Review: 40425 Nutcracker
Posted by Huw,
Nutcracker dolls resembling toy soldiers originated in Germany and became popular in the USA after the second world war when troops serving in Europe took them home as souvenirs. However, they are not really a 'thing' in the UK and not something widely seen in our shops or homes at Christmas.
LEGO has made a number of Nutcrackers and Toy Soldiers in recent years and this year a BrickHeadz version, 40425 Nutcracker -- figure number 112 -- will be joining their ranks.
As is usual for seasonal BrickHeadz, it comes with a fancy stand. Colourful presents adorn one side while a Christmas tree sits on the other.
The figure adheres to the standard BrickHeadz proportions but is taller than many on account of its hat. However, it has a trick up its sleeve, or should that be jacket, which makes it unique among the blocky characters.
Sticking out its back is a lever which, when moved up and down, causes the gent's mouth to open and close, a feature typical of Nutcrackers, especially functional ones.
The tall hat, red uniform with brass buttons, long beard and moustache typical of the toys are all present and correct.
However, I don't think you'll have much luck cracking a nut with its mouth, though. Maybe a sunflower seed...
Verdict
This is an attractive addition to the lineup of Christmas BrickHeadz which brings something new to the format: a simple working mechanism, a feature not found in any others.
It will be released on 1st October and is likely to cost £9.99 / $9.99.
Thanks to LEGO for providing the set for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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35 comments on this article
An interactive BrickHeadz? This changes everything!
I wish you'd shown a photo of the internal mechanism after revealing what the play feature is, even if it's actually pretty simple.
@LegoSonicBoy said:
"An interactive BrickHeadz? This changes everything!
I wish you'd shown a photo of the internal mechanism after revealing what the play feature is, even if it's actually pretty simple."
Lucky Cat has a waving paw, too. 40436
that was quick!!!!!!!!
Awesome that it actually works.
I'd forgotten about Lucky Caty but that's little more than a lever attached to the arm. Mind you, the mechanism in this one is not exactly sophisticated :-)
Well if it actually works like a nutcracker...
Wow. This is probably one of the better Nutcrackers made by Lego even if it's in Brickheadz format rather than imitating the traditional style.
Huh. Well, that's crazy. I searched "Nutcracker" and Lego's only made three--a GWP, an employee gift, and a Monthly Mini Build.
It's cute and clever. Not a big fan of BrickHeadz, but I like this one. I never thought of a nutcracker being a toy. Interesting perspective.
Day one purchase for me! The mouth opening is a great feature, really nails it. Going to the Nutcracker ballet at Christmas is a family tradition, so this BrickHeadz will be popular with my family.
Look nice. The white beard built looks a little weird. Will still get one to build.
These things just creep me out.
@Modeltrainman said:
" @LegoSonicBoy said:
"An interactive BrickHeadz? This changes everything!
I wish you'd shown a photo of the internal mechanism after revealing what the play feature is, even if it's actually pretty simple."
Lucky Cat has a waving paw, too. 40436"
Thanks, I didn't know that, and should not be surprised by it now that I do.
@ALEGOMan said:
"Do people actually like these?"
I do!
@ALEGOMan said:
"Do people actually like these?"
No. No one has been buying them and LEGO takes a loss on each one they release. That’s why this is the 112th iteration.
But can it crack nuts?
That is the question.
You must be nuts to try cracking them with this one.
Clever use of those black parts for the hat.
Really clever that it actually works.
Little brother to 40254, which also looks interesting but was only available with a qualifying purchase at the time, whereas this appears to be available to buy soon, but following Hagrid I may wait to see if TLG do the same and add to qualifying purchases
@Huw, Nutcracker soldiers may not be known directly in the UK, but they are known here indirectly as characters from Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker' which is traditionally performed around Christmas time.
It's so ADORABLE!
The 4x4 car hood remains relevant, for now
@ALEGOMan said:
"Do people actually like these?"
And with another BrickHeadz review comes the obligatory complaining about the line.
Pretty darn cute, as most BrickHeadz are. I like the way they did the mustache.
When I bought a wooden nutcracker at the Bremen Christmas market a couple of years ago, the woman on the stall said you can demo the "cracking" functionality with a peanut. I've not tried it with 40254, but I guess it would work, and this probably would as well!
It won't crack nuts, but nuts may crack it
Terribly cute and I like the mechanism.
I love that Lego does seasonal BrickHeadz, particularly for Christmas and Halloween, even if I haven't bought all of them. This is a great model and will appeal to a lot of people, not just Lego fans. I'm looking forward to getting it.
@TheOtherMike said:
" @ALEGOMan said:
"Do people actually like these?"
And with another BrickHeadz review comes the obligatory complaining about the line.
Pretty darn cute, as most BrickHeadz are. I like the way they did the mustache."
And then comes the obligatory complaining about the complaining.
^ I would like to complain about the complaints relating to the complaining ;~P
Cue the next plaintiff...
I really like the idea, but I HATE brickheadz and I feel they could have done this with normal proportions to a nutcracker keeping the cute style and function this one has.
I always thought that nutcracker's connection to Christmas derives from Hoffman's fairytale and popularised by Tchaikovsky's ballet rather than anything to do with WWII.
A very neat build regardless.
Super excited. Love all things Christmas. Will definitely get at least 2 of these!
IN the beginning, they creeped me out, too. But then I just decided to go with it and they’re super fun. I have all the seasonal, HP and STar Wars ones.
@LegoSonicBoy said:
"An interactive BrickHeadz? This changes everything!
I wish you'd shown a photo of the internal mechanism after revealing what the play feature is, even if it's actually pretty simple."
The lucky cat brickheadz was interactive as well