Background
In a decade that spawned a number of iconic films – some good, some bad – when you think about 1980's animated movies, really, only one movie comes to mind – Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The live-action/animated hybrid movie stars the likes of Bob Hoskins as Eddie Valiant and Christopher Lloyd as Judge Doom.
But the two major “toon” stars are Roger Rabbit (voiced by Charles Fleischer) and Jessica Rabbit (voiced by Kathleen Turner). While the film was a Walt Disney film, it was released under the Touchstone Pictures banner. A lot of that could have been thanks to the way one Jessica Rabbit was drawn. And the adult humor was a little much for a Disney film.
Well, as Tonner Doll Co. continues to release figures from their Walt Disney Showcase Collection, they've brought Jessica Rabbit to Tonner Character Figure form.
The Facts
Jessica Rabbit
Series: Walt Disney Showcase Collection
Manufacturer: Tonner Doll Company
Material: Articulated body with vinyl head and rooted saran hair
Dimensions: 17” tall Athletic Body
Points of Articulation: 15 (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, bust line, waist, hips, knees, and ankles)
Outfit: Shimmering red dress with side slit; Pantyhose; Purple/Pink knit opera gloves; Pink, faux leather pumps
Accessories: Figure stand
Edition Size: 1,000 pieces
Packaging
The Jessica Rabbit Tonner Character Figure is packaged in the Walt Disney Showcase Collection box. This is the same one we've seen Snow White and several of the other Disney Princesses packaged in. Inside, the figure is stored and contained in your usual Tonner style – cared for using ribbons, plastic, foam and a hairnet.
Our Opinion
I was shocked when I read that Who Framed Roger Rabbit was released over 22 years ago. I remember heading to the theater as a youngster to watch what I'm sure my parents thought was a kids cartoon movie. While 99% of the adult humor surely sailed over my head, I recently re-watched the movie. The film has held up over the years and is definitely considered a classic (it was the first and only time Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny have appeared on screen together).
Tonner has been releasing a number of their Character Figures based on the leading ladies from animated Walt Disney movies. Jessica Rabbit was a little different from other Disney characters...since as she famously put it “I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way.”
So how did Tonner do? I always think it's difficult transferring from a cartoon character to an articulated, human-looking figure. Obviously, some things will be lost in translation. For instance, it's not possible for the dress to only be attached to her front as in the movie (unless they glued it in place). And they have to use a somewhat standard articulated body, so the body isn't sculpted to Jessica Rabbit's crazy proportions. I did notice that she's missing the big gold earrings that are on the character in the film.
The eye region, which includes the actual eyes, eyelids and eyebrows, look great...just like the animated version. And I like how they sculpted the mouth in a smirk, with one side higher than the other, but I'm not sure if you ever see the corners of her lips (they sort of have a boxy look to them in the movie). The nose is difficult, because it's small and slanted upwards. I think Tonner did the best that they could have done based on the illustrated Jessica Rabbit, since her nose changes when viewing it from various angles.
And I think I just realized why her hair looks different. In the movie, Jessica has a solid hairdo. You can't see strands of hair...it's like a helmet. To replicate that look, Tonner would have had to sculpt a solid plastic hairpiece...and I don't think that would have looked very good or gelled with the rest of their Tonner Character Figures.
OVERALL: It's fairly obvious to see why this is my favorite character released from Tonner's Walt Disney Showcase Collection. I've always thought that unless you are sculpting an animated character from scratch, it's difficult. Specifically, it's tough transitioning an animated character to 1:6 scale (or it's equivalent). With that said, and knowing that this piece isn't the spitting image of the on-screen Jessica Rabbit, I really like it. While not ultra realistic, it has a solid, stylized look.
You can pick one up at the following:
Tonner Direct: $149.99
Jessica Rabbit TCF Grades
Figure Quality: 9/10
Sculpt: 9/10
Paint: 9/10
Accessories/Outfit: 7/10
Packaging: 7/10
Durability: 8/10
Fun Factor: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 9.0/10
