Hot Toys Platoon MMS Figures & 25th Anniversary Blu-Ray

Celebrate the 25th anniversary with the blu-ray and two impressive 1/6th figures...

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If you're a fan of war films, you've no doubt seen Oliver Stone's classic 1986 film Platoon. One of the greatest films set in the Vietnam War and told from the perspective of "boot" soldier Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen) learning to survive from two very distinct salty vets, Sgt. Elias (Willem Dafoe) and Sgt. Barnes (Tom Berenger).

Now, in time for the 25th anniversary of this classic comes not only the film on blu-ray hi-def but also two amazing Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Series figures: Chris Taylor and Sgt. Barnes.

The Blu-ray Review

The new blu-ray features the film in hi-def with a solid 1080p video transfer that'll impress most movie goers. While some grain is still present, there are some great details present here. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack, while filling the entire room with sound effects and dialogue, lacks the clarity from a film shot today. The soundtrack shows its age though viewers and listeners will appreciate the surround track, especially when in the jungles, surrounded by birds, bugs, and bullets.

As for special features, this blu-ray/DVD combo pack includes a generous offering of bonus material which old and new fans alike will enjoy. An audio commentary with director Oliver Stone serves up an informative and thoroughly enjoyable chat about everything from the film's production and cast to how the movie parallels his own personal experience at war. Another audio commentary with military advisor Dale Dye (a former Marine) speaks specifically to cast training, the film's authentic look, set design, and his own experiences at war as well.

Other special features include a special three-part "Flashback to Platoon" which includes "Snapshot in Time:1967-1968," "Creating the 'Nam," and "Raw Wounds: The Legacy of 'Platoon'." Each gives viewers a look at both the film and the war in which it's set. A lens through which we experience Vietnam, these shorts as well as the film itself provide plenty of insight into the time period, the setting, and more. Well worth watching if you're a fan of the film. Another documentary features Vietnam vets talking about their memories of the war after having watched the film. Entitled "One War, Many Stories," this is an impressive look at how films like this can and will affect those who experienced it. Still another documentary entitled "Preparing for 'Nam" shows Stone and other Vietnam vets discussing the rigors of training for war.

Finally, three shorts - "Caputo & the 7th Fleet," "Dye Training Method" and "Gordon Gekko" - all give some insight into specific details like how Stone came up with Wall Street's main character's name, how the military advisor trained the cast, and more. Last, but certainly not least, are a number of deleted and extended scenes, three television spots, and the film's theatrical trailer.

Overall, Platoon on blu-ray features a solid video and audio transfer, an awesome amount of special features, and a great upgrade to hi-def for those tired of watching their favorite war film on DVD.

Hot Toys MMS Figure Review

There's nothing like owning a film-accurate 12" figure based on your favorite movie characters. Displaying them alongside your movie collection speaks volumes about your love of film and pop culture. Now, thanks to Hot Toys, fans of Platoon can add both Chris Taylor and Sgt. Barnes to their collection.

PACKAGING:

Both figures come packaged in an attractive Hot Toys gate fold window box with the film's logo visible on the front alongside images of the character and figure. The accessories are visible in the door and the figure is visible inside the box and both are well protected thanks to the form fitting plastic trays which house all included items. Overall, the packaging is attractive and ensures the figure and accessories remain in mint condition.

SCULPT & PAINT APPLICATION:

Thanks to sculptor Song Hye Hyun and J.C. Hong's paints, both the Chris Taylor and Sgt. Barnes head sculpts are film accurate and truly impressive. Both head sculpts capture actors Charlie Sheen and Tom Berenger's look from the film; be it the scarred hatred on Sgt. Barnes' face or the slightly confused, doe-eyed look on Taylor's face. Both character's on-screen looks are perfectly captured here and ready for display.

ARTICULATION:

Each figure is based on the True Type body, which features 38 points of articulation and provides plenty of poseability for the figure.

UNIFORMS & ACCESSORIES:

Both Barnes and Taylor feature film-accurate uniforms, including olive drab battle dress utilities (pants with belt, blouse, t-shirt) along with an army utility belt with pouches and olive drab and black jungle boots. Likewise, each includes a variety of accessories.

Barnes includes a rifle, a pistol, a magazine, a bayonet with leather-like sheath, a safe keeper with scabbard and two grenades as well as an olive drab head band, a helmet with camouflage cover, a necklace with dog tag and can opener, a pair of suspenders, a bandoleer, a compass pouch, a first aid pouch, a watch, a bracelet, a cigarette (which fits into the figure's hand), a rucksack, two canteens with covers, and an entrenching tool (E-tool) with cover.

Taylor includes a rifle, a M72 light anti-tank weapon (LAW), a bayonet with sheath, a machete with sheath, and two normal grenade and one smoke grenade as well as a red head band, a helmet with camouflage cover, a necklace and dog tags, a set of suspenders, a compass pouch, a watch and bracelet, a rucksack, two canteens with covers, a claymore mine with bag, a carabiner and an entrenching tool (E-tool) with cover. Both figures include the ever-present Hot Toys figure stand with movie logo and name plate.

PRICE AND OVERALL IMPRESSION:

Priced at approximately $145 each, both Chris Taylor and Sgt. Barnes make for exceptional collectibles. For anyone who loved the movie Platoon and wants to show that love by adding something unique to their display or collection, both Chris Taylor and Sgt. Barnes are perfect.

These film-accurate figures feature amazing sculpts and paint applications, exceptionally detailed uniforms and weapons, and plenty of articulation. Overall, if you're a fan of military film figures or simply want to add an outstanding pair of collectible figures, Hot Toys Platoon Movie Masterpiece Series Chris Taylor and Sgt. Barnes are well worth the price.

Both Chris Taylor and Sgt. Barnes are available now wherever fine action figures and collectibles are sold.

Photos and Review by Jess C. Horsley

Review Samples Courtesy fo Hot Toys

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