The doll I'm going to review today is about the same age as my kids. She's an 8-inch Hermione Granger doll that was released in 2001, the year that the first Harry Potter movie (
The Sorcerer's Stone) came to theaters. I always hesitate before I review an older, discontinued doll. Doing this can be confusing (since most reviews are of newly-released dolls) and also a little frustrating. Nobody wants to read a review, fall in love with a doll, and then not be able to find one for sale. However, I purchased my Hermione only about a year ago, so she's still out there. I paid $35 for her, and right now there are a few on Amazon and eBay in the $30-60 range. Her original price was $19.99.
I love discovering older dolls and reviewing them. This is because I really enjoy exploring the history of doll manufacturing, but also because it's refreshing to look at dolls that are removed from trends that dominate the current market. So many of the newest doll releases are bright and colorful with huge heads and exaggerated facial features. In contrast, Mattel clearly designed this Hermione to be realistic--and in the likeness of a young Emma Watson. I think they did a pretty good job:
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| Hogwarts Heroes Hermione Granger, Mattel (2001). |
