Batman & Robin Merchandise Review - Frostbite Batman & Robin figures from McFarlane

As McFarlane Toys begins it's winding down making DC action figures (they will lose the licence in 2026 as it moves back to Mattel) it's not surprising they want to squeeze out some quick easy ones to make a little extra cash. Repaints of existing figures, re-uses of bits and pieces of existing figures. 

It seems like a no-brainer to make an ice theme version of Batman & Robin - all they have to do is cast the same molds in a different sort of plastic. Initially I thought this was something they were only for the B&R movie line but it turns out there are lots of these "Frostbite editions" for their other comic book based Batman figures too.

Of the two, I really wanted to get the Robin figure as it sort of looks like the bit in the movie where he gets frozen. Sure the earlier figures had some clip on ice pieces which were a fun addition but I tend not to put those on him when he's in my cabinet.

As I say in the video these figures remind me of the old Star Wars: Power of the Force line from the 90s where they made translucent figures of Obi-Wan, Anakin and Yoda to make them look like force ghosts. Turns out these aren't quite as see through - there's a layer of "frosting" that's been added to the figure - which I guess is necessary as the internal workings are a little more on display than those earlier Star Wars figures.

I don't think these are necessarily an essential purchase but I'll take all the variations that McFarlane want to throw out.

Magazine article: Cinefex #71 part 3

 Here's the 3rd and final part of Cinefex's coverage.

Magazine article: Cinefex #71 part 2

Here's part 2 of Cinefex's coverage.

Magazine article: Cinefex #71 part 1

Been a while since I posted any magazine scans but here's Cinefex magazine's coverage of Batman & Robin. Enjoy!

Podcast: Episode 8 - Batman & Robin was a SHOCK to leads Chris O'Donnell & Alicia Silverstone (Entertainment Weekly)

A pretty interesting article came out from Entertainment Weekly (link here) recently in which Chris O'Donnell and Alicia Silverstone, while promoting their new projects, looked back at the making and immediate aftermath of Batman & Robin.

Both are pretty honest about their experiences and the film's shortcomings. Silverstone's comments are more to do with the filming and getting in to the costumes. Both of which sound bewildering.

Chris O'Donnell's are more about the critical drubbing the film received. I've got to say as an actor it must be tough when a film is critically panned but you still have to go out and promote it like it's the best thing ever. O'Donnell sounds like he handled it well and has come to accept the film was still "fun to be a part of". I guess he ultimately found his feet in the NCIS: LA TV show and doesn't have to worry about past failures,

But it's sad to hear him say that Joel "was so heartbroken and kind of bummed out about it".

In this podcast episode Drew Griffin goes through the article (and comments) and gives us his thoughts on it all.

Podcast: Episode 7 - Batman & Robin is a Flawless Masterpiece

Yeah, we're up to episode 7 of the podcast now.

This one is a solo video of Drew reacting to Space Ice's funny and sarcastic video on Batman & Robin. Lots of fun points, bold claims, hilarious jabs, and plot holes explored.

Enjoy!

Batman & Robin Merchandise Review - Ultimate Batman and Ultimate Robin figures from Kenner

I reviewed the (so-called) Ultimate Batman Forever figure from Kenner a few years back. It was a pretty large 15 inch action figure that had very limited movement and mostly served as a statue. Kenner, of course, made Ultimate figures for the Batman & Robin movie too - this time of both heroes.

The issues are mostly the same. The likeness is kind of wonky on both and they are posed dynamically. The cape is extremely see-through and the only moveable parts are the arms and waist. Still, they are kind of fun to put on a shelf and look great side by side. All in all, a non-essential purchase.