Even as Star Wars readies itself for its swan song with Revenge of the Sith on May 19, merchandise related to the Star Wars 3 movie is all set to make its debut in toy stores tonight. America’s largest toy stores like Wal-Mart and Toys R Us are busy gearing up for the squadron of action dolls, life size lightsabers, Lego kits and games.
The two mega retailers' stores are also organizing special all-night events to enhance the experience of Star Wars series, which started in 1977, boasting of stocking exclusive Star Wars items not available at other stores.
According to a Toys R Us spokesperson Kathleen Waugh, ‘a couple thousand people’ are expected at its flagship New York City store for the unveiling of the new line of toys. “If you’re a Star Wars enthusiast, and there are many out there, the toy-release date is one of the key milestones that happens before the movie,” she said.
Among the most popular items are the Darth Vader Voice Changer and Darth Tater. While the former is a fashion item complete with Vader’s helmet and mask, the latter is a Potato Head doll donning a Vader mask and holding accessories like lightsaber, a detachable nose, and a cape.
Others include Call Upon Yoda, a 12-inch animatronic figure of the 900-year-old Jedi master, moving its hands and mouth and lifting its head. If someone happens to squeeze the replica’s hand too harshly, it even lets out rebukes! The Chewbacca action doll raises its arm if the leg is squeezed. Other action figures are also available with or without their vehicles. Other products like Trivial Pursuit DVD Star Wars Saga Edition Game asking 2400 questions testing your knowledge of all the six Star Wars flicks, form parts of the Star Wars plethora of toys.
The marketing and excitement built around the flick is likely to lure many a Star Wars fans to the toy stores. “The retailers are making a big deal out of this and the collectors are going to show up,” avers Steve Comenzo, the owner of Sirsteveguide.com, a Web site dedicated to Star Wars enthusiasts.
