By Mike Snider, USA Today, Sept. 27, 2004
There’s a new disturbance in the Force: an onslaught of Star Wars merchandise hitting stores this weekend.
A squadron of action figures, life-size lightsabers and Star Wars-based Lego kits and games will be up for grabs.
Some stores – including Toys R Us and Wal-Mart – are having special events tonight at midnight to unveil the tie-ins with
Revenge of the Sith, opening May 19, the last movie in the saga that began in 1977.
Since then, Star Wars toys, books and games have sold more than $9 billion worldwide.
Maria Weiskott, editor in chief of Playthings magazine, thinks Sith excitement is the biggest yet. “There is all this
pent-up demand, and from what I’ve seen, the movie is good. And it’s the end. This is it.”
The weekend also brings Sith-related books, clothing, paper goods and sweets. Darth Vader’s visage will be everywhere
from T-shirts and party favors to Corn Flakes boxes and Pepsi bottles. Even M&M’s are going to the dark side, with
Revenge of the Sith dark chocolate candies coated in black, maroon, purple, and dark blue and silver. For moral balance,
there’s a Jedi mix: mild chocolate in beige, cream, pastel green, gold and blue.
The toys run the gamut from classic to quirky. A sampling:
Anakin Skywalker electronic lightsaber ($20). It changes color from blue to red, depending on whether you want the
light or dark side of the Force flowing through you. Also available (same price): an Obi-Wan Kenobi lightsaber with
“Feel the Force” vibration, and Yoda’s lightsaber with audio training tips.
The Chewbacca action figue ($6). When you squeeze his leg, his arms raise up in a Wookiee rage. Other figures come
separately or with vehicles, such as General Grievous’ Wheel Bike ($20).
Trivial Pursuit DVD Star Wars Saga Edition Game ($50). The 2,400 questions cover all six movies.
Darth Tater ($8). Mr. Potato Head has been seduced by the dark side, too.
Call Upon Yoda ($30). The foot-tall interactive animatronic doll moves and offers wisdom such as, “Aah … the Force I
sense in you. Teach you more, I can.”
Says Eric Nyman of Hasbro, which makes many of the tie-in toys: “It’s turned from a traditional movie and product
launch into a pop-culture phenomenon.”