Packaging - ****
I gotta say that if you were to buy this figure, definitely get it for the packaging. It's sturdy, attractive, and well... VINTAGE! The plastic cover can be removed from the front and within that is the true 'vintage' style box with Chewbacca inside. So even if the outer box is damaged, there's a good chance that the box within is in fine shape. It's also quite amazing how attractive this vintage box art is, full of photos from the film... it's a shame this practice isn't well... practiced as much anymore. 

Sculpting - **1/2
Back in 1995, I'd probably give this 3 1/2 stars, but since it is 2005 and action figure technology has soared to all new heights, I just cannot say that this sculpt is worthy of the times. It is an improvement over the previous POTF2 12" figure? DEFINITELY. But that was a more like "Doobacca the Dookiee" anyway. After seeing the awesome work done for the VOTC 4" line, it's too bad that the large figures weren't given the same amount of care.

The bandolier is actually sculpted to the upper torso, and no longer a separate accessory. 

Paint - ***
The paint is no homerun, but it falls a tad below even Hasbro's standards. Most of the Chewbacca's I've seen at the store have poorly painted eyes. And by that I mean he's got the lazy eye: one going in one direction, the other looking someplace entirely different. Not quite the sharp shooter that Chewbacca is thought to be. 

Articulation - **1/2
For a figure in the 12" format, Chewbacca is lacking a lot of articulation. The first thing I noticed was the lack of any articulation in the legs at all! Sure, he is articulated at the hips but that's it! What happened to the knees? All together there are about ELEVEN points of articulation. The 4" figure has more than that in the upper half alone! 

Accessories - **
Chewbacca here only comes with his signature bowcaster that comes in two pieces. It snaps together in place quite well and that's all there is to it. It's too bad that his bandolier isn't removable like the previous version either. 

Fun Factor - **1/2
Regardless of what I say, if you need a Chewbacca for your 12" collection, this will certainly help you out in that respect. But is he fun? Well... I guess he's as fun as any 12" Star Wars figure. Almost. 

Value - ***
Since the other VOTC 12" line is retailed at $29.99, to have Chewbacca be 15" tall AND a KB Exclusive selling for the same price is a very good value. It's just too bad that the toy wasn't better sculpted. 

Overall - ***
For three stars, this toy isn't as all bad as I make it out to be. I'm just a long-time collector who is disappointed when toys just don't meet the same expectations established by the very same toy company. If you plan on keeping this Wookiee in the box, you'll get an attractive piece for your collection. If you're an opener, this will probably fill the ranks but won't do much more than that. 

SCORE RECAP:
Packaging - ****
Sculpt - ** 1/2
Paint - ***
Articulation - ** 1/2
Fun Factor - **1/2
Value - ***
Overall - *** 

Where to Buy -
KB Toys has this exclusive at $29.99, but you may be able to find it on clearance these days.