While the Death Star 75419 certainly impresses in person, questions about its value proposition and design choices have sparked significant discussion within the LEGO community. Let's dive into what AFOLs, builders, and enthusiasts are saying about this set.

The Price Elephant in the Room

There's no way around it—the elephant in the room is the $1,000 price tag. For many AFOLs, this represents a significant investment, and expectations naturally soar accordingly. The general consensus among fans seems to be that while the set itself is respectable, it simply doesn't justify the premium price point. One collector aptly summarized the sentiment: "For a thousand dollars, for the flagship of the theme, it needs to be more than fine. It needed to be damn near perfect."

Price per piece is a common metric in the LEGO community, but even by that standard, the Death Star seems to push the boundaries of what collectors are willing to accept. Many have noted that the set would feel like a more appropriate purchase at around $800, suggesting that LEGO may have overestimated what fans would pay for this particular design. However, despite these reservations, the set has been selling remarkably well, with reports of sellouts in major cities across the United States.

The Design Compromise: Slice vs. Sphere

One of the most contentious decisions was LEGO's choice to build a horizontal slice of the Death Star rather than a complete sphere. This represents a significant departure from what many collectors imagined a $1,000 Death Star would look like. The set essentially consists of multiple diorama-style levels stacked atop one another, showcasing various iconic locations from the Star Wars universe.

While this approach does allow LEGO to include numerous detailed scenes and iconic spaces, it fundamentally changes the aesthetic impact of the display. The set measures nearly 27 inches tall and weighs a solid 35 pounds, but they don't compensate for the fact that you're displaying a slice rather than the complete spherical weapon.

Interestingly, seeing the set in person appears to change opinions. Many collectors who were skeptical based on promotional images reported that the Death Star "grew on them" when viewed in person. The tactile experience and the way human eyes process the intricate details and varied scenes seems to be more compelling than photographs or videos can convey. 

One enthusiast noted, "I would have preferred it if they stuck to the spherical shape, but I don't think it's awful either." This observation highlights an important disconnect between how the set photographs and how it appears in three dimensions.

Structural Concerns

Beyond aesthetics, some functional issues have emerged. At 35 pounds, the Death Star is hefty enough that transporting it requires care. Several builders have reported that the structure is somewhat fragile—it can come apart if picked up incorrectly. Some specific components, like the iconic dish structure, are particularly delicate and can be prone to breaking during assembly.

The Minifigure Dilemma

One of the primary motivations for purchasing the Death Star, ironically, is often the minifigures included with the set. The 75419 set includes 47 minifigures, which should be a huge draw, but several have outdated designs or lack the detail.

Death Star Light Kit for #75419

A particularly frustrating example is the inclusion of an inferior C-3PO figure when a superior version was already available. Many collectors have taken it upon themselves to upgrade their figures using older torsos and prints they've collected over the years. This "modding" culture around the Death Star suggests that LEGO missed an opportunity to include more updated and detailed character.

That said, some figures are genuinely valuable and rare, and this remains the strongest argument in favor of purchasing the set. The inclusion of these exclusive minifigures has been enough motivation for many AFOLs to take the plunge, despite reservations about other aspects of the set.

A Consensus Emerges

Despite all the criticism, the Death Star 75419 has proven to be remarkably popular. Multiple reports indicate that the set has sold out or gone on back order at major retailers in cities across the United States. This either suggests that LEGO's production numbers were conservative, or the set is moving faster than expected—perhaps indicating that the community's enthusiasm outweighs the vocal skepticism online.

After months of discussion, a clear consensus has emerged: the Death Star 75419 is a good set that just isn't quite worth $1,000. Most builders and collectors agree the set looks impressive, particularly when experienced in person rather than through images. 

If you're a serious Star Wars collector with the budget to spare, or if you're motivated primarily by the minifigures, the Death Star can be a worthwhile addition to your collection. Just go in with realistic expectations: you're getting a very good set, not a perfect one.

Enhance Your Death Star Display

Speaking of making your Death Star display even more impressive, have you considered adding lighting to bring your set to life? ZENE Bricks lighting kit transforms your Death Star from an impressive visual display into a truly spectacular centerpiece. 

With carefully designed LED lights that illuminate the various rooms, corridors, and iconic spaces throughout the set, the lighting kit adds an entirely new dimension to your collection. The soft, atmospheric lighting brings the Death Star to life in a way that showcases all the intricate details LEGO incorporated into the design.

ZENE Bricks lighting kit enhances displaying experience significantly. It's an investment that makes sense if you've already committed to the $1,000 set—the added visual impact justifies the relatively modest additional cost.