refund. I've asked them to do a full refund if that's all they can do. Very disappointed.
+Kool Kollectibles I'm sorry to hear they couldn't replace it. That sux and disappointing, but it's understandable. On these exclusives, Sideshow tends to sell out rapidly. Once they're sold out, that's it for availability. Short of shipping you a part that might be broken, that's about all Sideshow can do. Though, they could have offered you a downgrade to the non-exclusive version which I believe they still have in stock (for now). In the future, I guess it might be worth buying two and then returning the one that you don't like. That way, you're pretty much guaranteed to get one in good condition. It's expensive, but you can at least get a refund on one of them. Though, you'll lose the deposit. I personally can't wait to see what Hot Toys comes up with for C-3PO, R2-D2 and BB-8 now that they have a Star Wars license. Knowing Hot Toys, the droids will be highly detailed. I'd even prefer if C-3PO and R2-D2 were sold as set. Though, I have been somewhat disappointed in some paint jobs from Hot Toys. Many times the paint is dull and flat rather than being semi-matte when they need to be. I just hope they can turn out a paint job that looks like metal. The one thing I like on this Sideshow version is the touch sensitive buttons. That feature is quite nice. On the whole, I find that Hot Toys's quality control is better than Sideshow's. So far, I've been lucky to get figures that work properly out of the box. There has been one Hot Toys Ironman where the kneecap was loose and would fall off. I could glue it back down, but while on display it stays on by itself as long as don't 'play' with it while on display. So, I just left it.
+Kool Kollectibles You know, I just got to thinking. I don't know why they can't take the refund from that exclusive version and apply it as store credit. Then you can take that credit and apply it towards the order of the non-exclusive edition. Since you don't intend to use that not-well-designed broken arm anyway, you'll still be able to have this figure even without that part.
Randall Pang The Sideshow version is defintiely NOT worth AUD$546!!! Who is telling you that price?!? You can get it from Popcultcha right now for AUD$280 brand new!
20:35 The arms on mine don't have that black foam and the arms do move up and down inside the joint like the Tamashii, though it doesn't rotate.. it's just up and down. Granted, it doesn't move very far, but it does move. I'd definitely ask Sideshow about that. It makes me wonder if Sideshow may have contracted with several different manufacturers who each interpreted Sideshow's design differently.
i want to do a little weathering to bring more of the detail out . gold paint is a pain to get to dry that could be were the finger marks on yours are from
Great comparison video and review mate. I am waiting for my one to arrive and after watching this video i'm worried. When will Sideshow get their act together?
+Bhritman Sideshow only offered me a $25 credit on next purchase, or a full refund. I've asked them to do a full refund if that's all they can do. Very disappointed.
+Kool Kollectibles That is very bad of Sideshow. They offered me a replacement head and both arms so I am still thinking about it. This time Sideshow has really messed up.
Great review, dude! Man, knowing how huge a Star Wars fan you are, I can completely understand you with these issues. I meen... You are a collector with a pretty damn nice SW collection after all, and I asume you take great pride in your collection and how the figures look on display. If Sideshow replaces your figure, that will be awesome, but its still a bummer since you have been waiting for it. That other figure looks pretty nice as well. A black wash in all the right places done by a very steady hand could really pop those details out though. But I prefere the paintjob on my figures to be all factory made. PS! Are you still waiting for your MP-27, or do you have it in your house already? Man, Im starting to get restless of waiting for bbts to ship mine LOL! Me. Want. Yesterday. LOL! Can't wait to see some reviews on him. I did kind of find one, but it was just a 12 second or so long clip with prototype images of it laying on a desk :P Such a bummer :P
+eSeReS Yeah, it's disappointing because they surely have known that there was going to be a lot of focus on this figure, and it just doesnt seem like they've put in that extra bit of effort to make it really great. Hopefully I hear back from them soon on a replacement. MP-27 is due for release on 30th Jan I think. All the upcoming MP figures are released essentially one per month at the end of the month (eg. MP-27 end of Jan, MP-28 end of Feb, MP-29 end of Mar, MP-30 end of Apr).
Kool Kollectibles I understand that not every single figure come out perfect from the production facilities, but thats what QC is for, right? And as a collector who is going to put it on display, we all want the figure to be as flawless as humanly possible for the amount of money we pay. In a regular store you'd most likely get some discount if there was any flaws on the product. Over here in Norway its enought that the box itself has some damages before it gets pulled from the shelfs... Man, I read somewhere online that the MP-27 was delayed until february 16. :P I do hope that its not the case though... It still says late january on bbts, so Im crossing my fingers :)
+Bhritman I'm actually pretty disappointed with Sideshow this time. I didnt get a response for 7 days, and when I did it asked if I was OK with a $25 discount or would still like a replacement. I responded straight away indicating I would prefer a replacement, and have not heard back from them for 5 days now. I will wait to Monday (which would be 7 days from my response), and see if they respond. I actually did a live chat a couple of days ago to confirm that they had received my responses and they indicated that they had and would respond as soon as possible.
+Kool Kollectibles I agree normally Sideshow's customer service is really good but this time I am very disappointed with them. They have finally contacted me and asked me for more photos which I have sent and now just waiting for them to make a decision. Hope it works out for us mate.😃
+Brian Z I havent really seen the Medicom figure. I was recommended to steer away from Medicom figures since they are a slightly smaller scale than most Sideshow and Hot Toys figures. Do you find that the case too?
+Kool Kollectibles I only have Medicon C3PO and a TC-14 (same figure in chrome) and they look just about perfect with my two Hot toys Stormtroopers, they don't look small at all but I know some Medicom RAH figures can be a small but the protocol droids are fine.
My piston/elbow joints on the outside of both arms were broken straight out of the box. The joints are incredibly weak, I think they should be metal not plastic. Also the paint job is pretty un consistent as you stated, there are cloudy patches all over. :-(
love the reviews new to your channel love star wars and transformers so subscribed when you had the vid of samurai storm trooper just thought I'd say that me personally I think the sideshow version is more accurate head wise and also I thought I could see a finger print in the front of the neck
The sideshow C3PO arms should be able to go up and out. The shoulder should also have the ability to have collapsing parts inside the shoulder pads for extension, just like the movie. Seems like you have a bad arm on his left.
Personally, I think the Tamashi lacks definition in edging, the coloration is too light and the head sculpt is too insectoid. The comparison shots show how much the Sideshow C3PO looks functional, with appropriate wear and shading at joints - and I don't just mean in terms of obvious weathering (oil lines, etc). Even if the build quality may be lesser (which is a totally legitimate criticism), the Sideshow figure just has more film-like character to it; the Tamashi looks more like an action figure.
I agree that in many regards the Sideshow version looks better and is more screen accurate. I dont think the Tamashii is too light though, but is more of a version that is aligned with the clean look that Threepio had in the ceremony at the end of ANH. I think the Sideshow version is more aligned with how Threepio looked earlier in the movie on Tatooine. That's why I ended up selling the Tamashii and retaining the Sideshow. It just complements the Sideshow Artoo better with the weathered look (which is a bit heavy handed in parts). So I compromised for my collection in retaining the figure that looks a bit better in the display, but is not a better overall figure in terms of build quality and articulation.
That's highly unusual - to sell the Tamashi and keep the Sideshow! But I think you did the right thing: SS C3PO is more accurate to ANH overall; with the BD release we can see that C3PO and R2D2 are already weathered and beat up when they're first introduced on the 'Tantive IV', and the final medal scene is an anomaly overall. I think HT will be hard pressed to better the Sideshow takes on these droids - and, if they do, it will likely be as a result of build quality than likeness. The HT R2D2 that's been displayed at cons has a diecast head and some sounds, but I can't see it really offering up a significance difference to the SS piece. And the HT C3PO is the more rotund 'Force Awakens' version, which simply looks ridiculous to me (at least from an original trilogy perspective).
Nice review dude...I can't wait to trash this fig on video lol. Is that a pin hole on the right dide of his chest? Pretty much where the oil stain is on. Yea I hate the sweating head and to me those lights are not bright enough. His eyes look way too orange to me.
+toys210 HOLY SHIT!!! There is a tiny frickin hole on the right chest plate near the oil stain is located!!! I didnt even notice it until you pointed it out!! I thought it was just a darker spot of oil stain, but it's actually a frickin hole in the plastic!!! GGAHHH!!!!!
+toys210 This seems stupid. I just looked at the updated photos on the Sideshow website, and you can clearly see the hole in the photos there too, so the hole is by design!! WTF?!!? The restraining bolts are put on by magnets, not a plug to fit in that tiny hole?!?!
Thanks yet again for the awesome review. I really should have gone with my gut on this one. Looking at SS strengths, it's supposed to be droids and non-human figures, but they continue to disappoint. SS hoth Luke, jango, cheapish feeling r2 now this. In South Africa, so to get this figure to me is roughly costing me $270 US. That's excluding duties and tax. It's just not worth it. Going to look at getting a full refund and wait for a hot toys release. I'm so done with SS...
+Michael Da Silva You could get a good one worth keeping, so wait until you get yours and check it out. I have seen some on the forums/groups that are good. Just pot luck I guess if you get one with issues or not.
Yeah unfortunately I received mine yesterday, and pretty much the same QC issues, I was very surprised by paint app inconsistencies on top of the poor hand execution. Tried to stay optimistic but a figure that has almost zero accessories and a bland stand should be near flawless at $300.
Michael Da Silva Shit that's bad. I'm still waiting to hear back from Sideshow myself. They told me today the returns department is backed up so responses are 3-4 days instead of the usual 1-2 days. Hopefully I can get a replacement. If you got yours from them too, I'd contact them ASAP with pics and ask for a replacement too.
I can't recall it and i watched the original 3 a lot thats why it freaks me out. Also as someone called luke i heard "Luke i am your father" all the time now it says "No, i am your father" Its the one thing stopping me getting a C3P0 i have sideshow R2 and R5D4. Got the jawas you reviewd too. Leg aside something weird is going on for many people. Things in movies are different to what lots remember. The famous box of chocolates line in forest gump and the tag line of the field of dreams film are all different for me. Owning a silver legged C3P0 would mess with my mind too much.
cocktailzombie I never really noticed it before either. But toy manufacturers always go off reference material. So when you go back and actually study what the characters looked like, there are lots of details you see. Even in the opening scene of A New Hope with Artoo in the Tantive, you can clearly see his silver leg. So it's good that manufacturers like Sideshow and Hot Toys aim for movie accuracy.
+0168196250 The overall build quality is better on the tamashii. But I don't think the sideshow looks dated. It's actually more movie accurate with it's weathering and smaller pistons. Both are pretty good options.
I know you love star wars mate but this is a major let by sideshow, but everyone keeps buying them so they'll keep making substandard figure's. And next the the tamashii nations 3po it looks like a cheap toy. Thanks for saving me some cash on this one. Two thumbs up.
+Hyperdyne I don't find this C-3PO to be a letdown at all. In fact, I find it to be quite detailed and accurate. I might have preferred a bit more mirrored paint finish. However, since he's supposed to be grimy, the paint actually works fine. Most of the scuffing and annoyances that +Kool Kollectibles ran into were quality control issues specific to the figure he received. Not all figures shipped with these same problems. In fact, the C-3PO that I received didn't have any of the issues presented in this video and also moved at the shoulder joint where his did not. It would, in fact, behoove Sideshow to make sure UA-cam reviewers are sent the best possible quality stock (i.e., visibly inspected before shipping) so they don't end up with reviews pointing out quality control issues on UA-cam.
Nice review. It is sad that Sideshow has increased it's price into Hot Toys territory without the Hot Toys quality. The issues you show are too much for that price point and those seams look horrible in video. I appreciate the attempt but I see that figure as a failure.
+jimjake26 Yeah, pretty disappointing. Hopefully I can get a replacement that is as good as the few I've seen in other groups/forums where some have good figures with no issues.
+MrTerryTurtle Hope Sideshow help you out there! If that's the only issue, they should be able to send you a replacement hand and not have to replace the whole figure.
MrTerryTurtle I assume it's just on a ball joint of some sort that can be pulled off. It would be a pretty stupid design if those hands are permanently attached to the arms.
I'd say the Tamashii C3po looks more like an Empire Strikes Back 3po and Sideshow has more of a Star Wars look overall. In Empire, he's more shiny and refined, in Star Wars, he's more gritty & beat up looking. If you want an Empire look, I'd say go with Tamashii and Sideshow for a New Hope look. Anyone agree??
Love your in-depth reviews, mate! Thank you for sharing your unbiased and very honest reviews. They are extremely helpful to all us collectors!
Cheers, thanks for watching! :)
The “screw” on the hip is in fact screen accurate. The cut-away on the top of the leg is supposed to line up with the “screw” that is on the hip on the costume. It is supposed to act as a pivot point for the hip and leg. However, the cut-away and the screw were rarely aligned during the filming. Therefore the Tamashii rendition is more accurate regarding that screw. Really nice review, very informative. Thanks for that!
Thanks for clearing that up!
This video is more than two years old, I’m sure you had already rewatched the old films and recognized it on your own by now. But I do appreciate you responding to my comment.
Lol you give me too much credit. I rarely go back to movies to confirm accuracy of figures. I used to, and there's always differences since it's very difficult to perfectly capture lifesize in 1/6th scale and still have all the form and function.
I understand.
Hey, since I have your attention, could you please tell me how many inches tall this figure is? I don’t have one, but been thinking about it.
These are 1/6th scale, so standard figures are typically about 12 inches/30 cm tall.
The weathering looks great. I think people are just being overly picky. For the price I guess it really shouldnt have that many flaws. Lucky for you Sideshow has a great customer service when it comes to returns. Good luck!!!
Bandai Threepio beats Sideshows, hands down. People complain the Bandai is too 'clean' but I weathered mine down with a quick dark brown wash, looks amazing.
+Dickjones No doubt there in terms of build quality.
The Sideshow figure I received has none of the issues you point out. No scuffs, marks or unexpected head indentations. The paint job is quite solid. The arms on mine also flex fully end to end. I did have trouble getting the neck out to pull the battery tab, but it finally came out without damage. That could have been designed better. I also haven't put the broken arm on because I also won't display it like that. The hands on mine do bend, but maybe only slightly better than yours. The thumbs being the least articulated. Though, the actual C-3PO on film didn't have that much finger control either. So, I'm actually okay with the finger articulation.
Though, I'm not terribly find of the dent in the head. Instead of looking like a dent, it looks like it was carved out. I will also say that the molded plastic itself could have had better quality control before applying the paint. If they had had better quality control before painting, you might not have received yours with that head dent. There are also some mold issues that show unexpected ridges and whatnot in the molded plastic itself that paint can't cover. Overall, though, it's still far better than anything Hasbro has ever done. I don't have the Bandai version for side by side comparison.
Hopefully, Sideshow can you get you a replacement.
+abigguitar Sideshow only offered me a $25 credit on next purchase, or a full refund. I've asked them to do a full refund if that's all they can do. Very disappointed.
+Kool Kollectibles I'm sorry to hear they couldn't replace it. That sux and disappointing, but it's understandable. On these exclusives, Sideshow tends to sell out rapidly. Once they're sold out, that's it for availability. Short of shipping you a part that might be broken, that's about all Sideshow can do. Though, they could have offered you a downgrade to the non-exclusive version which I believe they still have in stock (for now). In the future, I guess it might be worth buying two and then returning the one that you don't like. That way, you're pretty much guaranteed to get one in good condition. It's expensive, but you can at least get a refund on one of them. Though, you'll lose the deposit.
I personally can't wait to see what Hot Toys comes up with for C-3PO, R2-D2 and BB-8 now that they have a Star Wars license. Knowing Hot Toys, the droids will be highly detailed. I'd even prefer if C-3PO and R2-D2 were sold as set. Though, I have been somewhat disappointed in some paint jobs from Hot Toys. Many times the paint is dull and flat rather than being semi-matte when they need to be. I just hope they can turn out a paint job that looks like metal. The one thing I like on this Sideshow version is the touch sensitive buttons. That feature is quite nice.
On the whole, I find that Hot Toys's quality control is better than Sideshow's. So far, I've been lucky to get figures that work properly out of the box. There has been one Hot Toys Ironman where the kneecap was loose and would fall off. I could glue it back down, but while on display it stays on by itself as long as don't 'play' with it while on display. So, I just left it.
+Kool Kollectibles You know, I just got to thinking. I don't know why they can't take the refund from that exclusive version and apply it as store credit. Then you can take that credit and apply it towards the order of the non-exclusive edition. Since you don't intend to use that not-well-designed broken arm anyway, you'll still be able to have this figure even without that part.
For A New Hope C-3PO I will take the Sideshow version.
If it wasn't for all the qc issues I'd probably agree.
Bummer about all the various problems with your figure, but a very solid review, sir!
+John Carlos McMaster Cheers mate, thanks for checking it out! :)
Kool Kollectibles, is getting it. Now at 546AUD worth it?
Randall Pang I just sold my Tamashii Threepio for AUD$330 lol
Randall Pang The Sideshow version is defintiely NOT worth AUD$546!!! Who is telling you that price?!? You can get it from Popcultcha right now for AUD$280 brand new!
20:35 The arms on mine don't have that black foam and the arms do move up and down inside the joint like the Tamashii, though it doesn't rotate.. it's just up and down. Granted, it doesn't move very far, but it does move. I'd definitely ask Sideshow about that. It makes me wonder if Sideshow may have contracted with several different manufacturers who each interpreted Sideshow's design differently.
Hopefully hot toys will release a droids set with threepio and R2
Nice review by the way.
Fantastic looking figure im repainting a big fig C3P0 im going to use this for reference !!
If you're after a weathered look as opposed to a clean look, then this one is a decent reference. Or just go with movie screenshots!
i want to do a little weathering to bring more of the detail out . gold paint is a pain to get to dry that could be were the finger marks on yours are from
Great comparison video and review mate. I am waiting for my one to arrive and after watching this video i'm worried. When will Sideshow get their act together?
+Bhritman Hopefully you get a good one!
+Bhritman Sideshow only offered me a $25 credit on next purchase, or a full refund. I've asked them to do a full refund if that's all they can do. Very disappointed.
+Kool Kollectibles That is very bad of Sideshow. They offered me a replacement head and both arms so I am still thinking about it. This time Sideshow has really messed up.
great review Khai.
+Neale Stratford Thanks for watching mate! :)
Got mine yesterday it come with a broken tip of his finger on right hand
Great review, dude! Man, knowing how huge a Star Wars fan you are, I can completely understand you with these issues. I meen... You are a collector with a pretty damn nice SW collection after all, and I asume you take great pride in your collection and how the figures look on display. If Sideshow replaces your figure, that will be awesome, but its still a bummer since you have been waiting for it.
That other figure looks pretty nice as well. A black wash in all the right places done by a very steady hand could really pop those details out though. But I prefere the paintjob on my figures to be all factory made.
PS! Are you still waiting for your MP-27, or do you have it in your house already? Man, Im starting to get restless of waiting for bbts to ship mine LOL! Me. Want. Yesterday. LOL! Can't wait to see some reviews on him. I did kind of find one, but it was just a 12 second or so long clip with prototype images of it laying on a desk :P Such a bummer :P
+eSeReS Yeah, it's disappointing because they surely have known that there was going to be a lot of focus on this figure, and it just doesnt seem like they've put in that extra bit of effort to make it really great. Hopefully I hear back from them soon on a replacement.
MP-27 is due for release on 30th Jan I think. All the upcoming MP figures are released essentially one per month at the end of the month (eg. MP-27 end of Jan, MP-28 end of Feb, MP-29 end of Mar, MP-30 end of Apr).
Kool Kollectibles
I understand that not every single figure come out perfect from the production facilities, but thats what QC is for, right? And as a collector who is going to put it on display, we all want the figure to be as flawless as humanly possible for the amount of money we pay. In a regular store you'd most likely get some discount if there was any flaws on the product. Over here in Norway its enought that the box itself has some damages before it gets pulled from the shelfs...
Man, I read somewhere online that the MP-27 was delayed until february 16. :P I do hope that its not the case though... It still says late january on bbts, so Im crossing my fingers :)
eSeReS I hope it's not delayed!
Kool Kollectibles
Yeah, if Primus is willing, MP-27 won't be:)
Hi mate did Sideshow get in touch with you because I haven't received any response from them?
+Bhritman I'm actually pretty disappointed with Sideshow this time. I didnt get a response for 7 days, and when I did it asked if I was OK with a $25 discount or would still like a replacement. I responded straight away indicating I would prefer a replacement, and have not heard back from them for 5 days now. I will wait to Monday (which would be 7 days from my response), and see if they respond. I actually did a live chat a couple of days ago to confirm that they had received my responses and they indicated that they had and would respond as soon as possible.
+Kool Kollectibles I agree normally Sideshow's customer service is really good but this time I am very disappointed with them. They have finally contacted me and asked me for more photos which I have sent and now just waiting for them to make a decision. Hope it works out for us mate.😃
Good review, I prefer the Tamasii but wouldn't have either of them, I think my Medicom RAH C3P0 is better and better value.
+Brian Z I havent really seen the Medicom figure. I was recommended to steer away from Medicom figures since they are a slightly smaller scale than most Sideshow and Hot Toys figures. Do you find that the case too?
+Kool Kollectibles I only have Medicon C3PO and a TC-14 (same figure in chrome) and they look just about perfect with my two Hot toys Stormtroopers, they don't look small at all but I know some Medicom RAH figures can be a small but the protocol droids are fine.
+Brian Z Cheers, thanks!
My piston/elbow joints on the outside of both arms were broken straight out of the box. The joints are incredibly weak, I think they should be metal not plastic.
Also the paint job is pretty un consistent as you stated, there are cloudy patches all over.
:-(
Yeah, the pistons were the major flaw, but luckily my replacement was far better in the paint app and no stuck/broken pistons.
love the reviews new to your channel love star wars and transformers so subscribed when you had the vid of samurai storm trooper just thought I'd say that me personally I think the sideshow version is more accurate head wise and also I thought I could see a finger print in the front of the neck
Thanks for checking out the channel. Yeah overall the sideshow looks ok but it's the qc issues that ruin it.
The sideshow C3PO arms should be able to go up and out. The shoulder should also have the ability to have collapsing parts inside the shoulder pads for extension, just like the movie. Seems like you have a bad arm on his left.
Great video bro after watching this I think I will pass on this c3po and thanks for these reviews greatly appreciated
+Rob Rod Thanks for checking it out. Hopefully I can get a replacement that doesnt have the issues this one did.
Personally, I think the Tamashi lacks definition in edging, the coloration is too light and the head sculpt is too insectoid. The comparison shots show how much the Sideshow C3PO looks functional, with appropriate wear and shading at joints - and I don't just mean in terms of obvious weathering (oil lines, etc). Even if the build quality may be lesser (which is a totally legitimate criticism), the Sideshow figure just has more film-like character to it; the Tamashi looks more like an action figure.
I agree that in many regards the Sideshow version looks better and is more screen accurate. I dont think the Tamashii is too light though, but is more of a version that is aligned with the clean look that Threepio had in the ceremony at the end of ANH. I think the Sideshow version is more aligned with how Threepio looked earlier in the movie on Tatooine.
That's why I ended up selling the Tamashii and retaining the Sideshow. It just complements the Sideshow Artoo better with the weathered look (which is a bit heavy handed in parts). So I compromised for my collection in retaining the figure that looks a bit better in the display, but is not a better overall figure in terms of build quality and articulation.
That's highly unusual - to sell the Tamashi and keep the Sideshow! But I think you did the right thing: SS C3PO is more accurate to ANH overall; with the BD release we can see that C3PO and R2D2 are already weathered and beat up when they're first introduced on the 'Tantive IV', and the final medal scene is an anomaly overall.
I think HT will be hard pressed to better the Sideshow takes on these droids - and, if they do, it will likely be as a result of build quality than likeness. The HT R2D2 that's been displayed at cons has a diecast head and some sounds, but I can't see it really offering up a significance difference to the SS piece. And the HT C3PO is the more rotund 'Force Awakens' version, which simply looks ridiculous to me (at least from an original trilogy perspective).
Nice review dude...I can't wait to trash this fig on video lol. Is that a pin hole on the right dide of his chest? Pretty much where the oil stain is on. Yea I hate the sweating head and to me those lights are not bright enough. His eyes look way too orange to me.
+toys210 HOLY SHIT!!! There is a tiny frickin hole on the right chest plate near the oil stain is located!!! I didnt even notice it until you pointed it out!! I thought it was just a darker spot of oil stain, but it's actually a frickin hole in the plastic!!! GGAHHH!!!!!
Kool Kollectibles is that suppose to be a spot for something? Cos doesn't he come with 2 little nubs could one be for that hole?
+toys210 The two restraining bolts are magnetic, so do not need the hole. But I'll check if that little hole is normal.
Kool Kollectibles ok...let me know
+toys210 This seems stupid. I just looked at the updated photos on the Sideshow website, and you can clearly see the hole in the photos there too, so the hole is by design!! WTF?!!? The restraining bolts are put on by magnets, not a plug to fit in that tiny hole?!?!
I just received mine and I have exactly the same problem with his left arm
+Saryan yeah shame the qc is hit and miss on this one. They're apparently rereleasing in Sept so hopefully better qc in that batch.
Will you be getting the first order tie pilot?
Yes i have that preordered.
looking forward to that review :)
Thanks yet again for the awesome review. I really should have gone with my gut on this one. Looking at SS strengths, it's supposed to be droids and non-human figures, but they continue to disappoint. SS hoth Luke, jango, cheapish feeling r2 now this. In South Africa, so to get this figure to me is roughly costing me $270 US. That's excluding duties and tax. It's just not worth it. Going to look at getting a full refund and wait for a hot toys release. I'm so done with SS...
+Michael Da Silva You could get a good one worth keeping, so wait until you get yours and check it out. I have seen some on the forums/groups that are good. Just pot luck I guess if you get one with issues or not.
Yeah unfortunately I received mine yesterday, and pretty much the same QC issues, I was very surprised by paint app inconsistencies on top of the poor hand execution. Tried to stay optimistic but a figure that has almost zero accessories and a bland stand should be near flawless at $300.
Michael Da Silva Shit that's bad. I'm still waiting to hear back from Sideshow myself. They told me today the returns department is backed up so responses are 3-4 days instead of the usual 1-2 days. Hopefully I can get a replacement. If you got yours from them too, I'd contact them ASAP with pics and ask for a replacement too.
Heck the 3po in the lastest film doesnt look like 3po from the previous ones!
Why does C3P0 sport a silver right leg? It wasn't shown that way in the movies.
In the original trilogy he certainly had a silver leg. Watch carefully! ;)
Look up something called the Mandela effect. The silver leg baffles me too.
Watch the movie. The leg is clearly silver.
I can't recall it and i watched the original 3 a lot thats why it freaks me out. Also as someone called luke i heard "Luke i am your father" all the time now it says "No, i am your father" Its the one thing stopping me getting a C3P0 i have sideshow R2 and R5D4. Got the jawas you reviewd too. Leg aside something weird is going on for many people. Things in movies are different to what lots remember. The famous box of chocolates line in forest gump and the tag line of the field of dreams film are all different for me. Owning a silver legged C3P0 would mess with my mind too much.
cocktailzombie I never really noticed it before either. But toy manufacturers always go off reference material. So when you go back and actually study what the characters looked like, there are lots of details you see. Even in the opening scene of A New Hope with Artoo in the Tantive, you can clearly see his silver leg. So it's good that manufacturers like Sideshow and Hot Toys aim for movie accuracy.
Sideshow C-3PO is more screen accurate
nice figure!
Great review but it's a bummer. Being release so many years after tamashii ones, this one looks dated and poor in quality.
+0168196250 The overall build quality is better on the tamashii. But I don't think the sideshow looks dated. It's actually more movie accurate with it's weathering and smaller pistons. Both are pretty good options.
I know you love star wars mate but this is a major let by sideshow, but everyone keeps buying them so they'll keep making substandard figure's.
And next the the tamashii nations 3po it looks like a cheap toy. Thanks for saving me some cash on this one. Two thumbs up.
+Hyperdyne I don't find this C-3PO to be a letdown at all. In fact, I find it to be quite detailed and accurate. I might have preferred a bit more mirrored paint finish. However, since he's supposed to be grimy, the paint actually works fine. Most of the scuffing and annoyances that +Kool Kollectibles ran into were quality control issues specific to the figure he received. Not all figures shipped with these same problems. In fact, the C-3PO that I received didn't have any of the issues presented in this video and also moved at the shoulder joint where his did not. It would, in fact, behoove Sideshow to make sure UA-cam reviewers are sent the best possible quality stock (i.e., visibly inspected before shipping) so they don't end up with reviews pointing out quality control issues on UA-cam.
I passed on the sideshow it's dull finish sux
my c-3po kotobukiya 1/7 scale beats all.
Nice review.
It is sad that Sideshow has increased it's price into Hot Toys territory without the Hot Toys quality. The issues you show are too much for that price point and those seams look horrible in video. I appreciate the attempt but I see that figure as a failure.
+jimjake26 Yeah, pretty disappointing. Hopefully I can get a replacement that is as good as the few I've seen in other groups/forums where some have good figures with no issues.
You complain too much. You're always going to find a fault in sonething.
Got mine yesterday it come with a broken tip of his finger on right hand
+MrTerryTurtle Hope Sideshow help you out there! If that's the only issue, they should be able to send you a replacement hand and not have to replace the whole figure.
+Kool Kollectibles does the whole hand come off
MrTerryTurtle I assume it's just on a ball joint of some sort that can be pulled off. It would be a pretty stupid design if those hands are permanently attached to the arms.