EW.com has posted an exclusive deleted scene from The Empire Strikes Back blu-ray release. As you’ll see, the spat between Han and Leia on Hoth originally played out much longer and featured completely different dialogue. In the end, I think Irvin Kershner made the right call on leaving this version on the cutting room floor. Star Wars: The Complete Saga hits store September 16.
The internet has burned up this past week with Star Wars news and, to the surprise of no one, Lucas has made further changes to the Star Wars saga for their blu ray release. “Leave Star Wars alone” one faction typed loudly. “It’s Lucas’ property, he can change it however he wants” the other faction replied. On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast, Marjorie and Arnie give their opinion on the changes, why minor changes mean so much to Star Wars fans, and why all the internet ink in the world protesting the changes doesn’t matter.
And Hasbro is once again doing a Fan’s Choice figure poll! The top Star Wars collecting sites are asked to gather fans’ Top 10 figures for a new vote, the results of which will be announced at Toy Fair in 2012, and the figure released in 2013! Listen to this week’s show for details.
Also on the podcast, R2-D2 is sick, and only you can make him feel better in Star Wars Operation! With a Toys R Us Clone Wars display, a new Blu Ray exclusive poster, vintage finds, a Backstage Toys.com giveaway for a Wedge Antilles Vintage Collection figure, and more, it’s on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast.
Regular Version:
http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN311.MP3
Enhanced Version
http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/Enhanced/SWAN311.M4A
Target has started a new wave of TPCs (Temporary Price Cuts) starting this week (until 10/15) on Clone Wars Battle Packs and the Vintage 3 Packs. Both are marked down to $17.99 which breaks out to roughly $6 per figure.
This weekend (September 2-5) Toys”R”Us is having a Labor Day Sale offering great discounts on various Star Wars merchandise! Special include $25 off the Clone Wars Rise of Boba Fett Ultimate Battle Pack, $30 off the Hasbro AT-AT, $25 off a qualifying $100 LEGO Star Wars purchase, Buy 1, get 1 50% off All Star Wars Books and more.
The Yakface Toyguide updates resume today with the addition of Even Piell (CW58) from The Clone Wars Collection.
PROS: Despite its short stature and animated stylings, Hasbro still manages to articulate Master Piell to most collectors’ satisfaction. Nifty backpack with rope works well and is an accessory that make toys “toys” – you know, things you play with?
CONS: Since Even Piell went down like a sack of potatoes in the Citadel Rescue episode I don’t suspect he’ll be issued again, if ever. So, you best pick him up if you can find him.
Head to the toyguide for the full image gallery and to judge for yourself whether this figure is worth adding to your collection.
You can also weigh in with your impressions on the figures we add to our toyguide on facebook and in our forums.
Hasbro is pleased to once again invite you to help determine its next STAR WARS Fans’ Choice figure! The winner will be included in Hasbro’s STAR WARS action figure line in 2013, in time for the 30th anniversary of STAR WARS: EPISODE VI RETURN OF THE JEDI.
We will be polling our readers to again compile a top 10 list for submission on Wednesday, Sept 28, 2011. All polling result lists will be combined together (each outlet getting an equal voice) with the #1 character on each list worth 10 points, the #2 character worth 9 points, the #3 worth 8 points, etc. The resultant point values will be used to generate the final ballot of 20 choices, which will be announced in October by STAR WARS Insider.
Fans will then be able to vote on STAR WARS Insider’s site for their favorite character out of the Top 20, and the character with the most votes as of December 1 will be the new STAR WARS Fans’ Choice figure! The winning character will be announced at Hasbro’s 2012 Collector-Fan Media Day event at Toy Fair in New York in February 2012.
Please note: any characters selected from the current STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS animated series would be done in a realistic style.
Gentle Giant Ltd. is now taking pre-orders for their Clone Wars AT-RT web exclusive maquette and the Premier Guild Exclusive Bespin Han Solo Mini Bust.
The Inventory Clearance Sale continues with more items added and pricing further reduced. Take a look at the link for a variety of featured items as well as the huge sales menus that contain thousands of items priced 20% to 90% off list price.
For your review, here are 2 upcoming Target Exclusives from the Vintage Collection: Luke Skywalker’s Tauntaun and the Landspeeder. Click through for the high resolution images. Continue reading Hi-Res Tauntaun and Landspeeder Images
There are rumors swirling about that rips of the Blu-rays have leaked on to the internet and with that, comes word of new CGI and audio/SFX alterations made to the Original Trilogy (for the better or worse depending on your point of view). None so far seem to be as controversial as swapping Sebastian Shaw’s head for Hayden Christensen’s in Return of the Jedi, or Greedo shooting first in A New Hope, but the changes are changes none the less.
Time to break out those VHS tapes I guess.