LEGO Hobbit 2014

[Lynx]

Sorry, didn't see the video posted anywhere so I thought people might have missed it.

No reason to apologise and thanks for posting the link! I'm sure not everybody visits this forum daily; a double or even triple post surely beats missing out on some cool stuff!

[Mr. Cube]

Deathleech: The set is (sadly) a "compilation" - it´s based on AUJ and DoS, not just on DoS. Sauron is hiding his identity, he appears as the "Necromancer", he has not full physical form like in the FotR prologue. He only shows his identity to Gandalf to reveal who he realy is. Putting Sauron with his armor in full physical form into the set would be nonsense. But something like 2nd Age Sauron polybag would be correct.

[legofreak86]

Deathleech: The set is (sadly) a "compilation" - it´s based on AUJ and DoS, not just on DoS. Sauron is hiding his identity, he appears as the "Necromancer", he has not full physical form like in the FotR prologue. He only shows his identity to Gandalf to reveal who he realy is. Putting Sauron with his armor in full physical form into the set would be nonsense. But something like 2nd Age Sauron polybag would be correct.

If you think about that he did that just to annoy Gandalf. In a I'm back fool, sort of way! He's showing off, like look what I can do! That's a great scene. I reckon that the next set might be combinable with that set to make a complete dol guldur sequence maybe based on all three films. If we think about it the first 2 sets have given us plenty of orcs, then add the next set that makes three antagonists and then five main characters to create a full scene. Its no coincidence that by collecting DGB and this upcoming set gives you all the white council bar saruman (who is available elsewhere)plus the three main villains who have been in dol guldur. I Reckon it will be a bit you can attach like DGA that goes with the characters.

Edited August 11, 2014 by legofreak86

[Venkefedo]

Does anyone else think the new Santa's Workshop modified - Mostly changed to reddish brown - would fit into Laketown?

Sure! Laketown's kinda ramshackle, so even if it isn't a perfect stylistic match it could still match the spirit of it. Good excuse to keep it on display after the holiday season!

[bachamn]

Actually...

THIS is how Sauron appears in Desolation of Smaug, which the Lego set is based on. It actually would have made complete sense for Lego to use THIS version instead of the shadowy necromancer version they used (who doesn't even appear in DoS, he is in AUJ).

For maybe 1 second, but he's not really there in armor, is he? It's basically a mental image he's sending to Gandalf to tell him what's up. Ultimately the character is a wraith-like creature, depicted in the films as smoke/shadows (which is why the Necromancer & Ringwraith figures are so brilliant). The problem with the idea of making a big armored Sauron figure is that in both Tolkien and PJ lore, he never regained the ability to assume physical form after losing the Ring to Isildur. Making any sort of non-wraith Sauron figure outside of a Prologue set or polybag makes absolutely no sense; if anything it would have to be some sort of fan-service fiery-wraith transparent looking figure like Faefrost mentioned (which would indeed be awesome), but even then I have a feeling the outcry for lack of armored Sauron would linger.

Nope, I meant Lego fans. I am saying if you are a LotR fan, but not a Lego fan and saw that necromancer figure, you probably wouldn't even know it is Sauron.

Ok, but that doesn't make sense. Speaking as a Tolkien fan, as soon as I see 'Dol Guldur' the Necromancer/Sauron is the first place my mind goes (not Azog; Azog is dead). So upon seeing a wraith-like figure in a LEGO set about Dol Guldur, yes my assumption would be that it is the Necromancer. If I were a LEGO fan with little knowledge of Tolkien beyond what I've seen on the screen or in the LEGO sets, then I can absolutely see how the lack of the big black armor could leave one without an obvious connection. I'm sure they polled audiences on AUJ and found that too many people failed to get the connection of Necromancer/Sauron being the big bad guy from LotR despite the multiple discussions/references in the film, so they visually re-imagined the Necromancer (for a split second before making him burst into the iconic Eye) in DoS to provide that nudge.

I am pretty sure you are the minority here. The resounding consensus was the necromancer version was extremely dull and boring when we first saw him. It was one of the few minifigures from the LotR or Hobbit line people weren't impressed with.

Of course I'm in the minority here, this is a LEGO forum, and obviously my loyalties lie more with the author than the movie depictions from PJ. How exactly does that matter in this discussion though? I'm just pointing out that rants about "how much LEGO effed everything up", many of which have been posted by you, are not very well thought out. You have to remember that there are other fans of these products that do not share your perspectives for reasons you aren't considering.

There are plenty reasons behind the production decisions that have been made by LEGO, but the only logic behind what I see in rants about the waves seems to be in the vein of, "They did it because they're bad at making decisions and they don't care about AFOLs! Here are my dream waves! etc. etc." Just keep in mind that you ultimately fall into the minority of the LEGO marketing demographic.

Edited August 11, 2014 by bachamn

[kevkipo]

Sorry, didn't see the video posted anywhere so I thought people might have missed it.

Don't worry, it's not a big deal

[Dr.Cogg]

I thought galadriel fights the Necromancer/Sauron, and as for Sauron ,I prefer the Armored one over the wraith.

[Hypernova888]

Does anyone else think the new Santa's Workshop modified - Mostly changed to reddish brown - would fit into Laketown?

Perhaps it would...

For maybe 1 second, but he's not really there in armor, is he? It's basically a mental image he's sending to Gandalf to tell him what's up. Ultimately the character is a wraith-like creature, depicted in the films as smoke/shadows (which is why the Necromancer & Ringwraith figures are so brilliant). The problem with the idea of making a big armored Sauron figure is that in both Tolkien and PJ lore, he never regained the ability to assume physical form after losing the Ring to Isildur. Making any sort of non-wraith Sauron figure outside of a Prologue set or polybag makes absolutely no sense; if anything it would have to be some sort of fan-service fiery-wraith transparent looking figure like Faefrost mentioned (which would indeed be awesome), but even then I have a feeling the outcry for lack of armored Sauron would linger.

Ok, but that doesn't make sense. Speaking as a Tolkien fan, as soon as I see 'Dol Guldur' the Necromancer/Sauron is the first place my mind goes (not Azog; Azog is dead). So upon seeing a wraith-like figure in a LEGO set about Dol Guldur, yes my assumption would be that it is the Necromancer. If I were a LEGO fan with little knowledge of Tolkien beyond what I've seen on the screen or in the LEGO sets, then I can absolutely see how the lack of the big black armor could leave one without an obvious connection. I'm sure they polled audiences on AUJ and found that too many people failed to get the connection of Necromancer/Sauron being the big bad guy from LotR despite the multiple discussions/references in the film, so they visually re-imagined the Necromancer (for a split second before making him burst into the iconic Eye) in DoS to provide that nudge.

Of course I'm in the minority here, this is a LEGO forum, and obviously my loyalties lie more with the author than the movie depictions from PJ. How exactly does that matter in this discussion though? I'm just pointing out that rants about "how much LEGO effed everything up", many of which have been posted by you, are not very well thought out. You have to remember that there are other fans of these products that do not share your perspectives for reasons you aren't considering.

There are plenty reasons behind the production decisions that have been made by LEGO, but the only logic behind what I see in rants about the waves seems to be in the vein of, "They did it because they're bad at making decisions and they don't care about AFOLs! Here are my dream waves! etc. etc." Just keep in mind that you ultimately fall into the minority of the LEGO marketing demographic.

This. Just...all of this.

[Deathleech]

For maybe 1 second, but he's not really there in armor, is he? It's basically a mental image he's sending to Gandalf to tell him what's up. Ultimately the character is a wraith-like creature, depicted in the films as smoke/shadows (which is why the Necromancer & Ringwraith figures are so brilliant). The problem with the idea of making a big armored Sauron figure is that in both Tolkien and PJ lore, he never regained the ability to assume physical form after losing the Ring to Isildur. Making any sort of non-wraith Sauron figure outside of a Prologue set or polybag makes absolutely no sense; if anything it would have to be some sort of fan-service fiery-wraith transparent looking figure like Faefrost mentioned (which would indeed be awesome), but even then I have a feeling the outcry for lack of armored Sauron would linger.

Yes, but how long is Sauron shown in his necromancer form, a whole second as well? Heck, you don't even get a clear shot of his face, it's just a black shadowy figure from AUJ (NOT DoS!). While showing him in armor in DoS may just be an image and not his actual physical form, who cares? Maybe people want to use the Sauron "image" so they can have him floating around Dol Guldur being all menacing? It doesn't matter if he has a physical form or is just an image, he appears the same regardless and I am sure kids want to re-create the scene as accurately as possible. I mean if we are going to get technical about this sort of thing shouldn't the necromancer be done in a smokey transparent plastic at the very least with no face or chest print? Lego took liberties with him.

Ok, but that doesn't make sense. Speaking as a Tolkien fan, as soon as I see 'Dol Guldur' the Necromancer/Sauron is the first place my mind goes (not Azog; Azog is dead). So upon seeing a wraith-like figure in a LEGO set about Dol Guldur, yes my assumption would be that it is the Necromancer. If I were a LEGO fan with little knowledge of Tolkien beyond what I've seen on the screen or in the LEGO sets, then I can absolutely see how the lack of the big black armor could leave one without an obvious connection. I'm sure they polled audiences on AUJ and found that too many people failed to get the connection of Necromancer/Sauron being the big bad guy from LotR despite the multiple discussions/references in the film, so they visually re-imagined the Necromancer (for a split second before making him burst into the iconic Eye) in DoS to provide that nudge.

Well of course you would know who it is if you are a big LotR/Hobbit fan AND were told the set he is in. There aren't a lot of people it could be. My point was there are a lot of the LotR/Hobbit minifigures that are instantly recognizable after seeing just the figures by themselves. For example I can show almost any LotR fan the Legolas minifigure and they will know exactly who it is. I don't need to tell them what scene or set he is from or even mention he is a LotR figure to most people. People can just tell because he looks very much like Legolas in the movies. The necromancer on the other hand is based on a shadowy figure and it appears Lego just kind of did their own thing with his mint green chest and face print (which I guess is better than a solid black minifigure, but still...)

Of course I'm in the minority here, this is a LEGO forum, and obviously my loyalties lie more with the author than the movie depictions from PJ. How exactly does that matter in this discussion though? I'm just pointing out that rants about "how much LEGO effed everything up", many of which have been posted by you, are not very well thought out. You have to remember that there are other fans of these products that do not share your perspectives for reasons you aren't considering.

There are plenty reasons behind the production decisions that have been made by LEGO, but the only logic behind what I see in rants about the waves seems to be in the vein of, "They did it because they're bad at making decisions and they don't care about AFOLs! Here are my dream waves! etc. etc." Just keep in mind that you ultimately fall into the minority of the LEGO marketing demographic.

It matters because of reasons I already gave. That's great your loyalties lie with the author, but these sets are based on the movies, NOT the books (which barely even mention Dol Guldur...). People want cool figures that are movie accurate. The necromancer has been one of the most criticized figures to come out of the LotR or Hobbit sets. Go back and look at how many people complained about him when the Dol Guldur Battle set was first revealed. I know there isn't a lot Lego could do with the figure, but if possible they should of picked the other version to model him after. Also, the wave 2 sets are primarily based on the DoS movie where Sauron doesn't even appear in necromancer form, he is shown as the armored version. I take it by your avatar you are a huge necromancer fan so you seem to be taking this personally, but the figure is just not a fan favorite. Want a little more proof? Look at the Dol Guldur Battle review. He has the least votes for favorite new figure. Out of 120+ votes he doesn't even hold 5%. Even the hairless Gundabad Orcs that appear in several sets have more votes than him. Do you honestly think the same would be true if we got a figure based on the armored Sauron "image"?

I am just saying people want Sauron in his armor form. Since, as you said, the only way we would see that is in some promotional item or a prologue set, neither of which will probably EVER happen, why not take this perfect opportunity to give us an armored Sauron? Who cares if it's not a physical form and is just an image, we still get an awesome looking armored Sauron that we probably wouldn't otherwise get. Like I said before, you are killing two birds with one stone. We get an accurate DoS version AND a version that could pass for Sauron in the LotR. Instead we got a figure that is boring and doesn't look very good.

Lastly I am not really sure how you can say I make a lot of posts about "how much LEGO effed everything up" and that they are not very well thought out. Do you even read through my entire posts? Most times when I start a post criticizing something, by the end I am more asking questions why they did it or bringing up possible reasons. Heck, I even did it with the Sauron/necromancer discussion. I acknowledged it was probably a movie change made too late for Lego to fix or they didn't have the budget to give Sauron a new helm mold so opted for something easier. I don't see how that is poorly thought out in the least, nor how I am always complaining about Lego's decisions. In fact I think I am actually pretty mild on the criticism compared to a lot of people on these forums. A lot of sets I am ok with when other people HATE them (like Mines of Moria or the new Erebor set that got tons of hate from others...). Sometimes it's just hard to understand things Lego does. By all accounts, why would Lego neglect to make a Gondor set with the Witch King, Eowyn, and Gondor Soldiers, but they will give us the Mouth of Sauron only seen a few minutes in the EE of the films? I mean how do you NOT criticize that? We are all huge LotR/Hobbit fans AND Lego fans so we just want to see the best treatment given to the Middle-Earth themes. We complain because we care a great deal about the sets and are passionate. That is all.

Edited August 11, 2014 by Deathleech

[BrickBob Studpants]

The whole talk about Sauron reminds me of something I noticed when reading through the London Toy Fair reports again: is it possible that one of the minifigs in 79015 is the DoS version of Sauron? I know the initial Toy Fair reports stated it was the Witch-King and we all immediately assumed it was the version of his seen in AUJ due to the "glow in the dark" description, but keep in mind that they didn't have much time to examine the sets closely and most of the people didn't remember anything of substance (or weren't even that familiar with LOTR/the Hobbit to begin with). Perhaps they assumed it was the Witch-King because of the armor? The armors these two characters wear are vastly different of course, but one might confuse them in minifig form at first glance, especially when in a hurry The "glow in the dark" thing hasn't been described in detail either, we don't know whether it's GITD parts, printing or something else that glows (maybe even transparent parts) It's very hard to tell whether the reports are accurate in that regard, they at least recognized Galadriel, Elrond and Bilbo, but not much else (they only knew of Bain and Dain because the presenters at the Fair told them who those two were).

[legofreak86]

The whole talk about Sauron reminds me of something I noticed when reading through the London Toy Fair reports again: is it possible that one of the minifigs in 79015 is the DoS version of Sauron? I know the initial Toy Fair reports stated it was the Witch-King and we all immediately assumed it was the version of his seen in AUJ due to the "glow in the dark" description, but keep in mind that they didn't have much time to examine the sets closely and most of the people didn't remember anything of substance (or weren't even that familiar with LOTR/the Hobbit to begin with). Perhaps they assumed it was the Witch-King because of the armor? The armors these two characters wear are vastly different of course, but one might confuse them in minifig form at first glance, especially when in a hurry The "glow in the dark" thing hasn't been described in detail either, we don't know whether it's GITD parts, printing or something else that glows (maybe even transparent parts) It's very hard to tell whether the reports are accurate in that regard, they at least recognized Galadriel, Elrond and Bilbo, but not much else (they only knew of Bain and Dain because the presenters at the Fair told them who those two were).

Hmmm... Plus the witch king appearing in BO5A as a proper threat would be a surprise which the studio would surely want to hide. Maybe it is sauron as surely thats what Elrond, Galadriel and saruman are doing there fighting with him. Who knows.

Edited August 11, 2014 by legofreak86

[AFOLguy1970]

The whole talk about Sauron reminds me of something I noticed when reading through the London Toy Fair reports again: is it possible that one of the minifigs in 79015 is the DoS version of Sauron? I know the initial Toy Fair reports stated it was the Witch-King and we all immediately assumed it was the version of his seen in AUJ due to the "glow in the dark" description, but keep in mind that they didn't have much time to examine the sets closely and most of the people didn't remember anything of substance (or weren't even that familiar with LOTR/the Hobbit to begin with). Perhaps they assumed it was the Witch-King because of the armor? The armors these two characters wear are vastly different of course, but one might confuse them in minifig form at first glance, especially when in a hurry The "glow in the dark" thing hasn't been described in detail either, we don't know whether it's GITD parts, printing or something else that glows (maybe even transparent parts) It's very hard to tell whether the reports are accurate in that regard, they at least recognized Galadriel, Elrond and Bilbo, but not much else (they only knew of Bain and Dain because the presenters at the Fair told them who those two were).

Although I am fairly convinced the minifig in the new Dol Guldur set will be the "twilight Witch King", there is something about what you said that jumped out at me. In,the earliest reports of the Black Gate set, it was initially reported that the Witch King was in the set. Likely, whoever saw the preview of it did not take a close look a the mounted black figure, and mistook the Mouth of Sauron for the Witch King. It is an understandable mistake since few probably would have expected to see MofS in that set. Did this repeat itself at the London Toy Fair? My guess is possibly so, but probably not.

[Dr.Cogg]

I hope the figure in the Dol Guldur set is Armored Sauron ,also I think the DoS Necromancer is way better than the AUJ one.

Which Sauron do you guys think is better?

Edited August 11, 2014 by Dr.Cogg

[Hypernova888]

I'm not sure I'll ever understand why people don't like The Mines of Moria...

[Mahtion]

Sauron was not as powerful without the One Ring but he could still take form after the Last Alliance. His only limitation was that he could never take a fair guise after the downfall of Numenor when the Valar destroyed the Numenorean invasion fleet and Sauron's physical vessel was destroyed. In Fellowship of the Ring, Gollum made mention of the Black Man with Nine Fingers alluding to the one he lost after the Last Alliance. Contrary to the films, Sauron could take physical form.

[SirBlake]

I'm not sure I'll ever understand why people don't like The Mines of Moria...

You know, I wasn't thrilled with that set at first, then I modded it to be a bit more substantial and now I really like it. The design and minifigs are quite good, it just doesn't feel like enough of a build until you add to it.

[Aura]

If we received an armoured Sauron ... that would be amazing, literally. I would be so happy. I am not getting my hopes up though. I feel as though Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit cannot be over in LEGO form just yet. Harry Potter ended with the massive Diagon Alley set, which commemorated the ending of the series. It would be nice to finish off in the same manner.

Edited August 12, 2014 by Aura

[Faefrost]

Does anyone else think the new Santa's Workshop modified - Mostly changed to reddish brown - would fit into Laketown?

It actually works well the other way. My wife has commandeered my Laketown to be her "Winter Village Fishing Pier". Apparently you catch fish with a catapult.

[legofreak86]

Don't know what it means for the sets but I was reading an intriguing bit in the new empire about the film. Jackson mentioned the battle of the five armies having other factions fighting alongside orcs not just them and wargs. He said not JUST trolls, he said there are creatures they have bred and made for war in sauron's army and he said think of them as the panzer tanks of the gundabad orc armies. Before this he mentions the titular five armies being: Men, Dwarves, Elves, Eagles and orcs. He also mentioned rosghobel rabbits and other creatures getting in on the action. He made reference to the iron hill dwarves and showed empire a shot of Billy connoly riding a pig apparently as Dain Ironfoot and that there would be battle goats and battle rams in the iron hill army. I wonder how much of this detail they will put into the set...

Edited August 12, 2014 by legofreak86

[kevkipo]

Don't know what it means for the sets but I was reading an intriguing bit in the new empire about the film. Jackson mentioned the battle of the five armies having other factions fighting alongside orcs not just them and wargs. He said not JUST trolls, he said there are creatures they have bred and made for war in sauron's army and he said think of them as the panzer tanks of the gundabad orc armies. Before this he mentions the titular five armies being: Men, Dwarves, Elves, Eagles and orcs. He also mentioned rosghobel rabbits and other creatures getting in on the action. He made reference to the iron hill dwarves and showed empire a shot of Billy connoly riding a pig apparently as Dain Ironfoot and that there would be battle goats and battle rams in the iron hill army. I wonder how much of this detail they will put into the set...

Very intresting... i guess the new creatures are like war Troll's, imagine skulls on shoulders and such. So Billy is riding a Boar/Pig? all very intresting stuff...

I can't wait to see what the battle and the set has in store for us

[Mahtion]

Don't know what it means for the sets but I was reading an intriguing bit in the new empire about the film. Jackson mentioned the battle of the five armies having other factions fighting alongside orcs not just them and wargs. He said not JUST trolls, he said there are creatures they have bred and made for war in sauron's army and he said think of them as the panzer tanks of the gundabad orc armies. Before this he mentions the titular five armies being: Men, Dwarves, Elves, Eagles and orcs. He also mentioned rosghobel rabbits and other creatures getting in on the action. He made reference to the iron hill dwarves and showed empire a shot of Billy connoly riding a pig apparently as Dain Ironfoot and that there would be battle goats and battle rams in the iron hill army. I wonder how much of this detail they will put into the set...

Considering the price point, I'm afraid Lego will not be able to do the BoFA justice with this set they plan to release. It deserves a huge set with various factions, multiple molded beasts and tons of action.

[SMC]

Considering the price point, I'm afraid Lego will not be able to do the BoFA justice with this set they plan to release. It deserves a huge set with various factions, multiple molded beasts and tons of action.

agree, also another smaller army builder would be needed also

[Blakstone]

I would just go for a Target or Toys R Us exclusive with a cave troll in a new print. We know the basics of our four sets. Any large molded creatures would have been noticed. But an exclusive set would not have been seen at London Toy Fair. While they could not have a new mold for such a limited release item, it would make for a good, smaller army builder.

However, I don't think there was an exclusive set for the first two waves of this line.

[kevkipo]

Considering the price point, I'm afraid Lego will not be able to do the BoFA justice with this set they plan to release. It deserves a huge set with various factions, multiple molded beasts and tons of action.

Thinking about the price at the piece count

Bo5a set: 471 pieces

Emmet's Construct-o-Mech: 708 pieces

Both 60 Dollar sets, and such huge piece difference? then i expect the figures in the Bo5a set must be kicking megablocks?

At least a new Mold i would imagine? Thorin, Dain, War Ram, Iron Hill soldier, 2 Orc's or 1 Big creature PJ was talking about in Empire, and Elf soldier?

What more could a guy ask for then?

I would just go for a Target or Toys R Us exclusive with a cave troll in a new print. We know the basics of our four sets. Any large molded creatures would have been noticed. But an exclusive set would not have been seen at London Toy Fair. While they could not have a new mold for such a limited release item, it would make for a good, smaller army builder.

However, I don't think there was an exclusive set for the first two waves of this line.

Most ending licensed series have their D2C ending, Diagon Alley, The Black Pearl, Tower of Ortanc?

C'mon Lego! Give us our Bo5a/Erebor/ i don't know D2C! I'm counting on you :)

Edited August 12, 2014 by kevkipo

[Blakstone]

Kevkipo, I meant a store exclusive similar to the Orc Forge in LotR, although you are right that many of the licensed lines do have a massive D2C exclusive set. In either case, it would not have shown up in a toy fair. Still I think a D2C has to be even larger and still cannot have any new molded pieces. They just don't move the same volume as the smaller sets.