BrickBob Studpants Posted June 7, 2013 Posted June 7, 2013 After reviewing the SW exclusives yesterday, I decided to review the remaining sets I received in my latest orders as well I was among the people who complained about video reviews in the LOTR thread, so now I have to put my money where my mouth is I guess So let's start with the smallest set in this year's LOTR range, 79005 Wizard Battle. I was looking forward to this from the moment it was announced since last year's sets were missing two important characters/ character representations: Saruman and the Eye of Sauron. Both were sort of hinted at but weren't included in the sets (the Orc Forge could potentially have included Saruman and the Weathertop set included a Palantir pedestal, but no corresponding Palantir). Let's right dig into the set now First off, the box: I really like how they've changed the boxart, that's not a given for all themes. The colour scheme on this looks absolutely gorgeous and has a very vibrant feeling to it, even more so than last year's boxart. I especially like the Eye of Sauron in the corner, which is appropriate since the Eye not only appears in this set, but also in 79006. The extra shots on the back look great too, particularly the one with the Palantir in front of Saruman And this is what awaits us after opening the box: Pieces of interest include the new trans-yellow crystal balls, Saruman's hair/beard combo piece and the printed minifig head that serves as the Eye, other than that there's nothing too special to discover here, at least not parts-wise Now let's proceed by introducing the minfigs; Saruman, Gandalf the Grey and the Eye of Sauron: Both minifigs feature detailed prints on both sides, including alternate facial expressions. I'm glad Gandalf finally gets a second expression thanks to his hairpieces that now cover the back of his head And kudos to the person who designed the minfigs, they certainly hit the nail with Saruman/ Count Dooku, the ressemblance to Christopher Lee is just uncanny (well, kudos in general to all designers who work for TLG ). The newly designed hair/beard piece looks stunning and fits the character perfectly. Too bad it's slightly rubbery, but at least it's a harder kind thereof. Some may question the versatility of the piece due to the fact that hair and beard are not separable, but that's not an issue with me I rather have a great looking piece than a versatile one, but frankly I'm more of a collector than a MOCer, so that figures I guess And now for some nightmare fuel (and don't say I didn't warn you ): In case that picture didn't scare you away, I present to you something equally frightening, the extra parts: And without further ado, let's get to the set itself: It's quite a simple set, but it manages to capture that particular scene perfectly. Highlights include the magnificent lamps, the imposing throne that even features a play function (now that's a throne worthy of being played with, pun pun ) and my favourite part of the set, the Palantir. Overall, I'm really fond of this set as it includes great minifigs and captures the essence of the scene from FOTR. The release of 10237 Tower of Orthanc may seem to make this set superflous, but I don't think so. The structure is not identical from what I can tell and the Palantir in 10237 does not feature the Eye, so this is still worth getting Next on my list: 79006 Council of Elrond... Quote
howie28 Posted June 7, 2013 Posted June 7, 2013 So, should I get this even if I'm getting Orthanc? I need some Lego to build... Quote
Captain Nemo Posted June 7, 2013 Posted June 7, 2013 Uhh! Just going to finish my review of this! Either way, it's a nice set. and you get a good amount for the price. Quote
Leo604 Posted June 7, 2013 Posted June 7, 2013 A minor thing, but TLG really should've included a grey cape for Gandalf as well. Thanks for the review! Quote
namioik Posted June 8, 2013 Posted June 8, 2013 So, should I get this even if I'm getting Orthanc? I need some Lego to build... I wouldn't... Only thing special with the set is for the palantir but even then you can bricklink that piece Quote
Hive Posted June 8, 2013 Posted June 8, 2013 The palantir looks cool and it's a nice throne. And who can say no to a white cape? Quote
Ki-Adi-Mundi Posted June 8, 2013 Posted June 8, 2013 Hehe, a nice idea to put the Sauron's eye into that monster minifig. The Palantir piece actually is the thing i want the most of this set since i plan to buy Orthanc anyway. Quote
Deathleech Posted June 9, 2013 Posted June 9, 2013 I think this is one of the better, if not the best smaller LotR/Hobbit sets released so far. You get a nice action scene between two main characters who are not easily available in other sets. Saruman and Gandalf with hair are only in the $200 Orthanc set (though the Gandalf hair mold could have been something more suitable). This isnt like Gandalf Arrives or especially Riddles for the Ring where you will easily get the minifigs in another set. The play features are also fantastic and actually true to movie. They really help play out the scene as it happens in the movie. There is no random flipping or flick fire missiles here! On top of all of this the price per piece isn't too bad for a small set at just under 12 cents per piece. All in all this seems like a great little set and what Lego SHOULD use the smallest price point for with a set. Quote
Bilbo Baggins Posted June 11, 2013 Posted June 11, 2013 (edited) This is a great review. I specially like the eye of sauron Edited June 11, 2013 by Bilbo Baggins Quote
legofreak86 Posted June 11, 2013 Posted June 11, 2013 A minor thing, but TLG really should've included a grey cape for Gandalf as well. Thanks for the review! If memory serves in this movie scene he is not wearing his cape only his robe but not his cape, He does a similar thing in the Hobbit An Unexpected Journey in the troll scene. Quote
Sarah Posted February 25, 2014 Posted February 25, 2014 I just put together my copy of this set and I am really charmed. I LOVE the two lamps on either side. I don't remember seeing that "light" piece beore. But the best part is the way they turn the platform with the Palantir on it. I was expecting it to be just a turntable. But the ingenious way it sets up to turn with a knob on the back of the play piece is fabulous! IT left me wanting to play with gears more! Quote
Floundie Posted February 25, 2014 Posted February 25, 2014 Woah, you dug up this thread just as I posted a question relating to this set in another topic. Yes, It's a neat set. The lamp pieces though in fact date way back to 1997. So not really new. Quote
Sarah Posted February 25, 2014 Posted February 25, 2014 (edited) Woah, you dug up this thread just as I posted a question relating to this set in another topic. Yes, It's a neat set. The lamp pieces though in fact date way back to 1997. So not really new. New for me! I came out of retirement when Friends came out 2011-ish. BTW My set didn't come with a brick separator. Edited February 25, 2014 by Sarah Quote
Floundie Posted February 25, 2014 Posted February 25, 2014 New for me! I came out of retirement when Friends came out 2011-ish. BTW My set didn't come with a brick separator. Now that I checked the review again, Lego-Freak's copy didn't have one either. Oh well. I just thought it was strange. Quote
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