Review: 76387 Hogwarts: Fluffy Encounter
Posted by CapnRex101,
Numerous memorable subjects have appeared frequently throughout the LEGO Harry Potter theme. However, the secure third-floor corridor remains noticeably uncommon, only appearing twice since this impressive range was launched twenty years ago.
76387 Hogwarts: Fluffy Encounter shares some interesting similarities with 4706 Forbidden Corridor, representing exactly the same location and integrating certain consistent functions. Of course, the most notable continuity between them is the presence of Fluffy, although his appearance has changed dramatically since 2001.
Minifigures
Upon discovering that somebody is attempting to seize the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and his friends enter the underground chambers to protect it. The minifigure features a familiar tousled hair component and his double-sided head is common as well, appearing in fifteen sets since 2018. This design remains effective, but an alternative would be appreciated.
Ron Weasley also integrates an existing head, displaying cheerful and frightened expressions with unusually large pupils. However, each character wears new Hogwarts robes which feature the Gryffindor colours and some pleasing texture. The variation between minifigures is splendid, although I would question whether such frequent changes to students' uniforms are necessary.
Additionally, the heroes wear casual clothes when entering the underground chambers during the movie, although their Hogwarts robes are worn upon initially encountering Fluffy. However, the presence of all three characters is welcome, completed with Hermione Granger. As usual, her hair piece looks marvellous and each minifigure wields an appropriate dark brown, reddish brown or dark tan wand.
Anniversary Hermione Granger is provided as well, celebrating the twentieth anniversary of LEGO Harry Potter. These golden designs appear suitably impressive, especially because the torso is decorated with metallic gold accents to complement the pearl gold plastic. The reverse displays the twentieth anniversary symbol, matching the other commemorative minifigures.
This component is shared with the celebratory versions of Harry and Ron, available in 76386 Hogwarts: Polyjuice Potion Mistake and 76388 Hogsmeade Village Visit, respectively. I would prefer completely distinct decorations, although the exclusive heads and hair elements assure sufficient variation between characters. Each minifigure is connected to a golden display base and carries a pearl gold wand.
The Completed Model
76386 Hogwarts: Polyjuice Potion Mistake and 76389 Hogwarts Chamber of Secrets contain recognisable onscreen locations and have proven superb. 76387 Hogwarts: Fluffy Encounter appears less distinctive, especially without Fluffy. While these chambers could definitely have been improved, the third-floor corridor also lacks particularly recognisable features during the movie.
The exterior appears similarly generic, although I appreciate such consistency throughout the new Hogwarts modular system. Several medium nougat elements are distributed across each model, complementing the tan pieces. Furthermore, the textured rocks seem reasonable while these sand green roofs remain consistent between sets.
An attractive balcony is placed above the rocks, somewhat resembling the balcony from 4706 Forbidden Corridor. The conical sand green roof looks good, paying homage to original LEGO Harry Potter sets which also incorporated sand green roofs, but dark bluish grey was definitely more accurate when compared with the movies.
The third-floor corridor space is sparsely furnished, containing two candles, a chicken leg and the harp which is enchanted to keep Fluffy asleep. This instrument is cleverly constructed and captures an appropriate shape, with stickered strings at the centre. However, the bright yellow colour appears decidedly awkward, presumably resulting from the limited selection of available pearl gold elements.
While some recessed statues or ornaments would have been excellent, this corridor needs to remain relatively empty to accommodate Fluffy! Hagrid's petrifying three-headed dog reaches 12cm long and therefore requires considerable space. Fortunately, the 1x14 brick with groove which crosses the chamber can be removed for easier access to Fluffy.
Fluffy was represented by a specialised component with extremely limited articulation during 2001, reflecting LEGO's method of depicting animals throughout that period. This design has been completely overhauled, hence the creature now consists primarily of standard elements. Only the heads are formed using specialised components, which look brilliant.
The brick-built design definitely permits reasonable articulation, including hip, knee and neck joints. The predominant colour scheme of reddish brown and dark brown seems effective too, with three noticeable interruptions. Unfortunately, ball joints are available in limited colours for consistent clutch power and light bluish grey pieces are accordingly present behind the heads, substantially detracting from the whole figure.
Nevertheless, the three heads are outstanding. Despite sharing the same mould, each piece displays varying decoration to portray angry and sleepy appearances! These designs feature extensive detail and the option of displaying Fluffy asleep is appealing, although this sleeping face restricts options when posing the animal, to some degree.
When this model is displayed as the instructions recommend, the opening trapdoor becomes useless. Thankfully, each section may be reconfigured to situate the trapdoor over the Devil's Snare, as demonstrated below. That arrangement is great for play, although the Devil's Snare appears disappointing because the plant should have been substantially larger and integrated greater detail.
Moreover, placing the balcony structure underground seems strange, although that becomes unnecessary after combining this model with others. Once again, the interior seems relatively sparse and recalls 4706 Forbidden Corridor, including two flaming torches which are mounted on the wall. While the balcony seems adequate, perhaps these pieces could have created the entrance for the Chamber of Winged Keys instead.
The upper floor seems disproportionately detailed beside the aforementioned chambers. The precise purpose of this space is unclear, although the banners appear appropriate for Ancient Runes or Divination. Applying this sticker on the concave surface of the 8x4x6 half cone piece was remarkably difficult, but the design looks fantastic and contains a depiction of a 2x4 brick! The colourful potions bottle and jar are appreciated too.
Overall
The updated Hogwarts modular system has proven somewhat divisive, although both 76386 Hogwarts: Polyjuice Potion Mistake and 76389 Hogwarts Chamber of Secrets have definitely provoked positive responses. 76387 Hogwarts: Fluffy Encounter seems less successful in my opinion, particularly because the arrangement of different sections is inefficient.
Moreover, most individual rooms are exceptionally bland, while Fluffy's light bluish grey pieces completely spoil his appearance. These minifigures are appropriate, but only golden Hermione features exclusive elements. Even though the cost of £34.99 or $39.99 feels reasonable based upon the size of this structure, I would not recommend 76387 Hogwarts: Fluffy Encounter.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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39 comments on this article
Will you have any photos of all the modular sets assembled together in any future reviews?
Kinda boring set ngl
Yikes the grey Mixel joint really is a deal-breaker. So unfortunate. Was thinking of getting this one for Fluffy too. Thanks for the review.
I think…that the original may be better!! Thanks for the review.
Ok set, but that fluffy... Ugh.
I hate the heads the most - why they could not made their mouths open?
The review are not showing these but under their mouth there is a huge gaping hole that looks absolutly horrible.
So sad and funny that 2000s Fluffy looks better than modern one
@Mr__Thrawn said:
"Will you have any photos of all the modular sets assembled together in any future reviews?"
Yes, I am preparing another article showing the different possible arrangements, including 76395 First Flying Lesson.
I was thinking about getting this set for the Fluffy but people seem to almost unanimously agree that the build for him sucks so I'll probably skip this one. As interesting as the Minifigures and harp are, the rest of the build doesn't really set itself apart from the other Hogwarts sets so I can't really justify buying it, especially since I don't plan to get the other sets and assemble them into a modular. The Harry Potter sets from this year seemed so promising but upon further inspection, I find stuff that kind of breaks the deal for me (the Hogwarts Moments are the best example I can give). This isn't a terrible set by any means but I kind of wish the build for Fluffy was better since that was the main appeal for me.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @Mr__Thrawn said:
"Will you have any photos of all the modular sets assembled together in any future reviews?"
Yes, I am preparing another article showing the different possible arrangements, including 76395 First Flying Lesson."
Oh Yes i want to see it
Ah, the traditional collective shake of fists at the sky at the silliness of such a useful part only being available in light bley. With all that technology, you'd think the part's colour could be updated by now.
Perhaps a few of these in reddish-brown... https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=15070
...could help hide the out-of-place colours...?
Nice review though!
FACT: the upper room with the candle and the potion jars is from a scene of the book that was omitted from the movie. After the challenges of Fluffy, The vines, Chess and the flying keys, Harry and Hermione arrive at a chamber with some potion ingredients and hermione is the one to overcome that challenge and prepare the right potion. it is a bland challenge, thus it was omitted from the film
@letyparty said:
"FACT: the upper room with the candle and the potion jars is from a scene of the book that was omitted from the movie. After the challenges of Fluffy, The vines, Chess and the flying keys, Harry and Hermione arrive at a chamber with some potion ingredients and hermione is the one to overcome that challenge and prepare the right potion. it is a bland challenge, thus it was omitted from the film"
If Michael Bay was directing, he could have added explosions, optimus prime, a girl in a bikini and a terminator for the wrong potions--- and made that scene memorable.
@Trigger_ said:
"I was thinking about getting this set for the Fluffy but people seem to almost unanimously agree that the build for him sucks so I'll probably skip this one."
I’m one of those who thinks Fluffy is poorly portrayed. It isn’t just the light bley ball joints; the whole thing looks like the bastard love child of Cerberus and Robocop. But neither my opinion nor anyone else’s counts: where your purchases are concerned, only your view matters (unless you’re thinking of selling the set afterwards and are worried about possible limited demand).
I love the latest HP line from 2018 onward and have all the minifig-filled sets. But this one is kinda bland. It has a dog and... that's about it.
I agree with the review that this isn't really a set that can be recommended, even for an HP fan.
I give it a C grade.
@emartinez said:
" @letyparty said:
"FACT: the upper room with the candle and the potion jars is from a scene of the book that was omitted from the movie. After the challenges of Fluffy, The vines, Chess and the flying keys, Harry and Hermione arrive at a chamber with some potion ingredients and hermione is the one to overcome that challenge and prepare the right potion. it is a bland challenge, thus it was omitted from the film"
If Michael Bay was directing, he could have added explosions, optimus prime, a girl in a bikini and a terminator for the wrong potions--- and made that scene memorable.
"
Optimus Prime vs Voldemort: Coming to HBO Max in 2035
I like the original Fluffy, this one looks robotic. The short legs, Should've come out 20 years ago too.
I've said it before, that Fluffy is just awful. I will eventually pick up this set but hopefully at a decent discount. The walls & such will be useful for modifying the build into something better. There is way more going on in the other sets to make them worthwhile but this one is just so sparse & boring except for the upstairs details. It almost seems that the designer had no clue what to do & someone else came in to add some redeeming features in the attic.
If they ever make the mixels ball joints in other colours, please do black first! The main problem with the light grey ones is that they are very bright. A dark, subdued colour would blend in with darker models well enough. Being neutral, black alone would be perfect for it. I really hope that lego will do that one day.
This set gives me major nostalgia btw. But in the end the original was a better set in the sense that there was more room for fluffy and the devil's snare actually took up the entire room it was in. This fluffy has more articulation and looks better, but it looks like there's barely enough space for them. And that devil's snare begs to be expanded. As it is it looks like a black houseplant. It's an afterthought! Well, at least the back is now closed and the set would work as a standalone section of the castle.
I actually support the modular design for this set. It pays homage to the original whilst still allowing for the trapdoor to lead somewhere. The devils snare room just needs more detail!
Seems like the ball joint connections could be positioned more deeply behind each head, and thereby get buried and concealed. Maybe we should see this as a positive challenge for our own redesign. I didn't love the old Fluffy either, kinda of a toss up for me which one is worse. I think this one could be improved at least; that would be tough to achieve with the original Fluffy.
@letyparty said:
"FACT: the upper room with the candle and the potion jars is from a scene of the book that was omitted from the movie. After the challenges of Fluffy, The vines, Chess and the flying keys, Harry and Hermione arrive at a chamber with some potion ingredients and hermione is the one to overcome that challenge and prepare the right potion. it is a bland challenge, thus it was omitted from the film"
I think that is possible, but unlikely. LEGO would presumably have included all seven potions, or made the inspiration more obvious, if that was the case.
It's not a great set, but I bought it for the modular system and appreciate it for what it is, and found a cheap duplicate so I could expand my modular Hogwarts. I like that they managed to include the harp and how the undersized Devil's Snare chamber imitates the rocky outcropping more. I love the room in the turret.
I don't contradict any of the negatives presented in the review or other comments, but here is a dose of positivity.
I understand the designers argument to to keep the rooms bare since they are that in the movies and they need to make Fluffy fit in. However they could have added a couple of owls on the roof and some hidden chocolate frogs in the build to include some interesting details.
The original sets had plenty of owls and even if we got a new print that I am really happy about this wave, only one normal set include owls, that is strange when they are a anniversary wave and the originals had plenty :S
Another strange thing is the lack of chocolate frogs in a wave that has introduced in my mind the genius collectible chocolate frog tiles/cards, would seem logical to add some hidden ones in every set. Not even Honeydukes that sell them have them in stock :S
That said I will buy the set when I get it on a good discount and I just ordered extra heads for Fluffy of BL :)
Now that's a set without charm.
They gave us so many animal molds this year and the previous one and they couldn't make a properly molded Fluffy? I don't know if it's just me but the whole thing feels too robotic despite those super awesome heads. I guess that takes us back to the vikings era sets and their beasts...
@letyparty said:
"FACT: the upper room with the candle and the potion jars is from a scene of the book that was omitted from the movie. After the challenges of Fluffy, The vines, Chess and the flying keys, Harry and Hermione arrive at a chamber with some potion ingredients and hermione is the one to overcome that challenge and prepare the right potion. it is a bland challenge, thus it was omitted from the film"
It wasn't preparing potions, it was a logic puzzle to choose the right potion to drink. It wouldn't have translated well to the film but I enjoyed it in the book.
I think the ball joints would be much less obvious in black or even dark grey if they can't make them in a wide range of colours. They're so often used for animals and light grey usually looks out of place if it can't be covered up.
I've got lots of Mixel ball joint pieces of all kinds from alternative brand sets and they come in all kinds of colours. None of them show signs of fatigue or risk of braking, so imho TLG's argument of not being able to make them in other colours for quality reasons is total BS.
@AustinPowers said:
"I've got lots of Mixel ball joint pieces of all kinds from alternative brand sets and they come in all kinds of colours. None of them show signs of fatigue or risk of braking, so imho TLG's argument of not being able to make them in other colours for quality reasons is total BS. "
I can understand your scepticism, but I think LEGO would have changed their colours on numerous occasions if the option was available.
@DavidBrick said:
"What does the color of the mixel ball joints have anything to do with clutch power of the brick?"
Different colour mixes have slightly different physical characteristics, which is apparently responsible for the ball joints being colour-locked.
@DavidBrick said:
"What does the color of the mixel ball joints have anything to do with clutch power of the brick?"
Different colored plastics have varying durability- for example, the formula for dark red has been changed many times because it is susceptible to breakage. The same has occurred with blue and brown parts. Presumably, grey parts are the most durable pieces. I would, however, prefer black, which seemingly would work, given that certain ball joint pieces do appear in that color.
My very first Lego set was the original Forbidden Corridor back in 2001 when I was 10 years old. How, 20 years later, have they made one even worse!? Even when this wave of sets were announced I knew I wouldnt be buying this one, it’s just completely boring and that Fluffy is hidious.
This set's main focus is Fluffy & I feel that they did a good job on him, as they captured the faces that he had in the movie. I don't mind the gray pieces, my dogs fur was mainly black & tan but she certainly had a lot of white from her undercoat around the back of her neck. It didn't make her look bad, so I can handle a little gray there on Fluffy. I really like that it is brick built & has the ability to be posed. My son had the original Fluffy set & loved it, but it would have been great to be able to pose that Fluffy like you can with this one. I will be adding Fluffy to my HP collection.
Great review…I gotta get this in hand and build it. That Fluffy has me really confused, can’t tell if I like it or not. I do REALLY wish sometimes we got more fully molded new creature shapes in HP and SW…but hey that’s just me.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @AustinPowers said:
"I've got lots of Mixel ball joint pieces of all kinds from alternative brand sets and they come in all kinds of colours. None of them show signs of fatigue or risk of braking, so imho TLG's argument of not being able to make them in other colours for quality reasons is total BS. "
I can understand your scepticism, but I think LEGO would have changed their colours on numerous occasions if the option was available.
@DavidBrick said:
"What does the color of the mixel ball joints have anything to do with clutch power of the brick?"
Different colour mixes have slightly different physical characteristics, which is apparently responsible for the ball joints being colour-locked."
Seeing how all the others appear to manage without problems I wonder why LEGO is seemingly unable to match that. I mean, others also manage colour consistency, so perhaps LEGO simply isn't quality leader anymore.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @Mr__Thrawn said:
"Will you have any photos of all the modular sets assembled together in any future reviews?"
Yes, I am preparing another article showing the different possible arrangements, including 76395 First Flying Lesson."
Yey! Looking forward to that. Thanks!
I initially planned on skipping this one, given the ridiculous design for Fluffy. But I eventually decided to buy it for the parts (particularly those tan bricks and arched wall panels). Once I find the time to do it, I’ll be MOC-ing this wave’s Hogwarts sets.
No mention how the original 4706 included a cool printed flute?
@letyparty said:
"FACT: the upper room with the candle and the potion jars is from a scene of the book that was omitted from the movie. After the challenges of Fluffy, The vines, Chess and the flying keys, Harry and Hermione arrive at a chamber with some potion ingredients and hermione is the one to overcome that challenge and prepare the right potion. it is a bland challenge, thus it was omitted from the film"
That was one of the most interesting challenges IMO, it played to Hermione's strengths and had a neat concept. I guess it wouldn't have been as cool on the big screen and Philospher's Stone was already a 2-and-a-half hour movie so the removal of that part was probably for the best. It was definitely a more interesting challenge than the troll since Quirrel had already defeated the monster before they got there. :P
@emartinez said:
"If Michael Bay was directing, he could have added explosions, optimus prime, a girl in a bikini and a terminator for the wrong potions--- and made that scene memorable.
"
You sir win the internet today.
I can understand the need for consistent clutch power and rigidity makes it prohibitively expensive to introduce a wide variety of colours. However, I think it would be worth the investment to create a natural toned pair. Maybe in Dark/Reddish brown. The grey is perfect for mechanical and industrial builds, but the joints are used frequently in natural and creature builds, and look super out of place. The same thing happened with stud shooters, which eventually introduced a brown variant. As it is, they stand out far too much.
I've been waiting for Fluffy for 10 years, and eventually got this... what a disappointment! 2001 version was so much better! I hate absolutely everything about this rendition. Bought the set as an expansion for the castle, anyway.