The LEGO® Group graciously sent me another pre-release set to review. This time, I got a 2020 Holiday kit featuring a BrickHeadz Nutcracker (40425). Interestingly, this one has me eating some of my words from my last BrickHeadz review!
NOTE: The LEGO® Group provided this set for review. However, the provision of products does not guarantee a favorable review. I will use my usual rating system (click here to learn more) and provide my honest opinion.
BrickHeadz Nutcracker Summary
- NAME: Nutcracker
- SET #: 40425
- THEME: BrickHeadz
- COST: $12.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 182
- MINIFIGURES: None
- RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2020
BrickHeadz Nutcracker Quick Review
- VALUE: 96% (Amazing cost-per-brick, excellent build time value.)
- BUILD: 90% (Fun, functional design that strays from common BrickHeadz formula.)
- MINIFIGURES: N/A
- ENTERTAINMENT: 90% (Great Holiday ornament, no play value though.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 92%
BrickHeadz Nutcracker Review
VALUE: 96%
The Nutcracker set came to me pre-release from the LEGO® Group with no pricing information. However, sets of similar size retail for $12.99 in Canada. In addition, the sample box I received has no brick count printed on it. Consequently, I added up the bricks on the last two pages of the instruction manual. They totaled 182. Therefore, based on that information I can deduce the price-per-brick is $0.07. Incidentally, that is excellent. In fact, it is one of the best I have ever seen. I rate the value-per-brick at 100%.
I assembled the Nutcracker in 22 minutes. Assuming a price of $12.99, each minute of build time costs $0.59. Comparatively, my average cost-per-minute is currently $0.83. Again, this set is an excellent value. In this case, it earns 92%. Averaging this score with the value-per-brick score gives an overall value rating of 96%.
BUILD: 90%
I have not reviewed many BrickHeadz sets before this one. However, I maintain that the series is a great way to build your repertoire of build techniques. Studs-Not-On Top (SNOT) in particular. Additionally, I realized on this build that another assertion I made was false. When I reviewed Frankenstein, I stipulated that once you have built one BrickHeadz character, you had built them all in terms of techniques learned. The Nutcracker has me eating my words. The internal structure of this build is different from my previous forays into the theme. Surprisingly, this guy is a functional Nutcracker. His mouth opens and closes using a lever on his back. The result is beyond cute. I am surprised how much I like this build. I also found the difference from previous BrickHeadz characters refreshing. Despite that, I did not learn anything new here. I rate the experience at 9/10 (90%).
ENTERTAINMENT: 90%
I do not normally collect BrickHeadz. However, I am incredibly happy that the LEGO® Group offered me this one as a pre-release review product. It is cute, and I love the functional jaw/lever mechanism. Nutcrackers are my favorite Christmas ornaments. I am adding this to my yearly display. With that said, the set has no play value for kids. Additionally, BrickHeadz strikes me as a niche interest. For that reason, I cannot see myself awarding this set full marks. I rate the entertainment value at 90%.
OVERALL SCORE: 92%
Considering that I do not collect this theme, the BrickHeadz Nutcracker (40425) pleasantly surprised me. I love that the jaw moves. It makes the character ultra adorable. Additionally, the set is an excellent value at full price. Even if you do not intent to keep it built, you get a great select of bricks to repurpose. Finally, the Nutcracker is a great holiday ornament. I recommend this for your Christmas décor this year. What do you think? Comment below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
What do others think?
Brick Insights is an awesome site that aggregates LEGO® set review scores from around the web. Based on their statistics, you can see what other reviewers think of the BrickHeadz Nutcracker (40425) below.
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