Review: 75296 Darth Vader Meditation Chamber
Posted by CapnRex101,
75296 Darth Vader Meditation Chamber seems remarkably unusual, emphasising accuracy and display value beyond comparable products. The structure therefore appears excellent, featuring extensive detail from Darth Vader's memorable sanctuary aboard the Executor.
Additionally, the chamber features an elaborate base, enhancing the design while increasing the quantity of pieces. The price therefore feels exceptionally expensive, costing £59.99 or $69.99. Nevertheless, the model certainly appears impressive, perhaps rivalling considerably larger Ultimate Collector Series sets in this regard.
Minifigures
75291 Death Star Final Duel introduced an updated Darth Vader minifigure last year, featuring decorated arms. That minifigure returns here, following another appearance with 75294 Bespin Duel. Of course, the design looks superb and definitely benefits from the metallic silver accents on each shoulder, continuing the armour across Darth Vader's torso.
Furthermore, the precise metallic silver stripes which adorn the arms, torso and legs represent another improvement over previous Darth Vader minifigures. Otherwise, the vibrant buttons on his life-support control unit and belt appear accurate to the movies, while the helmet integrates fantastic moulded detail and can be separated to reveal the scarred head underneath.
This feature is particularly important here, since Vader appears without his helmet inside the meditation chamber onscreen. Fortunately, the head displays intricate scarring on both sides, reflecting its brief emergence during The Empire Strikes Back. As normal, Darth Vader wields his red lightsaber, although omitting this accessory would have been understandable here.
General Veers has accompanied four different AT-AT models since 2007, wearing his combat armour on each occasion. This version instead features the uniform more regularly associated with Imperial Officers, displaying an accurate rank indicator and a single code cylinder. Several similar minifigures have been produced previously, but this torso is unique.
The head is also exclusive, although pleasingly resembles the design from 75288 AT-AT. This dark bluish grey kepi remains unchanged from past minifigures though, featuring the standard identification disc. However, dual-moulded boots are missing which is somewhat disappointing because they have appeared previously, with 75252 Imperial Star Destroyer. This minifigure is equipped with a blaster pistol.
The Completed Model
LEGO has produced two previous renditions of Darth Vader's meditation chamber, appearing inside 6211 Imperial Star Destroyer and 75251 Darth Vader's Castle. However, those designs have replicated basic features of the source material while this example achieves an accurate scale beside minifigures, measuring 16cm across and nearly 16cm deep.
That seems comparatively small for a model costing £59.99 or $69.99, although the weight of elements packed inside the structure is apparent. Naturally, the model consists almost entirely of black pieces, with metallic silver 1x2 grille tiles accenting the base. The plaque looks brilliant too, matching those found in Helmet Collection sets and 6346098 Yoda's Lightsaber.
Furthermore, the rounded pedestal which elevates the meditation chamber looks marvellous. Accurate texture decorates the steps, ensuring that the monochromatic exterior retains some detail. The white interior therefore stands out when the meditation chamber is open, matching this location from The Empire Strikes Back and improving the display value.
However, it should be noted that each hemisphere only includes four protruding sections here, whereas the onscreen meditation chamber features six. This compromise is excusable though because integrating the correct number would require a larger size, exceeding minifigure-scale. However, I am disappointed that the crane for removing Darth Vader's helmet is missing.
Upon closing the chamber, gaps evidently remain. These are quite conspicuous, identified by the white elements inside, but appear less problematic than I had anticipated. In fact, I expect this model would seem remarkably bland without these white highlights, authentic though their concealment would be. Regardless, I prefer to display the meditation chamber open.
The upper section is supported using Technic pieces. Covering these elements would have been beneficial, although the colour scheme is consistent and this mechanism works neatly. Furthermore, the support integrates an interesting new 3L Technic pin. This assembly would traditionally feature the normal 3L Technic pin with flange and that could have performed the same role, although the blue colour would appear awkward.
Fortunately, the Technic structure is partially concealed behind the viewscreen, above one clip where Darth Vader's lightsaber is stored. I am pleased that an attachment point is available for this weapon and the positioning is effective. The single exposed light bluish grey element looks slightly unusual though, despite being hidden on the back.
The interior displays more complex detail, featuring three stickers which form control panels surrounding Darth Vader's chair. They correspond with the movie, although printed elements would seem appropriate for an 18+ product. The curved chair captures perfect shaping when compared with the original meditation chamber and makes impressive use of 3x3 arch bricks, which are new in black.
Darth Vader memorably contacts Admiral Ozzel and Captain Piett during The Empire Strikes Back, strangling Ozzel and issuing an instant promotion to Piett from his meditation chamber. This stickered viewscreen looks absolutely tremendous, displaying both Imperial Officers with suitable emotions. However, showing Admiral Ozzel on a sticker while this minifigure remains elusive seems decidedly cruel!
Overall
LEGO Star Wars includes relatively few location-based models and those which are released commonly prioritise play. 75296 Darth Vader Meditation Chamber instead focuses exclusively upon display value and this design undoubtedly succeeds in that respect. This model features exceptional detail and the substantial base noticeably enhances its appearance.
Unfortunately, those qualities are inescapably overshadowed by the price of £59.99 or $69.99 which feels expensive, particularly considering the size of the meditation chamber. However, I remain pleased with this model and would certainly recommend the set, following a major discount. Additionally, I hope LEGO recognises the considerable potential in these smaller 18+ products!
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64 comments on this article
For a similar price I will buy the forge and the imperial vehicle ... the set of vader is an exorbitant price.
It is cool, but if you really look at the size and sum of the parts, it is basically a 15$ set perched on a bulky pedestal. One of the most outrageously overpriced lego sets yet, highway robbery was the first phrase to enter my mind. The real wonder here is how many teeny parts must be used to pack 663 pieces into this tiny trinket!!!
Thanks for the review.
I'm a huge LEGO SW collector.
Yet, I don't like this set. It's way too expensive ($115 Canadian with taxes, almost $92 USD!).
More importantly, it does not look great! Not $92 usd great, anyway.
I still might pick it up if it discounted somewhere at some point. But I won't feel sorry to pass on it.
I'm way more excited by the playsets that were released this month and I can't wait to build them (I made my order on S @H on August 1st at midnight and they are still in the warehouse, however...)
"focuses exclusively upon display value and this design undoubtedly succeeds in that respect."
It doesn't even close properly! They just needed to get *one* thing right and that was the interlocking parts actually interlocking. For a £30 set I wouldn't even have minded (see 75299), but if - as you say - display value is the key point here, it fails miserably at that for my money. It's an absolute joke to sell this for £60.
70 euros for a small model with only common, monochromatic colors and only two minifigures, stickers despite being an 18+ collectable, the same face used for Vader since 2015 despite it only being appropriate for Return of the Jedi, gaps in the chamber, an exposed technic mechanism and no feature for removing Vader's helmet? Easy pass.
@CapnRex101, you have the same hyperlink on both sets in this paragraph:
The Completed Model
LEGO has produced two previous renditions of Darth Vader's meditation chamber, appearing inside 6211 Imperial Star Destroyer and 75251 Darth Vader's Castle. However, those designs have replicated basic features of the source material while this example achieves an accurate scale beside minifigures, measuring 16cm across and nearly 16cm deep.
What's the point of the pedestal if the meditation chamber itself sits on a round stepped pedestal already? Just to artificially inflate the part count and the price even more?
And if those ugly gaps couldn't be avoided at this scale and the teeth don't interlock why even bother with this set? At this price point LEGO could have made a custom part to do the job properly.
Overall a very strange set for the 18+ line-up that should have been a simple 20$ play-set.
Great review. I'll be buying this if I find it for a discount of 50% or more.
Looks good (when opened), but just because I'm a working adult, I don't hink it's worth the money.
$70? LOLWUT?
"If we make the background black and slap an 18+ label on it we can charge twice as much!"
Go home, Lego, you're drunk.
I actually am 18+ (well over) and so many of these 18+ sets and the packaging is just so try-hard. This entire set is Steve Buscemi saying, "How do you do, fellow kids". But for adults.
This set gets my first ever 'F' grade.
I sense something, a presence I’ve not felt since…
Oh I know…strange and unusual product choices. But hey…probably buying this anyway because I GOT PROBLEMS. And I’ll buy the watered down version that appears in an Imperial Star Destroyer MBS set too.
Eh…the real truth is I’ll be playing with this thing a lot, breathing heavily and spitting out “What is it Admiral?” a whole lot more.
@StarWarzFan7777 said:
"70 euros for a small model with only common, monochromatic colors and only two minifigures, stickers despite being an 18+ collectable, the same face used for Vader since 2015 despite it only being appropriate for Return of the Jedi, gaps in the chamber, an exposed technic mechanism and no feature for removing Vader's helmet? Easy pass."
Pst! Don't forget we have a special, friendly price in the Benelux: €74.99…
OT: I quite like this set, but it's overpriced indeed, and I don't think there'll be any discounts since it's an exclusive…
Despite its obvious flaws I will try to get it. Those unsightly gaps are the build major issue to me, but I think I can manage it with a few black spare parts and a bit of imagination. Two minifigs only is on the cheap side considering the price point (which is undoubtedly and as mentioned many times the second major issue IMO). It's still out of stock on LEGO.com, I will wait for a discount if it comes on retail elsewhere, or spend 50 discount with VIP points...Lego is still the winner. But this room is such a key location in my mind of old SW fan that I am pretty sure I will eventually get it a way or another, and MOD it once it will be there. Thank you for the review.
I'm surprised this review was so positive, as I don't see much to be positive about... This should definitely have been the next 30$ «Hut» and not some weird, overpriced collectible.
I still find arm printing rather overrated and more trouble than it's worth. A number of minifigs end up looking worse with arm printing than without, because of the colors used, or just plain production problems. That said, Vader's one of the only ones I've seen where arm printing actually looks great. Though I'd rather get the Imperial Shuttle and be happy with plain arms Vader, this looks like a good set in itself.
Wow, lots of harsh comments here.
To me, the price point valuation shouldn’t just take into account piece count. Personally, I’m willing to pay a small premium for sets like this that go above and beyond in their fidelity to the on-screen source. I only hope Lego continues this “subtheme” of 18+ location-based sets, since it’s something the Star Wars theme is lacking in general (I.e. So. Many. Ships.)
The price is kind of high for Canada but it is Darth Vader and he's worth it
@The_Chosen_1 said:
"Wow, lots of harsh comments here.
Personally, I’m willing to pay a small premium for sets like this that go above and beyond in their fidelity to the on-screen source."
Me too. Which is why this is an easy pass. It doesn't even close properly, where's that fidelity at?
If I bought the $700 UCS Star Destroyer 75252 just to get two unnamed Imperial Officers, LEGO knows I'm certainly buying this at $70 for General Veers. :)
When it's available for less than € 30, instead of € 75, I'll start considering.
While I applaud Lego and the designers for thinking outside the box in search of unique subject matter this just falls way short. Ultimately I think it's the price...if this were $40 I'd be more inclined to give the gripes a pass. But it's hard to justify spending $70 on something that has so many things wrong with it. Easy pass for me.
That sticker though...that's A+.
This feels like it was supposed to be a convention exclusive set of some sort.
I like the mechanics of how the sliding technic pieces work…that’s about it
While the stairs add a lot to the piece count and price, I do think they help the realism considerably. The base under the stairs I could take or leave, but I imagine its structurally important. My biggest problem is the gaps and 'smushed' look of the thing, which doesn't seem up to the standard of the rest of the set. I'll look for this on sale for sure.
@CapnRex101 said:
"…showing Admiral Ozzel on a sticker while this minifigure remains elusive seems decidedly cruel!"
Cruel? If you think that’s cruel, {Vader voice} you do not know the power of the dark side of the force! {end Vader voice}
This could be amazing set, but the price and design flaws make it a bad set...
Slap a beard and robe onto General Veers and turn him into Grand Master Pycele.
One of the best scenes ever; Captain / Admiral Piett one quick look down at Admiral Ozzel, then back up and OK, here we go!
But wait, is there a mechanism to raise / lower Vader's helmet?
Is the new 3L Technic pin frictionless?
It's Vidiyo with Darth Vader rising from the floor to sing and bust some moves. Included is a sticker showing horrified onlookers.
But Vidiyo is a better value.
Looks like a cool build to me, but like many others, I won't be touching it at that price point.
Wow, what a rip off!
This is the problem with Lego becoming an adult toy company.
Scr*w the kids who love Lego and Star Wars, right...
Some of you are too harsh on the stand. The stand is the square bit, not the round bit as well! The round bit is actually completely accurate to the movie which is awesome, and to not have it would ruin it for me a bit…
So omit the square base sure, but not the steps and round platform!
The big issue for me here is the lack of mechanism for removing Vader’s helmet- surely that’s one of the critical scenes and purposes of the meditation chamber right? I’m surprised the review skims over the fact…
But there’s sooooo much potential in the smaller scene accurate 18+ sets- Lego just needs to understand that unlike a playset, when aiming for the adult market, there’s far less room for error…
@Johnny__Thunder97:
It’s geared towards adults as a display piece. The squad are base is inevitable. Last year they gave Bespin and the Nebulon B rectangular bases, all the UCS vehicles have bases, Yoda’s lightsaber has a base. If this didn’t, people would complain that it doesn’t match the style of all the other adult-targeted sets.
The helmet removal bit I agree with. Hasbro did this exact same scene several years ago for one of their milestone action figures, and it had an arm that could hold the helmet above his head. With LEGO parts, it gets really tricky. The movie scene shows a clamp-like appendage that grips the upper helmet by the exterior of the dome. For a system that generates lots of pride for all the connection compatibility it offers, there’s nothing that will accomplish that to my knowledge. It might be possible to fake, however. I believe the Hasbro version had a non-functional clamp that was just for aesthetics, with a hook that fit under the brow of the upper helmet, and a ball for it to rest on. It might not pass muster as an official set, but for a MOC there might be ways to pull this off. The same goes for the missing two sets of panels. For all the grief this is getting, I’m tempted to build one stock, and buy a second copy to modify.
For what this set is supposed to be, it is a failure in my opinion. It has a very impressive base and something unfinished looking put on top of it. As others have already written, it looks squeezed, does not close properly, and the price point (in particular containing stickers) puts it over the edge.
And, personally, I don't want to have the image in my head that Vader's chamber is opened and closed by some kind of "crane".
@thefirst said:
"Wow, what a rip off!
This is the problem with Lego becoming an adult toy company.
Scr*w the kids who love Lego and Star Wars, right..."
LEGO has produced a significant quantity of sets targeted at general audiences in this year's Star Wars line, in fact scaling down models to make them more affordable in the case of the X-Wing, TIE, Imperial Shuttle, etc.
@Mr__Thrawn:
In at least a few cases, the size reduction also puts the models in the proper scale compared to minifigs height, as the pursuit of detail has resulted in them Speed Championing most of the single-seat starfighters.
@thefirst said:
"Wow, what a rip off!
This is the problem with Lego becoming an adult toy company.
Scr*w the kids who love Lego and Star Wars, right..."
Just because something is 18+ doesn’t mean kids can’t/won’t buy it. It hasn’t worked with film ratings neither will it with LEGO. I’m below 18; what’s putting me off from buying this set isn’t the age recommendation, rather the incredibly conspicuous gaps between the hinge-angled chamber sections. But no, I don’t think LEGO is “screwing” me over with a two-digit number.
It’s just some printing on a box. You buy LEGO for the contents not the box. Get over it.
@Mr__Thrawn said:
" @thefirst said:
"Wow, what a rip off!
This is the problem with Lego becoming an adult toy company.
Scr*w the kids who love Lego and Star Wars, right..."
LEGO has produced a significant quantity of sets targeted at general audiences in this year's Star Wars line, in fact scaling down models to make them more affordable in the case of the X-Wing, TIE, Imperial Shuttle, etc."
Yeah, but try telling that to a child. They see an “18+” set that honestly looks like it could be built by a blind nun and they want it. Like someone else said, the only thing “18+“ about this set is the price. Because they know gullible adults will buy a set no matter what it costs... Lego are taking advantage of a particular demographic (whilst shutting out everyone else) because they can. It’s exploitation and they should be called out for it. I can just imagine the board meetings... ‘increase the price by 20%, those fools will still buy it’.
@TheRightP_art:
True. It’s always the pre-teen kids who spot Deadpool and Pennywise on our layouts.
Wait... that’s Veers! I thought it was Piett all this time.
I guess the sticker meant he needed to be excluded.
This set seems to be this year’s SDCC set, but they chose to release it to everyone due to the current human malware situation.
If it was released in limited numbers not one person would be complaining about the price!
329.99 PLN (84.86 USD) is not a justified price for this set.
It's a great idea. As a display piece, this isn't all that appealing since it doesn't properly close and it's not fully screen accurate so it becomes a boat anchor - it cost a lot, it's ugly, it doesn't do much. I see why some people want it (it's Star Wars) but I'm not interested.
If you look at pictures from the movie with the actual meditation chamber, you notice how commanding Vader's size is in the chamber. Maybe this would look better with the up-sized Vader light 5001159 without the keychain. It would be a better scale and look great. But at $70 I'm not trying it. ;-)
This set goes to show how much Lego has been neglecting the Prequels in recent years. They are trying (and failing) to turn regular, mostly unwanted vehicles and locations into 18+ collectors sets. I personally think this set is a cheesy cash grab. It seems to be mostly ignored, (not really much internet hype) and is actually kind of ugly. And the price is extreme. I think this set basically appeals to only adults with an excessive income and some strange attraction to Darth Vaders meditation chamber. I wont be picking this up for sure because of the price, kind of obscure source material, and honestly ugly display. You can do better Lego!
@TheWackyWookiee:
Well...that’s because it is:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kpQsk9cGpIA
But wait! It’s also General Veers:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aV2DLkDPwM8
It all depends on which scene you refer to. Veers approaches the meditation chamber right before the assault on Hoth. Piett has his turn when they get to the asteroid field.
Yeah I'm not paying 55 Euros for a pedestal.
Won't buy it. Chamber is not accurate, price much to high, 18+ tag is ridiculous.
Still on my list to buy but I didn't know it didn't have the mount to hold Vader's helmet.
That's a big omission in my opinion.
@The_Chosen_1 said:
"Personally, I’m willing to pay a small premium for sets like this that go above and beyond in their fidelity to the on-screen source."
Only this set doesn't do that. As many others have mentioned, this set has so many inaccuracies that it definitely doesn't justify the price point.
For what you get here, the price is a joke.
And that comment is coming from someone who absolutely loves this scene in the movie and whose favorite SW character is Darth Vader.
I agree with all who speculate that the price is simply a result of TLG thinking "those AFOL SW fan fools will buy this, no matter what it costs."
Despite the interest in such a set from a scenic point of view, I won't pay so much for it.
I'd rather have expected something more playable with more minifigs and maybe some details of the room where the chamber is set in.
Cost aside ($90AUD), I find this display to be flimsy and ineffective as a "sealed" meditation chamber. Too many gaps (intentional or otherwise) really don't generate the sanctuary/privacy Vader requires to remove his helmet. The white elements visible from the outside when the dome is 'closed' attest to this. As mentioned in the review, there is no mechanism for the helmet removal/attachment. The technic hangman's pole at the back barely manages to keep the upper dome structure aloft. What bugs me the most is the surrounds are made with ratcheting joints, so the dome can be opened like a petal flower. I feel the designers really missed the mark on this one considering the price and fancy UCS black box. Thumbs down!
I don’t find this appealing at all. I find it odd that it’s an 18+ set. Yet here in Australia it’s showing up everywhere at all the major department stores that generally only ever sell ‘kiddie’ type Lego sets. I can’t imagine the boring black box would be appealing to kids. Not to mention all the boxes looking like they have been thrown around a football field in a few weeks time.
I just don’t get this set. It’s hard to say it is a location set when it is simply something that appears on a ship. I mean imagine if Lego created a Boat theme and released a head (that’s bathroom for you landlubbers) as an 18+ set. The Mandalorian Forge is a location set, not this.
But they just released like 20 must have sets for AFOLs. Trust me, as expensive as this set is, no kid can afford Moff Gideon’s Lightcruiser, and I will be buying that at some point despite it not having a black box, I’ll just wear a paper bag over my face so that nobody knows that I’m an adult buying Lego.
Perhaps if I see this for half price I’ll consider it, but when I consider how much I want everything else that was released a few days ago, and there are still a few non-Star Wars sets that I want, this set just doesn’t make sense, and will make even less sense once more similarly priced sets get released.
Seems like 90% of people here are saying this is rubbish, inaccurate and overpriced….. yet thousands of you will RUN (not walk) to your nearest LEGO store or stockist, or online, and buy it on day one, at that ridiculous price!….
And then LEGO will see that “the fools continue to snap up these silly Star Wars sets even when we don’t try hard, and apply a ridiculous price premium!”….. so they will keep making new sets like this with horrid prices ….. and the cycle will continue!!
Only way to stop this is to vote with your wallets and NOT buy it!!
I'm collecting LSW since 1999 and I honestly don't know what to make of this set.
I agree, this was probably an SDCC set that got shifted to regular release, along with Thor's House. They both seem out of the normal for regular retail LEGO sets, but right in line with the fan-focused nature of SDCC releases.
Mr Bronson
As much as I appreciate the intent for this set, this is a no-buy for me.
Sure, we see this element of the movie for maybe a few minutes and it's nice that Vader and Veers are finally in a set since they kinda trust each other in Empire Strikes Back.
What ruins it for me is the Canadian pricetag. I know the disparity between the US and Canadian dollar is abysmal, but I would have been fine if the set was $80. I know it is supposed to be a display piece since I do have some of those "18+/UCS" sets, but this is a sign of things to come.
I can defend Bespin Duel since it did have an identity, but I don't think this is the case here. It makes the Vader's transformation set look classy by comparison in features since you did have a mechanism for Vader with his helmet. This set obviously misses one of its core features from the movie and, obviously, Admiral Piett was aware of Vader's backhead scars. Personally, I would have not focused on the 18+ range: I would have removed most of the base and I would have tried to replicate the two main features.
However, I like they brought back the arm-printed Vader and that conference screen with Ozzel and Piett did crack a smile on my face when I first saw the images. I don't think it is as shocking as Bespin Luke where he's essentially beaten up, considering Ozzel's fate in the scene.
I'll definitely wait for a discount since it was a set that I honestly wanted since I've always been appreciated Darth Vader' sequences in Star Wars.
Let me just add to the general consensus: WHAT A RIPOFF!
I won't repeat what others have said about this set being overpriced.
But I think that this set is the single worst case of having a black display stand detract from the model. If it was grey it would have added some much-needed colour and drawn away attention from the gappy white interior of the meditation chamber. And more importantly, you can see what the set is supposed to look like! Now that the stand is black you have to squint to see where the meditation chamber actually stops and the stand begins. Not helping matters is that Darth Vader himself is also in black!
And I haven't even talked about how this nearly all-black model looks on the BLACK BOX.
Seriously Lego. At least give a part of the grey floor to separate the stand from the chamber for that price.
The one saving grace of this set for me is that, at least here in Australia, its readily available in all stores that sell Lego. So I eagerly await its heavy discounting.
Anyway I hope everyone remembers that article a few days ago about using Lego's feedback surveys...
I have enough paperweights so would rather buy another 75316 Mandalorian Starfighter.
This set is kind of whatever, but I thought I would mention that having your own human-sized non-Lego meditation chamber is really neat and it can make you feel much better.
$70USD for this set? I guess even TLG is not immune to corporate greed.