Packaging - ****
Gorgeous. A work of art in itself, Sideshow's packaging is a visual eye catcher. Anything you would want for the perfect package, they have managed to put in... though you won't find a list of Qui-Gon's pet peeves here. What you do get is gorgeous photography of the figure on all sides as well as great stills from some key movie moments. 

Opening the flap, closed with magnet, unveils large windows of the figure, accessories, bio of the character as well as some Jedi history. You won't find any twisty ties here and the only thing in your way is some scotch tape.

Sculpting - ***1/2
With each release, Sideshow gets closer and closer to hitting a perfect sculpt, but as most times, there's something that's a bit off. For Qui-Gon Jinn, the face itself is pretty dead-on. In profile, how close he is in likeness is as clear as that one Pepsi drink once was. It's where the hair meets the head, most noticeably on the sides that looks the most awkward, jetting out unnaturally as if he was wearing a wig. Even on the top of his forehead, it's obvious that it's a separate piece and just looks a bit odd.

His long hair in the back works out fine but some may notice that Qui-Gon usually has hair falling down the front of his shoulders as well. That may have been a sculpting issue that they chose not to tackle, and for good reason, but it's definitely something that would look nice if it were there.

In terms of scale, Qui-Gon just isn't tall enough. He is a tall guy on film and it's too bad that it's something that even Hasbro did right (even if it took them a second attempt). It may look as if he's taller than other figures but it's not apparent enough. It really makes me hope they don't even attempt a Vader or Chewbacca figure until they can do it right.

So while his sculpt is fantastic, the hair needs some work and of course.... the paint...

Paint - ***
Michael has said it time and time again that "Great paint can make an average sculpt soar" and while the paint isn't horrible because and it's actually quite good, it's the major details that disappoint.

The flesh tones are pretty nice looking and his facial hair look fine from far, but when you zoom in, it just looks like globs of paint. 

The glossy eyes are where I'm most disappointed. No, not the glossy part... I can ignore it. It's the one eye that's looking straight ahead, the other eye looking somewhat in another direction! I can forgive a smudge here or there but at least get his eyes straight!!

Articulation - ***1/2
I know it's about time that Sideshow upgrades their bodies but even with the way they are now, they're pretty close to allowing you to do everything you wanted them to do. It's just those boots that really restrict any toe tapping feet movement. 

This body has all the joints you would expect if you've been collecting this line, giving you all the posing possibilities you've wanted to do. And that really is all I can ever ask.

The one problem I have is how easy it is for the hands to pop off when posing the figure. But... it's also a blessing in disguise to be able to change them so quickly. So really.. it's a non-issue I guess.

Outfit - ****
The standard Jedi outfit Sideshow has done a couple of times now, each a little different but of high quality. It fits perfectly and the jedi cloak is actually a favorite of mine since it allows to recreate some iconic moments from the film.
Like the other Jedi he has a leather belt with several removable pouches that can open and close, and store the smaller accessories. Do be careful with the belt though as it is probably the most fragile bit of costuming on these figures.
It may be a walk in the park for sideshow to churn out these outfits now, but they're still the best we've ever seen.

Accessories - ****
If, there was no such thing as an "exclusive" to compare with, the regular release of Qui-Gon Jinn would recieve a perfect score. But, I'm choosing not to downgrade the points because he lacks a necessary poncho. He still comes with a lot more bits and accessories that fans could possibly think of.
I love that Sideshow spared no expense in giving us both a lightsaber hilt and ignited lightsaber. He also comes with an extra set of hands, communicator, holo-projector, that doohickey he uses in the bongo deleted scene, and a display stand.
If you got the exclusive poncho (mine's in the mail), then add an extra star, if that's possible.

Fun Factor - ****
These are made for adult collectors which means that they should be put into a display shelf and left alone right? WRONG! These toys are so fun and capture the likeness well enough that it has reignited my passion for these films. The accessories that one wouldn't expect, though not used for my displays still add that touch of "cool" to the whole thing. Not to mention that these are from Star Wars! Good times, good times

Value - ***
For a minimum of $50, you're getting a well sculpted and articulated figure, with some great authentic accessories. Compare that with the $20 Hasbro figures and you'll wonder if a $30 markup is worth it. It probably isn't for some of you, but when you see the box, and have the figure in your hand, displayed on your shelf... oh yes. It's worth it.

Of course, some of these figures are going to be sold for $55-60 and that's reaching extremely high. But Qui-Gon is listed at $50 and I think that's a fair price.

Things to Watch Out For – 
Not much. since it's almost a blind buy. If you buy from a store, take a look at it and make sure everything looks in order. Also make sure he can see straight!

Overall - ***1/2
I really wish I can give this figure a perfect score, but of course... there's always something that we wish was better. For mine, it's the lazy eye, the wig hair, and the height of the figure that keeps this from being the perfectly scaled Qui-Gon Jinn.

Those issues aside, this is a fantastic figure and a great addition to the growing collection.

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

Where to Buy:
Your best options are all online:

- Sideshow is sold out, but you can get on the wait list for both the exclusive () and regular ().

- Alter Ego has the regular for $42.49.

- Fireside Collectibles has the regular for $44.50.

- CornerStoreComics has the regular for $47.

- Amazing Toyz has the regular for $50.

Related Links - 
Lots of Sideshow Star Wars so far:

- there's my reviews of the Bespin Han, regular Anakin, Kit Fisto, and Jedi Luke.

- and there's a guest review of the SDCC exclusive Anakin.

- and just a reminder of another recent Qui-Gon attempt, this time a bust from Gentle Giant.

KEEP SCROLLING DOWN FOR MORE PHOTOS!