Review: 75978 Diagon Alley
Posted by CapnRex101,
Diagon Alley appears regularly throughout the Harry Potter series, representing the delightful magical aspects of the Wizarding World. 75978 Diagon Alley looks accordingly spectacular and contains various significant buildings from this renowned shopping street.
Each structure exhibits tremendous accuracy when compared with their respective onscreen equivalents and the consistent detail is exceptional, matching the Modular Buildings in some respects! Fourteen excellent minifigures are included as well, several of which are brand new.
Box and Contents
Despite encapsulating positivity within the Wizarding World, 75978 Diagon Alley is displayed against cloudy skies, failing to accentuate its bright colours from the movie. Nevertheless, the model is clearly displayed on the front and its impressive interior detail appears on the reverse, beside several inset images of the minifigures exploring each shop along Diagon Alley.
Forty bags of parts are included, numbered between one and twenty, alongside a small box which contains something not shown in official images! This was an enjoyable surprise and I would recommend avoiding the spoiler if you are intending to purchase the set. However, you can view the concealed item in a separate article here.
Different instruction manuals are provided for each building and they also include information about the various shops. This set was designed by Marcos Bessa and his comments are kept for the final pages, unusually, but I was interested to read about the reference material for this model. Certain sections of Diagon Alley appear extremely briefly onscreen so photos from the original set were used when developing these models.
The stickers are separated in accordance with the instruction manuals, including 109 stickers across four sheets! These stickers appear intimidating upon opening the box and some of the smaller stickers are somewhat difficult to apply, although the majority are rather simple. These designs include numerous authentic details and really bring Diagon Alley to life.
Minifigures
Hogwarts uniforms differ substantially during the film series and the associated minifigures are equally varied. The new Harry Potter minifigure therefore wears a black robe with a Hogwarts crest on the torso. The dark red highlights on both sides look great and I love this double-sided head, featuring a smiling expression and another face with soot from the fireplace at Borgin and Burkes!
Ron Weasley includes the same torso as Harry but pairs this component with sand blue legs, rather than a dark brown element. Moreover, his double-sided head remains unchanged from previous sets, displaying the same happy and frightened expressions. The white highlights in both eyes accordingly appear unusually large, matching past depictions of the character.
The same torso element appears again with Hermione Granger, reflecting their similar attire when visiting Diagon Alley during Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. However, they do wear different clothing beneath their black robe and Hermione's striped jumper is quite striking so its absence here is noticeable. Nevertheless, I like the double-sided head and this textured hair piece looks magnificent.
Despite beginning her Hogwarts schooling shortly afterwards, Ginny Weasley sports typical clothes during the trip to Diagon Alley and that is reflected by her minifigure. The pink blouse has been created specifically for this character and looks excellent while the head appears in three other sets, originating with Susan Bones in 75954 Hogwarts Great Hall. Naturally, these four characters include short legs because they are relatively young.
4840 The Burrow and 75980 Attack on the Burrow offer the only previous versions of Molly Weasley, although this example departs quite substantially from its predecessors. The vivid lavender attire is more colourful than past minifigures but closely resembles this character in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and the folded hood on her back appears accurate too.
This hair component was originally released for Qi'ra from Star Wars but was ideal for Molly Weasley in 75980 Attack on the Burrow. This part seems less suitable here when compared with the movie. Nevertheless, Molly's double-sided head appears delightfully friendly, as one might envisage since it was actually designed for Helga Hufflepuff in 71043 Hogwarts Castle.
Fred Weasley and George Weasley appear prominently throughout the Harry Potter series, although their frequent absence from action scenes has resulted in them appearing just twice before as minifigures! While the depictions from 10217 Diagon Alley were completely identical, these figures are not because they include unique heads and varying torsos. The latter detail seems particularly notable as their different attire could have been overlooked.
Both minifigures wear reddish brown jackets with intricate stripes but their varied waistcoats, shirts and ties look brilliant. These correspond precisely with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and feature accurate 'W' emblems from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. In addition, I love their double-sided heads and particularly appreciate George's laughing face, given the relative scarcity of such expressions on minifigures.
Draco Malfoy wears similar robes to his classmates from Hogwarts, although they inevitably feature the Slytherin emblem. His dark green and sand green tie deviates from the movie but looks splendid and the head is perfect, displaying sneering and angry facial expressions. The blonde hair piece seems equally fitting when compared with the original character.
Following several references to the character during Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Lucius Malfoy first appears when Harry inadvertently arrives at Borgin and Burkes during the second book. This minifigure features an impressive blonde hair component that has not been available in this colour before and his attire looks appropriately refined. However, I think Lucius Malfoy is deserving of a unique head to replace this generic design.
Lucius carries a 3L bar which represents his distinctive walking cane and contains his wand. The ornamental snake carving is excluded and I think the cane would benefit from attaching a light bluish grey 1x1 round plate with a hole at its end. Surprisingly, the other characters are not provided with their wands. More than enough accessories to equip everyone are available inside Ollivanders though.
Rubeus Hagrid accompanies Harry during his initial visit to Diagon Alley and subsequently rescues the young wizard from Knockturn Alley so his inclusion seems appropriate. The body component that was created for Hagrid looks superb, featuring enormous pockets and realistic printing across the front along with poseable arms. The fabric texture on his reddish brown coat is particularly effective.
The combined hair and beard piece seems similarly accurate when compared with the films, featuring intricate texture and slotting neatly over the torso. The head underneath only shows one facial expression but I think that is sufficient and I love Hagrid's pink umbrella, concealing his confiscated wand. This umbrella is needed to access Diagon Alley during Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
Notwithstanding his vexatious arrogance, Gilderoy Lockhart enjoys considerable popularity and is undoubtedly my favourite of the minifigures in this set. He has only made two previous appearances in retail sets and looks aptly florid here, sporting a spectacular lavender suit that may more appropriately be described as lilac in this situation. His golden waistcoat looks great too, including ornate patterns.
Lockhart features an exclusive double-sided cape as well, displaying flame yellowish orange fabric on the inside and lavender on the reverse. The head is also double-sided and displays two different smiles. The second face seems especially strained so includes a bead of sweat, presumably because Lockhart has been asked to perform something beyond his capabilities.
Two copies of Gilderoy Lockhart's autobiography, entitled 'Magical Me', are included. These comprise the standard opening book elements and their covers are decorated with stickers. I appreciate such fidelity to the source material but both covers should have been printed in my opinion, given the numerous past examples of printing on this piece.
LEGO has updated Garrick Ollivander since 40289 Diagon Alley was released during 2018. The revered wand manufacturer now wears an accurate dark red jacket in place of his earlier reddish brown clothing, although the graphic has actually remained unaltered and features an elegant cravat. Additionally, this head is new so displays a smile on one side and a concerned expression on the other.
Florean Fortescue takes inspiration from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, where he appears briefly in the background behind Harry and Hagrid. His dark brown hair piece appears perfect for the character and the mould is shared with Ollivander. The double-sided head looks superb too and includes a sad expression, perhaps reflecting Fortescue's fate during the books.
The torso also incorporates considerable detail and this minifigure carries ideal accessories, including a spoon and an exclusive trans-orange desert glass. Garrick Ollivander's wand box features another new piece, ten of which are distributed throughout this set. These boxes can easily accommodate wands and their lids are formed by 1x3 tiles.
Gilderoy Lockhart accosts Harry for a photograph during Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, taken by the Daily Prophet Photographer. This character is shown to be relatively short when standing beside Harry onscreen and therefore includes short legs. I think standard legs might have been more suitable here because adult characters are rarely distinguished by their height.
However, the dark green torso component compares favourably with the movie and I love the photographer's different faces, perhaps expressing delight at finding Harry Potter in the crowd and irritation at Harry's reluctance to be photographed! An elaborate hat with light bluish grey hair beneath the brim completes the minifigure. This conflicts with the black facial hair but does appear faithful to the movie.
The photographer carries an old-fashioned camera that features a large flash bulb and red bellows, reflecting the outdated Muggle technology which appears throughout the Wizarding World. This accessory is reasonably simple but remains immediately recognisable and its red colour scheme adheres to the original camera.
The Completed Model
Diagon Alley changes frequently between different movies and the books, depending on the requirements of the plot. The buildings are therefore separated into four structures that can be easily rearranged, offering various options for display or storage. Each model is constructed on a dark bluish grey 16x32 baseplate and they are connected using Technic pins, much like the Modular Buildings.
These pins are situated at either end of the buildings and on the back, allowing you to attach them together at the rear. This configuration appears more useful for storage than display, although I appreciate the option and the consistent roof height between Quality Quidditch Supplies and Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes is particularly effective. Additionally, the entrance to Knockturn Alley lines up with the Daily Prophet which is clever.
Each structure also includes a narrow section of pavement and the cobbled street outside. These textures appear faithful to the films and are ideal for displaying the shops in one row. Alternatively, you could position them opposite one another and the resultant cobbled street would be appropriately wide, faithfully recreating the narrow roads of mediaeval London.
Ollivanders is probably the most renowned shop within Diagon Alley, selling wands to witches and wizards throughout Great Britain for more than two thousand years! This building is immediately identifiable based upon the prominent bay windows that dominate its exterior and that important feature has been replicated here. The steps outside the door are absent though which is slightly disappointing.
These windows represent an exceptional improvement when compared with Ollivanders in 10217 Diagon Alley, faithfully recreating their bulbous shape from the films. The black bars underneath each window appear similarly accurate and I like the golden lanterns that hang inside. Furthermore, the stickers that are situated above both windows and the door appear absolutely perfect, featuring the year of Ollivanders foundation.
I am surprised that the designer chose to include trans-yellow windows because the original shop includes standard windows and this was reflected on the previous model. However, I do like the resulting warm glow which appears from the outside and the owls resting above one of these bay windows are fun. The tan owl appears to be winking and returns from 60247 Forest Fire while the reddish brown owl is available in many other sets.
The sign hanging above the entrance displays the Ollivanders emblem and looks excellent when compared with the source material. However, the roof seems unusually bland and the uppermost floors have been omitted altogether. While absolute authenticity would be great, I think two levels is sufficient because the interior might otherwise become repetitive.
Countless boxes containing wands line dusty shelves inside Ollivanders and some jumbled shelves are accordingly present here. The colourful selection of boxes and their haphazard arrangement definitely captures the atmosphere of the original location and I like the cash register which is placed on an elegant desk. Presumably there was insufficient room for the lamp that appears onscreen.
These buildings are comparatively shallow so the addition of a wooden staircase to reach the first floor was a pleasant surprise. This staircase can fold into the building to occupy a smaller area which is ingenious and the designer has cleverly exploited the available space below the steps as well. Various wand boxes are found here, including several which open to reveal the wands inside.
More of the new wand boxes are located on the next level, containing a selection of reddish brown, dark brown and dark tan wands. These box accessories were created specifically for 75978 Diagon Alley and they look splendid. Once again, the shelves appear suitably chaotic and a stepladder is provided to reach wands near the ceiling. A simple armchair and another desk complete the furnishings inside Ollivanders and they are both nicely constructed.
Scribbulus is situated on the same baseplate as Ollivanders so these buildings cannot be separated. Nevertheless, I think they look good when placed together and these shops are adjoining at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, albeit with Scribbulus on the other side. The light bluish grey and dark blue exterior design is appealing and I like the flaming torch beside the entrance.
Two banners are suspended above the shopfront, including advertisements for parchment readings and lessons to overcome a fear of flying! The worn Scribbulus Writing Implements board looks marvellous and I like the dark blue windows which are inset using jumper plates. Hedwig is securely connected to a trans-clear beam on the roof and carries the Daily Prophet. Several more copies of the newspaper are found further along Diagon Alley.
Despite the limited space inside, several quills, inkwells and rolls of parchment are available here. New quills can be tested at the writing desk and an ornamental scroll is displayed in the window, featuring an interesting wizarding symbol. This appears thematically appropriate for a writing shop, although a distinctive mirror occupies the window at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and might also have been included with this model.
An attractive reading room is situated on the upper floor, containing a comfortable settee with dark orange upholstery. I like the sticker which is placed on this settee and the angular rug on the floor looks great. The room also includes an undecorated skull, originating from NINJAGO, beside a trans-red bottle and a fireplace. This skull looks strange without any printing but such ornaments are certainly fitting within the wizarding world.
The next structure includes Quality Quidditch Supplies alongside the Daily Prophet's office, although the Quidditch shop is considerably larger than its neighbour. Bright pink absolutely dominates this building which differs from the movie where such colours are relatively muted. However, this was probably the most suitable choice among the available LEGO shades and does not appear incongruous because Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes is decorated with equally vivid colours.
Quality Quidditch Supplies is unusually constructed. The dark red shopfront is assembled separately from the remainder of this building and connected using Technic pins. It therefore leans outward, reflecting the original shop. Irregular shapes should appear throughout Diagon Alley but including such details is difficult, given the angular nature of LEGO. This example is certainly impressive though.
Additionally, the printed 1x2x5 bricks which form the windows look spectacular. These are beautifully decorated with dark red window frames which complement the surrounding trans-clear 1x1 slopes, albeit without lining up precisely. Nevertheless, I love the intricate scrollwork above the windows and the sign over the entrance looks lovely, featuring two Quaffles around the vital Golden Snitch.
Sand green tiles and wedge plates complete the shopfront, contrasting with the pink walls. These pink bricks are sporadically interrupted by dark orange elements which appear quite realistic, although the reddish brown bricks immediately below the roof look out of place. However, the windows look fittingly rustic and are surrounded by dark brown tiles.
Lanterns are mounted outside several buildings along Diagon Alley and I appreciate their consistent design, incorporating the lantern accessory that was introduced during 2018. The enormous 'Quidditch' banner appears equally authentic and another small flag advertises the availability of Quidditch robes from Hogwarts. The same banner is shown briefly during Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone but the accompanying Quality Quidditch Supplies sign is missing.
The interior of Quality Quidditch Supplies seems sparser than either Ollivanders or Scribbulus Writing Implements, although various notable details are included. I particularly appreciate the Nimbus 2000 broomstick that is displayed in the window and features dark bluish grey stirrups. The colourful Quidditch robes which are folded underneath also look marvellous, although I am not sure why the Ravenclaw robes are dark bluish grey rather than dark blue.
75956 Quidditch Match contains Quidditch players from Gryffindor and Slytherin but 75978 Diagon Alley provides robes for Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw too! This detail demonstrates the increasing attention which LEGO is paying to the lesser known houses and the design looks nice. Dark orange, light bluish grey and black Beater's bats are also available to buy.
No staircase is provided to access the next floor but the interior looks brilliant, including the Ravenclaw Quidditch uniform beside two broomsticks for testing. Another bat and two more Quaffles are stored inside a chest and four additional Quidditch uniforms occupy the second cabinet. Some share colours with Hogwarts robes but I think it would have been more fun to include references to famed professional Quidditch teams, such as the Chudley Cannons or Holyhead Harpies.
An elegant door pediment adorns the entrance to the Daily Prophet's office. Tan stonework contrasts beautifully with the dark bluish grey and pink walls, closely resembling the location from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince which is shown more prominently at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. The black door looks particularly attractive, featuring a letterbox and door knocker.
The sign hanging outside the Daily Prophet's office also takes inspiration from the sixth film, although another sign with brighter colours appears during Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. While most of this set is based upon the earlier movies, adhering to the later instalments was sensible here as the Daily Prophet becomes more prominent as the series progresses.
Newspapers are scattered on the roof and the modest attic also belongs to the Daily Prophet, despite its location above Quality Quidditch Supplies. The printed newspaper elements inside each window originate from 75810 The Upside Down and their return here is welcome. I think additional texture on the roof above the attic would have been beneficial but I like the chimney, comprising light bluish grey bricks.
Despite its narrow design, I was surprised by the relative absence of detail inside the Daily Prophet's office. A box of newspapers is placed inside the door and the sticker on the wall is exceptionally detailed, displaying important headlines from throughout the Harry Potter series. Sirius Black's wanted poster is also present, matching other posters on the external walls.
The upper level contains a large spider's web and the attic houses stacks of newspapers. I presume these make reference to the Daily Prophet being overtaken by Lord Voldemort but some old typewriters in storage would have been welcome. Additionally, I was hoping for an updated 2x2 tile here, featuring an alternative headline to 'The Boy Who Lived', but this piece continues to appear realistic.
Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour serves unusual ice cream flavours to the wizarding community and its bright light yellow colour scheme certainly stands out within Diagon Alley. This shop is wonderfully decorated with a sand green and tan awning and the sign above the entrance looks splendid, featuring two lime green chairs around a table with some purple ice cream at the centre.
The awning is supported by black struts which make clever use of lipstick elements and I like the chairs and table outside, taking inspiration from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets where the ice cream shop appears most prominently. However, the table should be white and the chairs on either side are unconnected to the ground so can become dislodged quite easily.
Nevertheless, the outdoor furniture looks excellent and I am equally satisfied with the dark brown roofs above. These are simply assembled using layers of 1x2, 1x3 and 1x4 slopes but the result looks absolutely magnificent, creating an unusual texture which differs from the other buildings in Diagon Alley. Moreover, I appreciate the shorter height of this shop.
Black and white 2x2 tiles decorate the floor inside, closely resembling many real ice cream parlours which are often traditionally decorated. Some odd wizarding flavours are advertised opposite the counter and I love the trans-clear cloche which is found inside, although the only visible ice cream has already been served which seems strange. The interior does not appear onscreen but the book makes specific mention of colourful ice cream on display.
The first floor is furnished with an orange armchair, a purple table and a standing lamp. This room appears out of place above an ice cream parlour but presumably belongs to Florean Fortescue. Based upon the decoration of his shop, such vivid colours likely appeal to the proprietor and these details look great. I dislike the visible Technic pin on the armchair but concealing this would have proven extremely difficult.
The dark green and sand green exterior of Flourish and Blotts Bookseller is immediately recognisable, featuring an attractive bay window on the first floor. Its location beside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour corresponds with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and the books placed outside appear similarly accurate when compared with the first movie.
Various books with red, bright light yellow and purple spines are displayed in front of each window and these windows are formed using printed 1x6x5 wall panels. Gilderoy Lockhart's autobiography is situated inside, featuring the eponymous wizard surrounded by metallic gold lettering. Exactly the same advertisement is visible during the film.
Wood panelling lines the exterior of Flourish and Blotts, including six stickers which advertise book binding, book selling and a reading room. These panels are remarkably intricate and the carved dragons flanking the window look magnificent, neatly incorporating black flippers. They are not present onscreen or at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour but look delightful. I like the dark green Flourish and Blotts sign as well.
Stacked books are found inside Flourish and Blotts, corresponding with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets where this shop appears nearly as chaotic as Ollivanders! This structure includes another staircase to reach the upper level but this example folds upwards on Technic pins, differing from the rotating staircase inside Ollivanders. The folding configuration is equally functional though.
Unfortunately, the staircase and ornate pillar obstruct access to part of the lower floor but extensive detail is present. Tall bookshelves are covered with various tomes and additional books which cannot be accommodated on the shelves are simply stacked on the floor which befits this jumbled environment. Two stickers are situated just beneath the ceiling, directing customers to reference works about dragons and alchemy.
The first floor includes additional bookshelves beside several more books. 1x1 curved slopes form the spines of certain books and these elements are particularly effective in my opinion. I love the golden lantern and open book as well, displaying instructions to perform Wingardium Leviosa. A dark red poster is also placed inside which looks lovely, although I would prefer an advertisement for books which have not been acknowledged in LEGO sets. Quidditch Through the Ages or something written by Lockhart would have been ideal.
Flourish and Blotts Booksellers appears most prominently during Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, hosting a book signing by Gilderoy Lockhart. This set therefore contains a desk for the famous wizard to sign copies of his autobiography and pose for photographs. The space inside is limited but you can place this table upstairs and I like how stacks of 'Magical Me' are linked to the desk.
Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes differs substantially from other buildings which comprise Diagon Alley, taking inspiration from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and occupying a corner position that corresponds with the movie. The footprint is accordingly unique as well because this building is deeper and slightly narrower than its neighbours, providing enough room for the entrance to Knockturn Alley.
Knockturn Alley consists primarily of darker shops, where items of dubious repute are bought and sold. I would certainly be interested to see an updated LEGO rendition of Borgin and Burkes in the future but the entrance is adequate here, including an accurate sign which displays the appropriate font. Moreover, I like the jaunty angles surrounding the doorway, especially for the window.
Fred and George's spectacular joke shop contrasts sharply with Knockturn Alley, consisting primarily of lavender and orange pieces across the exterior. That colour scheme reflects the source material and the structure looks magnificent, prominently featuring an impressive bay window at the corner which covers two floors. Ideally, each window column would include four separate panes but the shape of LEGO window frames has prevented this.
An enormous figure, depicting the Weasley twins, stands inside the bay window with its head protruding from the top. Numerous stickers are applied across the torso and legs which are visible inside, featuring colourful strips that correspond precisely with the movie. The head includes reasonable detail too, albeit lacking proper eyes which is somewhat disconcerting. I think they should have been printed, rather than relying upon black plates.
The statue incorporates an interesting mechanism, raising and lowering the hat in accordance with the source material. The lever is concealed behind the lavender wall which is perfect and this function works nicely but the range of motion is limited. Furthermore, this model lacks the rabbit that should appear and vanish under the hat, although I cannot envisage how that could be integrated at this scale.
Unfortunately, this building lacks the uppermost floor and accompanying windows that are shown onscreen. Nevertheless, the roof and detailed bay windows both look fantastic and I appreciate the orange and purple sign hanging outside. The same sign is visible during Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Additionally, stickers display accurate signage above each window which demonstrates outstanding attention to detail.
Three large stickers are positioned across the third wall. These are based upon designs from Diagon Alley at the Universal Resort in Orlando which is splendid, advertising items which are available inside the shop. Strangely, the 'dark mark' sticker is missing the word 'edible' but they otherwise seem authentic. I love the combination of light bluish grey and lavender parts across this wall, along with the textured masonry bricks.
Exceptional detail continues inside, matching the other buildings in Diagon Alley. The original shop features an elaborate network of interconnecting staircases and the designer has sought to replicate that here, including two separate flights of stairs. The colourful balusters look superb but are missing from the ground floor staircase which is odd.
Furthermore, the dark blue grey floor appears out of place in my opinion. The striped cash register looks excellent though, despite not being elevated as shown in the movie. I like the bright displays of merchandise as well, most notably on a sand green tower where heads from the Minecraft theme are employed to brilliant effect. The yellow 'Dancing Doxy' box beneath the stairs is fun too, although that is not actually sold at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
However, love potions are sold at the Weasleys' shop. They appear on an attractive display stand during Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and the same decorative stand is found here, featuring some lovely trans-pink hearts. Interior space is very limited so the love potion display is assembled separately but could fit inside the ground floor, if necessary.
Black and spring yellowish green balloons adorn the first floor, alongside three lollipops which are decorated with stickers. Several further stickers are placed on 'Fred Weasley's Basic Blaze Box' and another shelving tower stands beside the second staircase. These tall displays closely resemble those shown at the onscreen location and I also like the colourful shelves against the wall.
The uppermost level is substantially darker than those underneath, although the merchandise seems equally colourful. Three stickered boxes are placed beside a sparkling geode near the top of the stairs and this component returns from the 2019 City range. Identical boxes, which display the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes branding, appear during the film and some additional shelves complete the interior detail.
Overall
Almost one hundred Harry Potter sets have become available since 2001 and 75978 Diagon Alley is undoubtedly among my favourite examples! Each building includes exceptional detail and demonstrates tremendous accuracy when compared with the movies. The distribution of references throughout the set is equally enjoyable, although I believe there are some missed opportunities for even more.
The minifigure selection is also excellent, complementing the diverse shops which comprise Diagon Alley. Gilderoy Lockhart is particularly appealing, although I anticipate him appearing elsewhere in the future. The price of £369.99 or $399.99 is considerable but represents good value in my opinion, given the set includes 5544 pieces and achieves such impressive quality. Harry Potter fans should therefore appreciate 75978 Diagon Alley, as I do.
Our review of the secret item which accompanies this set is available here. Please refrain from spoiling the surprise in the comments on this article. Thank you!
Thanks to LEGO for providing this set for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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67 comments on this article
Psst...He means the secret teal brick separator
I am not a Harry Potter fan but I really like modular buildings and this looks like a tremendous addition.
I am seriously considering getting it just for that purpose.
109 stickers! I see the need for some of them, but that number is surely excessive.
Unfortunately the open back of the buildings and the fact some aren't very deep (although I understand why, otherwise the piece count and price would be horrendous) means that something feels a little off, so I think I'll be waiting for the Cantina to be properly revealed and decide then.
I hope anyone who does buy this enjoys it!
Cannot wait to get it and build it. This will be a Christmas gift to self methinks...
Near the calibre of Modular Buildings albeit with open backs which are typically divisive, great levels of interior detail, spectacular configurability, play and display value, beautiful colours... I'm in awe at the labour of love LEGO Harry Potter has been getting this season, even if it translates to Very Expensive products.
Me, I just want those door, window and brickwork recolours, and hope they don't remain exclusive to this set.
Would love to have this, but it's so friggin' costly, even more so since one might actually need two sets to give the buildings some genuine depth and Modular Buildings feeling...
I have the luck my other loves Harry Potter and when she saw thus set she demanded I buy it for the both of us.
I understand the pink facade for quidditch supplies counter-balance the lavander at the end of the road but I will change that colour for a nougat as soon as possible
This will be the first HP set I purchased, simply because the beautiful buildings can be displayed separately and I can stretch the building experience x 4. I was thinking of not applying the stickers but I guess I should.
I hope someday we’ll get a set of the bank with a dragon on top. I loved that ride at Universal, and now seeing the area without that location makes it feel like something is missing.
I really miss having pictures of the rare/unique pieces in the reviews
Though not a Potter- or Modular-fan, this is a great review of a beautiful set.
The stickers though...
I despise stickers, and leave them off wherever possible, due to the way they disrupt the meditative 'flow' of building with LEGO; sadly, that doesn't seem to be an option here.
@andylego99 said:
"I really miss having pictures of the rare/unique pieces in the reviews "
May I introduce you to...
https://www.newelementary.com/2020/09/exclusive-lego-parts-harry-potter-75978-diagon-alley.html
@darthmar said:
"I have the luck my other loves Harry Potter and when she saw thus set she demanded I buy it for the both of us."
Ditto. I failed to mention the price to her but what’s done is done.
Thank you for a great read. I don't care about the franchise in question, but I was blown away by this set as soon as it was announced, and this review only cemented my desire for it. I have already seen it in my local store - and, unfortunately, the price tag was disheartening, so I'll probably have to wait until 2021.
This set it's amazing and I'm everyday more convinced to add it to my modular town, maybe I'll develop a more medieval town center or a specific area.
The back must be closed somehow without loosing the building dimensions ratio. It's tricky but I guess I've found my Xmas present for this year. Only 1 thing disappoints me....why so much pink....
This looks amazing. But $399? That is just very expensive. It comes down to if 1 Diagon Alley is worth more than 2.7 Old Fishing Store to me. And I’m not sure it does
Looks like a great set, although won't be getting it due to price point and open back.
It's amazing, but I wish they had made the brick built Weasley head in the style of a lego minifig
@morvit said:
"This looks amazing. But $399? That is just very expensive. It comes down to if 1 Diagon Alley is worth more than 2.7 Old Fishing Store to me. And I’m not sure it does"
OFS was a one-time thing. You can't gauge every set by its price point, especially since Lego has to pay for the license. Is Diagon Alley better than 2 Tree Houses? Maybe.
I received my exemplar today and will start building on Friday (business first).
I saw last weekend the great review from Tiago Catarino on YouTube https://youtu.be/bAOmxgFpKGo
I wonder if anyone has tried to expand it into a full sized modular building.
I have just received this set today - purchased without the minifigs or associated bits and pieces as I am not a Harry Potter fan although I am a Modular fan! Therefore I managed to save around £100 (the figures are attracting silly prices IMHO) and the money saved will enable filling in of the rear elevations to be done...
What's up with the printed 1x2x5 bricks with dark red window frames? They look very opaque instead of trans-clear :( the green ones seem to look fine though...
@bananaworld said:
"
@andylego99 said:
"I really miss having pictures of the rare/unique pieces in the reviews "
May I introduce you to...
https://www.newelementary.com/2020/09/exclusive-lego-parts-harry-potter-75978-diagon-alley.html "
Thanks -- we usually leave such detail to our friends and parts experts over at New Elementary. Our review is long enough as it is!
@CopperTablet said:
" @morvit said:
"This looks amazing. But $399? That is just very expensive. It comes down to if 1 Diagon Alley is worth more than 2.7 Old Fishing Store to me. And I’m not sure it does"
OFS was a one-time thing. You can't gauge every set by its price point, especially since Lego has to pay for the license. Is Diagon Alley better than 2 Tree Houses? Maybe. "
Yeah I guess I just can’t justify spending $500 Canadian on it. Maybe if I lived in the US, I could justify the $399 since I would probably make the same $ in the US but in USD. But shelling out $500 in Canada is just a large financial spending on a toy. It comes down to personal preference I guess
Just got home from work and this set was on my doorstep. Thanks for the review, can't wait to get building, hopefully will find some time this coming weekend!
This would make an amazing Christmas gift for any AFOL or HP fan (or both). Getting this one under the tree would make for a very Merry Christmas, in an otherwise terrible 2020. Here's to 2021!
I'll come back to this when I've built it - it may take some time. Appreciate the spoiler warning!
My copy shipped today, cannot wait!
Excellent review and excellent photography! :) Thank you for sharing these with us.
I hope you write more reviews for the other Harry Potter 2020 sets. :)
Thank you for the long review and explaining the purpose of all the buildings for those who have not seen the films or books for a long time. As well as more photos, there is also a video link at https://brickset.com/sets/75978-1/%7B-%7D which gives a better feel for how the buildings relate to each other. Still feel this is a lot of money, but understand there are lots of pieces and this could be viewed as 4 sets, and there are plenty of Harry Potter fans who will buy for Christmas.
I saw this in the Lego store on display and was very underwhelmed.
@Henry_D said:
"Gringots bank was the main structure at the Alley ,covering MAIN storys in multiple series. Yet they put brothers shop wich appeared for a split second once , sure great logic. "
It may come as an expansion to this maybe, with a few other shops? If they did that with Ninjago City, there is a chance.
@Vanvonfull said:
" @darthmar said:
"I have the luck my other loves Harry Potter and when she saw thus set she demanded I buy it for the both of us."
Ditto. I failed to mention the price to her but what’s done is done.
"
She didn't care about the prize. Usually she only conplains about if we have enough room to store or display my Lego. This time is was me who said it was a big set to display and store.
Wow! I will buy 2 of these and rebuild them as modular buildings. Fantastic colours!
I'm not a Harry Potter fan at all...... but this set will be a great addition to any city.
@morvit you do realize due to the exchange rate, Canadians get the cheapest Lego prices. On the set details page (https://brickset.com/sets/75978-1) click the Prices tab that Huw has thoughtfully provided to see what other countries are paying in CAD dollars or go to XE.com and enter the US price to see in CAD.
I love this set... i never get tired of seeing it, its so cool i like Lucius malfoy's wig I already have in black too, well done lego hopefully we'll see Gringotts bank as a separate set next year and Hogsmead village too & the shrieking shack!!
@kinggregus said:
"I am not a Harry Potter fan but I really like modular buildings and this looks like a tremendous addition.
I am seriously considering getting it just for that purpose. "
That’s why I got this, and I have to say, they fit in pretty well. Olivander’s and Flourish and Blotts are a little short compared to the modular buildings but it still looks good, at least if you don’t mind the lack depth
Most likely what will happen is they release a mirrored Knockturn Alley in about a year with an archway marking the path to Diagon Alley. This would attach to the back of the DA set and form a full block between the two. If they want to keep it up, they could release standalone endcaps of Gringotts and the Leaky Cauldron.
@CapnRex101 said:
"the consistent detail is exceptional, matching the Modular Buildings in some respects!"
I'd say it even surpasses the Modular Buildings in some respects - just look at all those bay windows! Or interior details like the wand shelves and bookshelves...
@CapnRex101 said:
"The dark red shopfront is assembled separately from the remainder of this building and connected using Technic pins. It therefore leans outward, reflecting the original shop."
This is a very nice feature which isn't that easy to see from the front - a side view photo would have been much appreciated.
@CapnRex101 said:
"the reddish brown 1x2 bricks immediately below the roof look out of place"
They're actually the ends of 2x8 bricks representing beams, visible on the interior side as well (there's another two above the ground floor), supplemented by panels and tiles in the same colour. This is another feature I really like (possibly reflecting the source material which I'm not familiar with) that I don't think I've seen in any modular building where the floors are usually just layered plates. Ollivanders features a slightly different example of this.
Many thanks for explaining all the details from the films/books, which further makes you realise the attention to detail that has been put into this. Some photos of the construction would have been great, as it contains lots of clever building techniques that you just don't see once everything is finished.
@Huw I wasn't interested in the rumored MBS Mos Eisly Cantina until I saw this beast being reviewed, definetly brings up ideas to incorporate taht potential set in my World.
I want it, but my Harry Potter display can’t fit it :(
Lovely set. I'm not into modular buildings, but if this had included Gringots, I would have been sorely tempted. As it is: close, but no cigar...
Looks so good, not that I get HP stuff, but the amount of stickers is not good for an expensive set like this a shame, though stickers appear to be thinner and better than used to be do hope they never peel etc.
Horrible 109 stickers for a €399 set!
Shouldn't have stickers in such set!
The word 'sticker' is repeated 17 times in CapnRex101 article. It shows how important paper labels are to this LEGO set. It's a pity!
With a good discount I will buy it , but as usual, I will not apply the stickers.
I'm not a fan of Harry Potter, but this modulars will look so great in a city! Love it!
You are too picky. This set is magnificent. Your little grumblings make you a dementor sucking the enjoyment out of what is a masterpiece.
You mention that the buildings could face one another and have a cobblestone street in the middle. Can you show how this looks? Maybe from street level?
As I've already killed by the price, the stickers apparently pull me out of the grave and kill me again. I LOVE LUNAR NEW YEAR SETS!
I actually haven't read or watched any Harry Potter books or films yet, but I must say, I am really impressed by all the detail in the buildings, and how colorful they all look. Looking forward to maybe reading some of the books and getting this set!
@Ninabrick69 said:
"This set it's amazing and I'm everyday more convinced to add it to my modular town, maybe I'll develop a more medieval town center or a specific area.
The back must be closed somehow without loosing the building dimensions ratio. It's tricky but I guess I've found my Xmas present for this year. Only 1 thing disappoints me....why so much pink...."
If I had the money and space, this would be the part of town that was run down, but now the artists and new age folks have moved in; the beginnings of gentrification.
Maybe a town layout with the nice modulars, then cross some train tracks to the slightly seedy Detectives Office set, connected to the more run down Hidden Side sets, then this, and maybe the Ninjago city sets.
I just picked up mine today from the Lego store. I am shocked they had this in stock at the time.
It is nice set. But I think it would be better if they divided this set for four smaller sets and release them set/year. The price would be same in the end but it would be for more kids/adults than like this. This is just one of other huge expensive sets which started with UCS. Yes as a +18 set, why not, but not as a regular set.
@Lordmoral :
I...don't see the logic there. How this set looks has no bearing on the cantina, and your opinion of the latter may grow better or worse when you get a better look at it.
@CliveyB :
Gringotts is pretty much guaranteed to happen at this point. So, do you want to drop up to half of this set to make room for it, or do you want it to be a worthy standalone set all on its own?
@LEA007TN:
Which would you prefer? Four baseplates and stickers, or three baseplates without?
@CCC:
I think you misunderstand. The material they use for "clear" parts has changed, and the result is no longer optically clear like the polycarbonate parts have been.
@smithrd3512:
They've been restocking it. My local store's manager said they sold out of, I think, 28 copies on launch day, but when I stopped by on Sunday they had plenty in stock.
I'm working off of the downloaded instructions, and there are errors in the stickers required to be applied. Be careful.
No mention of Lockhart being completely the wrong colour? That's probably my only disappointment with the set :(
It's a beautiful figure for sure, but I was hoping for the blue suit.
WOW... just wow...
Very fabulous buildings with some Gothic-Steampunk-Victorian-esque air about them all...
@Havok211:
They only appear to have done that with the wand and ice cream shops. For Ollivandes, the tiles in front of the register are probably there to hold up the stairs when they're rotated into the store. There's really nothing you can do to fix the area in front of the register if you want to be able to stow the stairs properly, but dark-green jumpers and tiles do exist that you could sub in behind the register. For the ice cream shop...that's an iconic floor tile pattern for older food service venues. It's kind of expected. But the 2x2 jumper exists in both colors, and could very easily be subbed in anywhere you want to add a stud. Recessed studs, unlike solid ones, tend to blend in to the surface if you're not focused on them, so this wouldn't really mar the look of the shop floor when minifigs are not present to use them.
The problem with releasing it as four small sets is that one of them would probably shelfwarm.
Great review! And I really think the exterior of this set is stunning. Just wish some of the technic pin holes are more well hidden and it would be interest to see upcoming MOC on completely the back half of each building. https://youtu.be/ap84u3OD_0o
I can appreciate this set, even as a very casual HP fan. I. Might even be swayed, but at AU$600, I don’t think the amount of stickers is acceptable. If printing isn’t achievable, I wonder at least if they can look into adhering stickers like they have done for Super Mario.
@chrisaw:
No. It's really an inventory issue, as you only need one storage location for a blank 2x4 brick, but once you apply ten different stickers to that same brick, you need eleven locations (one for each sticker, and one for the plain bricks). That's really the most critical issue in deciding whether to go with print or stickers.
For Mario, they only chose stickers because print wouldn't hold up to the abuse as well, and they only pre-applied those stickers because it's a theme that's really geared towards young kids, and it's _critical_ for the game to work right that the stickers be applied in a uniform manner. You're an adult? Congratulations, you're old enough to apply your own stickers.
Lego should have used transparent stickers for Weasley's shop so there wasn't such a poor color difference.
@magnus39897:
One thing that has me really curious is how they decide when to use clear vs white stickers. I absolutely prefer clear ones, because they hold up better, and the lack of a colored background means you can use them on a wider variety of alternate parts when building MOCs. But I suspect there's a cost factor in the printing process, and white backgrounds definitely make the colors pop more than clear ones. Unless you put them on white parts.
No bank?????
Is this the same scale as the Gringotts from a few years ago? Stick them together maybe?