YouTube - IMG 0153

It's uploading now, but I am about to crash and will likely not make it until the vid is fully processed. Should be live within half an hour or so, and I want to make sure that it's ready to go as people start waking up in the morning. For those of you up with me at 4am, apologies for the wait, but this way you can watch it as soon as it's available.

 

you've made up my mind! I'm getting this instead of the Hasbro version! thanks!  

 

Looks like along with ditching the tattoos, the masterpiece version went back to being tan like most of the movie Starscream figures. At least, that's how he looks in the video.

That said, I still prefer the domestic release for the silver/gray coloring and I dig on the tattoos. Plus, fifty bucks less is nice.

 

YouTube - MASTERPIECE MOVIE LEADER STARSCREAM: EmGo's Transformers Reviews N' Stuff

 

As nice as the metallic paint is, I still prefer the more accurate tattooed version. If Starscream loses the tats in TF3, then I'll consider this version, but for now I'm happy with the U.S. release.

 

Coolness, but I prefer the tatted up ROTF look, and my Hasbro Screamer has me all kinds of      

He does actually have the 'con logo on his forehead in the movie, but it's not SG red like that.

 

Nice review!  

I agree that this shouldn't really be in the Masterpiece line, but at the same time, it's an "almost Masterpiece" toy. That probably wouldn't look so good on the box though.

What I mean is that it's an incredible feat of engineering to get an almost 100% accurate version of movie Starscream's robot mode, out of a very realistic F-22 alternate mode. The proportions of the F-22 are almost perfect, just being a little too fat on the undercarriage (but it is a big, fat jet aircraft in reality.) And the paint job on this version is a spot-on, perfect representation of the real F-22. The only things that spoil the jet mode a bit are the details on the undercarriage and bottom of the wings, which were necessary for the robot mode. However, the robot legs do fold up into the correct shape for the jet. I really can't think how else they could have done it, considering that the movie cheats so much on the transformation.

Having said that, it's still obviously designed to be a big, chunky children's toy. That's why it doesn't fit as a Masterpiece to my mind. It isn't because it doesn't have lots of accessories or die cast. If it had been designed as a Masterpiece, you'd have the robot mode made up of many more pieces, instead of those child-friendly, one piece blocks. And each finger/thumb would be articulated, along with fully articulated ankles and toes. The F-22 mode would have been that little bit sleeker, to give it a totally accurate profile, without the need for gimmicky sounds that kids like. When I think "Masterpiece", I think it means that the toy is as articulated and show accurate/correctly proportioned as possible, with absolutely nothing sacrificed to achieve that goal, engineering-wise. And that doesn't describe this toy, because it makes various sacrifices to have room to store electronics, for the pop-out weapons gimmicks and to be simple/sturdy enough to still work as a toy for children.

I may still buy it, despite the fact that I hate movie Starscream's robot mode, because I'm a sucker for jet aircraft. The F-22 mode on this one is particularly nice with the accurate paint apps.

 

Cool comparison, thanks for the vid Peaugh.

I do prefer the MP version, but I really doubt I am going to drop the $100 + on him. If I can get one on sale though for $70-$80 I will bite.

 

Nope, he's the correct various shades of grey.

 

Awesome comparison. This convinces me to definitely prefer the MP version.

 

Nice comparison. For me, not enough difference to spend extra $70.

 

^^^ Agree with Galva-Cannon here.. Couldn't have said it better myself.. I'm a sucker for jet aircraft too especially the F-22, and the repainted look of the jetmode is the reason I'm getting this.. And also because I want a proper Starscream figure from the first movie and this repaint justifies me to get it..

 

That is the first well worded argument against it being a MP that I have read yet. Kudos sir! And when you word it like that, it is a bit of a shame that this is not a 'true' Masterpiece. Still, at least it is quite an impressive mold, and a sturdy one at that! That alone makes it better than the Seekers and Megatron.  

 

this figure is a masterpiece! can't wait to have it!

 

Excellent review. I do agree with most of you anti-MP argument. It should have far more accessories and new sounds. Hell, he has 2 lines of english and one line of Cybertronian in the first movie. I'd have loved that. I'd have loved a Hoover Dam platform display stand or a bunch of twisted cars from the final battle. Nothin.

Leader Starscream is an excellent example of what Hasbro can do, and I am in total disagreement about any strict "Only G1 can be MP!" stance. I'd go nuts over an MP Bonecrusher or Arcee Triplets set. I'd also go apeshit over a BW Transmetals 2 Megatron or BM Obsidian. The important point for an MP is a be selective, filled with value and playability, and not just to simply take advantage of the name.

BTW, I got my HFTD Leade SS yesterday and it is impressive, but not for MP prices. Great review.

 

LOL, me too, and G1 Starscream was my 11th Birthday present. THis new Screamer even has a rubber nose. It was love at first sight, and the whole thing is solid.

 

Although I agree that the figure doesn't fit in with the others released in the Masterpiece line (and not because of the source material, but because of the constitution of the toy), if anything Hasbro has ever made deserves the title "masterpiece", Leader Screamer is it.

 

I can dig it. I grew up an Air Force kid, so I'm always far more into realistic looking plane colors. I agree (and even said in the video) that robot mode is a little more visually interesting on the ROTF version, but there's a lot more little detail work on the MP (and the aforementioned realistic jet mode paint job) that I definitely prefer the MP over the mass release. Ultimately, though, the mold itself is excellent, and regardless of your personal preference, I highly recommend getting at least one version or the other at some point.

 

Exactly. Hasbro got this one right.

 

Well, the fuselage of a real F22 gets more narrow toward the rear.

This Starscream F22 gets more WIDE towards the rear because of his
thighs/hips. So, that's basically wrong.

Also, the one reason I wouldn't call this a Master Piece is because shitty
electronic gizmos definitely hampered engineering, which compromised the
shape of the jetmode.

A Master Piece shouldn't have electro gizmo's. Especially not, when they compromise engineering.