Review: 75947 Hagrid's Hut: Buckbeak's Rescue
Posted by CapnRex101,
Particular subjects have appeared on numerous occasions within the popular Harry Potter range and Hagrid's Hut is a tremendous example. This tiny dwelling appears prominently in each Harry Potter book while its external appearance varies between films, enabling LEGO to create multiple sets with little repetition.
75947 Hagrid's Hut: Buckbeak's Rescue focuses upon Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban so the cabin includes two sections, reflecting its appearance during that movie. Furthermore, an outstanding collection of minifigures are included, most of which are new, along with Buckbeak who looks fantastic in official images.
Minifigures
Six different Harry Potter minifigures were released last year but this version is new, wearing his dark blue jacket from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Unfortunately, the arms are not decorated with the white stripes shown onscreen but Harry's new head looks brilliant and I like this tousled hair piece as well, despite Harry's hairstyle changing substantially between the second and third movies.
Ron Weasley accompanies Harry in this set, featuring another new head with smiling and frustrated expressions. The same element appears in 75948 Hogwarts Clock Tower but this torso is exclusively found here. Dark red is a reasonable colour choice but the texture on Ron's jumper could certainly be improved with more intricate detail that would better reflect its loose knit design from the film.
An entirely new hair piece was created for Hermione Granger during 2018, based upon her hairstyle from the first two movies. This minifigure features a different element which has not been produced in reddish brown previously and suits the character perfectly. This head is similarly impressive, featuring some freckles along with a smile on one side and an angry expression on the other.
Hermione's magical Time-Turner occupies a vital role during Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban so its inclusion is very pleasing. The pink jacket is equally faithful to the source material and each hero features medium legs, allowing them to sit down or walk like standard minifigures. The characters also come with their respective wands.
Rubeus Hagrid only appeared in 75954 Hogwarts Great Hall during 2018 so I am pleased to see him again in a smaller set, potentially enabling more Harry Potter fans to add this impressive figure to their collections. Hagrid is considerably taller than a traditional minifigure, comprising short legs and a large torso component. The medium nougat, reddish brown and dark brown design looks fantastic, although texture is somewhat lacking.
Both arms are connected to the torso using Technic pins but they feature the standard articulation and the hands match other minifigures. Hagrid's immense hair and beard component fits perfectly over his broad shoulders and the head underneath is highly detailed too, despite being concealed beneath the hair piece. This character carries a lantern and a pink umbrella that contains parts of his broken wand.
Almost seventy characters have appeared across the entire Harry Potter theme but Cornelius Fudge has not been among them, until now. The cowardly Minister for Magic makes wonderful use of a head which was originally created for Ken Wheatley from the Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom subtheme but seems ideal for Fudge. The suit and bowler hat are similarly faithful to his appearance in the movie.
The final character is also new. Walden Macnair works as an executioner for the Ministry of Magic so features a ragged executioner's hood, leaving only his eyes and mouth visible. This design is great but the flesh tone appears slightly washed out because it has been printed against a dark colour. I love the tattered details though and these continue onto the back of Macnair's head as well as his torso.
However, dual-moulded arms would have been effective here, more accurately representing his short sleeves from the film. Macnair wields an enormous execution axe, featuring an elongated blade which is ingeniously constructed using a standard axe head beside an ice skate. It therefore appears brilliant when compared with the weapon onscreen.
The Completed Model
Buckbeak has appeared in three LEGO sets but this example is definitely my favourite. It included far greater detail than past versions, combining intricate feathered texture with printed designs across his head. I am particularly pleased with the Hippogriff's bright yellow eyes and its claws look excellent too, although there is no leg articulation which is a shame.
However, the head and wings are hinged, enabling Buckbeak to bow. This combination of light bluish grey and dark bluish grey is reasonable, although his actual colour in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is significantly lighter. White would not be appropriate though so I think this is the best colour choice available. There is space for a minifigure to occupy the four studs on Buckbeak's back.
Huge pumpkins are grown outside Hagrid's hut, in preparation for the annual Hallowe'en feast. Four new pumpkins are therefore included and these interesting pieces look superb while the surrounding environment is equally detailed, featuring bright green, dark green and green foliage! There is a post where Buckbeak can be secured among the pumpkins. This seems quite simple but the lock around the creature's neck is cleverly constructed.
Hagrid's cosy hut is shown to comprise two adjoining structures during the latter Harry Potter movies but that has never been reflected in a minifigure-scale LEGO model. This rendition therefore seems distinctive and its octagonal shape has been replicated beautifully, although the structure measures 23cm wide so is smaller than I anticipated. The grey, dark tan and olive green colours are lovely though, depicting roughly hewn brickwork.
The larger section is predominantly dark bluish grey, although there are some reddish brown accents that resemble wood. Stickers form the realistic wood graining on the door and some moss on the side of the building. A single panel forms this whole wall which seems odd, although that was necessary to strengthen the fireplace. However, I think the exposed Technic brick could have been concealed.
Similar building techniques are employed for the smaller part of Hagrid's hut. The door is identical and looks good but the wooden steps have been shortened considerably in relation to the movie. I love the angular roof though. A few sand green 1x2 curved slopes are situated here, perhaps making reference to past models of this building which have sometimes featured sand green roofs.
Turning the model around reveals its open interior. Buildings without a rear wall are frequently divisive so I understand this might disappoint some people, especially since earlier models have been entirely enclosed. However, I think this design is quite effective, allowing easy access to the interior while also maintaining reasonable depth so there is plenty of room to place furniture and minifigures.
Intricate detail dominates the interior. Two seats are situated around a table beside the fireplace while the opposite side of the room is occupied by a large armchair. Hagrid cannot actually sit down but this furniture looks wonderful and I like the accessories which are kept in here as well. A cleaver, a bucket, a whip, a spoon and a golden pan hang from the rafters while further items are placed in a box beside the door.
Each item is easily removable so you provide more space for minifigures. The imposing fireplace, on the other hand, is integral to the structure and includes an attractive wooden mantelpiece. In addition, pushing down on a roof panel will activate a light brick inside the chimney breast, thereby illuminating the flames. Hagrid is keeping a tan egg beside the fire, presumably representing the dragon egg from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone!
The second chamber is more sparsely furnished but includes a writing desk and a chest containing a reddish brown chocolate frog. You can also find a printed newspaper, a candle and a medium nougat spider wandering across the roof beams. The structures are joined using Technic pins which typically provide a secure connection but these feel fragile so I would suggest adding plates beneath the floor.
Overall
75947 Hagrid's Hut: Buckbeak's Rescue is an exceptionally enjoyable set. The minifigure selection is absolutely fantastic and I love the new Buckbeak, particularly given the splendid printed detail around his head. The colourful pumpkin patch is also a welcome addition while the hut itself looks marvellous from the exterior, replicating its ramshackle design onscreen.
The interior is intricately detailed and the absence of a rear wall has little impact upon its display value in my opinion. This set costs £49.99 or $59.99 which feels quite expensive based upon the size of the hut, although the generous quantity of minifigures and new Hippogriff element should be taken into consideration. Even so, I would recommend waiting for a discount if you are intending to purchase this set.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your opinion of the set in the comments.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review is an expression of my own opinions.
127 likes
27 comments on this article
Amazing hippogriff, and a nicely comprehensive review.
Did they miss a trick, however, by not making this a hinged, opening building...?
Superb review and set, but unfortunately not distinctive enough for me to forsake my previous 2010 rendition. I sorely wish that Buckbeak was included in another set.
You will need to buy a couple of them to close the hut. Dissapointing.
Thanks for a great review. I was on the fence about this but now I'm all in, but:
Wait for a discount, then buy two copies and combine them!
It's cute that you think it's expensive based on the lower UK and US price, in Switzerland it costs 75 CHF....
This is a great set, very detailed and reasonably priced with a comprehensive minifigure selection and a clever build. I don't generally buy buildings because you can't swoosh them, but if I did this would be a day one buy.
This looks cool, for a dark moment in these films but a great builds as well.
This pretty much reflects my initial thoughts. Lovely set, overpriced!
This is the one I've been waiting for and the new knight bus, great review and wonderful set which I'm dying to buy...
If it were cheaper, this would make a great parts pack.
Wonder if Buckbeak will eat the pumpkins?
The new Buckbeak’s head does not look very Lego-y.
Lego knew this was the best set of the wave, so it’s no surprise they made it the most overpriced.
Unnecesary lightbrick, unnecesary Potter figure, No Fang. No movable legs for gryphon
Medicore set.
Shame. I expected more for such high price.
Hagrid's Hut in 71043 Hogwarts Castle is rendered as two adjoining structures. And it has a rear wall :)
I was on the fence about this but watched the film today and it convinced me. The hut looks great compared to the earlier versions of which I have two.
Prisoner of Azkaban is easily my favourite HP film so I really want the figs and Buckbeak although Hermione's head print is offputtingly bad and I am getting the Harry fig in the Expecto Patronum set.
Feels weird to have an overpriced HP set. Standout sets overall though
From cover photos I didn't even notice that it's only half of the hut! Very disappointing. I also can't understand why Buckbeak doesn't have movable legs. But otherwise it looks nice.
I'm probably not going to purchase this set, but holy studs, Buckbeak looks *amazing*.
Thanks for the review! Yours and JANGBRiCKS' review have greatly persuaded me to buy this set. Too bad there's no Fang but I love the minifigs here. But, alas, a little too pricey. More like $45 or $50 to me.
Small building, lots of minifigs. I guess we know what sells licensed Lego sets?
I quite like the set overall and it's a definite buy. The use of the ice skate blade is brilliant. A+ to the designer who thought that up.
@SeekerBear:
Only if they're made of meat.
@Purple Dave
Naw, 'Arry, Beaky 's goin' vegan. There ain't nothin' ter worry 'bout, I've almos' got 'im to stop eatin' mah own dinner.
Really like this set, but I was able to build a pretty accurate rendition of it using parts in my collection (which includes Hagrid's hut from 2004 and Buckbeak from Sirius Black's escape). Works for me; glad I don't have to buy it, but still got to enjoy the build =)
A teapot but no tea cups? Is this a ploy to buy several professor Trelawnys?
It’s a very attractive set and as someone who has only one HP set I find myself wanting to get this.
Excellent review!
Great set this. Looks really good and I enjoyed the build. Not too bothered about having an open back, after all if it didn't it would be more pieces and more expensive. Haven't tried it, but I guess you could build your own hinged or removeable back to it.
People are saying it is too expensive for the part count, but given the number of HP figures included price is around what I would expect. Shame no Fang, but Buckbeak is superb and good to see Fudge and Macnair included.