Concerning minifigures:

Largely, this is a flawless selection with a few notable exceptions. Several improvements over the previous versions of these characters have been made, which is good to see. However, among the issues is the thoroughly outdated hat piece used for Gandalf (baffling, since the perfect piece would appear to be that introduced for the Harry Potter theme with the dual-moulded hair), as well as the fact that Legolas still cannot wear a quiver under his (new) hair. Noted, these are tiny issues, and thankfully they are something that is obvious from the outset before you buy—as such you won't be disappointed by what you receive. The cause for frustration is that these were criticisms levelled at the previous version of these characters as well, a decade ago. The fact that they haven't been addressed is disappointing. The only other vague criticisms (far less significant even than those just described) are the face used for Arwen (I don't think a unique one was necessary—I just don't like the face) and the fact that given we have unnamed Elves, it might have been nice to see at least one with a different skin tone.

Concerning parts:

I don't build Lego as much as I used to and as such it felt like every other part here was new to me. Each of the new parts had a clear purpose and reason for existing, and I believe that anyone looking for a source of diverse, interesting and useful parts will certainly not be disappointed. The elements used for the trees I think should be particularly popular.

Concerning the build:

It is remarkable that the most mind-numbing and rage-inducing sections of the building process were *not* the roof tiles; rather it was the ornate "Elven" detailing, particularly on the gazebo. It's a delicate structure even when finished, but the build requires you to be holding it while adding bits on, which is difficult without moving what you've already done. The other issue is actually with the instructions: it's impossible to follow which direction certain parts are meant to be aimed or joined because of the angle of the image. It feels like this could have been solved by simply having them as separate steps.

Concerning the finished product:

It is beautiful. It's easily the best looking Lego set I've ever seen. This was obvious from the pictures, but it is worth saying that it looks better in real life, and in natural light. However, one final issue arises: there are not enough seats at the Council for all of the characters. Again this is something apparent from the images, and again it is a relatively tiny detail. But surely at this price 100% attention to detail is expected? Instead we have an extremely handsome model that doesn't so much want to have its cake and eat it—more like it wants to have its cake but insist that it's not really having cake at all. At this scale, and price, accuracy was surely the number one priority, so having a model that feels incomplete is a serious issue.

Concerning price:

Concerning is the word. I have trouble thinking any Lego set is worth over £300 (and I have a few). There's no denying that comparative to almost all other sets the value for money is extraordinary: but the inevitable and obvious comment is that it would be nice if it was cheaper. It goes without saying, but that doesn't mean it *shouldn't* be said.

Overall:

As wonderful and gorgeous as the model is, there are a few clangs of dissatisfaction with Rivendell, which for a set in this price bracket is bad news. The finished product is breathtaking and the value is technically superb, *and* the reality with a set like this is that you have to be so sure you want to buy it that some of these criticisms just don't factor. (It helps that they are all apparent from the outset.) My problem is not so much with the set itself at all, but with Lego's overall direction. When the set was announced I was expecting a microscale build, and was surprised when it wasn't. Having heard that that was indeed the initial plan, but the scale was altered to make the location more interactive with the minifigures, the dissatisfaction was clarified. The price and quality speak of a luxury, premium product, but I count three main areas where corners have very clearly been cut. The last thing anyone spending this amount of money on Lego should feel is shortchanged; overall I doubt they will, due to the quality of design. But if premium is the image they want to push, I don't think expecting absolute attention to detail is unreasonable. In fact I think it's essential, to stop prices of 18+ sets inflating and spiralling out of control.