Hello guys, I am really interested in this, hope someone could confirm something about it. I am real fn of Takara vertions of figures since in most fo the cases, they got really nice paint adds or extras. But after they merged with Tommy, I am afraid they are not quite the same. I want to get Leader or Voyager Class OP, but I would like to know if there are really differences between the Japanese relaease and the USA one. I heard that Japanese ones were exactly the same, that maybe they were just the normal USA releases un japanese packages. If you ahve any pics would be useful!
Not even repackaged - the Japanese releases are the US toys, US packaging with a couple of Japanese stickers (although the bubbles are not glued to the card, they are the same sort of "resealable" ones used by Takara in the past). The only ones with any difference are some of the Real Gears who get Movie stickers for their displays, and the oldstyle Camaro Bumblebee, who gets clear windows instead of painted ones. One is a case of something or nothing, the other is a "love it or hate it" thing. I got a clear windowed one and love it, the clear windows look great on the car mode. For the most part, there's no difference. It's only Bumblebee, and that is totally down to what you prefer.
Apparently, it's also a slightly darker shade of yellow. http://www.seibertron.com/toys/gallery.php?id=1300&size=0&start=50
Personally, I like painted windows. Who want's to stare at BB's ass the whole time he's in vehicle mode? Though, since he's my absolute favorite Autobot, I know I'll get both versions.
The movie figures also come with Japanese instructions and a promotional catalogue. It's not just a straight sticker slap as most suggest.
Another difference is the area where the bubble is attached at the top. Instead of being curved, and glued, the edge of the bubble is straight and taped down, with an additional taped plastic flap at the back beside the bio. The sticker is placed under the bubble. The bottom of the insert differs too.
I have both and its not just the "darker" shade of yellow on TakaraTomy's Bumblebee...it seems that the yellow gives Bumblebee an even more "metallic" finish (hard to describe).
Yes, the same figures, same boxes but with stickers. That sucks, anyway I'm still hoping for the leaders versions with diecast oh well..