Review: 75208 Yoda's Hut
Posted by CapnRex101,
Luke's period of training with Yoda includes many of the most important and well known scenes from throughout the entire Star Wars saga. It is therefore somewhat surprising that the Dagobah environment has only appeared once before in 4502 X-wing Fighter, a set that was released more than a decade ago!
75208 Yoda's Hut might therefore be the most anticipated Star Wars set of the year so far, returning to this vital location and including three brand new minifigures. I have certainly been looking forward to this set, although the design of Yoda's hut appears to diverge quite significantly from what we see in the films. Hopefully those changes will be justified and still result in an excellent completed model.
Minifigures
Fourteen years have passed since the last version of Luke Skywalker sporting his Dagobah training attire was released so he is certainly due for an update. This tousled hair piece was created for Luke in 2011 but has not appeared in dark tan before. It looks perfect here in relation to the film and the double-sided head is equally impressive, even including a face with closed eyes for meditation, just as in the movie.
The original Dagobah Luke Skywalker minifigure wore a sand green vest and dark bluish grey trousers. I can see why those colours were chosen but this tan and dark tan combination is much more effective in my opinion. The graphic designer has even included part of the dark tan trousers on both the front and back of the torso, demonstrating tremendous attention to the character's onscreen appearance.
Luke often carries Yoda on his back during training so the minifigure wears a backpack to which the Jedi Master can be attached. This is a nice idea but the scale of LEGO minifigures leaves the result looking absolutely ridiculous, as demonstrated below. The 2004 figure also included a backpack for Yoda and I believe that was better executed so it is unfortunate that a similar design was not used on this occasion.
Yoda has not appeared in an Original Trilogy set since 2004's 4502 X-wing Fighter was released so his torso is new, featuring worn robes and a reddish brown belt. The Jedi Master keeps a blissl, a musical instrument similar to a pan flute, on a string around his neck so it is brilliant to see that detail included and the printing on the back of the torso looks good too.
The head is made from a rubbery plastic and includes some wrinkled textured on the front while the back is decorated with a patch of grey hair. I would have liked to see a little more texture in this area but the printing looks alright as well. Yoda comes with a reddish brown 3L bar representing his gimer stick.
R2-D2 has appeared in more LEGO sets than almost any other Star Wars character but rarely receives an update to his design. However, this minifigure is splattered with mud from the Dagobah swamp so is unique and I think it looks marvellous. The pearl silver dome is printed all the way around and there is similar detail on the front of Artoo's body but the back remains blank. Nevertheless, I am delighted to see a new version of R2-D2.
The Completed Model
Yoda's hut is built into the base of a gnarltree, using mud from the surrounding area and any materials that could be scavenged from the escape pod in which he arrived. I was initially unimpressed with this model when it was revealed as the shaping of the walls seemed rather crude and the door looked far too large, despite being ingeniously constructed. Now that I have actually built the set my opinion has changed. This model may not capture the exact appearance of the hut but it does represent the essence of the location.
Layers of 2x2 curved and angular corner bricks form the walls. This is a reasonably effective technique and I like the dark green vines clipped beside the door, replicating the roots growing over Yoda's hut in the film. Tan dominates the structure but there are also some attractive reddish brown, dark tan and olive green accents which look suitably organic, particularly around the window. This is the perfect height for R2-D2 to peek inside but there is little room to actually stand the figure.
The model stands on a base consisting of four sections. Three are connected using hinges while the fourth can be attached to the front or rear of the hut, allowing you to reconfigure the exterior space. I like this idea and the folding sections are integrated quite nicely but the separate catapult component outside the front door looks somewhat strange to me. However, it does cover an unsightly dark bluish grey Technic brick.
Yoda's hut is undoubtedly the focus of this set but certain aspects of Luke's Jedi training are included too. For instance, the minifigure can hold onto a trans-clear clip as if performing a handstand which is clever, as demonstrated below. The crate can then be raised and lowered on a trans-clear pillar, recreating the scene in which Luke learns to focus his mind and sees a vision of his friends on Cloud City.
A small tree branch grows from the other side of the hut and this incorporates another function. The box shows Luke standing on a dark bluish grey 1x2 jumper plate and holding onto the end of a short string. Pressing the Technic liftarm beneath the figure will launch Luke, sending him swinging around the tree. This is extremely simple and works well, although I would rather the Technic liftarm had been better hidden.
There is little room to place minifigures inside the hut as it is quite densely furnished, featuring a folding bed as well as a fireplace with a pearl dark grey cooking pot hanging above it. These details are faithful to the movie and there is even a trans-yellow gem set into the wall, representing the glowing stone that illuminates Yoda's hut. Furthermore, the table in the centre of the room can be removed to reveal a storage space under the floor.
Fortunately, you can create more space for figures by folding the exterior sections behind the hut which is excellent for play, although the transition between tan and dark green flooring looks rather abrupt. Nevertheless, this is a clever way to offer sufficient interior space and some scenery for the swampy environment beyond the hut, all without using too many pieces and unnecessarily inflating the price.
Overall
75208 Yoda's Hut may not be entirely accurate when compared with the source material but it captures the essence of the location and includes a number of great functions. I am therefore very pleased with this set, contrary to my initial impression based upon official images alone. There is plenty of interior and exterior detail as well as numerous references to scenes in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.
The minifigure selection is also thoroughly impressive and on that basis I would recommend this set to any Star Wars fan. It is priced at £25.99 or $29.99 which seems reasonable given the popularity of the scene, although a slight discount would make this set a true 'must-have' in my opinion.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your thoughts on the set in the comments below.
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39 comments on this article
I was disappointed by the first glance of this, but it looks like this set is very very similar to the Ahch-To Island Training set. The large amount of play features and detailed interior make for a much more compelling set than you would think at first glance.
(Also, Yoda riding Luke like that is absolutely ridiculous, and I love it.)
I have pulled way, way back on my LEGO collecting for a number of various reasons but this particular set meets many parameters for me: great setting, key part of Empire Strikes Back, cool design and features, and great minifigure selection. Your excellent review was very helpful. Thank you CapnRex!
That is so great!
Try again. Take Yoda's legs off, then place him in/on the backpack. Still seems awkward but closer to what they intended?
Great review and focus on essential details and features. Yeah, I too would like the hut have a more muddy color on the exterior. Love the fact that the round window actually allows R2 to peek inside.
Would Yoda look like he is inside the backpack if his little legs is removed?
Lego should've included seagulls and a hacky sack for ironic reasons...
This will end up being one of the few SW sets I purchase this year, as it does tick off enough boxes: good minifigures, decent looking build, decent value. However, I do prefer the original Yoda's Hut which was included with 4502. I love the way it formed a more complete home and can be unfolded for play. These minfigures are much better though, which is to expected given the amount of time that has passed. I just wish LEGO could give us droids with back printing some day. And I think they chose this method for Luke to carry Yoda just because Yoda wanted to feel tall for once :)
wow, nice new figs!
@ColbyCustomBricks...Leaked images show that we are getting a classic X wing this summer. I have Poe's X wing and the blue/grey X-wing, so I too would love one in the classic colors to complete my collection.
This was a must have for me. Great to get a new R2 D2. Would love to see more Star Wars buildings.
As someone said, if you take Yoda's legs off, it might look better. You could also add in some light blue elements to make the backpack look like the movie. That would require you to find the pieces on your own of course.
Tie Bomber got one set yet this gets two sets, sorry but my Imperial forces are pissed.
I like it but would have liked a back to it as well so the whole building could open out, a bit like Hagid’s hut. I’ll definately be modding that!
Great review!
This set is crying out to be bought as a pair to make a more rounded MOC, as Jackthenipper suggests.
Needs a surprise Vader too...
@Maxximus - That is a very good idea and I will try it in a moment. However, I do not believe that was the designer's intention as it is not shown that way on the box or in the instructions.
Above all years, star wars is tempting me this year. This looks fantastic, as does the x-wing coming out this summer.
Above all, I love the y-wing, but I now have to choose between it and the carousel (with the possibility of getting the rollercoaster, which was just leaked, later). I'm going to college, and don't know what to do, as I probably won't be able to get all three D2C
It's nice that this scene has finally returned however, why do we only get half a hut. I would be OK paying more if the Hut was complete and hinged on one side to open it up.
Set should be called Yoda's alcove
Should of added a swamp sludge stained X-Wing and a few other creatures like in the movie, also this could easily be expanded with tan, sand green, grey and brown parts which most of us will have lying around somewhere,
I Didn't like it at first but its growing on me,
I'd love to get that dirt stained R2-D2 he looks awesome..
I'm glad they kept this set simple. No unnecessary filler like a Dark Side cave with Vader minifig. That would've made the price steeper than it already is. I would've liked an alternate torso of Luke wearing his jacket though.
I’ve bent waiting for this but mabey I will wait till Walmart makes it 23$
Love to minifigure selection, but not thrilled with the hut.
What to do?
@mrkey
Bricklink them
By the way, the year of release for 4502 is listed wrong in the database. It was released in late 2003 and featured on the back cover of the Fall 2003 catalog.
It was my most anticipated set from SW this year.
I bought it and still have to take time to build it with my kids.
Thanks for this informative review that confirms me in my choice.
Swing from a hairy vine, I can be a backpack while you climb.
I have been greatly reducing my SW purchases, but I may have to buy this one.
@phi13, it is however (c) 2004.
I wish they'd treated this more like 79003 (Bilbo's house) than this rather sparse interpretation. Considering how rarely LEGO does Dagobah sets, they could've easily made this twice as big and it'd still sold like hotcakes. I certainly appreciate being able to get this regardless, but it feels like a bit of a miss to make it such a small, barebones set.
This review has convinced me more to purchase the set. Thanks!
Wow. I love this set and how it is so much more accurate than the last Yoda Hut.
A couple of it purchased at Lego Shop. Probably it will pass 10 years or even more for a new Dagobah set. More green (dark & olive) would be better, so there is a wide margin to improve via MOD. A must have for OT completist.
I love the muddy R2D2!!!
I just built this set and I love it. Hard to pick a winner between this and Ahch-to Island.
I've put this set on my watchlist. At €34,99 RRP in The Netherlands it's a bit too expensive for me, but it's just a matter of patience to get this set at a good discount, and then it will definitely make it to my Lego Star Wars collection. :-)
The chimney smoke could've been done a lot better.
I think the yoda backpack set up would have worked well had there been an extra tan double cheese-slope put on the bracket! (I'be borrowed Rey's ear from the brickheadz set) and it looks about right... As yoda's torso is then behind Luke's head - and his body doesn't look like it is cut in two... shame there isn't an inverted bracket in tan...
It's good to get muddy R2, but how about come with 'Ben Kenobi with the Force'?
Concerning Yoda on the back of Luke: Replace the legs with a tan 1x2 rocker bearing, and connect it directly to the tranparent section of the backpack. Tried it with a light grey part, as I don't have the tan version. My astronaut is not too happy about it though.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/961/41697698212_1de2273081_z.jpg
Great review cap't. That said, I am so disappointed with this set! I think the design from 4502 is so much better with the option to display Yoda's hut open or fully closed. I've tried multiple ways to improve on the current design & ended up remodelling the interior to better match the scenes from the Empire Strikes Back & creating tree roots out of the curved reddish brown pieces to simulate the area where Luke has his vision as well as before he enter's Vader's cave. This opens the space in front of the hut & enables multiple scenes to be displayed from the movie. The fact that Lego didn't include Yoda's light saber to hide under the floor is beyond me! I agree that the minifigures are great & that the front of the hut is an improvement on past models but the non-existent back is a mistake. I suppose it's a balance between a child's play-ability & a collectors desire to display an accurate & satisfying model. Sadly this sits at the back of my display cabinet to hide its obvious faults & I so wanted it to be the centre piece - motivation to inspire a MOC!