I prefer the pastel stripes Ken over the denim Ken, but the Barbie's outfit is great. I appreciate that each collector Barbie is in a different color scheme instead of all in pink. I kind of want the fashions and the car too, so I'll probably get the Ken first and wait for the Barbie and car to price drop. I read that the movie is PG-13 which is a shock to me, so I guess these toys are meant for nostalgic adults with disposable income and people who want movie merch because it's movie merch.
Loved this conversation, thanks boys! As someone whose peak Barbie collecting days are behind them, I have mixed feelings about these. It’s lovely to see a return to “BarbieCore” as they say, but as you said going with modern era playline style screenings for these was a choice. $50 seems like a bit of an outrageous price for dolls with one outfit and pretty much no accessories, not to mention all of Mattel’s QC problems. I am also more excited for the movie than the dolls but there are a few really cute fashions here, which I agree is the biggest success overall.
I think much of the uproar over pricing is coming from primarily play line only buyers. The $25 dolls are priced about the same as Barbie Extra as you mentioned. Many collectors know that once a doll crosses over to Signature and black label the price is going to increase. The Inspiring Women line is $35, the Tina Turner doll as well as Gloria Estefan were $50 and $55 respectfully. Also as you guys know, these dolls are less than 1/3 the price of Integrity dolls. From what I have seen, Mattel has stepped up the quality of these outfits. For adorable clothes and a return to Barbie pink aisles with clear eyes.... I'm all for it!
I think Mattel is in a difficult situation, the film seems to mostly be geared towards adults and nostalgia for what classic pink, glamorous Barbie was, so to me it seems like they're really catering towards that audience. I also think a lot of 'pop culture' collectors and not nesecarily doll collectors will be purchasing these too. Current day playline Barbie is SUCH a far cry from the aesthetic of these dolls. It makes me wonder if Mattel didn't want to make a massive playline push for the movie because it would muddy the image of the brand they're trying to push today, which is about diversity and sort've being an 'average girl' exclusively, and not fashion or glamour. Then it would be confusing if they did a massive wave of pink, glamorous Barbie, then went back to pixelated, bland fashionista's in sack dresses after the movie was gone and could potentially open them to criticism about how far Barbie has fallen (Which is a conversation for a whole other day, Barbie can be diverse AND fashionable, but they seem to think the two are mutually exclusive) As someone who collects a variety of dolls, and the prices we're seeing IT dolls go for now, like $190/$175 for those basic Jason Wu Poppys, $50 for this level of quality isn't really too far of a reach, especially when you consider this is part of the Barbie Signature collection which are always upsold even if the quality isn't that much different than other brands playline dolls. But this level of quality is definitely a massive jump from Barbies playline. I think the 'Perfect day' Barbie for $25 is a really great price for people who don't want to spend $50, and also gives an option to kids/parents if they do see the movie. I also believe wave two of the dolls has another $25 doll, its either the roller Barbie or the pink jumpsuit, so there'll be more playline priced options available when the full roll out happens.
The Target near me FINALLY stocked a few of the dolls yesterday. But they only had the $25 Barbie & Ken, and the western one. I picked them up…and put them right back down. I may want the fashion pack and the convertible corvette. I started collecting in 2020 with Silkstones and now Integrity Toys, so it’s hard for me to see the value in these when it comes to quality. I am however very excited for the movie! I also want the rollerblades! ❤
We finally ended up seeing a few in Target stores too! Stock seems a bit sparse so far (and/or the popular ones are selling fast), but it seems likely more will pop up soon. The corvette is really cute & I’d love to get it - if getting the collector version is still possible lol. 🥲 I agree it’s tough to see the value in quality with these, given multiple QC problems & just one outfit (though the fashions are definitely a step up from most Barbie playline). We totally can’t wait for the movie! 🤩 Thanks for watching & commenting! 💕 -Max
Great insights, as always! After the car sold out, I found it for presale at Walmart (ughhhh). None of the dolls really spoke to me as I’m a silkstone, vintage Barbie repro fan. Absolutely cannot wait for the movie though. 🎀🎀🎀
Where were the signature selling for $25??? We brought from the Mattel store and they are selling them as same price range as the more elaborate designs 😬
I feel like Mattel had no clue at how popular this movie would be. I’m hoping that by next year, there will be a line of affordable Barbie movie dolls for kids. This reminds me of 1989 when Batman released. The toys didn’t quite reflect the film so they ended up making more accurate figures and sets a year later.
Your comments pretty well echo my thoughts. This release is not something I want to miss out on completely, but I certainly can't afford to get all the dolls. I don't think they are good value compared to other current dolls, especially since other dolls often go on sale. So far I have only ordered the pastel plaid Barbie and the fashion packs. I will probably get at least one more Barbie and a Ken when they are all revealed and/or if they go on sale. I would also love the larger car, but I am not willing to pay the price.
The Ken denim outfit would look so much better on the Buff Ken Looks doll from this year. The vest would look more form-fitting. Plus, I like my dolls to have closed mouths, and I prefer boy dolls with brown hair.
Agreed! Ken really needed a larger body (in general lol) but specifically so his clothes would fit better. The smiling faces won’t be for everyone, it seems like there are many different perspectives on these. Thanks for watching & commenting! 💕 -Max
I think people who aren't avid Barbie fans or don't have fond memories of playing with Barbie as a child aren't going to like the movie dolls regardless of what they look like. People who aren't Barbie fans compare her with other dolls and expect her to look a certain way that would ruin the essence of Barbie and her long history. The tour of the Barbie dream house from the movie set (which is on RUclips) partly explains this. The movie is intended to capture and have fun with Barbie's long history and how children have played with Barbie over the years. So, the way the dolls look and the use of all the pink is important for conveying that. As a Barbie fan and collector, I think the look of the dolls is on point. Two of the dolls are priced at $25, which isn't far off what many play-line dolls go for these days. You also have to keep in mind that actors are often paid licensing fees for merchandise depicting them, so that adds to the overall cost of the dolls and other merchandise.
It is so funny you mentioned a parent price point. My sister told my niece absolutely not on a RH doll. I am only going to a few of the Barbie movie dolls some of the prices are a bit much.
the sad thing with these dolls is they're definitely over priced for the quality and what you're getting, but people don't really have a choice so we're paying up anyway as to not miss out. i sort of wish there could be a massive un-ignorable uproar from consumers so mattell has to change the price but i can't see that happening
I have commented this on another video on the subject but I believe the $50 price point was so all the social media influencers would buy them up and make content about them for Mattel. I think the prices will start to drop once the movie is actually released.
I agree with your assessment. For the price of these dolls they shld'v been mtm(altho I'm not a mtm fan, except to resell 😂). I only bought basic Movie Barbie, two basic Kens, President Barbie and rc car. Not planning to get anymore. Too costly and I sew. 😊
Hey,,,, I’m planning on buying & redressing “President Barbie” because I’m a big fan of Issa Rea, I lived for her show “Insecure” huge fan… Not sure if I’m going to buy anything else from the movie , although I really like the Disco doll hopefully we’ll get a. few sales in the future . If they do release more doll’s finger’s crossed my interest is peaked. … Another great review guys .
I think for $50 Mattel could’ve at least added a few accessory‘s, like a comb or something. But I think it’s pretty simple to know what you’re paying for, which is the fact that the dolls are based off the actors in the movie, so in a sense you’re basically paying for a “Margot Robbie“ doll or a “Ryan Goslings“ doll. People will not like certain things about them or the fact that you don’t get very much, but they will still buy them regardless…unless you’re a parent of a child. Although, I still see some parents giving in for some of their kids.
I don’t like the Margot Barbie face. I didn’t like the Asian Ken doll’s weird markings on the face. The blond 👱♂️ is good, however it doesn’t look like Ryan. The president Barbie is the best looking one of all. The outfits and the boxes are great!
Walmart and Target are the only stores one can go to in person besides buying online. Miss Toys R Us and Child World, K B Toys & Hobbies, Sears, Bradley's, Capital Toys, Riches, Stuarts, ect to buy Toys long, long ago. I like the earring magic "Gay" Ken inspired Ken doll.
i am still not totally in love with the dolls...love the clothes on the dolls, but the price is ridiculous. It's hard to justify a doll with 1 outfit for 50 when we have other doll lines with equal or better quality at a cheaper price point. Personally, I am waiting for the disney ily series 2 dolls to come out. The clothes are amazing, they come with a second outfit, AND they are not 50. I did buy the box with the 3 outfits and both cars just because it has been a looong time since we have seen Barbie come out with a more realistic car. OH and I got the 24$ doll. But yeah...very disappointed that the rest are 50. 25 is a better price point.....At 25$ I can overlook the fact that the dolls are not made to move, no second outfit, face sculpt is meh.
I’m torn. I got Margot Robbie Pink gingham Barbie. I want The President and Ken… but I’m not sure how I feel either. The movie will make it break it for me at this point.
NOT 'if you like them, more power to you' 💀💀 As someone who does tho, thanks! LOL! While the Perfect day Barbie & Ken are targeted more towards a wider/general audience of all ages I definitely think the majority of the dolls in this line are aiming for adults - In Box Collectors, doll collecting adults and even those who would pick these up in a novelty/collector way. If they're measured against playline offerings they're a little pricey and a bit much but if you place them where I feel they are aiming for - something more like an Integrity Toys or a JHD/Mizi space - then I think it's easier to swallow. I can agree on expecting quality to stay high at these prices while I disagree heavily on the stylization of the faces as far as Margot goes. She is more smiley an expressive in a way that evokes both her facial features and what one would think of as a 'Barbie' look to me and while I know you too haven't really gone for a more 'animated' or 'cartoony' look for a lot of your collecting I think for this media entity it's the right choice so that's just going to be a place where people diverge. In any case they seem to be going for a collectible that is durable enough to also be handled and played with while also being recognizably both Barbie as a whole and specific to this movie and how they are received will just amount to how much in the middle you are hoping for them to meet or simply tastes. $50 IS steep for a 'Barbie' - and I have wondered myself if likeness rights are playing into that - but when I place it against what I spend per doll on integrity - who seems to be aiming for a similar audience - I feel a little better about it LOL. Perhaps $35 would have been fairer for the deluxe dolls and $20 for the perfect day ones would be the sweet spot for me personally pricing wise but I definitely see this release as a general question to ask yourself on if you like these dolls enough to spend that little extra on them or if you just want something to remember them buy and think they give us some decent-ish options for where most people will fall in that spectrum.
The "Certificate of Authenticity" with Western Barbie is in black and white on a piece of white copy paper! FOR A $50 BARBIE SIGNATURE DOLL. I was PISSED.
I received the Gloria doll and checked her outfit does not fit regular Barbie body well its strange as petite doll are suposed to fit orginal dolls body
Girlfriend purchased the perfect day barbie and Ken $55.00 each from big w store and the western star barbie $99.00 from toyworld store and gold disco jumpsuit barbie $99.00 from toyworld aswell
EVERYTHING about Ken from this sucks. I expected a Ryan gosling look alike for fuck sakes at least w action figures you get a accurate face sculpt most of the time
I really like the dolls but the price points & the fact that the majority of them are just online is really disappointing
I prefer the pastel stripes Ken over the denim Ken, but the Barbie's outfit is great. I appreciate that each collector Barbie is in a different color scheme instead of all in pink. I kind of want the fashions and the car too, so I'll probably get the Ken first and wait for the Barbie and car to price drop. I read that the movie is PG-13 which is a shock to me, so I guess these toys are meant for nostalgic adults with disposable income and people who want movie merch because it's movie merch.
Loved this conversation, thanks boys! As someone whose peak Barbie collecting days are behind them, I have mixed feelings about these. It’s lovely to see a return to “BarbieCore” as they say, but as you said going with modern era playline style screenings for these was a choice. $50 seems like a bit of an outrageous price for dolls with one outfit and pretty much no accessories, not to mention all of Mattel’s QC problems. I am also more excited for the movie than the dolls but there are a few really cute fashions here, which I agree is the biggest success overall.
I think much of the uproar over pricing is coming from primarily play line only buyers. The $25 dolls are priced about the same as Barbie Extra as you mentioned. Many collectors know that once a doll crosses over to Signature and black label the price is going to increase. The Inspiring Women line is $35, the Tina Turner doll as well as Gloria Estefan were $50 and $55 respectfully. Also as you guys know, these dolls are less than 1/3 the price of Integrity dolls. From what I have seen, Mattel has stepped up the quality of these outfits. For adorable clothes and a return to Barbie pink aisles with clear eyes.... I'm all for it!
I think Mattel is in a difficult situation, the film seems to mostly be geared towards adults and nostalgia for what classic pink, glamorous Barbie was, so to me it seems like they're really catering towards that audience. I also think a lot of 'pop culture' collectors and not nesecarily doll collectors will be purchasing these too. Current day playline Barbie is SUCH a far cry from the aesthetic of these dolls. It makes me wonder if Mattel didn't want to make a massive playline push for the movie because it would muddy the image of the brand they're trying to push today, which is about diversity and sort've being an 'average girl' exclusively, and not fashion or glamour. Then it would be confusing if they did a massive wave of pink, glamorous Barbie, then went back to pixelated, bland fashionista's in sack dresses after the movie was gone and could potentially open them to criticism about how far Barbie has fallen (Which is a conversation for a whole other day, Barbie can be diverse AND fashionable, but they seem to think the two are mutually exclusive)
As someone who collects a variety of dolls, and the prices we're seeing IT dolls go for now, like $190/$175 for those basic Jason Wu Poppys, $50 for this level of quality isn't really too far of a reach, especially when you consider this is part of the Barbie Signature collection which are always upsold even if the quality isn't that much different than other brands playline dolls. But this level of quality is definitely a massive jump from Barbies playline. I think the 'Perfect day' Barbie for $25 is a really great price for people who don't want to spend $50, and also gives an option to kids/parents if they do see the movie. I also believe wave two of the dolls has another $25 doll, its either the roller Barbie or the pink jumpsuit, so there'll be more playline priced options available when the full roll out happens.
The Target near me FINALLY stocked a few of the dolls yesterday. But they only had the $25 Barbie & Ken, and the western one. I picked them up…and put them right back down. I may want the fashion pack and the convertible corvette. I started collecting in 2020 with Silkstones and now Integrity Toys, so it’s hard for me to see the value in these when it comes to quality. I am however very excited for the movie! I also want the rollerblades! ❤
Also, MGA has spoiled me when it comes to high quality at low prices. You just have to get used to big heads.
We finally ended up seeing a few in Target stores too! Stock seems a bit sparse so far (and/or the popular ones are selling fast), but it seems likely more will pop up soon. The corvette is really cute & I’d love to get it - if getting the collector version is still possible lol. 🥲 I agree it’s tough to see the value in quality with these, given multiple QC problems & just one outfit (though the fashions are definitely a step up from most Barbie playline). We totally can’t wait for the movie! 🤩 Thanks for watching & commenting! 💕 -Max
Great insights, as always!
After the car sold out, I found it for presale at Walmart (ughhhh). None of the dolls really spoke to me as I’m a silkstone, vintage Barbie repro fan. Absolutely cannot wait for the movie though. 🎀🎀🎀
Where were the signature selling for $25??? We brought from the Mattel store and they are selling them as same price range as the more elaborate designs 😬
I feel like Mattel had no clue at how popular this movie would be. I’m hoping that by next year, there will be a line of affordable Barbie movie dolls for kids. This reminds me of 1989 when Batman released. The toys didn’t quite reflect the film so they ended up making more accurate figures and sets a year later.
Your comments pretty well echo my thoughts. This release is not something I want to miss out on completely, but I certainly can't afford to get all the dolls. I don't think they are good value compared to other current dolls, especially since other dolls often go on sale. So far I have only ordered the pastel plaid Barbie and the fashion packs. I will probably get at least one more Barbie and a Ken when they are all revealed and/or if they go on sale. I would also love the larger car, but I am not willing to pay the price.
The Ken denim outfit would look so much better on the Buff Ken Looks doll from this year. The vest would look more form-fitting. Plus, I like my dolls to have closed mouths, and I prefer boy dolls with brown hair.
Agreed! Ken really needed a larger body (in general lol) but specifically so his clothes would fit better. The smiling faces won’t be for everyone, it seems like there are many different perspectives on these. Thanks for watching & commenting! 💕 -Max
😁Really wish the Ken “ Track suit “ was two pieces. Who has a jumpsuit tracksuit 😮.
I think people who aren't avid Barbie fans or don't have fond memories of playing with Barbie as a child aren't going to like the movie dolls regardless of what they look like. People who aren't Barbie fans compare her with other dolls and expect her to look a certain way that would ruin the essence of Barbie and her long history. The tour of the Barbie dream house from the movie set (which is on RUclips) partly explains this. The movie is intended to capture and have fun with Barbie's long history and how children have played with Barbie over the years. So, the way the dolls look and the use of all the pink is important for conveying that.
As a Barbie fan and collector, I think the look of the dolls is on point. Two of the dolls are priced at $25, which isn't far off what many play-line dolls go for these days. You also have to keep in mind that actors are often paid licensing fees for merchandise depicting them, so that adds to the overall cost of the dolls and other merchandise.
I think they are really pretty but the price is not okay especially since they are 100$ here in Australia 😭
It is so funny you mentioned a parent price point. My sister told my niece absolutely not on a RH doll. I am only going to a few of the Barbie movie dolls some of the prices are a bit much.
the sad thing with these dolls is they're definitely over priced for the quality and what you're getting, but people don't really have a choice so we're paying up anyway as to not miss out. i sort of wish there could be a massive un-ignorable uproar from consumers so mattell has to change the price but i can't see that happening
I have commented this on another video on the subject but I believe the $50 price point was so all the social media influencers would buy them up and make content about them for Mattel. I think the prices will start to drop once the movie is actually released.
@@ghosty4nope. Prices still high. Maybe after the next wave is released.
I agree with your assessment. For the price of these dolls they shld'v been mtm(altho I'm not a mtm fan, except to resell 😂). I only bought basic Movie Barbie, two basic Kens, President Barbie and rc car. Not planning to get anymore. Too costly and I sew. 😊
60 dollars for the barbie basic movie figure hire so expensive
Hey,,,, I’m planning on buying & redressing “President Barbie” because I’m a big fan of Issa Rea, I lived for her show “Insecure” huge fan… Not sure if I’m going to buy anything else from the movie , although I really like the Disco doll hopefully we’ll get a. few sales in the future . If they do release more doll’s finger’s crossed my interest is peaked. … Another great review guys .
I just got the Easter looking Barbie for $20 on Amazon for their deal day last week. I can't believe they were $50 at release
I think for $50 Mattel could’ve at least added a few accessory‘s, like a comb or something. But I think it’s pretty simple to know what you’re paying for, which is the fact that the dolls are based off the actors in the movie, so in a sense you’re basically paying for a “Margot Robbie“ doll or a “Ryan Goslings“ doll. People will not like certain things about them or the fact that you don’t get very much, but they will still buy them regardless…unless you’re a parent of a child. Although, I still see some parents giving in for some of their kids.
I don’t like the Margot Barbie face. I didn’t like the Asian Ken doll’s weird markings on the face. The blond 👱♂️ is good, however it doesn’t look like Ryan. The president Barbie is the best looking one of all. The outfits and the boxes are great!
Hi, guys- I enjoyed today's podcast (Episode 10). I love the Barbie movie car and am debatting if I want to purchase one or not.
$50 seems a bit much for a doll with such little articulation!
Walmart and Target are the only stores one can go to in person besides buying online. Miss Toys R Us and Child World, K B Toys & Hobbies, Sears, Bradley's, Capital Toys, Riches, Stuarts, ect to buy Toys long, long ago. I like the earring magic "Gay" Ken inspired Ken doll.
I just hate the face sculpt. I don’t want it.
i am still not totally in love with the dolls...love the clothes on the dolls, but the price is ridiculous. It's hard to justify a doll with 1 outfit for 50 when we have other doll lines with equal or better quality at a cheaper price point. Personally, I am waiting for the disney ily series 2 dolls to come out. The clothes are amazing, they come with a second outfit, AND they are not 50. I did buy the box with the 3 outfits and both cars just because it has been a looong time since we have seen Barbie come out with a more realistic car. OH and I got the 24$ doll. But yeah...very disappointed that the rest are 50. 25 is a better price point.....At 25$ I can overlook the fact that the dolls are not made to move, no second outfit, face sculpt is meh.
The Barbie’s are now at $150-$200 people are already asking me to sell my dolls
I’m torn. I got Margot Robbie Pink gingham Barbie. I want The President and Ken… but I’m not sure how I feel either. The movie will make it break it for me at this point.
NOT 'if you like them, more power to you' 💀💀
As someone who does tho, thanks! LOL! While the Perfect day Barbie & Ken are targeted more towards a wider/general audience of all ages I definitely think the majority of the dolls in this line are aiming for adults - In Box Collectors, doll collecting adults and even those who would pick these up in a novelty/collector way. If they're measured against playline offerings they're a little pricey and a bit much but if you place them where I feel they are aiming for - something more like an Integrity Toys or a JHD/Mizi space - then I think it's easier to swallow.
I can agree on expecting quality to stay high at these prices while I disagree heavily on the stylization of the faces as far as Margot goes. She is more smiley an expressive in a way that evokes both her facial features and what one would think of as a 'Barbie' look to me and while I know you too haven't really gone for a more 'animated' or 'cartoony' look for a lot of your collecting I think for this media entity it's the right choice so that's just going to be a place where people diverge.
In any case they seem to be going for a collectible that is durable enough to also be handled and played with while also being recognizably both Barbie as a whole and specific to this movie and how they are received will just amount to how much in the middle you are hoping for them to meet or simply tastes. $50 IS steep for a 'Barbie' - and I have wondered myself if likeness rights are playing into that - but when I place it against what I spend per doll on integrity - who seems to be aiming for a similar audience - I feel a little better about it LOL.
Perhaps $35 would have been fairer for the deluxe dolls and $20 for the perfect day ones would be the sweet spot for me personally pricing wise but I definitely see this release as a general question to ask yourself on if you like these dolls enough to spend that little extra on them or if you just want something to remember them buy and think they give us some decent-ish options for where most people will fall in that spectrum.
They are so cute, although the price is a bit high. 🙈
Yeahhhh lol but lots of cute wardrobe to choose from…for Barbie or otherwise! 😍😆
These $50 ones are the same quality as a $25 MGA doll. Not cute
The "Certificate of Authenticity" with Western Barbie is in black and white on a piece of white copy paper! FOR A $50 BARBIE SIGNATURE DOLL. I was PISSED.
Petite dolls fashions do fit regular Barbie size dolls most clothes do even the shoes.
I received the Gloria doll and checked her outfit does not fit regular Barbie body well its strange as petite doll are suposed to fit orginal dolls body
Girlfriend purchased the perfect day barbie and Ken $55.00 each from big w store and the western star barbie $99.00 from toyworld store and gold disco jumpsuit barbie $99.00 from toyworld aswell
So girlfriend has spend so far on the barbie the movie collection $458.98
WHOO! Barbie and Ken dolls
Not available in India 😭😭😭😭
😮 Hope they make KEN mens underwear and jockstraps!! ✌️😢❤
🤗❤️💜🧡😍🔥♥️🎃
Idk but maybe in 10 years time this signature barbie movie doll will be expensive
EVERYTHING about Ken from this sucks. I expected a Ryan gosling look alike for fuck sakes at least w action figures you get a accurate face sculpt most of the time
Bruh, that burger defect got my stomach sick 🤢 bullocks, that’s gross hahaha
Well I'll stick to rainbow high dolls...the quality on theses dolls is simply not good enough.....
Your lucky they arnt monomuse figures
To late iam a kid 😊
Definitely not worth 110$, which is how much they’re selling them for here. 🫠