In the spirit of the Halloween Season, I'm going to be sharing a few spooky set reviews on EB, my first being the Werewolf Ambush, Studio set 1380. I did share a review of this set back in 2006, but this is a new review with updated pictures and comments.

Werewolf Ambush

Set #: 1380

Theme: Studios

Year Released: 2002

Piece Count: 110

Minifigs: 3 1/2

List Price: $10 (USD)

In 2002, Lego introduced a series of four movie monster sets as part of the Studios theme. They included 1380 Werewolf Ambush, 1381 Vampire's Crypt, 1382 Scary Laboratory, and 1383 Curse of the Pharaoh. I don't believe the sets were big sellers back in the early 2000s, and were quickly available on discount toy store shelves. One of the best things about this sub-theme is that it included memorable movie monster minifigs including Dracula, Frankenstein, Werewolf, and the Mummy; in addition to some additional figs like the Mad Scientist offered in Lego's recent Vintage Minifig Collection.

I really like the spooky boxart of the entire Movie Monster collection. Take a look at the front of the box with a picture of a full-moon:

The back of the box pictures one alternate model (a werewolf trap), and a few pictures of the tree mechanism:

Three figs are included within this set, all of which have an alternate appearance:

An extra grey-handed torso with chest hair can be used to make the blue-shirted man into a werewolf. The faces of the lady and the man with the tan suit can be turned depicting faces of fear:

I've always liked the Johny Thunder-style vehicle included in this set which serves as a nice little roadster for making those quiet little drives in the nearby forest:

The car is not too detailed but I like the green and dark grey color combination. Here's a shot of the front:

The middle section uses the Johny Thunder chasis and the back has a little space to add some supplies (not included):

Here's another shot with female minifig:

The other part of this set is the spooky tree:

But in looking at the back of the tree, it's not so spooky afterall. There's a printed blue control brick with an on/off switch to make the tree come alive:

Close-up of the control piece:

The top of the tree turns so that the spooky eyes can keep a close watch:

When a small technic piece is pulled from the tree, it falls to the ground:

The set includes a few extra pieces including a clear minifig holder for creating some Studio magic:

Watch out for the WEREWOLF!

Within the instructions of this set is also a little comic about the werewolf attack:

And lastly, a shot of the complete set:

Final Thoughts:

Werewolf Ambush is among my personal favorite of the entire Studios collection. I really like the fact that the set includes a car, a spooky tree, and three minifigs for a $10 (USD) price. In addition to high value, I love the werewolf and the two additional figs with two faces; my first figs with two faces. Printed pieces like the blue 1x2 control brick and the 1x1 eyes on the tree add additional value to an already good set. This is a must buy if you can still find at a reasonable price. I've used the Werewolf in only one MOC, my Moonshine Still:

The Werewolf does make a wonderful addition to any creepy MOC.

I hope you enjoy this spooky Halloween review.

Ive always liked the Studio Sets. This one is no exeption, however I never got it...

A fine set indeed, although I never saw this one before.

The studio sets were liked by many, I wonder why they didn't (or don't) release more...

Seems this set was a great way to get rid of the overproduced Fabuland wolfs-heads BTW (I don't even know they were produced - probably not...)

This is a good review, TheBrickster, but then you never made a bad one as far as I know.

Studios is probably one of my favorite themes. It brings out the creativity of LEGO. I love how they combined the Adventurers, Spiderman, Town and horror movie styled people together! It would be great if it made a return doing a James Bond styled movie with the new Agents theme!

This set is no exception, it's got lots of nice little details like the electronics on the back of the tree and the torn blue shirt vs. normal shirt. The red hot rod from custom cars would look greatin place of the car. Not that it's bad .

4/5

P.S. I like your Moonshine Still!

I love the minifigs in this set ! I really like this set ^^ I wish that TLG will release this kind of set again .

I guess I am very fortunate because I have this set

Anyway, great review, I like how you made the Werewolf's eyes green in the first shot.

Great reveiw brickster!

Great review TheBrickster, I really wish I had this and other freaky studio sets. The Werewolf head would be so useful for some of my mocs, and the figs are great too. I'm not to hot on that tree however, but overall the set looks really nice, thanks!

Batbrick Away!

With the spooky Halloween banner and your intriguing main picture, you have pulled off a spooky Halloween review.

Studio was my dark age, and I had no memories of viewing this set before. This is a nasty Halloween set, which served to be an ambush for that poor couple. Of course, they are big movie stars and the werewolf is one of the xtras. The jeep is pretty cool and I am quite fond of it. The bright green on its chassis is uncommon, I think. I had never seen such color combination before and it look quite nice with some Halloween touch. As for the minifigs, I think these are very useful civillans which can be added into your town population.

The tree's don't look very scary, but I must admit that the eyes look creepy and angry though. If the tree comes with a little more foilage, I think it will look much better looking. However, I think the tree is trying to depicit its lack of green because it's withered in one of the deserted areas. Come to think of it, it served the objective in a scary manner.

This is a nice set, and I will want to get it since it's affordable back then and you are able to grab a nifty good werewolf to add into your monster collection. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. I enjoy reading all of your comments.

I wasn't happy with the stone backdrop of the review images (at least for the main pictures), so I decided to take a few more shots in a spooky forest.

Let's try this, and see what you all think:

Awesome photography editing artwork!

Now, that's what I called a real ambush! The tree looks eerie and scary with its sinister red eyes. The innocent looking man, at the side of the tree, went forward the approaching vehicle, and lure the unknown travelers into danger when he will transform into cruelsome werewolf upon the full moon. Great piece of work. With this wonderful looking new artwork, you scored a full "5", in my opnion, even though I rated a "4" earlier.

Great review Brickster Sadly I missed the stuidio theme I would have really liked this set and the vampire one Great set though

Thanks

Nice review and, so wonderful set...

It's a pity I was still in my dark ages when it was released...

The weakest of the Studio monster sets, but still pretty good. The werewolf head should have been one piece instead of fitting over a minifig head. It looks a little too big this way. The living tree is a nice addition to the set. Not bad for the (original) price.

Nice Halloween review. Good job!

I'm still kicking myself for not buying multiples of this and other Studio sets when I found them in a discount store for around $1.99

Awesome review! I am going to buy the Scary Laboratory set soon from bricklink for the Halloween contest!

Great Review Brickster.

I recently acquired one of those on/off switch printed bricks, and now I know where it came from! I think alot of AFOL's like my self are sorry they missed these studio sets.

Nice idea (and review), Brickster! These Halloween reviews really get into the holiday spirit! I rated this set average, as it has both pros and cons. The pros would be the rare werewolf pieces, the customizable figs (I didn't know reversible heads were available that long ago!), and the cool tree. The truck isn't great, but this is still a great set for it's price. *Sigh*, I miss the studios line. I look forward to the remaining three Halloween reviews from you, are you going to do one each week?

EDIT: Oh yes, I very much like your new backdrop way better than the stone one. Excellent work, Brickster!

Edited October 15, 200816 yr by JimButcher

The new backdrop is great!!!

Thanks for reminding me of the only Monster studio I didn't get. I think I just didn't want another figure of the guy in the brown suit. That, and I really get bored of cars. The mummy set and the Frankenstein set are both my favorites. I still have them on the shelf.

Keep 'em coming, Brickster!

Say, I like Studio set as they gives you all kind of scary minifigs. Nice review!

By the way, I think that hair piece that people say there will be Palpatine arrest turns out to be the mold of the Vampire hair piece.

I really want to get this set as I love werewolfs, I only managed to get the Mummy set when it came out.

Thanks for the feedback. I was looking to create a much different look for this review instead of the traditional white backdrop. That 2nd picture with the moon was not digitally enhanced (aside from the moon and text); just took the image in dim light with a different backdrop. I'm going to experiment a bit more using different colors paper.

I own all of the Studio Movie Monster sets, with the exception of the Spooky Laboratory. It's just that my Vampire Crypt and Mummy sets have not been opened, and I'm reluctant to do so. If I do open them; however, I will certainly share a review.

For those of you who have some of these sets, I would encourage you to share a review.

I gave the set a 4/5 but I'll give your review a 5/5.

Thanks for the info, if I see this set cheap it's definately something I'll pick up

This is a very good review on set 1380. I like how you showed what the functions of this set are. Great Job!

LegoKing