"Star Wars" Toys Heading to Stores in Full Force

By: News Editor
Date: Saturday, April 02, 2005
Source: Reuters

Hasbro Inc. and other toy makers are preparing to launch the much-anticipated products linked to the next -- and final -- chapter in the "Star Wars" movie franchise.

Merchandise will include everything from "a Darth Vader voice-changing helmet, board games, and a bevy of action figures to plug-and-play games and updated light sabers, toy makers are rolling out items that will appeal to hard-core collectors as well as to kids who actually want to take the merchandise out of the box."

Target will exclusively sell a "Lava Reflection" Darth Vader action figure, which is Darth Vader with a red holographic flame on his chest. Wal-Mart Stores will host an event called "48 hours of the Force." "At 400 Wal-Mart supercenters, there will be interactive toy and game demonstrations from Hasbro, product sampling, Star Wars character appearances, and free Star Wars force-detection collectible cards."

Be warned though, some of the new merchandise has "spoilers." For example the "Call Upon Yoda" is a talking doll which actually divulges some of the new movie's plot.

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