Retro TMNT Bliss or Miss?

Join Jay as he takes a look at the most recent re-release of Playmates Classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figures and vehicles. Not only do we get the 4 turtles Mikey, Donny, Leo and Raph but we get a Party Wagon and Turtle Blimp all under $150 retail. Playmates has gone back to the 1988 well many times, but is this time better than the many previous iterations? Watch and find out!
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[@nickdillinger]

I stocked up on the 2012 re-relases, but I'm glad they're continuing to invest in re-releases for collectors that might not own their childhood collection any longer.

[@GeekDadLife]

Yeah exactly!

[@tOkKa_Oroku]

These ,IMHO are still fun for kids.

[@tOkKa_Oroku]

Btw, am enjoying the reissue blimp personally ,not the same yeah - but fun to display as I never had the original.

[@fucker4166]

They’re doing another re-release more are coming

[@seankately4411]

I have picked up this whole line in 2023 starting with the storage shells. Got everyone at Walmart for 10$ only missing ratking and splinter

[@nickhayes1626]

When I collect toys, it's to re-live my childhood. So while I admit that these new amazing quality figures are gorgeous, they aren't what I had as a kid. So these figures from Playmates is really calling to me. I love how they look like the originals, and I'd be muich more likely to buy these and the fact that they are a cheaper price is just a plus.

[@lukeluck1395]

Im some what the same. I got the reissues of the classic 1980s figures because those are what I played with as a child. But I also collect the new figures, like neca cartoon tmnt figures because they look like they jumped out of the cartoon

[@maproomgaming6886]

For TMNT toys it's Playmates or nothing! I have zero interest in "adult collector" figures but these... yeah these are the ones I want to own. I already have the Turtle Van and I will be getting the rest soon.

[@comix1017]

Awesome review Jay!! I remember going to so many Walmarts trying to hunt down that turtle van, I finally got one on the website for in store pickup and I remember that day so well, I was so excited. I had the vintage toy as a kid of course, but I beat that thing to hell playing with it. Then I never had another one or got any of the re-releases, so this for me was so special getting to see and touch what is basically the same toy from my childhood. I picked up all of the re-released turtles, but slowly, I wanted to find ones with perfect paint and cards, and boy it took a while! I've got all 4 still in their packaging hanging on the wall (in the bedroom because there's no more room in the toy room)! And I got lucky and managed to order the blimp on the website pretty early on, it's really fun to play with again, but yeah, definitely bummed about the glider. I didn't really realize how different it is from the vintage one until I had it in hand, I was like, this isn't like anything that I remember, haha. But still fun to have, I've got the blimp and van displayed with my vintage figures and the display looks great. I sure can't wait to get that Super7 van though, omg it looks soooo fun!!

[@ClaudiosCollection]

Awesome video, dude! I never got into the Playmates releases but you've kinda inspired me to check them out. I do agree, the collector figs are getting too costly and their releases are too often. Feeling very fatigued with TMNT releases, there's no way to keep up. Really enjoyed this video! Cheers!

[@SGD_ToysDownUnder]

It's really weird they haven't reissued April between the multipack boxes. April and Casey feel like really big holes in the line.

[@krunk9790]

Who cares about april , how many times they had to save her 😂

[@Kinosis79]

No one buys female figures.

[@DeityLink69]

I recently got the Ninja Turtle figures that have the storage compartment behind their shells, and I actually like those a lot better because their head sculpts are so much more cooler looking.

[@tim8115]

I really hope they make the rest of the series 1 figures in this same style

[@nope5657]

I'm happy with these re-releases with one major caveat...the paint apps are lazy. I'm not a "keep it on the card" guy. So opening up this retro figs and seeing lazy paint apps on characters like Rocksteady, Baxter Stockman, and Wingnut is really annoying and sours me on the line somewhat. Rocksteady's braclets were just painted over with his skin tone. Wingnuts belly is just painted over grey like his clothing. And Baxter's teeth were just painted over blue like his face instead of white.

[@fortressmattimus3984]

I love what playmates is doing. NECA is giving me collector pieces, and Playmates is giving me and my kids toys to play with. It's great to have both options. And what's the alternative? What else would I rather PM be making? Would I rather Playmates be making figures for TNNT Rise instead? Absolutely not. I hope PM keeps doing this. If they bring back more vehicles and more figures from the original 87 run, I will happily buy them all

[@GeekDadLife]

Yeah completely agree!

[@toyfederation]

Totally agree! I think they're going to start doing some stuff like Super 7 is doing as well

[@ToyKennections]

I've yet to see the van up here in Canada. Good to know about the flimsy front attachment so one can know to be careful with it!

[@g-man8031]

I went to my local Walmart a week & a half ago & saw those Playmates re-releases and couldn't help and at least get Raphael & Michelangelo figures. Might go back this week and grab Leonardo & Donatello figures. Feeling nostalgia for my old TMNT Playmates figures that are long gone.

[@thegreatgambino]

I'm really loving this release. For me, it's all about the box/card art. I hope they keep releasing more characters in this style.

[@tim8115]

Me too, although they are not the original 10 backs so something tells me they won’t. Hopefully I’m wrong.

[@usuck1883]

Nostalgia galore! Glad they improved on the Turtle Van door spring mechanism 👍

[@GeekDadLife]

Me too!

[@themollymachine]

I really liked the retro line. It got me back into collecting retro TMNT figs again. I have almost all of them now

[@empire0]

I wanna buy them to open and display but god the artwork on the figure cards is too good

[@dustybragg4011]

I wish playmates would release an updated version of the vintage shredders purple and black Cadillac. I have the original, but it’s missing its windshield, inside running boards.

[@GeekDadLife]

Yes would love them to do more from the vintage line!

[@toyfederation]

The foot cruiser!

[@EckerKyle]

Try hitting the 2021 visor with a hair dryer a little bit and let it cool back down naturally. If it got warped in the packaging, the heat might allow it to go back to the molded shape.

[@exitostropicales101]

Every time I check KZbin, there is a re-edition of the same figures I have that looks better. Drives me nuts! Cool video though.

[@Ardude641]

Really cool you talking about the vintage tmnt figures I’m getting the rise of the tmnt sewer lair

[@RageONTv]

So cool! You should put Phoebe in gunner seat lol

[@treasuresfortrigger915]

Cowabunga! A childhood dream of having a Tmnt blimp can now come true 😃

[@GeekDadLife]

Exactly!

[@yokoyawa]

I think is a bliss. I couldn't get those vehicles nor the original TMNT Playmates regular 4 turtles due how scarce and expensive were in Mexico back then (irconmically, it was easeir to get any other turtle model than the basic). So now I can have them in my collection and fill the gap. :)

[@jonathanlupfer5262]

I picked like 2 or 3 of these vintage Turtles out of the 4. There pretty cool! Especially just for wall displaying. I also this past week found the Hasbro Keener vintage Ecto 1 at my store! Bought it asap considering that's the only thing from the Hasbro line I was missing. I hope they make more Vintage Ghost Buster figures.

[@GeekDadLife]

Yeah they Ecto's have been showing up! I dont think we'll get much more GB's till another movie comes out.

[@GameyDave]

Ace! subbed. There are some 2017 ones aren't there? are they the same as the 2013 ones? (Presume 2013 ones are the 25th ones?). thankx

[@RoyceLovesHisShotgun]

I have all four Retro carded Turtles but haven't seen a Retro party wagon yet. I did get the Playmates 6" 2-pak with Leonardo and Rocksteady and I gotta say, I freaking love that Leonardo figure. So good imo👍

[@larav6505]

Thanks Jay! I’m excited to open mine now. I’m not huge on tmnt. But i like this new retro set and the Party Wagon.

[@great159]

I had the original toys back in the 90's but I still prefer their new classic TMNT 2 pack line. The perfect blend between the original toy and show designs (Shredder is the only all toon accurate figure out of the eight) and AWSOME articulation💯👍

[@JamesRPetix]

I didn't even know these were out! I just ordered a set from Amazon. Thanks! Also: how do you like that Tron Arcade 1up?

[@jamesoblivion]

I love that they keep the rereleasing the retro figures, because they remind me of my childhood, but the original cardbacks are a must for me. The biggest miss for me with the latest reissues, was Raph's color. And Raph is my favorite Turtle, so that's a bummer for me. So while I'm glad they've gone back to the OG style packaging, I wish they'd pay more attention to the OG colors. They drilled those shades of green into my head, and Raph was a much deeper green. New Old Raph looks almost teal.

[@royhay5741]

I was really, really sad as a kid that the 25th anniversary Shredder, Krang, Slash, or foot soldier weren't released in Australia.

[@rinaldidewananta3975]

I have a question mayebe you can help, is the balon from the new blimp can fit into the old blimp?

[@stephaniebri5837]

The sad thing is they keep re-releasing the 4 turtles but if nobody buys them they won't release other retro figures in the line. It's a trap you have to keep buying the same toys over, and over again in the HOPES they'll eventually get to more toys. Not for me.

[@MillenniumFalcon]

Love TMNT. I just really hope the Technodrome comes out again as a playtoy for us GrownUp(s).

[@edwardjohnson6744]

I WOULD CROWD FUND THIS SO HARD

[@FivesWasRight]

I went in on the super7 got that vintage nostalgia feel but an updated look

[@GeekDadLife]

I LOVE Super7’s for that very reason as well!

[@PlasticGeek]

When you mention the visor of the van being warped, the orange door on mine was very warped and overall the whole thing feels like thinner, softer plastic.

[@GeekDadLife]

It would make sense that they used thinner plastic to save money 😕

[@spitt0110]

you just justified my need to go run and get the Michelangelo. gonna get a protector case for it too.

[@christopherramirez3896]

My party wagon was missing the center “radar looking” antenna thing 😒. I don’t know why they couldn’t make it 40 and put better plastics like for the visor or decals on the stink bombs. Still looking for the blimp though!

[@kerry1979]

Also use clear nail polish on the visor & the guns that will make it stay on more & give it an extra layer.Also I use a hair dryer with like a cut off top of a pop bottle. to blow up stuff like the balloon. Saves you on your breath.

[@whatnotandstuff1437]

Playmates will always be my go to company for ninja turtles figures, sure they're quality control hasn't been good, but the 2021 re releases are honestly the best I've seen in years. Yeah i bought the super 7 turtles and i have only 2 neca versions of the turtles, but i mostly have the playmates figures. I remember when the 2013 reissues came out and considering i only had the 25th anniversary Raphael, i decided to get the other turtles to finally have the old school turtles. For some reason apart of me wanted the reissue raph and when i got all 4 of them, i wasn't really happy with them. There were paint errors and problems with the legs, i couldn't really handle them. Then when the new ones came out recently, i was pretty hesitant and decided to just buy the party wagon because i never had the original one. And so i did( for an expensive price, darn scalpers)and i figured i give the turtles a try. The first one i bought was donatello and i was ecstatic on how much better he was than his 2013 counterpart. I decided to retire my 2013 don mikey and leo along with my 25th anniversary raphael and bought the rest of the 2021 figures, and everytime i look at my shelf, it seems nothing has changed( despite raph being a lighter green but I'm ok with it) and now i can't wait for their last ronin figure

[@GeekDadLife]

Love this! Glad you've gotten your ideal og turtles on display!

[@kapiteinfox3142]

Are you getting the WalMart 2012 6-pack? Just put in an order for that myself for the kids (and hunted for an April on eBay!).

[@NESADDICT]

I liked the new stuff. Especially since I had the old stuff in the mid 2000’s MOC only to sale them in 2010 to buy a 50 inch TV. Hindsight is 2020 😭

[@mechamanblade8465]

This has been my preferred way to recollect Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles since my budge has been stretched beyond it's limit. Haven't seen any of the vehicles though. Mikey's nunchucks snapped on me, and I wasn't even playing with him that much. I managed to fix them using the chain peices from Lego Ninjago. I hope they re-release more figures.

[@GeekDadLife]

I hope they re-release more as well!

[@RoyceLovesHisShotgun]

Mikey's Chucks broke on me too. Same deal, wasn't even playing with him rough, was just posing him. I am a smoker and smelted the plastic back together though. Now, I am really careful with the other three Turtles I got

[@GeekDadLife]

@@RoyceLovesHisShotgun Mine *just* broke, that was quicker than my original Mikey...

[@benjaminwiseman6567]

They always break. :( Maybe for the 40th anniversary, they'll put a string between the handles.

[@benjaminphilp720]

@@GeekDadLife they brought out recent sports pack of the tmnt never got the set when i was young but now going in to buy the collection once playmate bring more out

[@jonlaird5082]

I'm kinda glad I'm seeing these as I releases as I don't mind actually opening these up,lol. I managed to pick up the turtle van at a very reasonable price. I want the blimp but it definitely needed the bombs,lol.

[@quinncollects6764]

Loved this Thanks for a great review

[@GeekDadLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@adriancarnahan8480]

will there be an "allies " 4 pack? we got the cohorts 4 pack, will we get allies?

[@TheEquation007]

Cool video! Your son looks alot like you did as a kid!

[@Edsomthing]

FINNALY a proper review on these

[@GeekDadLife]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@tinlunlau1]

Funny thing is, i got into the adult collectible game because of TMNT. Bought all 4 turtles from Revoltech line.

[@Bigserb23]

Great ! I am waiting for the Technodrome !!

[@darkwoods1954]

Sad seeing Playmates now. They used to put real effort and pride into their toys. TMNT, Toxic Crusaders, Skeleton Warriors. Fantastic sculpts with so much detail. Now their toys look cheap or are re-releases of vintage TMNT toys from back when they did care about producing quality product.

[@MrChicagoIllinois]

The blimp is also missing the mounting system so you can hang it from the ceiling.

[@thelonepowerranger5279]

In the next couple of years I could see a collecter grade tmnt playset for like $500-$1000

[@cotos8009]

Need a good set of the 2003 ones

[@pixelsncreatures]

When I opened the van the stickers were already on it. They were messed up and crooked, plus was missing stickers.. I thought it was a return. So in returned it, got another one but the stickers were already on that one too. But this time was much straighter. I found out later they all come thst way lol. Pre applied and some missing

[@GeekDadLife]

Yeah I wish we could have applied them ourselves, we probably would have taken greater care.

[@DominusTecum316]

Thanks for you input. I having been staring at the turtles most of the time I am at the store. The sloppy letters on the belts that they wear is what keeps me from making the purchase. I will have to think about them because of the price well why not!?

[@GeekDadLife]

In fairness, the paint apps on the original turtles has always been sloppy. I say go for it!

[@bashcrash9148]

Now if we can just get more Kenner Real Ghostbusters re-releases…

[@Bearded_Toy_Guy]

And all these re-releases are great because of the people who just got back into collecting in the last couple years. I still hope they do an MOTU Origins version of the vintage TMNT.

[@GeekDadLife]

Yeah a motu origins tmnt would be amazing!

[@zarnistastudios]

Well Jay… I am not a turtle collector or shouldn’t I say I wasn’t till I picked up these 4. A nice way to stick a toe into turtle collecting. This review helped me say yes.

[@MOTUJonezer]

Bought the turtles. I couldn’t resist either. I hope they do Shredder, Splinter, Beebop, Rocksteady as well.

[@SecretOfMonkeyIsland784]

They have as a multipack

[@benjaminphilp720]

there a splinter 4 tmnt shredder in one pack out already i have it there another one as well got krang beebop rocksteady baxter stockman fly slash foot soilder in one packas well i got that one as well and now there a 4 pack sports tmnt out as well i have that with blimp and van

[@gamecheaterz]

Love this video bro I'm a huge tmnt fan you just got a new sub #turtlepower

[@GeekDadLife]

Thank you! I love TMNT as well!

[@GuiOmania]

I really wish they rerelease the Pizza thrower and mutant module drill !!! And the 1994 Krang body !!!

[@crisbwilliams]

I’m excited for these but have found them on Walmart shelves once and that has been it… I was able to get one turtle as that’s all they had and have not seen them since. So I’m disappointed by that. Hopefully they will keep making the wave.

[@hbcontinentals]

Agreed! The 25th anniversary is the closest to original figures.

[@Stubbla]

I collect TMNT :) maybe one day i'll show people online.

[@nestorperena8629]

5:46 xD your brain barely handled all your emotions that day. oh... a nice childhood, those were the days.

[@Ghost_fACE182]

I want the party van but I can’t find it anywhere 😢

[@THESPIDEYGEEKSTUDIOS]

Where did you get the party wagon?

[@andrewthielmann5342]

Honest question - what does "Ten Back" mean? Is it the dimension of the card? I definitely would grab the Turtle Van if i saw it. I'm not a big enough fan to spend NECA or Super 7 money on one but I'd love to have the OG back.

[@GeekDadLife]

For TMNT the first figures featured the first 10 figures on the back of the card, so by collectors its been nicknamed the 10 back.

[@andrewthielmann5342]

@@GeekDadLife Oh, okay! Got it!

[@idkwhattohaveasausername5828]

I don't even collect tmnt, but man are these cool

[@prophet924]

I hope Walmart tries to get more vehicles. Cheapskates would be sweet. Knuckleheads are just a goofy toy. Definitely would want Technodrome or a Foot Cruiser or the pizza thrower… I had the thrower as a kid. I’m good with the re-releases of the crazy mutants too.

[@doco8627]

I said it before and I’ll say it again we need Motu origin like style retro turtles

[@GeekDadLife]

AMEN!

[@ronitsingh85]

re-release of the channel 6 news van, next?

[@krunk9790]

Memories i remember my older brother comming home one day hella sneaky with an plastic bag and he said yo come and take a look he had stole All 4 turtles and april he also stole a LEGO truck out of a toy store that day 😅

[@roll4758]

Would the new belt for donnateo fit the original softhead figure?

[@GeekDadLife]

I think it should, I haven't tried.

[@rsanchez4566]

I bought the party wagon for $35 on the Walmart site.

[@toyfederation]

love for playmates!

[@SecretOfMonkeyIsland784]

I think the constant re-release of the core Playmates good and bad guy figures has hurt the resale prices of vintage versions in the same way Origins has hurt vintage MOTU. Id like to see them re-release Mutagen Man and MuckMan in vintage style but they dont, they just keep doing the same figures over and over again. Also these re-releases are very difficult to get in the UK, almost a USA sole exclusive from what i have seen.

[@deathsaves4310]

I wish they would rerelease the entire line.

[@Optimus24Turtle]

Retro Bliss! But then again I'm pretty much all in on licensed TMNT stuff.

[@briom1425]

Which one is better and why ? Tmnt 2013 reissue classic edition Tmnt 2008 25th anniversary

[@Chaoywowey]

All I need is a rise of tmnt 4 pack

[@kerry1979]

Well Had my Party wagon since as a kid. I have the blimp in my pile of loot at BBTS. Cause I have the turtle blimp 2 repaint. Then back in 99. I bought like 3 of the reissues then from KB toys. They are still sealed on card. then the 25th Anniversary I have a April & Splinter from that still sealed. Since I got all of them loose.I only bought one set of the turtles. To Keep sealed, I am also just getting the neca release of the Turtle party wagon. That is the only one I am going for.

[@alvin473]

Wish i could get the neca version

[@jamievaughn1485]

I’d be in but I’ve never seen any of this at my Walmart. Otherwise it would be really cool. If I ever found them sure, but just like the Real Ghostbusters they just never showed up.

[@GeekDadLife]

Dang that stinks, I'm sorry Jamie!

[@tommywalker5348]

has the blimp ever hit Walmart yet? great video👌

[@GeekDadLife]

Thanks, and I got mine from walmart online, don't know if they have been spotted in stores yet.

[@davidmarsh7696]

Wonder if they'll release the 89 sewer set?

[@_Sesquipedal]

Bliss. If there’s a Turtle Trooper re-release, you can bet I’ll be right there with the kiddo as she tosses it out a window and down the steps!

[@GeekDadLife]

Haha love it!

[@gymreaper1728]

I wish they’d re issue the foot cruiser.

[@ericg1149]

Found all 4 turtles and the van the other day 💰 🐢. Any word on the villians releasing soon?

[@GeekDadLife]

They haven't announced anything, but I hope they release some of the bad guys

[@benjaminphilp720]

shredder out krang beebop rocksteady slash footsoilder baxter the fly only in box like the 4 tmnt with splinter

[@raynekraven]

Is it only my copy of Raphael that has a loose belt? its like it too long for him

[@RobbieRocketship]

I couldn’t pass up having the four turtles on minty fresh cards that are close-enough to the original design for me.

[@theatomicnerd6217]

I wish Playmates would go deeper than the core characters. I want to see re-releases of Scaletail, Hothead, Scratch, Lionheart, etc.

[@GeekDadLife]

COMPLETELY agree!

[@ibrandon3g]

That vintage van looks great on a shelf with the Super7 figures… just sayin!

[@GeekDadLife]

You're not wrong!

[@konglee7284]

Yes..., This Is A Retro TMNT Must Get.

[@edwardjohnson6744]

Definitely thousands. I passed the hundreds mark like 10 years ago.

[@farminglittlepeople9623]

Jay, I do not want to shock you but I do not collect TMNT or GB!😳 Please do not be upset!😂 I just think you and John just do such an amazing job on your channel!😁👍

[@jdboov6739]

OG Playmates line still hasnt been bested imo

[@RendersFX.]

Hundreds? (I look over my shoulder and shake my head...) Thousands!! (a single tear of shame and confusion rolls down my cheek as I look at the stack(s) of Super7, Playmates, and NECA TMNT I still have to open...). How do I stop this madness!

[@GeekDadLife]

when you figure it out, let me know will ya? 😂

[@rdzreborn2k7kt]

I got the core characters from Super 7 Ultimates and I'm aiming for the other characters

[@GeekDadLife]

Awesome! Love the super7 line!