So LEGO decided to send my entire week into chaos with a 5471-piece set to construct as I bring you this LEGO Barad-dûr Tower review!
In partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Product the LEGO Group has revealed this Lord of the Rings set which takes a much darker form than its previous Rivendell release.
The epic dark tower and Eye of Sauron build has many hidden fan “treasures” and story references from the Lord of the Rings and upon completion has most likely taken years off my life.
The Tower comes packed full of features and characters from Tolkien’s saga but the standout feature for me is the Eye of Sauron at the top rotates in various directions but really gives the piece that showstopping value outside of its very obvious height, yse that’s right, this LEGO model stands at 83cm tall!
There are also 10 minifigures included with the set such as Sauron™, Mouth of Sauron™, Orc™, Frodo, Sam, Gollum™ and Gothmog.
Design and Aesthetics
The first thing that strikes you about the Barad-dûr Tower is its sheer size and imposing presence.
Standing tall and menacing, the tower captures the essence of its fictional counterpart with remarkable accuracy.
The attention to detail is extraordinary; from the jagged, black spires to the eerie Eye of Sauron perched atop and the detailing on the lava down below as every element is meticulously crafted to evoke the dark and foreboding atmosphere of Mordor.
Building Experience
The build process is both challenging and engaging, taking a few days for me to complete. Many times during the build I wanted to throw this particular model into the volcano much like Frodo with the ring but I persevered.
The instructions are clear and well-organized, guiding you step-by-step through the construction of this towering fortress but things get a little fiddly and the complexity of the build is certainly NOT for someone with a short attention span and a short patience such as myself.
Yes, there’s a sense of accomplishment when it’s completed but what have you achieved other than shaving years off your life down to stress?
Features and Playability
Packed full of interactive features there’s enough to fiddle around with but with a model such as this, it’s primarily designed for display as this would just look incredible in a cabinet with a backdrop surrounded with minifigure scenarios re-enacting various scenes from the iconic movie.
Attention to Detail
LEGO designers have gone above and beyond in capturing the gothic architecture and dark ambience of Barad-dûr.
The use of various shades of black and grey bricks creates a realistic, weathered look.
Small touches, such as the inclusion of Gollum lurking in the shadows or the detailed representation of the tower’s battlements, add layers of depth and authenticity to the model.
What I particularly enjoyed was the detailing on the orcs and the minifigures themselves, a really nice touch where you instantly know each character immediately.
Value for Money
Given its piece count and the level of detail, the Barad-dûr Tower is a premium set with a corresponding price tag, it’s LEGO expect to be paying a high price but some LEGO sets end up increasing in value and I could see this particular one doing just that.
The investment will only be worth it to diehard LEGO / Lord of te Rings fans but its a stunning centrepiece and a piece of artwork in its own right.
A worthy addition to any collection.
Final Thoughts
The LEGO Barad-dûr Tower is a masterpiece of design and engineering.
It brilliantly captures the dark majesty of Sauron’s fortress, offering a challenging and rewarding building experience. Whether displayed as a testament to your fandom or used for imaginative play, this set is sure to impress.
For enthusiasts of LEGO and Middle-earth alike, Barad-dûr is an epic build that stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Tolkien’s world.
Overall, the LEGO Barad-dûr set is an exceptional set that brings a piece of Middle-earth into your home with remarkable detail and grandeur. Highly recommended for experienced builders and fans of the franchise.
