Review: 75397 Jabba's Sail Barge
Posted by CapnRex101,Though large-scale Ultimate Collector Series models are usually spectacular, I tend to favour minifigure-scale designs, like 75192 Millennium Falcon and 75313 AT-AT. These famous vehicles are ideal for premium recreations, in scale with minifigures, but there is potential for more.
75397 Jabba's Sail Barge is perhaps the most appropriate example and LEGO Star Wars fans have long discussed this possibility, so I am delighted to see it realised. The model definitely seems impressive from the outside and includes an extensive interior, with a number of nice surprises to be found!
Summary
75397 Jabba's Sail Barge, 3,942 pieces.
£429.99 / $499.99 / €499.99 | 10.9p/12.7c/12.7c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Jabba's Sail Barge is a spectacular model, but is also frustratingly overpriced
- Stunning accuracy and attention to detail
- Spacious interior
- Appealing size for display
- Reasonable minifigure variety, with some new characters
- Very expensive
- Potential for many more figures
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box and Contents
Like other Ultimate Collector Series sets since 2020, the Sail Barge is packaged in an 18+ box. Based on the infamously drab packaging for 10277 Crocodile Locomotive, I wondered whether the barge would struggle to stand out from the dark backdrop, but it looks reasonable, thanks in no small part to the sandy glow and twin suns of Tatooine behind the minifigures.
Opening the main box reveals a surprise, as you are faced with either Max Rebo or Salacious Crumb on the two internal boxes! I like these boxes in large Ultimate Collector Series sets and both characters are fun image choices, particularly with Salacious' beady eyes gazing outwards. Max's box is the first, containing paper bags numbered up to seventeen, while bags eighteen to 36 are found in the second box.
The fabric sails are packed in a paper envelope and arrived in fine condition for me, although I understand some reviewers were not so lucky. Two instruction manuals are also provided, with a small sheet of thirteen stickers. The vast majority are applied inside and look lovely, but those decorating the exterior are a little frustrating, for reasons we will come to later.
Minifigures
Eleven characters are provided and we should begin with Jabba the Hutt, of course. LEGO introduced an impressive version of the notorious Hutt with 9516 Jabba's Palace in 2012 and those elements remain in use today, although the printing has been updated with extra wrinkles and more intricate patterns on the face, so I think Jabba looks better than ever.
I absolutely love his uneven nostrils and the orange eyes look fantastic, with a little more detail than the last figure. Similarly, the printed wrinkles are effective and their dark bluish grey colour contrasts quite strongly with the olive green components, more so than the dark tan shade used for Jabba's wrinkled skin when the character last appeared just over a decade ago.
The upper body and arms are both articulated, which is sufficient to give him some personality or pose Jabba as though slithering forwards, on a rare foray away from his dais. Moreover, the arm is accurately adorned with the complex symbol of the Desilijic clan, of which Jabba is a member. I was impressed with such careful attention to detail in 2012 and remain so today.
Salacious Crumb also appeared in 9516 Jabba's Palace and I am glad to see Jabba's cackling court jester again. This single-piece figure closely resembles its precursor, although the ears, dark orange fur and eyes have been altered. Subtle white accents have replaced the earlier figure's black pupils, which brings this character in line with standard minifigures, but is less faithful to the movie. I prefer the black pupils.
Jabba is accompanied by his majordomo, Bib Fortuna, as well. This character returned in The Mandalorian season two and in 75326 Boba Fett's Throne Room a couple of years ago, having taken over his former master's criminal empire and put on some weight since Return of the Jedi. The minifigure produced in 2022 therefore featured a chubbier lekku element than usual, which reappears here.
The lekku piece is nicely sculpted, but Bib Fortuna is much thinner in Return of the Jedi and re-using the existing element is disappointing. I realise that compromises are sometimes required, but in a set of this size and price, such problems should be avoided. After all, an accurate piece could doubtless be used again for other characters, as Bib is far from the only male Twi'lek.
Otherwise, the minifigure looks good. The layered robe corresponds with the character in the film and I like the metallic silver design around Fortuna's waist. Additionally, the double-sided head is new, complete with sharp teeth and perfect facial expressions, as one side displays a cruel smile and the other looks decidedly nervous.
Max Rebo is another essential member of Jabba's court, heading the famous Max Rebo band. The minifigure has only appeared once before and remains unaltered from 75020 Jabba's Sail Barge, which is perhaps surprising, given its age. On the other hand, there is little need for any changes, as I think the original design is quite charming.
Dark azure is an ideal colour choice and the distinctive head component is brilliantly detailed, recreating the Ortolan's large ears and nose. Admittedly, the species should not actually have any arms, but keeping the arms intact was probably sensible, especially given the need to pose Max as though playing his red ball jett organ.
Several guards are included too, based on specific characters seen in Return of the Jedi. The first is Vizam, who shoots at the heroes' hijacked skiff from aboard the sail barge, before Luke slays him. This is a clever re-use of the headgear produced for Pao from Rogue One, with new decoration to reflect the villain's appearance onscreen. The yellow jacket is also appealing, so Vizam clearly stands out atop the barge.
Wooof, meanwhile, wears a brand new helmet. This element is incredibly detailed, particularly around the back, where the rivets and sculpted patterns look perfect. Perhaps the crest on top could have been highlighted in white, but the moulding alone is lovely. Additionally, the torso is accurate to Wooof's appearance in the film, featuring an armour plate and bandoleer.
Both characters are Niktos, but different varieties of the alien species. Vizam's medium nougat head returns from 75346 Pirate Snub Fighter, while Wooof's head is unique to him, as a green Kadas'sa'Nikto. Both of his expressions look great, but Vizam only displays one, unfortunately.
Although the instruction manual claims he is a new character to LEGO, Kithaba first appeared in 9496 Desert Skiff. This version of the skiff guard undoubtedly improves on the earlier design, sporting the bandana element developed for Vane in 75346 Pirate Snub Fighter and dressed in accordance with the film. I love the accurate x-shaped buckle on his belt in particular.
The steadfast Gamorrean Guard was updated for 75326 Boba Fett's Throne Room in 2022, more richly detailed than ever before. The same minifigure is supplied here and looks superb, using a combined head and torso piece created in 2012, albeit with the additional silver details introduced two years ago. The guards can be outfitted with a selection of weapons, but these are currently stored aboard the barge.
Princess Leia is perhaps the minifigure that has attracted the most attention, given Disney's rumoured reluctance to produce merchandise based on Leia's attire as Jabba's prisoner. The sail barge would not have been complete without her though, given Leia's important role in the escape from Jabba the Hutt and the eventual destruction of the barge.
This minifigure is quite similar to the version produced in 2013, but the rubbery hair element is new and Leia's braided hair now hangs over her shoulder, which looks great. Furthermore, the figure now includes dual-moulded legs. Some people have suggested this makes Leia's narrow loincloth resemble shorts and I can certainly see why, but the design looks reasonable to me.
Leia's gold bikini, on the other hand, remains essentially unchanged from the prior minifigure. The metallic finish is effective and the patterns correspond with Leia's memorable costume in Jabba's captivity. Ideally, her arms would be decorated with the bracelet and arm ring featured onscreen, although even without them, I am happy with this long-awaited minifigure.
C-3PO and R2-D2 are each made to work in Jabba's service, translating and serving drinks, respectively. Unfortunately, this set contains the standard C-3PO minifigure, even though an obviously superior version with a dual-moulded silver leg is available. While I can understand keeping this design in production for smaller sets, the best figure should be provided here.
Nevertheless, the simpler design is still highly detailed, adorned with intricate powerbus cables on both sides of the torso, with printed arms. R2-D2 also comprises the usual elements, with a serving tray added between the head and body on this occasion. A dark tan 2x4 plate is clearly a simple solution, but I think that simplicity works.
Three drinks are kept on the tray, notably including a pair of dual-moulded glasses with liquids inside. The trans-orange glass has appeared several times before, whereas the reddish brown one is less common, normally limited to representing hot chocolate in Friends sets.
The Completed Model
Ultimate Collector Series sets sometimes include spaces for the supplied minifigures beside their plaques, although that normally applies to sets with relatively few characters. This basic display base is therefore unusual, with studs available to place the ten smaller figures in a row. While I am not convinced this was necessary, it is still a welcome addition.
Jabba the Hutt, however, rests on a large platform between the information plaque and a brick marking the 25th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars, which has appeared in many sets this year. This arrangement looks rather awkward to me, although displaying Jabba here makes sense, given he would otherwise be tucked away inside the barge.
The plaques accompanying Ultimate Collector Series sets have been printed since 2023 and that remains the case here. However, the smooth 8x16 tile used in 75382 TIE Interceptor has been replaced with the earlier matte element, which is much less susceptible to scratches and scuffing. Also, I am pleased to say there are no mistakes on the plaque!
Jabba's sail barge, named the Khetanna, presents a challenging shape for LEGO. The vessel has been attempted a couple of times before and capturing its curved forward end has proven difficult. Fortunately, this design looks outstanding. The general shape and proportions are very faithful to the source material and the designer, César Soares, has included plenty of detail on the outside, despite the overwhelmingly brown hull.
This model measures 77cm or 30 inches in length, so narrowly surpasses another of César's creations, 75331 The Razor Crest. I calculated a minifigure-scale length of 72cm a few years ago, based on the proportions of 75192 Millennium Falcon, so this size undoubtedly works in relation to minifigures and the vehicle has great presence on display, without being impractical.
Of course, both 6210 Jabba's Sail Barge and 75020 Jabba's Sail Barge are dwarfed by their Ultimate Collector Series counterpart, even more so than I envisaged. In addition, this model features a different colour scheme because its sails are more vivid and the deck is dark bluish grey, rather than tan or dark tan, as in 2006 and 2013.
Before discussing the deck, however, we should focus on the sail barge's nose. As mentioned, the hull curves in multiple directions here, combining a series of adjoining panels to create the desired shape. I think the result looks marvellous, mirroring the onscreen vehicle and avoiding conspicuous gaps where panels join.
Furthermore, I think the balance of smooth and studded surfaces looks good and this remains fairly consistent for the entire length of the vessel. The 2x3 pentagonal tiles are effective, while light bluish grey pneumatic connector elements serve as sensor masts, which match the vehicle in the film, once again.
Some may have preferred a greater use of tiles across the hull, but I think the exposed studs are appropriate, giving the impression of wear. More importantly, adding a layer of tiles would create larger gaps at the rounded ends of the sail barge, or require a strange contrast between smoother side panels and more exposed studs towards the front and rear.
The lack of opening windows towards the front is a little disappointing though. Admittedly, only hatches around Jabba's lounge are normally shown open in the film, but some extra functional windows would have been ideal. Even so, the tiled patterns are accurate and I like the few dark brown elements, breaking up otherwise uniform panels.
Dark bluish grey is an interesting choice for the deck. It is hard to identify an accurate shade in the film, as much of the deck is shaded by the sails, but grey works nicely, contrasting with the surrounding panels. Also, the detailing is impressive, including reddish brown whips for cables, as well as realistic sensors, which make clever use of whisk accessories!
My favourite detail, however, is the broken railing near the front. This feature is visible several times during the film and actually serves as a useful indicator for when some shots are flipped. Minor details like this show amazing attention to detail on the designer's part, although you can repair the railing with a spare reddish brown clip, if you prefer.
There is plenty of space for minifigures to stand on the deck, with occasional studs to anchor them, though much of the deck is covered with tiles. However, the sails are relatively low and placing characters underneath is rather awkward, but there is more than enough clearance for them to stand up, as shown below.
Access is much easier with the sails removed, which is simple, as they are only connected via Technic axles. 1x4x3 frames are attached sideways for the forward hatches and you can pose characters as though clambering out onto the deck, thanks to the lip around the inside of each hatch and the ladders underneath.
The Khetanna is equipped with several antipersonnel blaster cannons that can be mounted on its railings. Two such weapons are provided and these can be placed wherever you wish. Also, the cannons are positioned at the correct height for minifigures to stand behind them, helpfully.
The fabric sails are stunning. Dark orange is an attractive colour choice and I like the printed stripes, representing ribs underneath. Each sail is only attached in four places, although they feel quite secure and their shape is faultless. For complete accuracy, there should be ropes at the corners, but that would be a needless complication at this scale.
Ball joints are integrated beneath the sails, so you can adjust their angle. The reddish brown Technic supports look nice and I like the decorative tail elements, recreating ornate structural features from the original vehicle. The actual Technic frame for the sails is mostly hidden under the fabric pieces, thankfully.
The primary deck hatch is much bigger than those in front and includes two opening doors. I wish the hinges had been hidden from the sides, but I am not sure how that could have been achieved without losing the function. The 6x6 tile on top is removable for access, which works well enough, although this panel actually includes a sliding section in Return of the Jedi.
The problem of space beneath the sail is even more pronounced towards the back, where the deck heights change. You could lift the sails by adding another Technic connector to the pillars below and doing so would arguably be more accurate to the film, so I wonder how the designer decided on this size. Fortunately, I will have a chance to ask César that question next week.
The deck cannon is a memorable feature of the sail barge and looks excellent in LEGO form. The combination of reddish brown and shades of grey ensures this turret stands out from the deck and the gears mounted on each side correspond with mechanical details onscreen, even though they should perhaps be darker.
In addition, the cannon is fully articulated and capable of pointing down to the sail barge itself, ready to destroy the vehicle. There is also space for a minifigure to stand on one side, as Leia demonstrates in the image below. Luke and Leia then swing to safety on a nearby cable, for the second time in the Original Trilogy, but that is not included.
A short ladder leads to the rearmost deck, where a pair of reddish brown 2x2 round plates with vertical bars comprise an unknown device. Other toys and models tend to highlight this feature in gold and an extra splash of colour would have been welcome here, although its actual colour cannot really be seen in the original film.
Flexible hoses form the railings around the deck, matching their onscreen shape as closely as possible. I particularly like where certain railings overlap or curve downwards to meet the deck, exactly like the original vehicle. Additionally, the supports are secured with click hinges, so both they and the attached railings feel rigid.
Gaps between the rear panels and those on the sides are slightly more noticeable than those around the front, although they are still quite subtle. The curvature looks superb and I like that the windows now have louvres, represented by 1x2 grille tiles, so they contrast with the smooth window covers further forward.
The exhausts at the back of the sail barge are suitably boxy, but I would prefer a colour other than reddish brown. I think these should be paler than the neighbouring hull, potentially using dark tan elements. Additionally, the smaller exhausts on each side seem rather fragile, as they are only secured using Technic axles.
I am satisfied with the mechanical texture on the sides of the exhausts, however. Similar detail continues for the length of the barge, although the semicircular vents on either side, pictured below, should be more pronounced. Instead, these vents are recessed to accommodate the folding hull panels, which are necessary to reach the interior.
The vessel is elevated on three display stands, connected to the underside with Technic pins. Although simple, the stands are integrated well and their height seems appropriate, matching the skiff available in 75396 Desert Skiff & Sarlacc Pit.
I mentioned the stickers used on the outside earlier and they are found on the steering vanes. The pattern looks reasonable, but I think this could have been approximated using 3L and 4L bars instead, especially because the stickers' colour matching is poor. The decorative wands look splendid though, as do the dark brown accents.
Also, the steering vanes are adjustable, so you can change their position or fold them against the hull to fit on a shelf, if need be. The grey elements do stand out somewhat, but that colour suits the mechanical actuators. Above the steering vanes are two rows of louvred windows and those under the awnings can open.
With the windows open, you can see minifigures standing towards the very back of the lounge, but those placed elsewhere are too short. For example, only the top of Bib Fortuna's head can be seen in the image below, whereas C-3PO is much more obvious, standing on a platform for minifigures inside.
The panels covering the sides of the sail barge can be lowered in three sections, revealing a generous interior. The reddish brown panels therefore play no structural role, but those at the back do include light bluish grey pegs that slide into rubber Technic pins above Jabba's lounge, keeping the panels closed.
Additionally, you can remove the deck panels for easier access to the characters, which also allows more light inside and reveals plenty of small details from the movie. This image shows the platform for a minifigure to look through the window as well, here occupied by C-3PO. I like how this feature is integrated, so the black brackets do not appear out of place.
Jabba the Hutt rests on a brick-built throne. The uneven edges correspond with the onscreen setting and Jabba fits neatly on top, leaving ample room for other minifigures to stand in front. There are even a couple of studs available, as well as some reddish brown grilles to break up the light bluish grey tiles.
The railing around the throne is exceptionally detailed, replicating its carved appearance in the film and including a microphone stand. This is another fun detail taken from the movie, as both Jabba and C-3PO use this microphone to communicate with those aboard the skiffs. Moreover, you can remove the whole throne to create more floor space, if you wish.
Max Rebo's red ball jett organ is located beside the throne, at the very back of the barge. I love the medium nougat columns arranged around this musical instrument and the light fixtures look nice too. I think there was potential to include even more details though, such as a few colourful cushions scattered on the floor or patterned glass dividers.
The organ uses a pair of stickers for the keys and is cleverly constructed to accommodate Max inside, without taking up too much room. I wonder whether its position is a reference to 75020 Jabba's Sail Barge and the instrument's location in the earlier set, or maybe this is merely the most convenient place.
Although space behind Jabba's throne is limited, you can find a wooden crate. Inside is a light bluish grey chain for Leia and the minifigure wears a matching neck bracket, so you recreate a few memorable moments from Return of the Jedi.
Notable among these scenes are Princess Leia seated in front of Jabba and later throttling him with the chain! Either is possible, but the chain is only just long enough to pass around Jabba's neck, admittedly.
A stickered 2x3 tile is found on the wall beside Jabba, recreating a carved image of the crime lord shown briefly in the film, when a Gamorrean pushes past C-3PO. The image onscreen is more complex because Jabba is surrounded by female attendants, but I am pleased this detail is included at all and I love his contented facial expression.
Jabba has a voracious appetite, hence the sail barge is equipped with a spacious kitchen. This chamber is not shown in the film, allowing the designer a degree of flexibility regarding its style, which generally matches the neighbouring lounge. The bright colour scheme is appealing and I like the medium nougat shade selected for the internal walls.
The staircase leads to the main deck hatch and I think it looks perfect. The reddish brown and medium nougat colours are lovely and I like the smooth finish, matching the surrounding room. Furthermore, the staircase is designed to be detached for easier access to the full kitchen area, which is an important consideration for play.
With the staircase removed, you can see cabinets with stacked plates inside, a stove and a variety of food accessories. These include an escaped gorg wandering around, represented by an olive green frog. The frog has appeared just once before in this colour, with 76426 Hogwarts Castle Boathouse.
Aurebesh signs have become a common sight in LEGO Star Wars sets and the sail barge is no exception, as recipes for two dishes are placed on the wall. One is titled 'womp rat stew' which does not sound appetising, while the other reads 'bantha steaks'. These stickers look fantastic and both dishes are actually featured in Star Wars comics and video games.
Two fish hang on the other side of the kitchen, with a bone in the drawer underneath. I wish a couple more gorgs were stored somewhere because they appear to be Jabba's favourite food during the films, but only the escaped animal is provided.
A prison cell has occupied the forward section of previous LEGO models of Jabba's sail barge and that tradition continues here, beside an armoury. The latter is partially covered by a pair of wooden ladders, leading to the smaller deck hatches, but like the aforementioned staircase, the ladders are easily removable.
The armoury is quite sparse, but provides all the necessary weapons to equip Jabba's guards. These include a selection of spears, vibro-axes and blasters. Reaching the weapons is trickier than I would like though, as some accessories are packed closely together. Perhaps this whole wall could be detached for better access.
Incidentally, the prison cell can be completely removed, which certainly makes it easier to fit a minifigure inside. I like the handcuffs and broom attached to the outside, while a leaking water pipe with a pool of water underneath and a chair are found in the cell. I love smaller details like this water pipe, which make the whole environment feel alive.
You can also access the prison from the back, as a grey section of the wall pops out. This is another nice function and the whole medium nougat wall is finished surprisingly well, despite the back normally being concealed behind the folding exterior panels.
Another sticker is applied inside the cell, featuring tally marks and the words 'Han was here' scratched in Aurebesh letters. I am not entirely sure when Han would have been imprisoned aboard the sail barge, as he is transported to the Pit of Carkoon on a skiff and was trapped in carbonite before then, so maybe this is from an earlier encounter with Jabba.
The door to the next room makes excellent use of 1x4 bricks with slide channels, adding some realistic texture. The dark bluish grey slide handle looks good too, presumably serving as either a lever to open the door or some kind of gatewatcher droid for security, which Jabba is known to use.
Unlike past models of the sail barge, this one actually includes a cockpit. The room is perhaps smaller than expected from the outside, as much of the nose is occupied by structural parts for the hull, but it is spacious enough to house a couple of seats and extensive control systems. The earthy colours used for the seats are perfect, matching other areas of the barge, but standing out within the cockpit.
The grey door slides along a channel to open and works well, prevented from sliding out altogether by a 2L bar. The visible studs just inside the door are not ideal, but they could not really be avoided because the door needs to move along a 1x8 plate with rail that infringes on the dark bluish grey studs.
A final three stickers decorate the screens in the cockpit, displaying an image of the sail barge in the centre. Like the seats, the screens' orange tones fit the vehicle brilliantly and the Aurebesh text is a welcome detail, reading 'scanning'. An argument could be made that Huttese would be more suitable than Aurebesh and Jabba's native language also has a written alphabet, but this is an extreme nitpick!
75396 Desert Skiff & Sarlacc Pit was developed as a companion for this set and I think releasing the skiff and Sarlacc separately makes sense, as that part of the scene alone is brilliant for play. That would not preclude including a skiff with the barge though, as two accompany the main vessel in the film. Regardless, the sets are perfect companions, although I am still bothered by Boba Fett's inaccuracies in the skiff, particularly since he is intended to be displayed with an Ultimate Collector Series set.
Overall
Reminiscent of 75313 AT-AT, 75397 Jabba's Sail Barge is a set I have been looking forward to for years. Jabba's pleasure yacht seems ideally suited to a minifigure-scale Ultimate Collector Series model and the design does not disappoint, capturing the shape of the onscreen vessel brilliantly and including countless subtle details from Return of the Jedi, especially on deck.
However, there are some issues and chief among them, unsurprisingly, is the price. £429.99, $499.99 or €499.99 feels expensive for a model of this size, despite its lavish detail in certain areas. Comparisons with sets of identical cost, such as 10316 The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell and 76269 Avengers Tower are decidedly unfavourable for the sail barge.
Many comments have suggested including a desert skiff would go some way to justifying the price and I agree, but more important to me are the minifigures. There was surely potential to add more guards and guests, with the likes of Saelt-Marae and Tessek, at least. Despite these criticisms, I am happy with the model and the minifigures that are supplied, but this is another Star Wars set harmed by its price, unfortunately.
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112 comments on this article
The R2-D2 head print appears to be tilted... presumably a printing issue?
The designer was definitely inspired by The Incredible Cross Sections books. However some of the rooms have been shifted around. For instance the armory is between the kitchen the stairs to the deck. And the prison is actually a cramped little thing in the lower parts of the ship.
Are the Jabba moulds (not the print) exactly the same as the previous ones, or did they make new ones?
Ah, outrageously priced Barge to complement the outrageously priced Skiff set. Thankfully the price is justified with the extra effort put into color-matching the stickers, hilariously titled R2 print, inferior C-3PO fig, inaccurate Bib's lekku piece and disappointing number of figs in general. As mentioned, seeing other LEGO sets in this price range really leaves no justification for how bad this one is.
Stickers instead of prints, goofy cursed eyes for Salacious and Bib, lazy reuse of an inaccurate lekku piece, Leia wearing shorts, inferior 3PO Minifigure, sloppy lopsided printing on R2's dome, doesn't include the contents of 75396. These issues shouldn't exist in a premium (and overpriced) $500.00 UCS set. What happened to "Only the Best is Good Enough"?
@Fan_Of_Bricks said:
"Stickers instead of prints, goofy cursed eyes for Salacious and Bib, lazy reuse of an inaccurate lekku piece, Leia wearing shorts, inferior 3PO Minifigure, sloppy lopsided printing on R2's dome, doesn't include the contents of 75396. These issues shouldn't exist in a premium (and overpriced) $500.00 UCS set. What happened to "Only the Best is Good Enough"?"
My thoughts exactly.
I love the set overall, but it's really lacking in all those aspects here.
For the price this should have included the contents of the skiff set from this year, as well as an additional skiff. Asking fans to pay $600 for a STILL INCOMPLETE scene is absurd.
"Some people have suggested this makes Leia's narrow loincloth resemble shorts"
Aw, I've heard worse. Some people also suggest that this edit was influenced by the Taliban. Some people should not be allowed metal cutlery. Some people should not be allowed to play with the family-pet unsupervised.
@MVives said:
"The R2-D2 head print appears to be tilted... presumably a printing issue?"
This set was actually meant for Jangbricks...he always gets the wonky ones ;-)
Too many things went wrong for me to want this. Stickers (bleh!), not enough minifigures, misprints, and way overpriced. It isn't as large/detailed but I'll stick with my charming 6210 version. Includes a skiff and Sarlacc without breaking the bank.
This is probably the first review of this set (written or video) where the reviewer hasn't specifically gone and complained about Leia's dual-molded legs looking like swim trunks...good on you, Rex.
Leias head is also uglier and less detailed than in 75020
What, no cannon in the nose this time? :)
The design is incredible, but the price tag kills it, it's not so much that I'd call it expensive, I'd call this price range straight up unaffordable for me, if this set ever somehow drops to around $300 which imo is what it should be, I'd strongly consider saving up for it.
Max Rebo, hell yeah.
A skiff and more minifigures would have gone a long way to helping this set feel truly "ultimate." Usually I'm less of a stickler for "MOAR FIGS, MOAR PERFECTER FIGS, ALL THE TIME" but the whole point of the Jabba stuff in ROTJ was to serve as a "creature feature" of sorts - the Mos Eisley Cantina but even MORE spectacular.
To that end, this set should contain a truly whopping number of figs, and more exclusives as well. If you're asking fans for $500, then it should be a TRULY premium experience and that's not really the case here.
Well done to the designer, I doubt we could have a better rendition of this vehicle in our lifetimes. But this one sure seems like a victim of the "Star Wars tax" because in Lego's chase for maximum profit they've compromised their final product.
Love love love this set, always thought the previous sets didn’t look right, all controversies aside It is a day one purchase for me, not too terrible at uk prices and thanks for being the first review I’ve seen to get it correct and call it the microphone not the hookah.
@ELbricker said:
"This is probably the first review of this set (written or video) where the reviewer hasn't specifically gone and complained about Leia's dual-molded legs looking like swim trunks...good on you, Rex."
Why, it's almost like you're suggesting it'd be DEEPLY WEIRD to get very bent-out-of-shape about a LEGO minifigure being insufficiently nude or something. ;)
Lego now officially has the worst prints of the entire industry. They still cannot print above multiple tiles without a border and the R2 print is just plain ridiculous. Looks like they are now 10 years behind the competition in terms of print quality. Same with the lighting where they probably did buy too many LEDs in 1984 which they are still using until today.
This and 77092 have legitimately made me start to look towards NECA figures and the likes and custom figure display making. Pretty bummed, but it is getting harder to justify these disgusting LEGO prices for a creative outlet hobby anymore.
Sets like these highlight that LEGO Star Wars is often a pretty poor return on investment. I appreciate the accuracy to the source material, but it doesn’t alter the fact we’re being asked to pay over £400 for a brown wedge. When compared to sets such as the new Rivendell model, I’m flabbergasted there’s presumably a significant target audience for this.
I recently bought a used but in perfect condition Jabba's Sail Barge 6210 from 2006 with box for PLN 1050 (about $274) and I think it's enough for me.
@Ridgeheart said:
""Some people have suggested this makes Leia's narrow loincloth resemble shorts"
Aw, I've heard worse. Some people also suggest that this edit was influenced by the Taliban. Some people should not be allowed metal cutlery. Some people should not be allowed to play with the family-pet unsupervised."
Some people shouldn't be allowed to walk around Lego play areas barefoot... Oh wait, that's everybody.
Another fantastic model from César. I think he really nailed this design with lots of nice details.
This set is awesome! Probably my 3rd favourite UCS set, behind the 2017 Millennium Falcon, and the AT AT.
I love UCS sets that have lots of minifigs (my favourite here is Slave Leia of course) and an interior.
As I have succeeded in building a fair decent one for my ME Cantina display, I wish Max had a brick built organ in such a set. I will keep on hoping for a more affordable rendition in the future. So that one day I will have the barge in my collection. One of the last iconic SW ship that is missing. This one is beautiful (say, as a star wars fan I really like it) but far too expensive for me. Thank you for detailed review.
This a great model overall. Designer did a superb job. Unnecessarily high price. Most of the minifigs are superb, but Bib Fortuna’s head and lekku are all wrong. When I saw the reveal of this set on Brickset, I laughed at that Leia minifig. She looks like a man. Ugly!
I can imagine @capnrex101 was a bit embarrassed when writing and photographing Leia...
There are so many things that I could criticize, but I said I would try and be less negative.
Therefore I refer you to the wise words of one of the most respected LEGO YouTubers, since I couldn't agree more:
https://youtu.be/tWupUAAXFV0?si=tXRVsLrB5Tu6pp1A
Fun fact, he refers back to Brickset in his video, which makes this kind of meta, I guess.
Lego seriously need to move away from these coloured eyes, they just look worse on every iteration of releases.
The Slave Leia (whilst hair and face are improved), the dual moulded legs are ridiculous and a clear downgrade on previous.
Would've liked some more of Jabba's Palace denizens, a Yak-Face perhaps?
I tend to feel the same way about minifigure-scale UCS sets, but unfortunately recent sets like this one and the Harry Potter Burrows feel more like expensive versions of play sets. I'll be curious to see if they have the same appeal as the Millennium Falcon or AT-AT.
As always the quality is fantastic, but my other issue is the front of the barge. They did a good job creating a tough shape, but the brick-built detail just looks wonky to me. I'd probably leave those pieces off personally.
Jang’s “first impressions” video pretty much sums up my opinion on this set, which is worth a watch.
@Mister_Jonny said:
"Sets like these highlight that LEGO Star Wars is often a pretty poor return on investment. I appreciate the accuracy to the source material, but it doesn’t alter the fact we’re being asked to pay over £400 for a brown wedge. When compared to sets such as the new Rivendell model, I’m flabbergasted there’s presumably a significant target audience for this."
I'm a Lego Star Wars fan and even I had to draw the line at big blobs of monotone color. My favorite set is probably Mos Eisley (granted, lots of tan pieces, but it's more of a scene/world like Rivendell).
I wanted this set so much, and they did it so dirty... I expected Cantina level of price/pieces/figs.
They should have made new hinged window piece for this set as well, and all those brickwalls inside are unnecesary.
I will be buying used old one for half the price then.
I'd love to see someone create some box art with a Tatooine background rather than the drab "adults only" black to see you good it could look.
"I am pleased to say there are no mistakes on the plaque!"
Potential double-space between the words "Jabba's" and "Sail Barge"?
@Grammaticul said:
" @Jumperstud said:
"Leias head is also uglier and less detailed than in 75020"
you will be pleased to know the original head was reused from a different theme off a character that looks nothing like leia, and the head here was designed specifically to capture carrie fisher's likeness! but i suppose it's a shame that lego face doesn't make you feel anything in your loins"
Interesting, didn't know the previous face was for Gemma Aterton in Prince of Persia.
The new face is much more like Carrie Fisher, particularly the colour of her lipstick.
Don't get all the hate for leia in this set, she looks perfectly fine, and imo the faceprint is a huge improvement.
The C-3PO minifigure is inaccurate, but not in a way we all thought. Most of us wanted the dual molded leg, but in the return of the jedi, C-3PO doesn't have a silver leg. This means that the minifig in this set is inaccurate because of the silver print that shouldn't be there.
@MVives said:
"The R2-D2 head print appears to be tilted... presumably a printing issue?"
Don't worry, R2-D2 has just been helping himself to a drink or two - he should be fine after he's slept it off!
@CapnRex101, thanks for a great, well balanced review. Like many others, I'm impressed by the overall design of the set and it's well worth the UCS designation. However, it's ridiculously expensive and I just hope that LEGO have a serious re-think about this, and their recent Star Wars pricing more generally.
If this had been £350 I would have been happy to order it immediately, but I'm going to wait until there's a decent discount. I can't see this selling well at full RRP.
The minifigs are... overall okay. C-3PO is fine; R2-D2 is STILL ITALICIZED LEGO WHY; Fortuna really, really needed a different lekku piece; Crumb's eyes are... actually just kind of scary; Leia could be improved a little but is quite good (the hair in particular is very nice), and Jabba and the guards look great. Max Rebo has not been updated despite eleven years passing but this is understandable because he is without flaw.
The Khetanna itself is almost ridiculously good, aside from the sticker issues. It just looks so right , and I'm glad that they were able to finally do it proper justice in LEGO form. I love all of the detailing throughout the whole vessel, and I think the balance between tiles and exposed studs is absolutely perfect, inside and out. This is the Khetanna that every kid playing with 6210 or 75020 imagined they had.
It's a real shame that it's a hundred dollars more than it should have been.
@MVives said:
"The R2-D2 head print appears to be tilted... presumably a printing issue?"
Yes and it is an issue that needs to be resolved because it happens too often. I am in Billund this coming week and will bring it up.
@CCC said:
"Are the Jabba moulds (not the print) exactly the same as the previous ones, or did they make new ones?"
They are exactly the same, or at least they are exact recreations of the previous elements.
@Brainslugged said:
""I am pleased to say there are no mistakes on the plaque!"
Potential double-space between the words "Jabba's" and "Sail Barge"?"
It is hard to tell with the italics and the apostrophe, but maybe. As long as all the information is correct and there are no spelling mistakes, I am happy!
@BrickTeen28 said:
"The C-3PO minifigure is inaccurate, but not in a way we all thought. Most of us wanted the dual molded leg, but in the return of the jedi, C-3PO doesn't have a silver leg. This means that the minifig in this set is inaccurate because of the silver print that shouldn't be there."
That is not correct. C-3PO's lower right leg is silver throughout the Original Trilogy, although it is not always obvious, especially in sandy environments. Here is a screenshot from Endor:
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/esstarwars/images/6/61/3po_float.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20110215033120
I like how a 21 year old 6$ set has a more accurate Bib Fortuna fig than this.
I certainly hope that the Brittle brown plates (from 75059 Sandcrawler) don't strike again.
@CapnRex101 - fantastic review as always, thank you!
I like this set even more after the review - it brings me right back to 1983. Maybe not a Day 1 purchase, but most likely two copies eventually. Looks like a fun build.
I don't get the price criticisms for this set specifically. This has got to be one of the *best* valued UCS sets. Comparing to Rivendell or Avengers Tower certainly paints this set in a bad light but comparing it just about any recent UCS set paints it in a good light. Yes, it has 20 minifigures less than avengers tower for the same price, but the Venator only has 2 minifigures for $150 more... And the price per piece of this set is very much in line with any other UCS set. If they had simply not given this set an interior and cut down the minifigure selection to just Jabba and Leia would it get less of this criticism because then it wouldn't give the impression of a play set? And thus would be compared to the Colosseum or Eiffel Tower instead? It's just weird to me that this set gets this criticism but it didn't seem to me like there was as much criticism for, say, the X-Wing that was the same price as the medieval market or eldorado fortress or a modular. I mean this has got to be a much better deal than the Razor Crest.
But UCS sets should get routinely roasted for their prices so I guess it's a positive development lol
In sets like this, where interior boxes are used to group the numbered bags, maybe they need to start packing stuff like the instructions, stickers, and large cloth components between the inner boxes, so the risk of being bent is almost entirely eliminated. No matter how the bags shift around during shipment, the inner boxes will always hold the envelope flat between them.
The way the interior is divided up in three sections reminds me very much of that level in one of the versions of the LEGO Star Wars video game, but I'm not entirely sure which version. The leaky water pipe in the cell seems most likely to be used to provide water to the prisoner(s), as water is so precious on Tattooine, and running a pipe through a prison cell seems an odd design choice otherwise.
@CCC:
It's been twelve long years since the last time Jabba appeared in a set. Five years of storage costs as much as cutting new molds, so I'm certain they just recreated the molds from stored computer files of the shapes (storing computer files costs very little). New design numbers would also be assigned to this version, as the old numbers would be retired with the associated molds. If so, and if there are no immediate plans to make a new Jabba's Palace set, this is where some of the cost went, paying for all the Jabba and Crumb molds. Fortuna's lekku being repurposed from 75326 is likely because that set came out only two years ago, while the next most recent version is from 2012 (meaning another mold that's certainly retired by now).
@Brainslugged:
I'm not convinced. Yes, the first space is larger than the second, but the space after "antipersonnel" (which also ends with the letter "l") is also shorter than most of the other spaces in the smaller text. It could just be that ending a word with "l" results in a shorter space than other letters. If so, that seems like sloppy font design.
@MegaBlocks:
I didn't know Gemma Arterton starred in Prince of Persia. Still doesn't make me want to watch it, though.
It’s super weird that people are fantasizing about sexual acts around a minifig(by implying that people can’t “get off” to Leia) because some people like accuracy. Especially when we had that very same accuracy in the previous version. Sure, it’s a no human like form, so accuracy is a bit of a gray area...but they can, and do, nail the looks pretty damn good most of the time.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @CCC said:
"Are the Jabba moulds (not the print) exactly the same as the previous ones, or did they make new ones?"
They are exactly the same, or at least they are exact recreations of the previous elements.
"
Do you know if the part IDs on them are the same? It is often believed that LEGO doesn't keep moulds so it would be interesting to see if these have been recreated after all this time.
@Mister_Jonny said:
"Sets like these highlight that LEGO Star Wars is often a pretty poor return on investment. I appreciate the accuracy to the source material, but it doesn’t alter the fact we’re being asked to pay over £400 for a brown wedge. When compared to sets such as the new Rivendell model, I’m flabbergasted there’s presumably a significant target audience for this."
It was always going to look like a big brown wedge as that is what it is on screen. No matter what they charged, it was going to be a brown wedge, just different sized based on the chosen price point. Rivendell looks great and appears very substantial in both part count and size. Yet there are a lot of tiny parts and the structure is very open. Think how much Rivendell would cost if the walls were filled in like a Modular building, or how much the Sail Barge would be if all the parts in the sides were missing.
Even comparing minifigures is difficult. Jabba is not a normal minifigure, I cannot see his production being equal to one minifigure. And then Rivendell had quite a few quite boring figures. The six statues all use the same torso, and that is an unlicensed part that appears in other LEGO themes.
The other thing to consider is that there wasn't an established market for LOTR when Rivendell came out. Sales first time around a decade ago were apparently not great. It might well be that they could have charged more for it if there was already an established range but they priced it lower than they could have done to ensure it didn't fail.
I think Rivendell is great, but it is a very different set to this Sail Barge.
Surely the second best barge in all of fiction, after Bulstrode.
More minifigures is absolutely the last thing I'd want of this. It's got way too many as is. They're the reason the price is so absurd.
@Freddy_Hodson said:
"More minifigures is absolutely the last thing I'd want of this. It's got way too many as is. They're the reason the price is so absurd."
So.....11 minifigs are the reason this set is so expensive. Makes you wonder how they can even make a 9 minifig set for just a fifth of this price (looking at you, 77073)....
Great, indepth review, as always. A pleasure to read.
Hate the price. The design of the ship and the play features are fun and better than we've seen from Lego SW this year.
The figs are ok. Not enough leg and arm printing. Too much lazy reuse of elements. The possession eyes are disappointing. There's not enough figs to make the ship look complete or provide enough value.
The GWP is better than we've had in a while. Unfortunately, my completionist collecting tendency will probably drive me to get this sooner rather than smarter.
Overrated set. Sure, it looks like a turd with sails, but its a damn cool turd with sails.
@Freddy_Hodson said:
"Surely the second best barge in all of fiction, after Bulstrode.
More minifigures is absolutely the last thing I'd want of this. It's got way too many as is. They're the reason the price is so absurd."
Star Wars may be the only theme were the fans argue about the value and/or cost minifigures add to the set. They are an equally worthless 2 gram piece of plastic as a 2x4 brick, but the fans have collectively decided each figure is worth 10 bucks and printing on plastic is some secret ancient art.
@johnnytifosi said:
"....and printing on plastic is some secret ancient art."
Well, considering the trouble Lego often has with it, it might actually be. Probably some secret ancient Polish or Chinese art to be more exact?
@Freddy_Hodson said:
"Surely the second best barge in all of fiction, after Bulstrode."
Finally, a comment I can agree with! Model series Thomas and Friends FTW!
@Murdoch17 said:
" @Freddy_Hodson said:
"Surely the second best barge in all of fiction, after Bulstrode."
Finally, a comment I can agree with! Model series Thomas and Friends FTW!"
I just hope he isn't a Diesel, right?
@johnnytifosi said:
" @Freddy_Hodson said:
"Surely the second best barge in all of fiction, after Bulstrode.
More minifigures is absolutely the last thing I'd want of this. It's got way too many as is. They're the reason the price is so absurd."
Star Wars may be the only theme were the fans argue about the value and/or cost minifigures add to the set. They are an equally worthless 2 gram piece of plastic as a 2x4 brick, but the fans have collectively decided each figure is worth 10 bucks and printing on plastic is some secret ancient art."
Minifigs always add to MSRP more than the same quantity of basic parts. The most basic minifig (head, torso, legs) requires a minimum of nine components, with six points of attachment. At least six of these components require complicated molds with 3+ sections (and putting more than one cavity in each mold just makes them that much more complicated, as each cavity may require a separate insert section). And then most require at least two passes through the print line, frequently with at least four print steps. The vast majority of bricks are molded as a single piece, with a two-piece mold, and no prints.
@PurpleDave you make it sound like a complex hand made process. The reality is those mass produced plastic pieces cost a few cents at most. Stop glorifying Lego as some extraordinary product. 1600 piece, 20 euro knockoffs making a profit is all you need to know about the true cost of building blocks.
Those knockoffs don't have licensing fees, often steal fan designs due to lack of in-house set designers, often with poorly laid out instructions, and have terrible quality control and sloppy tolerances. So yeah, of course they're cheaper.
A CMF is five bucks retail. These minifigures are cheaper to produce than a CMF, guaranteed.
@johnnytifosi:
Some costs go down with volume, while others go up. A tiny operation could have every part within arm’s reach, but your jaw would probably dent the floor if you saw the sheer size of one of their part storage warehouses. Calling up an individual part takes a bit of time and travel, and here you might need to pull five different parts to make a single blank torso, which has to get inventoried separately, and again when it finally gets printed. Three more components become the legs, which again may need to get inventoried and then printed. So those nine pieces of plastic would result in as many as 14 distinct items. Three of those may be shipped to a different country to get printed, so now you have to factor in transportation. And yeah, @xboxtravis7992 is right that many of these knock-off clone brands steal part and set designs, and produce shoddy parts and instructions (but he forgot to mention that they may have lead-tainted plastic, with inferior plastic formulas).
@WizardOfOss said:
" @Freddy_Hodson said:
"More minifigures is absolutely the last thing I'd want of this. It's got way too many as is. They're the reason the price is so absurd."
So.....11 minifigs are the reason this set is so expensive. Makes you wonder how they can even make a 9 minifig set for just a fifth of this price (looking at you, 77073 )...."
I just remember when the UCS (which this is clearly a successor to) had no minifigures at all, because they were just that: for collectors, rather than essentially just giant playsets. This is essentially just a giant playset. Lego have combined the two markets into one, which is ingenious on their part, but terrible for everyone else.
If this was minifig-free, I don't doubt for a second that it would be £100 cheaper. And surely that would be more sensible.
@johnnytifosi said:
" @Freddy_Hodson said:
"Surely the second best barge in all of fiction, after Bulstrode.
More minifigures is absolutely the last thing I'd want of this. It's got way too many as is. They're the reason the price is so absurd."
Star Wars may be the only theme were the fans argue about the value and/or cost minifigures add to the set. They are an equally worthless 2 gram piece of plastic as a 2x4 brick, but the fans have collectively decided each figure is worth 10 bucks and printing on plastic is some secret ancient art."
I will gladly swap my 2x4 bricks with your SW, LOTR and Castle minifigs. 1 for 1.
@Freddy_Hodson said:
" @WizardOfOss said:
" @Freddy_Hodson said:
"More minifigures is absolutely the last thing I'd want of this. It's got way too many as is. They're the reason the price is so absurd."
So.....11 minifigs are the reason this set is so expensive. Makes you wonder how they can even make a 9 minifig set for just a fifth of this price (looking at you, 77073 )...."
I just remember when the UCS (which this is clearly a successor to) had no minifigures at all, because they were just that: for collectors, rather than essentially just giant playsets. This is essentially just a giant playset. Lego have combined the two markets into one, which is ingenious on their part, but terrible for everyone else.
If this was minifig-free, I don't doubt for a second that it would be £100 cheaper. And surely that would be more sensible."
Minifigures are display items too, and for collectors. I imagine many of these minifigures will be displayed, either with the set or as part of a SW collection, rather than played with.
This is magnificient, and I don't mind having had the skiff-and-Sarlacc elements split off into a separate set, but I really can't justify buying it. Maybe it's just as well for me it's so expensive....
@Freddy_Hodson said:
" @WizardOfOss said:
" @Freddy_Hodson said:
"More minifigures is absolutely the last thing I'd want of this. It's got way too many as is. They're the reason the price is so absurd."
So.....11 minifigs are the reason this set is so expensive. Makes you wonder how they can even make a 9 minifig set for just a fifth of this price (looking at you, 77073 )...."
I just remember when the UCS (which this is clearly a successor to) had no minifigures at all, because they were just that: for collectors, rather than essentially just giant playsets. This is essentially just a giant playset. Lego have combined the two markets into one, which is ingenious on their part, but terrible for everyone else.
If this was minifig-free, I don't doubt for a second that it would be £100 cheaper. And surely that would be more sensible."
I guess it depends on the set: Is it (more or less) minifig scale or not? If so, it would be weird not to include them. If not, well, that's indeed a different story. But it will make some people buy the set just for that exclusive minifig....and then later also release it in a cheap set ;-)
Without the minifigs, this would just be a big pile of pretty common pieces. And what's a Jabba's Sail Barge without Jabba? To make such a set sell, they would have to lower the price a lot more than that...maybe even go as far as 50% off? And I bet people then still would complain even more then they do now....the characters very much are part of the scene here.
Thing is, this set would have been okay (though still pretty darn expensive) if it was sold as is at about €400, or it should have included quite a bit more stuff (if not many more minifigs then like the Desert Skiff & Sarlacc Pit set) at this same price. The current pricing only makes sense when compared to outher outrageously priced sets.
And let's be real here: Production cost will just be a fraction of the price of any Lego set. Not saying everything on top of that is just profit (surely isn't), but in the end it's all just cheap mass produced stuff. Earlier I mentioned that 77073: licensed, 954 pieces and 9 unique minifigs, all for just €100. And guess what? The set is already available for pre-order from retailers at a 15% discount, at €85 (that's still including 21% tax!). And I bet no one will lose a cent on that......
@Freddy_Hodson:
I mean, 7191 came out the second year of LEGO SW with an R2-D2 plugged into the back. 10026 followed a year later with another R2-D2 plugged into the back. And it was five years after that when 10179 gave us the first true minifig-scale Millennium Falcon, which didn’t have much in the way of an interior, but looks so much better with minifigs in the cockpit. Not counting the two playset Death Stars (which were clearly 100% playset and 0% Death Star exterior model), I don’t really remember which UCS vehicle was the first to include a full interior, but if you’re going to claim it’s the Ultimate version, detailed interiors are as much a part of the vehicle as the exterior. Very few of these will end up with kids playing out scenes from the movies because they’re too big for young kids to safely pick up, but AFOLs are absolutely known to pose minifigs in static scenes.
@WizardOfOss:
They may not be losing money on it, but they probably aren’t really making much either. And any business worth its salt will be looking at low-profit stuff and considering whether or not they could be stocking something more profitable to the same shelf space. At that point, they’re going to be thinking in terms of lost potential. There’s no guarantee they could be making more money, but they know they aren’t with the current options.
Comments regarding Legos production costs, storage and operating expenses don't justify the price of a set like this. This is clearly aimed at adults and rather than spend a few additional pence to include the best version of C3 PO for example, a figure already in production, they choose to maximise profit by offering a cheaper version.
Kids wouldn't mind so much but as I say, this is aimed at adults who as collectors do care. It's cheap from Lego and consistent with some of their recent choices. I've bought some great sets, spent beyond £200 and been happy with the product but sets like this, however nicely designed are just about taking as much money from people whilst delivering the MVP.
@CCC said:
"
I will gladly swap my 2x4 bricks with your SW, LOTR and Castle minifigs. 1 for 1."
Too bad I won't get any 2x4 bricks then.
@Zakalwe72 said:
"Comments regarding Legos production costs, storage and operating expenses don't justify the price of a set like this. This is clearly aimed at adults and rather than spend a few additional pence to include the best version of C3 PO for example, a figure already in production, they choose to maximise profit by offering a cheaper version. ."
The adults collecting UCS sets and display statuettes already have two of that version though!
@CCC said:
" @Zakalwe72 said:
"Comments regarding Legos production costs, storage and operating expenses don't justify the price of a set like this. This is clearly aimed at adults and rather than spend a few additional pence to include the best version of C3 PO for example, a figure already in production, they choose to maximise profit by offering a cheaper version. ."
The adults collecting UCS sets and display statuettes already have two of that version though! "
You're right, both coming in less expensive sets. The point is it's available, in production and would cost next to nothing for Lego to include but they haven't. The only viable reason is it's to max out the profit they make. Someone has made that decision and it's at the cost to the consumer.
I feel Star Wars is one of those themes where LEGO manages to squeeze higher profit margins at the cost of quality and detail. Pretty much every single LEGO theme gets stellar treatment when minifigures are concerned but LEGO SW is full of cost-cutting choices that are baffling, especially at the price they are charging.
To buy and see the DnD minifigures up close, for example, and compare them to any minifigure they put in the UCS line is an exercise in exasperation. LEGO has every tool to make things the very best and they actively choose not to when it comes to the LEGO SW UCS line.
@PurpleDave said:
" @WizardOfOss :
They may not be losing money on it, but they probably aren’t really making much either. And any business worth its salt will be looking at low-profit stuff and considering whether or not they could be stocking something more profitable to the same shelf space. At that point, they’re going to be thinking in terms of lost potential. There’s no guarantee they could be making more money, but they know they aren’t with the current options."
Maybe not as much as on other sets, but still enough. Especially on the ones they sell now from their own store for the half year exclusively. if retailers are giving away 15% before it's even available, you know discounts will only go up further. when it is on shelves. So clearly still a very healthy margin.
As I mentioned, production cost of the pieces will only be a fraction of a set, and a few more minifigs won't require them to increase the box size, double the instructions page count or whatever other factors will also play a role in the total production and distribution cost of a set.
One weird thing with Lego is those bigger sets often (not always!) are relatively more expensive than smaller ones. Look at about any other product, buy 10 times as much, pay maybe 8 times as much. With Lego, it's not uncommon to see it go the other way around. And it's not like there's a distinct difference in quality either.
@Zakalwe72 said:
" @CCC said:
" @Zakalwe72 said:
"Comments regarding Legos production costs, storage and operating expenses don't justify the price of a set like this. This is clearly aimed at adults and rather than spend a few additional pence to include the best version of C3 PO for example, a figure already in production, they choose to maximise profit by offering a cheaper version. ."
The adults collecting UCS sets and display statuettes already have two of that version though! "
You're right, both coming in less expensive sets. The point is it's available, in production and would cost next to nothing for Lego to include but they haven't. The only viable reason is it's to max out the profit they make. Someone has made that decision and it's at the cost to the consumer."
I don't really understand this argument. On one hand you say it would cost them next to nothing to include the dual molded leg version, yet on the other they are doing it to maximise profit. If they are making an extra next to nothing per set sold, they are hardly maximising profit. There are plenty of next to nothing cost changes they could make, for example removing a couple of parts here and there that nobody would notice that wouldn't really change the price per part outside of the commonly acceptable range that would maximise profit further.
@CCC said:
" @Zakalwe72 said:
" @CCC said:
" @Zakalwe72 said:
"Comments regarding Legos production costs, storage and operating expenses don't justify the price of a set like this. This is clearly aimed at adults and rather than spend a few additional pence to include the best version of C3 PO for example, a figure already in production, they choose to maximise profit by offering a cheaper version. ."
The adults collecting UCS sets and display statuettes already have two of that version though! "
You're right, both coming in less expensive sets. The point is it's available, in production and would cost next to nothing for Lego to include but they haven't. The only viable reason is it's to max out the profit they make. Someone has made that decision and it's at the cost to the consumer."
I don't really understand this argument. On one hand you say it would cost them next to nothing to include the dual molded leg version, yet on the other they are doing it to maximise profit. If they are making an extra next to nothing per set sold, they are hardly maximising profit. There are plenty of next to nothing cost changes they could make, for example removing a couple of parts here and there that nobody would notice that wouldn't really change the price per part outside of the commonly acceptable range that would maximise profit further. "
I'm can't say for certain as I don't know the Lego business model but I can't think of another reason. Collective decisions will be made at any company to shave the production costs to increase income.
Sometimes it is pennies, an extra 5p gained per sale by having stickers instead of prints is increasing profit. Same with figures. I can't say how much a leg print is but to Lego it won't be much, my point being that they made a decision not to include in their flagship set of the year for SW, can you suggest any other reason other than profit margins?
@Jo3K3rr said:
"The designer was definitely inspired by The Incredible Cross Sections books. However some of the rooms have been shifted around. For instance the armory is between the kitchen the stairs to the deck. And the prison is actually a cramped little thing in the lower parts of the ship. "
That cross-section puts this interior to shame. The more I look at the set the more poorly used space I see.
@SaulMan:
If you’re referring to the D&D CMFs, remember that there’s a team that does nothing else besides minifigs. They live and die in minifigs and minifig accessories and nothing else, so they go above and beyond on stuff like deco. They also get to crank out an astonishing number of new molds (frequently averaging one per minifig across an entire series).
If you’re referring to the big D&D set, best I got is that the graphic designers aren’t as constrained by having to match film designs that were frequently kinda plain. There’s not much to an Imperial officer uniform, for example, but tell someone they have to design a D&D character class and there’s so many different directions they could take it.
@WizardOfOss:
Big LEGO sets frequently stick around for 2+ years. Every year that passes, inflation eats into the profit margin a bit more, so they either have to raise prices every year or plan that reduction of profit into the MSRP up front. For small sets, say $99.99 or less, there’s usually a one year limit before they’re retired. That’s a lot less time for inflation to catch up with the MSRP. That’s why the inflation bump a while back had such varied results. Only sets that were near retirement saw no bump. For small sets, that meant closing in on one year vs 3-5 for big D2C sets.
@Zakalwe72:
On the other hand, Leia got dual-molded legs and still got leg print to give the hemline a more wavy look.
@PurpleDave , ah so to account for the few years of inflation, they just add like 25% percent before inflation strikes......that makes total sense.
@b2_O said:
"Overrated set. Sure, it looks like a turd with sails, but its a damn cool turd with sails."
Only now do I notice that "overhated" autocorrected to "overrated"...
@CCC said:
" @Freddy_Hodson said:
" @WizardOfOss said:
" @Freddy_Hodson said:
"More minifigures is absolutely the last thing I'd want of this. It's got way too many as is. They're the reason the price is so absurd."
So.....11 minifigs are the reason this set is so expensive. Makes you wonder how they can even make a 9 minifig set for just a fifth of this price (looking at you, 77073 )...."
I just remember when the UCS (which this is clearly a successor to) had no minifigures at all, because they were just that: for collectors, rather than essentially just giant playsets. This is essentially just a giant playset. Lego have combined the two markets into one, which is ingenious on their part, but terrible for everyone else.
If this was minifig-free, I don't doubt for a second that it would be £100 cheaper. And surely that would be more sensible."
Minifigures are display items too, and for collectors. I imagine many of these minifigures will be displayed, either with the set or as part of a SW collection, rather than played with."
Personally, I'm finding my enthusiasm for non-minifig, display Lego sets severely waning. I didn’t return from my Dark Ages to collect models. I came back for the minifigs as much as the bricks.
I think fun play sets are more interesting and entertaining. The sets that combine the two ideas, detail with minifigs (AT-AT, Mos Eisley, Ewok Village, Sandcrawler, Sail Barge), are my favorites.
I find myself disappointed with the minifigs.
Both in terms of selection & execution.
If the Leia figure had flesh printing on the sides it might have looked okay
Salacious' eyes & Bib just look wrong
@WizardOfOss said:
" @PurpleDave , ah so to account for the few years of inflation, they just add like 25% percent before inflation strikes......that makes total sense."
Wow, inflation is really bad right now, huh? That 15% just became 25% in the blink of an eye!
@PurpleDave said:
" @WizardOfOss said:
" @PurpleDave , ah so to account for the few years of inflation, they just add like 25% percent before inflation strikes......that makes total sense."
Wow, inflation is really bad right now, huh? That 15% just became 25% in the blink of an eye!"
Which 15%?
But let's not lets not beat around the bush anymore: Do you think this set is fairly priced considering its contents or not, either now or with inflation at EOL taken into account?
@WizardOfOss said:
"The set is already available for pre-order from retailers at a 15% discount..."
As for your other question, I've been saying for a few years now that inflation was eventually going to come calling, and people weren't going to be happy with the consequences. Ten cents per piece has been the expected standard going back to the 1970's, when gasoline cost maybe 10% of what it does today. AFOLs have become spoiled, much like how McDonald's customers got addicted to the Dollar Menu to the point that the franchises were on the verge of becoming unprofitable (and then they didn't want to eat there when the Dollar Menu went away because they felt they weren't getting fair value anymore). So here's my counter-question: Would you rather pay this price, or one that had actually kept pace with inflation over the last 45 years? Granted, your answer will likely be colored by the fact that, similar to the Dollar Menu, you're accustomed to seeing every set get quickly discounted. In the US (at least where I live), that's not the case.
@PurpleDave , how are retailer discounts and inflation the same thing?
As for the holy 10 cent per piece, as often argued, that has been a broken metric to begin with. Useful for a quick comparisson, but no more, no less. Just look at the inflated piece counts and number of small pieces nowadays. A 1000 piece nowadays doesn't nearly contain as much "oil" as a 1000 piece set 40 years ago....if those had existed back then. And even then: how much oil is there actually in a set? We're talking a €500 set.....that's well over 6 whole barrels of crude oil. Or even with the absurd (and highly taxed) gas prices over here, thats 250 liters of gasoline. Which obviously isn't a fair comparison by any means, but goes to show how little actual resources are used in a set. That's just a fraction of what we're paying for.
Meanwhile production has massively scaled up, technology has advanced and everything has been highly automated, so I highly doubt the actual production cost nowadays is anywhere close to wat it was 40 years ago. It also would be interesting to see how much production staff Lego is employing relative to the production volume nowadays compared to 40 years ago.
And those are still just a few aspects of the total cost of a set. But that's the thing: So much has changed over those years, it's just not the same product anymore. So that's not how I look at the prices. I rather compare it with other products in Lego's current lineup, with Lego's recent history, and also with what other companies can offer. And then a set like this just doesn't look great, at least when it comes to pricing....
@WizardOfOss said:
" @PurpleDave , how are retailer discounts and inflation the same thing?
As for the holy 10 cent per piece, as often argued, that has been a broken metric to begin with. Useful for a quick comparisson, but no more, no less. Just look at the inflated piece counts and number of small pieces nowadays. A 1000 piece nowadays doesn't nearly contain as much "oil" as a 1000 piece set 40 years ago....if those had existed back then. And even then: how much oil is there actually in a set? We're talking a €500 set.....that's well over 6 whole barrels of crude oil. Or even with the absurd (and highly taxed) gas prices over here, thats 250 liters of gasoline. Which obviously isn't a fair comparison by any means, but goes to show how little actual resources are used in a set. That's just a fraction of what we're paying for.
Meanwhile production has massively scaled up, technology has advanced and everything has been highly automated, so I highly doubt the actual production cost nowadays is anywhere close to wat it was 40 years ago. It also would be interesting to see how much production staff Lego is employing relative to the production volume nowadays compared to 40 years ago.
And those are still just a few aspects of the total cost of a set. But that's the thing: So much has changed over those years, it's just not the same product anymore. So that's not how I look at the prices. I rather compare it with other products in Lego's current lineup, with Lego's recent history, and also with what other companies can offer. And then a set like this just doesn't look great, at least when it comes to pricing...."
I am not saying that I like the price of this Sail Barge, but UCS sets have always been reasonably expensive. Adjusted for inflation the original UCS X-Wing and Tie Interceptor were actually more expensive in 2000 than the most recent models are now.
And while you might be right about production costs being lower than 20 years ago, current LEGO is able to maintain its price levels because the demand is there. This allows them to expand their business, invest in changes (paper bags, new pieces, new colours) and new factories (in the US and Vietnam) and maintain profitability at the same time.
Re discounts offered on the market: I just ordered the Sarlacc Pit from Amazon Germany, at a 38% discount vs RRP (and since I live in CH, the discount on the German RRP, which is lower than the Swiss RRP, is even higher since the VAT in CH is only 8%). So, I guess I will cave and pick up the Sail Barge day one (and get the Lightsaber and the Halloween Pumpkin GWP).
@WizardOfOss said:
" As for the holy 10 cent per piece, as often argued, that has been a broken metric to begin with. Useful for a quick comparisson, but no more, no less. Just look at the inflated piece counts and number of small pieces nowadays. A 1000 piece nowadays doesn't nearly contain as much "oil" as a 1000 piece set 40 years ago....if those had existed back then. And even then: how much oil is there actually in a set? We're talking a €500 set.....that's well over 6 whole barrels of crude oil. Or even with the absurd (and highly taxed) gas prices over here, thats 250 liters of gasoline. Which obviously isn't a fair comparison by any means, but goes to show how little actual resources are used in a set. That's just a fraction of what we're paying for.
Meanwhile production has massively scaled up, technology has advanced and everything has been highly automated, so I highly doubt the actual production cost nowadays is anywhere close to wat it was 40 years ago. It also would be interesting to see how much production staff Lego is employing relative to the production volume nowadays compared to 40 years ago.
And those are still just a few aspects of the total cost of a set. But that's the thing: So much has changed over those years, it's just not the same product anymore. So that's not how I look at the prices. I rather compare it with other products in Lego's current lineup, with Lego's recent history, and also with what other companies can offer. And then a set like this just doesn't look great, at least when it comes to pricing...."
Even what to compare it with is difficult. Should it be compared with other $500 sets, or 5 different $100 sets or even 25 $20 sets. Should it be compared with only Star Wars sets, or only other UCS sets. Value is so difficult to define as value is different to everyone. Rivendell looking good value is pointless to a SW fan who has no interest in LOTR. In the end it comes down to each person deciding do they want it for what it costs. You can compare part counts, weights, numbers of minifigs, numbers of unique minifigures, number of new characters, ... but no LEGO sets are really good value if you just consider them as bits of plastic in the box. In terms of plastic used, it is much better value to buy toys from the dollar store or probably plastic buckets or washing up bowls. The value really comes from the enjoyment of building and displaying it. Someone interested in LEGO and Star Wars will probably go for this Sail Barge instead of a collection of 250 cheap plastic buckets, even though the latter might give a high ratio of product to cost.
wkowkeoweowkwokowokwokwokwokewokeowkewoke
@CapnRex101, you mean Jabba's tattoo is on his RIGHT arm, right? :)
Good detailed review as ever. Such a wannahave set, but man it’s hard being able to afford all those big sets..
@CCC , the plastic buckets thing is taking it a bit far (apples and......zucchini or something like that), but within the plastic brick toy world, absolutely!
And that's the thing: Lego isn't priced based on what they need to, but on what they can ask. people will complain (and they absolutely should!), but still enough people will buy it.
This set isn't €500 because it includes 11 "expensive" minifigs (well, one not so mini..), as was the statement this discussion all started with. This is €500 because Lego knows they will get away with it and make them the most money. That's all there's to it with Lego pricing, there's basically zero connection to actual cost. The moment they need to start worrying about that, they'll cancel the set long before we get to know about it. And if they calculated doubling the price would only lose them like 40% of customers, this would have been a €1000 set. And you bet a few people here would still defend that price...
I suspect access to fairly precise information from Bricklink with regards to what the market will pay for secondhand sets and minifigs is also factored in to pricing structures. I am sure it is no accident that many new sets that link into nostalgic subjects are priced close to the cost of picking up an older set in good used / sealed condition. The buyer just has to stop & think whether for the same money they want a new set with more parts, more sophisticated techniques, minifigs without worn / faded prints and unbroken clips. New sets begin to look reasonably priced in comparison
Let's think through the economics of UCS sets. People always try to justify the "Disney tax" on lego sets as a function of licensing costs... there's honestly not even evidence that Disney licensing costs are higher than any other licensing cost. Probably the most critical factor in pricing lego sets is, obviously, supply and demand. Lego is a monopolist; look up monopoly pricing models. They are not pricing their sets where supply=demand, they are pricing their sets at a profit-maximizing position. That may be different for every theme. For LOTR, where they may have less of a market, there's less demand so they can't get away with high prices. For Star Wars, where demand may be comparatively through the roof, they will price a set much higher. It's not a function of any input cost. It's just a function of what price level they can pick where the price times the number of sets they can sell is maximized. It may be sad for the casual consumer, but if the star wars core fandom is large enough to sell out a full run of a massively overpriced UCS set, obviously lego will price it as high as they can. Of course the rest of us lose out but it is what it is.
@R1_Drift said:
"wkowkeoweowkwokowokwokwokwokewokeowkewoke"
Hey. Come on. Leia's fetching new harem-pants can't be attributed to both the Taliban AND wokeness. Whatever your feelings re: Taliban, I don't think anyone would soon accuse them of being exceedingly woke.
Pick a lane.
An impressive review! Thanks.
I actually really like the set. Especially the looks of the barge together with the sarlacc pit and the desert skiff. I just wished they gave us an extra skiff with it as well.
The interior is neat, but i’d rather have a jabba’s palace with a neat interior.
Seeing it next to its predecessors it shows how large it is, and making me understand why the ship is so expensive. Not 500 expensive though, but far more expensive than the earlier barges.
I just hoped for more figs. More deck gunners and figs that fight on deck, i mean we mostly look at its exterior anyways.
In the end i probably won’t buy this. Mainly because of the price tag it has.
I’ll have last barge and it will suffice i guess.
Just rewatched this scene and have similar conclusions, build itself is great, but price is too high. For minifig collector more minifigs should be enough (also better C-3PO) but I think second desert skiff shound be as well. With 25th anni skiff this would be complete scene from the movie. 500$ for barge with 4-5 more figs (weequay guard and ree-yees remakes as addition to those mentioned by Rex) and second skiff would be accurate price.
@CCC said:
"...Value is so difficult to define as value is different to everyone. Rivendell looking good value is pointless to a SW fan who has no interest in LOTR. In the end it comes down to each person deciding do they want it for what it costs. You can compare part counts, weights, numbers of minifigs, numbers of unique minifigures, number of new characters, ... but no LEGO sets are really good value if you just consider them as bits of plastic in the box...."
^ This point bears repeating and needed more than just a 'like.'
LEGO Star Wars is evolving. Moving on from ugly gray wedges now, we're getting ugly brown wedges instead.
@Ridgeheart said:
" @R1_Drift said:
"wkowkeoweowkwokowokwokwokwokewokeowkewoke"
Hey. Come on. Leia's fetching new harem-pants can't be attributed to both the Taliban AND wokeness. Whatever your feelings re: Taliban, I don't think anyone would soon accuse them of being exceedingly woke.
Pick a lane."
TALIBAN?????????? LOLOLOL WHAT THE FLIP?????????????
@Torrent_Studios said:
"LEGO Star Wars is evolving. Moving on from ugly gray wedges now, we're getting ugly brown wedges instead."
We've had multicolored wedges since 2000: see 7134.
Return of the Jedi 36:44 (“don’t forget the droids” scene) 3PO does not have a silver leg. Including a dual molded leg, although a superior minifigure, would not be accurate to the scene.
@BrickTeen28 said:
[[The C-3PO minifigure is inaccurate, but not in a way we all thought. Most of us wanted the dual molded leg, but in the return of the jedi, C-3PO doesn't have a silver leg. This means that the minifig in this set is inaccurate because of the silver print that shouldn't be there.]]
That is not correct. C-3PO's lower right leg is silver throughout the Original Trilogy, although it is not always obvious, especially in sandy environments. Here is a screenshot from Endor:
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/esstarwars/images/6/61/3po_float.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20110215033120
]]
But this is not an Endor set. It is a Tatooine set. Please see Return of the Jedi scenes appropriate to this set at 36:16 and 36:44 for images of 3PO with two gold legs. Maybe he got a leg swap off screen between planets. (Or the filmmakers screwed up)
@Armstrs said:
[[ @BrickTeen28 said:
[[The C-3PO minifigure is inaccurate, but not in a way we all thought. Most of us wanted the dual molded leg, but in the return of the jedi, C-3PO doesn't have a silver leg. This means that the minifig in this set is inaccurate because of the silver print that shouldn't be there.]]
That is not correct. C-3PO's lower right leg is silver throughout the Original Trilogy, although it is not always obvious, especially in sandy environments. Here is a screenshot from Endor:
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/esstarwars/images/6/61/3po_float.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20110215033120
]]
But this is not an Endor set. It is a Tatooine set. Please see Return of the Jedi scenes appropriate to this set at 36:16 and 36:44 for images of 3PO with two gold legs. Maybe he got a leg swap off screen between planets. (Or the filmmakers screwed up)
]]
I made a screenshot - look at this:
https://i.ibb.co/ygCKXTT/c-3po.png
or this:
https://i.ibb.co/WgZf45m/c-3po2.png
@TheOtherMike said:
" @Torrent_Studios said:
"LEGO Star Wars is evolving. Moving on from ugly gray wedges now, we're getting ugly brown wedges instead."
We've had multicolored wedges since 2000: see 7134."
Oh, goodie! A red wedge!
But my favourite wedge has to be SW1081 (the only background pilot character to have survived both Death Star runs and still came back as gunner on the Falcon)
@Torrent_Studios said:
" @TheOtherMike said:
" @Torrent_Studios said:
"LEGO Star Wars is evolving. Moving on from ugly gray wedges now, we're getting ugly brown wedges instead."
We've had multicolored wedges since 2000: see 7134."
Oh, goodie! A red wedge!
But my favourite wedge has to be SW1081 (the only background pilot character to have survived both Death Star runs and still came back as gunner on the Falcon)"
There's a reason fans call him "The Great One." Although the gunner thing had nothing to do with that; the name long predates the sequels. The X-Wing series started back in 1996 and is a great read.
Stickers are an abomination on sets this price….
@CCC said:
"Are the Jabba moulds (not the print) exactly the same as the previous ones, or did they make new ones?"
They are unchanged from 2013
You definitely earned your review copy! Great write up. Your descriptions and detail has me excited for the set and has pushed me over the edge. Even though the price is a little high, they got me.
The price was a sticking point on this but being able to trade in my points for over 10% off the price and selling that boring Luke's Lightsaber which I had zero interest in for £115 on eBay made this a much more reasonably priced set.
People always seem to complain about the minifig-scale sets being priced too high but if 2018s Cloud City and the 2016 Death Star are any indication people will price gouge the figures once it retires and buying the set will end up being the better deal.
Though I wonder how high it will go, the skiff guards, Klaatu, Barada and Nikto aren't exactly a Max Rebo, Tikkes, Ree-Yees or Yakface.