Review - Pirates of the Caribbean Jack Sparrow & Barbossa 2-Pack Disney Parks Exclusive

The Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy is an extraordinary series of films full of awesome action, incredible special effects, and some of the best film music of all time. Jack Sparrow has become a pop culture icon through his swashbuckling misadventures on the high seas. It’s one of my favorite film trilogies, up there with Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. Then they went and made a fourth one… Anyways, Jack Sparrow returns this summer in Dead Men Tell no Tales and I absolutely cannot wait to see it.

From what I can remember, there wasn’t a big merchandising push with the release of The Curse of the Black Pearl. NECA did release some incredible 7” figures right after though, but it wasn’t until Dead Man’s Chest that the Disney merchandising machine kicked it into overdrive. Newcomer Zizzle produce an extensive line of 3.75” scale action figures and although they were a little rough around the edges they were great fun. They also produce ships, games, and a line of larger 6” and 12” figures. Mega Bloks even produce a line of building sets. For On Stranger Tides Jakks Pacific took over and created a line of both 4” and 7” action figures, and LEGO did a great line of building sets. The Jakks figures were a step back in quality in my opinion, even compared to Zizzle line.  Now with the release of Dead Men Tell no Tales things have quieted down a little bit. Diamond Select Toys is doing a wave of Minimates, as well as some 7” Select style action figures and Spin Master has some role play and stylized toys and play sets.

Back in October I visited Wald Disney World in Florida, and had a blast. It truly is the most magical place on earth. After riding Pirates of the Caribbean for the second time, I found a Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa action figure 2-pack. Of course I immediately bought a set and am going to take a close look at the good Captains today. Now these are Disney Parks Exclusive figures, so the only way you’re going to be able to get your hands on a set is to take a trip to either Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World.

The PACKAGING of these guys is pretty simple but effective. The big curved front bubble shows off the figures well, and has some nice pictures of Jack and Barbossa. The card back isn’t movie specific, probably to tie into the ride, but looks to be Curse of the Black Pearl era. The back of the card is surprisingly sparse, and only has some promo shots of the figures themselves.

The SCULPTING of these guys is actually really good. There’s good detailing though out each costume, lots of little wrinkles and folds.  The likenesses are pretty good too, but Jack has a little bit of a dead stare going on. Their right hands are sculpted to hold their swords and the left hands to hold their pistols. Jack’s sword is a little loose in his hand, but the finger guard helps it stay secure. Jack Sparrow stands just below 4.5 inches and Barbossa stands right at 4.5 inches, though the brim of his hat makes him look taller.

The PAINT on both figures is a bit on the sloppy side. At least on the bodies, because the paint on the faces is great. Both figures eyes are bang on, and even Jack’s mascara is precise. Jack’s belt is probably the worst of the slop, with his compass almost disappearing. Barbossa’s boots have a nice wash on them, giving them a nice worn look. My biggest complaint is the coat colors. Both of them have a bit of a green tint to them. Jack’s especially, his coat should be more brown. While Barbossa’s should be more gray.

At first sight, the ARTICULATION looks awesome. Both figures rock the same articulation layout, but Jack’s neck is super restricted. The combination of the long hair and his cutlass belt hanger make it almost impossible for him to turn his head. Barbossa fairs better, but my sample has a loose right hip. The biggest problem with these figures is the lack of a cut joint on their biceps. I’d also like one on the upper thigh. The shoulders have a nice ball joint with a great range of movement, but posing is severely limited without a cut bicep. For example, it would be impossible to pose Jack Sparrow drawing his sword because he can’t reach across his body. It’s like being able to movie in the X and Y axis but not the Z. They do however have a cut wrist joint, which helps quite a bit. So the overall breakdown is: neck, ball jointed shoulder, pin elbow, wrist, ball jointed hips, pin knee, and pin ankle.

Each figure also comes with 4 ACCESSORIES. Jack and Barbossa both have their hats, cutlasses, pistols, and a pet. Jack comes with the dog carrying the keys, and Barbossa has Jack the monkey. Both of which look under scaled, with weak paint apps.  Both cutlasses and pistols are the same sculpts, and the hats fit nicely on their heads. Everything you would need for a swashbuckling adventure.

Overall, I think these are great action figures. These aren’t the first action figures produced exclusively for Disney Parks, and I hope they aren’t the last. I’d love to see a Davy Jones and Will Turner, and another Jack Sparrow without his coat. I can’t wait to go back to the Magic Kingdom.