Review: 75367 Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser
Posted by CapnRex101,
The formidable Venator-class Star Destroyer has become a popular symbol of the Clone Wars and appears across the animated series. This warship therefore provides ideal material for an Ultimate Collector Series recreation, hence the significant demand for such a model.
75367 Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser has certainly been well-received and looks truly spectacular in official images. The sheer size of the model is striking and the exterior seems extraordinarily detailed, hopefully fulfilling the potential of such impressive source material.
Summary
75367 Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser, 5,374 pieces.
£559.99 / $649.99 / €649.99 | 10.4p/12.1c/12.1c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
After years of anticipation, this model of the Venator-class Star Destroyer is stunning
- Magnificent on display
- Faultless accuracy
- Ample exterior detail
- Remarkably rigid construction
- Captain Rex needs a fabric kama
- Some avoidable stickers
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box and Contents
The box is close to a cube, identical to 75313 AT-AT and 75331 The Razor Crest. As always, I think a more detailed background would be more attractive, although the consistency between 18+ sets is satisfying. The vessel is displayed from multiple angles on different sides of the box and the Galactic Republic emblem is correctly presented on the front.
Inside are two more boxes, dividing the construction in half. These are decorated with moments from the Battle of Coruscant and look nice, although I find it strange that stills from Revenge of the Sith were selected, instead of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Box one contains 23 numbered bags alongside two instruction manuals, while box two houses two more manuals and 25 bags.
A sticker sheet is also provided, which is disappointing because these six designs could surely have been printed. Four are placed on 6x6 tiles and they have been printed many times before, so another instance here should have been possible. However, these stickers are easy to apply and there are not too many, fortunately.
Minifigures
Unsurprisingly, I am delighted to see Captain Rex return, ten years after his last appearance based on the Clone Wars. Admittedly though, I question whether he truly belongs here, given the character's enormous popularity and inevitable availability in much smaller sets in the near future. On the other hand, I am sure this particular minifigure will remain exclusive.
The modern phase II helmet suits Captain Rex quite well, including a connection point for his rangefinder and accurate decoration. The symbolic Jaig Eyes and tally marks look superb, as does the distinctive shape of Rex's visor. However, the ammunition pouch on the torso is huge and printing the kama is disappointing, when a fabric piece would have been vastly superior.
Perhaps this was decided for consistency with other Clone Trooper officers, but I would have preferred a fabric piece to match the pauldron. The printed arms are impressive though, while Captain Rex also includes a new head, featuring a plaster where his inhibitor chip was removed. The minifigure is suitably equipped with twin blaster pistols.
Admiral Yularen is a natural companion for this Venator-class Star Destroyer, commanding the Resolute, Anakin Skywalker's flagship. The dark brown hair element suits Yularen and I like his double-sided head, including an accurate moustache alongside stern and worried expressions, which seem perfect for the character.
Moreover, the admiral's torso displays the correct rank insignia and Republic uniform, distinct from the Imperial equivalent. His gloves are accurate and Yularen features dual-moulded legs too, representing boots. I think these should become standard on Republic and Imperial Officer minifigures, outside the Ultimate Collector Series.
Yularen lacks any accessories, which is fine considering his role in the animated series, but a hologram or printed datapad would have been welcome. Perhaps a datapad featuring Admiral Trench's emblem could have appeared, given Yularen's history with the Separatist commander.
The Completed Model
Both minifigures can be displayed beside the information plaque, which is separated from the stands supporting the Jedi Cruiser. This whole assembly is rather basic, but its black colour is consistent with other Ultimate Collector Series models and the printed plaque is very welcome, maintaining the trend from 75355 X-wing Starfighter earlier this year.
Pleasingly, there are no mistakes on the plaque and the blue image of the Venator-class Star Destroyer looks lovely, as always. Furthermore, an exclusive 1x4x3 brick is included, marking the twentieth anniversary of the Clone Wars era. An equivalent celebratory brick has appeared in sets inspired by Return of the Jedi this year, so I hope these become standard whenever a suitable anniversary arrives.
75367 Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser measures 108cm in length, nearly matching the mammoth 75252 Imperial Star Destroyer. The sheer presence of the model is marvellous and this scale has allowed the designer, Hans Burkhard Schlömer, to recreate the onscreen vessel with complete accuracy. Also, the proportions of the Jedi Cruiser render this creation easier to display than its Imperial counterpart.
The construction techniques used between the two sets are surprisingly varied too. Of course, both Star Destroyers are assembled around a Technic core, but this example is more compact and mirrors the exterior. Furthermore, the distribution of weight while building is seemingly less significant here than on 75252 Imperial Star Destroyer, given the initial focus towards the rear.
However, the external panels are familiar, mostly connected using small ball joints or Technic axles. These are separated to reduce their individual weight and feel stronger than the panels on the Imperial Star Destroyer, partly because these panels are considerably smaller. The ship is therefore sturdier than its predecessor and this shape entails less hollow space inside.
Perhaps surprisingly, the nose is actually the final feature to be completed. The texture looks fantastic and demonstrates outstanding attention to detail, even including a 1x1 slope to form the tiny armour ridge immediately in front of the dorsal hangar. Also, the vertically-oriented 1x2 plates with bars correspond with details from the onscreen warship.
Intricate detail continues along either flank, as expected of all Star Destroyers at this scale. A variety of small elements create the complex exterior, including 1x2 ingots, 1x2 grille tiles and roller skates. Once again, the designer has closely adhered to the source material, positioning longer bars precisely where conduits are visible in the animated series, for example.
The forward hull also incorporates a prominent pair of medium dual turbolasers, taken directly from the original Venator-class Star Destroyer. Their proportions and shape are perfect, even featuring accurate bracing bars between the turbolaser barrels, but these weapons are static, unfortunately. I would consider this a worthwhile sacrifice to improve the standard of detail.
Although a capable ship-of-the-line, the Republic Attack Cruiser's greatest strength is probably its generous starfighter complement. These vehicles are housed mostly in a vast dorsal hangar bay, which this model lacks, unfortunately. I would have loved to open the hangar doors and find some small V-19 Torrents or Y-wings inside, but this would have weakened the integral Technic frame.
The dark red stripe across the surface of the vessel looks splendid, despite the absence of the hangar underneath. Dark red ingots and various tiles create reasonable texture and the angled shape looks marvellous, lining up with the surrounding hull. Moreover, I think the combination of studded and smooth surfaces looks good.
Dark bluish grey areas are found across the hull, highlighting recessed panels and integrating 1x2 grille tiles for additional texture. This represents a dramatic departure from 75252 Imperial Star Destroyer, which was based directly on the studio model, so relied upon shadows to show minor details. I think this approach suits the Venator-class Star Destroyer.
The distinctive symbol of the Open Circle Fleet appears on every Venator-class Star Destroyer shown during Star Wars: The Clone Wars, so was a natural addition here. I am sure this could have been constructed using tiles, although stickers ensure complete accuracy. As mentioned earlier though, these 6x6 tiles should have been printed.
I feel the same about those located towards the centre, particularly given the noticeable colour difference between the stickers and neighbouring light bluish grey parts. The difference is less obvious in person than in photos, under studio lighting, but remains frustrating. Furthermore, I think wedge plates or tiles could form these angled lines without needing stickers, as these are a minor feature of the actual vehicle.
By contrast, the command tower is another of the Venator-class Star Destroyer's most notable assets. The combination of light bluish grey and dark bluish grey pieces is again effective and I like the trans-light blue elements as well, representing windows. An argument could be made for white windows better reflecting the animated series, but trans-light blue is subtler.
Republic Attack Cruisers are also known for their twin bridges. The starboard bridge serves as the primary command centre, while the port bridge supervises starfighter operations. The trans-light blue accents look great and 2x2 round tiles with holes form the hyperwave communications and scanner modules. Also, I like the dark red colour of the bridges, identifying this vessel as a flagship.
The back of the command tower is conspicuously lacking in detail, compared with the front and sides. Admittedly, this reflects the source material to some degree, since this section of the Star Destroyer lacks complex detail onscreen. Despite prizing accuracy, I would have preferred a few textural details for consistency with the surrounding hull panels on this occasion.
Four turbolaser turrets are mounted along either side of the command tower. The angular pits around each turret correspond with the original vehicle and 1x2 grille tiles are again integrated to denote pipelines and similar mechanical details. I like how these pits vary in size, particularly around the rearmost turret, which correctly blends into the hull.
Each turbolaser turret is mounted on a 2x2 jumper plate, so they can rotate around the central stud underneath. The angle of the barrels is adjustable as well, but these assembles are rather fragile. However, like the forward turbolasers, I think the fragility of these weapons was a worthy compromise for such a high level of authenticity.
Detail continues across the surface of this model, which is emblazoned with dark red stripes. These are another feature common among Venator-class Star Destroyers and especially the flagships in the Open Circle Fleet. Additionally, the dark bluish grey panels situated behind the stripes compare favourably with these starships as presented in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Unlike the imposing Imperial Star Destroyer, the trench around the edge of the Republic Attack Cruiser widens in certain areas. This provides even more opportunity for detail, especially near the lateral hangars. The texture is effective here, although the couple of light bluish grey pieces appear strange among otherwise dark bluish grey elements.
The additional hangar bays available on either side of Venator-class Star Destroyers are hardly used in the animated series, generally remaining sealed during battle. Seven 1x3 jumper plates are therefore attached upside down inside the starboard hangar, forming the closed door. These contrast beautifully with the smooth tiles around the outside.
Meanwhile, the port hangar is open and features a tiny Republic Gunship inside, consisting of just three pieces. The length of two studs is to scale with the Venator-class Star Destroyer and this vehicle is included in reference to another of Hans' recent models, 75309 Republic Gunship. Although small, this colourful addition stands out and the trans-yellow plates inside the hangar are also attractive.
I mentioned the Jedi Cruiser's exceptional starfighter capacity and another hangar is therefore found on the underside. Again, this hangar is closed, so avoids interrupting the Technic frame inside. Nevertheless, the exterior looks appealing and makes further use of 1x2 grille tiles for texture, while the shape of the hangar bay also matches the onscreen warship.
The ventral hangar bay was a necessary inclusion, but continued detail towards the stern was unexpected and looks outstanding. A roller coaster track element is integrated to brilliant effect and forms exposed conduits, flanked by more grille tiles. A couple of trans-light blue parts would have been welcome for complete accuracy, but the underside looks great without them.
In addition, I think the transition to the engine superstructure is effective and the bands of dark red look superb. Also, the display stands are neatly connected to the Technic frame inside the model and avoid the need for substantial gaps in the hull. The two supports are notably basic, but feel completely stable and avoid spoiling the underside, so they suffice.
Venator-class Star Destroyers are propelled by eight engines in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, instead of the ten thrusters shown in Revenge of the Sith. Their predominant pearl dark grey colour is appropriate and contrasts beautifully with other areas of the model, while the texture across the engines is impressive as well.
The bigger engines are relatively heavy, despite comprising drill elements and wheel hubs to reduce their weight. Sagging is accordingly a concern, but the innermost engines are cleverly anchored to the hyperdrive housing in the middle, supporting them in two places. I do think the outer engines could droop gradually, although even they rest against hull panels underneath.
Additionally, the varied sizes of the thrusters are faithful to the Venator-class Star Destroyer as shown onscreen and the trans-light blue engine glow looks excellent. The hyperdrive structure between the engines is reasonably detailed as well, involving stickers to continue the bands of dark bluish grey tiles along either flank.
Overall
The enormous potential of an Ultimate Collector Series recreation of the Venator-class Star Destroyer has been discussed for many years, naturally raising expectations for its eventual arrival. 75367 Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser definitely satisfies those expectations, as the standard of accuracy and detail far surpasses even 75252 Imperial Star Destroyer!
I think the use of stickers could have been avoided and there is obviously potential to improve the Captain Rex minifigure, although these problems are overshadowed by the vehicle's many qualities. The price of £559.99, $649.99 or €649.99 is more of an obstacle and seems relatively expensive, but the enormous scale of this vessel cannot be ignored. At last, the Clone Wars is receiving the attention it deserves, with a true flagship model.
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89 comments on this article
I am the one who dont understand the hype for such sets.
It's great, but like a lot of UCS there is just no point this set to nee so big.
I think that this was a redemption for the botched launch of the UCS Republic Gunship. My only issue is the lack of a kama on Rex.
I don't have any plans to get this, I'm not a huge Clone wars fan, I prefer Rebels.
That being said, this thing is really frickin cool.
Luckily Star Wars Lego is not something I collect, as all of these UCS builds look amazing, every photo here shows a great deal of well designed detail and greebling....
So, this is model of a ship from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, that first appeared in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, with a plaque that commemorates the Clone Wars multimedia project from 2003.
Okay then.
I would have vastly preferred the film version. But oh well, not like I can afford to buy it anyways.
And it's really really irritating that they continue to put the Clone Wars 20th Anniversary logo on sets not from the original Clone Wars.
My Favorite part of this set is Admiral Yularen
It's accurate... to an inaccurate depiction. I would've preferred the original RotS version (or at least the RotS geometry with the TCW paint scheme).
If you own this set, you really ought to be worried that it gets stolen, given its price-point. On the other hand, you could comfortably club any robber to death with it, so that works out nicely.
I don't know who Yularen is, but he looks like he's played by Nick Offerman, and I really like that. A man who comfortably eats breakfast-meats for dinner and who knows his way around wood-carving tools is a man who can inspire loyalty in his troops.
@lordofdragonss said:
"I am the one who dont understand the hype for such sets.
"
Same here,still think Rivendell and ninjago city markets are the sets of the year,and maybe the unannounced avengers tower.
Also, i think captain rex looks great
This is an excellent model of the Clone Wars variant of the Venator. I can respect that, but I like the Revenge of the Sith version better, and it looks like it would be a pretty big job to convert the one to the other.
@lordofdragonss said:
"I am the one who dont understand the hype for such sets.
"
I'm a fan of Star Wars, but a set like this is just so... gray. It's the same reason I'd never pick up the Star Destroyer. It's just a huge, gray triangle.
Compared to the Millennium Falcon, which is splendidly detailed and minifig scale.
Hey guys,
This set looks really impressive, though the expense could drive many of us away. My feeling is if I’m going to spend a great deal of money on a UCS set, I want some portion of it to have an interior. For example the large scale Executer 10221 from a number of years ago had a small section you could lift off to show the interior area where Vader hired (6) bounty hunters to find the Millenium Falcon in ESB. Admittedly, it was not a huge area, but it at least tied it to an iconic event inside the ship. Just my (2) cents. How do you guys/girls feel? Or would you rather just have more pieces of the set to enhance the exterior?
I really hope a Phase II Rex figure with the updated helmet appears in smaller sets in the future. Otherwise, this will be the most expensive minifigure I ever get!
What an awesome set, I'm glad I have limited space at home, that saves me lots of money ??
This may be the only UCS Star Wars set I would consider buying. I really love the look and design.
@EtudeTheBadger said:
"So, this is model of a ship from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, that first appeared in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, with a plaque that commemorates the Clone Wars multimedia project from 2003.
Okay then."
Disney has not communicated this properly, but the Clone Wars 20th anniversary is intended to celebrate the whole Clone Wars era, instead of the 2003 series specifically. In-universe, the war follows the events of Attack of the Clones and the idea behind this anniversary is similarly to follow the 20th anniversary of Attack of the Clones last year.
Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith.
Whoopee-doo. More Star Bores. Space (and much less expense) reserved for Concorde!
" @CapnRex101 said:
Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
Can't believe I forgot that! The 2003-05 Clone Wars series is incredible and far superior to the 2008 version.
Anyway, for anyone curious, the Venator made its (pre-screen) debut in the 2004 Clone Wars novel Medstar II: Jedi Healer, covering the Republic retreat from the planet Drongar. Funnily enough, the ship featured was called the Resolution.
I adored the vessel since Episode III.
Nice review! Really excited about this one, looking forward to when I can buy it!
@CapnRex101 said:
"Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
I remember Attack of the Clones ended with some shots of clone troopers boarding large ships and those ships then departing from the surface of Geonosis (I think?). Weren't those ships also Venators?
@TheNameWasTaken said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
I remember Attack of the Clones ended with some shots of clone troopers boarding large ships and those ships then departing from the surface of Geonosis (I think?). Weren't those ships also Venators?
"
Those were Acclamators.
The massive stickers for such important details, the bland slope stacking and no central hanger bay kills so much of my interest for this. This definitely misses the mark for me.
If I were to get a UCS starship, it’d be this one, simply because it’s got some color on it. I think it has more interesting details, too.
I didn’t realize from the earlier images that the wheels were pearl dk gray. I thought they were just regular dark bley. Still cool.
@Graupensuppe said:
" @TheNameWasTaken said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
I remember Attack of the Clones ended with some shots of clone troopers boarding large ships and those ships then departing from the surface of Geonosis (I think?). Weren't those ships also Venators?
"
Those were Acclamators."
Specifically, Acclamator I assault ships.
@Rime Fang said:
"This may be the only UCS Star Wars set I would consider buying. I really love the look and design. "
I know exactly what you mean! There's something special about this one that previous grey triangles haven't had, besides the accent colour.
If the money fell into my lap, I would definitely consider this UCS, in part thanks to this great review!
@Ridgeheart said:
"I don't know who Yularen is, but he looks like he's played by Nick Offerman, and I really like that. A man who comfortably eats breakfast-meats for dinner and who knows his way around wood-carving tools is a man who can inspire loyalty in his troops."
He is one of the original Glup Shittos. A few seconds in the original 1977 Star Wars as a background Imperial in the Death Star briefing room, promoted to a tertiary role in The Clone Wars; and then a brief speaking line in Andor that had your two nerdy friends who recognized him going insane at that cameo.
In a profound sense though he is actually a darkly tragic character in Star Wars. He started as a noble career-military man with a sense of honor we saw in The Clone Wars. But by Andor and then A New Hope he is a shrewd calculating spy master who blindly supports Palpatine's rule by propping up the Empire's iron fist. Almost a Rommel like figure, in that you kind of respect him for his skill even if you absolutely HATE the Empire he stood for.
In Andor in particular he is responsible for delivering the command from Palpatine to the rest of the ISB to "crack down" on dissidents that leads to both Andor's arrest and then the eventual Riot on Ferrix (it is also implied that same order from Yularen is what caused the Imperial crack-down on Lothal seen in Star Wars: Rebels as well). The dude has got blood on his hands which he masks with a calculated noble face, and eventually he gets his comeuppance when he is onboard the Death Star when Luke blows it up.
I just really want a proper normal Star Destroyer with an awesome interior like the First Order one.
@country_rob said:
"Hey guys,
This set looks really impressive, though the expense could drive many of us away. My feeling is if I’m going to spend a great deal of money on a UCS set, I want some portion of it to have an interior. For example the large scale Executer 10221 from a number of years ago had a small section you could lift off to show the interior area where Vader hired (6) bounty hunters to find the Millenium Falcon in ESB. Admittedly, it was not a huge area, but it at least tied it to an iconic event inside the ship. Just my (2) cents. How do you guys/girls feel? Or would you rather just have more pieces of the set to enhance the exterior?"
Executor had a very pathetic attempt at interior because it ends up ruining the ships aesthetics when displayed. They may as well have included a 8x16 plate with a similar bridge detailing as a display stand for the figures. I always think UCS sets would be better if they had interiors of more depth with walls that are trying to be more to scale, the minifig scale star destroyers of which half the models inside ends up being the bridge and the backside includes two or three more rooms come to mind. But in the end I want star destroyer bridge interiors with more accurate detailing and scale over any UCS scale starship at this size and cost. The two ideas simply can't be married and even if it could be I would rather display the bridge in a way I can see the rooms without affecting the ships aesthetics.
Which is why I would be more of a fan of Midi-scale for Star Destroyer sized ships. Executor turned out great. I was thinking about getting all the Prequel and OT starships to create displays of space battles in a table top board game manner but the scaling is an issue. An ISD star destroyer is unbelievably huge compared to any one man fighter like X-Wing and TIE and trying to figure an Executor into that is just impossible. The Midi Scale Executor set looks incredible, much better than the UCS but you can't really set it in a space battle scene I envision. MC80 and ISDs are possible but anything smaller than that, let alone TIE Fighters are impossible at that scale.
Both this set and 75252 look visually outstanding from outside but... why neither of them have interiors? That's why I still find 10221 much more superior to both because at least it contained a build of the ship's bridge inside. Not to mention the fact it had much more than just two figures. It is sad, but I think the day we finally get a new UCS SSD it will follow that same disappointing pattern of the ISD and the Venator.
And in a way, both this set and 75252 look like easy cashgrabs for fans willing to pay anything that looks visually stunning from outside. 10221 didn't felt that way.
I buy zero Star Wars sets but always read your reviews because of the high quality. I do wish you would include inches in your measurements for those of us that are not metric.
There’s no excuse for those parts not being printed.
@Ridgeheart said:
"I don't know who Yularen is, but he looks like he's played by Nick Offerman, and I really like that."
I was thinking if you made the mustache a little thinner, the face would make a good John Waters.
@Anonym said:
" @country_rob said:
"Hey guys,
This set looks really impressive, though the expense could drive many of us away. My feeling is if I’m going to spend a great deal of money on a UCS set, I want some portion of it to have an interior. For example the large scale Executer 10221 from a number of years ago had a small section you could lift off to show the interior area where Vader hired (6) bounty hunters to find the Millenium Falcon in ESB. Admittedly, it was not a huge area, but it at least tied it to an iconic event inside the ship. Just my (2) cents. How do you guys/girls feel? Or would you rather just have more pieces of the set to enhance the exterior?"
Executor had a very pathetic attempt at interior because it ends up ruining the ships aesthetics when displayed. They may as well have included a 8x16 plate with a similar bridge detailing as a display stand for the figures. I always think UCS sets would be better if they had interiors of more depth with walls that are trying to be more to scale, the minifig scale star destroyers of which half the models inside ends up being the bridge and the backside includes two or three more rooms come to mind. But in the end I want star destroyer bridge interiors with more accurate detailing and scale over any UCS scale starship at this size and cost. The two ideas simply can't be married and even if it could be I would rather display the bridge in a way I can see the rooms without affecting the ships aesthetics.
Which is why I would be more of a fan of Midi-scale for Star Destroyer sized ships. Executor turned out great. I was thinking about getting all the Prequel and OT starships to create displays of space battles in a table top board game manner but the scaling is an issue. An ISD star destroyer is unbelievably huge compared to any one man fighter like X-Wing and TIE and trying to figure an Executor into that is just impossible. The Midi Scale Executor set looks incredible, much better than the UCS but you can't really set it in a space battle scene I envision. MC80 and ISDs are possible but anything smaller than that, let alone TIE Fighters are impossible at that scale. "
I've seen some impressive UCS scale Star Destroyer MOCs with full interior details, but I bet they would be sold for $1500 to $2000 if they were official sets. Those interior details add up in cost!
A standalone diorama as you said is a better solution.
I actually prefer stickers on the 6x6 tiles because they cover up the tiles' matte finish, which would otherwise look out-of-place next to the other pieces.
I've never felt the need to buy a UCS set... until now! The Clone Wars really was crucial to me becoming who I am today, so I think I might actually buy this set! The fact that there are screenshots from the animated series on the box of an 18+ set shows how highly-regarded the series is!
While I think the standard Venator in its even more detailed MOC version by Anio that I have is better overall, one can't deny it's a PITA to move, let alone carry around. This one seems much easier to handle, despite having a similar size and piece count. Perhaps at the right discount I might be tempted to try it out myself afterall. Would also make for an awesome display, having the two side by side.
If only I had the room for such a setup.
I think I’d prefer a minifigure playset, like the original 8039. Although with LEGO Star Wars prices, it’d probably end up being half as much as the big set anyways.
IMO the tiny ship in the lateral hangar looks more like a Republic Attack Shuttle (8019).
Lovely, just lovely - I've wanted a UCS Venator model for years. Love the review! A lot of times seeing real pictures of one built are make or break for me. I'm glad to hear it does differ in many regards to the build for the ISD. I bought that set last summer since it was being discontinued, and still have it sitting in a closet waiting for time and space. I was hoping it wouldn't feel super repetitive to build both within a year or two. I'll probably save up for a couple months and buy one sometime next year (already chanced a UCS launch with the Gunship a few years back, I can wait this time). Looking forward to it...
@CapnRex101 said:
"I would have preferred a fabric piece to match the pauldron."
Thanks for the nice review and mentioning the issues with substandard minifig and sticker printing. These issues are quite unacceptable for Lego when combined with inflated profits and incredibly-priced sets. Solve these issues.
If you can't print on the side (and perhaps, back) of the leg, you need to add fabric. The one line print looks simply awful! It is absolutely incredulous that this was ever approved beginning with 75342- Republic Fighter Tank. It's continued use is just embarassingly pathetic.
I have a stockpile of fabric kamas. But, we shouldn't have to do this- especially in such an expensive set.
I've seen video reviews of droopy engines. That also worries me about this set. Nevertheless, I will definitely get it if they have an exclusive GWP or when there's an eventual sale.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @EtudeTheBadger said:
"So, this is model of a ship from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, that first appeared in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, with a plaque that commemorates the Clone Wars multimedia project from 2003.
Okay then."
Disney has not communicated this properly, but the Clone Wars 20th anniversary is intended to celebrate the whole Clone Wars era, instead of the 2003 series specifically. In-universe, the war follows the events of Attack of the Clones and the idea behind this anniversary is similarly to follow the 20th anniversary of Attack of the Clones last year.
Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
Which has turned out to be a lie. As everything with the 20 anniversary logo has been inspired by the 2008 THE Clone Wars. Not a single thing from the micro series, Dark Horse's Clone Wars comics, or the books or any of the games. Nothing from the Multimedia Project. Everything has been from the 2008 show. (And that isn't limited to LEGO. Hasbro and Hot Toys have also done this.)
Additionally, the Venators which appeared at the end of the micro series would have been similar in appearance to the Episode III version. Not the TCW.
Another one that like the Concorde, has me wishing I had the space. Also, the Concorde wouldn't be that much of a drain on my wallet (I'd just have to not buy any Lego that cost more than ten dollars for a little while), but this one, if I were to get it, would easily be the most expensive Lego set I'd ever bought.
"Venator-class Star Destroyers are propelled by eight engines in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, instead of the ten thrusters shown in Revenge of the Sith." Was the difference ever explained in-universe, or was this just a goof-up when designing the CGI model?
Regarding interiors in UCS sets: I only have one from the line, and I'm fine with it having no interior. Considering that that one is 7194, I think it's obvious why I have that opinion.
@Jo3K3rr said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" @EtudeTheBadger said:
"So, this is model of a ship from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, that first appeared in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, with a plaque that commemorates the Clone Wars multimedia project from 2003.
Okay then."
Disney has not communicated this properly, but the Clone Wars 20th anniversary is intended to celebrate the whole Clone Wars era, instead of the 2003 series specifically. In-universe, the war follows the events of Attack of the Clones and the idea behind this anniversary is similarly to follow the 20th anniversary of Attack of the Clones last year.
Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
Which has turned out to be a lie. As everything with the 20 anniversary logo has been inspired by the 2008 THE Clone Wars. Not a single thing from the micro series, Dark Horse's Clone Wars comics, or the books or any of the games. Nothing from the Multimedia Project. Everything has been from the 2008 show. (And that isn't limited to LEGO. Hasbro and Hot Toys have also done this.)
Additionally, the Venators which appeared at the end of the micro series would have been similar in appearance to the Episode III version. Not the TCW. "
Much of that might not be considered “canon” now.
A minifig scale medical bay where some of the Bad Batch got their chips removed would have been a nice touch. An opening dorsal hangar would have been pretty easy to do as well if the technic supports were doubled and placed on either side of the opening dorsal section.
Maybe I'm out of touch or sth, but these huge models don't catch me even a single bit. Sure it's impressive, but it's hard for me to care for something, if I can't do anything with due to it's ginormous size and at least equal price.
Looks clean as hell tho!
@monkyby87 said:
" @Jo3K3rr said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" @EtudeTheBadger said:
"So, this is model of a ship from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, that first appeared in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, with a plaque that commemorates the Clone Wars multimedia project from 2003.
Okay then."
Disney has not communicated this properly, but the Clone Wars 20th anniversary is intended to celebrate the whole Clone Wars era, instead of the 2003 series specifically. In-universe, the war follows the events of Attack of the Clones and the idea behind this anniversary is similarly to follow the 20th anniversary of Attack of the Clones last year.
Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
Which has turned out to be a lie. As everything with the 20 anniversary logo has been inspired by the 2008 THE Clone Wars. Not a single thing from the micro series, Dark Horse's Clone Wars comics, or the books or any of the games. Nothing from the Multimedia Project. Everything has been from the 2008 show. (And that isn't limited to LEGO. Hasbro and Hot Toys have also done this.)
Additionally, the Venators which appeared at the end of the micro series would have been similar in appearance to the Episode III version. Not the TCW. "
Much of that might not be considered “canon” now. "
It’s more canon than the sequels or any of the shows that Disney makes.
Yeah, it's such a joke that all this stuff is being touted as 20th anniversary of the Clone Wars. Just do a 15th anniversary of the 2008 cartoon, because that's clearly all they're interested in.
@ricecake said:
" @Ridgeheart said:
"I don't know who Yularen is, but he looks like he's played by Nick Offerman, and I really like that."
I was thinking if you made the mustache a little thinner, the face would make a good John Waters."
Also acceptable: Ron Burgundy. The guy just has Ron-face.
It’s a sexy spaceship. Change the red bits to blue and add some classic space logos on it and Benny would be proud.
@xboxtravis7992 said:
" @Ridgeheart said:
"I don't know who Yularen is, but he looks like he's played by Nick Offerman, and I really like that. A man who comfortably eats breakfast-meats for dinner and who knows his way around wood-carving tools is a man who can inspire loyalty in his troops."
He is one of the original Glup Shittos."
Whoa, whoa…this is a family show. Lol
@Reventon said:
"It’s a sexy spaceship. Change the red bits to blue and add some classic space logos on it and Benny would be proud."
Now that is a genuinely hot take!
spaceship Spaceship SPACESHIP!
A proper underside! If only other vehicles got as much love!
@beige said:
"All SW sets look the same."
So you're telling me you can't tell the difference between 7133 and 7143? Those two were part of the same line, so none of the differences are due to new parts or a changing design philosophy on the Lego Star Wars design team's part.
It looks absolutely stunning and all, but the lack of having even one play-feature is a bit of a let down. While a minor one, the UCS ISD at least had rotatable ion canons. So, something like that, an openable middle hanger bay door (as seen in the show), or a small micro-scale interior would have definitely elevated this set's worth. Instead, it's just a display piece and that's all it has going for it.
If you gave me a Lego Gift Card with enough to buy this, and I had to buy Lego star wars with it, AND I could only buy republic stuff, I would instead buy:
75362 Ahsoka's shuttle
75354 Coruscant guard Gunship
5x 75359 Ahsoka's clone trooper battle pack
5x 75345 501st battle pack
75333 Obi-wan's Jedi Starfighter
75342 Republic fighter tank
75337 AT-TE
And still have $20 left over. All of that stuff probably doesn't look as amazing and titanic on a shelf, but it sounds a lot more fun to me. Oh yeah, and I would have 53 Clones and 3 Jedi too
" @EtudeTheBadger said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
Can't believe I forgot that! The 2003-05 Clone Wars series is incredible and far superior to the 2008 version.
Anyway, for anyone curious, the Venator made its (pre-screen) debut in the 2004 Clone Wars novel Medstar II: Jedi Healer, covering the Republic retreat from the planet Drongar. Funnily enough, the ship featured was called the Resolution."
Shhh, the CWMMP never existed! Remember to thank our Lord and Saviour Filoni for redeeming the prequels! There was no Clone Wars content before 2008! Praise the Cowboy!
@Ephseb: You shut your lying mouth! I'm not familiar with anything else from the project, but Tartakovsky's Clone Wars series was amazing; I was so glad to see it show up on Disney+.
@J0rgen said:
"I just really want a proper normal Star Destroyer with an awesome interior like the First Order one."
Like 75055?
@monkyby87 said:
" @Jo3K3rr said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" @EtudeTheBadger said:
"So, this is model of a ship from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, that first appeared in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, with a plaque that commemorates the Clone Wars multimedia project from 2003.
Okay then."
Disney has not communicated this properly, but the Clone Wars 20th anniversary is intended to celebrate the whole Clone Wars era, instead of the 2003 series specifically. In-universe, the war follows the events of Attack of the Clones and the idea behind this anniversary is similarly to follow the 20th anniversary of Attack of the Clones last year.
Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
Which has turned out to be a lie. As everything with the 20 anniversary logo has been inspired by the 2008 THE Clone Wars. Not a single thing from the micro series, Dark Horse's Clone Wars comics, or the books or any of the games. Nothing from the Multimedia Project. Everything has been from the 2008 show. (And that isn't limited to LEGO. Hasbro and Hot Toys have also done this.)
Additionally, the Venators which appeared at the end of the micro series would have been similar in appearance to the Episode III version. Not the TCW. "
Much of that might not be considered “canon” now. "
Then maybe they shouldn't have celebrated something they don't consider to be "canon." They could have just waited until 2028.
I’m happy for those who want this but I’d be curious on the sales. Does the generation who grew up on the Clone Wars really have $650 burning a hole in their pocket?
@B_Space_Man said:
"I’m happy for those who want this but I’d be curious on the sales. Does the generation who grew up on the Clone Wars really have $650 burning a hole in their pocket?"
I was 14 years old when The Clone Wars aired, and am nearly 30 now... so yeah the generation that grew up with Clone Wars is about the age that disposable income is a thing. (I have been in college a long time myself, but I will finally graduate this year and have been eyeballing a big LEGO set to celebrate my first "adult job" sometime next year so actually this is tempting assuming that the UCS Falcon or AT-AT haven't been retired by then).
@TheOtherMike said:
" @Ephseb : You shut your lying mouth! I'm not familiar with anything else from the project, but Tartakovsky's Clone Wars series was amazing; I was so glad to see it show up on Disney+."
I must have mis-calibrated my sarcasm-meter when writing my previous comment. Check out the comic series Star Wars: Republic (the entire comic run, including "Obsession") - its follow-up Dark Times is also top notch. From the novel side, the highlights are Shatterpoint (Mace Windu haters in the mud), Dark Rendezvous (best Yoda portrayal in a novel), the MedStar duology (Barriss before she got character assassinated to prop up Ahsoka) and Labyrinth of Evil (Cato Neimoidia business). The Cestus Deception is also solid. Of course you then have to finish up the project with Matt Stover's masterful Episode III novelization
@Ephseb: The only book you mentioned that I know I've read is the Episode III novelization, of which the best part was easily Cody thinking, "Couldn't the order (66) have come before I gave him back the bloody lightsaber?!" Might have read Labyrinth of Evil and some of the comics, not entirely sure.
@Graupensuppe said:
" @TheNameWasTaken said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
I remember Attack of the Clones ended with some shots of clone troopers boarding large ships and those ships then departing from the surface of Geonosis (I think?). Weren't those ships also Venators?
"
Those were Acclamators."
Yet another capital ship we have yet to see in brick form, if I’m not mistaken.
@SearchlightRG said:
" @Graupensuppe said:
" @TheNameWasTaken said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
I remember Attack of the Clones ended with some shots of clone troopers boarding large ships and those ships then departing from the surface of Geonosis (I think?). Weren't those ships also Venators?
"
Those were Acclamators."
Yet another capital ship we have yet to see in brick form, if I’m not mistaken."
Does 75007 count?
@xboxtravis7992 That’s awesome! I graduated at a similar time period in my life and did something similar with Ninjago City Gardens as a reward. Your hard work is paying off and it’s a very gratifying feeling to hit that finish line.
@beige said:
"(..) To a SW fan it may be the most exciting thing ever, but to someone who doesn't care, it's just some grey. I should have phrased my comment better, I can applaud SW for some unique and great sets. BUT a majority look the same and don't get me excited."
I completely sympathise; whenever another Technic or Speed Champions car set gets revealed or reviewed some people go wild, and I have to try to bite my tongue (though often fail...) and not point out that one car is the same as all the others...
Recently, I've felt the same about the Harry Potter location sets that seem to have flooded the market; many just look like half a beige (no offence) room with half a beige tower on top. To a fan, of course, these represent different memorable scenes from the films.
To a Star Wars fan, all the grey spaceships are substantially different (and even the similarities are fascinating as it's interesting to track the evolution of ships over the eras). Pointing out that Star Wars spaceships are just some grey is boring because it's not even remotely original.
It all depends what you're in to. That's the important message. Remember that.
@TheOtherMike said:
" @Ephseb: You shut your lying mouth!"
Maybe he's just talkin' 'bout Windu...
@Jo3K3rr said:
"Which has turned out to be a lie. As everything with the 20 anniversary logo has been inspired by the 2008 THE Clone Wars. Not a single thing from the micro series, Dark Horse's Clone Wars comics, or the books or any of the games. Nothing from the Multimedia Project. Everything has been from the 2008 show. (And that isn't limited to LEGO. Hasbro and Hot Toys have also done this.)
Additionally, the Venators which appeared at the end of the micro series would have been similar in appearance to the Episode III version. Not the TCW. "
A Hasbro designer livestream clarified that the whole themeing is meant to be understood as more of a general Prequel era push as a counter to each of the OT movie 40th anniversaries. So it's about the dominant media only which are the 3 Prequel trilogy movies and the 2008 show. This reasoning is why it also includes some Episode 1 items despite that not being part of the in-universe clone wars. That all of these companies exclude or minimize Expanded Universe is just business as usual. It was always meant to be a push of the Prequel era to balance out the nearly decade-long push of Original trilogy merch through the 40th Anniversaries of each of the OT movies since 2017. EU, especially Lucas era EU, has always been de-emphazised because Disney uses those stories to stitch together the majority of their new stuff. To put much emphasis on those would end up spoiling their new entertainment.
They definitely should have chosen a better name or year to avoid the confusion though, or made it a point to emphazise at least one thing from the 2003 range of stuff to at least have an excuse for that year. Would have been very easy with the ARC Troopers if Lego would still produce cloth pieces lol. I swear the Coruscant Gunship set was originally meant to be the Muunilinst 10 Gunship. At least the unusually long doors would be accurate to how the doors were uniquely designed to close up completely on the 2003 microseries Gunships.
@TheNameWasTaken said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
I remember Attack of the Clones ended with some shots of clone troopers boarding large ships and those ships then departing from the surface of Geonosis (I think?). Weren't those ships also Venators?
"
That scene you remember from Attack of the Clones is the penultimate closing scene displaying the beginning of the Clone War, with Chancellor Palpatine witnessing the Clone Troopers board the Acclamator-class carrier-cruisers on Coruscant.
This is an amazing set all around. The only thing stopping it from achieving perfection is the lack of a fabric kama for Rex, but the idea of including Rex in this set is so good that I'll round up my score and give this set a 10 out 10. I love how imposing and elegant the ship should look on display, even more so than 75252.
This could be my first UCS set, but I'll need to swallow that price first.
@Jo3K3rr said:
" @SearchlightRG said:
" @Graupensuppe said:
" @TheNameWasTaken said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
I remember Attack of the Clones ended with some shots of clone troopers boarding large ships and those ships then departing from the surface of Geonosis (I think?). Weren't those ships also Venators?
"
Those were Acclamators."
Yet another capital ship we have yet to see in brick form, if I’m not mistaken."
Does 75007 count?"
Seems to; there was apparently a mini-model in an advent calendar as well. I don’t think the Acclamator was in any canon on screen battles, so it’s probably slim odds on it ever getting another set barring its being featured in some new piece of media
@SearchlightRG said:
" @Jo3K3rr said:
" @SearchlightRG said:
" @Graupensuppe said:
" @TheNameWasTaken said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"Regardless, the Venator actually first appeared onscreen towards the end of the 2003 Clone Wars series, although that was screened only a couple of months before Revenge of the Sith."
I remember Attack of the Clones ended with some shots of clone troopers boarding large ships and those ships then departing from the surface of Geonosis (I think?). Weren't those ships also Venators?
"
Those were Acclamators."
Yet another capital ship we have yet to see in brick form, if I’m not mistaken."
Does 75007 count?"
Seems to; there was apparently a mini-model in an advent calendar as well. I don’t think the Acclamator was in any canon on screen battles, so it’s probably slim odds on it ever getting another set barring its being featured in some new piece of media"
Acclamators are in Star Wars: The Clone Wars quite often, although not nearly as frequently as the Venator.
I could easily see a midi-scale rendition of the Acclamator, but probably nothing larger than that at the moment, as you said.
@Zink: Problem with displaying the cruiser vertical (I assume you mean hanging on the wall like the Batwings, if I'm wrong please correct me) is: where do yo put the information plaque and minifigures?
Nice review on an excellent set with glaring flaws, as noted in your con section, stickers and cloth kama, at a price point where cons shouldn't exist.
@MrGurt said:
"If you gave me a Lego Gift Card with enough to buy this, and I had to buy Lego star wars with it, AND I could only buy republic stuff, I would instead buy:
75362 Ahsoka's shuttle
75354 Coruscant guard Gunship
5x 75359 Ahsoka's clone trooper battle pack
5x 75345 501st battle pack
75333 Obi-wan's Jedi Starfighter
75342 Republic fighter tank
75337 AT-TE
And still have $20 left over. All of that stuff probably doesn't look as amazing and titanic on a shelf, but it sounds a lot more fun to me. Oh yeah, and I would have 53 Clones and 3 Jedi too"
Yeah, that's generally how I look at big sets like this. There is so many smaller set I could get that for the same price. I like the ship, but I think would be far more satisfied with something smaller. Really the only UCS sets that interest me are the Minifigure scale ones. But again, as much of a Star Wars fan I am, I would rather get Rivendell or Ninjago City Gardens.
Jesus wept, I can't be the only person that reads these reviews and thinks, get a grip - you always seem to find the tiniest inconsistency or sticker or issue to whinge about. Be grateful for what you get.
@Grimlock said:
"Jesus wept, I can't be the only person that reads these reviews and thinks, get a grip - you always seem to find the tiniest inconsistency or sticker or issue to whinge about. Be grateful for what you get."
Is the purpose of a review not to praise qualities and criticise issues where they arise? It is for the reader to decide whether they think those issues are important, or whether they agree.
@Grimlock said:
"Jesus wept, I can't be the only person that reads these reviews and thinks, get a grip"
I think you are.
The lack of the opening dorsal landing bay, detailed interior with small ships and a group of decent minifigures makes this an easy pass.
As much as I love the characters from the Clone Wars, the price tag doesn't justify that poor figure count and lack of features.
Star Wars UCS sets have been really underwhelming for the last couple of years. The last one I picked up was the Mos Eisley Cantina.
This year would've bene better served with a 40th anniversary ROTJ themed USC set like the Khetanna: battle over the Sarlacc playset, Jabba's Palace or an Endor Bunker and diorama playset.
To be devil's advocate, the Republic emblem stickers could be left off if you wanted to convert it into an Imperial Venator.
Next will be the Chimera
@CapnRex101 Fantastic review, as always!
@bananaworld said:
"...It all depends what you're in to. That's the important message. Remember that. "
^Yep.
Although I like my Venator Vigilance model by Martin Latta much better than this upcoming release, I'm still excited by this set and I'll probably pick up at least one. I can't get enough of those 'big grey wedges!'
@B_Space_Man said:
"I’m happy for those who want this but I’d be curious on the sales. Does the generation who grew up on the Clone Wars really have $650 burning a hole in their pocket?"
Well... ahem... some of us 'grew old' and raised children on the CW.
How else can you get a child to develop a fully formed system of ethical standards without those snappy, little precepts at the beginning of each episode?
So, yeah, my cash is hot 'cause my wallet is ooooooold. ;)
@StyleCounselor Ah, yes. I should heed the lesson that visiting the Hamptons taught me: Don’t ever forget about Old Money.
@B_Space_Man said:
" @StyleCounselor Ah, yes. I should heed the lesson that visiting the Hamptons taught me: Don’t ever forget about Old Money."
Ain't no lie.
I was going to reply that I'm not 'that old.' But, I'm going to need a good sale to get this. Of course, that just just makes me sound ol' as f%^k! (sigh)
Still young young enough to have a fould mouth! ;)
Edit: Yes, old enough to still enjoy using typed enojis. (sigh...) :(
So, um...is it a Venerator Class "Attack Cruiser" (box) or a "Star Destroyer" (plate)???