All About Bricks Awards 2015

As adopted by many of the larger LEGO websites, it’s time for a list of awards that do not give out trophies or certificates. Some might even say that it’s just an excuse to remember things that have happened in the past year of bricky goodness. Yes, that’s exactly what this is.

Blocks Magazine Issue 15 - Available Now

It's that time of the month, so here's what's in the latest issue of Blocks magazine:

Star Wars: The Force Awakens has finally arrived in cinemas, and to celebrate we’ve assembled the best builders in the galaxy to construct seven iconic saga scenes, from the classic trilogy to the new film. We also take a look at the Star Wars Battle Figures, and compare Darth Vader sets new and old - in a showdown of galactic proportions.

Elsewhere, we find out how LEGO can be used with prosthetic limbs to improve the lives of child amputees, how Britain’s most outspoken toy retailer is preparing for the Christmas season, how to bring your minifigures to life and why not every LEGO set is a solid investment.

There’s much more besides, as animation expert Steve Guinness wraps up his Italian Job project, while David Kresse shows us how to motorise our Technic MOCs. This build-filled issue is topped off with an exclusive interview with Michael Price, the mind behind LEGO Star Wars series Droid Tales.

Get your copy from Thursday in the UK, or why not subscribe to get future copies early and enter monthly free prize draws? See www.blocksmag.com for more details.

Read on to find out where to buy.

LEGO Review: Ariel's Magical Kiss (41052)

Disney Princess brings a touch of pixie dust to the LEGO range. Ariel's Magical Kiss (41052) was one of the launch sets for the range. Read on for a review of this set, to find out whether it's worth tracking down.

The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort gets Ready for Brick or Treat

The busy team at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort are winding down for the Summer by repairing models and organising LEGO bricks. With plenty of spooky models to build for Halloween, everything must be accounted for so they don't run out of any vital pieces. Read on for the press release...

Blocks Magazine Issue 12 - Available Now

Today sees the release of the first birthday issue of Blocks, with a wonderful underwater feel. There is an entire new opening section of the magazine called 'Blocks It', providing a quick look at lots of different aspects of LEGO.

Of course all of the good in-depth stuff is still present, including my reviews of the entire City Deep Sea Divers range. There's an in-depth look at the Maersk Line Triple E (10241) and a look back at Diving Expedition Explorer (6560). 

There are features on Dave Ware's mosaics, how to build underwater scenery and a report from Brickfair Virginia 2015. Plus loads more more for the discerning LEGO fan!

Read on to find out where to buy.

First Reaction: LEGO Star Wars - The Force Awakens

All images from the official LEGO Catalogue

LEGO have put the latest direct catalogue online, which officially unveils all of the new Star Wars The Force Awakens sets that will be released on ‘Force Friday’ September 4th.  That’s right, LEGO have finally revealed what we might want to buy in a week’s time, which means fans can start deciding what to buy and planning their spending. What follows are first impressions of the product as a range. 

Blocks Magazine Issue 11 - Available Now

The latest issue of Blocks is out today, with an animation focus to tie in with the newly released Scooby Doo theme. There's an interview with Nik Groves - lead LEGO designer on Scooby Doo - along with reviews of the sets. There's a Toon Timeline looking at previous cartoon based themes and I chatted to the Papercutz team about their Ninjago graphic novel series. Plus plenty more LEGO goodness is packed into the 118 pages!

Read on to find out where to buy.

Why LEGO Should Not Change the Rules Now

Christmas is coming (in a few months anyway), and it’s time for a new Winter Village set to add to the collection. Except it’s not. It’s time for the Winter Toy Shop (10199) to be re-released with a few changes as 10249. Brilliant news for those who missed it originally? Superficially maybe, but actually this might completely muck up the concept of collecting LEGO.

Sully the Spaniel to join the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

The team at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort have sent over some great news, as Ella Harvey and her family celebrate her Sprocker Spaniel, Sully, getting his own brick built doppelganger as part of Heartlake City. Read on for the full story.

Blocks Magazine Issue 10 - Available Now

It’s the day of the month when the latest issue of Blocks hits the shelves. This issue takes a Batman focus, with a look back at LEGO Batman, Batmobile comparisons and a review of the new Jokerland set. There’s plenty else in there too, including LEGO Inside Tour coverage, tips on water techniques and the history of LEGO Comic Con sets.

Can LEGO Make Star Wars Leaks Disappear?

What will the new Millennium Falcon look like?

Images of Star Wars: The Force Awakens product have been revealed by the long running website From Bricks to Bothans, but the website was quickly asked to take them down by LEGO. Is it realistic to try and erase these images from the public consciousness? Did half the Star Wars and LEGO fan communities not just see them? Are they not now on the hard drives of thousands of computers around the world?

Does LEGO Disney Product Need Some Pixie Dust?

LEGO have been releasing Disney product for six years now, but it has somewhat underwhelmed fan expectation. Classic characters have been missing from the line up, and some of the movies that LEGO produced product for didn’t exactly set the box office on fire. It won’t be long until next year’s plans are unveiled, so in the meantime, here is a look back at LEGO and Disney.

Your Furry Friend could join LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort have been in touch after running a survey about favourite pets to spread the word about an exciting competition. Children can submit pictures of their dog and explain why their pet is so special. The winning pooch will be immortalised in LEGO as part of the new Heartlake City area. Read on for more information.

The Glastonbury Festival joins the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort are bringing festival fever to Miniland with the addition of Glastonbury Festival to the exhibit. Headliners Kanye West, Florence Welch and Roger Daltrey are some of the famous faces that visitors can check out. Read on for the full press release and more images...

Blocks Magazine Issue 9 - Available Now

The latest issue of Blocks Magazine is available today from all good stockists, and features LEGO Jurassic World on the cover to tie in with the biggest movie opening of all time. Inside there’s the Anatomy of a TIE Fighter, Star Wars Celebration coverage and the Kwik-e-Mart review. Read on for more details on the July issue of Blocks…

What Does LEGO Wall•E Tell us About LEGO Ideas?

Images have now surfaced of one of the most exciting licensed LEGO sets of the year, Wall•E (21303). Wall•E was submitted through LEGO Ideas by Angus MacLane, hit the threshold and is now heading for stores just in time for Christmas. The set looks good and will no doubt prove popular among fans of the movie. So does this suggest any precedents for what future Ideas projects may get accepted?

LEGO Jurassic World Video Game Features Original Movie

Jurassic World is about to hit cinemas, ready to tap into a huge feeling of nostalgia that’s in the hearts of movie goers who loved the 1993 original. The LEGO sets themselves are entirely focused on the new movie, and the Ideas projects based on Jurassic Park did not make the cut. But thanks to the LEGO Jurassic World video game, fans can get a taste of what Jurassic Park would be like in LEGO.

LEGO Angry Birds Launches in 2016: No, not a joke

In 2016 the Angry Birds movie will be coming to cinemas, and it has been announced that LEGO will be providing the accompanying construction toy line. LEGO is for children, so why get frustrated and ranty over the announcement that LEGO Angry Birds is to become a reality? Surely as long as it’s for children it fits with LEGO? Read on to find out why it has the potential to be a theme that does more harm than good…

Friends Heartlake City Opens at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

There have been big changes going on at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, and now the new Heartlake City is open to the public. With the new City area, it brings two of the most popular themes to life in a big way. Read on to find out about the all-new ride that guests can enjoy in Heartlake City...

New Features Writer for Blocks, Monthly LEGO Magazine

Ahoy me hearties! You'll have to wait another week if you normally buy your copy of Blocks magazine in the shops, but Issue 8 has just landed in the office and is already on its way to subscribers! Feel left out having to wait? You can join them at www.blocksmag.com​.

This Thursday the latest issue of Blocks magazine hits newsstands in the UK, and is available for digital download worldwide. I am excited to say that it’s the first issue for which I will be the Features Writer, so am taking this opportunity to share with All About Bricks readers what Blocks is and what my involvement will be. Yes, this is a bit of self-promotion, but with over 200 posts about LEGO hopefully regular readers will indulge me.

More Licensed Properties for LEGO Dimensions

Over the past few days LEGO have inadvertently released information on new LEGO Dimensions through the instructions download section on their website. Doctor Who, Ninjago, Legends of Chima, Scooby Doo and Jurassic World will all be part of the new LEGO ‘toys to life’ video game experience. There’s something for everyone in the new mix of properties revealed, which should make for a very eclectic experience…

The Royal Arrival Celebrated at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

Guests visiting the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort on Saturday 2nd May got a unique surprise. Not the characters from Star Wars patrolling every corner of the park, but the Model Makers had been quick off the mark to add a new arrival to Buckingham Palace in Miniland. 

Channel the Force at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort - Yub Nub!

Anaheim can't have all of the fun, and with Star Wars Celebration now wrapped it's time to look to what's coming next. The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort will once again celebrate Star Wars day with special Event Days from Saturday 2nd May until Monday 4th May 2015. Read on for why it's time to party like it's 1983!

All Change for the LEGO VIP Program?

Having some sort of VIP reward scheme is better than not having one. That’s pretty much a given, and most LEGO fans shopping through LEGO directly would agree. But it isn’t perfect, most will also agree. It turns out that LEGO are looking to make improvements, as they have recently been soliciting opinion to shape the future of the VIP Program.

Adult LEGO Sets: How Many is Too Many?

This year has kicked off with several expensive, LEGO exclusive sets released and even more announced. LEGO are increasingly chasing the AFOL dollar, and some fans are feeling that the hobby is becoming harder to keep up with. But are there really more adult targeted sets being released than before? And where does saturation point come?

Dinosaurs in LEGO: From Adventurers to Jurassic World

The trailer has proudly told us that this Summer, the park is open. And what self-respecting theme park would not have a slew of merchandise to go along with it? At New York Toy Fair, the LEGO range for Jurassic World was revealed. It’s not the first time that LEGO have held the licence for this movie series, nor the first time that men and dinosaurs have co-existed in brick built form.

Tourists Love LEGO: Wales Gets Building, The LEGO Movie 4D Adventure Coming to LEGOLAND

It seems that tourism involving LEGO has been going rather well recently. As well as boosting product sales, The LEGO Movie has increased ticket sales at the LEGOLAND theme parks around the world - leading to a new attraction coming, The LEGO Movie 4D Adventure at LEGOLAND. In preparation for the new season, the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort team are readying the Driving School cars for opening day. Meanwhile, Bob Carney has build a replica model of Rhuddlan Castle as part of a campaign to promote historic sites in Wales to visitors. Read on for more info, images and videos.

LEGOLAND California 2015: The Death Star and Heartlake City

“The Death Star will be completed on schedule.” – Darth Vader.

Hopefully the Model Buidlers at the LEGOLAND California Resort didn’t need Darth Vader to motivate them, but either way it looks like plans for 2015 are well on track. Read on to find out more about the new addition to Star Wars Miniland, and the all-new Heartlake City area coming to the increasingly popular theme park. 

LEGO Star Wars Constraction, or As Luke Said to Vader, “Nooooooo!”

When LEGO Star Wars is the runaway success that it is without any movie support, it is not surprising that marketing guys and bean counters at LEGO sit around all day slapping one another on the back and wondering what new ways they can find to milk more money from their most lucrative license. If only they had come up with anything else…

The LEGO Movie Wins the BAFTA

The LEGO Movie has been recognised by BAFTA, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, even though it was snubbed from receiving even a nomination in the best animated film category by the Oscars. The recognition of the movie that Phil Lord and Chris Miller created – along with the team of artists around them – was well deserved. This seems like a good time to look back at what a year it’s been for The LEGO Movie.

LEGO Ideas Community Vote for More Science

LEGO Ideas user Alatariel saw her project Research Institute (21110) not only be released as an official LEGO set, but generate huge buzz and great sales too. It’s no surprise following the set’s popularity that Alatariel’s latest project, Science Adventures, has also hit the threshold of 10,000 supporters and will be reviewed by LEGO for possible official release.

LEGO City and Friends at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is gearing up for a busy 2015, and will be ensuring that the much loved LEGO City and LEGO Friends themes are well represented. Ever popular rides are getting an update, areas of the park are getting re-themed and a new category of hotel room is coming! Read on to find out what’s new for this year at one of the UK’s most popular theme parks…

LEGO Star Wars Summer 2015: Rumour Analysis - Part II

A list of LEGO Star Wars sets rumoured to be released in Summer 2015 has cropped up on the UK’s favourite Star Wars website, Jedi News. What can fans expect from the next bunch of sets? Should LEGO collectors be excited, or be saving their cash for when The Force Awakens product hits?

LEGO Star Wars Summer 2015: Rumour Analysis - Part I

A list of LEGO Star Wars sets rumoured to be released in Summer 2015 has cropped up on the UK’s favourite Star Wars website, Jedi News. What can fans expect from the next bunch of sets? Should LEGO collectors be excited, or be saving their cash for when The Force Awakens product hits?

New sets from The LEGO Movie (Well, a few...)

There are three new sets available in 2015 based on The LEGO Movie for fans to add to their collection. Wait a minute, only three? The movie that boosted sales of all LEGO products, the movie that meant the company could barely keep up with demand, the movie that re-invigorated the Collectible Minifigures? Read on for some thoughts on why LEGO has decided to exercise caution here, based on lessons learned the hard way.