Look what IIIIII got!

I asked my friend Paula who went to Comic-Con to try to pick me up one of these, and by dint of some incredible luck she did. The con was incredibly crowded, and often you had to get a ticket before allowed the priviledge of standing in the appropriate line. Saturday afternoon there was some special buying event that she shouldn't have been allowed in for, BUT she happened by the door when the guard's attention was distracted. Then, as she passed the Mattel booth a cashier yelled out she could help whoever had a credit card, and Paula jumped in even though there was a huge line of people waiting to buy stuff (the guy moderating that line was asleep at the switch in the crucial moment). So thanks to Paula and two slack security guards, I have the JLU fig that most resembles a big Barbie doll.

And check out the back! Pretty cool.

Clone Wars stuff

From rebelscum, Our rebels spies are hard at work today, and thanks tot hem, we've got the inside scoop on what Wal-Mart has planned for Star Wars in 2008. Lots of events, lots of exclusives, and lots of reasons to believe in the "Power of the Force".

July 1st - Exclusive Comic Packs and Droid Factory sets released!
Out in stores now....if you're lucky

July 26th - The Clone Wars major toy release!
There will be a pallet train of all new toys, loaded with basic figures from The Clone Wars & The Legacy Collection ($6.94 each), Electronic Blasters & Force Action lightsabers ($19.96), the "Big Millennium Falcon" ($149.96), the AT-TE ($99.96), other Clone Wars vehicles ($19.96), & Clone Trooper Helmet Voice Changers ($29.96)

August 9th - Join the Clone Troopers launch event!
Kids can pick up an exclusive Clone Trooper figure for kids to join up with the Grand Army of the Republic.

August 15th - The Clone Wars hits theaters!
It's the Star Wars event of the summer! Released on over 4000 movie screens nationwide, fans of all ages can enjoy the next tale in the saga.

August 17th - Exclusive 501st Clone Trooper figure debuts!
Displayed prominently on an end cap for collectors and kids both.

September 16th - The Force Unleashed is finally released!
Look for exclusive Star Wars figure 3-packs, commemorating the game's long-awaited release.

October 3rd - The Clone Wars series begins on TV!
22 episodes picking up where the movie left off.

November 18th - The Clone Wars movie comes out on DVD, and a new video game is released!
More exclusives from The Clone Wars & beyond, with new figure Commemorative troop builder 3-packs, a 501st blue Clone Trooper Helmet Voice Changer, a Republic Gunship, and an A-Wing Fighter!

December - "Best of the best"!
Popular Star Wars figure from the past, brought back in a new assortment. (Sounds like Saga Legends to me...)

Looks like a BIG year for Wal-Mart, and a big year for The Clone Wars!

Woo-hoo!

HASBRO LAUNCHES A NEW MILLENNIUM FALCON™ FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 30 YEARS

Iconic STAR WARS™ Starship Toy Undergoes Major Overhaul

Pawtucket, Rhode Island, July 1, 2008 -- Updating the fan-favorite MILLENNIUM FALCON for the first time since its introduction in 1979, Hasbro is launching the largest MILLENNIUM FALCON toy to ever travel the galaxy. The new STAR WARS LEGACY COLLECTION MILLENNIUM FALCON includes electronic lights and sounds, and is approximately 30% percent larger than the original version of the toy.

Over the last 30 years, ever since it was introduced on the screen in 1977 and to toy enthusiasts two years later, Han Solo’s signature starship, the MILLENNIUM FALCON, has become one of the most recognizable “characters” in movie history and one of Hasbro’s most popular STAR WARS toys. Last year, the toy’s steel production mold – which was used to create hundreds of thousands of MILLENNIUM FALCON toys – suffered a crack that rendered the tool damaged beyond repair.

When creating a new mold, Hasbro used the opportunity to improve its toy’s play value by increasing the ship’s size (which now accommodates 18 action figures, sold separately) and adding authentic lights and sounds, making this the most exciting Corellian freighter in the galaxy.

“We’ve always wanted to make a bigger MILLENNIUM FALCON. When we literally “broke the mold” we seized the opportunity to fulfill ours wishes as well as the fans. Legions of young STAR WARS fans have grown up playing with the original MILLENNIUM FALCON toy,” said Derryl D. DePriest, director of marketing for STAR WARS at Hasbro. “In designing the new MILLENNIUM FALCON for a new generation of fans, Hasbro’s design team succeeded in adding new features that will both excite kids and thrill our devoted collectors.”

The new STAR WARS LEGACY COLLECTION MILLENNIUM FALCON will soar onto retail shelves on July 26 with an appropriate retail price of $149.99. Fans attending San Diego Comic-Con (7/23-7/28) will have a chance to see it first hand a few days before the toy arrives in stores.

SIZING THEM UP...

Features on The All-New Star Wars Legacy Collection Millennium Falcon versus The Original Star Wars Millennium Falcon

     New                   Old

Approximate Size (LxWxH):    
       

32”x23”x8”       23"x17"x6"
Includes 3.75-inch Han Solo & Chewbacca action figures: 

      Yes                     No
3.75-inch action figure capacity: 

       18                       8
Light-up headlights:

      Yes                     No
Light-up engines: 

      Yes                     No
Authentic movie sound effects: engine boost, cruise mode,

   fly-by, firing cannons, etc.

      Yes                     No
Authentic movie phrases: 

      Yes                     No
Light-up cockpit: 

      Yes                     No
Medical bay:

      Yes                     No
Auto-opening boarding ramp w/ sounds:

      Yes                     No
Secret smuggling compartments:

      Yes                    Yes
Pivoting gunner station:

      Yes                    Yes
Rotating radar dish:

      Yes                    Yes
Light-up, "holographic" Dejarik game table:

      Yes                      No
Electronic, rotating laser turret w/ sounds:

      Yes                      No
Electronic, 3-missile launcher w/ sounds:

      Yes                      No
Electronic docking bay:

      Yes                      No
Electronic Jedi training probe w/ sounds:

      Yes                      No

Toys'R'Us and Lucasfilm Join Forces to Celebrate Star Wars

Toys'R'Us and Lucasfilm Join Forces to Celebrate Star Wars(TM): The Clone Wars - The Latest Chapter in the Star Wars Saga

The Adventures Begin at Toys"R"Us Stores on July 26 as Fans Get First Look at New Toys


WAYNE, N.J., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the highly anticipated August 15 theatrical release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Toys"R"Us, U.S. and Lucasfilm Ltd. have partnered to create the ultimate Star Wars destination in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and online at www.Toysrus.com. The adventure begins in July with the installation of countdown clocks in every store, ticking toward the July 26 launch of the largest selection of toys, construction sets, role play accessories and more based on Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

"For more than three decades, Toys"R"Us has been the ultimate destination for kids and collectors interested in bringing home the magic of their favorite Star Wars films," said Greg Ahearn, Senior Vice President, Marketing and e-commerce, Toys"R"Us, U.S. "Our partnership with Lucasfilm will bring Star Wars: The Clone Wars to life with stunning in-store boutiques, an unparalleled assortment of products and exclusives, and up-to-the-minute countdowns to Star Wars excitement throughout the year."

"Toys"R"Us has been an ardent supporter of the Star Wars franchise since the introduction of the first toy line in 1977," said Howard Roffman, President, Lucas Licensing. "Generations of kids have found their favorite Star Wars toys on the shelves of Toys"R"Us stores, and we're thrilled that they will also be a major partner to Lucasfilm on The Clone Wars."

COUNTDOWN TO A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY

When the clock strikes midnight on July 26, more than 225 Toys"R"Us stores from coast to coast will open their doors, giving Star Wars fans the first opportunity to purchase toys from the new collection. The two biggest celebrations will take place at Toys"R"Us Times Square and Toys"R"Us Mission Bay in San Diego, where Star Wars aficionados are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite character and take part in a "Cloned Costume Contest." Star Wars enthusiasts attending these two events will also be treated to trivia, games and a galaxy of excitement and prizes, while supplies last. As an added bonus, customers who purchase Star Wars merchandise at any Toys"R"Us store during the midnight events will have the opportunity to receive special gifts, including a Star Wars Holographic General Grievous action figure from Hasbro or a LEGO reversible poster, while supplies last.

The Star Wars virtual store also opens at www.Toysrus.com/StarWars at 12:01 am on July 26 for fans who are unable to attend the midnight festivities in person. Additionally, customers visiting the site will be able to locate the Toys"R"Us stores in their area hosting midnight events on July 26.

CLONING COUNTDOWNS

After the newest array of Star Wars toys are released in July, the countdown clocks at Toys"R"Us stores and www.Toysrus.com will reset, so fans can count the minutes to each of this year's continuing galactic milestones, including the theatrical release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars the premiere of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series on Cartoon Network and the release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars on DVD.

THE FORCE IS STRONG IN-STORE AND ONLINE

Beginning July 26, Star Wars toys will also receive a place of honor in dedicated boutiques in every Toys"R"Us store. Filled with dazzling visuals based on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the boutiques will showcase the largest assortment of Star Wars toys, games and construction sets available, including several exclusive items available only at Toys"R"Us. Star Wars fans should also note that Toys"R"Us stores nationwide will receive regular shipments of new Star Wars: The Clone Wars merchandise.

And, to help prepare for The Clone Wars, www.Toysrus.com/StarWars will become a Star Wars hub, offering Star Wars: The Clone Wars content and the movie trailer for Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Fans can keep up-to-date on the newest Star Wars releases with content on StarWars.com.

EMPEROR'S CHOICE -- EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS

Star Wars: The Clone Wars products that will be available exclusively at Toys"R"Us stores and at www.Toysrus.com/StarWars starting July 26 include:

Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Twilight from LEGO

Based on the animated series, the Twilight is a temperamental but powerful starship piloted by Anakin Skywalker throughout his adventures during The Clone Wars. This massive LEGO model that kids can build themselves features retractable landing gear that is activated by moving the wing, a flick missile, a side-mounted escape pod, moveable laser cannon turrets and four minifigures including Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka, Rotta and R2-D2. No batteries required. Ages 9 and up.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Separatist Spider Droid from LEGO

In the continuing conflict of The Clone Wars, the Separatists army unleashes a spider-like machine of destruction against the Republic forces. Based on the droid featured in the animated series, collectors and kids can build and display this new Star Wars vehicle, which includes two fully moveable disk-shaped laser cannons, four fully independent and positionable stilt legs and five minifigures such as Commander Fox, a clone trooper, one battle droid, one super battle droid and one battle droid commander. No batteries required. Ages 7 and up.

Star Wars 3-3/4-inch T.I.E. Fighter from Hasbro

The standard ship of the Imperial fleet, the T.I.E. Fighter was at the heart of every conflict, big and small, between the Rebels and the Empire in the original Star Wars trilogy. Featuring a T.I.E. Pilot action figure, the 3-3/4-inch scale T.I.E. Fighter is ready to battle alongside Darth Vader and the Emperor in their efforts to crush the Rebel Alliance. No batteries required. Ages 4 and up.

Star Wars 3-3/4-inch STAP Attack Battle Packs from Hasbro

In Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, the first battle of the Clone Wars was waged on the planet of Geonosis. One of the key reconnaissance tools of the Separatist army during the battle was the Single Trooper Aerial Platform (STAP). Now, kids can relive the first battle between the Clone army and the Separatists with this battle pack, filled with two 3-3/4-scale STAP vehicles, two Battle Droids and one Super Battle Droid.

About Toys"R"Us, Inc.

Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,500 stores, including 584 Toys"R"Us stores and 262 Babies"R"Us stores in the U.S., more than 688 international stores in 33 countries, which includes licensed and franchise stores, and through its Internet site at www.Toysrus.com.