Review: 76949 Giganotosaurus & Therizinosaurus Attack
Posted by CapnRex101,
Exclusive dinosaurs remain an engaging feature of the Jurassic World theme. Two are available in 76949 Giganotosaurus & Therizinosaurus Attack and these look appealing, although pairing such immense creatures together is unusual because they are inherently expensive.
Nevertheless, the set includes several structures and vehicles alongside the dinosaurs, which should prove satisfying for play. The minifigures also seem interesting, particularly because the older Dr. Alan Grant is uniquely available here.
Summary
76949 Giganotosaurus & Therizinosaurus Attack, 810 pieces.
£119.99 / $139.99 / €139.99 | 14.8p/17.3c/17.3c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
This set exceeds expectations in some regards, but the Therizinosaurus is disappointing.
- Reasonably detailed buildings
- Excellent Giganotosaurus
- Considerable play value
- Inaccurate Therizinosaurus
- Bland vehicles
- Expensive
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Jurassic World: Dominion reintroduces various characters from the original film, including Dr. Alan Grant. The minifigure features white facial hair to reflect his onscreen appearance, while this blue shirt resembles the palaeontologist's attire from Jurassic Park. The fedora has never appeared in dark brown before, further corresponding with Dr. Grant's appearance during the new movie.
Dr. Ellie Sattler is also available in 76951 Pyroraptor & Dilophosaurus Transport, wearing the same dark orange jacket and olive green trousers. Again, this attire recalls her appearance in the original movie, while the blonde hair component looks nice. Furthermore, I like the double-sided head, created specifically for this character and displaying cheerful and concerned faces.
The mosquito trapped in amber has become an icon of this franchise and appears in several of the new sets. This printed trans-orange 1x1 brick originated during 2020, improving upon the oversized accessory from 75919 Indominus rex Breakout. The size is substantially closer to realistic, while the printed mosquito looks great as well.
Owen Grady also reappears during Jurassic World: Dominion and this minifigure is common across the range. This double-sided head was developed several years ago and Owen's grey wrinkled shirt is also familiar. Something new would have been preferable, but this attire seems fitting for the character and the printed legs are definitely welcome.
Changes have been made to Claire Dearing, although this minifigure is available elsewhere within the Dominion subtheme. Her teal jacket and dark red shirt look splendid, while the dark orange hair also corresponds with the character onscreen. However, I dislike Claire's comically exaggerated frightened expression, distinctive among Jurassic World minifigures.
Surprisingly few accessories are included, since this set lacks the tranquilliser guns typically associated with this theme. Maybe they would be ineffective against the Giganotosaurus and Therizinosaurus. Radios are supplied though, with clips to keep them found throughout the set.
The enigmatic Dr. Henry Wu presumably now works for Biosyn, given his inclusion here. This character's reddish brown jumper looks perfect, but Henry's bearded head and short hair differ from his presentation in trailers for Jurassic World: Dominion. However, I expect they will prove accurate to certain scenes, particularly because the head is new.
Among these five minifigures, Kayla Watts is the only new character. Owen's friend appears equipped for every dinosaur-wrangling eventuality, sporting an air force jacket with numerous pouches underneath. Her double-sided head seems reasonable, but this hairstyle shares little with Kayla's curly hair during the film. This was an excellent opportunity to create a potentially versatile new piece.
Dinosaurs are the primary asset of Jurassic World sets and menacing apex predators, such as Giganotosaurus often prove especially appealing. This dinosaur certainly conveys that menace and measures 32cm from nose to tail, surpassing even the spectacular Indominus rex, while its olive green and black markings seem authentically earthy.
The head and jaw are both shared with the Indominus rex. Such repetition of parts is often a weakness of LEGO dinosaurs, but I think this instance works well. The crests covering the creature's head approximate those from the onscreen dinosaur, including some which are highlighted in black. These are important because they match pronounced ridges along the Giganotosaurus' back.
Printing enhances the figure as well, including consistent black markings throughout its entire length. The pale eyes look perfect and I remain impressed with the jaw articulation, which can nearly close around an unfortunate minifigure. The neck articulation permits various poses too, but gaps emerge in certain positions and sometimes appear awkward, depending on the pose.
The articulated tail and legs also return from other dinosaurs, but suit Giganotosaurus equally well. The same cannot be said for these arms, which should include three fingers. The existing Carnotaurus arms would have been ideal, so I am surprised the designer selected these pieces instead. However, the body looks fantastic, featuring dramatic ridges which match the dinosaur from Jurassic World: Dominion.
Therizinosaurus should seem completely unique among LEGO dinosaurs, with proportions unlike anything else produced. This version succeeds in some regards, but the unmistakable shapes of Baryonyx and the Indoraptor are discernible, unfortunately. The elongated legs and slender body are both problematic, relative to the dinosaur presented during the movie.
Nevertheless, the dinosaur benefits from a new head sculpt, which captures marvellous detail. The feathered texture looks great and I like the printed dark red feathers, which continue onto the body. Therizinosaurus' beak, which was used in stripping vegetation, is present too. While not carnivorous, this animal could undoubtedly prove dangerous!
Therizinosaurus' most recognisable feature are its claws, which gave the dinosaur its 'scythe lizard' name! They are prominent on the LEGO design, integrating new arms that enable the claws to move individually. Some articulation is welcome, but the fixed downward position of both hands restricts options for display. Moreover, the neck articulation leaves large gaps, far more noticeable than those on Giganotosaurus.
The inaccurate body shape and proportions overshadow other issues though. Therizinosaurus' should be more rotund and include shorter legs, relative to its body. Without such features, the dinosaur seems almost unrecognisable, whether compared with the creature presented during Jurassic World: Dominion, or proposed life restorations of the actual dinosaur.
The Completed Model
Watchtowers are a common feature of Jurassic World sets, although this design is unusually elaborate. The proportions between the observation platform and the column underneath are unrealistic, but this structure reaches an impressive height of 20cm, excluding the antenna on top. The grey and trans-light blue colour scheme seems suitably utilitarian too.
Vegetation around the base stands out against those muted colours, combining various shades of green. However, the blue Technic pin linking the supports is disappointing and these beams could have benefited from some decorative vines. I am glad the designer focused attention on the observation platform though, which includes considerable detail.
The red element immediately beneath the platform seems awkward too, obviously denoting a function. The continuous rounded window looks excellent though, making good use of 3x4x6 curved panels. Additionally, I like the balcony outside, which follows the same shape, but the railing is strangely incomplete. There is no access between the interior and the balcony either.
While frustratingly conspicuous, pulling the red Technic lever activates an enjoyable function. The central section of the balcony and the window collapse, bringing part of the internal floor with them. I expect the battle between dinosaurs below causes such collateral damage, likely hurling any occupants of the watchtower directly into the paths of the Giganotosaurus and Therizinosaurus!
The interior is spacious, including an alarm system and holographic panels which display the surrounding trees and the watchtower on video feeds. The red accents are appealing and the room is easily accessible, especially after detaching the roof panel. However, this ladder looks hopelessly short, which is bizarre because it could undoubtedly have been extended.
Biosyn's headquarters is surprisingly substantial. This building measures 19cm across and its shape creates the impression of even larger size, also making efficient use of the internal floor space. The separation of colours between levels is superb, particularly because trans-light blue windows are shared between both floors, so some uniformity remains.
The building's modern aesthetic looks marvellous, matching the laboratories found inside and fittingly contrasting with the completely practical design of the watchtower. Certain features are repeated though, notably including the rounded windows at each corner and those 3x4x6 curved panels. As expected, the Biosyn branding is displayed outside the entrance.
Green and lime green leaves outside further emphasise the modernity of this building, unlike several other structures within Jurassic World sets. The wall is also interrupted by the garage entrance, although this complements the larger design. An extremely basic security camera is situated here, although introduces adequate detail to an otherwise bland surface.
The internal L-shaped layout maximises the opportunity to include numerous rooms, despite limited space. The designer has neatly exploited that opportunity, beginning with the genetics laboratory on the ground floor. Three stages in the development process are represented here, as the microscope identifies a blood sample, the articulated syringe recovers that sample and eggs are warmed inside an incubator.
Similar details are common across the Jurassic World theme, but any dinosaur development laboratory would be incomplete without them! The ground level also includes the garage, with enough space for a basic quad bike. Once again, the designer has made ingenious use of that limited room, placing a fuel pump, or perhaps an electric vehicle charger, outside.
Given their ubiquity, designing a unique quad bike must be difficult. This rendition is distinctive, although I dislike the imbalanced bodywork between the front and rear. However, there is just enough space for a minifigure with two accessories on the back, while these black and white colours are repeated among Biosyn vehicles in this set. Such uniformity is lacking across the broader range.
Trans-light blue book covers formed screens inside the observation tower and reappear here, displaying the Therizinosaurus and Giganotosaurus, while trans-orange pieces of amber are displayed in the corner. However, those 1x1 pyramids and the yellow coffee cup are the only additions on colour inside this room, so I think including seats would have enhanced the area.
The office, presumably belonging to Dr. Wu, fares better in that regard. The wooden desk and rotating chair differ from the modern interior design, alongside a plinth that displays a dinosaur skull. The tan tiles on the wall complement this plinth, visually separating this room from others within Biosyn's headquarters, even though no internal dividing walls are included.
Black plates comprise the roof, which betrays the shallow design of this building. Even so, the model includes a communication dish with a small helipad, accessible from a ladder. Ladders and staircases between floors are otherwise absent though, which is disappointing because I believe the upper floor could probably have accommodated such features.
Of course, the helipad signals an inevitable helicopter, which appears substantially oversized atop this round platform. Personally, I would rather fewer elements had been dedicated to the helicopter, so the buildings could be expanded instead. However, this vehicle provides definite play value and its ability to land on the roof is important, despite looking ridiculous!
The helicopter measures 19cm in length and shares numerous similarities with other designs, including a familiar canopy, skids and rotor arrangement. The turbines mounted on either side are unusual though, presenting something to distinguish this helicopter from more conventional examples and changing its entire shape.
The cockpit includes a single seat alongside simple lever controls, while the fuselage contains cargo. The opening panels on each flank are neatly integrated and I like these stickers, which display Biosyn branding. Black panels on these stickers complement the neighbouring pieces, although I think the continuity of black highlights could have been improved across the vehicle, as a whole.
I think the accessory inside resembles a mobile testing station, perhaps required for assessing the health and development of dinosaurs. The narrow tail boom is secured using jumper plates, so fits seamlessly with the wider fuselage and includes the spinning tail rotor. While simple, this tail design completes a serviceable helicopter.
Overall
Location-based Jurassic World sets have achieved limited success, in my opinion. Dinosaurs and vehicles inevitably draw attention from the buildings, which frequently lack character and interior detail. 76949 Giganotosaurus & Therizinosaurus Attack certainly exhibits some of those issues, but overcomes others because these buildings are surprisingly well-developed.
The dinosaurs are similarly mixed. I think the Giganotosaurus looks wonderful, combining new and existing pieces to good effect. However, the Therizinosaurus hardly resembles the source material, since its proportions are totally inaccurate. The price of £114.99, $129.99 or €129.99 represents another issue because that does feel rather expensive, although not necessarily to the degree I anticipated before assembling this set.
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17 comments on this article
While I love the Giganotosaurus, I do think it's a shame the dinosaur was given T-rex arms. It just doesn't look right.
As for the Therizinosaurus, I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm super-curious as to how they portray the beast. The gigantic claws give it a fearsome appearance, but, well, if you don't want to be spoiled, don't look up the fossil record. The head looks good, but the raptor claws on the hind-legs are, again, just not right.
The helicopter is gorgeous, but it is weirdly-sized, compared to the building. A larger building would've been better, but I suppose, the price for these things is already absurd enough.
"This dinosaur certainly conveys that menace and measures 32cm from nose to tail, surpassing even the spectacular Indominus rex"
Is the new torso piece longer or something? Bricklink lists the Indominus rex as just 29cm long, so this is a big increase.
Not too fussed about the accuracy (or otherwise) of the dinosaurs, but I am bothered about the weird design choices you highlight in the review.
Baby ladder - why? Odd railing that doesn’t actually function as a railing. Massive helicopter that dwarfs the building it sits on.
It’s nice to see a substantial building in the Jurassic line, but there is some strange choices here.
I know it's been done to death but the new transparent plastic really does look awful. It makes what should have been a really cool design with curved windows look cheap and tacky. I've seen better plastic in Christmas cracker toys.
Sometimes it feels like the more the famous wooden duck turns up in sets, the lower the quality of the bricks falls. The sets are absolute works of art these days, but the bricks themselves are the worst I can remember.
It's actually making me regret buying some sets now, they look so bad on display.
@Zordboy said:
"While I love the Giganotosaurus, I do think it's a shame the dinosaur was given T-rex arms. It just doesn't look right.
As for the Therizinosaurus, I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm super-curious as to how they portray the beast. The gigantic claws give it a fearsome appearance, but, well, if you don't want to be spoiled, don't look up the fossil record. The head looks good, but the raptor claws on the hind-legs are, again, just not right.
The helicopter is gorgeous, but it is weirdly-sized, compared to the building. A larger building would've been better, but I suppose, the price for these things is already absurd enough. "
LEGO needs to bring more herbivores, those guys were more dangerous than carnivores and they should also stop using Indoraptor legs for every therapod not: T-Rex, Carno, Giga or I-Rex. If LEGO makes a Scorpio Rex then those legs fit perfectly.
Unless the fans on the helicopter are for mobile air conditioning, somebody doesn’t understand how a helicopter works ;-)
“Located-based Jurassic World sets have achieved limited success, in my opinion.”
Did you mean “location-based?”
@Trigger_ said:
"“Located-based Jurassic World sets have achieved limited success, in my opinion.”
Did you mean “location-based?”"
Yes, thank you.
That's a rare occasion where I find a Jurassic Parl/World set worth despite a bad PPP. The building and the vehicles look great, the minifig selection is interesting and most importantly: the dinosaurs are impressive and very distinctive.
I'm not bothered about accuracy regarding the dinosaurs, since that's something that was never present in that franchise, let's be honest.
This set is a massive disappointment to me. The previous $130 Jurassic sets have included incredible builds far beyond the smaller sets, but the builds in this set seem completely unfinished. Missing railings, half a ladder, no chairs in the lab, inaccurate stickers for inaccurate dinosaurs... the only truly good build here is the helicopter, which is ironic considering how annoying it is to get a helicopter that big for buildings that small. The dinosaurs are cool, but I really expected more.
Giganotosaurus Model is good. Therizinosaurus Model is terrible - as is the price.
I'm guessing chopper is movie accurate but I think it would look better without the side rotors.
My guess would be, it was more cost effective for LEGO to put a different color plastic (for the gigantosaurus) through the moulds of the T-rex arms (since there are 2 T-rex’s in this wave), than to set up the carnotaurus arm’s moulds for only 1 color for one dinosaur. Whatever the case, I will be getting the whole wave as and when money allows.
I'd rather the helicopter had been dropped in favour of finishing the buildings. the biosyn building here appeals to me but I'd wish it [and the neighbouring tower - did they run out of railing or what??] got some extra detail to seal the deal.
@legofanboy said:
"My guess would be, it was more cost effective for LEGO to put a different color plastic (for the gigantosaurus) through the moulds of the T-rex arms (since there are 2 T-rex’s in this wave), than to set up the carnotaurus arm’s moulds for only 1 color for one dinosaur. Whatever the case, I will be getting the whole wave as and when money allows."
Last year's Stygimoloch had the 3 fingered arms in olive green. There is no good excuse for the T-Rex arms for a Giganotosaurus. It's clearly a design flaw and I expect the right parts for such an expensive dino.
@ao_ka said:
"I'm not bothered about accuracy regarding the dinosaurs, since that's something that was never present in that franchise, let's be honest."
The problem is not that these dinos dont look like "real" counterparts. They dont even look like MOVIE ones xD
Oh wow, it's been a while since LEGO gave us a Stupidcopter.
This sucker reminds me of the Spider-Man Stupidcopter from 76016 . It's got a main rotor, a tail rotor, and a pair of completely useless rotating ducted fans. Yikes!
I will need to update my Bricket list of Stupidcopters.
https://brickset.com/sets/list-25911