For the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park, Mattel didn’t just release another dinosaur toy, they released a piece of cinematic history. The Hammond Collection Steven Spielberg & Dilophosaurus Set is a love letter to the man behind the magic, and it’s arguably the pinnacle of Mattel’s creative output.
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Packaging as an Art Form
Before you even get to the figures, the box demands your attention. Designed to mimic a classic movie poster, it features the iconic tagline: “An adventure 65 million years in the making.” But the real magic happens when you open it. The inner packaging reveals a unique clapperboard design, complete with the scene, take, and the specific 1992 filming date for Dennis Nedry’s fateful encounter.
The backdrop inside the box depicts the rain-slicked hill where the Dilophosaurus met its prey, creating a ready-made diorama that makes “unboxing” feel almost like a crime.
The Director and the Beast
This set includes a highly detailed figure of Steven Spielberg himself, complete with his director’s chair and camera. It’s a rare meta-tribute that allows collectors to “direct” their own prehistoric scenes.
Accompanying him is what many consider the best Dilophosaurus figure ever produced. Part of the premium Hammond Collection, it features:
- Superior Articulation: Allowing for dynamic, movie-accurate posing.
- Interchangeable Necks: You can switch between a “hidden” neck and the iconic expanded frill, mimicking the moment the dinosaur prepares to strike.
- Fine Detail: From the skin texture to the “basilisk lizard” inspired frills, the paint and sculpt are top-tier.
The Verdict: To Open or Not to Open?
While the Dilophosaurus is a fantastic toy, the 2023 San Diego Comic-Con exclusive branding and the stunning display-ready box make this a holy grail for in-box collectors. Whether you’re a fan of film history or just a Jurassic completionist, this set captures the spirit of the 1993 masterpiece perfectly.
