Here is my review of the New for 2014 Trick Or Treat Studios Halloween 3 Witch mask. Let me preface this by saying I’m going to try to be as unbiased and true as possible. This is simply a review of the mass produced mask that was sold to me for roughly $50 and if I believe it was worth it. That being said lets get into it…
First here it is among a very highly detailed indy pull, a repainted original DP Hag and the TOTS. First thing you will probably notice is yes, the TOTS mask is glossy. It doesn’t really bother me in person but taking pics is a pain cuz it looks plasticy or something. In person it’s not really as bad at all. In fact it kind of enhances the definition of the details of the pull. Kinda helps because the paint job is kinda flat and plain. Which was a slight disappointment seeing some of the other great finishes that roll off their line.
Next thing you’ll notice are those eye cuts. That’d probably be my biggest issue with the mask. They’re pretty jagged on the copies I received and even creep out of the eye sockets a bit on the sides. This makes it difficult to try to adjust them without making them look too big. Normally with a mass produced mask, I would just go down to a brick and mortar store, exchange them so I could cherry pick a couple copies with better eye cuts and be a happier camper. Unfortunately I’m not aware of these being carried in any stores like that so ordering online is kinda just dumb luck as to what you get and you’re stuck with it.
Hood was sewn on so I removed it and the elastic band…
5 mins with a dremel to try to even out the eyes a bit. It’s getting late here so I didn’t finish them or anything. I was afraid to work on the eyes seeing how thin the pulls were. Let me tell you, yes they are a bit thinner than some of the other masks I’ve owned but it’s very resilient. My hags do hold their shape nicely when propped on a foam head.
Thickness… Witch on top, 90’s DP Sewage on bottom…
THE HOOD…
The hood deserves some individual attention. The original fabric DP used in 1982 is likely long gone and TOTS did an excellent job on this hood. The original hoods were an odd blueish greenish kinda color that can look either in any lighting. The TOTS hood is a darker green but the weight and feel are spot on. Another thing to consider would be the original hoods in my pics are 30+ years old so they probably started out a bit darker than they are now. The shape is slightly different and it’s a bit bigger than the originals but this is a good thing. Just makes it more comfortable and easier to display. In some of my pics the hood looks darker than is actually is so please take that into account. Otherwise the shape and quality are top notch.
original hood on left, TOTS on your right side.
Original hoods with TOTS sandwiched in the middle…
TOTS under Original hood. This contour in the back makes the hood for me. Essential for the proper look. They nailed it.
This should silence any issues as far as the chips not being the same size as the originals. I pulled this chip off of my TOTS Pumpkin… perfect fit.
This copy does in fact glow in blacklight. My other copy also glows but not as bright. I read someone said somewhere theirs did not glow in black light. I also heard earlier in the year they’d glow in the dark but mine does not.
Couple more shots…
So, am I happy with what I got for $50? Yes I am. I have a worthy replica H3 Witch mask and I didn’t not have to sell my organs to get it. I am going to repaint them just because I love to paint Hag masks and I’d love to see what one looks like with the original DayGlo paint job.
I would say if you love the film or this character it’s a no brainer buy a TOTS Witch. These guys work hard to bring these pieces to the masses and deserve our support. They’ve raised the bar and that can only mean good things for all of us in the future. This mask is leaps and bounds above what DP released in 2012. I paid around $50 and I am happy with what I’ve got here. Best thing is online retailers are starting to get them now so you can find them cheaper. In fact I just ordered 2 more at $30 a piece. It’s an absolute BARGAIN at that price. Anyway, I hope this helps you in making your decision!
I’ll post the pumpkin review later on in this thread…
