13 Feb 2009 :: Calendar Alert
Today's events from the SWNZ Calendar :
05:00pm ::
The Clone Wars episode screens on Cartoon Network, SkyTV.
08:00pm ::
The Clone Wars episode screens on Cartoon Network, SkyTV.
SWNZ-X1a
13 Feb 2009 :: Celebration 3 Day 3
From the selection of SWNZ Feature Articles:
Today seemed to be mainly about meeting Star Wars celebrities. New Zealanders Daniel Logan and Temuera Morrison, Episode 1 star Jake Lloyd, and droid master Don Bies. But the day opened with a... ...MORE
SWNZ-X1a
10 Feb 2009 :: Affiliate Update - Sale at StarWarsShop.com
StarWarsShop Clearance Sale - Up to 60 percent off nearly 100 listed items. Follow the link!
Matt G
06 Feb 2009 :: The Clone Wars on SkyTV
Sky TV is screening The Clone Wars on Fridays, starting with a preview special at 5:30pm today (on Cartoon Network - this differs from the advertised schedule in the SkyWatch magazine). Regular episodes commence next Friday (13th February) at 5:00pm, on Cartoon Network. That means the series is now available to book recording if you're lucky enough to have a
My Sky box... as you can book shows about one week in advance.
Matt G
with thanks to Stephen T
02 Feb 2009 :: Around the Web - Yoda's News
Yodasnews.com have asked us to pass on their latest news scoop: Yodasnews Turns 5!
Starting today and for the entire month of February, Yodasnews is celebrating its fifth anniversary. As with previous anniversaries, we will give away TONS of amazing prizes for both casual readers and forum members, and there will be special events that will test your creativity, competitive trivia nights (in our new chat room), and much more. Some of the items up for grabs include a Sideshow Exclusive Edition Dagobah Luke Skywalker Premium Format statue, Attakus Sandtrooper Sergeant Exclusive Statue, Various Gentle Giant mini-busts and maquettes, sets of Hasbro figures, books, cookie jars, over a half-dozen Kotobukiya vinyl model kits and more!
You can see these as well as other prizes at the Yodasnews.com Prize Page; we kick off the festivities with a particularly spectacular prize, an eFX Phase 1 Clonetrooper helmet from Attack of the Clones! Check out Yodasnews.com for all the info!
Mark
Yodasnews.com
01 Feb 2009 :: SWNZ Mailing List
You can now subscribe to the SWNZ, Star Wars New Zealand mailing list, in order to receive email notifications of major stories on the SWNZ website (service provided by FeedBurner.com). Simply click the email icon above this message...or click here.
Matt G
31 Jan 2009 :: Where Science Meets Imagination Exhibition, Sydney
The Where Science Meets Imagination event is a traveling Star Wars museum exposition, featuring over eighty props and costumes from the Lucasfilm Archives - spanning all six films - that started in October 2005 and, initially, moved around the United States. Although it didn't make it to New Zealand, it came pretty close, setting up at one non-US venue - the Powerhouse museum in Sydney, Australia (from December 2008 through to April 2009).
In the not too distant past, displays of actual Star Wars props and costumes were rare events. The Art of Star Wars, in the United Kingdom, opened the door on such behind-the-scene treasures from 2000-2002, and the Magic of Myth exposition traveled the US for a number of years before a final stop in Sydney in late 2002. Now, items from the Lucasfilm archives are shown all around the world at a number of different types of events, including more touring exhibitions, fashion shows (eg, the FIDM Museum Dressing a Galaxy costume extravaganza), and conventions such as Celebration III and Celebration IV. Where Science Meets Imagination continues in that tradition, but has been officially described as not focusing on Star Wars per se; rather, "...it's about our world, and our future...Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination uses the science fantasy of the Star Wars films to inspire us to examine different future possibilities, even if they may seem impossibilities today."... ...MORE
Matt G
30 Jan 2009 :: The New Zealand Connexion
As a follow on from our review of the NZ Collection a few days back, it's worth taking a look back at some of SWNZ's other exclusive New Zealand content... particularly for the benefit of newer and international readers, here's a look at The New Zealand Connexion: For the greater part of the Star Wars history, New Zealand has felt like the civilization farthest from the bright centre of the Universe. The dissemination of information via the internet started to change that, as did the tantalising proximity of The Phantom Menace's Sydney production, but nothing compared to the revelation that New Zealanders would be included in the cast of The Attack of the Clones. Shortland Street stars as bounty hunters and galactic miscreants? The lead actor and actress of Once Were Warriors once again playing in the same scenes on the big screen?
And now, the NZ connexion lives on in Episode 3, with the return of Bodie, Rena, Tem and Jay. And the connexion goes beyond just our favourite actors: designers, artists...want to find out a little bit more about their life before Star Wars? ...MORE
Matt G
28 Jan 2009 :: Message from eFX Collectibles
The following message has come in from the Customer Service Manager for eFX Collectibles: We are now offering the AOTC Clone Trooper Captain Helmet (1:1 scale replica) to our international friends. This helmet is a StarWarsShop.com exclusive but they have been gracious enough to let us sell a small amount(50) of their helmets to our international customers. New Zealanders can now order directly from us. If anyone would like to order one, they can send us an email to [email protected].
We are also having a sale on our AOTC Clone Trooper Helmet. It was originally US$429.00 but is on sale now for US$349.00. To make it easier for our international friends, we are now offering USPS shipping.
To view pics, please check out our blog at myspace.com/efxcollectibles.
Amy Blanchard
Customer Service Manager for eFX Collectibles
26 Jan 2009 :: Teaser Pics - WSMI Tour & Gallery
Very soon we'll be posting a full gallery and report from the "Where Science Meets Imagination" Star Wars exhibition currently on in Australia. In the meantime, above are a couple of photos to whet readers' appetites.
Related article: 17 Aug 2008, Where Science Meets Imagination Exhibition, Sydney
Related link: Powerhouse Museum exhibition page
Matt G
22 Jan 2009 :: Star Wars Headlines from the Web
SWNZ-X1a
21 Jan 2009 :: Armageddon Auckland 2007
From the selection of SWNZ Feature Articles: Maybe it's because I'm addicted to the Armageddon conventions, but these pulp expo events just seem to get better and better. There was disappointment amongst Star Wars fans when it was announced... ...MORE
SWNZ-X1a
20 Jan 2009 :: Coming Soon - WSMI Tour & Gallery
Starting very soon we'll be taking a look, in a couple of instalments, at the "Where Science Meets Imagination" Star Wars exhibition currently on in Australia. The "Where Science Meets Imagination" event is a traveling Star Wars museum exposition that has been moving around the US since October 2005. Although it won't make it to New Zealand, its current venue is the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney...given the rarity of such opportunities in this part of the globe, this is definitely close enough to consider trying to get over to from NZ! Expect to see props, costumes from all of the Star Wars movies, and interactive displays as a tool to introduce modern science and technology as it relates to that seen in the Star Wars universe.
Related article: 17 Aug 2008, Where Science Meets Imagination Exhibition, Sydney
Related link: Powerhouse Museum exhibition page
Matt G
19 Jan 2009 :: Battlefront III Artwork
IGN.com is abuzz with new Battlefront III material: Two more leaked pieces of character art made their way onto our desks this morning, and they're likely the most exciting thing we've seen from Star Wars Battlefront III (including the leaked YouTube footage from yesterday). They show a design for someone named Dark Obi-Wan. There's a description in the upper-left of one of the images that reads: "An old man, gnarled by the corruption of the dark side. Mostly a hermit, he wanders searching for places and things with strong connections to the dark side. Any artifacts he finds, (e.g. force crystals, talismans, bones) he keeps about his person in pouches or threaded through his clothes. Currently, found in the swamps of Dagobah."
Read the article at au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/945/945832p1.html.
And check out the leaked footage - youtube.com/watch?v=azxGBYm41Z8 - before it disappears.
Freddy C
19 Jan 2009 :: Affiliate Update - Sandtroopers.com
SWNZ Affiliate Sandtroopers.com has sent through the following announcement about their charity benefit program: We begin our Make It Better 2009 campaign with a new twist to our charity benefit program. Instead of one or two prizes, this time we're going to open things up with FOUR spectacular prizes! We do need to see your identification and ask that you register in our forums and let us know you made your donation. We will begin accepting donations tomorrow and 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Sturge-Weber Foundation. We will select the winner on February 28, 2009. For more check out the details page.
C.Spice
Sandtroopers.com
18 Jan 2009 :: The New Zealand Collection
If you are new to SWNZ's audience, you might be interested to examine the full scope and content of one of its main (and continually being updated) subsections, The New Zealand Collection: Because of its isolated location, New Zealand has traditionally not seen much in the way of locally exclusive toys or collectibles. This has appeared to change somewhat over time with the globalisation of merchandising (i.e., we are exposed to licensed items from large, international corporations like Pepsi and KFC), but the costs involved in niche licensing still limit our truly exclusive pickings compared to larger countries, in particular the USA.
Having said that we do in fact have quite an interesting history of unique product harking right back to the very beginning...1977. Geographic isolation and modest population numbers have influenced the story of NZ Star Wars collectibles in other ways: some items and sets were produced in small numbers only, and have become quite sought after due to their rarity.
This New Zealand Collection section chronicles such collectibles... ...MORE
Matt G
17 Jan 2009 :: Around the Web - STAR WARS: Revisited
Adrian "Adywan" Sayce is the fan responsible for STAR WARS: Revisited fan edit, and after his two years of labor, he has succeeded in producing everything we expected and more. His cut of the film runs for 127 minutes, as opposed to the 121 minutes release on the SE DVDs. His cut also re-works all of the audio, incorporating several new lines from Mark Hamil's role of Luke in the Radio Drama and the original mono video release. This reworked audio plays in true 5.1 surround sound with no more nasty channel flipping (in the SE release various voices would start out on the left and then randomly flip to right, or vice versa). The hum of the lightsaber, which has become so iconic to the film, has also had its sound drastically improved with a subwoofer track to give it a nice, deep, vibrating hum. For those of you who do not speak English as your native language, I've been told the subtitles have been redone to properly portray what is being said rather than directly translate phrases that may not make sense in another language.
STAR WARS REVISITED: FanEdit.org/517/
and currently in progress:
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK REVISITED: youtube.com/watch?v=mTUQJmgWUsQ
Great to see the Original Trilogy is alive and well :-)
Freddy C
16 Jan 2009 :: Star Wars Insider no.106
The January 2009 issue of the Star Wars Insider (no.82 for the UK edition, no.106 for the US edition) came out during the holiday break - it's worth taking a quick look at, and Clone Wars aficionados in particular will want to track it down via their local bookstore. Key amongst the feature articles is an eight page guide to the first season (10 episodes) of the Clone Wars television series, which systematically summarises the plots and characters involved (I realise that New Zealand still does not have access to it via public channels, but it looks like the first four episodes will be released on DVD sometime around March).
Also noteworthy is reference to the new Old Republic massively multiplayer online PC game, an interview with The Force Unleashed sound designer, David W. Collins, and a five page flashback to famous/infamous Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978... ...MORE
Matt G
15 Jan 2009 :: Promoting SWNZ with DIGG
Do you want to help share and promote Star Wars New Zealand and its content? Social bookmarking is a way to store, organize, share and search bookmarks of web pages. In a social bookmarking system, users save links to web pages that they want to remember and/or share. A new feature on SWNZ is a link in the bottom right of any news story that, when clicked, will promote that content on Digg.com. If the story has not previously been posted to Digg, then, once registered (a free process), you can be the first poster; if the article already exists in the Digg network, then your click-through reinforces it. You can then organise your favourite stories for future reference.
What is Digg? (From the Digg.com website).
"Digg is a place for people to discover and share content from anywhere
on the web. From the biggest online destinations to the most obscure blog, Digg surfaces the best stuff as voted on by our users. You won't find editors at Digg - we're here to provide a place where people can collectively determine the value of content and we're changing the way people consume information online.
How do we do this? Everything on Digg - from news to videos to images to Podcasts - is submitted by our community (that would be you). Once something is submitted, other people see it and Digg what they like best. If your submission rocks and receives enough Diggs, it is promoted to the front page for the millions of our visitors to see".
Matt G
12 Jan 2009 :: SWORA International Network Update
SWORA (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) International member Galactic-Voyage.com has send a communique to announce their "Droid Week"
In the past, they have had week long informational events like TIE Week, Empire Cut Scenes Week, Death Star Week, Obscure Characters Week, and Bothan Week. Along the same vain, they are offering Droid Week...be sure to stop by every day next week to learn information about lots of different droids.
Follow this link for the current list of S.W.O.R.A websites. Or, for an interesting perspective on the locations of S.W.O.R.A websites, check out the clickable S.W.O.R.A world map.
Matt G
11 Jan 2009 :: Around the Web - GalacticBinder.com
GalacticBinder.com has just posted a new feature interview with Gus Lopez, one of the original Star Wars 'super collectors'. Gus maintains one of the largest and most diverse collections of Star Wars memorabilia in the world and is a true authority on the hobby. Click here to jump straight to the interview.
Matt G
10 Jan 2009 :: Link to SWNZ
SWNZ wants to recruit your help to spread the word amongst Star Wars fans... above are a selection of buttons that can be downloaded (or hotlinked) to link in to Star Wars New Zealand. Feel free to use them on your websites, blogs, forum signatures etc, to help support SWNZ. The image URLs to choose between are:
- http://SWNZ.Dr-Maul.com/images/linkswnz.jpg
- http://SWNZ.Dr-Maul.com/images/linkswnz2.gif
- http://SWNZ.Dr-Maul.com/images/linkswnz3.jpg
- http://SWNZ.Dr-Maul.com/images/SWNZ_120x75a.gif
The website URL to link to is www.SWNZ.co.nz... ...MORE
Matt G
24 Dec 2008 :: Star Wars Headlines from the Web
SWNZ-X1a
23 Dec 2008 :: Making 2008 A Star Wars Christmas
There's still time (just) to contribute to the SWNZ Christmas festivities...and go in to the draw for an exclusive George Lucas in Stormtrooper disguise action figure! If you've put up any Star Wars decoration for the Christmas season, store-bought or, even better, home-made, take a quick photo, send it in and we'll get it online as a virtual ornament for the website straight away (full competition details).
Matt G
23 Dec 2008 :: Store Report - K-Mart and Farmers
The latest K-Mart mailer has the Hasbro Clone Wars AT TE on sale - $60 off, now $109 each (until 24th Dec).
Farmers also has Star Wars items on sale - until 24th Dec:
- Playskool Mr Potato Head Star Wars (spudtrooper, Artoo-potatoo and Darth Tater) usually $24.99, now $19.99 each.
- Hasbro Clone Wars commemorative dvd 3-pack figures - usually $49.99, now $39.99 each - exclusive to Farmers.
- Hasbro Star Wars Transformers - usually $29.99, now $23.99 each.
- Hasbro 30th Anniversary 3 3/4" figures - usually $17.99, now $14.39 each.
- Hasbro Ultimate Lightsaber kit set - usually $99.99, now $79.99 each.
Anaria
22 Dec 2008 :: Making 2008 A Star Wars Christmas
There's still time to contribute to the SWNZ Christmas festivities...and go in to the draw for an exclusive George Lucas in Stormtrooper disguise action figure! If you've put up any Star Wars decoration for the Christmas season, store-bought or, even better, home-made, take a quick photo, send it in and we'll get it online as a virtual ornament for the website straight away (full competition details).
Matt G
22 Dec 2008 :: Star Wars Headlines - Alltop.com
Here's an online service that's sure to be of use to those who like to stay current with all the Star Wars news from around the world wide web. Alltop.com aggregates RSS feeds from large news sites into topic pages so you can, at a glance, keep up to date with your favourite interests. Star Wars New Zealand is included in their Star Wars page - check it out at StarWars.AllTop.com.
Matt G
21 Dec 2008 :: Making 2008 A Star Wars Christmas
There's still time to contribute to the SWNZ Christmas festivities...and go in to the draw for an exclusive George Lucas in Stormtrooper disguise action figure! If you've put up any Star Wars decoration for the Christmas season, store-bought or, even better, home-made, take a quick photo, send it in and we'll get it online as a virtual ornament for the website straight away (full competition details).
Matt G
20 Dec 2008 :: Clone Wars DVD competition
The price of The Clone Wars DVDs has been jumping around (I got my copy for
$30 from Whitcoulls), but for those who want a chance to win a free copy,
the latest issue of TV Guide has a competition...
TV Guide and Warner Bros have five Star Wars: The Clone Wars prize packs to give away. Each pack includes a DVD, a movie poster, toy, T-shirt, activity book and lightsabre.
To enter the draw, write your name, address and postcode on the back of an envelope and send it to:
Star Wars: The Clone Wars,
TV Guide,
PO Box 5317,
Wellesley Street,
Auckland 1141
by Wednesday, 7 January, 2009.
The "toy" is a standard 3 3/4" figure. It doesn't show a picture of the lightsabre.
The same issue (27 December - 2 January) also has a simple kid's maze
puzzle on page 124 where Anakin has to get to Ahsoka.
Buzz Bumble
16 Dec 2008 :: Making 2008 A Star Wars Christmas
Want to help deck the SWNZ website with a bit of Star Wars festive cheer...and go in to the draw for an exclusive George Lucas in Stormtrooper disguise action figure? If you've put up any Star Wars decoration for the Christmas season, store-bought or, even better, home-made, take a quick photo, send it in and we'll get it online as a virtual ornament for the website straight away (full competition details).
Matt G
15 Dec 2008 :: Store Reports - The Clone Wars DVD
The Clone Wars DVD is released in a couple of days (17th December). Here are some of the options and deals you can access online:
- The Clone Wars - Blu-Ray, from Fishpond.co.nz, $55.98.
- The Clone Wars - DVD, from Fishpond.co.nz, $39.99.
- The Clone Wars - Blu-Ray, from MightApe.co.nz, $49.95. Get free shipping (courier delivery), and go in to win 1 of 3 prize packs each containing a Star Wars Lightsaber, Star Wars Comic book and Star Wars action figure.
- The Clone Wars - DVD (2-disc), from MightyApe.co.nz, $39.95. Get free shipping (courier delivery) if your total order is $49.95 or more, and go in to win 1 of 3 prize packs each containing a Star Wars Lightsaber, Star Wars Comic book and Star Wars action figure.
Matt G
11 Dec 2008 :: SWNZ Holiday Competition
The current SWNZ Holiday Competition runs until Christmas and has a very cool George Lucas in stormtrooper disguise Saga Collection action figure as a prize (part of the Hasbro line celebrating and recreating the vintage-style packaging, this George Lucas figure was only available as a mail-in redemption offer)... ...MORE
Matt G
10 Dec 2008 :: Sir Julius Vogel Sci-Fi Awards
The Sir Julius Vogel sub-committee of SFFANZ is currently accepting nominations for science fiction and fantasy works first published or released in the 2008 calendar year. Nominations open on 1 December 2008 and close on 28 February 2009 inclusive.
The Sir Julius Vogel awards are fan voted awards for various endeavours in the science fiction, fantasy or horror fields. Professional nominations can be for novels, short stories, art and others. Fan nominations can be for fanzine, writing, art, Services to Fandom, Services to Science Fiction and more. For more information about SFFANZ and the SJV Awards, please go to the SFFANZ web-site sffanz.sf.org.nz.
To make a nomination please email [email protected]. Please send one nomination per email and include as many contact details as possible for the nominee as well as yourself. You can find full details about the nomination procedures and rules, including eligibility criteria at sffanz.sf.org.nz/sjv/sjvAwards.shtml. A detailed nomination FAQ can be found at sffanz.sf.org.nz/sjv/sjvAwardsNominationGuidelines.shtml.
The voting will occur at Conscription, www.conscription.co.nz/ConScription/ - the national science fiction convention being held in Auckland, New Zealand over Queen's Birthday, 27 May - 1 June 2009.
SFFANZ Press
09 Dec 2008 :: Making 2008 A Star Wars Christmas
Want to help deck the SWNZ website with a bit of Star Wars festive cheer...and go in to the draw for an exclusve George Lucas in Stormtrooper disguise action figure? If you've put up any Star Wars decoration for the Christmas season, store-bought or, even better, home-made, take a quick photo, send it in and we'll get it online as a virtual ornament for the website straight away (full competition details).
Matt G
08 Dec 2008 :: SWNZ RSS Feed
SWNZ offers an RSS feed as a means to access significant SWNZ headlines. Users of Firefox Live Bookmarks, iGoogle, My Yahoo!, or many other tools/widgets for reading and subscribing to RSS feeds can access the major SWNZ headlines through this URL to the XML file... ...MORE
Matt G
05 Dec 2008 :: SWNZ Mailing List
You can now subscribe to the SWNZ, Star Wars New Zealand mailing list, in order to receive email notifications of major stories on the SWNZ website (service provided by FeedBurner.com). Simply click the email icon above this message...or click here.
Matt G
05 Dec 2008 :: Current Outpost-42 Forum Topics
The Outpost-42 (New Zealand 501st Imperial costuming group) forums have a subsection for general (Star Wars and related sci-fi) costuming and prop collecting. Check out the most recently active topics from that section - you can register to join in the discussions:
- Who can sew here?
- Costumes for Armageddon
- Horror fan film teaser
- "Who watches the Watchmen"
- AVP elder resinkit
- "This is Sparta"
SWNZ-X1a
04 Dec 2008 :: Making 2008 A Star Wars Christmas
Want to help deck the SWNZ website with a bit of Star Wars festive cheer...and go in to the draw for an exclusve George Lucas in Stormtrooper disguise action figure? If you've put up any Star Wars decoration for the Christmas season, store-bought or, even better, home-made, take a quick photo, send it in and we'll get it online as a virtual ornament for the website straight away (full competition details).
Matt G
04 Dec 2008 :: Smiths City Santa Parade, Christchurch
Just a quick heads-up for people in or near Christchurch - the Smiths City Santa Parade this Sunday (December 7h) will feature a Star Wars-themed entry with parading, costumed characters. It should be another great family event.
Matt G
04 Dec 2008 :: The Clone Wars DVDs
Whitcoulls is advertising the Clone Wars movie on DVD for $29.99 (in store from Dec 17th).
Blockbuster has a competition to win a Hasbro Clone Wars action figure when you rent the Clone Wars movie (one figure per store to be won, ends Dec 31st).
Anaria
03 Dec 2008 :: Farmers Santa Parade, Auckland 2008
The 75th Farmers Santa Parade took place in downtown Auckland this past weekend (Sunday 30th November). An estimated quarter-million spectators were packed tightly along Mayoral Drive, Queen and Albert Streets to cheer on the 200 floats and countless paraders which included a Hasbro-sponsored Star Wars entry. A dozen costumed members of the Outpost-42 and Rebel Legion NZ fan groups joined clone-helmeted Hasbro staff to promote all things Star Wars (including Hasbro toys and collectibles, bought to our attention in time for Christmas, of course!)... ...MORE
Matt G
Photos by Wayne Cleary
02 Dec 2008 :: SWNZ Holiday Competition
To celebrate the imminent holiday season in Star Wars style, we're going to herald in the revelry with Star Wars website decorations again. You too can help deck the SWNZ website with a bit of Star Wars cheer. If you've put up any Star Wars decoration, display, or greeting card for the festive season (store-bought or, even better, home-made) take a quick digital photo, send it in (to [email protected]), and, as well as getting it online as a virtual ornament, you'll go in the random draw to win an exclusive, and very cool, George Lucas in stormtrooper disguise Saga Collection action figure (part of the Hasbro line celebrating and recreating the vintage-style packaging, this George Lucas figure was only available as a mail-in redemption offer). Fun and easy!
This competition will run up until midnight of Christmas eve, and the winner will be announced on Boxing Day (26th December)!... ...MORE
Matt G
01 Dec 2008 :: Making 2008 A Star Wars Christmas
It's the first day of December today, and we want to celebrate the imminent holiday season in Star Wars style. Summer festivities, public holidays, and Christmas merriment; we're going to herald in the revelry with Star Wars website decorations again. You too can help deck the SWNZ website with a bit of Star Wars cheer. If you've put up any Star Wars decoration for the festive season, store-bought or, even better, home-made, take a quick photo, send it in (click here), and we'll get it online as a virtual ornament for the website straight away.
But wait, there's more... stay tuned for an announcement tomorrow... if you contribute to the adornment of SWNZ, you'll be placed in the draw for a great Star Wars prize.
Matt G
30 Nov 2008 :: Trilogy DVDs and new books
Whitcoulls in Glenfield (Auckland) had a couple of the new Trilogy packs in
collectors' tins rather than the normal cardboard boxes. I only saw the Original Trilogy version and they were priced at $50.
Whitcoulls, Borders and Dymocks all have paperback copies of the first two
"Coruscant Nights" books at around the usual $25 price, although which
books tends to vary from branch to branch. Whitcoulls in Albany (Auckland) also had one paperback copy of the "Order 66" novel, but it was priced at nearly $30!.
Buzz Bumble
29 Nov 2008 :: New Zealand Womans' Weekly Comics - Updated
Updated with new pics of the comic pages in 1979 magazines - Almost all Star Wars fans who were around between 1979 and 1984 will immediately recognise the particular shade of pink bordering the above images. For nearly a full five years, every seven days the New Zealand Woman's Weekly magazine would bring a full-colour dose of your favourite characters in exciting new adventures - some definitely well-expanded beyond the canonical Star Wars Universe, but others very closely tied into the Original Trilogy of films. The characteristic pink border, unique to the New Zealand renditions of these comic strips, meant the reader could readily skip past the less relevant articles of the Womans' Weekly (depending on your point of view) to the serialised Star Wars goodness... ...MORE
Matt G
28 Nov 2008 :: Current Outpost-42 Forum Topics
The Outpost-42 (New Zealand 501st Imperial costuming group) forums have a subsection for general Star Wars discussion. Check out the most recently active topics from that section - you can register to have your say in the threads:
- Heart of an Empire
- The Clone Wars
- Another funny teaser
- Lightsaber effects in Photoshop
- Cool Star Wars YouTube videos
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
SWNZ-X1a
28 Nov 2008 :: Affiliate Update- MightyApe.co.nz
Star Wars New Zealand affiliate MightyApe.co.nz (previously known as GPStore) has a product range that now spans books, music and toys in addition to the previously stocked games and DVDs. You can still get gift ideas delivered in time for Christmas. Check out these examples:
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars, hardback, by Karen Traviss, $57.99
- Star Wars: The Comics Companion, paperback, by Ryder Windham, $71.99
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Original Soundtrack, audio CD, $25.99
- Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back, Original Soundtrack, audio CD, $31.99
- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, for Playstation 2, $79.95
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Lightsaber Duels, for Nintendo Wii, $109.95
- Clone Wars series 1 Anakin Skywalker keychain, $17.95
- Clone Wars series 1 Clone Commander Rex keychain, $17.95
- Star Wars Trilogy - Episodes IV, V, VI, 6-disc DVD Box Set, $49.95
-
Star Wars Prequel Trilogy - Episodes I, II, III, 6-disc DVD Box Set, $49.95
Each purchase made via a link on the SWNZ website helps contribute to the running costs of SWNZ!
The following links will help you peruse their Star Wars range:
- Star Wars books
- Star Wars music
- Star Wars games
- Star Wars toys
- Star Wars DVDs
Matt G
27 Nov 2008 :: KFC Special Edition Promotion - Updated
Updated with new pics - With the announcement in 2008 that McDonalds will be carrying promotional tie-ins for the Clone Wars theatrical release, all of the main fast food franchises (KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King and McD's) in New Zealand have had their turn running with the Star Wars license. For the period between and including the Original Trilogy Special Editions, and Episode 1, KFC/Pizza Hut and Pepsi were the flag-bearers for the Star Wars universe.
At KFC outlets in New Zealand (and Australia), you could, for $4.25, purchase a "kids meal" that included some incidental food items, and a one of six Star Wars action toys!... ...MORE
Matt G
26 Nov 2008 :: Store Report - K-Mart, Pez
The latest brochure from K-Mart is advertising a new Star Wars item not
often seen in New Zealand... Giant Star Wars PEZ, $19.98 each.
PEZ is an American candy and the small lollies come in tubes with a plastic
dispenser on the top, often using licensed characters. The picture in the
K-Mart brochure shows versions with R2-D2, Darth Vader, Clone Trooper and
Yoda. All are using the new blue-n-white Star Wars packaging. Normal PEZ
dispensers are 10cm high, but these "giant" ones are three times as high
(30cm).
Buzz Bumble
25 Nov 2008 :: Farmers Santa Parade, Auckland
Just a quick heads-up for people in or near Auckland - the Farmers Santa Parade this Sunday (November 30th) will feature a Star Wars-themed float, supported by parading, costumed characters. It promises to be a great family event, with fine weather predicted.
Matt G
24 Nov 2008 :: Store Report - Farmers
The latest Farmers brochure arrived over the weekend. The Star Wars pricing
is pretty much the same as everywhere else, but the Indiana Jones prices
could be of interest:
- Indiana Jones 12" figures, save 50%, now $19.99
- Indiana Jones movie vehicles, save 50%, now $27.49
- Star Wars Force Unleashed Deluxe Lightsaber, now $34.99
- Star Wars Mighty Muggs, save 20%, now $19.99
- Star Wars Clone Wars 3-3/4" figures, save 20%, now $14.39
- Star Wars AT-TE vehicle, save 20%, now $199.00
- Star Wars 3-3/4" Battle Packs, save 20%, $47.99
- Star Wars Millennium Falcon, save 25%, now $299
Offers available from Friday, 21 November until Friday, 12 December, 2008.
Buzz Bumble
24 Nov 2008 :: Store Report - Calendar Club Update
Calendar Club stalls have got another Star Wars item. This time it's an
appointment diary which is priced at about $25.
Buzz Bumble
23 Nov 2008 :: McDonalds 'The Clone Wars' Promotion
Although no longer available from McDonalds, completist collectors can still easily track down these toys on the secondary market. In August of 2008, shortly after the theatrical release of The Clone Wars, McDonalds restaurants in New Zealand quietly ran a Clone Wars Happy Meal promotion, based on the animated-style collectibles available in the US. The bobble-headed merchandise was available with $5 Happy Meals, or could be purchased for $2.50 separately - only 8 out of the 18 action toys available in the US were released (Anakin Skywalker, Asajj Ventress, Darth Vader, Padme Amidala, Captain Rex, Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka Tano).
There wasn't any associated advertising or other Clone Wars materials (the Happy Meal bags, for instance, were just a generic version). The promotion came and went fairly quickly... ...MORE
Matt G
22 Nov 2008 :: Store Report - New Legacy Collection Figures
For those who haven't spotted them, the latest wave of The Legacy Collection action figures have been showing up in a number of stores around New Zealand. This wave includes Stass Allie (BD23), Commander Faie (BD24), General Grievous (BD25), Bail Organa (BD26), Breha Organa (BD27), FX-6 (BD28) and Clone Trooper/Commander (BD29).
Matt G
21 Nov 2008 :: SWNZ Mailing List (New!)
You can now subscribe to the SWNZ, Star Wars New Zealand mailing list, in order to receive email notifications of major stories on the SWNZ website (service provided by FeedBurner.com). Simply use the link in the main menu on the left-hand side of this page...or click here.
Matt G
21 Nov 2008 :: Store Report - Calendar Club Update
Calendar Club stalls also now have a small desk calendar called "Star Wars
From Concept to Screen 2009 Box Calendar" priced at $25. This has one page
per day and each page has concept drawing and finished movie character/object images.
The man at the Milford Shopping Centre (Auckland) said there were two more
Star Wars calendars, but still not sure when, or even if, they will arrive.
Buzz Bumble
20 Nov 2008 :: Store Report - Calendar Club
The Calendar Club stalls in shopping malls have got a 2009 Clone Wars
calendar priced at $28 that includes a DVD-ROM (which, according to the
cover has desktop wallpaper calendars on it).
The person running the one in the Westfield Albany mall (Auckland) said
they are getting more Star Wars calendars, but wasn't sure when they were
arriving.
Of course, if you can wait until after Christmas they will be half-price... except they may have sold out by then.
Buzz Bumble
20 Nov 2008 :: Star Wars Costuming in NZ
Do you have an interest in Star Wars (or other sci-fi) costuming and/or prop-collecting? You might like to check out the General Costuming and Prop-Building/Collecting forum on the New Zealand 501st message boards. There you can see people collections and projects, discuss ideas and get advice related to costuming and collecting in New Zealand.
Matt G
19 Nov 2008 :: Star Wars Insider no.105
The December 2008 issue of the Star Wars Insider (no.81 for the UK edition, no.105 for the US edition) is out and about - in the mailbox of New Zealand subscribers and on bookstore magazine shelves.
This installment celebrates 25 years of Return of the Jedi with a multi-page "visual commentary". The Clone Wars coverage includes a conversation with Matt Wood, on the subject of "voicing Grievous"; and, on the topic of voice talent, Adrienne Wilkinson, who portrays Maris Brood in The Force Unleashed is interviewed. The year that the "flashback" section inspects is 1996...Shadows of the Empire is the big event of that era, and the first hints of information about The Phantom Menace have just started to surface.
The latest toys, books and comics are covered, and the collectibles section delves in to 30 years of Star Wars lunch boxes. The "Science of Star Wars" section continues, and the "Effects Maestros" series of articles talks to Ken Ralston, who started working in the miniature and optical effects shop at ILM during A New Hope, and worked through the Jedi... ...MORE
Matt G
13 Nov 2008 :: Affiliate Update- MightyApe.co.nz
Star Wars New Zealand affiliate MightyApe.co.nz has announced that they have Star Wars: The Clone Wars prize packs up for grabs, in conjunction with the launching in NZ, on December 17th, of The Clone Wars on both DVD and Blu-Ray. The prize packs each contain a Star Wars lightsaber, Star Wars Comic book and Star Wars action figure! To be in to win, simply pre-order Star Wars: The Clone Wars before December 17th.
- The Clone Wars movie - 2-disc DVD
- The Clone Wars movie - Blu-Ray
Click here to view their entire Star Wars range, which includes toys, books, DVDs, games and music.
Matt G
11 Nov 2008 :: Around the Web - GalacticBinder.com
GalacticBinder.com has just posted a new article entitled "The Top 10 Most Expensive Star Wars Items Ever Sold". A lot of research has gone into this one, and all items have been ranked in 2008 inflation adjusted dollars to reflect current value. Click here to jump straight to the top 10 list.
Matt G
10 Nov 2008 :: Around the Web - Yoda's News
Yodasnews.com have asked us to pass on their latest news scoop: Seth Green and Matt Senreich chat with Mark from Yodasnews.com about the upcoming Robot Chicken Star Wars Episode II Special! The executive producers of "Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II" take time out of their busy schedules to talk with them about creating the new special, what was easier this time around, what fans can look forward to and much more
Mark
Yodasnews.com
08 Nov 2008 :: Store Report - JB Hi-Fi
In yesterday's NZ Herald, JB Hi-Fi was advertising the new releases of the
"Prequel Trilogy" and "Trilogy" DVD triple-packs - both are $39.98 with "Limited stock".
Buzz Bumble
07 Nov 2008 :: Fishpond.co.nz - Christmas Shopping
SWNZ affiliate Fishpond.co.nz is the website to go for Star Wars books, CDs and DVDs. At the time of writing, their catalogue contains 1,475,044 books, 223,121 CDs, and 12,134 DVDs, which includes upcoming releases available for pre-order. Here are some of their listings for Star Wars items currently available - order now in time for Christmas:
- Star Wars: Scum and Villainy: A Star Wars Roleplaying Game Supplement, $74.53 (with free delivery in NZ).
- The Clone Wars Starter: A Star Wars Miniatures Game Starter, $29.48.
- Star Wars Rebellion, Volume 3: Small Victories (graphic novel), $25.97.
- Star Wars Fandex Deluxe Edition, $28.95.
- Star Wars Darth Bane Rule of Two (paperback), $18.95.
- Order 66: A Republic Commando Novel (paperback), $23.95.
- The Clone Wars, Operation: Huttlet (paperback), $11.98.
- Star Wars: Luke Skywalker, Last Hope for the Galaxy (slipcased hardcover), $196.41.
- Boba Fett - Man with a Mission (graphic novel), $34.98.
- Music From the Star Wars Saga (music CD), $13.99.
- The Making of 'Star Wars': The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film (hardcover), $128.46 (with free delivery in NZ).
- Star Wars, the Ultimate Visual Guide (hardcover), $47.60.
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Matt G
07 Nov 2008 :: SWNZ Mailing List (New!)
You can now subscribe to the SWNZ, Star Wars New Zealand mailing list, in order to receive email notifications of major stories on the SWNZ website (service provided by FeedBurner.com). Simply use the link in the main menu on the left-hand side of this page...or click here.
Matt G
05 Nov 2008 :: Store Reports
The latest K-Mart and Toy World mailers have some good Star Wars specials.
K-Mart (sale ends today...you've still got time if you're quick):
Hasbro -
Millenium Falcon - currently $199 save $70
Clone Wars Ultimate lightsaber - currently $79.95 save $16
Clone trooper voice changer helmet - currently $69.95 save $10
Clone Wars Republic Gunship - currently $89 save $40
Clone Wars Ultimate battle pack - currently $79.95 save $35
Lego -
Magna Guard starfighter #7673 - currently $59.99 save $15
Clone Wars The Twilight #7680 - currently $135.20 save $33.80
AT-TE Walker #7675 - currently $127.20 save $31.80
Toy World - sale ends 28th November:
Hasbro -
3 3/4" basic figure assortment - $19.99 each
Clone Wars projection torch - $12.99 each
Clone Wars printed wall clock - currently $19.99 save $5
Lightsaber twin-pack - $49.99 each
Clone trooper voice changer helmet - $79.99
Ultimate lightsaber building kit - currently $79.99 save $20
Unleashed Battle pack - $24.99 Toy World Exclusive
Millenium Falcon - $349.99
Lego -
Fighter Tank #7679 - $99.99 Toy World Exclusive
Separist Spider Droid #7681 - $49.99 Toy World Exclusive
Other -
R2-D2 Junior Laptop - currently $49.99 save $10
Anaria
04 Nov 2008 :: Collector Spotlights - We Want You!
Those of you that have been regular visitors for a while will be familiar with the 'Collector Spotlight' articles that show up from time to time. In these, New Zealand Star Wars fans share photos of their collection, and tell a little bit about themselves and their hobbies, as brief or as detailed as they like.
Well, there is plenty of space for more! If you want to show off your collection, big or small, rare, interesting or completist, email me to send in your photos and story, or if you have any questions.
Matt G
03 Nov 2008 :: Hot Topics on the SWORA International Forums
The SWORA (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) International forums are a site where Star Wars fans from all around the world can get together to share discussions on events an hobbies from the global stage. If you're not already a member, it's easy to join. The following are some of the interesting current threads:
- TR- Travel to Matmata
- Invasion Belfast-N.Ireland Oct 4-5 with Vader,Greedo,Tessek
- Star Wars Drawing
- ES- Star Wars JEHES V
- Star Wars Costuming
- Fun Stuff from Gerald
- SWORA Photo Galleries
Follow this link for the current list of S.W.O.R.A websites. Or, for an interesting perspective on the locations of S.W.O.R.A websites, check out the clickable S.W.O.R.A world map.
Matt G
02 Nov 2008 :: Bing Harris Sargood Masks
A current article on the StarWars.com website, entitled Vintage Costume Scrapbook, holds particular relevance for kiwi Star Wars fans in that it includes images of the 1983, made-in-NZ, Bing Harris Sargood character masks. Bing Harris Sargood Ltd was perhaps one of New Zealand's most prolific manufacturer of varied Star Wars merchandise. Many of their lines reflect the products Bing Harris Sargood had been known for, for many decades (clothing, bedding, towels etc), but some expanded their range, like a set of six ROTJ-based masks - Yoda, Chewbacca, Wicket, Gamorrean Guard, Admiral Ackbar and Jabba the Hutt. Although most of those characters were also produced as masks by Don Post Studios in the USA, there are distinct differences that identify each of the BHS's versions. The Jabba mask seems to be the only representation of that character in such a format, from that era.
Related article: Bing Harris Sargood Ltd
Matt G
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They have a reasonable shipping policy which can be used to the advantage of international shoppers...if you buy up to a specified price-point, all items in your order will ship for the same flat fee.
