Star Wars Advent Calendar - Day 20

I feel like this has the same issue as the Escape Pod, where it looks cool but has little value as a display piece and absolutely none in the play value department.

Also, if you don't know the source material (though I assume that everyone who bought this does, lol), this has a similar problem to the Ach-to island minibuild, except maybe not as bad.

@golem25

I don’t know what to say to you.

Well not the best of the builds of this advent, but certainly not the worst and again apricate those awesome 1x1 round studs with handle piece.

That trans-light blue bar is the newer frosted one - much cleaner look in my opinion over the clear versions which sometimes show ugly air bubbles trapped in the injected plastic.

Should've been a red lightsaber blade for accuracy. Oh well, maybe in another four years' time.

@Matt_Z_ said: "HP’s offering contains 4 printed tiles, previously only found in a book (not even an official LEGO set).

To be continued…"

I mean, it's official LEGO. Just not a *traditional* set.

Thanks for the review!

@Matt_Z_ said:
"Battle of the Licensed Advent Calendars continues. Day 19 saw HP’s good offering stymied by SW’s better one, bringing the score to 10-9 in HP’s favor. With only a few days remaining, each theme must bring it’s A-game as time is running out on this advent calendar competition. Let’s find out which calendar takes the point on a crucial Day 20.

Behind HP’s door is a buildable plinth displaying the Hogwarts house crests/colors. At first glance, it appears that this structure is only a part of a greater model, as evidence by the studs on top of the foundation. That said, the stonework itself is well designed but the real star here are four, 2x2 printed tiles (yes, printed) depicting the 4 houses of Hogwarts. The inclusion of printed tiles in any set, let alone an advent calendar, is an increasing rarity these days. These tiles are only found in one other set (ie. a book) and the fact that they are presented here is not only shocking but a real treasure for HP collectors/MOCers. The printing is detailed on each, with the name of each house printed below the image of the house crest. An added bonus is the fact that each tile has its own color rather than the four tiles being printed on standard medium stone grey, which might have been the easier way out for TLG. While the model cannot achieve a perfect score on the basis that it is incomplete, the presence of the four colored printed tiles, makes this one of the most unique offerings in the advent calendar to date.

On the flip side, SW fans received a buildable rendition of Hoth’s Echo Base (north entrance) on Day 20. Hoth style mini builds have appeared in many SW Advent Calendars in the past, and as the reviewer correctly notes, the closest comparison is likely the 2015 edition of the SW advent calendar. The build is straightforward and represents a scene from the film but does not offer much in terms of unique pieces. The trans-light blue lightsaber is a welcome upgrade from 2015’s green one, although both elements are fairly common (a dedicated SW fan will determine whether light blue lasers are screen-accurate vs green). That said, the score of 3.5 for today’s entry certainly raised this reviewer’s eyebrows as compared to other entries in both calendars, today’s model does not boldly shout 3.5/5.

In conclusion, I for one was surprised to see that both entries received similar scores today by the article’s reviewer. Based on comparables across both calendars, I expected HP’s model to be closer to a 4.5 while SW’s entry closer to a 3. HP’s offering contains 4 printed tiles, previously only found in a book (not even an official LEGO set). The rarity of printed pieces in an advent calendar cannot be understated or undersold, and even the $500+ Hogwarts Castle set produced stickers over printed tiles. The fact that each tile has its own color is just icing on the Hoth-cake.

All things considered, both models received similar scores. If we then turn to novelty of the build and rarity of elements, then it becomes clear that HP takes today’s point, albeit in a closer match-up then originally surmised. With this result, HP takes back its two point lead and SW is now entering dangerous territory with only 4 days remaining. The score is now:

HP- 11
SW- 9

To be continued…"

Notwithstanding my bias towards all things Star Wars and dislike of all things Harry Potter I have up to today, grudgingly, saw the reasoning behind your decisions to award some points to inferior Harry Potter efforts!!! But today methinks you don't want Star Wars to win!!! How what is essentially a box can be better than Echo Base is beyond me. If CapnRex can only award 3.5 out of 5 to this then I question his impartiality as well!!!!
Bring back Huwbot!!
Seriously though your battle of the Advent Calendars commentary is very much appreciated and has enlivened this year's Advent Calendar. Thank you both.

@denn said:
"odd they didn't make that part ("hinge brick 1 x 2 top" on BL) white, as bricklink shows such a thing exists "

is it currently in production? there is alot in the process ppl don't get... i liked the entire calendar it isn't perfect but it is fun for all ages

@milflinn said:
"is it currently in production? there is alot in the process ppl don't get... i liked the entire calendar it isn't perfect but it is fun for all ages"

The part was in 4+ sets in white in 2019.

Actually, to be truely accurate to the movies, you'd need a trans pink/purple blade as the Hoth cannon fires a purplish coloured bolt. The Mace Windu blade is too dark however. But, in expanded universe material, Ie, the video games, Ion bolts are cerulean blue... like the one provided in this build.

That said however.. This is a complete build rather then a part build, is instantly recognisable, and is technically on theme of 'winter and christmas', being a rendition of an ice planet. It deserves more points then given.

@Golem25 said:
"Very decent. Nice to have something other than Sequel Trilogy stuff after seeing that horrid, horrid movie released this week."

Why do you purchase Star Wars related items when you are clearly not a fan. Just got home from seeing The Rise of Skywalker, and one word "Incredible"

@Matt_Z_--I'm sorry you won't be able to continue the Battle of the Licensed Advent Calendars, which has been so enjoyable, to its conclusion! Best wishes for the rest of the holiday season, and thank you for bringing some extra smiles with your friendly competition!