Review of Disney's Dark Beauty Maleficent Doll

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Company:  Jakks Pacific

UPC:  678352828148

Put out in:  2014

Made in China

Doll size:  Approximately 11 1/2 inches, but a bit taller because of the horns

Contents:  1 doll with black choker, black dress with plastic black collar and jewel, painted on leotard, and boots with slits.

Articulation:  Head moves side to side and up and down; arms move back and forth and can rotate in sockets; elbows bend, but you have to be careful; legs go back and forth and to the side.

Original Price:  $24.99 (but now is probably more expensive as the doll is no longer produced)

Out of Production:  Yes

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When I was a child, one of my relatives put me in the Disney book club.  I received illustrated book versions of all the Disney movies.  My mom claims that my favorites were Pinocchio and The Three Caballeros.  I don't really remember myself.  I know that later on, my favorite movies were Robin Hood and Alice in Wonderland.

My mom, being a bit of a romantic, liked the princess stories.  Sleeping Beauty was her favorite.  Since I've never had a romantic bone in my body, I can't say I really felt the same way.

Though I liked Maleficent's looks in the original Disney movie, I  had to wonder about her motives.  Why on earth would you get upset for not being invited to a party?  Do you even hang out with these people most of the time?

When the Maleficent movie came out, I didn't know if I was particularly interested in seeing it.  I didn't even know if I cared enough to learn a more in-depth story.  However, it had Angelina Jolie in it...and I like staring at Angelina Jolie.

To my surprise, I really enjoyed the movie.  It gave Maleficent good motivation for what she did.

Of course, with all movies comes merchandise.  I was disappointed in many of the dolls.  I didn't think many looked like Angelina Jolie.  One of the reasons why I like this particular doll, Dark Beauty Maleficent, is that it does look more like Jolie.

Removing the doll from the box, of course, was a nightmare--as one should always expect with Disney products.  I don't want to even imagine a Christmas where someone gets all Disney toys.

The first thing I noticed was the plastic.  This doll isn't vinyl-like like Barbie Dolls.  It is a hard plastic.  It feels like it would be hollow on the inside.  The second thing I noticed was that glitter from the dress rubbed off everywhere! My tablet, which I was using to take pictures, looked like it was covered in little bugs--but it was glitter.

The dress is...okay.  It isn't one of my favorites, but I don't hate it either.  It is decently made, except for the glitter.  Maleficent has a black choker, which is like a ribbon.  The collar of the dress is a black plastic.  There is a white glass gem on the front.  The back of the dress has  VELCRO.  The horns are fixed to the head and can't be removed...or rather, they seem to be part of the mold.  The dress can be removed with some difficulty.

She is a sexy doll! She is wearing a shoulder-less and back-less leotard that is painted to the body.  She has knee-high boots with slits on the back, which makes for easy removal.  I was pleased to see that she has feet--so many dolls don't, though usually if the boots are made to be removed, they do have feet.

She has pretty good articulation.  You have to be very careful with her elbows.  Move them the wrong way, and they probably could snap off.  The hands, knees, and ankles are not articulated.  She doesn't stand up easily on her own, so a doll stand is advisable.   Still, she is very pose-able.  

The dress and boots, unfortunately, do leave rub off marks on the body--and not all of it is glitter.

The dress and shoes do leave rub off marks.

She is very tragic looking--quite appropriate for someone who had their heart broken, was maimed, and wants revenge on her ex-boyfriend's daughter.  With her expression and articulation, you can put the doll in some dramatic poses.

 I got the doll originally at Toys R Us.  It no longer seems to be in production, and the price--as a result--has risen.  It still is available from places like Amazon and ebay.  The cheapest price I've seen is $39.99.