Jay's Brick Blog

A blog about LEGO bricks

  • Home
  • About Me
  • LEGO Reviews
  • News
  • 2023 LEGO Sets
  • 2022 Advent Calendars

Review: LEGO 75979 Hedwig

July 19, 2020 By Jay Ong 6 Comments

The second half of 2020 brings yet another wave of LEGO Harry Potter sets, and one of the most interesting sets in this drop is LEGO 75979 Hedwig.

Hedwig was Harry’s pet Snowy Owl, gifted to him by Hagrid on his 11th birthday and was one of his closest companions, until she was unceremoniously blasted from the sky in cold blood by a Death Eater. It’s been years since her death, and I am still pissed off about it till this day.

Anyway, the LEGO Hedwig is one of the most interesting sets released by LEGO in 2020 – immortalising the beloved owl in the form of a brick-built sculpture.

Name: Hedwig
Set Number: 75979
Pieces: 630
Price: AU$69.99 | US$39.99 | £34.99 – Buy from LEGO.com [AU] [US] [UK] [Amazon] [Amazon Australia]
Exclusive to: NA
Theme: Harry Potter (2020)
Release Date: 1 July 2020 (AU, UK) | 1 August 2020 (US)

One of the nice surprises of 2020 has been LEGO thinking outside the box and creating all sorts of novel play and build experiences in retail sets, and Hedwig is certainly one of them.

In addition to being a really eye-catching LEGO model, Hedwig’s wings can gracefully flap up and down thanks to the mechanical insides, where you can turn a crank to make him move her wings.

Building Hedwig was a really enjoyable affair – it combined the rare experience of building a LEGO animal sculpture, with that of a kinetic sculpture, and never once felt repetitive or boring.

The set comes with one minifigure – a young Harry Potter from the Philosopher’s Stone, and the new 2020 Hedwig owl with outstretched wings.

The Harry Potter minifigure features blue gloves and a Gryffindor scarf, and references this iconic shot from the first movie where Hedwig perches on his arm.

Harry also has an alternate scared face.

Here’s a look at Harry’s back printing.

The new LEGO Hedwig piece is a nice little bonus to those purchasing the set.

With its outstretched wings, the new Hedwig is a massive upgrade over the 2019 version from last year, and makes it look so much more alive – it has amazing moulded details on its wings, and the printing of Hedwig’s face and body is also quite nice.

This set is the most affordable way to get the new LEGO Hedwig without having to spring for the Astronomy Tower or The Burrow.

Here’s Hedwig from the side – the designers did a great job keepings her proportions just right, ensuring that she looks quite balanced.

I really like the attention to detail given to Hedwing’s wings and tail – using an array of tiles, plates and exposed studs gives Hedwig a tangible sense of texture which also accurately mimics her feathers.

Hedwig’s black specks are also captured using black quarter curved tiles across her entire back and wings.

Paying homage to their roles as postmen and couriers in the Harry Potter universe, Hedwig also comes equipped with a letter bearing the Hogwarts crest on a wax seal – a nod to Hogwarts acceptance letters being delivered by Owl Post.

Hedwig’s head can be swivelled around and does a decent job mimicking the movement range of an Owl’s head. Her eyes are printed which is a nice touch, and I love how expressive and thoughtful they look.

Here’s a look at the underside of Hedwig’s wings, which gives you a better idea of the mechanism that enables her wings to move.

This is the hand crank that powers Hedwig. You basically grab the handle on either side and rotate it, which then sets Hedwig’s wings into motion.

This entire set hinges on this play mechanic, and boy, did the designers completely nail it. Hedwig’s wing motion slowly rising up and down is extremely satisfying.

The wings beat very realistically, and is just buttery smooth and easy to crank as well.

Can you motorise Hedwig? Absolutely and it’s super easy to do. I put a short video tutorial together, and as long as you have a Technic motor, you can motorise it and properly bring Hedwig back to life.

I used the motor from 8293 but I couldn’t bother searching for the interuptor (to regulate the power and slow down the motor), so Hedwig looks a little manic as she flaps for her life, but it’s a fun little mod that you can do if you have spare Technic motors lying about.

What I liked:

  • An interesting, unique and unexpected addition to the Harry Potter theme
  • Build experience and seeing Hedwig come together is a lot of fun
  • Wing flapping mechanism works flawlessly
  • “Cheapest” way to get the new Hedwig owl element
  • Can easily be motorised

What I didn’t like: 

  • Set’s pricetag is relatively high

Final thoughts: LEGO 75995 Hedwig is one of the standout sets of 2020, especially in the sub-AU$100/US$50 price-range where not a lot of value is usually found.

The entire concept of kinetic LEGO sets is fascinating and has long been hidden in the domain of adult fans, so seeing LEGO adopt this trend and turn it into a mainstream LEGO set is a huge accomplishment.

As a display piece, Hedwig checks all the boxes – from its proportional design, and highly detailed features, to the fact that it comes with a display stand built-in, and doesn’t take up too much space.

Hedwig’s X-factor is of course its wing-flapping mechanism, which absolutely delivers on every front. The motion is buttery smooth with the hand crank, and is something that you’ll be more than willing to show off when guests visit.

The added bonus of it being easy to motorise is also nice, and adds to the utility of the set.

It’s great seeing LEGO push the boundaries with sets like Hedwig, and judging by how hard it is to find any on shelves or on LEGO.com, I’m pretty happy that their gamble is being rewarded.

I’d absolutely love to see LEGO incorporate cool features and break outside the box when it comes to offering novel and inventive play features which are fun no matter how old you are.

The only downside is that the set is quite expensive here in Australia – AU$70 RRP is pretty damn steep compared to other countries, but given that you can get the set from Kmart at a discount all year round, or regular 20% off sales, it doesn’t seem as bad for what you ultimately get.

LEGO 75975 Hedwig is an exceptional set, and one of the best mid-range LEGO sets of 2020. It’s a must-buy if you’re a LEGO Harry Potter fan, but even if you aren’t, the mechanism and engineering is worth the price of admission as well.

With Christmas coming up in a few months, I can see this being one of the hottest sets in LEGO’s catalogue for the holiday season.

Rating: 4/5


Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this review, and the video I put together!

75979 Hedwig is available from LEGO.com or Amazon Australia. It will be released in the United States on 1 August 2020 where it will also be available from LEGO.com.

As always, be sure to let me know what you think of this set down in the comments! Would you like to see more kinetic and mechanical builds from LEGO?

Don’t forget, you can find many more reviews in the Jay’s Brick Blog Review Hub. To stay up to date on the latest posts, you can follow the Jay’s Brick Blog Facebook page or subscribe to receive email alerts for new posts!

I also post behind the scenes content, and teasers on my Instagram page @jayong28, so give me a follow if you’d like to see more!

Subscribe to receive updates on new posts & reviews!

Filed Under: Harry Potter, LEGO Reviews Tagged With: 2020, 4.5, harry potter, harry potter 2020, hedwig, lego, review

« Review: Chris McVeigh’s LEGO Brick Sketches
Raising the curtain on the playable LEGO Ideas 21323 Grand Piano »

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Brenda Reading says

    December 28, 2020 at 5:47 PM

    We bought the set, and were excited, hower some issues with the curved wing top piece popping off during movement, rebuilt it few times, some diagrams could be clearer and tried to google if others had the same issue, so unsure why it is happening.

    Reply
  2. Andrej says

    August 21, 2020 at 11:21 PM

    I have just bought this small Lego set too and am looking forward to the build. I really like Lego sets with functions, even if with some smaller ones. I also consider motorizing it.

    Reply
    • Jay says

      September 2, 2020 at 12:57 PM

      Nice, I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  3. Carolynn says

    July 22, 2020 at 5:52 AM

    I definitely would like to see more kinetic LEGO sets! I don’t usually buy such small sets unless there is something really neat about them (like that storybook one, so super cool), but this got my antennae up immediately! I’m in the US, so it doesn’t come out until the first of August, and I have it pre-ordered… but back ordered. So not sure when I’ll acutally see it, but I’m very excited! And, as always, thanks so much for the detailed review. I love all your pictures and your personal opinions. Well done!

    Reply
  4. Ian Hazlehurst says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:08 AM

    Not sure about this,, not a Harry Potter fan, even though I’ve seen all the films. But do like the fact its an Owl and the motorising is a good idea, thanks for the video.
    I might just buy it for the novelty value.

    Reply
  5. Julien says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:15 AM

    Thanks for your detailed review with some nice photos.
    This set is a good “surprise”, nice for the HP fans and birds fans.
    The head is very cute and the eyes are the Key point to get the typical shape of the animal.
    That’s a great build very useful to learn some specific and new techniques adding the famous and “unloved” i think, Technic éléments.
    Julien.

    Reply

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to Jay's Brick Blog. In here, you'll find independent LEGO set reviews, commentary on LEGO trends & news, bargain hunting tips and an inside look into the life of an average LEGO fan. Find out more about me here

Subscribe for updates

Enter your email address here to receive updates about new posts from Jay's Brick Blog - straight to your inbox!

Join 4,324 other subscribers

Site Search

Buy LEGO

Buy LEGO

jayong28

Jay Ong | Jay's Brick Blog
Here's your chance to win a @lego 10316 Rivendell Here's your chance to win a @lego 10316 Rivendell set!

All you need to do is build your very own LEGO Fellowship, and give them a story, quest and their very own identities!

You could win some awesome prizes courtesy of LEGO, celebrating one of the greatest LEGO sets ever!

Hit the link in bio to learn more about how to enter, and to read the terms and conditions!

Entries close at 5pm AEDT, on 28 March 2023!

#lego #LEGOminifigures #minifigures #minifigs #legogiveaway #legolordoftherings #lordoftherings #legonews #legos #afol #rlfm
Did you know that Fiona, the @lego Friends florist Did you know that Fiona, the @lego Friends florist is one of the first minidolls depicted with Down Syndrome?

Fiona works at the flower stall on Unity Street from 41732 Friends Downtown Flower and Design Stores 

She is described as being 'good at crafts and decorating, and knows all the flower species by name.' 

It's World Down Syndrome Day today and I think it's remarkable and very important for LEGO to enhance the perspectives of children on neurodiversity, physical disabilities, ethnicity and mental health, as they've done with the LEGO Friends reboot. 

#lego #legofriends #worlddownsyndromeday #representation #dei #minidolls
🎈 Here's a closer look at the minifigures inclu 🎈 Here's a closer look at the minifigures included in the Up House - we have Russell, Carl Fredricksen and an awesome new mould for Dug!

(I think Dug is the best!)

Shame Kevin was left out, though! 

Hit the link in bio to read my full review!

#lego #disney100 #legodisney #up #pixar #legophotography #legoleaks #legoleaks2023 #legos #afol #rlfm #43217 #disney #legoreview #reviews #minifigures #LEGOminifigures
Here's my review of one of the most anticipate @LE Here's my review of one of the most anticipate @LEGO Disney sets - 43217 'Up' House ahead of its release on 1 April 2023!

This set is a dream come true for many Pixar fans, and we finally get a cute, compact and great looking Up House. 

It has plenty of references to the movie, and Carl's everlasting love of Ellie, his late-wife which will absolutely delight fans. 

Despite a strong lineup of minifigures (including an awesome Dug mould), the set's incredibly expensive pricetag (US$59.99/AU$89.99) doesn't feel like good value, especially with Kevin nowhere to be found. 

Hit the link in bio to read my full review!

Let me know what you think of this set, and if you're still planning to get it! 

#lego #disney100 #legodisney #up #pixar #legophotography #legoleaks #legoleaks2023 #legos #afol #rlfm #43217 #disney #legoreview #reviews
🐍 Snakes... Why did it have to be snakes? Her 🐍 Snakes... Why did it have to be snakes? 

Here are some shots of 77013 Escape from the Lost Tomb, which let's you recreate scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark!

Indy, Sallah, and Marion break into the Well of Souls to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant in LEGO form, and this playset is packed with dynamic play features!

Priced at only US$39.99, this set is incredible value and a great way to get started with LEGO Indiana Jones! 

Hit the link in bio to read my full review!

Thanks to @lego for sending this set for review!

#lego #lego2023 #indianajones #legoindianajones #legoreview #rlfm #77013 #afol #legophotography #legos #legoleaks #legoleaks2023 #legonews
Having a great time building the new @lego Indiana Having a great time building the new @lego Indiana Jones and #Disney100 sets!

Look out for reviews and more content in the coming days!

Special thanks to LEGO for sending these review sets!

#lego #afol #rlfm #reviews #77013 #77015 #77012 #43217 #43212 #legodisney #indianajones #legoindianajones #Disney
Behold, the @lego 10317 Land Rover Classic Defende Behold, the @lego 10317 Land Rover Classic Defender 90!

This beautiful, boxy British icon will launch on 1 April and features the iconic @landrover Classic Defender in sand green!

Hit the link in bio to see more!

10317 Land Rover Classic Defender 90
🧩 2,336 pieces
💵 US$239.99 / AU$369.99 / £209.99
🗓 1 April 2023
🎨 Kurt Kristiansen

#lego #legoicons #landrover #landroverdefender #legonews #legoleaks #legoleaks2023 #lego2023 #rlfm #reveal #10317 #afol #legophotography
With the demise of 77014 Temple of Doom, it joins With the demise of 77014 Temple of Doom, it joins a very illustrious list of sets that have been cancelled by @lego.

Here's a list of some of the most famous cancelled LEGO sets in recent years!

⚠️Correction: 40489 Mr and Mrs Claus Living Room should be 2021, not 2012

Do you have any of these in your collection? 

Hit the link in bio to read the full feature!

#lego #legoindianajones #indianajones #afol #legonews #legoleaks #legoleaks2023
Very happy that Din Djarin finally gets a proper @ Very happy that Din Djarin finally gets a proper @lego Darksaber!

Fresh from Chapter 18: The Mines of Mandalore, LEGO has just announced 75361 Spider Tank featuring the menacing spider robot, Bo-Katan, Grogu and The Mandalorian!

Also dig Bo-Katan's snazzy arm printing! 

It will retail for US$49.99 and will arrive on 1 August 2023.

Hit the link in bio to see more!

#lego #LEGOstarwars #themandalorian #legoleaks #lego2023 #legoleaks2023 #starwars #minifigures #rlfm #reveal #75361
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Follow on Facebook

Jay's Brick Blog

2 hours ago

Jay's Brick Blog
🛒 If you're in Australia, Amazon Australia is currently running a series of deep discounts on a wide range of sets, from big ticket items like the UCS Razor Crest to new 2023 releases!Happy shopping and let me know if you've picked anything up! ... See MoreSee Less

LEGO Amazon Australia sales - March 2023 - Jay's Brick Blog

jaysbrickblog.com

For those of us in Australia itching to pick some discounted LEGO, Amazon Australia is running a huge LEGO sale with up to 38% off sets across a wide variety of themes. There are some newer 2023 LEGO ...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Jay's Brick Blog

2 days ago

Jay's Brick Blog
Here's my editorial on LEGO 2K Drive, and why you should be extremely wary of 2K's well-documented and aggressive microtransaction game design philosophy. Wanted to wait a few days to properly digest this as modern video games aren't my forte, but here's a cautionary article. Surprised that not many other LEGO media commented or did any research into 2K's reputation, or the potential impact that microtransactions and season passes could have on what looks like a really fun game. ... See MoreSee Less

LEGO 2K Drive looks slick but sets a dangerous and predatory course towards microtransaction hell - Jay's Brick Blog

jaysbrickblog.com

Earlier this week, LEGO and 2K announced LEGO 2K Drive, an “ultimate AAA open world driving adventure game” that’s coming to all major consoles on 19 May 2023. Developed by Visual Concepts, LEGO...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Jay's Brick Blog

3 days ago

Jay's Brick Blog
Continuing on with our coverage of 2023 LEGO Speed Champions sets, Vaderfan has taken a detailed look at 76914 Ferrari 812 Competizione, one of his favourite cars from the 2023 wave!What a masterclass of LEGO Speed Champions and Ferrari design! ... See MoreSee Less

Review: LEGO 76914 Ferrari 812 Competizione - Jay's Brick Blog

jaysbrickblog.com

A detailed review of the LEGO 76914 Ferrari 812 Competizione, one of the best cars the March 2023 LEGO Speed Champions wave
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Recent Posts

  • LEGO Amazon Australia sales – March 2023
  • LEGO 2K Drive looks slick but sets a dangerous and predatory course towards microtransaction hell
  • Review: LEGO 76914 Ferrari 812 Competizione
  • Win a LEGO Rivendell set by building a LEGO Fellowship!
  • First look at the new Build a Minifigure (BAM) Q2 2023 selections, including a Unicorn Lion Knight!
  • Review: LEGO 43217 Up House
  • Review: LEGO 77013 Escape from the Lost Tomb

LEGO Reviews

Retro LEGO Review: 6973 Deep Freeze Defender

Review: LEGO 75349 Captain Rex and 75350 Clone Commander Cody Helmets

Review: LEGO 10721 Juniors Iron Man vs Loki

Review: Uniqlo LEGO Collection Season 2 T-Shirts

Review: LEGO Minions Rise of Gru Brickheadz (40420, 40421)

Review: LEGO 853990 Easter Bunny House

Review: LEGO 60095 – Deep Sea Exploration Vessel

Categories

Archives

Jay

Jay is passionate about LEGO and the endless creative adventures made possible by this complex interlocking brick system.
Learn more →

Popular Posts

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · WordPress · Log in We may earn a commission when you use one of our offers/links to make a purchase.