So, I have a couple of PRID and recent IDW deluxes that I've been holding off on opening for awhile, but am planning on doing so now. So far I've only opened voyager and MP figures, so I don't have any experience opening these figues up. I'm hoping to do so and do as little damage to the packaging as possible. I really like some of the card art and also plan on saving the plastic bubble(s) to protect my figures when they are not on display. Any advice on how to methodically open these packages would be awesome. Thanks in advance!

 

When I used to buy newer Transformer figures, such as deluxe sized toys, I used to take a sharp knife and cut the bubble clean off along the base of the bubble separating it from the card, but not damaging the card. It's probably the best thing you can do without damaging the card and have it still look nice while getting the toy out too.

 

I buy three of everything, so I can open one (sometimes) and leave two sealed, as they should be.

 

Yeah that's what I always do too. Its easy and works hah.

 

Isn't the frame of the bubble glued onto the card backing though? Is there anyway to make it so that it can remain connected on one side and sort of flap open and closed against the card backing?

 

Unfortunately, my income/ budget doesn't really allow for buying doubles, let alone triples of every figure. You must really have some $$$

 

Use a sharp knife and you can cut through the glue. Cut on the top and both sides and it flaps open.

 

I use a small Swiss knife to cut around the blister/bubble. I do not cut the top portion since I almost always return the figure inside the packaging for storage. I just use Magic Tape to tape the bottom of the blister, sometimes the sides if needed.

 

Just get a very sharp knife and go above where the bubble and card meet and cut. Just do it on a flat surface and put a little pressure on the top of the bubble so you get a smoother cut(sort of like if you were filleting meat). No muss no fuss really. The only thing to worry about is that odd perforated bit used to attack the bottom. It's easy to see but I'd cut that first with a knife/scissors.

Used to do that a lot for Hot Wheels, no idea why but I did.

 

I vaguely recall someone talking about using a hair dryer to heat the glue that held the bubble to the card and then could peel it off.

 

You can try this method, I myself have not tried it, but it looks promising:
Heroic Decepticon: The Art of Opening Transformers - How to open/remove G1 Transformers packaging and cardbacks

 

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/tutor...ox-archival-cleaner-solution-less-trashy.html

When I open deluxes, I use a box cutter. I slice around the edges. While I throw my bubbles out, you can leave one side attached so that the bubble is still intact.