Shrek Gingerbread Man Playset

February 7, 2010 | By More


As with much of the current world, the “collectible” world has seen a rise in prices while companies have sought out ways to make things cheaper. Paint ops, articulation and accessories lead the way when it comes to cost cutting measures.

McFarlane Toys used to be at the top of the pyramid for what fans wanted in figures. Intricate paint, skillful articulation, and fantastic detail were present in everything they created. Over the past couple of years they have slide down the ranks of toy companies. Today, they are producing niche market sports figures and a fairly extensive line of HALO items.

While I’m grateful for their NHL figures, it’s sad to see their decline.

Back in their more prosperous days, McFarlane produced a small line of figures for “Shrek”. The line had both mini and 7″ scale figures with both the sculpting and detailing that the company was know for at the time. One of my favorite pieces from this line is the Gingerbread Man playset.

Appearance:

This playset is very specific to the scene where Farquaad is torturing the Gingerbread Man for information. While the scene is funny on it’s own, it’s a bit different watching it our house. The original DVD for Shrek contained a feature where you could redub a character with your own voice. I did this for Gingy. However, let’s say I used more colorful language in my dub than the original version. Mrs. Nerd can’t even look at this scene without bursting out in laughter while quoting my version of the dialog. (No, no matter how much I’m asked I will not post it.)

The playset piece recreates the torture table. The table was on chains and raised and lowered for Farquaad. The set it self doesn’t raise or lower due to a couple of play features.

Even tough it doesn’t move up and down, the set is really well done. There’s a stone work base metal structure above it. The top is a wood and metal construct. All of the textures are correct and look fantastic.

The paint work really sets this piece apart from say, the Mattel line that followed for Shrek 2. The metal paint on this isn’t flat. It looks aged and worn. The effect is accomplished through washes and is really well done.

There are four real chains that go through the table. While they aren’t functional, they certainly add to the realism of the set.

On top of the table is a cookie sheet with Gingy attached to it. He’s made from a rubbery material due to the action feature. Around him is melting icing and crumbs. The paint work is good, as are the textures. My only real complaint about this set is the fact they didn’t include a second removable version of him.

Farquaad had a carded relase figure as well as the one included here. He might not be the most articulated figure, but the likeness is pretty darn close. And let’s face it, he really didn’t have much action in the film. The paint and detail on the little lord are pretty spot on. There’s even a wash on his face where his five o’clock shadow shows.

Fun:

McFarlane figures are known for their detail and frequently cover subjects that aren’t what you would want a 6 year old playing with. This set, however, is an exception. There are a ton of accessories, Farquaad, and two action features.

The set contains a number of torture implements that are designed to be hung from two articulating arms on the playset. There are tongs, a spiked ball, hooks, a wicked knife, and a rubber tipped syringe. In addtion to these implements is a heat lamp on articualted arm in the middle of the set.

The other two accessories are my favorites. A glass of milk that looks great sitting on the table top. The other is small metal trash bin with a working lid and foot pedal.

The first of the action features is a sound chip that contains most of the interchange between Gingy and Farquaad. One button push sets it off. The sound chip is clear and LOUD. This is one of the louder sound features I’ve heard on a playset. (Mine still has the original batteries in it, even.)

The second feature allows you to put water in a small port on the table top. When you push down on a plunger Gingy sits up and spits at Farquaad. I can’t tell you how well this works, because I’ve never tried. It’s clever, though. My only issue with it is that there’s no lock to keep Gingy sitting in the up position. He looks better that way, but he won’t stay that way for display purposes.

Overall:

Outside of my NHL figures, this is my favorite McFarlane piece in my collection. It’s everything a playset should be. It’s got detail and paint at a level to please collectors. On the other end of the spectrum, it has just pure play fun action features. Except for the fact the Gingerbread Man is permanently attached to table, the execution is flawless.

Engineernerd Score: 97/100

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Category: Other Film, Toy Reviews

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  1. Errex says:

    That set looks awesome!

    McFarlane really ruled the industry back then. The detail looks amazing and the sheer volume of extras is quite impressive. Is this set for the the 7 inch range of figures?

  2. Engineernerd says:

    It’s for the larger series, but 7″ is a bit inderminate in that line