Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Perhaps this is one of those items where many reviewers got this item in exchange for an 'honest and unbiased' review. After reading several glowing (no pun intended) reviews, I had high hopes for this product. Although not a complete disappointment, enough of one to decide to return it after a very short time. Here's why: It shows several moon phases from crescent to full, waxing and waning, only the first crescent moon appeared realistic. All the others revealed to sharp a division where you could see dimmer lights from the other phases. For example, the last quarter was bright, but you could still see a division between the last quarter and last half. With all the phases other than the first crescent, the moon glowed slightly. Which although not unattractive, a bit distracting being able to see the divisions between phases. In all phases that were more than half lit, especially the full moon, there was a bright spot in the middle. To me this was the main thing I disliked about it. Having such an uneven illumination most of the time. Then there is 'auto' mode. Not sure what I expected, since recreating the actual current moon phase might be somewhat difficult in an inexpensive item. But having it cycle through each phase every five seconds wore thin very quickly. Maybe, with the price of cheap watches, it shouldn't be so difficult to track the actual moon phase. Even the rising and setting times. I didn't have it up long enough to determine battery life. But even some of the complimentary reviews concede it is not long. Maybe with a set of rechargeable batteries, not a big deal. But then, to change the batteries, you'll have to dig out your Philips screwdriver to remove the battery cover. Not sure why they couldn't have just used a toolless clip. The remote uses a screw on the battery cover too. I have another Uncle Milton toy, 'Fireflies in My Room', or something like that, and it's kind of cool. And I once considered an Uncle Milton ant farm, but too many people said the ants died or arrived dead. So this had a 50/50 chance, but unfortunately doesn't make the grade in my opinion. Depending on your needs and expectations, it may meet yours. There's also a larger version that costs considerably more, and includes a lunar eclipse function. So if you missed the real one last month and can't wait 17 years for the next 'blood' moon, you can consider that one. EDIT: I've noticed numerous reviews that are extremely brief with 5 star ratings. Amazon has had a problem with planted or purchased 5 star reviews. After my experience with this product, I wouldn't trust any of them.