Review: #18
Name: Bluestreak
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Binaltech (BT-19)
Year of Release: 2008
Size Class: Voyager
Variations: retool from BT-01 Smokescreen and repaint of BT-03 Silverstreak, with a ton of variations of Smokescreen.
PACKAGING AND OTHER BITS:
Bluestreak comes in one of the standard Binaltech boxes (he was one of the last released in the line), so of course, the packaging is great. I really like the Japanese boxes, they bring out the awesomeness of the toy that some of the Western versions don't.
On the back shows all the features of Bluestreak, mainly the realistic vehicle mode. Also written is Bluestreak's bio, which means, yes, he does not feature a bio card like other earlier Binaltechs.
And to pour salt onto the wound, that's his instructions sheet above, yes, it's just a sheet of paper printed single sided. Gone is the instruction booklet with many additional text and features. This a major step back and really brings down Bluestreak in terms of the 'extras'.
He keeps the standard cardboard display stand for the vehicle mode, not that I'm going to use it much, I'm just going to put it back into the box now... Overall, excellent packaging, just disappointed about the lack of a bio card and a fully detailed instructions booklet like the other Binaltech's, but it's a very minor thing...
VEHICLE MODE:
Bluestreak transforms into a licensed 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX with insane detail. Every detail that should be here IS here, yes, he may have some major seams and such but it isn't really that distracting.
It's viewing from the back that you know Bluestreak isn't a model car, but hey, nothing is perfect. It's very well done, and I LOVE the blue used, it's a very vibrant blue (unlike Track's dark shade), curiously, it seems that there are two shades used, one a lighter colour than the other (but it's probably just the paint fading on mine).
Most of the vehicle 'shell' is made from die-cast metal, which adds a really nice heft to him. The disadvantage of this, and it's already apparent on my figure, is that the paint chips fairly easily. Bluestreak has rubber tires, but the front wheels don't turn like latter figures.
The underside doesn't give much away that there is a robot tucked into the car, probably the hands are the most visible, but being black, it's hard to notice unless you're specifically looking at it.
The hood has a small Subaru logo, it's very tiny, so I'm surprised that it's very accurate.
Being a Binaltech figure, I had expected the front doors to open, but the designer had made even the BACK doors open!! That is a real engineering feat, I don't think any other figure have managed something like this. The front doors have their 'windows' winded down while the back has it fully up, making them harder to open.
Having a look at the interior, it's extremely detailed once again, featuring a dashboard, radio (which is painted...) and a steering wheel, only thing missing is the mirror but you can't have everything. The back seats are a bit off though, being the robot legs, so it's best to leave the back doors closed.
Speaking of opening, both the hood and trunk opens, amazing, so pretty much everything (except the fuel cap) you'd expect to open does. Opening the hood also reveals the engine, although for some reason, I can't plug mine in so it rattles around. The side mirrors are also chromed for that extra push of it actually reflecting something.
Bluestreak is a very nice size, and he is actually a 1:24 scale vehicle. Overall, a GREAT vehicle mode with a load of play and display value. The colour used is excellent and it is very detailed, it's the best of both worlds, a Transformer near model car levels of detail.
TRANSFORMATION:
Oh wow, where I do begin, Bluestreak's transformation is complex, and frustrating. I do not think I will try and even attempt to wrestle him back into vehicle mode any time soon. Unlike BT Tracks, Bluestreak is not as easy or intuitive, there is a lot of unusual twists but there are some really clever engineering aspects such as how the abdomen is formed. Also have to be careful with the clearances, as it's very easy to scratch the paint off when moving bits and pieces. Definitely one to do while you have the spare time, and you'll probably need instructions to clarify a few steps for the first couple of times.
ROBOT MODE:
Bluestreak's robot mode is excellent, and very faithful to the original G1 design. His feet may seem a bit out of proportion being so big, but that was the case anyway back then with his original toy.
Surprisingly, with all the details he has in vehicle, there were no major liberties taken in robot mode, he's fairly kibble free. Everything plays their part, even the windshield and roof on his back, as without it, he would look a bit weird from the front (his waist is fairly skinny).
One thing that should be of note is that his leg joints are quite weird, and coupled with his back-heaviness, that makes it hard from him to stand upright in a natural position. Either you have the patience to test out the possibilities, or you're just going make his legs stand at awkward angles. The view from the sides make it obvious just how huge his legs are, protruding a lot out the front and back of his body.
I don't know if I am used to the current movie-line figures having small heads or what, but Bluestreak seems to have a very blocky and big head (almost cartoony). Anyway, the sculpt is GREAT, and the paint details brings it out to shine, it sits on a ball joint so he can look pretty much anywhere.
He has the standard Binaltech figure articulation, being that his index finger and the rest of the fingers (as one) are jointed, but apart from a fist, they look weird at any other position, they are basically just there to so Bluestreak can grip his gun.
Bluestreak has excellent articulation, as much as you want, with the bonus of a rotating waist, well, it's not really a bonus since it's at the expense of a rotating knee. Yes, that's right, you cannot rotate his legs, which hurts the pose-ability quite a lot on this guy coz he needs it. He also doesn't have rotating elbows, which is a big shame. I don't think I've mentioned it, but his engine block becomes a gun (and a good looking gun at that).
Placing him next to the only other Binaltech toy I have right now, they look awesome together... You can also see how much 'slimmer' Bluestreak is with no panels hanging off anywhere. A delicious robot mode that should please everyone, I mean, who doesn't like the look of this guy?!
OVERALL:
In my mind, BT Tracks will always be the best BT toy and just overall best figure, but Bluestreak isn't bad either. Two great solid modes, just that converting between them might be a pain. The abundance of paint on this guy really brings out all the details (in a good way), the aesthetic is great creating a blocky transformer and he offers a lot of play value. Once again, I recommend this mold, any version is great, he is just dripping with awesomeness, highly, highly, recommended.
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Just like Tracks, I've taken way more photos than I really needed for this review (bloated enough as it already was), so I've included them in a separate post (they're just going to be wasted if I don't post it up).
Credit: the pictures and text are all mine, but I've linked a few pages to TFwiki.net and Wikipedia
If you're interested, more reviews can be found at this page. Sankyuu!!!!