Review: 77015 Temple of the Golden Idol
Posted by CapnRex101,
The famous opening sequence in Raiders of the Lost Ark has become iconic, introducing Indiana Jones, while establishing the movie's memorably adventurous tone. This ancient Peruvian temple and the spectacular traps inside are accordingly remarkable too.
77015 Temple of the Golden Idol takes a unique approach to the location, emphasising display value and including some ingenious functions as well. This balance is appealing and has seemingly required few compromises because the model looks outstanding. However, such rich details inevitably come with an expensive price.
Summary
77015 Temple of the Golden Idol, 1,545 pieces.
£129.99 / $149.99 / €149.99 | 8.4p/9.7c/9.7c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
77015 Temple of the Golden Idol expertly balances form and function
- Near-perfect accuracy
- Brilliantly detailed
- Clever functions
- Good minifigure selection
- Some avoidable stickers
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box and Contents
77015 Temple of the Golden Idol belongs to the 18+ range, so includes dark packaging, with an appropriate dark tan border on the bottom. Inside are fifteen bags, which are numbered between one and ten. Paper bags have still yet to be introduced, but the instruction manual is packed in a cardboard sleeve for protection.
Unlike the Diorama Collection sets from Star Wars, this set contains a number of stickers. I have no issue with a few stickers where necessary, but repeated designs should be printed whenever possible and including eighteen stickers here seems excessive. For example, the carved masks could surely have been printed in batches, like the newspaper tiles in 76178 Daily Bugle. These stickers are easy to apply though, thankfully.
Minifigures
As expected, Indiana Jones appears in every set from his eponymous theme, which is notable given the number of sets produced. This minifigure accurately portrays Indy's most recognisable appearance, wearing his classic leather jacket, satchel and holster. The updated fedora element looks splendid and incorporates dual-moulded hair, hiding the hero's alternative expression.
Satipo returns from the original 7623 Temple Escape and includes an interesting torso, with two tarantulas crawling across the back! Although plain, the light bluish grey legs are accurate, but I think better options for his hairstyle are available. I would have chosen the tousled piece created for Mutt Williams and therefore introduced in the original Indiana Jones range, fittingly.
The character's double-sided head looks fantastic, displaying a nervous expression on one side and a shocked design on the other, for when the guide meets his demise. Indiana Jones seems more confident, although his second face is covered with webs. This minifigure is equipped with a whip and a bag of sand to replace the Chachapoyan idol, while Satipo carries a flaming torch.
René Belloq awaits Indy's emergence from the temple, ready to seize the idol for himself. Once again, the character previously appeared in 7623 Temple Escape, although wearing darker attire on that occasion. Either shade of tan works, but I prefer the modern minifigure. The omission of dual-moulded legs to represent Belloq's long boots is disappointing though.
A single Hovitos Warrior accompanies Belloq in this set, after the French archaeologist advises the tribe of Jones' presence in their sacred lands. I like the minifigure's nougat skin tone and the olive green loincloth corresponds with the movie too. Moreover, the head and torso are adorned with colourful patterns, alongside a necklace and beads.
These details are taken from a specific Hovitos warrior in the film, who shoots arrows at Indiana Jones as he boards Jock's seaplane. The second angry expression and bow are therefore ideal for this minifigure. Belloq, meanwhile, includes an arrogant smile and wields a revolver, which is kept holstered onscreen.
The Completed Model
LEGO launched the Diorama Collection format last year, which 77015 Temple of the Golden Idol follows. In addition, the angled configuration recalls 7623 Temple Escape, although this model is divided into three sections, so occupies less space on display. Nevertheless, the whole structure measures 51cm across, which is obviously quite substantial.
The temple is constructed inside a cave, so is dominated by dark bluish grey pieces. The vibrant greenery around the entrance provides a nice contrast though, alongside medium nougat bricks which similarly stand out. The angle of the entrance is also appealing, furthering the impression of a natural cave, which the Hovitos have reinforced and decorated with carved stone.
Space outside the door is limited, which is problematic if you wish to recreate the scene in which Belloq demands the idol from Indiana Jones. However, there is a dedicated position to stand the tribesman, on a pair of lime green jumper plates. These blend in with the surrounding lime green leaves, also intermingled with bright green and olive green foliage.
Olive green elements continue inside, breaking up the otherwise dark interior. Pearl silver spikes are also included, representing the stalagmites shown in the film. A couple of spiders are placed on the ground, with another resting on the web above. These creatures originate from the movie too, when Indy and Satipo are covered with tarantulas, shortly after entering the temple.
Various traps are also found inside, beginning with hidden spikes. The dark tan spikes are static and cannot retract into the wall, which is somewhat disappointing. Several functions are already included though and the spikes look good, especially with Forrestal's skeleton revealing the fate of Indiana Jones' rival. There is also space for Satipo to stand on the other side of the spikes, as though impaled while escaping.
The enormous boulder trap is probably the most famous in any Indiana Jones film. 7623 Temple Escape made clever use of a ball designed for DUPLO sets to recreate the boulder, but I prefer this brick-built design by far. The combination of smooth and studded surfaces looks brilliant and the shape is surprisingly spherical. Furthermore, I love the stone head beside the boulder, which captures superb detail.
Four functions are included, each activated by rotating the skull-adorned knobs across the front of the model. The rolling boulder feature is ingenious, as twisting the knob causes the boulder to move downwards along the 11x11 curved gear rack, spinning as it goes! Simply turning the knob in the opposite direction resets the boulder, where it locks in position at the top.
I was concerned that the Technic gear rack would be distracting because it is clearly visible from the front. Thankfully, this piece blends with the surrounding rocks and the teeth look fine, as the Hovitos are evidently capable of building relatively complex mechanisms. There are some bright colours which would be conspicuous, but they are completely hidden behind the rocks.
The central section includes another memorable trap, as an apparently bottomless pit interrupts progress towards the idol. Black panels create the impression of depth here, with reddish brown roots stretching into this cavity and introducing another contrasting colour. Moreover, the darker grey rocks near the entrance give way to light bluish grey elements, combined with dark tan.
Diorama Collection sets traditionally display quotations from their respective films, alongside the name of the film. Unusually, these tiles are decorated with stickers rather than printed, but I think the chosen lines of dialogue are probably the most noteworthy from this sequence. The stylised skulls on the flanking 2x2 round tiles are printed, fortunately.
One of these knobs controls a stone door, which gradually closes as Indy rushes to escape with the golden idol. The door is accurately adorned with an image of a Peruvian deity, although this sticker is strangely offset, relative to the surrounding doorway. Additionally, the area between the door and the pit seems relatively small, leaving little room for minifigures to stand.
Naturally, the platform becomes more spacious once the door opens. This function feels smooth and involves another Technic mechanism, concealed behind the cave wall. The structure around the door is well disguised too, including a tree, some plants and another ornamental skull, which matches one situated menacingly outside the entrance.
The second tan knob causes the wooden beam above the chasm to rotate, allowing minifigures to swing across. Once again, this function appears seamless from the front and works nicely, as Indiana Jones or Satipo can grip a reddish brown bar with a clip, so move with the beam when it rotates.
Unfortunately, the bar is slightly too short for minifigures' feet to reach either side. Indiana Jones looks splendid while swinging across though, which is paramount. The dark tan tiles behind the pit are appealing too, approximating the gigantic stone blocks visible in this section of the temple onscreen, without comprising the strong construction.
These two mechanisms are simple, consisting of interconnected Technic beams. Such simplicity is beneficial though, as they work reliably. The door mechanism, for instance, includes a Technic gear to create friction when opening or closing the door slowly, while the Technic beams reach a locked position when the door is opened fully, keeping it in position.
The other mechanism transfers the rotation of the knob to the wooden beam over the chasm, so features a basic linkage system. Again, there are some incongruous colours, although none are visible from the front. These functions are excellent and I hope other 18+ dioramas will embrace similar functionality in the future.
Approaching the idol chamber, Indiana and Satipo pass a decorative wooden frame, with a gold medallion in its centre. This medallion is actually the Sunburst, an artefact featured in Secret of the Incas from 1954, which influenced Raiders of the Lost Ark. This model therefore includes the same decoration, recreated with accurate texture using a pearl gold spoked hubcap.
The final section is by far the biggest, corresponding with the movie. Dark tan elements become more prevalent here, which finishes the gradual transition from the entrance to the depths of this temple. Some colourful details continue though and I like the decoration across the base, which includes brick-built skulls beside printed patterns on 2x3 tiles.
Before approaching the idol, Indy anticipates more traps and tests the ground for pressure pads using a nearby torch. This torch is therefore included, clipped on the wall. Additionally, a number of reddish brown and dark orange 1x1 tiles are placed at angles on the floor, representing those pressure pads and sharply contrasting with the dark bluish grey stone.
Each pressure pad is connected to dart launchers in the film, fired from inside the mouths of the intimidating masks lining the walls. Functional darts are not included, but the masks look superb and I love how brick-built examples are mixed with stickers. Every mask is unique and one takes inspiration from King Kahuka, featured in LEGO Pirates, while another portrays a silly minifigure head!
The iconic Chachapoyan Fertility Idol is represented by a new piece, although closely resembles its precursor from 7623 Temple Escape I wonder whether the designers considered updating the accessory with more conspicuous minifigure styling. However, this version looks nice, especially given the beautiful metallic gold finish.
An impressive carved face towers above the fertility idol, displaying prominent teeth and a lovely mixture of dark tan, medium nougat and dark bluish grey colours. The white eyes look excellent as well, beside a few teal accents, which are repeated throughout this model. Two more stickers form masks on top, applied on dark tan 2x2 tiles.
A light brick is situated above the head, illuminating the idol chamber and recreating the orange glow of the onscreen location. I am not convinced this feature was truly necessary, but the brick is neatly integrated and controlled by rotating the fourth decorated knob, accessible on the front of the base.
The golden idol stands on a circular plinth, carefully weighted to counterbalance a trigger for the temple's collapse. Indiana Jones accordingly aims to replace the idol with an equally heavy bag containing sand, but narrowly misjudges the weight. Twisting the knob therefore causes the core of the plinth to drop slowly, precisely as shown in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Continuing to rotate this knob ejects the carved head, faithfully recreating the temple's dramatic collapse. However, the structure remains attached to the surrounding wall, via a pair of linkages and some silver chains. I think a dedicated playset would include more destructible features, but I appreciate the cohesion of this design, which allows the different functions to be reset quickly.
Unsurprisingly, the mechanism on the back is rather complicated and comprises various moving parts. Again though, these elements are concealed and stickered tiles disguise the large Technic bricks, which could otherwise be seen alongside the carved face. Rather than contributing to the functions, these bricks actually strengthen the wall.
The three sequential functions are controlled through a single lime green cam, just about visible among the Technic beams below. The cam presses a yellow piece down and activates the light brick as it begins to rotate, before a mechanism beneath the idol allows the plinth to drop. Then the cam pushes another Technic beam upwards and dislodges the ornamental stone face.
Overall
Since the introduction of the 18+ range, I think LEGO has sometimes struggled to find a balance between attractive details and entertaining features. Static models can be perfect for display, but typically lack the enjoyable functions associated with playsets. 77015 Temple of the Golden Idol achieves an exemplary combination, including clever functions, without spoiling the appearance of the temple.
Some could consider the functions over-engineered, but their seamless integration was required to maintain the model's considerable display value. The price of £129.99, $149.99 or €149.99 is relatively expensive, but the sheer quality of this design arguably warrants such expense. This is among my favourite 18+ sets to date and is comfortably the best diorama!
223 likes
43 comments on this article
Honestly its mighty impressive how much stuff they packed into this set, especially the last room/scene. Lights, pressure plate, and falling head all in 1 fairly small room? Muah.
What a great set! The mechanisms are really fun and impressive. Wish they'd be covered up more, but still.
Personally I'm probably gonna leave the quote off. I feel like it takes away from the overall presentation.
I'm so glad it's not an exclusive, so I'll be able to pick it up between €100-€120!
Excellent review! This, to me, sums up the perfect 18+ set: beautiful looks and some fun play features that don't distract from very recognisable the main model. Top that with great building techniques... and you have yourself a winner for AFOLS. It displays VERY well, albeit from just one side ;-) I'll pick this one up eventually... It's just too good.
I love the set, but $150 is a lot for any plastic toy… definitely gonna wait for this to go on sale.
I am considering buying this and seeing how it can integrate in with the previous temple escape 7623. Seems like a fun challenge.
An nice updated version of the Prince of Persia 7572 Quest Against Time
@ACubeInABox said:
"I love the set, but $150 is a lot for any plastic toy… "
Welcome to the 21st century!
I am not looking forward to all those technic parts...ugh
Wow, I didn't know about the light brick. Definitely grabbing this one!
This is one of those rare times where the functions really add to the model (in my opinion).
The first ting you see of Belloq in the film are his shiny boots which are not here in an 18+ diorama which is supposed to be detail focused. Other than that and the amount of stickers (4+ sets=prints but adult collector diorama=stickers kinda reinforces 18+ is a marketing gimmick), this is a phenomenal set and Indy needs more than just 3 sets!
I'm afraid I don't get this one. The boulder scene is the most obvious thing in the world to make into a playset—why a diorama? I admire all the detailing (on the final segment at least) but to me there's absolutely no sense of exploration here, it's far too cramped. I'll be ebaying the minifigures (perhaps with an extra tribesperson) but overall this just doesn't do it for me at all. The other two sets are superb.
The original Idol Temple was the was one of my first larger sets. I remember hunting for it at multiple stores before find it. I am thankful they remade.
Without a doubt this is superior version of the set. I love the highly detailed and well hidden functions of this version. I would have preferred Jock’s biplane be included but otherwise a great set. It is expensive at $150 but not terrible considering when the original was ~$95 accounting for inflammation.
Thanks for the detail review! I can’t wait to pick this set up!
Finally, the No Way Home Alfred Molina figure we've been waiting for!
Also, mandatory clip. I hope the Lego designers reenacted this video as they made it.
https://youtu.be/6Qq7754ZZlE
I think LEGO may have underestimated the popularity of the new Indy sets. This and the others sold out near instantly at the Disney Springs store in Orlando, FL.
The availability at other retailers seems to be a bit spotty as I can’t find another brick and mortar store that even had it on stock to begin with on release day.
I don’t think Indy has the legs to become an evergreen theme, but hopefully LEGO takes this as a sign of popularity to green light more waves to come
Great review. Still need to see it in person to decide, so far it feels very cramped and over detailed judging by the photos and PR material. Price is a bit high, $169 would have been better, but I'm sure Costco or Amazon will discount down the road.
It looks great. The original 7623 is a classic LEGO set based on a classic cinematic sequence, and I love that already; this seems a worthy new interpretation. I kind of feel like this set is to the 7623 and Indiana Jones theme in general what 10497 is to 497 and Classic Space in general, a terrific expansion upon and reimagining of an already terrific older set.
I wasn't overly impressed by this set when I first saw it. Now I am. This looks like a great set!
What are the dimensions, @CapnRex101? I only see those for length/width, not depth or height.
“Belloq, meanwhile, includes an arrogant smile and wields a revolver, which is kept holstered onscreen.“
It’s Indy’s revolver that he’s forced to give over by the Hovitos when he pulls it out in front of Belloq, so yes, he briefly holds it onscreen.
My inner child is so happy looking at these sets, this isn’t a poorly priced one (nor are any of them from this wave) but still outside of my budget for now. The idol looks the same to me but I guess it’s a new piece, glad they kept the “chest” lol.
@Djhorn said:
"I think LEGO may have underestimated the popularity of the new Indy sets. This and the others sold out near instantly at the Disney Springs store in Orlando, FL.
The availability at other retailers seems to be a bit spotty as I can’t find another brick and mortar store that even had it on stock to begin with on release day.
I don’t think Indy has the legs to become an evergreen theme, but hopefully LEGO takes this as a sign of popularity to green light more waves to come"
We have been to the Disney Springs store on release day. It gets very busy. Was there a long line when they opened at 10 am? At New Years, the line was about 200 people.
This looks excellent, missed out on the previous Indiana Jones sets so I'll be picking this up eventually. Much better than the underwhelming Star Wars diorama sets that are coming out in May.
@beatlefan1966 said:
" @Djhorn said:
"I think LEGO may have underestimated the popularity of the new Indy sets. This and the others sold out near instantly at the Disney Springs store in Orlando, FL.
The availability at other retailers seems to be a bit spotty as I can’t find another brick and mortar store that even had it on stock to begin with on release day.
I don’t think Indy has the legs to become an evergreen theme, but hopefully LEGO takes this as a sign of popularity to green light more waves to come"
We have been to the Disney Springs store on release day. It gets very busy. Was there a long line when they opened at 10 am? At New Years, the line was about 200 people.
"
I don’t know, but I called the Sugarloaf Mills store in Lawrenceville (just outside Atlanta, Georgia, USA) this morning and they told me they sold out of their initial allotment almost instantly yesterday.
On Facebook Im I’m not just a number of LEGO groups but also Indiana Jones ones, and I’ve seen several people report people lining up at LEGO stores early on the release day and clearing out all the Indy stock quickly.
Of course this is just that initial enthusiastic rush, and if they’re not east to get today they surely will be in a couple weeks or a month or a couple months or whatever, like the Ideas Saturn V or any other hot new popular set / theme. That said, though, from all these extremely preliminary reports it does sound as though this theme is going to do quite well for LEGO and Lucasfilm again.
I do fully expect to get some Dial of Destiny sets from the theme some months from now. Those aside, I wonder whether they’ll also give us anything from other parts of the franchise that they didn’t cover in the 2008-‘09 run, as the three sets in this current wave mostly revisit stuff already covered in sets in that earlier run.
@classic_space17 said:
"This looks excellent, missed out on the previous Indiana Jones sets so I'll be picking this up eventually. Much better than the underwhelming Star Wars diorama sets that are coming out in May."
They've been revealed? I know there was rumours about Jabba's palace and the death star 2 duel as dioramas but we have nothing confirmed yet I don't think.
Appreciate the detailed review! Just wanted to mention that Secret of the Incas was released in 1954. Indeed it had substantial inspiration on Indy's wardrobe, as its protagonist, Harry Steele, wore the fedora, brown leather jacket, etc., that has come to be associated with Indiana Jones.
At a discount this will appear quite attractive.
@ozbrickcreator said:
" @classic_space17 said:
"This looks excellent, missed out on the previous Indiana Jones sets so I'll be picking this up eventually. Much better than the underwhelming Star Wars diorama sets that are coming out in May."
They've been revealed? I know there was rumours about Jabba's palace and the death star 2 duel as dioramas but we have nothing confirmed yet I don't think."
The Emperor's Throne Room and Endor Speeder Chase Dioramas have leaked and MandRproductions has done reviews on both of them.
@gatorbug6: The reason 4+/Juniors sets always include prints is because kids that age aren't always careful with stickers. The target audience for 18+ sets can be safely assumed to be more so.
I’m building this as I post. It’s been a great build thus far.
Another triumph by lego designers.
I have the original one, still on display all these years and loved how they created the opening sequence.
The older one has more play room to move around figures and fun features but this one is the 'deluxe' version of that one.
Brilliant. Can't wait and it's coming in the mail soon!
I acquired the original for a very very good price in excellent condition a year or so ago - built it, enjoyed it, decided it wasn't worth the space and moved it on. I'm just not hugely attached to the franchise.
And here I am seriously considering buying a remake of that same set. It's just that good.
I love all the brick-built faces and skulls! Also, I didn't know about the mechanical features and light brick. I think those are excellent additions, and they have definitely increased my interest in this set.
@ozbrickcreator said:
" @classic_space17 said:
"This looks excellent, missed out on the previous Indiana Jones sets so I'll be picking this up eventually. Much better than the underwhelming Star Wars diorama sets that are coming out in May."
They've been revealed? I know there was rumours about Jabba's palace and the death star 2 duel as dioramas but we have nothing confirmed yet I don't think."
They have been found in stores in Canada, watched some YouTube videos. Jabbas Throne Room was the one I was excited for, but it was either just a rumor or has been cancelled. The 2 dioramas are Emperors Throne Room and Endor Speeder Chase. They are priced ludicrously high and to me they appear very underwhelming as I watched a couple of reviews of the sets on YouTube. Really disappointed so far with 2023 Star Wars sets. So will be purchasing the excellent Indiana Jones sets instead.
was never a fan of the movie quote plaques used on these kinds of sets. I'm glad they're stickers this time, that way I dont have to apply them.
@CapnRex101
"The omission of dual-moulded legs to represent Belloq's long boots is disappointing though."
Belloq's short sleeves and wristwatch are also missing.
Great review @CapnRex101 I love this set and will defo be buying it.
Those mechanisms look well complicated, it would be great if you could start including animated GIFs of functions so we can see them working!
Those that spotted Fright Knights references in the Indy wave reveal must've been mistaken, since neither review brought any up.
It's definitely an amazing set
Honestly didn't realize there'd be so many functions, thought this would be a completely static display model. Looks great tho. Hopefully more come in stock because it's sold out in my area right now.
The biggest con for me: Its made as a display piece first not as a playset
I was soooo looking forward to this but as ever, greedy lazy Lego have ruined it with a ton of stickers. Can't believe the Raiders and quotes elements are stickers too. Sooooo dissapointing.
@kingalbino said:
"I was soooo looking forward to this but as ever, greedy lazy Lego have ruined it with a ton of stickers. Can't believe the Raiders and quotes elements are stickers too. Sooooo dissapointing. "
So, if you like everything else about the set - display value / appearance, Minifigures, features …. And you can afford it …… but you still won’t buy it because of the presence of some stickers!?!?!
LOL…… some people can never be satisfied!
Take a long look at yourself in the mirror
Lol, they used Doc Ocks hair.