Hasbro.com:
STAR WARS: HASBRO CELEBRATES THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF STAR WARS AS THE TOY LINE CONTINUES TO RULE THE TOY GALAXY AS THE NO. 1 ACTION FIGURE PROPERTY
Feb 09, 2007
Contacts:
Donetta Allen
212-679-6600, ext. 229
dallen@hunterpr.com
Paula Walsh
Hasbro, Inc.
401-727-5669
pjwalsh@hasbro.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HASBRO CELEBRATES THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF STAR WARS AS THE TOY LINE CONTINUES TO RULE THE TOY GALAXY AS THE NO. 1 ACTION FIGURE PROPERTY
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (February 2007) –The STAR WARS Saga has ignited the imaginations of audiences around the world. Celebrating its 30th anniversary on May 25, STAR WARS has become an indispensable part of the pop culture landscape around the world, whose intensely loyal fan base spans several generations and is the basis for the best selling movie-based toy of all time.
In 1977, the Star Wars action figures were the first figures to be introduced in a 3-3/4-inch scale, which completely changed how kids played with action figures. In 2007 both in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Star Wars and as a token of appreciation to fans of all ages, Hasbro is releasing a lineup of sixty 3-3/4-inch figures – each one with a unique collectible coin. Additionally, Hasbro will release a full-color commemorative coin album that fans of all ages will enjoy filling with anniversary year coins.
“The success of the Star Wars toy line is unprecedented,” said Derryl DePriest, Senior Director Star Wars. “Whether they’re re-creating their favorite movie scene with our action figures and vehicles or pretending to be Luke Skywalker as he wields his lightsaber, kids love the characters and story of the Star Wars saga. Every year, we create products that delight longtime fans and new generations who are discovering the excitement of the Star Wars universe.”
To help young Jedi-in-training defend the galaxy against the dark side of the Force, Hasbro introduced the STAR WARS FORCE ACTION LIGHTSABER: the first-ever spring-activated light-up lightsaber, which launches to life at the touch of a button -- just like in the Star Wars movies! -- and provides the most authentic lightsaber role-playing experience ever.
STAR WARS TRANSFORMERS, first introduced in 2006, provided a new way for kids to play with their favorite characters from the movies. Combining iconic characters from the Star Wars galaxy with TRANSFORMERS technology, evil villains and valiant heroes may now become their signature vehicles. New for this year, the notorious DARTH VADER DELUXE TRANSFORMER figure converts into the ultimate weapon of the dark side, the DEATH STAR, and includes electronic lights and sounds.
Promising to offer some of the most exciting and realistic Star Wars toys ever created, the 2007 line-up features the following:
30TH ANNIVERSARY 3-3/4-INCH FIGURES
(Approximate Retail Value: $6.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Figures released in waves throughout 2007. Wave 1 available now)
These premium figures provide incredibly detailed and accurate representations of iconic heroes and villains from the entire STAR WARS saga. Hasbro will issue 60 new inter-galactic characters as part of the 30th Anniversary 3-3/4-inch figure set. In a nod to the popularity of the figures with fans, some of the figures were even selected by the fans themselves. Each character comes with a bonus collectible coin. Wave 1 will include the following characters: Galactic Marine, R2-D2, Obi-Wan with Grievous’ Blaster, Mace Windu, Mustafar Lava Miner, Airborne Trooper, Super Battle Droid, and the fan favorite, McQuarrie Stormtrooper.
30th ANNIVERSARY DARTH VADER WITH COIN BINDER
(Approximate Retail Price: $9.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Now)
To kick-off the Star Wars 30th Anniversary celebration, Hasbro is releasing a full-color commemorative coin album. Along with a spectacular mural, the album tells the story leading to the Star Wars 30th Anniversary and holds all 60 commemorative Star Wars coins with additional space to hold extra coins. And, it includes the first figure of the 2007 3 ¾” 30th Anniversary Figure collection – DARTH VADER!
FORCE ACTION LIGHTSABER
(Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Now)
Boys from each generation since “the saga” began have simulated Star Wars battle scenes using different versions of the lightsaber. This anniversary year, Jedi young and old will have a chance to get their hands on the lightsaber that provides the most authentic playing experience yet. The Star Wars Force Action Lightsaber is the first-ever spring-activated light-up lightsaber, which launches to life at the touch of a button -- just like in the Star Wars movies! In addition, each lightsaber features the classic lightsaber battle sounds and a power-activating “hum.” And, as always, the lightsaber lights up for battle Fans can channel the power of the Force with the help of the lightsabers from either DARTH VADER, LUKE SKYWALKER and OBI-WAN KENOBI.
STAR WARS TRANSFORMERS
(Approximate Retail Price: $14.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Now; STAR WARS TRANSFOMERS Deluxe Darth Vader: Approximate Retail Price: $49.99; Ages: 4 & up; Fall 2007)
One of the hottest toys of the 2006 holiday season, STAR WARS TRANSFORMERS will continue to grow in 2007 with the introduction of more than a dozen new STAR WARS TRANSFORMERS figures. Perhaps the most thrilling figure of the year will be the infamous DARTH VADER figure that converts into the ultimate weapon of the dark side, the DEATH STAR. Darth Vader stands more than 12 inches tall and features cool electronic lights and sounds. Other figures will include: MACE WINDU to Jedi Starfighter, DARTH VADER to TIE Fighter and LUKE SKYWALKER to an X-wing Fighter.
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Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
STAR WARS, the Force, lightsaber and related names and properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.
