Universal Phantom of the Opera Plush

Searching for Universal plush can be a challenge. There are four types of Universal Phantom plush that I know of, and they differ either by size or company of manufacture.

So what are they?

CVS Phantom plush and beanbag plush came about in 1999 when CVS sold a total of eight different Universal monster plush and beanbag toys. The Phantom plush all sport white masks, capes and tuxedos regardless of size, and all sport a wild mass of black hair that never seems to be smooth.

Nanco Phantom plush apparently were made only for distribution in prize machines. They are not made of the same materials as the CVS plush, and overall seem to be a slightly lesser grade of plush. But they do come in a larger size if 19” and they are official Universal items according to the hangtags and leg tags.

Where can they be found?

Right now, your best chance of finding them would be in a cyber store that sells Universal collectibles or on one of the many auction sites. Try to find a seller with a cost at retail or below as these items are so plentiful that the cost shouldn’t exceed retail.

So why would I want one?

Well, if you love the Phantom of the Opera, these are the perfect collectible. From the 9“ beanbag plush to the 15” plush there is something for everyone.

The sizes

CVS 9" Beanbag Phantom Plush This little fellow sold in CVS stores around Halloween several years ago. He is designed in a sitting position and is roughly six inches tall sitting. His mask is made of white faux leather and stitched to the face. His cape is black with red lining and black stitching and is attached on either side of the neck. The body is mainly black except for a white fronting to represent a gentleman’s opera clothes, and the jacket is stitched to the front and has two buttons of felt material attached. The jacket is sewn closed.

CVS Large 15” Phantom Plush This large version of the above plush differs in several ways from the smaller version. There are no pellets of any kind in this doll, the entire body being stuffed with polyester fiber. The shirt cuffs and collar are of a silky material, and the shoes are of imitation leather. This larger plush also has five fingers instead of the four fingers found on the smaller plush. This plush is 11" tall in the seated position.

Nanco 15” Phantom Plush A more aggressive breed of Phantom, this plush is designed in the standing position and has a bit of a sneer on his face. This one came to me in as-is condition, so I don’t know if he ever had a swing tag in the ear, but there is a hole there that suggests one.

His cape has an odd sort of lining, reminiscent of vinyl, this lining is even inside the collar of the cape. His hands are stitched in thick black thread and have only three fingers and the hint of a thumb. The plush’s body is very thin, and the stitching on the cape seems to have been done with a plastic thread. The mask isn’t as soft as the CVS Phantom’s, but the rest of the clothes are close enough. The biggest difference is the hair, which is very fine and wiry looking.

Nanco 19” Extra Large Phantom Plush 2000. Some marked differences are the Universal rectangular hangtag attached to the ear and the product information tag on the leg. The square hangtag gives the names of all the other Universal monsters, and a brief biography on the Phantom. The Universal website is listed on the back, as is a date of the year 2000.

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