The Good: Great sculpt, Generally good coloring, Comparatively inexpensive, Great balance
The Bad: Coloring on hair is not as vibrant as in the movie.
The Basics: The 2011 "Rapunzel" from Tangled ornament would be perfect if only they had gotten the hair color as bright and yellow as in the film.
Last year, my wife and I saw Tangled and I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I was unsurprised how Hallmark leaped on the latest Disney movie to release an ornament from Tangled. Apparently, it sold well-enough because for 2011 there is a new Rapunzel ornament. Truth be told, the Rapunzel ornament is very close to perfect, so much so that I felt I couldn't kvetch about the price (I'm still stuck about ten years in the past in the belief that most character ornaments ought to be $9.95 or below!).
For those unfamiliar with Tangled (reviewed here!), it is the musical story of Rapunzel. Kept in a tower by the woman who abducted her as a baby, she has exceptionally long hair that is the source of the magic that keeps her "mother" young. Rapunzel with her hair cascading down around her is how Hallmark captures the heroine for the 2011 ornament.
Basics
The "Rapunzel" ornament recreates Rapunzel, presumably from a musical number, as she appeared in Tangled with her long, flowing hair coasting down around her. The ornament, released in 2011, is a very cool and accurate sculpt of Rapunzel in her pink and purple dress with her hair cascading down behind her.
Hallmark clearly made quite an effort on Rapunzel as she has great detailing on the eyes and with the lacing up the front of her bodice. Measuring three and seven-eighths inches tall, three inches wide and one and seven-eighths inches deep, the "Rapunzel" ornament is one of the larger Hallmark character ornaments this year, on account of the way her hair spirals around her. As well, it is surprisingly affordable at only $14.95.
The Hallmark "Rapunzel" ornament is made of a durable plastic and has Rapunzel looking giddy. The ornament is incredibly detailed in the sculpted details and the colored details are generally good. Rapunzel escapes the usual critique about the lack of realism to the skin tones, because she is an animated character. The ornament's eyes are bright green. Unfortunately, the bright yellow hair tries to have a more realistic sense of coloring, featuring brown and yellow highlights. This, unfortunately, is less realistic than the actual coloring of the character.
Features
As a Hallmark Keepsake ornament, "Rapunzel" could have a sound effect, but it does not. Instead, this is a less-expensive option that is just the character.
Balance
As with all ornaments, the intent of the Hallmark Keepsake "Rapunzel" ornament is to be hung on a Christmas Tree. And for those creating the ultimate Disney movie Christmas Tree, the "Rapunzel" ornament is a surprisingly affordable option that can only enhance the tree of those who love Disney. The ornament has the standard brass hook loop embedded into the top center of Rapunzel's head. This is fairly obvious and necessary for the ornament. Rapunzel hangs perfectly perpendiculat to the ground.
Collectibility
Hallmark Keepsake began delving into the collectibles market in 1991 with Star Trek when it introduced the exceptionally limited edition original U.S.S. Enterprise ornament (click here for that review!). Within a few years, every major franchise from Star Wars to A Nightmare Before Christmas to Indiana Jones started making Hallmark ornaments. "Rapunzel" is one of only a few Tangled ornaments on the market and at least the second of Rapunzel. Mandy Moore fans and fans of Disney movies are very happy about the "Rapunzel" ornament. They have a lot to be happy with with this one. Interestingly, this ornament has sold out already at all five Hallmark stores proximate to me, so this might have greater-than-average collectible value for a Disney Hallmark ornament.
Overview
Fans of Tangled, Disney, Mandy Moore, and Hallmark ornaments are likely to be thrilled by this ornament, despite its minor coloring problem with the hair. She is certainly cute, well-balanced and potentially collectible enough to recommend, especially at her original issue price.
For other 2011 Hallmark character ornaments, please check out my reviews of:
2011 Fleeing The Fiendfyre Harry Potter ornament
2011 Limited Edition Bossk ornament
2011 "Almost A Kiss" Gone With The Wind ornament
9/10
For other ornament reviews, please visit my index page on the subject by clicking here!
© 2011 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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