My favourite set ever, HOWEVER… - LEGO Rivendell review - 10316

[@CardmakerNr1]

Your reviews are always so well done and thorough. It makes me look forward to building the set even more. I love the categories that you chose and the way you addressed the positive but also the weak points of it. I am so happy to be a member of your channel and recommend it highly to others.

[@shapeofsoup]

The praises of a true Lego fan here. I already really wanted this set, but now you’ve made me want it even more.

[@HighTeaToys]

Amazing, I am glad you enjoyed the review. I think you will really enjoy it :D

[@DaveD_223]

I love the amount of detail you put into your reviews! Not only the detail but the pure joy that pours out of you when you discuss certain sets is so infectious! I have yet to build this set and I cannot wait!

[@signordarcy]

Great review, with a lot of shareable opinions (starting from those odd white pieces in the gazebo). A masterpiece, beautiful to built, waiting for next sets (hopefully one big per year). A not-wanted detail I appreciate is the room to keep the extra parts (legs, hats, brickbuilt skirts) inside the tower green donut.

[@einszwedrei07]

I love how much this set means to you. By all the videos it can clearly be seen and heard. Unlike other people who move on to the next cool thing a week later since they get everything for free

[@HighTeaToys]

This set does mean a lot. And also as its so pricy I’ve not had a lot of budget to move on to the next thing. But I also really wanted to do this set justice.

[@cinematographytrev]

This has to be the absolute best review of a lego set that I've watched for a very long time. So your depth and your passion for not just this build but lego in general is amazing. Excellent video. Have a fabulous Easter.

[@antonstepanov488]

I liked this review so much! Your critique points are perfectly valid, I had the same issues and concerns. But nobody talk about them, though indeed Lego is a premium brand and we deserve the best from them. But I also LOVE this set, and I can feel the love for the LOTR in this one. I’m really really happy I bought it, and I’m so looking forward to other Lotr sets from this team. Like Balrog vs Gandalf, Witch King vs Eovin, Minas Tirith and so on. But they should really pay a little bit more attention to minifigures. Subbed to your channel 👍

[@bookmonsterally8260]

Such a brilliant and spot on review. I'm halfway through building this set and I was completely thrown by the squeaky, poorly fitting parts (exact ones in your video). Not what I've ever experienced with lego sets before, and thought it was just me. Definitely something they should sort. But a beautiful collector set despite this little niggles.

[@melg9302]

Great review. I loved this build and can also see how much the designers put their love into designing it. With this quality I can’t wait to see what else they bring the future LOTR sets.

[@rancorwithin]

I am receiving one for my birthday and your video has made me very excited to get it! I pre-ordered a Light my Bricks kit. So I cant wait to really make this set just be a conversation piece in my home. Your review and enthusiasm has made me excited for this.

[@brickstery]

So happy that you got the set right away !!! It is a beautiful set!!! And it's nice with the timeline for the video

[@NathanMorgan-mn5tj]

great review! I agree with literally all your critiques. especially your points about the elf hairpiece.

[@SuperLambchops871]

I just started getting into legos as an adult, and this was my first set i bought. Absolutely amazing. I was so surprised when it said the ferns were new pieces. Seeing these reviews make me worried that i am not going to like doing more sets. Its everyone's favorite set.

[@claytonbarnes6644]

yea, this set and barad-dur are the only sets I own, I dont plan on buying small sets unless it comes with a figure I really want.

[@M0torsagmannen]

i also experienced those exact quality issues with the bricks mentioned, and i am happy to at least see one review bring it up. otherwise i also am super happy with the set though. im not as fussed with some fo the figures as you are, but i do agree that Arwens face and Legolas hair was done better previously.

[@marietadevos7724]

Amazing review thank you! Cannot wait to own it.

[@brick_askew]

Fantastic review. Really thorough and detailed done in a good format. You make it very hard to stick to my decision not to buy it ha.

[@HighTeaToys]

Hahaha. I’ll take it as a compliment 😊. Honestly if you don’t buy it. At least look through the online instructions. So many awesome techniques you could use for MOCs (tower, pavilion, furniture to name a few)

[@brick_askew]

@@HighTeaToys That’s a good shout. I’ll do that. That stabilisation in place for the gazebo alone looks very interesting

[@emorycrittenden7040]

I love this set but I am exited to see where the theme could go from here. We could bag end and they could include all of the dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf. Or even the lonely mountain. I know the hobbit movies are not as popular as lord of the rings but having grown up with them and lotr I would enjoy it

[@Ccorleone1609]

"Its a gift to the fans of lego"

[@alandrielstern2354]

Thank you for your thoughts, the positive and the negative as well because that is what a well done review needs. So excited to buy this set myself some day in the future!

[@Vaegeo]

Thank you very much! I was looking everywhere for someone to mention the actual depth of the build, because it definitely does not seem like 50cm to me. Thanks for clarifying it, very nic video! :)

[@ChristopherPavey]

Great review. Your passion shines through, and I appreciate your honesty on the few faults, and I share your excitement and joy as part of the Middle-earth fandom 🎉 Thank you!

[@judekw6034]

Two thoughts on the quality issues you mentioned: Regarding the second issue, the feel and noise of the plates with clips etc., I'm afraid this is not a quality issue in LEGO's mind: Modified bricks and plates (with clips, bars, hinges etc.) are not made from the same ABS plastic as regular plates and bricks as to make them - especially the functional attachments - more durable and prevent them from breaking. They have been doing this for a while and with some colors, e.g. black, you can actually see quite a difference to ABS plastic, with the ABS being a lighter shade. It's the same plastic as transparent colors and actually a harder kind of plastic (to prevent scratching in transparent colors' case): This is why connecting two parts of this plastic creates more friction and thus the uncommon noise (in the gazebo example you connected a modified brick to a modified plate). It's not a bug, it's a feature ;) The first issue however is something I have also been noticing in recent years. When I compare minifigure parts from recent years to figures from 10 or even 20 years ago, the newer parts seem to be of lighter, slightly more elastic and more transclucent plastic (slight translucency at the edges). This may also be a reaction to minifigure parts breaking when assembling legs and arms, but it's a shame that the colors don't match (especially when that is within a figure, like the 'monochrome' 2022 Werewolf Lupin that had two shades of Dark Tan). I'm curious if you noticed another thing: In the recent maybe 3 to 6 months, LEGO seems to have changed the recipe of Tan (for the worse). The newer recipe is way less translucent when hold against the light but what makes me angry is the very obvious color difference to the old Tan recipe. Within Rivendell they probably only used the newer shade, but if you don't mind comparing a few Tan parts to your Hogwarts right below, you will notice that the newer shade of Tan is way more reddish than the old one, which is especially apparent in artificial light. This is such a shame for people who moc with their part collection and are now confronted with parts in different shades that are supposed to be the same :(

[@HighTeaToys]

The tan is an interesting one. I feel it’s shade had varied slightly over the last few years. I especially noticed the difference between the old school Harry Potter sets and the 2018 and later ones (though there have been variations between 2018 and now too.) however I’ve not minded that as much. The noise of the plates wasn’t really my main concern. The fact that they were really hard and annoying to attach is worse. That is currently where lego really bests the competition and therefore this wasn’t a good progression. The minifigure parts are of a softer plastic these days indeed. But overall they stay true to the right shades. This one was just so obviously not the right colour and it just was a tad disappointing. I’m sure lego tries to keep everything as similar as they can whilst still innovating and trying to make the right changes. But when it impacts the build enjoyment I’m just a little concerned.

[@jonVT453]

I’m finishing up this set as I watch this review! Just discovered your channel! Apparently the other dwarf isn’t Gloin. I watched the Lego Designer video of the set and they said it’s supposed to be just a generic dwarf, but who cares I’m going to think it’s Gloin lol

[@HighTeaToys]

Yea I know they keep saying that. But it’s a little lame and I’ve decided he’s Gloin. Even the official entry in Bricklink names him as Gloin. We shall have our own team :)

[@waxenapple1195]

Wow! This is the best video on the set I've watched so far! Great opinions that didn't feel like you were repeating what everyone has been saying.

[@0428733]

She knows what she's talking about. I can tell she is an expert builder and I love the review

[@garionbishop]

Building this set currently and it is by far the most complex set I've ever built, for reference I've built many large sets including the ucs falcon and ucs at at

[@lotr_bricks]

Also with the lembas bread. The lembas bread is only given by elven queens. Ie Galadriel. Galadriel is the ONLY PERSON in middle earth at the third age who can give that

[@ZlobitkoRostak-hp1en]

Does she do deliveries?

[@lotr_bricks]

@@ZlobitkoRostak-hp1en ??

[@cadeptt]

@@lotr_bricks I think its a valid question tbh

[@natemr4482]

Great review of the rivendell set Johanna great video i didn't know you had to put out the video again have a great rest of your week ♥️

[@HighTeaToys]

Thank you for leaving a comment again Nate! Have a great day!

[@slater140778]

Great review!! I’m slightly OCD so like you the quality has to be 100% but Lego do occasionally fall slightly short with pieces. But in comparison to lesser brands, I can’t buy anything but Lego! This is the way! lol your room looks awesome and I’m now a new subscriber:)

[@rubenquezada9042]

Awesome review I’m now convinced to buy this set. Great video

[@ThePeterHiggins]

The build looks as fun and different, with new techniques, as I had hoped. As much as I love the set, I cant help but see it looks like Aragon has forgot to put on pants ... maybe its just the colouring when watching on my screen, as I dont have the set yet, but I cant unsee it now.

[@xanthicdragon6510]

Such a lovely review. I can not wait to get this set 🎉

[@LaZieGoblin]

Random KZbin recommendation. Recently rewatched lotr again and you look like an elf. Not sure if that is intentional. Have a great day!

[@HighTeaToys]

Yay thank you KZbin! Also it was kinda intentional. I did my hair in a sort of elvish style. But thank you for noticing 😊

[@Jarrad-t3i]

Nice review. I recently brought rivendale. Made a choice which one I preferred. Bara dur or riverdale. Rivendale was the clear winner. A beautiful set and build.

[@ifjfgvjfidifijf]

17:13 The designer confirmed that this is just a random dwarf and not any particular character

[@erikb2970]

I was also super impressed by the hexagonal geometry for the gazebo base! And those annoying tight white squeaky pieces 😩

[@TiesonTrowbridge]

I don't remember Churro being part of the Fellowship 😂. Excellent review. Looking forward to the next one 😉

[@HighTeaToys]

Hahah. I got churro as I was building Rivendell and he now lives there 😂

[@LukeMaps]

Kid fans of Lego: I love stickers! AFOLs: I hate stickers!

[@jacobpacker.realtor]

Absolutely my favorite set! I had to buy this set, if simply no more reason then to express to LEGO to please continue to make more LOTR sets at this level of detail.

[@darrensimpson95]

Great review, can't wait to get my hands on it

[@quixxxilver]

I appreciate your very thorough review. I think you missed the Frodo figure, though.

[@lynianore7891]

Fantastic review, I"m so super torn between Rivendell and Barad Dur. On one part Rivendell seems harder to get years into the future and has way more minifigures whereas Barad Dur looks way cooler. HELP!!!

[@generaltron]

Lol im the sort to notice those small things like the colors on the medium legs vs the normal legs. Your not alone. :)

[@jaminstar2462]

With how much you love this set hopefully you get a kick out of when I watch a video on your channel the majority of the time youtube will play the Lego ad for this set prior to the start.

[@niek82]

Even with all the high praise this set gets I still can't get myself to pay 500 euros. That's more than all of my sets combined.... I'll cross my fingers it will get a discount, but i doubt that.

[@Cariboobrickcreations]

Same here, can’t spend $670 Canadian on Lego or my kids will wonder where their dinner is 😅

[@HighTeaToys]

It’s fair enough. And I also think that if the money doesn’t feel comfortable buying it will only make you feel guilty. I’ve managed to afford this by putting a litte aside every month, and I’m doing the same for ninjago city markets. It makes it doable as I, like many others, can’t just go out and spend that amount on a set. But even then it’s still a lot of money. However even if you don’t have end ip buying it. I would recommend looking through the instructions as there are a lot of really cool techniques you can use in your own builds (the tower shape, the pavilion, the furniture etc)

[@brentdaelman4153]

its funny that with all the face print you had an issue with except sam were reusses taken from other characters. legolass' face comes from young han solo and steve rogers and others, gandalf's face comes from cornelius fudge and arwen's face comes from princess leia and evangeline lilly's the wasp character.

[@HighTeaToys]

I mean I think those faces are more accurate. I’m kinda used to them reusing faces. And I don’t totally mind the practice if the faces make sense. I just felt Arwen looked bad and Hermione’s face made less sense to me as it felt too young and it just felt off to me. But as you know. These videos are just my opinion.

[@edwardedwins9906]

I had the same experience with those clip pieces- it was very unusual experience for lego. Clutch power was crazy and it didn't want to fit properly

[@verndexter]

Had the same qc issues with the same parts!!!! Especially the 1x2 modified brick

[@midnightinferno]

Great review! I watched this before buying it, but I’m building it now and at 25:30 you’re 100% right. I couldn’t tell from just seeing the video but in building the white gazebo now those pieces are definitely off… too stiff and bad compatibility. It doesn’t feel like Lego! It feels off brand. Thankfully it’s just a few pieces but it does feel sad for such an expensive set

[@hiker1392]

Ok, so the mission is to find a replacement head and hair for Arwen. Contest! Also, is the set sitting on a regular depth Billy shelf? Also, also, thank you for the quality section of your review. I think it’s time reviewers include this in all set reviews. If Lego wish to remain premium, they must be held to a higher standard. Very good work.👍

[@HighTeaToys]

No, the set sits on an extra depth Billy. Though LEGO says it is 20'' deep or 50cm but when you display at an angle the set is 38cm deep and fits well on a extra depth Billy shelf. I did think I said that in the review, but I guess there is so much it is easy to miss bits :) Old arwen goes for a lot now. Which is such a same. Old Galadriel's face kinda works too though.

[@hiker1392]

@@HighTeaToys So around 15" for the rest of us. 😆Sorry I missed your comment. I asked because I actually saw it in the Lego store and thought no way it's 19" deep. I'm just about giving up on 2X VIP and pressing the button... Gringott's is so far off and no clue if it even displays with DA.🤔

[@star-lord3079]

So for a "one piece perfect display Rivendell" you have switched some parts with old minis: - Arwen hair and face - Legolas Hair - Gimli helmet - Gandalf face - Elrond Hair or keep the new? Thanks 😊

[@jackrichardson5223]

great review ive already got the set the only real quality issue i found personally was connection between the three parts so i changed them out for my own bricks and it al stuck better :)

[@filmezki]

Appreciate the very detailed review and how you broke everything down! :) And speaking of LOTR, working on a video edit of it soon for my page. If you get the chance to see any, would love to hear your thoughts!

[@handpancakeman]

25:30 I thought I was going crazy when I was attaching these!!! Every 2x1 clip like that was rough in my set. Legitimately wondered if it was fake.

[@Larry_Love]

The one review to rule them all !!!!! I watched this at work lol so I may have missed it, but are you going to get a light kit for this one? AND! If you could only collect one ? .... Harry Potter. Modular Buildings. Or Lord of the Rings? Your passion is infectious !!!

[@HighTeaToys]

Oeeeh yes. That’s the thing I’m hinting at the end. Hoping to get a video out next week as I’ve just finished lighting it and I’m in Loooooove

[@EarlyBirdForce]

I could have missed something, but was Frodo's minifigure left out of the review?

[@HighTeaToys]

Yep. I realise after I finished editing. Luckily he’s the least noteworthy one. Very similar to the old figure and wonderful overall.

[@lewismcgachy2977]

Quick question. I see in the video it’s displayed in a Billy book case. Roughly how tall is it and does it comfortably fit in a shelf? Thank you. 😊

[@HighTeaToys]

It sat really comfortably on my extra deep Billy shelf and I think it would fit a normal Billy too if you angled it right. The depth measurement of the set on the lego website is a little deceiving as if you angle slightly differently it’s much narrower. So I would say yes. It fits most reasonably sized bookshelves

[@peltix9517]

Спасибо за душевный ролик

[@ericbroussedegersigny3344]

My only problem with this set (after the stickers) is that most figures don’t hold on the council seats. Other than that it’s wonderful, loved it so much

[@HighTeaToys]

Fair point. Moving was slightly more annoying as I had to then balance al the figures again. But luckily it was managed and they’ve now been sitting on their chairs a good few months without issues

[@earl9516]

I'm torn on the Lord of the Rings set. Seeing it above the Harry Potter castle...makes me want to buy...the Harry Potter castle. Yes I want to build the Lord of the Rings set, but I don't know if I would want to keep it. Crazy I know but I really like interesting dynamic composition in my architecture. And when you compare the two...overall the castle is way more dynamic. It's an issue of details vs overall design. Design wins for me

[@Ogre6972]

Question: Knowing that Rivendell will be available on shelves for some time to come, do you have any regrets about not picking up the Old Fishing Store for a "really good price" at the convention?

[@HighTeaToys]

Well, no. the price it was (295) was good thought not groundbreaking. At that point I had already been saving some months towards Rivendell and also had made space on the shelf for it. I have nowhere to put the fishing store and as it's been retired quite some time I felt that it would likely come around again. It just wasn't the right moment.

[@timebomb42]

Ninjago city markets releases very soon (June 1st) so you'll be in for an interesting comparison.

[@HighTeaToys]

It is rumoured indeed. It will be interesting to see how it will compare though drawing a direct comparison will be hard as one is a licenced theme and one is a original lego one so money wise you are looking at different price point anyway due to licencing, Also I think the way I feel towards both is very different (though I wnat both day one). I am so excited thouhg :D

[@Ogre6972]

@@HighTeaToys Agreed. Having to deal with licensing fees can seriously impact what you get from a set, making it very hard to make a decent comparison. IMO, a great example comes from the LEGO Ninjago Movie sets vs something like Star Wars, or Marvel movies. The LNM sets were absolutely bonkers with how good the pricing was for what you got in the sets, and once they went on sale, I bought sets I didn't even want just to use as 'parts packs' because the pricing was so good compared to licensed sets (even when on sale). Note that the LEGO Batman Movie did not have that same degree of 'bonkers' pricing, because it was not a complete LEGO IP. Just another reason I lament how much LEGO has moved away from promoting their own IPs like they used to in the "good old days".

[@antonstepanov488]

BTW I feel like KZbin has been pushing smaller channels to our recommendations lately, and it’s lovely.

[@emmsnake]

I hope the fans support those other Brick built brands. Unfortunately I have seen it is only recently some big channels and then everyday fans are willing to support the other brands, and it may be too late. LEGO is showing no shame or remorse in the pricing and I think they are also showing no hurt in sales.

[@Casper-thfc]

Great review please could you tell me what light kit did you use thank you.

[@HighTeaToys]

I’ll have a video all about it next week :) I used the Lightailing one.

[@leanderthal1138]

Just building the set now and I love it but some of the white pieces that hold the beautiful arches together behind the council (with all the elvish white “whoosh” pieces) broke. Certainly disappointing for a 500 dollar set but I guess they’re still holding it together for now

[@TylerBond-Wilson-ib3jr]

Yeah you are right about those legs they are a lot lighter than normal

[@Cariboobrickcreations]

I want this set so so bad. Thank you for the video, maybe I can use some of your points to help convince my hubby to let me buy it 😂 So far it’s a no ($670 Canadian) but I’m working on it 😅

[@HighTeaToys]

I was lucky to know it was coming and started putting small amounts aside every month. It honestly made it feel less painful though it was still a lot. I’m doing the same for ninjago city markets that’s rumoured to come june 1st. That may help you as well? I really hope you will be able to get it. It’s very very special and looks amazing

[@Cariboobrickcreations]

@@HighTeaToys that’s a good idea! I’m hoping to get it with my tax return. He knows it would be an investment too! Kids are just so expensive 😂

[@GoatzombieBubba]

Elf double molded hair piece is a new mold this set is the first one to ever use them.

[@bradklotz7343]

Where do you get shelves that deep? I can't ever find a bookshelf that's more than 14-15" in depth 😢

[@HighTeaToys]

It’s just the basic extra deep Billy shelf from IKEA. It’s only slightly more expensive to the normal one.

[@joevictor53]

Ikea sells white Billy bookcases that are 40cm deep but not all countries have it

[@peterlanham]

Thanks

[@HighTeaToys]

Thank you so much, that is beyond generous of you. This video took a lot of work and knowing it is appriciated really makes me so happy.

[@peterlanham]

No thank you. Really good content with excellent production. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Looking forward to the next Rivendell video!

[@splash883]

❤❤❤

[@lotr_bricks]

I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE CLIPS

[@samgraves7330]

Wait, is there a grumpy cat in this set, or have you just been playing with it an left it behind?

[@albertfriedrich3367]

I like your video, you really go into a lot of details, but I have one thing that bothers me. isn't this set too expensive? 500€ ($)

[@lotr_bricks]

The one elf with the dark brown hair should be figwit ( Frodo is great who is that). If you don’t know who that is you don’t know your lotr movie knowledge. 😂

[@johnnyg2501]

was Grumpy Cat in LOTR?

[@HighTeaToys]

Totally canon :p

[@Ogre6972]

I wish LEGO designers would work harder to come up with long hair pieces that still allow heads to turn. Gets rather boring having everyone staring straight ahead...

[@HighTeaToys]

That would be cool. Though I do wonder how that would even work. The rubber ones aren’t too great at that either and going with more real hair texture would become a little weird I think. 🤔

[@Ogre6972]

@@HighTeaToys Yeah, I have no idea how they might accomplish it in any acceptable fashion, but it would be nice.

[@sloglas]

What are cat doing there?

[@alrinaleroux9229]

Praise His Holy Name.

[@overthetip]

I have a hard time understanding what you are saying.