From the selection of SWNZ Feature Articles:
From 01 April 2005 through to 30 September 2005, Goodman Fielder ran a 'Revenge of the Sith' Promotion in association with their Uncle Tobys 'Chewy' muesli bars, and Fruit Roll-Ups. The concomitant... ...MORE
SWNZ-X1a
The Warehouse branches in Wellington have restocked with Droid Factory 2-Packs, a surprise as these are WalMart exclusives in the USA and are only just beginning to show up there. Lucky Kiwis! Get them while you can. They're pretty cool. Currently they are retailing for $34.95 each.
Daniel F
The latest news report to come in through the S.W.O.R.A (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) network arrives via Lightsabre.co.uk (England): This week we chat to Richard Chasemore of Incredible Cross Sections fame. Rich was very generous with his time and the results of the chat can be found on the site. Next week we talk with Mick Byrne of Knghts of the Empire, one of the UK's prominent costuming sites. Click here to jump directly to the interview.
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
Coming up in July there is going to be another "Underpants on the Outside" comic/sci-fi swapmeet in Grey Lynn. It's going to be bigger and better than ever at a ne venue - the Grey Lynn community centre in Richmond road (not the old library hall). Click on the above thumbnail to view the advertising poster.
Although this is not a Star Wars only event, people who have been before will know what a goldmine of Star Wars objet d'art it is. This is a bi-annual event and we are wanting to make it all things to all comic/sci-fi people. Anyone wanting to get behind this event in any way, shape or form, either with ideas on what you would like from an event like this, or wanting to display or get a costuming thing going, please contact Mario - 021 1620029. Or email him at [email protected].
Also...there will be free entry for people in costume!
Matt G
The Warehouse in Botany have released the brand new Droid Factory 2 packs. From what I saw they had the whole 1st wave! They retail at $34.99 each.
Darksider74
The Ferrit sale brochure arrived in the letterbox recently, with a few Star Wars and Indiana Jones items advertised...
15% off Lego (from "Out to Play" on Ferrit):
- Lego Star Wars X-wing Fighter; was $94.99 now $80.74 (save $14.25).
- Lego Indiana Jones Temple of Akator; was $175.99 now $149.59 (save $26.40).
Official Star Wars Force FX Lightsabers; was $419, now $299 (save ($120). Free delivery (from "Cyberdome" on Ferrit).
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Special Edition DVD; was $19.95, now $17.96 (from "Real Groovy" on Ferrit).
There may be more unadvertised items in the 'Out to Play' toy shop and 'Real Groovy' DVD shop - www.Ferrit.co.nz.
Buzz Bumble
Issue no.77 of the UK Star Wars Insider is starting to show up in the mailbox of New Zealand subscribers, and it should be on bookstore magazine shelves too...it's a little out of synch with its US equivalent (which is listed as no.101 on its cover) this time around (not clear why). We're also looking at a new format. 84 pages, and a slightly different array of regular features (but plenty of good, original content). Feature articles include an interview with Robert Watts (who fulfilled a number of production roles for all 3 original trilogy flicks), "The Greatest Ever Lightsaber Battles", a handy guide to the Star Wars expanded universe, and the first in a new series of articles about Star Wars' special effect maestros, starting with Richard Edlund. Other new sections include "The Science of Star Wars" and "A Long Time Ago"...flashback to the Star Wars phenomenon as seen in 1980... ...MORE
Matt G
Following on from a couple of updated collectibles articles in the last fortnight, it's worth taking a step back to look more widely at the full scope and content of one of SWNZ's main 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
Immediately prior to the December 1977 theatrical debut of 'Star Wars', the Listener magazine had an issue (10-16 Dec, 1977) with a couple of features pertaining to the galactic blockbuster. Well before the sequels (let alone the prequels), well before official websites and online discussion, the content of such articles gives interesting insight into Star Wars' reception and relative fanfare.
A sidebar article amongst wider discussion on the topic of the history of sci-fi starts: "Star Wars, the epic of struggle between pure of heart Republicans and evil dictators in a faraway galaxy, comes on-screen in New Zealand theatres this month.
Overseas, the film's box-office receipts are already climbing towards the all-time champion, Jaws, which grossed $200 million. Star Wars has already won inclusion in the American Film Institutes list of 10 all-time greats."
Also discussed is the leading edge of the merchandising phenomenon that has now lasted over 3 decades: "In New Zealand, Hodder & Stoughton have stocks of Star Wars paperbacks totaling 50,000, which they are confident of off-loading when Star fever gets under way. That sales figure would far surpass New Zealand's best selling science fiction book to date, Dune by Frank Herbert, which has sold 30,000 copies since 1965."
Separately, in the cinema section, the Listener's reviewer critiques the film that started it all; at times, the analysis hits on elements well ahead of its time... ...MORE
Matt G
GALACTICBINDER.COM - "IT BINDS THE GALAXY TOGETHER"
Looking for Star Wars on the web? Look no further! Ever wonder how big the online Star Wars galaxy really is? Well, drop by GalacticBinder.com to find out.
With over 1,000 sites already listed (and they're just getting started), GalacticBinder.com is the largest Star Wars specific directory in the galaxy. Use the advanced search and sorting capabilities to find links to Star Wars sites you never knew existed. Rate and review your favorite sites to let others know why they're the best. Drill down into over 125 specific categories to find exactly the types of sites you're looking for - eliminating having to wade through non-relevant results from the major search engines.
You can also enter the free giveaway for your chance to win a PROMO 'Mynock Hunt' Chewbacca mini-bust - compliments of sponsors at Gentle Giant, Ltd., and check back there regularly for more competitions.
Matt G
As mentioned a couple of days ago, the official S.W.O.R.A (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) website and forums are now open to the public at www.SWORA.net. If you jump on over and register in the forums in order to represent New Zealand in this new international network, you will have the opportunity of entering the S.W.O.R.A. Website Launch Competition...follow this link for details.
Follow this link for the current list of S.W.O.R.A member 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
Here's a bit of trivia ...slightly different in nature to our usual coverage, but with a definite Star Wars connection... that came to my attention via Stuff.co.nz. George Lucas's daughter Amanda Lucas, who had cameo roles in all three Star Wars prequel movies (Diva Funquita and the voice of Trade Federation battleship communications officer Tey How in Episode I, Outlander Club patron Adnama in Episode II, and Senator Terr Taneel in Episode III), has been in Auckland, New Zealand since Sunday, competing in the 'Princesses of Pain' Mixed Martial Arts event at the Auckland Boxing Association Stadium.
Read the original story here.
Matt G
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
SWNZ affiliate Fishpond.co.nz is the website to go for books, CDs and DVDs. But, it's also a convenient place to go for Wizards of the Coast Star Wars Miniatures. Here are the latest products, ready to ship:
- Star Wars Miniatures Bounty Hunters Booster Pack, $28.91.
- Star Wars Miniatures: Champions of the Force, $22.34.
- Star Wars Miniatures Alliance and Empire Booster Pack, $22.10.
- Star Wars Miniatures: Starship Battles Starter Set, $48.26.
- Star Wars Miniatures Starship Battles Booster Pack, $30.94.
- The Force Unleashed: A Star Wars Miniatures Game Expansion, $31.88.
- Star Wars Galaxy Tiles, $22.90.
- Knights of the Old Republic: A Star Wars Miniatures Huge Pack, $22.98.
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Matt G
The Outpost-42 (New Zealand 501st Imperial costuming group) forums have a subsection for Imperial and 501st-related costuming and prop collecting. Check out the most recently active topics from that section - you can register to join in the discussions:
- Imperial officer uniform- to make or buy?
- My resin sterling L2A3 (E11) Blaster(s)
- IG-88 for Armageddon Auckland
- Motivation for 08 - Darth Talon
- Mara Jade
- Imperial Officer
SWNZ-X1a
The Official S.W.O.R.A (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) website and forums are now open to the public at www.SWORA.net.
What is S.W.O.R.A.? STAR WARS fans from all around the world have for a long time now expressed the need to get in touch with each other, in order for their local fandoms to develop and grow. S.W.O.R.A. (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) has been created to answer that need. Simply put, S.W.O.R.A. is a fan network, the purpose of which is to bring fans from different countries together and to enable them to share experiences, knowledge and information about their local STAR WARS activities.
S.W.O.R.A. was initially formed by eight members (including SWNZ, representing New Zealand) from seven different countries. The aim of the Alliance is to expand its borders and reach out to more fans from many other countries, thus increasing the number of its members. As of January 2008, STAR WARS actor Gerald Home acts as the official ambassador of S.W.O.R.A..
Follow this link for the current list of S.W.O.R.A member 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
SWNZ has covered the fairly well known New Zealand-exclusive Twinkies 'Empire Strikes Back' stickers from Irvines (available in the early 1980s), but images of the packaging, which included cut-out, collectible cards, have remained elusive. Coverage of this historic memorabilia, and more food-related collectibles from around the world can be seen in the video tour of "Rancho Obi-Wan" at StarWars.yahoo.com/videos/visit-to-Rancho-Obi-Wan-5...from about the 5m:30s mark (the clip was previously only available through Hyperspace, but it now open for viewing through the World of Star Wars Yahoo portal).
Related article: Twinkies ESB Stickers (1980)
Thanks to Stephen W
According to reliable sources, the street date for the Clone Wars toy releases here in New Zealand is August 1st. In addition to the basic figure line, New Zealand will also be getting some extra goodies, but more will be said on that in a couple of weeks. Look forward to some announcements in June!
Daniel F
I wanted to let everyone know that The Warehouse in Upper Hutt has the Obi-Wan Episode III Master Replicas lightsaber on sale for only $99.97, down from $179.97! This may apply to the other stores but in Upper Hutt there were only 2 left.
Kirk M
The latest news reports to come in through the S.W.O.R.A (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) network arrive via the 2 UK representatives. GalacticEmpire.Net (G.E.N.) are running a competition which is easy to enter and is open until the end of the month, and Lightsabre.co.uk have another great interview, this time with J W Rinzler, Executive Editor at LucasBooks.
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
A follow-up on the previous post about the Endor AT-AT at K-mart...they are also at K-Mart Manukau and are 20% off at the moment! So I was able to pick one up for $88 BRAND NEW. A great bargain for such a big item!
Darksider74
Return of A Night at the Movies - Symphonic Pops Series, Concert 2
Saturday 14 June, 7.30pm, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE
Last year's A Night at the Movies concert by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra proved so popular it's returning to the Aotea Centre on Saturday 14 June. But this year it's bigger. And better. Return of A Night at the Movies will be an evening of immense excitement for young and old � including an innovative competition to enthral budding filmmakers.
Of significance to Star Wars fans - the concert features a number of John Williams' Star Wars pieces, including the iconic Star Wars theme, Across the Stars (Attack of the Clones), Throne Room (A New Hope) and Duel of the Fates (Phantom Menace; backed by a choir). According to John Williams, the inspiration for the theme of Duel of the Fates was an old Celtic poem called Cad Goddeu (The Battle of the Trees)... ...MORE
Matt G
The latest news reports to come in through the S.W.O.R.A (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) network arrive via Poland and Turkey. Check out their respective interviews with Ian Liston (Wes Janson from The Empire Strikes Back) and Jennifer Hale (voice talent from the Knights of the Old Republic and Jedi Academy video games).
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
Charles Ross continues his 'One Man Star Wars' show in Wellington, at Te Papa, next week. In the meantime, a number of reviews and television spots have been showing up online: eg, Campbell Live (TV3) coverage, New Zealand Herald review, Yahoo! review, and Stuff.co.nz review.
Matt G
I visited K-Mart Albany in the weekend and they had Star Wars Saga AT-AT selling for $110.00!!! These are normally going for something like US$200!
Matt H
Farmers Glenfield are advertising 20% off Star Wars 30th Anniversary figures. Usually $17.99, now $14.39 each from 1st to 14th May.
They had in stock several different electronic lightsabers, Mighty Muggs, titanium vehicles, and the latest wave of figures (Po Nudo, Gree, Tri droid, 2-1B etc).
There is also 20% off all toys until the 4th May (excludes already reduced items).
Anaria
When it comes to store reports or links to online shopping venues, SWNZ prefers to emphasize and support New Zealand vendors - sometimes, though, there are products we just have to go internationally for. With that in mind, when it comes to official Star Wars merchandise, the place to go is StarWarsShop.com.
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.
Here are a few interesting product examples to take a look at:
- Caravan of Courage Style B One-Sheet Poster
-
Caravan of Courage Style A Tri-folded One-Sheet
-
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed TPB (autographed by author Haden Blackman)
-
Star Wars Miniatures - Alliance and Empire Booster Pack
-
Star Wars Miniatures - Champions of the Force Booster Pack
-
Star Wars Miniatures - Starter Set
-
Star Wars Miniatures - Starship Battles Huge Pack
-
Star Wars Poster Card Proof Sheet
-
Retro Darth Vader T-shirt
-
Retro Gamorrean Guard T-shirt
-
Boba Fett Comic T-shirt
-
USPS First-Day-of-Issue Stamp and Covers Framed Set
Matt G
Most SWNZ readers will be familiar with the series of articles we did in conjunction with Return of the Jedi actor Gerald Home (Squid Head and Mon Calamari Officer) back in 2004 (see below). In the conclusion of that trilogy of stories, we revealed script pages containing dialogue between Gerald's Mon Calamari officer character and Admiral Ackbar, in the space battle scenes of Return of the Jedi...conversation that didn't make it into the theatrical release of the movie. Interestingly, if we take a look at the Marvel comic adaptation, and the novelisation by James Kahn, which were published before the film debuted, we can see portions (in the comic), or the entire dialogue (spread over a number of pages in the novelisation), of the interaction between Ackbar and his Mon Cal officer/aide as they were originally intended. Click on the second of the above thumbnails to this particular content (thanks to Paul Rowley who bought the information about the comic adaptation content to our attention, via Gerald Home).
- Gerald Home article, part one: Tales of the lost Calamari.
- Gerald Home article, part two: 'Revenge of the Jedi' call sheets.
- Gerald Home article, part three: The missing 'Revenge' dialogue revealed.
Matt G
The latest news report to come in through the S.W.O.R.A (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) network comes from Lightsabre.co.uk (England) - follow the link to read their interview with Tim Veekhoven, the webmaster of fellow S.W.O.R.A. site www.Teekay-421.be.
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
The latest news report to come in through the S.W.O.R.A (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) network arrives via Imperial City Online (Poland) - read all about the unique history of Polish Star Wars toys and products in "Let's Collect Polish Star Wars Memorabilia!"
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
I've just read on the SWNZ calendar (24 April) that 'Legacy of the Force: Sacrifice' is now available in paperback. I haven't seen that one yet, but I did find a paperback copy of another Legacy of the Force books ...
Legacy of the Force 8: Revelation by Karen Traviss; 410 pages, plus 26 page preview of 'LotF 9: Invincible'; ISBN: 978-0-099-49208-5.
I bought the only copy at Whitcoulls in Glenfield ($26), but couldn't find it at any other Whitcoulls branch I checked (NOT at the two Albany branches nor Whangaparaoa) and wasn't in Borders Albany either ... maybe they just hadn't got around to putting them on the shelves yet.
Buzz Bumble
Online auction sites like TradeMe have been described as "a system to move the world's junk from person to person". While I'm loathe to refer to Star Wars collectibles as "junk" we do have to concede that many pieces go through a number of collections before finding their final home. TradeMe has certainly facilitated that in New Zealand, making it much easier to exchange and secure older or harder-to-find Star Wars items. With that in mind, here are a few interesting, rare, and/or unusual Star Wars auctions on TradeMe.co.nz, highlighted at the seller's request:
- Star Wars Saga Yarael Poof Jedi figure.
- Star Wars elite corps clone trooper figure.
- Star Wars 442nd seige battalion clonetrooper fig.
- Star Wars Combat engineer clone trooper figure.
- Star Wars R5-J2 astromech droid carded figure.
- Star Wars R4-K5 Darth Vaders' astromech figure.
- Star Wars Ep3 Commander Appo figure.
- Star Wars Commander Cody Ep3 Holograph figure.
- Star Wars AotC Yoda & Chian (youngling) figures.
- Star Wars Celebration III print by Tsuneo Sanda.
- Star Wars POTJ Bespin Guard action figure.
- Star Wars Bust Ups - Ep2 Clonetrooper box set.
- Star Wars General Grievous starfighter *new*.
- Star Wars Exclusive Shadow Scout w/Speeder.
Matt G
The latest news report to come in through the S.W.O.R.A (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) network is from Lightsabre.co.uk (England) - click here to access part 2 of their interview with Lorne Peterson, and click here for their report on the Spaceport 2008 event held over the weekend.
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
Sigh...I'm a little later than I promised in getting photos from the Wellington Armageddon convention online. To try and make up for it, I've loaded this page with all sorts of imagery, representing the huge variety of the event. Busy and fun...that's what it was! Those of you who have read my reports on previous Armageddon conventions know that I am a big fan of these events...perhaps to the point of being a shade biased towards positivity...but, despite the absence of Star Wars guests at this show, there really was still plenty of Star Wars and related entertainment and value for those who attended.
For two solid days, we were able to escape our jobs and mingle with fan representations of characters from Star Wars, the horror genre, anime galore, movies, games and comics. Catch up with old friends who share our hobbies, and meet new ones with similar passions for Galactic and Fantastic memorabilia. Spend a dollar or two on books, figures, statues, cards, games, video...
The rain and cold wasn't enough to keep people from queueing in anticipation of the opening time...I heard that the building reached its legal occupancy capacity at least once during convention hours... ...MORE
Matt G
Don't forget (how could you?) that Armageddon Wellington starts tomorrow. Stay tuned to SWNZ for photos and reports as quickly as we can get them online (hopefully first pics should be up by tomorrow).
Matt G
Charles Ross will be performing his 'One Man Star Wars Show' as part of the International Comedy Festival in Auckland and Wellington (schedule on his website - Tuesday 6th May to Sunday 11th May, Sky City, Auckland, and Tuesday 20th May to Sunday 25th May, Te Papa, Wellington).
If you are not fully familiar with this entertaining act, here (HowStuffWorks.com/ one-man-star-wars.htm) is a great resource with video clips that will help convince you to attend.
Matt G
It's school holiday time again soon and Farmers are already advertising their toy sale, including the Star Wars Mighty Mugg figures which are now $19.99 each (save $5) for 18 - 30 April, 2008.
Buzz Bumble
I'm not sure if this is "Star Warsy" enough, but JB Hi-Fi are advertising a few interesting and mildly Star Wars-related DVDs.
First is "Howard the Duck" on DVD for $13.98 for those who want to own George Lucas' second-worst project ...after the awful Star Wars Holiday Special.
Next are the Star Wars spoof movies "Spaceballs" priced at $8.98 and "Family Guy: Blue Harvest" for $24.98.
Then there are two Battlestar Galactica DVDs (the original series). The pilot movie is priced at $8.98 while the complete series set is $29.98.
Lastly is the old TV mini-series "V" where apparently friendly aliens come to Earth only to turn out to be nasty lizard beings out to take over the planet. The 3 double-sided DVD set is called "V: The Complete Miniseries" and includes both "V" and "V: The Final Battle" with a price of $24.98. There is a Star Wars link here too - the contents page for the first DVD in the set includes "Chapter 9:
Technicians arrive [Star Wars (TM)]", but I'm not quite sure why.
Buzz Bumble
Last Saturday (12th April) saw a double Star Wars event in Hamilton. The Vader Balloon & Bodie Taylor. The basis for this Star Wars day was the 'Night Glow' component of the Balloons Over Waikato festival. A featured guest during this hot air balloon gathering was the over-sized Darth Vader helmet-shaped balloon, over from Belgium, that has flown at a number of events in Europe, and, more recently, in USA. The balloon is 26 metres tall, is officially approved by Lucasfilm, and was made by transforming vector models of Vader's helmet into a giant, flight-ready representation of the Dark Side. The balloon made its first flight on March 8, 2007.
At the invitation of the Vader balloon's pilot, Michel Lambert, members of New Zealand's Imperial Costuming group, the Outpost-42 Garrison of the 501st Legion, attended the event to support and promote the inflatable galactic villain. A colourful collection of prequel and original trilogy characters mingled for photos, adding to the strong dark-side theme.
But, there was also a very important kiwi Star Wars guest in attendance as well. Actor Bodie Taylor, who played clonetroopers in both Episode 2 and Episode 3 (most famous for the dining hall crowd scene in Attack of the Clones) made an appearance... ...MORE
Matt G
The latest news report to come in through the S.W.O.R.A (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) network is from Imperial City Online (Poland), in the form of a chat with Star Wars author Drew Karpshyn (who wrote the Darth Bane novels 'Path of Destruction' and 'Rule of Two'). Click here to access the interview.
Follow this link for the current list of S.W.O.R.A websites.
Matt G
Matt G
The latest news report to come in through the S.W.O.R.A (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) network is from Lightsabre.co.uk (England). This week, as part of an ongoing series, they've been chatting with Ates Cetin, webmaster of another S.W.O.R.A website - the Turkish destination Yildiz Savaslari. Check out the chat by clicking here.
Follow this link for the current list of S.W.O.R.A websites.
Matt G
The Warehouse in Albany has lots of Masters Replica Obi-Wan Lightsabres priced at $178 each. They are further down the aisle and on the opposite side from the few Star Wars figures.
Buzz Bumble
K-Mart are having a toy sale:
"Buy one toy and get 40% off a second toy. Second toy must be of equal or lesser value and purchased in the same transaction. Thursday 10 - Wednesday 16 April."
Although they don't have any Star Wars figures, they do have the Lego sets (plus the Indiana Jones ones).
Buzz Bumble
The latest news report to come in through the S.W.O.R.A (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) network is from Lightsabre.co.uk (England). This week they're chatting with legendary Star Wars costume designer and double Academy Award winner John Mollo. John was very generous with his time and gave a great interview, which can be seen by clicking here.
Follow this link for the current list of S.W.O.R.A websites.
Matt G
Just a quick note in from SWNZ affiliate ReelCollectibles.co.nz, to let everyone know that the latest Reel Collectibles e-newsletter has just been posted online! View it at this link.
Hugh Clark
Every now and then a real gem stands out from the mixed bag of internet content, worthy of sharing. The above YouTube video comes from the Electronic Visualization Laboratory (EVL), a research group established in 1973 in the Computer Science Department at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Its relationship to Star Wars? ...EVL is perhaps best known for the computer graphics featured in the Rebel briefing room scenes at the end of A New Hope. The clip is 10 minutes long, and has Larry Cuba describing how he animated the Death Star vector graphics for ANH - painstakingly, manually digitising the surface of the Death Star's equatorial trench in order to have it correspond to the actual tiles that made up the filming miniatures. A beautiful piece of work!
Matt G
This update just in from SWNZ's Australian affiliate, Mousedroid.com: Mousedroid.com has just returned from their first day at the Australian Toy Fair 2008 held in Melbourne. Visit Mousedroid.com for our first day coverage of the Star Wars Product on the Hasbro Australia Stand. Also available on our home page are two videos of the AT-TE in action plus the sound effect so the clone trooper role play helmet.
MSE-6
He lives sealed in a display case now. My first ever Star Wars collectible - a Kenner Stormtrooper mini-action figure, acquired in 1978 (originally on a 12-back card...I still have pieces of that cardback). He's been through a lot, but still has an original weapon. A little yellowed, and not in the best condition compared to my other vintage stormtroopers...but this is the collectible that started it all for me.
What is/was your first Star Wars collectible? When did you get it, and do you still have it? Share photos and your story by emailing me at [email protected].
Matt G
Online auction sites like TradeMe have been described as "a system to move the world's junk from person to person". While I'm loathe to refer to Star Wars collectibles as "junk" we do have to concede that many pieces go through a number of collections before finding their final home. TradeMe has certainly facilitated that in New Zealand, making it much easier to exchange and secure older or harder-to-find Star Wars items. With that in mind, here are a few interesting, rare, and/or unusual Star Wars auctions on TradeMe.co.nz, highlighted at the seller's request:
- Utapau Star Wars Figs: Obi-Wan Boga Utapau Soldier .
- Star Wars Collectors Tins set of 3 Tin Cases.
- 3 Star Wars Protocol Droids R-3PO K-3PO 4-LOM.
- Star Wars Kotobukiya Darth Vader pewter version.
- Star Wars General Grievous starfighter *new*.
- Star Wars Exclusive Hardcover Legacy comic book.
- Star Wars Qui-Gon Jinn mega-collectible figure.
- Star Wars Exclusive Lucas Family action figure set.
- Star Wars AotC Yoda & Chian (youngling) figures.
- Star Wars Battlefront 2 logo tshirt black size L.
- Star Wars POTJ Bespin Guard action figure.
- Star Wars Bust Ups - Stormtroopers x3 box set.
Matt G
This latest report has just in from SWNZ affiliate ReelCollectibles.co.nz... Reel Collectibles is now 4 years old! To celebrate, and to thank all of our customers, for helping us get to this milestone, we're having a massive sale!
Check out the specials at this link, visit the store in Queenstown or see us at the Wellington and Christchurch Armageddon Expos for Birthday Sale deals. Please feel free to send cake!
Hugh Clark
Toyworld Balance Street here in Wellington was positively brimming with more wave 1 2008 figures this Sunday. Multiples of every figure from the ROTS wave were present- Obi-Wan, Anakin, Commander Gree, Kashyyyk Trooper, Tri-Droid, Po Nudo, and the Lava Panning Droid, $20 each. If you're looking for some of these, go get 'em.
Daniel F
Borders in Albany has a about six copies of the new hardback book 'Darth Bane: Rule of Two', priced at $57.
Many places now have the Star Wars DVDs priced at $20 each. Borders in Albany has them priced at $17 each, or you can buy two DVDs for $30.
Buzz Bumble
The latest news report to come in through the S.W.O.R.A (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) network is from Imperial City Online (Poland). The Jedi-Con convention was held in Germany over the Easter weekend. A report in Polish is avaible here - the English version will be available shortly, but in the meantime, fans can enjoy the image gallery.
Follow this link for the current list of S.W.O.R.A websites.
Matt G
Some Star Wars fans will already be familiar with the over-sized Darth Vader helmet-shaped balloon that has flown at a number of events in Europe, and, more recently, in USA...it will shortly be making an appearance at the Balloons over Waikato show in Hamilton, 9-13 April 2008.
The balloon is 26 metres tall, is officially approved by Lucasfilm, and was made by transforming vector models of Vader's helmet into a giant, flight-ready representation of the Dark Side. The balloon made its first flight on March 8, 2007.
If you are in the region, visit the Balloons Over Waikato for event times and details. Otherwise, stay tuned to SWNZ for photos and reports.
Related link: Darth Vader Balloon (English).
Related link: Balloons Over Waikato.
Matt G
Whether you're browsing for a great deal on a vintage collectible, or keeping a close eye on the market for the newest figures, TradeMe has become a very effective marketplace for Star Wars memorabilia. Here are a few interesting, rare, and/or unusual Star Wars auctions on TradeMe.co.nz, highlighted at the seller's request:
- Star Wars Ep3 Unleashed Anakin & Obi-Wan figures.
- Star Wars Hawkbat Battalion Clone trooper figure.
- Star Wars Bust Ups - Darth Vader.
- Star Wars Bust Ups - Stormtroopers x3 box set.
- Star Wars Bust Ups - Ep3 Clonetrooper box set.
- Star Wars Bust Ups - Han & Luke as stormtroopers.
- Star Wars Bust Ups - Ep2 Clonetrooper box set.
- Star Wars Battlefront 2 logo tshirt black size L.
- Star Wars Exclusive Lucas Family action figure set.
- Star Wars Exclusive Hardcover Legacy comic book.
- Star Wars Exclusive Shadow Scout w/Speeder.
- Star Wars Remote Control R5-D4 Action Figure.
- Star Wars: Episode 1 Original Soundtrack.
- Star Wars: Episode 2 Original Soundtrack.
- Star Wars Rancor Beast w/ Luke (Kenner).
- Star Wars V-Wing action figure vehicle *new*.
- Star Wars General Grievous starfighter *new*.
- Kotobukiya Darth Vader exclusive pewter version.
Matt G
The latest news report to come in through the S.W.O.R.A (Star Wars Outer Rim Alliance) network is from England, where Lightsabre.co.uk has just posted part one of their interview with Lorne Peterson, who has been behind the modelmaking of big titles and franchises like 'Star Wars', 'Indiana Jones' (he won an Oscar for his work on 'Temple of Doom'), 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', and 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial'.
Also through the S.W.O.R.A. network, we have received a message and photo (below) from S.W.O.R.A. ambassador Gerald Home: "Vinicius [pictured with the mask] was the founder and original commanding officer of the 501st garrison in Brazil - and he was my sponsor for my honorary membership of the 501st. (He's wearing his brazilian garrison t-shirt). The good thing about this photo is that you can see how big the mask was - and imagine how heavy". The Squid Head mask is currently residing in Sao paulo city in Brazil from March 5th to July 20th 2008 in an exhibit of 200 items.
Follow this link for the current list of S.W.O.R.A websites.
Matt G
In Westfield Albany today, Toys'R'Fun had new Star Wars items in stock - the recent wave of SW Transformers, Force Unleashed Lightsabers, and some of the new Galactic Heroes packs (priced at $13.99 each - Royal Guard and Imperial Gunner; Han Solo and Princess Leia as Boushh; Ponda Baba and Snaggletooth).
Anaria
This note just in from Yodasnews.com: Yodasnews.com had a great three part article this week covering Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination on its opening day at the Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia with over 150 pictures in a diary-style article that covers the whole exhibit as experienced by it's resident reviewer and graphic designer Jeff Gouse. Follow this link for more.
Mark
Yodasnews.com
With the Wellington Armageddon convention less than a month away, it's time to ask again...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
When it comes to store reports or links to online shopping venues, SWNZ prefers to emphasize and support New Zealand vendors - sometimes, though, there are products we just have to go internationally for. With that in mind, when it comes to official Star Wars merchandise, the place to go is StarWarsShop.com.
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.
Here are a few interesting product examples to take a look at:
-
Stormtrooper Die Cast Metal Belt Buckle
-
Rebel Logo Die Cast Metal Belt Buckle
-
Imperial Logo Die Cast Metal Belt Buckle
-
Star Wars Celebration IV Backpack with Messenger Strap
-
Celebration IV Exclusive McQuarrie Concept R2-D2 & C-3PO Action Figures
-
Marvel Comic Adult T-shirt from Chunk
-
Indiana Jones Black Fedora Hat
-
Star Wars LEGO Key Chain Set Vehicles
-
Exclusive 18"x26" Princess Leia 3-D Lenticular Poster with COA
-
USPS Star Wars Commemorative Stamp Pin Set
Matt G
Farmers in Glenfield had a few new items today - Star Wars Transformers, priced at $29.99 each, but with a $10 Hasbro cash back offer sticker.
- Clone pilot / Arc-170 (clone wars paint scheme)
- Commander Cody / Turbo tank
- Luke Skywalker / X-Wing Fighter
- Anakin Skywalker / Jedi Starfighter
- Saesee Tinn / Jedi Starfighter.
They also had new stock of the 'Force Action ' spring activated electronic lightsabers (Darth Vader, Obi-Wan), and the Force Unleashed electronic lightsabers - all $69.99, with a $10 Hasbro cash back offer sticker.
Also - Farmers stores have 20% off all toys until 26th March.
Anaria
According to this New Zealand Herald article, kiwi Star Wars actress Keisha Castle-Hughes (who would have wrangled with galactic-scale politics as the Queen of Naboo in 'Revenge of the Sith') recently publicly declared "I want to be a politician and maybe one day I will be (Prime Minister)". It is reported that the 17 year old is enrolled to begin a political science degree next year, so this could theoretically become a case of life imitating art (although, in the Star Wars universe, Queen Apailana began her reign considerably younger, at 13 years of age).
Matt G
SWNZ affiliate GPStore.co.nz is running its Easter Games Stock Clearance Sale, with 20-60 percent off over 700 different games on all major gaming formats! Sale ends Tuesday, March 25th. Check out these Star Wars-related items:
- LEGO Star Wars (PC), $20.00.
- Star Wars Battlefront (PC), $23.96.
- Star Wars Battlefront II (PC), $34.95.
- Star Wars Republic Commando (PC), $23.96.
- Star Wars Galaxies (PC), $16.96.
- LEGO Star Wars II (PS2), $50.96.
- LEGO Star Wars II (XBox), $42.46.
- LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (PS3), $79.96.
Click here to review GPStore's entire Star Wars game range, or here for their DVD range.
PS: Don't forget...the Force Unleashed game comes out on the 30th June, for multiple platforms. Click here to pre-order.
Matt G
This information comes from a reliable source, via SWNZ's Australian affiliate, Mousedroid.com: Sorry to our American Cousins but it looks like the Kiwis, followed closely by us Aussies will have the first viewing of the new Star Wars : The Clone Wars movie in August. The down under release is set for the 14th of August, a bit over a day earlier than in the USA taking the international dateline and time zones into account.
MSE-6
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
According to the New Zealand Herald this morning, Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett and various Episode 3 clones) will be returning to the television show that first bought him to most New Zealander's attention: Shortland Street. Tem will be on NZ TVs as Dr Hone Ropata, for 6 weeks from June this year (kicking off on the show's 4000th episode). It was from 1992 to 1995 that Tem was previously on the long-running New Zealand television series, and it was during this time that he landed his first major role, as Jake Heke in the 1994 Lee Tamahori film, 'Once Were Warriors'.
Matt G
The library of Star Wars novels and reference books continues to expand; but, not all titles make their way to the shelves of New Zealand book stores in useful numbers. SWNZ affiliate Fishpond.co.nz however, does give you access to all the available Star Wars reading material, at excellent prices. At last count, across all titles, they had 1,336,730 books, 235,642 CDs, and 14,403 DVDs available. Here are the latest available releases, ready to ship:
- Star Wars: Legacy of the Force 8 - Revelation, $22.63.
- Epic Battles (Star Wars Readers series), $16.99.
- The Story of Darth Vader (Star Wars Readers series), $16.99.
- Star Wars: Legacy Volume 2 - Shards, $30.89.
- Star Wars: Rebellion Volume 2 - The Ahakista Gambit, $28.45.
- Star Wars: Legacy of the Force - Revelation, audio CD, $30.14.
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic vol 3 - Days of Fear, Nights of Anger, $44.66.
- Star Wars: Dark Times vol 1 - Path to Nowhere, $39.21.
- Star Wars Galaxy Tiles, $24.87.
- Star Wars: Allegiance, $22.52.
- Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi Omnibus vol 1, $57.29.
- Star Wars: Starships of the Galaxy Roleplaying Game, $42.66.
- Star Wars: Legacy of the Force 7 - Fury, $22.88.
- Attack of the Clones, graphic novel, $17.66.
- Revenge of the Sith, graphic novel, $17.47.
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Matt G
The two articles about the 1997 New Zealand-exclusive Confection Concept Postacards (Star Wars, and The Empire Strikes Back) have been updated with a couple of new photos each, to better show off the graphics on the shipping/point-of-sale boxes.
Matt G
Since the official Star Wars club Hyperspace membership split from the Star Wars Insider magazine subscription, some fans have wondered what the benefits of Hyperspace membership are. There are 2 versions of the Hyperspace package available to non-US residents, orderable through StarWarsShop.com:
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership
at US$14.95, and
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership (w/bonus membership kit)
at US$19.95.
Here's what you'll get:
- Early access and perks at official Star Wars events.
- First looks and sneak peeks at new Star Wars projects.
- Six issues of online supplements for Star Wars Insider.
- Bantha Tracks online, the exclusive newsletter showcasing Star Wars fans.
- Collector Benefits -- Get VIP treatment with a 10% discount on select, premium Star Wars merchandise, early purchase rights on hot items, and look for exciting exclusive products available only to members.
- Connect with fellow Fan Club members online
- Test drive new starwars.com features before anyone else.
- New downloadable online membership kit filled with virtual goodies.
Follow these links, depending on whether you want the bonus membership kit or not, for more details and to order:
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership
or
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership (w/bonus membership kit)
.
Matt G
Online model store Modelcraft and Hobbies has a great range of Star Wars model kitsets, including some Episode 3 kits not seen much elsewhere in NZ. Check out their full range in their sci-fi section, which includes the following:
- AMT Speeder Bike, $49.95.
- AMT Death Star with paint and glue, $59.95.
- 1/6 vinyl Han Solo, $20.00.
- AMT B-Wing fighter, $29.95.
- AMT 1/35 Snowspeeder, $29.95.
- AMT Slave 1, $39.99.
- AMT 1/48 Naboo Starfighter, $39.95.
- Finemolds 1/72 Slave 1, $171.00.
- AMT X-Wing fighter, $29.95.
- Kalmbach "Building Star Wars models" (book), $57.95.
- AMT 1/76 scale Millenium Falcon, $59.99.
- AMT 1/48 scale Trade Federation Droid Fighters (x3), on sale at $14.99!
Matt G
In the ongoing search for Star Wars toys and collectibles, there are plenty of online options, but it's always nicer to be able to purchase from a local source - both from the point of view of supporting New Zealand businesses, and because of the generally better shipping costs and reliability. With that in mind, SWNZ has entered into an affiliate relationship with iQ Toys - New Zealand's largest online toy store. Their main utility for Star Wars collectors is their inventory of Star Wars Lego, but they also carry some Hasbro product. All purchases from SWNZ affiliates help contribute to the ongoing costs of this website!
iQ Toys we are not only committed to bringing you the highest quality toys in New Zealand, we also want to give you the best prices. If you see the same item advertised cheaper (online, in New Zealand) either prior to, or within 10 days of purchase, then they will match that price and even include a free gift! Check out the following items:
- Star Wars Light Saber (Electronic) OBI, $64.99.
- Lego Star Wars AT-ST 7657, $43.99.
- Star Wars Lightsaber, $24.99.
- Lego X-Wing Starfighter 6212, $99.99.
- Lego Star Wars Jedi Starfighter 7661, $129.99.
- Star Wars Light Saber (Electronic) DARTH VADER, $64.99.
- Star Wars Light Saber (Electronic) LUKE SKYWALKER, $64.99.
- Star Wars Light Saber (Electronic) Jedi, $64.99.
- Lego Star Wars Anakin's Jedi Starfighter 7669, $44.99.
- Lego Star Wars Hailfire Droid & Spider Droid 7670, $44.99.
- Lego Star Wars AT-AP Walker 7671, $79.99.
- Lego Star Wars Rogue Shadow 7672, $109.99.
Matt G
As promised I've taken some new shots of my ROTS Darth Vader mannequin which is now sporting the following upgrades: Master Replicas ROTS Darth Vader helmet; new 2-tone (black/charcoal grey) fiberglass armour from The Star Fortress; Philippines leather gloves; aluminum belt buckle; AgLok cape chain.
Future upgrades: chest box mod (replace plastic rods with aluminum ones); leather cod (coming soon); new, longer, flexible arms (coming soon); fiberglass shin guards.
Included are some pics of my new Kotobukiya Snap together statues... ...MORE
Fred C
Issue no.100 (no.76 on the cover of the UK edition) of the Star Wars Insider magazine is starting to show up in the mailboxes of New Zealand subscribers. The dominant feature of this edition is a 41-page spread entitled "The 100 best things about Star Wars...ever"...a little drawn out, to be honest, but some nice graphics/photographs are used, and there are some interesting topics covered amongst the expected favourites. The other material covered within the 84 full-colour pages includes a comprehensive look at the merchandise that makes up the Force Unleashed multimedia release...an interview with Sean Williams (novelist), a sneak peak into the Dark Horse comics, dialogue with Haden Blackman (LucasArts project lead) and Sam Witwer (actor, Vader's secret apprentice), and a breakdown of the toys we can expect to see in conjunction with this project. A pretty cool bonus with issue 100 is a fold-out Force Unleashed poster.
The international collecting section takes a look at unique collectibles from... ...MORE
Matt G
SWNZ affiliate GPStore.co.nz has some great prices on current and upcoming sci-fi DVDs and boxed sets this month. They also now offer free delivery on Games, DVDs and Music when you spend $49.95 or more, and have a 'price beat' feature - if you've seen a cheaper price elsewhere for any product, simply follow the 'price beat' link on any product page to give them the chance to beat the cheaper price. Check out some of these items:
- Star Wars Episode II - Attack Of The Clones (2 Disc Set), $19.95.
- Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2 Disc Set), $19.95.
- Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope, Limited Edition (2 Disc Set), $19.95.
- Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, Limited Edition (2 Disc Set), $19.95.
- Star Wars Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, Limited Edition (2 Disc Set), $19.95.
- Firefly - Complete Series (4 Disc Set), $29.95.
- Galactica 1980 (2 Disc Set), $39.95.
- Family Guy Presents Blue Harvest, $29.95.
- Beowulf - Director's Cut (2 Disc Set) + Bonus, $39.95.
- Stargate - The Ark Of Truth, $29.95.
- Stargate DVD mini-store.
- Serenity - 2 Disc Ultimate Edition, $19.95.
- Futurama - Bender's Big Score, $29.95.
- Transformers - Super God Masterforce (5 Disc Box Set), $59.95.
- 300 - Special Edition (2 Discs), $19.95.
Click here to review GPStore's entire Star Wars game range, or here for their DVD range.
PS: Don't forget...the Force Unleashed game comes out on the 30th June, for multiple platforms. Click here to pre-order.
Matt G
This site is in no way sponsored or endorsed by: George Lucas, Lucasfilm Ltd., LucasArts Entertainment Co., or any affiliates.
Star Wars and all its characters are � and TM by Lucasfilm Ltd.
Website content � SWNZ, 2003-2008.
Website design by www.Dr-Maul.com.
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