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


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.

 

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.

 

"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

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).

 

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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