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MI6 Review: Roger Moore ¼
Scale Figure - Sideshow Collectibles
In 2004, Sideshow Collectibles announced the release of
a new ¼ scale range of James Bond Premium Format
figures, starting with the iconic Sean Connery. MI6 now
takes a look at the third figure to be released in the
Premium Format range based on Bond #3, Roger Moore.
The third actor to take on the role of James Bond had
big shoes to fill, but Roger Moore had established himself
earlier in his career with the TV show The Saint. Moore
would appear in seven consecutive Bond films (1973 - Live
and Let Die, 1974 - The Man with the Golden Gun,
1977 - The Spy who Loved Me, 1979 - Moonraker, 1981
- For Your Eyes Only, 1983 - Octopussy, 1985 - A
View to a Kill), making him the longest running James Bond.
Roger Moore created a more humorous Bond in line with the
times and ushered in a new era of Bond fans.
Roger Moore Biography
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James Bond - Roger Moore (¼
Scale)
Item No: 7136
Size: 18 inch (456mm)
Weight: 30.00 lbs (12.96 Kg)
Units: 400
Artist: Oluf W. Hartvigson
Order
Online - Sideshow Collectibles
Official Description
The Premium Format Figure of Roger Moore as James Bond
is a tribute to Moore's long service as 007. Moore is
captured in a very iconic Bond pose, suave yet ready
for action.The body of the figure is cast in solid polystone,
as is the silver display base.
Each figure is hand
painted to exacting standards, and dressed in an expertly
tailored
real fabric tuxedo. Don't miss this opportunity to
add the Limited Edition Moore as Bond Premium Format
figure to your collection! Accessories
Not applicable.
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First Impressions
There are a couple of things that surprise you when you pick
up this figure. First, the size. The second is the weight.
When Sideshow says approximately 11.00 lbs (4.75 Kg) they mean
it! The figure is heavy and cold to the touch, courtesy of
the polystone material. Polystone is a mixture of marble or
porcelain powder that is blended with polyurethane vinyl. Unlike
a normal setting process, polystone is created using a cold
process, which enables it to retain greater detail.
Figure - Sculpting
The body has been formed from a single piece of polystone, and
this has resulted in all the detailing and casting being carried
out with extra care in this larger scale. Both arms have been
joined to the main piece that forms the body of the figure.
Head - Sculpting
It's obvious that a lot of work has gone into this figure, and
it is most evident in the figure’s head. Long time Sideshow
sculptor, Oluf W. Hartvigson, returns to the Premium Format
scale line to produce his second figure, and his love for his
work really shows in the ¼ scale Moore. The figure appears
to be a blend of Moore over his run as Bond, and soft crease lines
have been detailed over the face creating
a more realistic likeness.
Head - Painting
The skin appears a little to dark, and lacks some of the warmth that can be
seen in the earlier Connery and Brosnan figures. The creases and wrinkle
lines are slightly darker, adding to the figure’s dimension.
The
lips, nostrils, and ears are all detailed using slightly off-skin tones.
Moore’s eyes are a sharp blue and well sized, although the painted
eyebrows are a little too thin.
The hair is a single shade of dark brown with highlights
throughout. These highlights are not actually seen from
a distance, but instead add to the overall colour. The
hairline is clean, yet slightly ragged, which adds to the
realism. |
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"Sculpting
the Roger Moore 1/4 scale Bond was extremely
satisfying. I always
enjoy working on the dynamic poses
of the Premium Format figures and the opportunity for
greater detail over the 1/6 scale. Capturing Moore's
archetypal pose, likeness and expression was as rewarding
as it was challenging."
- Oluf W. Hartvigson |
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One point of small contention with previous Sideshow figures
was the hair and the quality of the fixing. In the Premium Format
series this is not an issue, and Sideshow has used the larger
scale to full advantage. The hair is part of the head and is
painted along with the rest of the features. Layers have been
worked into the hair giving additional depth. The results are
excellent and a credit to Sideshow’s talented painters.
Shoes
The shoes have been carefully and clearly moulded, resulting
in lots of detailing. Pegs on the stand fit into holes in the
shoes, and the fit is tight and allows for no movement. Detailing
can be seen on the laces and seams of the shoes, and like the
Brosnan figure, the shoes are finished in gloss. The shoes
have been moulded straight out of the polystone, thus the figure
has no socks.
The Base
With a limited run of only 400 figures, the underside of the
base is individually identified, numerically. Each one is printed
with the sculptor’s name
and signature, Oluf W. Hartvigson, and the usual legal text. The silver base
is relatively light and the front sports a simple plate with “James Bond
007” and “Roger Moore” underneath. Compared to the past two
Bond Premium Format figure bases this is by far the largest to support Moore’s
pose. The top of the base features the gun barrel logo that has become synonymous
with 007. Three metal pegs protrude from the logo, which allow the figure to
stand upright in its correct orientation.
Gun & Hands
The Walther that Moore holds looks life-like and is held in the
classic Moore pose. One major difference between the Premiere
Format and 1/6 scale figures is that the weapons are fixed
to the figure’s hands in this scale. This simply adds
to the realism of the piece. The finishing in this area is
good, and the weapon has a painted matte finish, which gives
it the look of a real Walther PPK.
The sculpting of the hands is something that could be improved
upon. To Sideshow’s credit they have tried to add a lot
of detail, which is evident by the amount of crease lines and
veins that have been added to the hands. However, the fingers
and finger nails could do with a little more attention.
Bleed is visible on close inspection inside and between the
hand and gun in small amounts. Both hands are well detailed,
however in some small areas the finish looks too glossy. The
Walther is well painted and detailed, giving a true life-like
illusion.
Tuxedo
The trousers (pants) fit perfectly for the pose, and the
length is down to the shoes on both legs. A gloss strip has been
added
on both the outer seam lines, which helps create the image
of a tuxedo rather than a suit. The shirt is comprised of several
smaller parts. The cuffs are separated, and they feature
gold-coloured cufflinks, which adds
a nice touch to the figure. The chest of the pleated shirt the
collar is securely fastened, ensuring that it always stays in
place.
The jacket and breast
pocket with handkerchief are well placed and scaled. All of the
pockets are seamed, and the lapels use the same gloss material
as seen on the trousers (pants).
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Overall
This Roger Moore Premium Format ¼ scale figure from
Sideshow captures his likeness throughout his era as 007,
rather than from a specific film, and perfectly encapsulates
his iconic image as the Bond of the 70's and early 80’s.
Overall, the figure is excellent and of exceptional quality.
There are a few small areas that could be improved upon,
however these do not detract too much from the figure,
which is a must-have for any Bond collector. The ¼ scale Moore has certainly built on the success
of Sideshow's ¼ scale Brosnan and Connery.
When
comparing both models side by side, it’s obvious
that the creators have thought about working on improving
the Premium Format series rather than simply producing
another figure. "He looks like me: dashing, suave, debonair, good
looking ... and above all modest. He can probably act better
than me too!" - Sir Roger Moore
MI6 Rating
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Interview - Sculpting James Bond
Roger Moore - James Bond
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