DOLL/PLAYSET PARTICULARS AND THOUGHTS:
After my first impressions article,
I had a lot more thought, time, and consideration to think through my
ambivalence towards this brand-new Ken Pastel Beach Set Doll
Barbie The Movie 2023 (HPJ97). Unfortunately, I still am not too certain as to
whether outside of the pricing that this doll is a great value beyond light
posing and display. It is hard for me to express since I do like this doll a lot
and was happy to buy him not only for me but for my daughter as well. With this
in mind, I will continue with my review and let you know what I like and what
makes me still feel uncertain. As a photographer and doll customizers, my big
question is: do I buy more because of the bargain and future clearance sales
opportunities or because of the customization possibilities that may also lead
to not only better skills but also better photo sessions? Actually, I just
might have answered my own question!
This doll's face was sculpted from a brand-new face mold made for this
movie. With this in mind, there are nice possibilities to explore. A re-root
with a different hair color and hairstyle could potentially create a different
character instantly. Yes, I know that as a movie collectible, we are
technically supposed to keep this doll, as is, on the shelf for display, but we
can have a lot of fun with this doll by changing it up a bit and the price does
lend itself to this end nicely. Particularly with an abundance of generic blond
Kens already on the market, changing this one up can be considered a great
challenge to take on to differentiate from the others.
The articulation for this doll is limited to 12 points and I am also beginning
to realize that the rest of this doll line probably will feature the same level
of articulation for the rest the dolls more or less. I am not too certain how I
feel about this. I can't seem to make up my mind as to what I want this
collection to be primarily for display or primarily for photography sessions.
With limited articulation, I don’t have much of a choice but to take light
photos and then put the dolls proudly on display. As content as I am with that
option, I would have loved the option for more articulation without having to
resort to rebodying the doll. This would garner an additional cost that I am
not ready to indulge in right now as I have already ordered the majority of all
dolls from the Wave 1 collection, but I have not ordered all collectibles items
just yet. And there is still Wave 2 to consider purchasing as well. Did I
neglect to mention that I am on a budget? Also, fashionista body articulation
for male dolls vs. female dolls, where it concerns male dolls, is it necessary
for them to have more articulation? Could they get away with light posing in
pictures? Ken dolls are fashion models and don't tend to pose in extraordinary
ways. Maybe this Ken doesn't need a Made to Move Ken doll body after all.
As for his clothes, I like his beach day outfit! I do like the pastel colors
they selected, the light pink and light green work rather well together. Also,
the light green stripes have this light-yellow polka-dots pattern running up
and down the stripe. I had not noticed that before!
His shorts have real pockets and buttons. I do appreciate
that level of attention to detail for sure. I would have loved a solid-colored
tank top under the shirt though that was not attached to the shirt itself. No
satin finish on his clothes but then again, he is not made for the black label;
he is just a Ken doll for the Barbie Signature line only. I think another real
value will be in mixing and matching this doll’s clothes to produce some
fashionable outfits. Pairing the shorts with a cream cable knit sweater would
just look dreamy for a casual stroll around town. I look forward to
experimenting and redressing him to see other outfit possibilities.
Ultimately, what I do decide to do with him in the future, I will certainly
keep you guys updated. In the meantime, I am glad that I own him and will
proudly put at least one of him up on display.
FULL SPECS
Name: Ken Doll Wearing Pastel Striped Beach Matching
Set
Box Number: HPJ97
Release Date: June 1, 2023
Designer: Robert Best/Bill Greening
Label: N/A (Barbie Signature)
Body Type: New posable Ken
Face Sculpt: New (The Ryan Gosling)
Articulation: 12 points (Fashionista Articulation:
elbows, wrist, waist, knees, and head)
Product Dimensions: 3"L x 7"W x 13"H
Item Weight: 13.7 ounces
MATTEL’S DESCRIPTION HIGHLIGHTS
Ken doll rocks a pink and mint green striped top.
Matching shorts feature working pockets.
A surfboard, platinum blond hair, and white sneakers complete the casual look.
Posable doll comes in collectible Barbie The Movie packaging.
MY DOLL/PLAYSET FROM AMAZON:
My Barbie The Movie Ken Doll Pastel Beach Set (HPJ97)
was purchased at the same time as quite a few of my other Barbie The Movie
doll/playset collectibles on June 2nd, 2023. Two-day shipping was selected,
however, it was processed and delivered to me on June 5th. This doll was
packaged and shipped inside of an Amazon box along with the Barbie the Movie
2023 President doll (HPK05). I ordered a total of six dolls/playsets from
Amazon and they arrived packaged differently for shipment. I suspect that
Amazon got over flooded with orders and wanted them out of inventory as soon as
possible. As I look at him, I can see where he would be a good purchase value
wise for the right doll collector. His beach outfit and accessories are nicely
made and are quite a step up from play line. The only thing is when I compare
him to the Barbie Extra Fly Ken doll (retail value $24.00), I begin to see
wherein they could have potentially provided more for less.
In person, I noticed the following: His ankles are not
articulated and his feet, although not completely flat, are flat enough so he
can stand on his own if you position him in a certain way provided that the
floor/table is level. He does not come with a traditional stand but does come
with a surfboard that can double as a stand. I thought that that was very
clever. In regards to his clothes, his shirt has faux pearly bright white
buttons on it that look good. The shirt, however, does not close or button up.
His matching shorts in the back although it does have snaps, it has been sewn
so that it can fit his waist closely. You will have to clip the thread if you
would like to redress him. Once you clip the thread, the shorts will drop lower
on his waist.
PRICING
This Barbie The Movie Ken Doll Pastel Beach
Set (HPJ97) is currently being sold online at
Mattel Creations, Walmart, Amazon, and Target. Depending upon the
store, the price ranges from $24.97 to $25.00 before tax and shipping and
handling. Because at $25.00 he is so affordable, he is selling out quickly at
some of online stores. It will also appear on online auction too as well like eBay,
but the prices are sometimes twice and triple the current retail value. He is
also now being sold in stores. I also purchased an extra one of him for my
daughter and two other dolls in store at Target. If you need it now or it is
not for sale in your area, then please purchase wisely.
I will update in the future with further details as more information becomes
available to me.
Also please keep in mind that this doll is one of two value dolls that is half
the price of the other dolls going for $50 each. The other value doll at half
the price being the Perfect Day Barbie Doll Barbie The Movie 2023 HPJ96.
This will make a world of a difference in selecting dolls for your collection.
If you are on a strict budget, getting this doll and the Barbie doll
counterpart will garner you 2 dolls for the price of one movie doll
collectible. Awesome deal, huh?
Are you interested in owning him too? Well then go here
to buy her now!
VIDEO REVIEW
Check out my YouTube video to see me review this doll here
or view it below!
(Video Link Here)
|
Blog Article
Resources: |
|
https://creations.mattel.com/collections/barbie-the-movie#?page=1
|
|
https://lalalollystoybox.blogspot.com/2023/07/ken-pastel-beach-set-doll-barbie-movie.html |
|
|
|
*Walmart Affiliate
Link Info - This blog and website contains links to affiliate websites, and
we receive an affiliate commission (at no additional cost to you) for any
purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Our
affiliate(s) include the following: Walmart Affiliate Program. |
Until next time… Barbie Besties! La-Love Ya!
LaLa XoXo
LaLaLolly’s ToyBox
Bringing La-Love to Barbie doll & dreamhouse collectors
and customizers.