Review: 76964 Dinosaur Fossils: T. rex Skull
Posted by CapnRex101,
76964 Dinosaur Fossils: T. rex Skull focuses on display value and makes an interesting change from the action-oriented Jurassic World sets we have seen before. The model certainly appears impressive in official images, capturing superb detail and therefore realism.
Moreover, the price of £34.99, $39.99 or €39.99 should go some distance to satisfying the clear demand for smaller and more affordable sets which appeal to teenage and adult LEGO fans.
Summary
76964 Dinosaur Fossils: T. rex Skull, 577 pieces.
£34.99 / $39.99 / €39.99 | 6.1p/6.9c/6.9c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
I am delighted with 76964 Dinosaur Fossils: T. rex Skull, which is a faultless display model
- Exceptionally detailed model
- Ideal layout for display
- Nice, compact size
- Very reasonable price
- N/A
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
The Completed Model
Considering the disparate nature of this model, comprising a skull and a fossilised footprint, I think it looks excellent. The grey and tan colours work brilliantly together and the angled base gives the whole assembly a realistic quality. Additionally, the model is quite compact, similar to the Star Wars dioramas in size, so can be displayed easily, even with limited space.
The use of reddish brown elements and leaves across the base is effective too, adding another splash of colour to the model. Some may prefer a cleaner base, more reminiscent of a museum or perhaps recreating the fossil displays presented in the Jurassic Park Visitor Centre, but I think these green accents are effective.
A plaque is connected to the base, providing some information about Tyrannosaurus rex. This requires a sticker and a printed 4x8 inverted tile would certainly have been preferred, but I can excuse a stickered plaque in relatively inexpensive sets like this one. In addition, the gold finish looks marvellous.
Even the back of the base looks reasonable, avoiding unnecessary colours and featuring some nice rock texture. There is even a printed trans-orange 1x1 brick, which represents a mosquito trapped in amber. This element has appeared multiple times before, but is a welcome addition here, providing a little extra detail.
The fossilised T. rex footprint looks fantastic, faithfully replicating its real shape. A selection of slopes and curved slopes comprise the footprint and I am impressed with how these are used for the middle toe in particular, where the more angular slopes clearly define the claw. The mix of textures is appealing too, including a few studs to create the impression of rock.
While the footprint and base are attractive, the skull is undoubtedly the highlight of this model. The structure measures 14cm in length and is supported by a pair of 2x4x13 Technic columns, which have only appeared in black once before. This column is neatly hidden towards the back of the jaw and anchored using a 2x4 tile, shown in a later image.
Furthermore, the tan and dark tan colours of the skull distract attention from the black support, as one would hope. LEGO has attempted a few different colour schemes to represent bone in the past, but none have been as successful as this combination, which closely resembles real skulls displayed in museums.
The jaw is articulated and connected to the upper section of the skull via a pair of click hinges. Only two positions are therefore possible and both look wonderful, although the open mouth is more fearsome, of course! 32 teeth are placed inside, far fewer than Tyrannosaurus rex actually had, but more than enough, given the proportions of this model.
Dinosaur skulls often include several openings, where their eyes, sinuses and nostrils would once have been. The designer of this model, Benjamin Liboriussen, has obviously paid close attention to recreating these openings, known as fenestrae, with as much realism as possible! The ridges in the orbit and large antorbital fenestra are particularly striking and even the little promaxillary fenestra is present, behind the nasal cavity.
The back of the skull is relatively flat, contrasting with real Tyrannosaurus rex skulls, which are almost completely hollow when viewed from the back. On that basis, I understand the need for some strengthening bricks, hence the flat surface. However, the skull does include a 2x2 round tile with hole to represent a similar hole found on the T. rex in reality.
Overall
The name of this model, 76964 Dinosaur Fossils: T. rex Skull, suggests it could be the first in a series. I certainly hope that proves to be the case because this is an outstanding set, featuring some interesting building techniques and looking excellent on display. The skull in particular is incredibly detailed and I love the colour choices.
Similarly, the base and the Tyrannosaurus rex footprint look splendid, while the price of £34.99, $39.99 or €39.99 feels very reasonable. Perhaps the plaque could have been printed, but even that can hardly be considered an issue in such an inexpensive set. Taking all these qualities into consideration, I would absolutely recommend this set!
152 likes
51 comments on this article
Petition for someone to make the whole body too
This is an amazingly detailed set, though when i first saw it i thought they looked quite bad together. But this review has changed my mind on that!
@beige2 No i don't think that would be good, for it would have to be HUGE for it to fit into the scale of the skull.
@Maxbricks14 said:
"This is an amazingly detailed set, though when i first saw it i thought they looked quite bad together. But this review has changed my mind on that!
@beige2 No i don't think that would be good, for it would have to be HUGE for it to fit into the scale of the skull."
On second thoughts....
I'm very exited to get this one, and to see what else they come up with next!...hopefully we don't have to wait long :)
Man, I really hope this does become a Dinosaur Fossils series! Personally I'd love to see a piece of amber, with new pieces in trans-orange and a brick-built mosquito inside.
It's a good looking display. No doubt.
But the snout it too short/stubby. That should've been on the 'Con' side of the ledger.
Other than that, looks fun to build too.
This is such a neat set concept—the larger scale definitely allows for more detail than previous "minifig scale" dinosaur fossils. The footprint is also surprisingly impressive for such a two-dimensional display piece.
At a price of £34.99, $39.99 or €39.99, I disagree with the comment that this is ”such an inexpensive set.” This price is not inexpensive. Reasonable, but not inexpensive.
This set is fantastic. This is everything I’ve ever wanted from the Jurassic World theme and I really hope we see more fossils!
I do hope that this is the start of a new line in Jurassic World sets. It would be nice to get cheaper dinosaur sets, and a bunch of dino skulls would be nice to go with the helmet collection.
@MorkMan said:
"At a price of £34.99, $39.99 or €39.99, I disagree with the comment that this is ”such an inexpensive set.” This price is not inexpensive. Reasonable, but not inexpensive."
At this point, £34.99, $39.99 or €39.99 is towards the lower end of LEGO pricing, especially for this kind of display-oriented set.
@CapnRex101 said:
"LEGO has attempted a few different colour schemes to represent bone in the past, but none have been as successful as this combination, which closely resembles real skulls displayed in museums. "
It does work really well for fossilized bones, which aren't bone any more, but rock. I'm not sure how well it'd work for actual bone, that being a notably lighter color, but then again Lego rarely depicts real bones other than relatively cartoony cases like "dog with bone".
Pretty nice set, and the price seems quite reasonable indeed. And at this price point, I can even forgive them the sticker.
That said, I would much prefer if they wouldn't do that black border around it. They could have just cut it at the brown border, which would make it much less obvious that it is a sticker. Nothing a little DIY can't solve, but still annoying.
(or a clear backed sticker, though not everyone is a fan of those either)
While it looks good, I still think these display-oriented sets are such a waste. Too much focus on detail and not enough of making a toy.
And the excuse that this is "lower end" for Lego today is a godawful excuse. They should be focusing on making a variety of sets across price ranges, not chasing adult collector dollars. Leave the MOCs to the fans and make toys for children, as intended.
@WizardOfOss said:
"(or a clear backed sticker, though not everyone is a fan of those either)"
Clear backed stickers are indeed the devil.
Surprised (and slightly disappointed) Universal chose for this to be Jurassic World branding instead of Jurassic Park, but they do love pushing that (inferior) brand.
@chrisaw said:
"Clear backed stickers are indeed the devil."
You sure have to be careful when applying those, but when done right at least they are almost invisible.
My biggest annoyance isn't even so much that they are stickers in the first place, but more the fact that Lego is pretty terrible at printing them.
Now it just needs to come in a 100 part magazine series and it’ll complete hit the nostalgia button.
Good choice of reviewer. Thanks Rex!
@AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
"Man, I really hope this does become a Dinosaur Fossils series! Personally I'd love to see a piece of amber, with new pieces in trans-orange and a brick-built mosquito inside. "
That might not happen for a bit, given I don't think there are many trans-orange pieces for curves.
Explain why it NEEDS a JW badge.
Love how this set looks! So excited to get it. Great review!
They've really spared no expense on this set!
@beige2 said:
"Petition for someone to make the whole body too"
76940
@MorkMan said:
"At a price of £34.99, $39.99 or €39.99, I disagree with the comment that this is ”such an inexpensive set.” This price is not inexpensive. Reasonable, but not inexpensive."
It's incredibly cheap. For 577 pieces, a licensed set for the starting retail of $40 bucks is considered cheap for Lego.
Reasonable would've been $50 to $60 on a licensed set with this many pieces.
@Onatu said:
"While it looks good, I still think these display-oriented sets are such a waste. Too much focus on detail and not enough of making a toy.
And the excuse that this is "lower end" for Lego today is a godawful excuse. They should be focusing on making a variety of sets across price ranges, not chasing adult collector dollars. Leave the MOCs to the fans and make toys for children, as intended."
Have they stopped making toy sets then? I must have missed that press release....
I think both can perfectly well coexist, and I think it is a good thing they still make some less expensive (it's still far from cheap) display models too. I mean, just looking at those helmet/mask sets, this could have easily been a €70-80 set (and some would still have defended that price....). And even within the Jurassic Park/World theme, there's plenty of play sets aimed at kids.
18.518 lbs? Lighter than i was expecting.
I was originally not a fan at all thinking it would be about $200AU. But surprised to see how ‘cheap’ it is here. If I can get it for $50 on sale…
I'm not planning to get this one, but I agree that it is a nicely-designed set, so props to @BenjaminLiboriussen (the designer) there. Love the touch of the hidden piece of amber. And if this is going to be a series, and they do a Triceratops one, that I'll have to pick up!
Not that I want to see LEGO getting more expense, but I wouldn't mind paying a bit more if the display were printed rather than a sticker. Maybe if TLG is looking to add a neat GWP or VIP/Insider item, they could have a printed plaque for this set available to obtain separately.
The elements are nicely done, but I hate the layout choice. The skull facing "out" looks weirdly balanced, it should at least point inwards, or preferably, I think it'd look nicest if it was centered above the paw print.
I approve.
for all those people that think we are just a bunch of negative commenters read this section.
It looks like an amazing set. But there is one slight thing that annoys me about it: it should have the Jurassic Park logo instead of the Jurassic world logo(in my opinion).
Is the footprint in scale with the skull?
@Graysmith said:
"The elements are nicely done, but I hate the layout choice. The skull facing "out" looks weirdly balanced, it should at least point inwards, or preferably, I think it'd look nicest if it was centered above the paw print."
It's to give the illusion that the snout is longer.
The snout is too short/stubby for.a T-Rex skull.
Plus the back of the skull is too flat here.
So overall, they designed the display so you don't notice these things as much.
@Onatu said:
"While it looks good, I still think these display-oriented sets are such a waste. Too much focus on detail and not enough of making a toy.
And the excuse that this is "lower end" for Lego today is a godawful excuse. They should be focusing on making a variety of sets across price ranges, not chasing adult collector dollars. Leave the MOCs to the fans and make toys for children, as intended."
They do make a HUGE variety of sets for every budget. From $5 up to $800. And every price point in-between.
Did you not see the new City Space wave and the new Marvel wave. All are kid focused, play features galore, all budgets.
And every year you see from low to high prices for Ninjago's line, City's line. For all kid's with tons of play features and cool figures especially from Ninjago.
The Creator lines, the 3n1, kid's love those.
They chase BOTH markets. Kids and adults. That's why they're making bank.
You can see the retail prices here on Brickset if you're skeptical. Or on lego.com, use the filter for each price ranges. You'll see every price point for every budget with fun sets for kids.
@Lyichir said:
"This is such a neat set concept—the larger scale definitely allows for more detail than previous "minifig scale" dinosaur fossils. The footprint is also surprisingly impressive for such a two-dimensional display piece."
The footprint also seems to be roughly the same size as the foot of 75936 : Jurassic Park: T. rex Rampage. So, that's a fun continuity.
@legoDad42 said:
" @MorkMan said:
"At a price of £34.99, $39.99 or €39.99, I disagree with the comment that this is ”such an inexpensive set.” This price is not inexpensive. Reasonable, but not inexpensive."
It's incredibly cheap. For 577 pieces, a licensed set for the starting retail of $40 bucks is considered cheap for Lego.
Reasonable would've been $50 to $60 on a licensed set with this many pieces. "
That's the problem. LEGO has conditioned people over the years with their often absurd prices into thinking sets like this at such a price point would be cheap. They aren't.
They are more reasonable than other LEGO sets, for sure, in a way that for example the Galaxy Explorer or the Saturn V rocket were, but when you look at what you get for your money elsewhere, you know that LEGO is way more expensive than the others. And I'm only talking about legit competition, not knockoffs, since those would indeed be what I would call "cheap", but in the negative sense of the word.
As for the sticker, another alternative could have been one of those transfer stickers, since those are the best, at least when it comes to stickers.
But from what I gathered the production costs of a transfer sticker is even higher than that of a print, so if you care about quality, why not go for a print in the first place. The only reason could be if a print would be reasonably complicated to produce, like with the multiple-piece SAR logo on the BlueBrixx rescue ship, but those cases are rare.
Anyway, while I too would have preferred a print here on this set, I don't have as much of a problem with it as on high end collector's sets that cost hundreds of Euros.
Excellent looking model, and cheap as chips. Really looking forward to Jan 1st with so much fantastic stuff releasing. I hope Lego.com is ready!
Can't wait to pick this up Jan. 1st!
@AustinPowers said:
" @legoDad42 said:
" @MorkMan said:
"At a price of £34.99, $39.99 or €39.99, I disagree with the comment that this is ”such an inexpensive set.” This price is not inexpensive. Reasonable, but not inexpensive."
It's incredibly cheap. For 577 pieces, a licensed set for the starting retail of $40 bucks is considered cheap for Lego.
Reasonable would've been $50 to $60 on a licensed set with this many pieces. "
That's the problem. LEGO has conditioned people over the years with their often absurd prices into thinking sets like this at such a price point would be cheap. They aren't.
They are more reasonable than other LEGO sets, for sure, in a way that for example the Galaxy Explorer or the Saturn V rocket were, but when you look at what you get for your money elsewhere, you know that LEGO is way more expensive than the others. And I'm only talking about legit competition, not knockoffs, since those would indeed be what I would call "cheap", but in the negative sense of the word.
As for the sticker, another alternative could have been one of those transfer stickers, since those are the best, at least when it comes to stickers.
But from what I gathered the production costs of a transfer sticker is even higher than that of a print, so if you care about quality, why not go for a print in the first place. The only reason could be if a print would be reasonably complicated to produce, like with the multiple-piece SAR logo on the BlueBrixx rescue ship, but those cases are rare.
Anyway, while I too would have preferred a print here on this set, I don't have as much of a problem with it as on high end collector's sets that cost hundreds of Euros. "
That's why I said '...considered cheap for Lego.'
And their prices won't ever come down anytime soon (sales are doing well), but they have price points from $5 to $800 so almost anyone at any budget can afford a Lego set or CMF for their kid to enjoy. Kids nor adults need to own every single set. So there's affordable kits throughout their various themes for various household budgets.
@legoDad42 : true, but that wasn't the question. Of course they offer sets at many different price points.
But just like a 10 Dollar set can be terrible value depending on the contents you get, so can a 200 Dollar set be great value.
"Cheap" can be a misleading word anyway. Value for money might be more like it.
And in that respect this set is certainly better value for money than other LEGO sets. But the other poster said it was "incredibly cheap" meaning incredible value for money - which it isn't when you consider what others offer for the same amount of money. That's what I was trying to convey. It's just not as overpriced as most other LEGO sets these days.
Liked the look of this model from the start.
Is it roughly sort of, kind of minifig scale?
Would it look out of place (too big) in an expanded modular museum?
@beatnik said:
"
Is it roughly sort of, kind of minifig scale?
Would it look out of place (too big) in an expanded modular museum?"
Minifig scale Tyrannosaurus skull should be smaller than minifig.
A good display piece but, a mini T-Rex would have been welcomed.
I wouldn't say no to a T-Rex skull (the one they used for the CMF T-Rex disguise) in the museum alongside a Trike skull.
Looks fantastic, absolutely want to get my hands on it at some point.
I also second the review’s desire to see this be first of a series; do a triceratops one next perhaps?
@Onatu said:
"While it looks good, I still think these display-oriented sets are such a waste. Too much focus on detail and not enough of making a toy.
And the excuse that this is "lower end" for Lego today is a godawful excuse. They should be focusing on making a variety of sets across price ranges, not chasing adult collector dollars. Leave the MOCs to the fans and make toys for children, as intended."
Some people are NEVER happy!!
It’s a great and unique set at a reasonable and affordable price!!
Just enjoy it, ok?!
I just bit the bullet today and bought some Jurassic Park sets. If this was branded Jurassic Park instead of Jurassic World, I'd definitely buy it. Now I'm not so sure. Funny how that works. Great looking set though.
Something that’s truly worthy and long been awaited by all dinosaur-loving LEGO fans worldwide! I think this will be the first of a new theme or collection, I can feel it in my bones.....
My only complaint/criticism is that it has the Jurassic World logo attached. I'm not a huge fan of the flick and I would just prefer the model stand on its own. I guess I could leave it off, but then you miss out on the animal details. Overall this is pretty minor, though. It would go great with the dinosaurs skeletons set they released recently.