Hasbro Beauty & the Beast Doll Review

I had been eyeing the new Beauty & the Beast merchandise ever since it started appearing in the stores.  I especially liked this Belle doll which I found at both Walmart and Target.  I resisted for a long time, but finally caved at Easter when I bought her for my daughter's Easter basket.  I had every intention of doing that, too, but then ended giving her a Moana doll instead.  So I kept the Beauty doll for myself!  Yay!

 

Here she is, still in her packaging.  It was really hard to get a good picture because of the glare from the plastic.  There's another version of this doll that sings, but I chose this one because I wanted the articulated arms, and the singing doll only has straight arms.

 

"Please get me out of this package!"

 

Back of the box with a beautiful image of Emma Watson from the live action movie.

 

Another picture of Emma on the front of the box.  This packaging was really pretty, but SO difficult to open.  I tried to keep the package intact, but there was really no way to open it nicely.  I basically ended up cutting the plastic away from the cardboard backing with scissors.  The doll herself was secured to the background with about 7-8 plastic ties and rubber bands which were fairly easy to snip off. 

 

Free at last!  Belle celebrated her first moments of freedom by taking a stroll through the garden (overgrown backyard, but I'm not telling!)

 

I think she's a very, pretty doll!  I can see that they tried to sculpt her face to resemble Emma Watson, It's a slight likeness, but not exact.  Still, I really like it.  In fact, I think I like it better than the Disney Store version of Belle.  There have been many complaints from people about how that doll is just plain unattractive.  I don't think I'd go that far--and I still think I might get the Disney Store version at some point--but for the price ($29.99), I thought this Belle was a good value.  Here is the basic Disney Store version of Belle:

 

I think she looks a bit angry, but I've seen her in other pictures and she doesn't look so bad.  She definitely resembles Emma Watson more than the Hasbro Belle.  Maybe I'll just have to get her and see for myself!

 

 

She poses so nicely with her articulated arms.  Her legs, on the other hand, are just straight and not articulated at all.  That doesn't bother me at all, but it does make her less posable.

 

I love her hair.  It is very soft and silky.  And her dress...I'm impressed!  The skirt has several layers, and there's also an attached petticoat. 

 

Cute, gold shoes.

 

Beauty was very surprised when she saw her Prince striding through the gardens overgrown lawn towards her.

 

We found this Prince, aka "the Beast", at the thrift store last week for .99 cents.  He had his shirt but was missing his pants, so he borrowed some from one of the other prince dolls that reside at our house.  I think he's an older Disney Store doll, but I'm not positive.

 

I think he's quite handsome. 

 

What an adorable couple!

 

Belle is still clinging to the paper rose that she's been holding since being confined to her box.  I think I need to find her a "real" one.

 

A tender moment.

 

 

 

One more photo, taken by my 8 year old, in front of the backdrop from Belle's box.

 

By the way, the movie was WONDERFUL.  I took my three youngest to see it shortly after it came out, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.  I ended up embarrassing them just a little because I sang along with nearly all the songs.  Seriously, how could I not?!?  I have loved the soundtrack from Beauty and the Beast ever since the original, animated movie came out back in 1991.  I really liked how Disney portrayed the relationship between Belle and her father in this new movie--she was willing to give up everything in exchange for her father's freedom.  And the costuming---oh, my goodness...it was gorgeous!  Every dress and outfit were simply stunning.  I can hardly wait until this movie becomes available for purchase, because I definitely see myself watching this many, many more times!