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BASIC INFORMATION:
Set Name: Escape from Privet Drive
Set Number: 4728
Number of Pieces: 278
Minifigs: 3
Price: 30.00 USD
Theme: Harry Potter / Chamber of Secrets
Year Released: 2002
RESOURCES:
Brickset
Peeron
Bricklink
THE REVIEW:
BOX:
Front:
First up is the classic Harry Potter box, featuring an action-packed scene and a dorky-looking Daniel Radcliffe. The box isn't as flashy as some of the more recent boxes, but it still has a nice edited-in background and some swooshing.
Back:
Surprisingly enough, the back doesn't demonstrate any of the set's many features, only a few alternate models, a top view, and the cute little map. I always loved the way that the HP sets could fit together, but this particular set isn't designed to, since it's not part of the castle.
Side:
Along the top edge, we find an angry Uncle Vernon chasing Harry and Ron up the stairs.
Box:: Thoughts: I miss boxes like this, with less flash and less advertisement. However, it could have demonstrated some of the set features.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Front:
The instructions feature the same art as the box, only a little more compressed. The dorky Daniel and the set info is also swiped off.
Minifig Page:
Since there's no complex configuration for the minifigs, they are crammed at the top of the car pages.
Random Page:
On this random page, you can see that piece call-outs are non-existent, although you are given a hand when the view of a piece is obstructed. Also note that sub models get their own boxes, and the rock and parchment background. The background fits the theme nicely, although it could have contrasted this set's color scheme a bit more.
Alternate Model Instructions:
Something very interesting about some sets from this time period is that they actually had brief instructions for the alternate models. Here's the instructions for one of the two models included with the set. They remind me of in-build shots more than instructions, but too much space would be occupied if they showed it step-by-step. Also note Harry coming out of some strange portal, and supposedly casting the spell that shows you the pictures.
Back:
The back of the instructions show a larger version of the map. This time, the full version of this set is shown.
Instructions:: Thoughts: The alternate models are nice, but the background colors could have been better. Otherwise, a fine manual.
PIECES:
Pieces (sorted):
All of the pieces meticulously sorted for your viewing pleasure. You can see that there is a wide palette of the tan and dark orange as well as light blue. There are no stickers, but not quite a treasure trove of printed parts. However, this is completely obscured in the amazing diversity of pieces. (Remember, click the pic for a much larger version)
Pieces of interest:
Some of the more interesting pieces include the windows, windshields, and printed pieces. Of course, all the light blue is amazing, but there's no point cramming all those pieces in. I also particularly like the chrome pieces.
Pieces:: Thoughts: Extremely satisfactory, with an amazing selection of types and colors.
MINIFIGS:
Front:
The minifigs are all wonderful, due to their torso prints. Harry's is exclusive to this set, Ron's appears in 3 sets, and Vernon's appears in this set and an obscure minifig pack. Their faces and hairstyles are common except for Vernon's, which appears in this set, the minifig pack, and as Anakin's hair in two Episode II sets.
Back:
No back printing, but back printing was very uncommon in sets back then.
Minifigs:: Thoughts: Simple, but lovely and rare.
THE BUILD:
Car:
Here's the build for the car, at steps 5, 10, 15, and 21. There are no interesting techniques used except the SNOT that holds the front of the car in place.
House:
Here's the house, at perfect 5 step intervals during the build. No interesting techniques are used here, except for the roof made by a slanted plate.
Build:: Thoughts: Fast and simple, most likely due to large pieces like the baseplates.
COMPLETED PRODUCT:
The whole set:
Let's take a look at what we have: One shiny blue Ford Anglia, one cozy residence, and three lovely little minifigs. What a dainty little setup.
Car Front:
Let's take a closer look at the car. The front is excellent due to four headlights, in different colors and positions, the chrome, and the bumper. The blue tiles on the front are also nice.
Car Back:
Taking a look at the back reveals the snug and nicely fit trunk as well as the angled back windshield. Both are magnificently designed.
Car Trunk:
This angle shows both of these features a bit more clearly. Once again, blue tiles touch up the top.
Functions Displayed:
The roof of the car pops off easily and the car doors open. However, the roof stays in place very well, because there is no tile/plate alternation technique keeping it in place.
Inside:
The minifigs are loose inside, but a small black divider keeps things organized. Having the steering wheel on the right side is another touch that makes the car even more accurate.
Trunk Open:
The trunk can open up, revealing a string piece, but I'll explain that later. However, the string is small, so the trunk can actually fit quite a bit in it.
House:
Now, let's get on to the house. First, an overview shot.
Front Door:
By the front door, you can see the printed #4 tile and the lamp piece. They look good close to each other.
Front:
The rest of the outside consists of lovely tan and brown windows with plants. The gray slopes look out of place, but the window plants are a wonderful detail.
Back:
The house has three rooms on the inside, a main room and two smaller ones.
Main Room:
The main room features some coffee tables, a staircase, and Harry's old room under the stairs.
Staircase Removed:
The staircase and bed can be removed, opening up a hidden area that stores Harry's supplies. You can also see the other coffee table better in this picture.
Lower Chamber:
The lower chamber has a weird table and a spider. Sorry for the bad pic, you can get a better view of the room in the in-build shots.
Upper Chamber:
The upper room serves as Harry's room. There are some items scattered around, like the letter, books, and bottle.
Alternate Angle:
From this angle, you can also see that he has a glass.
Chimney:
Even though this set is from the Chamber of Secrets, you can act out the scene in the first book where the letters come flooding in. Simply turn the nicely designed chimney...
Mail Dropped:
... and letters will drop into the house! A nice idea, but moving the chimney moves the tilted roof too.
Hooked Up:
The other main feature of the set is the window-pulling feature. Just hook up the string from the car to the window...
Broken Off:
... and break it off! (and maybe destroy some plants in the process) Perhaps this was the reason the gray slopes are there- a full overhang would interfere with the mechanism. I would have preferred that there were some bars over the window, like in the movie, so Harry couldn't just open up the window.
Play Shot:
And a little action shot to finish it off. I was too lazy to dig up some clear pieces, so ignore the wall holding the car up.
_____________________________________________
Totals:
Design: 9/10 (Car 5/5, House 4/5) The car is simply perfect! It's well-proportioned, has great details, and is very accurate. The house has some questionable elements, like the gray slopes and the window, but is otherwise good.
Parts: 10/10 Amazing selection and lots of rare colors and elements. No stickers!
Build: 9/10 A tad fast, and not many interesting techniques used.
Minifigs: 10/10 Simple, but fairly uncommon and lovely torso prints. There's really not much else to include except for Dudley, Petunia, or the Weasley twins, which is unlikely.
Playability: 9/10 Break the window, clean your room, battle the spider, run over Uncle Vernon, get a parking ticket.... so many scenarios, movie-related or not.
Price: 8/10 278 isn't great for $30, but there are larger pieces like walls and baseplates, so I guess it makes sense.
Total: 55/60 One of the highest ratings I've ever given a set. An all-around great set, to say the least. Today's price might not be the best, but either way, a cute little set.
Thanks for reading!
-Inky
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MultiQuote
I agree that a Fred or a George would be nice, but they would probably be only a little different from Ron. 
Unless of course they included some lovely new torso prints!
The car hadn't those chrome pieces when in my set but I adjusted it as soon as I got my chrome grills some years later. 
Err.... sorta. The windows and a fair bit of the old grey is in 
<-See! 
Like a lot of Harry Potter sets, this is a great one for parts. I'm not a Harry Potter fan, but I love(d) the line. Great colours, interesting figs... Thanks for the great review! 
