Originally published April 26, 2017. This article preserves One Sixth Society’s original reporting and images; product availability, pricing, and opinions reflect the original publication period.
Hot Toys has done sixth scale figures of Disney characters before. While some would argue that technically any Marvel Cinematic Universe or Star Wars figure that is released is technically a ‘Disney’ character, we are of course referring to their figures like Maleficent or Tonto. Just today however, collectors were surprised by a figure of Emma Watson as Belle in Beauty and the Beast!
Female figures are few and far between by Hot Toys, so it is always interesting to see a new one come out. The Hot Toys Beauty and The Beast Belle Figure comes with a variety of accessories as well, which is another pleasant surprise! There are some things to be noted however, so let’s dive right in.
Be Our Guest!
The forefront of this release is clearly the headsculpt. We are looking at two key aspects here: the face and the hair. Beginning with the face, some collectors have noted that the face in some of the promotional photos looks not quite right. However, Hot Toys released photos of the paint master that are looking completely spot on. Secondly, we have the hair. Many Hot Toys female figures have rooted hair, but Belle is an exception to the rule as her hair is sculpted. This is an interesting decision, but the announcement did not explain the choice. Whatever the reason, the sculpted hair looks like it is sculpted and painted very well.
Next, we have the outfit. It is tailored to be similar to the golden dress from the ballroom scene, and while Hot Toys has done few dresses over the years this one looks to be tailored quite well. According to the details, it is woven from several layers of fabric, so expect plenty of detail. She is also adorned with a golden necklace. The figure has seamless arms.
The most exciting aspect of the Hot Toys Beauty and The Beast Belle Figure is the accessories. In addition to the typical hands in a variety of poses, we are given several accessories that are actually other characters from the film. We have Lumière, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip, and Plumette all included. All of these look to be intricately detailed and painted, which is nice for pieces so small. We are also given the enchanted rose, both within and outside of the glass case. Finally, a unique stand recreates the marble floor of the Beast’s castle.
With a slew of Star Wars and Marvel figures being released consistently, it is a pleasant surprise to see something new and different from Hot Toys. It will be interesting however to see in-hand photos to compare the headsculpt in the prototype photos to the real deal. Photos do not always do a fantastic job of getting across the accuracy of a headsculpt. However, if the photos by Hot Toys’ production team are anything to go by we are looking at a winner on our hands. Time will tell if we get a Beast to go with this sixth-scale Belle.
