Let me be clear: this is one of the best toys I have ever seen in my life. I am a big fan of the movie toys. I am also a big fan of the Masterpiece class (or line, depending on your opinion). When they combine the two, as TakaraTomy did, they have achieved near perfection.

I bought a pre-release version of the TakaraTomy's MP-M01 Masterpeice Movie Starscream. I have never bought any toys before they officially come out but since this toy actually cost less than the pre-order retail price, I thought it was worth it. It did not come with packaging so I have no pictures of that.

The mold is exactly the same as Hasbro Transformers Autobot Alliance (HFTD) Leader Class Starscream so if you are familiar with it, you know the same sculpt and transformation. TakaraTomy's version gave Leader Starscream the Premium Series treatment and based the colors off the original 2007 Transformers movie, before he visited to the tattoo parlor (in the comic book, Reign of Starscream, he carved the tattoos on himself with his own fingers after he took control of the Decepticons. I guess the tattoos are similar to G1 Starscream's Coronation crown and cape outfit).

On to the photos. The paint on this toy is so detailed and has a matte finish, unlike Hasbro leader Starscream which was a little glossy. I do not have a loose Leader Starscream so I cannot take comparison pics now. The toy is mostly gray and light gray compared to Hasbro's slightly darker shinier gray. There are so many details painted on it is very impressive. Even the inside the cockpit has some painted details. The colors are very close to an actual F-22 jet flown by the USAF so TakaraTomy did their research.
Front robot.

Close up on the mouth opened. Note the Decepticon logo on the forehead.

Left Robot. Note that some wires are painted red to stand out, unlike the Hasbro version.

Back Robot. It is very convenient to store all the accessories in the back.

Right Robot

Mech Alive wrist weapons. This is a great improvement over Movie Leader Brawls arm weapons and are very movie accurate too in terms of color and transformation.

Missile battery.

Left alt
Even though the robot parts are exposed, they line up well.

Bottom alt
Note that the edge of the wings are painted white even on the bottom.


My favorite Transformer of all time was Masterpiece Starscream (Walmart). The transformation is a little more simpler than the G1 Masterpiece toy with amazing results. It is more child-friendly in terms of durability with little kibble.
Comparison with G1 Masterpiece Starscream (Walmart)

Alt mode comparison. The two are actually the same same scale because the evil Dr. Archibald that came with the G1 toy can also fit in Movie Starscream's Cockpit. I cannot open the window all the way to place him inside but the seats are the same size.

The only thing I do not like aesthetically is that they used the G1 Decepticon logo instead of the Movie Decepticon logo on the left wing, Other than that, it is just great to look at and pose. It has the same limitations as the Hasbro Leader Starscream like no wrist or hip swivel, but I do not think it is needed at all given the superb weaponry and hip articulation.

I know that this toy cost twice as much as Hasbro's Leader Starscream so the price may be out of reach for some people. However, at about $100 it actually cost less than TakaraTomy's other Masterpiece toys (excluding the G1 color Starscream). You can also call it Buster Starscream as level of paint detail is that much better than Hasbro's version (no chrome on this one, however).

Comparison with Movie Leader Megatron (Premium Series)



Megatron is a little bigger so they are close to scale.

Bonus pic with Shattered Glass Starscream, the only two Starscreams with red Decepticon logos.


There is link to a gallery of the actual release. TakaraTomy made minor improvements such as a purple forehead logo and no markings:
http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/334847-mpm-1-masterpiese-starscream.html

 

The paint scheme is nice but it still has all the same crippling flaws that ruined the first version. SIGH

Thanks for the review though

 

I really don't think Shoji Kawamori was involved with MP Movie Starscream.

 

the red deception symbol just looks so OFF

 

The other Starscream with a red Decepticon logo is Shattered Glass Starscream. So it is strange. If it was purple or black it would not stand out as much, though.

 

I thought red was movie accurate. for Starscream's head, anyways.

 

It's not bad, however it's double the price of the domestic leader SS. I think I can easily pass on this one. Besides, I actually like the tattoos of the Domestic SS.

 

QFT. afaik the the only modern TF products that mr Kawamori has been involved in thus far are the THS 02 Convoy & the first Takara MP-03 Starscream.

Btw thanks for the review , yup I really dig the colors & the tiny details paint apps here & there, really makes the mold stand out.

But the only stumbling block is the price that's all.

 

Nice pics and review. It's an amazing toy.

 

thanks for the review. Still on the. Fence

 

Crippling flaws? The only thing I've noticed, is that when you're done making a jet out of robot parts you have the legs left over, so they just peg into the underside of the plane.

 

It could be a testshot thing, maybe.

 

Other than the red Decepticon insignia on his head in robot mode, MP Movie Starscream looks awesome. I'm definitely going to try and get my hands on him.

 

Wow, that thing is gorgeous!! 

The red Decepticon insignia is kinda off putting, but other than that he's damn near perfect!

 

I take it the "original" being the first MP Starscream prior to the revision by Mr. Kawamori. All Masterpiece figures are designed by Mr. Hironori Kobayashi.

 

Eh, I'm kinda on the fence for this one... 

 

I'm having that.

 

it's impressive and all.....but the extra paint apps. do not justify the price point. PASS.

 

Posted more pics. I may open some other toys for more comparison pics later like Buster Prime or Hasbro Leader Starscream. This Starscream really belongs with the 2007 Movie toys as opposed to the ROTF line for continuity. In person the colors and details are so much better. If you have the Hasbro Leader Starscream it is a great value, but for the premium treatment you must pay the premium price. That is what it all boils down to.

 

I just collected the figure and opened it up... Looks great and looks even better in person!

The jet mode looks really good... Pretty accurate to the real F-22 Raptor.... This is where the Masterpiece part comes in I guess, the paint scheme of the real F-22..