Background

Paramount Pictures released the computer-animated Western comedy film Rango on March 4th 2011 to considerable fanfare. Featuring voices of several Hollywood heavyweights, the movie features Johnny Depp in the title role of Rango and Abigail Breslin as Priscilla, a cactus mouse.

Hot Toys has released a collectible set based on these two characters. The Rango & Priscilla Vinyl Collectible Figure Set (Deluxe Version) might just be the most realistic looking toys you'll ever see based on the movie.

From the packaging:

Rango is the story of a lonely chameleon who can play any role, yet doesn't know who he is. His journey takes him from the solitude of a terrarium to the vastness of the Mojave Desert where he adopts the persona of vigilante lawman Rango, convincing the occupants of the town of DIRT that he is the solution to their looming hydration problem. For a lizard / thespian who always wanted to play the hero, Rango has found an audience that actually needs one, but as he painfully realizes, there is a difference between pretending and being. Rango is forced to confront his identity issues as the townsfolk, including love interest Ms. Beans, begin to actually believe in him and the role he has concocted thrusts him into an uncertain reality. Rango must learn the meaning of friendship, complete his quest, and uncover the conspiracy behind the town's missing water. It is the role of a lifetime with death looming at each encounter as Rango attempts to overcome the Mayor's chokehold on the populace and confront the hired gunslinger, Rattlesnake Jake, before fulfilling his journey by becoming the legend he was destined to be.

The Facts



Rango & Priscilla Vinyl Collectible Figure Set (Deluxe Version)
Series: MMS Vinyl Series
Manufacturer: Hot Toys
Material: Vinyl Plastic
Dimensions: Rango – 8” tall and Priscilla – 4” tall
Points of Articulation: Zero
Accessories: Rango's removable cowboy hat

Packaging

The Rango & Priscilla Set is packaged in a box with a front flap that lifts to reveal the figures behind a plastic windowpane. That box is decorated with the animated stars of the film – Rango and Priscilla – along with the above reprinted synopsis of the film. The inside features a specially designed movie-accurate backdrop of the town of DIRT. And the figures are secured between a pair of plastic trays.

Our Opinion

While I haven't seen the film, Rango is definitely on my “to view” list. There are some great actors associated with the movie, and it's western/comedy. All of the ingredients are there for a great film.

Hot Toys, the company known for sculpting some insane 1/6th scale humans, has taken a shot at Rango and Priscilla. From what I can tell, the difference between the Deluxe Version and the Standard Version is that Priscilla is included in the Deluxe Version Set. While it's often a little more difficult to properly sculpt an animated character, you can see from the photos that Hot Toys doesn't disappoint.

Both characters are sculpted in static poses, Rango with his hands on his belt and Priscilla with her head tilted down. There are a number of intricately sculpted spots that you'll be able to see in the up-close shots. Highlights include: Rango - kinked neck, crooked smile, teeth and eyes; Priscilla – texture on face, tail and pigtails.

Priscilla's eyes have also been given a transparent effect, making them look like real eyeballs with depth. The paint work might be slightly overshadowed by the sculpted, but it's still very well done. The clothes are given a worn look, with all of the colors matching the on-screen versions. And you can display your Rango figure with or without his trusty cowboy hat.

I do want to bring up that these are not rotocast vinyl. They're a part of the MMS Vinyl Series, but the material is more of a soft plastic and not a rotocast piece.

OVERALL: The $84.99 price tag might be a little steep for some collectors to swallow. I actually rate the Rango figure higher, and that one is available on its own for $54.99. But if you do choose to pick up the set, you're going to get a pair of well-produced collectibles from Hot Toys. And if you're a fan of Rango, you're not going to find anything close to this realistic and of this quality.

You can pick one up at the following:

Sideshow Collectibles: $84.99 (Wait List)

Rango & Priscilla Vinyl Collectible Figure Set (Deluxe Version) Grades

Figure Quality: 9/10
   Sculpt: 9/10
   Paint: 9/10
Accessories/Outfit: N/A
Packaging: 9/10
Durability: 8/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 7/10

Overall: 9.2/10
     Rango: 9.3/10
     Priscilla: 9.1/10