Editor’s Note:  This review has been updated with our second look at TVC…

Original Review:  Chris - 11/21/10 02:04 PM

It’s possible Hasbro got too ambitious with this release.  Aesthetically, this figure looks great and can be a great display piece.  The play features all work and as a toy, you can’t fault this.  The problem lies in the fact that some of the features get in the way of each other.  For example, the dome rotates, but you can’t rotate the dome with either the sensor scope or saber hilt inserted.  Pushing up on the third leg causes either the sensor scope or saber hilt to pop up.  This is cool but it also means that you can’t have the third leg up and either of those devices in the down position.  This is problematic in trying to recreate a couple of the intended scenes.  For example, in order to use the tray, R2-D2 needs to be in the upright position.  Typically R2’s third leg is up in the upright position.  This means that you cannot insert the sensor scope and you’re left with an open hole in that part of the dome.

This release is very close to the ultimate R2-D2.  It just needs to be toned down a little bit.  When Hasbro does, I’ll be buying several for my various displays.  7 out of 10.

Updated Review: Bret - 5/10/18. 07:05 AM

Chris’s review above is short and sweet, and frankly, there’s not much to add.  The sculpt is great, and it includes too many features that get crossed up. If Hasbro can release a similar overall sculpt, but where the scope/saber slot doesn’t conflict with the third leg, we’d basically have the perfect R2.  Interestingly, Hasbro released an R2 based on the popular build-a-droid mold for the budget TLJ line.  I gave that figure an 8 due to the slight upgrade from the original mold (holes gone from the body), it worked well with the Force Link activator, and because it only cost $8.  The BAD mold doesn’t seem to be compatible with hidden dome accessories like the scope or saber hilt, so that would have to be re-worked completely to match this figure, but the third leg is removable instead of retractable, addressing the other logistical issue.  It’s a matter of taste which figure you prefer, but if you want the bar tray and serving arm, you’ll need this version.

Like Chris’s review, this figure holds up well.  However there is room for improvement.  Secondary market prices aren’t too steep, but they may rise as we approach the Khetanna delivery date.  You may want to scoop one up if you don’t have one already.  Other than dirt and grime, Hasbro should be able to pull off an ultimate OT R2-D2 with all the appropriate accessories.  If they can do that, we’d have an R2 for the ages that could be happily re-released repeatedly.

[Editor’s Note 3/28/19:  Hasbro announced that another R2-D2 will be issued as TVC 149 in 2019.  It is will not have the bartender accessories, but the figure itself looks to be much improved, possibly using the popular BAD mold, as was done for the 5POA TLC line.  It would be repainted/weathered to represent R2 from A New Hope.]