The presence of this feature allowed children to re-enact key scenes from the movie.įive human figures were released in series I each approximately 4 inches in height, and articulated at the neck, arms, hips and legs.
This would allow kids to remove pieces of skin from the figures, which sequentially would reveal the flesh and bone underneath. Some toys also came with ‘Battle Damage’ bite-marks. Most were just straightforward dinosaur replicas, but the remaining others had integrated features that would allow them to make electronic sounds, move limbs, and snap their jaws. Eleven dinosaur figures were released in series I, and an additional eleven new ones in series II (three were simple repaints). This would ensure the products were safe to play with. In regard for kids’ safety, Kenner decided to make their toys entirely of polyester fiber. This was commonly used to construct everything from toothbrushes to toys. Luckily, in their creation Kenner Toys took into account that some people are allergic to a natural rubber called latex. Just like the dinosaurs were the main focus of the movie, the dinosaur figures were also the main attention drawers of the toyline. On top of that, series II was released in much smaller numbers, and therefore these toys are not as common. Series I was released nearly worldwide, but unfortunately due to constraints the second series was, for the most part, a United States exclusive. The toy-line was split into two series the first being released from March through December, and the second from January through October (coinciding with the release of the motion picture to home video). To this day, many fans and collectors alike regard the originals as the best, and perhaps most beautiful. Using innovative molding techniques to create amazingly realistic skin textures, coupled with incredible paintjobs, Kenner managed to create instant classics. Of all the toys to be released for the Jurassic Park line (easily recognized thanks to the JP logo) none were as impressive as the larger dinosaur figures.
The action figures were, at the time, revolutionary, rendering them the talk of the toy industry, and proving once and for all that there is a reason for every success. Unequivocally one of Kenner’s most successful lines, the toys generated massive sales, and flew from store shelves like no other. Just like the movie, the toys themselves quickly made history.
In 1993 Kenner Parker received license from Amblin Entertainment to manufacture toys for the blockbuster hit film Jurassic Park.