The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Collection kicked off to a roaring start in 2012 with the release of the Classic Turtles upgraded toy wise for the modern era. We got really well done, large, highly poseable figures to match what’s been done with other 80s properties during their new millennium rebirth. In 2013, Playmates continued the line with the addition of Bebop and Rock Steady. All of them to that point were fantastic new versions of the characters.
It’s now 2014, and Playmates is rolling out Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Editions. Using the first wave Turtles as a base, they’ve remolded and repainted the four, giving them new heads in the process. This was a fan request, the people wanted it, but it didn’t quite turn out as expected. Read on to check out our quick thoughts, and over 60 images of the Ninja Turtles Movie Classics Collection figures!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Classics Collection
Pros
Four new turtles
Joints are a bit tighter than the originals
Cons
Lacks texture and detailing on the skin needed to properly represent movie turtles
Faces are movie “inspired”, but still too cartoonish to represent the movie turtles
Eye paint is not controlled, cockeyed figures are plentiful
Overall
When I first heard that Playmates were doing a set of Movie Turtles rather than continuing core characters of the original line I cringed. I understand hardcore Turtles fans may have wanted that, but I personally didn’t need them. That being said, if they were well done, I could roll with it. There are a surprising amount of changes to the mold, so these aren’t just repaints. There are some re-sculpts in the arms and legs to add muscle, which was a good start. The chests and shells got changed too. Elbow/Knee pads also different, as well as the heads. So, a ton of effort and probably tooling costs were made, but the end result just “feels” like a simple repaint. The figures base skin areas lack any kind of paint or texture that made the Movie Turtles unique, they’re just painted a darker green. The heads attempt to pull off movie looks with the mouths, but, it just doesn’t work – a little too cartoon-ish. Bottom line, it seems like there was a big initial plan, but just got watered down for whatever reason before release. That being said, they are solid figures, and if you just want a Turtle army on your shelf, probably still worth a pick up. Personally, I’ll be waiting eagerly for Shredder and the Krang.
Check out some key shots below, and the full set in slideshow mode after that!
Turtle Time!
Actually, this could work better than them being Movie Turtles…
I think we need some more bad guys…
TMNT Classic Collection Movie Turtles Photo Shoot - The Toyark - News

I think the sculpt they used for Leo's face looks just like when Shredder was holding him at bay with a spear during the final showdown. I don't know why Playmates chose this expression for this figure...it does not fit the other three Turtle's expressions at all...
Is it just me, or do these movie Turtles have a few missing paint apps from what the protos had? I seem to remember their fingernails being painted, as well as having a different shade of greem mixed into their skin tone.
I really like these! If they were to show up over here (UK) Id definitely pick them up!
What's crazy is that I do like them as a set of Turtles, they are solid, colored well, etc. Leo's face is a bit weird, but other than that, solid. They just don't feel like Movie Turtles to me though. Just a cool alternate take on regular Turtles.
I think it's just been so long since I have seen the movies I have forgot how they looked.
I know there are images I can go look at but I think if I rewatched the movies I would remember how they looked more.
I'll be interested when they bring in Shredder.
... did April just flash Leo or something?
Re-paint the Eyes and skin tone and I think they would be good. Leo's pupils are just in the wrong place. You could probably make him look more determined than scared by repainting them.
Saw them at Toys R Us, and the headsculpts are horrible. The only one that looks ok is Michaelangelo. Donatello's is the worst of the lot, with Leonardo running a close second. Too bad, I was really looking forward to these coming out.
They do look like more of a cross between the 1st and 2nd movie suits.
Such a bummer.
Full Thread: Toyark's Classics Collection TMNT Movie Figures Gallery
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