Review: 75419 Death Star - Minifigures
Posted by CapnRex101,
75419 Death Star includes 38 minifigures, more than any previous LEGO set. The selection looks superb on the whole, populating the Death Star quite well and providing several new characters too. Additionally, some familiar characters have received updates.
Unfortunately, there are issues with certain figures, several of which are rather conspicuous, such as a lack of dual-moulded legs. That is certainly frustrating in the most expensive LEGO set ever produced, though there is still much to appreciate about the minifigures.
This set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Luke Skywalker made numerous appearances in his Tatooine garb between 2016 and 2022, becoming quite tedious over time! A new design has been produced for this set, swapping the white legs of the previous minifigure with tan and updating the torso. I much prefer his tan legs and the printed details look great, as does Luke's dark tan hair.
LEGO has updated Han Solo as well, so his shirt is now messier and more accurate to Han's appearance in A New Hope. The legs are also new, though any changes are subtle and I wish they included the addition of dual-moulded boots and printed stripes along the sides, like Han's fantastic minifigure in 75222 Betrayal at Cloud City.
The double-sided head is not perfect either, lacking a scar on the chin because this piece was designed for the younger version of Han Solo. Luke does include a new head though, which is well-suited to the character, with a better determined expression than his last figure. Luke has a blue lightsaber and Han carries a blaster at his side, as ever.
Luke Skywalker and Han Solo wear Stormtrooper armour to infiltrate the Death Star and both are included, as with 10188 Death Star and 75159 Death Star. Their heads and hair remain the same as their standard minifigures, shown above, placed on the normal Stormtrooper torso and legs.
Unfortunately, these figures do not come with helmets. Several are included for other troopers, but not Luke and Han, which is disappointing because these could have been useful for crowd scenes where extra Stormtroopers are required. They are equipped with the usual blaster rifles, however.
Princess Leia is another character with a new torso, capturing a little more detail on her silver belt this time. The revised design looks splendid, but could be even better with the dress piece used before. I understand giving Leia normal legs, which are more versatile for multiple scenes aboard the Death Star, but 75244 Tantive IV supplied both and this set should do the same.
Exactly the same Chewbacca minifigure has remained in use since 2014 and now appears in twenty sets, but I see little need for changes. Perhaps the figure could include decorated arms, although the nougat details on the chest element and legs look nice, as does Chewie's metallic silver bandoleer.
In addition to his ever-present bowcaster, Chewbacca is equipped with a grey pipe, needed to brace the walls of the trash compactor when they close. Leia is unarmed, but could use one of the spare blasters found around the Death Star.
Prequel Trilogy versions of Obi-Wan Kenobi have appeared regularly in recent years, but his Original Trilogy guise has been fairly scarce. This figure has therefore been totally overhauled since 75290 Mos Eisley Cantina, including printed legs and marginally more detail on the torso. Also, the head is now double-sided, which is a definite upgrade.
Ben features a fabric cape and matching dark brown hood, plus an alternative light bluish grey hair element, which again improved on his minifigure from the cantina. While some changes to the figures in the set are minor, Obi-Wan substantially improves on his previous Original Trilogy minifigures and carries his blue lightsaber, of course.
The included C-3PO minifigure has caused a great deal of controversy, given the lack of dual-moulded legs. This is frustrating when a better version of the character is available elsewhere and the dual-moulded leg should have been provided. Even a relatively minor change like this could have improved the tone of the whole discussion around the Death Star.
75339 Death Star Trash Compactor Diorama introduced an updated version of R2-D2, printed on the back. The same figure is available here and looks nice on the whole, other than uneven decoration around the dome. Even in an extremely expensive set, this is a matter of luck.
Despite lacking his dual-moulded leg, C-3PO is otherwise very detailed. The printed arms are great and I like the metallic gold highlights on the torso, adding a little extra sheen to the pearl gold plastic.
A third Luke Skywalker minifigure is necessary for the Emperor's throne room, dressed in his black Jedi garb from Return of the Jedi. A nearly identical figure appeared in 75352 Emperor's Throne Room Diorama a couple of years ago, but this one uses the aforementioned new head, shared with the other iterations of Luke Skywalker.
Most importantly, however, the hair element created for Luke returns and looks superb. Maybe the torso could have had the flap folded down to distinguish this minifigure from the example in the diorama, but I am happy with the existing part. A green lightsaber completes the Rebel hero.
Darth Vader received printed arms in 75291 Death Star Final Duel and his LEGO design has remained essentially the same since, using alternative heads and cape materials on occasion. As ever, the torso, arms and legs look excellent and I particularly like the splashes of colour on Darth Vader's chest computer.
Emperor Palpatine is another returning minifigure, unchanged from 75352 Emperor's Throne Room Diorama. The yellow eyes with white pupils still look awkward to me, compared with the darker pupils used previously, although I know the white details are consistent with other LEGO minifigures. Otherwise, the printed fabric across the torso and legs is effective.
I am less convinced by the lightning accessories. Perhaps I am just nostalgic for the elements used since 2008, but I prefer the two-tone lightning bolts over these, particularly with the trans-clear accessory holders needed for Palpatine to grip them properly. Darth Vader, meanwhile, is armed with his red lightsaber.
The Emperor surrounds himself with sinister advisors, including an Imperial Dignitary named Sim Aloo. This character accompanies Palpatine to the second Death Star and appears briefly onscreen, but is a welcome addition, nevertheless. I like the new hat element and purple works well for his robe, though no LEGO colour exactly matches the shade of his attire in the film.
However, the lack of printing on his dress element is disappointing, in contrast with the textured fabric on the torso. The dignitary's double-sided head looks great though, with sunken eyes and an ominous grin on the reverse.
Also accompanying the Emperor are two Imperial Royal Guards. These are among the very few characters still using their original LEGO helmets, introduced for the guards in 2001. I like the older piece though, revealing a black head through the visor. Furthermore, the torsos have been updated, so they now include decoration on the reverse.
The guards wear double-sided red and dark red capes, which look lovely, but I think using the dress element would better recreate their robes from the film. Also, the force pikes seem quite bulky to me, so I wish they incorporated the Monkie Kid hilt for their handles.
When rumours of the Death Star began to circulate, Galen Erso was the minifigure I was most excited to see included and indeed he is, thankfully! This character features a unique head and the stubble looks superb, reflecting Galen's appearance on Eadu in Rogue One. Moreover, I am glad the designer chose his scientist's uniform for the figure and dark green is a suitable colour choice, albeit a little too bright.
Director Krennic joins Galen and these minifigures are intended to stand with the plaque, as the architect of the Death Star's superlaser and the space station's commander prior to Grand Moff Tarkin, respectively. Krennic has appeared just once before and his new minifigure is fairly similar to the example from 75156 Krennic's Imperial Shuttle, with another pouch on his belt.
Both minifigures include double-sided heads and Galen's shoulder displays the hexagonal sigil of the Tarkin Initiative, which is a prominent feature of his uniform onscreen. Also, a printed 1x2 tile is supplied, representing the Death Star plans on a data tape recovered by Galen's daughter, Jyn Erso, which is a great addition.
Grand Moff Tarkin seizes control of the Death Star upon its completion and is another figure revised since his last appearance in 75159 Death Star. Tarkin's uniform looks excellent, other than the absence of dual-moulded legs to denote boots, which have been available to Imperial Officers and various other minifigures in the past.
As director of the Imperial Security Bureau, Colonel Yularen wears a distinct white uniform, so he stands out among officers. The character's rank indicator is accurate and I like the choice of hair element, but Yularen should have black legs. We see he wears black trousers in Andor and Star Wars: Rebels, as well as A New Hope, when he passes Han, Luke and Chewie waiting for the turbolift to the detention block.
Though his white legs are a little disappointing, I love Colonel Yularen's alternative expression, reacting with surprise to Darth Vader choking Admiral Motti! Tarkin's double-sided head is also effective, but I think his expressions could perhaps be more exaggerated, particularly the cruel smile.
Admiral Motti and General Tagge both attend the meeting of the Joint Chiefs with Tarkin and Yularen aboard the Death Star, memorably debating the threat of the Rebel Alliance. The rank plaques are correct and I like the hair elements chosen for each character, but the lack of dual-moulded boots is again frustrating.
Both officers include new double-sided heads and Motti's is particularly notable, with a pained expression to use when he is choked by Darth Vader. His smile looks great too, while General Tagge appears more serious.
A generic Imperial Navy Officer completes the officer corps aboard the LEGO Death Star and her rank indicator identifies the figure as a lieutenant. The torso is new and further expands the variety of ranks represented in minifigure form, which is definitely welcome. In addition, the dual-moulded hair and hat piece is new with reddish brown hair.
Similarly dressed in black, the Imperial Shuttle Pilot closely resembles earlier versions of the character, appearing in 75302 Imperial Shuttle most recently. However, the torso is once again unique and the pilot's head is also new, available here and with 40771 TIE Fighter with Imperial Hangar Rack. The officer's head is regularly used for Imperial personnel.
75394 Imperial Star Destroyer was released last year and has proven rather important for the minifigures available here, as pieces introduced for the Star Destroyer reappear. For example, the two Imperial Crew Members include the same torsos and legs as a minifigure released in 2024 and the male crew member uses the same head as well.
The female character, meanwhile, features another new head with a single expression and her combined hair and hat piece returns from 75339 Rebel U-wing Starfighter, where it was initially created for Dedra Meero.
Imperial Navy Troopers serve a variety of roles aboard the Death Star and these minifigures also take advantage of components from 75394 Imperial Star Destroyer, where the torsos and helmets come from. Their uniforms are simple, but nevertheless accurate to the Navy Troopers presented in the movies.
The reddish brown head is exclusive and includes neutral and concerned expressions with the chin strap, while the warm tan head returns from the Star Destroyer. Both troopers are outfitted with rifles, ready to defend against Rebel incursions.
Two Imperial Gunners are included, which is arguably not enough, given these characters are needed for both the superlaser control room and the laser cannon. Even so, the minifigures are well-executed, again returning from 75394 Imperial Star Destroyer. I especially like the colourful buttons on the side of the gunners' helmets.
Removing those helmets reveals different heads underneath. The female design is brand new, while the male head is generally used for War Machine in Marvel sets. Both are equipped with blaster pistols, which are welcome, but there is nowhere specific to store their weapons on the Death Star when not in use.
I earlier mentioned Colonel Yularen unknowingly passing Luke, Han and Chewbacca outside a turbolift and 5D6-RA-7 appears in the same scene. It is hard to identify the droid's exact colour onscreen because of the Death Star's dark interior, but silver is probably too bright and I lean to pearl dark grey instead. The metallic gold eyes are striking, however.
R3-T6 is one of several Astromech droids seen in the background aboard the Death Star and LEGO is gradually working through them with each new Death Star. New droids are definitely appreciated and the trans-clear dome is pretty distinctive, though the lack of decoration on the reverse is disappointing, particularly since the droid is only shown from behind in the film.
Stormtroopers are essential to populate the Death Star and six are provided, which feels like enough, though not a generous quantity. The dual-moulded helmets continue to divide opinion, but I rather like them, while the details on the torsos and legs correspond with the Stormtrooper armour onscreen.
Each trooper is armed with a blaster rifle and they include a good selection of heads. Four are new designs, although some are shared with other Imperial characters in the set. For instance, the female head pictured below also appears on one of the Imperial Crew Members.
Galen Erso is my personal favourite minifigure in this set, but another highlight is definitely the exclusive Hot Tub Stormtrooper! These relaxed troopers can be found in multiple LEGO Star Wars video games and the box mentions LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, but the figure is actually an original design, not based specifically on any of the games.
While there should be more in the set, dual-moulded legs are effective for the trooper's trunks, decorated with the Imperial cog. Moreover, the shirtless torso is new in warm tan, so I imagine this Stormtrooper is fresh from sunbathing on Tatooine or Scarif.
This particular Stormtrooper clearly takes their job seriously, not removing their helmet even in the hot tub. However, we can take the helmet to see their smiling head underneath, introduced with 21337 Table Football in 2022.
Overall
The minifigures in 75419 Death Star remind me very much of 76269 Avengers Tower. Though certainly numerous and offering some interesting new characters, there are comparatively few standouts, partly because so many of these heroes and villains have appeared countless times before. Sets like 75290 Mos Eisley Cantina have far more opportunities for unique characters.
With that in mind, I am pleased with the selection as a whole, but there are undoubtedly issues. C-3PO, Grand Moff Tarkin and the other Imperial officers could be improved and Moff Jerjerrod is noticeably missing, despite his prominent role in command of the Death Star II. Nevertheless, the vast majority of figures included are superb and Jerjerrod is the only glaring absentee.
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60 comments on this article
So Dedra Meero did get reassigned to the Death Star post-Andor.
They better put Galen in another set. Rogue One fans have been waiting 9 years for this minifigure just for him to be about as inaccessible as a minifigure in a wide release set can be. They really should release a diorama set of the conference room so all the named Imperials are available for people with less money.
Also want to sit down with some Lego designers and ask why does the buildable C-3PO have a minifigure with a dual molded leg for £125 but the £430 sail barge and £900 Death Star don't.
Honestly, for their price, they ALL should be CMF level. I can't convince me otherwise.
@Somnium said:
"Honestly, for their price, they ALL should be CMF level. I can't convince me otherwise."
Exactly. Dual molded legs for all the officers should be the barest of minimums. Thrawn has them in a £50 set.
Woof... no dual molded legs for the Imperial officers or even C-3PO when they have done it in previous sets? Not to mention a lack of leg (or skirt) printing for multiple figures and no extra Stormtrooper helmets for Luke/Han!
These were the best versions to put in your flagship $1,000 set?
That Hot Tub Trooper is incredible though, too bad it's only available here. Secondary market for it is going to be crazy.
Tarkin’s lack of dual molded legs does not bother me much, mainly because Peter Cushing famously wore slippers on set rather than the tall boots of Imperial personnel.
However failing to include them for the other officers is highly disappointing, and most egregious of all to me is that extra helmets were not included for Luke and Han. It’s an obvious cost-cutting measure since additional helmets were included in each of the previous large scale Death Stars.
@CommandrCody212 said:
"Tarkin’s lack of dual molded legs does not bother me much, mainly because Peter Cushing famously wore slippers on set rather than the tall boots of Imperial personnel.
However failing to include them for the other officers is highly disappointing, and most egregious of all to me is that extra helmets were not included for Luke and Han. It’s an obvious cost-cutting measure since additional helmets were included in each of the previous large scale Death Stars. "
tbf would have been a nice easter egg to have the option of those as a second pair of legs too
This being the first time I’ve really seen a good look at all the figs up close, the lack of dual molding and certain printing is rather striking. Especially for Lego’s biggest and most expensive set to date, I would expect a significantly higher bar from these figs. The comparison to Avengers Tower is valid, but having only 7 more figs here for double the price, with comparable lack of detail and so many returning minifigs with minimal changes? I know it won’t apply to everyone the same way, but minifigures do often have a big effect on the value of a set for me. And while I already wasn’t fully into this set to begin with, the minifigures included truly do not help it’s case for me.
Making 2 separate pieces for Chewie's head (torso fur/bandolier + actual head) would be really appreciated after 25 years...
Or even just a movable head.
EDIT:
Sort of like the inclusion of the Dignitary. One of the few missing characters from the old Kenner line.
@legOtaku_official said:
"So Dedra Meero did get reassigned to the Death Star post-Andor."
Appearantly, not for long...
@brokeNbricks said:
"Also want to sit down with some Lego designers and ask why does the buildable C-3PO have a minifigure with a dual molded leg for £125 but the £430 sail barge and £900 Death Star don't. "
I have, although not using those exact words: https://brickset.com/article/124608/
Basically, dual-moulded legs are more costly than equivalent parts, even when already in production for other sets. Cost, choices and compromises are never likely to be satisfying answers, especially in relation to such an expensive set, but the Death Star had a budget for elements like any other set, ultimately.
The graphic designer has been criticised after that interview and others, which I think is unfair because all they can do is give honest answers. I guarantee there is nobody more eager for an unlimited budget than LEGO designers.
Admiral Motti doesn't really look like the character. I would have done the same hairpiece as Tarkin and Yularen for Motti but in brown rather than dark tan.
Otherwise got no issues with the figs.
Yep, I get it, they HAVE TO design and build to an already set price point.
They push and pull and prioritize what they can include.
But when marketing and promoting and hyping this as THE biggest and most expensive Star Wars set, ALL the figs should be CMF level in design, accessories, etc.
Man, my brain immediately read this as a Star Wars CMF series.
Very poverish selection, if they had no budget for even one pair of dual molded legs, they should have used one single head piece instead of unnecessary diverse stormtroopers who wear a helmet anyway, same goes for those hair/hat pieces. Oh, and left out the hot tub figure, that thing belongs in an advent calender at most.
And they can't even include two extra helmets for luke and han, really? Those few extra cents would have definitely made the difference in this thousand dollar set, lego is doing very bad financially as we saw from their last report -_-
Really not a fan of white printing these days. It jars quite a bit with the regular white pieces. I guess it's not as bad IRL, but it's still a real issue.
Tarkin has way too much hair.
@BrickmanNL said:
"Very poverish selection, if they had no budget for even one pair of dual molded legs, they should have used one single head piece instead of unnecessary diverse stormtroopers who wear a helmet anyway, same goes for those hair/hat pieces. Oh, and left out the hot tub figure, that thing belongs in an advent calender at most.
And they can't even include two extra helmets for luke and han, really? Those few extra cents would have definitely made the difference in this thousand dollar set, lego is doing very bad financially as we saw from their last report -_-"
I would flip if they put TubTrooper in an Advent Calendar.
Frankly, we're at the point where the ACs are heavily recyling older builds. I do appreciate that this year's calendar is doing something very, very differnt with an almost all-Droid series. If they did one themed around the weird corners of Lego Star Wars, like TubTroopers and minikits, that'd be awesome.
It's so funny that even in this 1000$ set, Lego is unable to print R2-D2 correctly.
It seems like we take it for granted that dual molded legs appear in a lot of Star Wars sets over the last few years. However last year only 3 SW minifigs have them and this year so far only 2 minifigs come with them. I'm not defending the lack in this set, I'm totally on the side that a premium set should have the best possible everything, but it feels like Lego is phasing them out.
Tarkin and Yularen are a godsend for everyone who failed to nab their copies of Waldorf and Statler in the Muppets CMF.
Embarrassing...
@CommandrCody212 said:
"Tarkin’s lack of dual molded legs does not bother me much, mainly because Peter Cushing famously wore slippers on set rather than the tall boots of Imperial personnel.
However failing to include them for the other officers is highly disappointing, and most egregious of all to me is that extra helmets were not included for Luke and Han. It’s an obvious cost-cutting measure since additional helmets were included in each of the previous large scale Death Stars. "
I thought the same thing about Tarkin and his cushy slippers, although he does actually wear boots in the wide shots. Still, while dual molded boots for the officers would make sense, I think minifigs are being wildly overenginered in general, and sometimes find the obsession with dual molding and arm prints a bit absurd. I actually prefer a C-3PO with clean arms and no jarring gray leg, for instance. The silver leg is not very noticeable in the movie, and I think the dash of silver they print on it is enough. Same goes for Han. He looks much better without the boots and stripes on his legs. I hope Tarkin comes in a set next year, as he's the only character here I need an updated version of! Perhaps with dual molded legs, just to peeve everyone off >:)
Lame figures just like this years SW advent calendar. There is nothing screaming premium flagship product here and LEGO's only selling point are Minifigures which design they protect at all cost.
I think most of us (including me) miss(ed) some major aspects regarding sets from TLG in recent times; if they release an expensive set in their lineup, it doesn't mean we'll get all the bells and whistles for the price. It's just a bigger set with the same corner cuts and constraints as a $50 or $150 set. They aren't Mattel who, in their buildable Hot Wheels car lineup, include more premium, more exclusive pieces according to the price. No. TLG just treats everything the same way.
Also, I bet most fans have spotted, TLG doesn't bat an eye at putting 'the' perfect iteration of a minifig in a set as that way they would lose the possibility of improving on it and sell in a later set.
It's really strange to me that they took the time to update the designs for Luke, Leia, Han, and Obi-Wan, when the previous designs were mostly fine (I think Luke benefits from the updates the most).
I don't exactly know how budgeting works with these sets, but I was under the impression that the designers only got a certain number of new prints they could use in a set. If that's true, it's bizarre that new prints were chosen for these characters, as opposed to printing the blank purple skirt for the Imperial dignitary, printing the back of the astromech, etc.
@J0rgen said:
" @CommandrCody212 said:
"Tarkin’s lack of dual molded legs does not bother me much, mainly because Peter Cushing famously wore slippers on set rather than the tall boots of Imperial personnel.
However failing to include them for the other officers is highly disappointing, and most egregious of all to me is that extra helmets were not included for Luke and Han. It’s an obvious cost-cutting measure since additional helmets were included in each of the previous large scale Death Stars. "
I thought the same thing about Tarkin and his cushy slippers, although he does actually wear boots in the wide shots. Still, while dual molded boots for the officers would make sense, I think minifigs are being wildly overenginered in general, and sometimes find the obsession with dual molding and arm prints a bit absurd. I actually prefer a C-3PO with clean arms and no jarring gray leg, for instance. The silver leg is not very noticeable in the movie, and I think the dash of silver they print on it is enough. Same goes for Han. He looks much better without the boots and stripes on his legs. I hope Tarkin comes in a set next year, as he's the only character here I need an updated version of! Perhaps with dual molded legs, just to peeve everyone off >:)"
The dual molding for the boots does not irk me as much as others, seeing as most if not all the officers will be seated around the meeting table, where their legs will not be as visible as some other figs...
Every time a review focuses on the minifigures, then I want the set. Even in this case, the urge to buy and play with them is HUGE.
But so is the price.
Maybe I need to calm down.
Unlikely that I will calm down.
@StudMuffin24 said:
" @J0rgen said:
" @CommandrCody212 said:
"Tarkin’s lack of dual molded legs does not bother me much, mainly because Peter Cushing famously wore slippers on set rather than the tall boots of Imperial personnel.
However failing to include them for the other officers is highly disappointing, and most egregious of all to me is that extra helmets were not included for Luke and Han. It’s an obvious cost-cutting measure since additional helmets were included in each of the previous large scale Death Stars. "
I thought the same thing about Tarkin and his cushy slippers, although he does actually wear boots in the wide shots. Still, while dual molded boots for the officers would make sense, I think minifigs are being wildly overenginered in general, and sometimes find the obsession with dual molding and arm prints a bit absurd. I actually prefer a C-3PO with clean arms and no jarring gray leg, for instance. The silver leg is not very noticeable in the movie, and I think the dash of silver they print on it is enough. Same goes for Han. He looks much better without the boots and stripes on his legs. I hope Tarkin comes in a set next year, as he's the only character here I need an updated version of! Perhaps with dual molded legs, just to peeve everyone off >:)"
The dual molding for the boots does not irk me as much as others, seeing as most if not all the officers will be seated around the meeting table, where their legs will not be as visible as some other figs..."
Still more visible than stormtrooper heads...
This whole set is just a test to see how much corner-cutting the average consumer will put up with
@ELH2806 said:
"This whole set is just a test to see how much corner-cutting the average consumer will put up with"
The average consumer won't be buying this $1000 set.
Yet another chapter of the disastrous saga that is the release of the Death Star set. Certainly doesn't feel like the sort of minifigure selection that the most expensive Lego Set of all time warrants.
@BrickmanNL said:
"they should have used one single head piece instead of unnecessary diverse stormtroopers who wear a helmet anyway"
You want to go home and rethink your life.
@xoddam said:
"Admiral Motti doesn't really look like the character. I would have done the same hairpiece as Tarkin and Yularen for Motti but in brown rather than dark tan.
Otherwise got no issues with the figs."
Exactly, that hairpiece looks like it was designed for him.
I am frequently on the other end of the incandescent rage spectrum, but I actually think this is a decent lineup of minifigures.
I get the desire for dual moulded legs but honestly that doesn't bother me that much. I can get them through pick a brick very easily. I'd far rather have the new torso designs and actual custom faces that resemble the actors, which have not been as common as I'd like in recent years.
I really like the new farmboy Luke, those tan legs give me 1999 vibes and I am very happy about that. I hope to see him in a cheaper set soon. I'm also glad the classic hair piece lives on for Obi-Wan.
I don't mind the omission of Jerjerrod - he wears the standard imperial uniform, always with a hat as far as I recall (so no room for a unique hairpiece), has pretty standard facial features, and has the most common rank plaque (3 blue 3 red, since in RotJ almost all Imperial officers have the same plaque incorrectly). In other words, the standard generic Imperial officer minifigure would look exactly like Jerjerrod.
@560heliport said:
" @ELH2806 said:
"This whole set is just a test to see how much corner-cutting the average consumer will put up with"
The average consumer won't be buying this $1000 set."
No, which honestly makes the figures being fairly half-baked and uninspiring even MORE galling. If consumers are shelling out premium dollars for an allegedly premium product, the figures should reflect that.
"Corner cutting" is exactly how I'd describe these figures. I understand that designers have a budget and they're working under, and I don't blame THEM - I blame the company for not granting them what should have been a premium budget.
@MisterBrickster said:
" @BrickmanNL said:
"they should have used one single head piece instead of unnecessary diverse stormtroopers who wear a helmet anyway"
You want to go home and rethink your life."
Deathsticks???
@StudMuffin24 said:
" @MisterBrickster said:
" @BrickmanNL said:
"they should have used one single head piece instead of unnecessary diverse stormtroopers who wear a helmet anyway"
You want to go home and rethink your life."
Deathsticks???"
You don't want to sell me death sticks.
A broken record here, but way too many cut corners. What should be a triumphant $1,000 set is just another Lego set that doesn’t wow or captivate people like it should.
@WokePope said:
" @560heliport said:
" @ELH2806 said:
"This whole set is just a test to see how much corner-cutting the average consumer will put up with"
The average consumer won't be buying this $1000 set."
No, which honestly makes the figures being fairly half-baked and uninspiring even MORE galling. If consumers are shelling out premium dollars for an allegedly premium product, the figures should reflect that.
"Corner cutting" is exactly how I'd describe these figures. I understand that designers have a budget and they're working under, and I don't blame THEM - I blame the company for not granting them what should have been a premium budget.
"
Oh, I completely agree that the minifigs in a thousand dollar set should all be the best versions.
But I wouldn't bother with printed heads for stormtroopers. With the exception of Finn (a First Order stormtrooper) we never see their faces.
Imperial officers should have dual-molded legs.
C-3PO should have a dual-molded right leg.
The Imperial dignitary should have a printed dress piece, and Leia should have both legs and a printed dress piece.
The astromech should have back printing.
@Rimefang said:
"Every time a review focuses on the minifigures, then I want the set. Even in this case, the urge to buy and play with them is HUGE.
But so is the price.
Maybe I need to calm down.
Unlikely that I will calm down."
I'm with you.
However, my anger over Lego's simultaneous
chinziness combined with unmitigated avarice is unrelenting. I think that is the reason why so many fans are upset. That is the best thing this set displays- greed and cheapness!
The LAN Captain duly noted and apologized for most of the flaws. Two more being excepted. First, the helmets for Luke and Han are also present in the cheeper progenitors and are absolutely necessary to reenact scenes crucial to this set as are binders for Chewy. Second, reusing young Luke's head for old Luke is not only more lazy stinginess, but manifestly inaccurate as he had plenty of scarring occur on screen and in real life.
The end result of these articles is something that I rarely feel with a Cap'n review, hot anger. Usually, the Cap'n has the ability to provide nuance and analysis that either make me want to buy or shrug derisively at the exposed flaws. I don't feel that here.
Instead, I am mystified and disappointed. I'm disappointed because I don't understand why the Cap'n likes this set. I don't understand why this set represents $1,000 of good value. I do understand that Lego brought in the whole LAN, treated them all to lots of goodies and posh accommodations, let them socialise and wine and dine. But, I don't understand why this unfinished, flat, thin, cheap, regurgitated diorama should be worth $1,000.
Regarding this review, I am mystified at all of the failures and shortcomings in this historically-expensive set. The minifigs are crucial. They are crucial to SW fans because the characters drive the story and put us in an exciting new universe.
They are even more important in a playset like this. They are even more important in this giant, thin, black and grey techno wonder. Have you seen this set without the figs? It is a vacant abscess.
Thus, the figs should have all been 'the best.' Failure to do so is worse than unacceptable. It is a slap in the face of the very fans who Lego has ridden through bankruptcy to historic profitability.
The figs should have been a celebration. Instead, they are horrible. Looking at them in this article shows the disconnect and glaring inconsistency between those that have lots of nice detail and those that don't. It's a bad look for a $1k set.
Lego wants to parade the strictness of their budget whilst asking their biggest fans to blow throw theirs. We've carried Lego long enough to expect better.
@jjr_2009 said:
"It's really strange to me that they took the time to update the designs for Luke, Leia, Han, and Obi-Wan, when the previous designs were mostly fine (I think Luke benefits from the updates the most).
I don't exactly know how budgeting works with these sets, but I was under the impression that the designers only got a certain number of new prints they could use in a set. If that's true, it's bizarre that new prints were chosen for these characters, as opposed to printing the blank purple skirt for the Imperial dignitary, printing the back of the astromech, etc."
Yes, the number of new prints for figures that could have come from other sets is odd. I wonder if these don't count as a change cost again this set, as Lego has plans for them next year and we are just getting them early in this set.
@StyleCounselor said:
"Instead, I am mystified and disappointed. I'm disappointed because I don't understand why the Cap'n likes this set. I don't understand why this set represents $1,000 of good value. I do understand that Lego brought in the whole LAN, treated them all to lots of goodies and posh accommodations, let them socialise and wine and dine. But, I don't understand why this unfinished, flat, thin, cheap, regurgitated diorama should be worth $1,000."
That is a complete fiction. I was invited to Billund with two other LAN members and we paid for our own travel and accommodation. LEGO did pay for dinner, however.
We were given no 'goodies' other than the Death Star itself, which we received as part of the LAN review program and had nothing to do with visiting Billund.
Listen, I understand the flaws and all, but I'm just disappointed that this set includes a LEGO Director Krennic and no one has said the line yet. Fine, I'll do it....
This is Krennic's opinion of all of you:
"LEGO STAR WARS! SYNTHETIC LEGO! LEGO ALTERNATIVES! LEGO SUBSTITUTES! I mean the amount of time spent pondering these grubby little bits of plastic is sadly astonishing."
By now I really like this set and the only major flaw it has in my opinion are the minifigs. They are just so lackluster and needed to feel more premium, I don't know why the designers decided to update the main cat when there were other more necessary prints and things for figures that needed attention.
@brokeNbricks said:
"Also want to sit down with some Lego designers and ask why does the buildable C-3PO have a minifigure with a dual molded leg for £125 but the £430 sail barge and £900 Death Star don't. "
Read the interview Brickset posted September 4th
Thank you for your reviews - there’s a lot of time & effort that clearly goes in to them.
I like this set; it neatly captures pretty much every significant scene that happens on board the Death Star in the OT, which is about my limit when it comes to LEGO Star Wars. And it’s all cleverly slotted in a frame that gives the implication of the structure without the bulk. Having seen the old sort-of-spherical versions at friends’ homes, I prefer this more streamlined approach.
And I’m with the poster who doesn’t care re C-3PO’s leg. Had not even registered it was silver until I read about it on Lego sites. It really doesn’t stand out in the movies the way it does in a dual-molded minifig. I appreciate that I’m in a minority here though.
@Flyingfish2023 said:
"Thank you for your reviews - there’s a lot of time & effort that clearly goes in to them.
I like this set; it neatly captures pretty much every significant scene that happens on board the Death Star in the OT, which is about my limit when it comes to LEGO Star Wars. And it’s all cleverly slotted in a frame that gives the implication of the structure without the bulk. Having seen the old sort-of-spherical versions at friends’ homes, I prefer this more streamlined approach.
And I’m with the poster who doesn’t care re C-3PO’s leg. Had not even registered it was silver until I read about it on Lego sites. It really doesn’t stand out in the movies the way it does in a dual-molded minifig. I appreciate that I’m in a minority here though."
I'm with you - this is a top 3 if not best star wars set of all time - I don't understand (most of) the hate...especially for the build...
A reminder of Lego's growth report:
https://brickset.com/article/124366/lego-achieves-continued-growth-and-record-revenue-in-1h-2025
'Revenue grew 12% to a record DKK 34.6 billion.' =
£4,007,019,080.00 Pound sterling
$5,424,276,600.00 United States Dollar
Yet not a single drop of dual-moulded legs.
The set costs £899.99.
Lego don't need to cut costs with the most expensive set.
As a designer, if they cared about quality, they should have gone all in.
I brought dual moulded legs at the build-a-minifigure table for the 3 pack.
They are not an exclusive piece.
Not sure what logic exists to explain their absence in this set.
We were on the verge of greatness. We were this close.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"Instead, I am mystified and disappointed. I'm disappointed because I don't understand why the Cap'n likes this set. I don't understand why this set represents $1,000 of good value. I do understand that Lego brought in the whole LAN, treated them all to lots of goodies and posh accommodations, let them socialise and wine and dine. But, I don't understand why this unfinished, flat, thin, cheap, regurgitated diorama should be worth $1,000."
That is a complete fiction. I was invited to Billund with two other LAN members and we paid for our own travel and accommodation. LEGO did pay for dinner, however.
We were given no 'goodies' other than the Death Star itself, which we received as part of the LAN review program and had nothing to do with visiting Billund."
A) What was for dinner and did they include dessert?
2) Please tell me that you didn't have to carry the Death Star back with you.
3) Next time you go, can you pick me up a 40504 Pirate? :o)
@StudMuffin24 said:
" @Flyingfish2023 said:
"Thank you for your reviews - there’s a lot of time & effort that clearly goes in to them.
I like this set; it neatly captures pretty much every significant scene that happens on board the Death Star in the OT, which is about my limit when it comes to LEGO Star Wars. And it’s all cleverly slotted in a frame that gives the implication of the structure without the bulk. Having seen the old sort-of-spherical versions at friends’ homes, I prefer this more streamlined approach.
And I’m with the poster who doesn’t care re C-3PO’s leg. Had not even registered it was silver until I read about it on Lego sites. It really doesn’t stand out in the movies the way it does in a dual-molded minifig. I appreciate that I’m in a minority here though."
I'm with you - this is a top 3 if not best star wars set of all time - I don't understand (most of) the hate...especially for the build..."
I agree. It's an amazing $600 set. It's even a great $800-850 set. Here's why I hate it at $1,000 (in order of importance):
1. The price.
2. It's big and one-dimensional.
3. It doesn't do anything special.
4. Most of what it does has been done better in previous smaller sets.
5. The figs are boring because we already have them or they're seriously, cheaply flawed- especially every one of them that matters.
6. The sides have no decoration other than plain tiles and a superlaser (that part is cool, but makes the rest look all the more plain).
7. 50 stickers, especially placed in high traffic areas on the floor.
8. Unfinished back.
9. The GWP is a 4+ set that was put together by the designer's infant son's dog.
10. Lego Star Wars' historic inflationary greed and the current team's notorious lack of attention to detail has reached epic proportions this summer.
11. Laborious construction. (Brickfanatics, BrothersBrick, Bricksie).
12. No cover on the trash compactor or barrier to the Darth-Obi duel space.
13. Several important areas weren't made modular so are almost impossible to enjoy (meeting room and hangar control room).
And, finally, for now, 14. My favorite, trusted Lego set reviewer likes it, and won't tell me why!! ;)
@CapnRex101 said:
" Basically, dual-moulded legs are more costly than equivalent parts, even when already in production for other sets. Cost, choices and compromises are never likely to be satisfying answers, especially in relation to such an expensive set, but the Death Star had a budget for elements like any other set, ultimately."
It's all excuses at this point. They can do it. They know what they are doing.
Creating such piece in such quanities probably costs them less than few cents.
@Rimefang said:
"Every time a review focuses on the minifigures, then I want the set. Even in this case, the urge to buy and play with them is HUGE.
But so is the price.
Maybe I need to calm down.
Unlikely that I will calm down."
It's funny because I'm the exact opposite, never cared once for figs and half of mine are lost somewhere. I understand the importance of them to many people in order to bring a set to life, but to me they only eat into the design budget. Hence I've stopped collecting certain themes where much of the budget is allocated towards the graphic design of the minifigs as I'm paying extra for something that doesn't give me any additional value.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"Instead, I am mystified and disappointed. I'm disappointed because I don't understand why the Cap'n likes this set. I don't understand why this set represents $1,000 of good value. I do understand that Lego brought in the whole LAN, treated them all to lots of goodies and posh accommodations, let them socialise and wine and dine. But, I don't understand why this unfinished, flat, thin, cheap, regurgitated diorama should be worth $1,000."
That is a complete fiction. I was invited to Billund with two other LAN members and we paid for our own travel and accommodation. LEGO did pay for dinner, however.
We were given no 'goodies' other than the Death Star itself, which we received as part of the LAN review program and had nothing to do with visiting Billund."
I'm sorry that your had to pay for your own flight and room. I'm sure they'll make it up to you, somehow.
If you don't consider a $1,000 set, the accompanying GWP, desert after dinner, and sweet, sweet exclusive interviews for your monetized website to be 'goodies,' then you have a wierd definition of 'goody.'
What else do you need LAN Captain? A bag of cash under your pillow?
"In addition to his ever-present bowcaster, Chewbacca is equipped with a grey pipe, needed to brace the walls of the trash compactor when they close." I'm reminded of seeing something somewhere pointing out how incongruous that pipe was if you think about it, imagining some stormtrooper going, "Anybody need a big pipe? I'm just going to throw it away..."
"[T]he male head is generally used for War Machine in Marvel sets." Rhodey! I thought better of you!
@Spike730 said:"Tarkin has way too much hair."
That's what I thought, but to be honest, I can't think of a better piece, and even if they were going to create a new one, it would still have to clear the stud on the top of his head, so I'm not sure how much better they could do.
@Crux said:"Tarkin and Yularen are a godsend for everyone who failed to nab their copies of Waldorf and Statler in the Muppets CMF."
Doh hoh hoh!
@MisterBrickster said:"I'm also glad the classic hair piece lives on for Obi-Wan."
Same here, I grew up with that piece.
@IgelCampus said:
"It's so funny that even in this 1000$ set, Lego is unable to print R2-D2 correctly. "
I don't know why you would expect otherwise, and not in an "I assume you think Lego always cheaps out" way. I mean in a "by what mechanism would this difference in print accuracy exist?" way. It's not like 75419 features hand-crafted pieces. It's made of broadly the same pieces, manufactured under the exact same conditions, as any other set. If Lego could consistently get R2's dome printed straight for 75419, they'd also be able to do it for, say, 75360.
@StyleCounselor said:
" @StudMuffin24 said:
" @Flyingfish2023 said:
"Thank you for your reviews - there’s a lot of time & effort that clearly goes in to them.
I like this set; it neatly captures pretty much every significant scene that happens on board the Death Star in the OT, which is about my limit when it comes to LEGO Star Wars. And it’s all cleverly slotted in a frame that gives the implication of the structure without the bulk. Having seen the old sort-of-spherical versions at friends’ homes, I prefer this more streamlined approach.
And I’m with the poster who doesn’t care re C-3PO’s leg. Had not even registered it was silver until I read about it on Lego sites. It really doesn’t stand out in the movies the way it does in a dual-molded minifig. I appreciate that I’m in a minority here though."
I'm with you - this is a top 3 if not best star wars set of all time - I don't understand (most of) the hate...especially for the build..."
I agree. It's an amazing $600 set. It's even a great $800-850 set. Here's why I hate it at $1,000 (in order of importance):
1. The price.
2. It's big and one-dimensional.
3. It doesn't do anything special.
4. Most of what it does has been done better in previous smaller sets.
5. The figs are boring because we already have them or they're seriously, cheaply flawed- especially every one of them that matters.
6. The sides have no decoration other than plain tiles and a superlaser (that part is cool, but makes the rest look all the more plain).
7. 50 stickers, especially placed in high traffic areas on the floor.
8. Unfinished back.
9. The GWP is a 4+ set that was put together by the designer's infant son's dog.
10. Lego Star Wars' historic inflationary greed and the current team's notorious lack of attention to detail has reached epic proportions this summer.
11. Laborious construction. (Brickfanatics, BrothersBrick, Bricksie).
12. No cover on the trash compactor or barrier to the Darth-Obi duel space.
13. Several important areas weren't made modular so are almost impossible to enjoy (meeting room and hangar control room).
And, finally, for now, 14. My favorite, trusted Lego set reviewer likes it, and won't tell me why!! ;)"
1: yea ok I get it $1000 is a lot
2: I sort of agree but this was the best way to do it without minimizing interior space...
3: sideways master builder series cloud city *shrugs*
4: name a few
5: There are a few gems - and I can get behind the gripe about Threepio's leg...
6:The best part about a 2D build - Who's gonna be looking at the sides???
7: There were always going to be stickers - marvel sets are worse.
8: No one will be looking at the back!
9: Yep it sucks but if its that bad - just don't put it in the hangar!!! Sell it, and with that money buy more troops to populate the death star!
10: Don't blame it on the designers...(donate to my GoFundMe to buy TLG ;))
11: I actually don't like more technicky sets in general - I enjoyed the marvel modulars and the ucs Jango Fett's starship much more than the UCS venator, but that's just me...
12: I actually like that aspect - it makes it seem so much more open and less like a bunch of stacked dioramas
13: No comment, 100% fair argument.
14: The LAN is trying to "There is no war in Ba Sing Se" their fans and it ain't working.
@StyleCounselor said:
"And, finally, for now, 14. My favorite, trusted Lego set reviewer likes it, and won't tell me why!! ;)"
I have explained repeatedly and in my original review article, but for absolute clarity:
1. I like the format and have yet to see a better alternative presented; at least a practical one.
2. The model has exceptional presence on display, more than pretty much any other set.
3. Almost every room is richly and accurately detailed. Only the Emperor's throne room is a little underwhelming, to me.
4. The functions are well executed, especially the turbolift.
5. I appreciate the Easter eggs and the model includes everything I hoped it would, with a couple of small exceptions like some reference to the Geonosians and the Sith wayfinder.
6. Though it is far from perfect, I am happy with the minifigure selection overall and Galen Erso in particular.
I also have criticisms of the set, discussed in considerable detail, but those do not outweigh its qualities, in my opinion. Others are welcome to disagree and I am not seeking to persuade anyone; just give my views as in all reviews.
@StudMuffin24 said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @StudMuffin24 said:
" @Flyingfish2023 said:
"Thank you for your reviews - there’s a lot of time & effort that clearly goes in to them.
I like this set; it neatly captures pretty much every significant scene that happens on board the Death Star in the OT, which is about my limit when it comes to LEGO Star Wars. And it’s all cleverly slotted in a frame that gives the implication of the structure without the bulk. Having seen the old sort-of-spherical versions at friends’ homes, I prefer this more streamlined approach.
And I’m with the poster who doesn’t care re C-3PO’s leg. Had not even registered it was silver until I read about it on Lego sites. It really doesn’t stand out in the movies the way it does in a dual-molded minifig. I appreciate that I’m in a minority here though."
I'm with you - this is a top 3 if not best star wars set of all time - I don't understand (most of) the hate...especially for the build..."
I agree. It's an amazing $600 set. It's even a great $800-850 set. Here's why I hate it at $1,000 (in order of importance):
1. The price.
2. It's big and one-dimensional.
3. It doesn't do anything special.
4. Most of what it does has been done better in previous smaller sets.
5. The figs are boring because we already have them or they're seriously, cheaply flawed- especially every one of them that matters.
6. The sides have no decoration other than plain tiles and a superlaser (that part is cool, but makes the rest look all the more plain).
7. 50 stickers, especially placed in high traffic areas on the floor.
8. Unfinished back.
9. The GWP is a 4+ set that was put together by the designer's infant son's dog.
10. Lego Star Wars' historic inflationary greed and the current team's notorious lack of attention to detail has reached epic proportions this summer.
11. Laborious construction. (Brickfanatics, BrothersBrick, Bricksie).
12. No cover on the trash compactor or barrier to the Darth-Obi duel space.
13. Several important areas weren't made modular so are almost impossible to enjoy (meeting room and hangar control room).
And, finally, for now, 14. My favorite, trusted Lego set reviewer likes it, and won't tell me why!! ;)"
1: yea ok I get it $1000 is a lot
2: I sort of agree but this was the best way to do it without minimizing interior space...
3: sideways master builder series cloud city *shrugs*
4: name a few
5: There are a few gems - and I can get behind the gripe about Threepio's leg...
6:The best part about a 2D build - Who's gonna be looking at the sides???
7: There were always going to be stickers - marvel sets are worse.
8: No one will be looking at the back!
9: Yep it sucks but if its that bad - just don't put it in the hangar!!! Sell it, and with that money buy more troops to populate the death star!
10: Don't blame it on the designers...(donate to my GoFundMe to buy TLG ;))
11: I actually don't like more technicky sets in general - I enjoyed the marvel modulars and the ucs Jango Fett's starship much more than the UCS venator, but that's just me...
12: I actually like that aspect - it makes it seem so much more open and less like a bunch of stacked dioramas
13: No comment, 100% fair argument.
14: The LAN is trying to "There is no war in Ba Sing Se" their fans and it ain't working."
1. It's historically poor to ask for the most and give the least. Is this, "Only the Best is Good Enough" for the most expensive set ever?
4. 75352 : Emperor's Throne Room Diorama; 75339 : Death Star Trash Compactor Diorama; for the meeting room, cell block ( 10188 and 75159 : Death Star); and turbo laser (Please log in to post comments on this article.
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