From the selection of SWNZ Feature Articles:
Daniel Logan was born June 6th, 1987, and grew up in Massey, West Auckland. His first experience with acting came when he was 10 years old. Young rugby players were being auditioned for a... ...MORE
SWNZ-X1a
Last month we presented coverage and a photo gallery showcasing SWNZ's attendance of a press conference at Skywalker Ranch. Today we move onto the second destination of that galactic itinerary, to take a look at the San Francisco offices of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM). It was there that we were privy to an advance premiere screening of The Phantom Menace 3D, but first, we toured the creative catacombs of ILM and its sibling corporate entities.
The Letterman Digital Arts Center is located in The Presidio of San Francisco - a scenic park near the cityside aspect of the Golden Gate Bridge. In 2005 it become the home to ILM, LucasArts, Lucasfilm Ltd (LFL) and subsidiaries/departments including LFL's licensing, online and marketing units.
We began early with breakfast on site. You know you are in the right place as the main lobby and entrance-way is prefaced by a life-sized bronze cast of Yoda, atop an appropriately serene water feature. Inside, the atrium is adorned with statues and collectibles, but the golden corporate logos behind the reception desk are the features that hammer home the significance of this place of work. ILM's filmography as a motion picture visual effects company is extensive, with titles known to all - from the classics of the 1980s through to innovative releases of the 21st century. They are listed as the largest VFX vendor in Hollywood (in terms of workforce numbers), and their contributions have won them a string of awards (including 15 Best Visual Effects Oscars at the time of writing). Our expedition through the corridors and foyers of ILM was more like a museum excursion - props, costumes and miniatures from over 3 decades of movie-making are archived and displayed along the expansive passageways. Aliens, spaceships, robots, dinosaurs, monsters and paranormal entities. "E.T., the Extra Terrestrial", "Ghostbusters II", "Jurassic Park", "Pirates of the Carribean", "Indiana Jones", to list but a fraction. A veritable treasure trove of famous beings and environments from all corners of the sci-fi, horror, and fantasy genres... ...MORE
Matt G
SWNZ-X1a
Flashback - 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
Book Depository has a huge array of Star Wars titles, and you can currently get an extra 10% off their advertised prices, granted by using the code APMA12 at checkout. And, as always, they have free shipping worldwide.
Matt G
The range of Star Wars products available through SWNZ affiliate MightyApe continues to grow, and now includes premium merchandise from manufacturers like Attakus, eFX Collectibles, and Gentle Giant. The following are a selection of their top-end products:
- Yoda Prestige Format Resin Statue.
- R2-D2 Clone Wars 1:1 Monument Statue.
- Darth Vader Episode 4 Helmet (Limited to 1000 worldwide!).
- Luke Skywalker X-Wing Pilot 1:1 Scale Helmet.
- Luke Skywalker 'Reveal' Lightsaber.
- LEGO Star Wars Super Star Destroyer (10221).
- Star Wars Pewter Chess Set - by Gentle Giant.
- Star Wars Art: Comics.
- Star Wars: The Blueprints.
- Gamorrean Guard 1:5 Resin Statue.
- Commander Cody 1:5 Resin Statue (version 1).
- Commander Cody 1:5 Resin Statue (version 2).
- Xbox 360 Kinect Star Wars Limited Edition Console Bundle.
- Premium Format 1:4 Figure by Sideshow - Aayla Secura.
- Padme Amidala 1:5 Resin Statue.
Check out lots more tempting items here.
Matt G
Although there are a few good online retailers in New Zealand that can supply us with Star Wars books and other merchandise, sometimes it is economical to go off-shore, even with international shipping taken in to account. The Book Depository is SWNZ's newest affiliate, chosen because they have great prices on books (many paperbacks coming in under the NZ$10 mark - you can set the currency you are viewing the book prices in), and, very importantly, free international shipping to New Zealand!
You can review their Star Wars selection at this link.
Matt G
In case anyone's missed the news, Whitcoulls branches around the country are now stocking Hasbro Star Wars action figures, including the Vintage Collection - more details on the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
Independent New Zealand t-shirt company Cuppa-T (cuppa-t-shirts.co.nz) are known for their "fictional propaganda images usually promoting 'retro future visions'. Cuppa-T carries a distinct style and set of 'interests', a blend of Sci-Fi, 'techiness' and vintage nostalgia." Their current line-up of posters and t-shirts include some Star Wars-inspired designs!
Matt G
Skywalker Ranch needs little introduction amongst Star Wars afficianados. Geographically, it is a secluded and externally non-descript block of land in Marin County, north of San Francisco. Down an elongated entranceway, and beyond the omnipresent security network, George Lucas' high-tech production facilities lie amidst fields, vineyards, and the picturesque "Lake Ewok". Inaccessible and unattainable to most, Star Wars fans consider it a mecca of a destination; almost sacred territory. A few weeks back I took a trip to Skywalker Ranch. The event: a press conference promoting the 3D release of The Phantom Menace, which I was very fortunate to be able to attend in conjunction with TV3's Junior Jedi Journalist feature (thanks also to 20th Century Fox and AirNZ Grab-a-Seat).
Skywalker Ranch has grown since its inception in 1978. The initial purchase of land was made by George using proceeds from the original "Star Wars". A number of buildings now occupy the site.. ...MORE
Matt G
Nerdyshirts.com is an online t-shirt store with a huge range of movie and pop-culture-related designs. They ship internationally, and have a "100% Satisfaction Guarantee". When it comes to Star Wars items, they carry licensed t-shirts (including a selection of classic 'distressed' original trilogy graphics), and a few unique, original designs. I've personally been impressed with the print and manufacturing quality of both their licensed and exclusive products (which are screen-printed on heavy weight preshrunk 6oz cotton).
They have a specific themed section in which you can check out their Star Wars range of shirts.
Matt G
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
The NZ Connexion section of SWNZ pays tribute to New Zealanders who have been involved in the movies or other media that make up the Star Wars timeline. The contribution of kiwi David Scott was recently bought to my attention (thanks Andy C)...
The intersection of the Star Wars and Lego franchises has resulted in a gamut of very well-received Lego sets, figures, and even comics. This popularity led to the creation of 'Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace', a short (22 minute) animated feature originally screened on Cartoon Network in 2011, and now available on DVD and Blu-Ray. The kiwi connection to this entertaining little (non-canon) tale from the Star Wars universe is that it was directed by New Zealander David Scott.
David was born in Lower Hutt, and his resume includes working with Weta Digital as a previsualisation artist on the Lord of the Rings trilogy. His skills and contribution to The Padawan Menace extend beyond his directorship of that title - he also voiced a number of the characters, including Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Lobot!
At the time of writing, The Phantom Menace is available through a couple of SWNZ affiliates: Blu-Ray (MightyApe), DVD (MightyApe), paperback tie-in (Fishpond).
Related link: David Scott on IMDB.com
Related link: 'The Padawan Menace' on IMDB.com
Matt G
TradeMe.co.nz is a popular (if not vital) hub for NZ Star Wars collectors. From time to time we highlight auctions for interesting or rare collectibles, with the seller's permission:
- Vintage Star Wars Imperial Shuttle.
- Vintage Millennium Falcon.
- POTF2 Electronic Stormtrooper Blaster.
- Star Wars Videos Digitally Remastered.
- Star Wars Special Edition Video Set.
Matt G
Online model store Modelcraft and Hobbies has an interesting range of science fiction and science fact model kitsets, which include new Star Wars models from both trilogies (and even the expanded universe). Check out their full range in their sci-fi section, which includes the following:
- AMT 1/76 Millennium Falcon, $99.99.
- 1/6 Han Solo - vinyl, $20.00.
- FTOYS 1/144 Naboo N-1 Starfighter, $18.99.
- FTOYS 1/144 2 Jedi Starfighters, $29.99.
- FTOYS 1/144 TIE-Crawler, $29.99.
- REVELL Sith Infiltrator EASY KIT , $26.99.
- REVELL TIE Interceptor EASY KIT, $26.99.
- REVELL Jedi Starfighter EASY KIT, $26.99.
- REVELL Obi-Wan's Jedi Starfighter, $26.99.
- REVELL Republic Gunship EASY KIT, $26.99.
- REVELL Republic Gunship, $105.00.
- REVELL AT-AT Walker, $75.00.
- FINEMOLDS 1/48 Snowspeeder, $95.00.
- REVELL Darth Vader's TIE Fighter EASY KIT, $26.99.
- REVELL Naboo Starfighter EASY KIT, $26.99.
- REVELL X-wing Starfighter EASY KIT, $26.99.
- REVELL Millennium Falcon EASY KIT, $26.99.
Matt G
New Zealand Star Wars fans are fundraising for The Cancer Society by participating in the North Shore Relay For Life event this coming weekend. The "Rebel Empire Alliance" team will be running/walking continuously (with a fair proportion to be done in Star Wars costume), relay-style, from 4pm through to 10am the next day. Any contributions to this worthy cause, which can be made via the secure donation system at www.relayforlife.org.nz/...DonationTeamID=3464, are immensely appreciated.
Matt G
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
Coming soon to SWNZ...special reports from Skywalker Ranch and Lucasfilm's headquarters.
Matt G
Star Wars New Zealand maintains affiliate relationships to a number of online retailers of Star Wars products, in order to be able to highlight sources of, and pricing for, interesting collectibles. Included are local companies, and selected major international vendors. All purchases made through affiliate links on SWNZ assist in the running costs of the SWNZ website and forums.
The following links provide easy access to a very broad range of Star Wars merchandise, all with competitive pricing.
- Reel Collectibles
- Fishpond
- Mighty Ape
- IQ Toys
- Official Star Wars Shop
- Amazon
- Sideshow Collectibles
- ThinkGeek.com
- Gentle Giant Ltd
- The Book Depository
Matt G
New Zealand Star Wars fans are fundraising for The Cancer Society by participating in the Relay For Life on March 3-4th. The "Rebel Empire Alliance" team will be running/walking continuously, relay-style, from 4pm through to 10am the next day. You can contribute via the secure donation system at www.relayforlife.org.nz/...DonationTeamID=3464.
Matt G
The following press release has just been issued regarding the New Zealand release of the 'Star Wars: The Old Republic' online role-playing game:
'STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC' LANDS IN AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE ON MARCH 1. After a successful release in North America and Europe, BioWare, a Label of Electronic Arts announced today that the fastest growing subscription MMO ever, Star Wars: The Old Republic, will be officially launching in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore on March 1, 2012. Fans in those regions will be able to play the critically-acclaimed massively multiplayer online game on regional servers, enjoying the story-driven experience that has captivated gamers worldwide. Players in these countries who currently have or have had an active Star Wars: The Old Republic account prior to February 28, 2012 will have the opportunity to request a free character transfer for a limited time to an Asia Pacific server after the launch on March 1, 2012. All players who qualify for a character transfer will be notified in early March with more details.
"Our biggest priority for The Old Republic has always been to deliver a high quality product and high quality service and we are pleased with our results in North America and Europe," said Dr. Greg Zeschuk, General Manager of the BioWare Label's MMO Business Unit and Co-Founder of BioWare. "We appreciate that our fans in these countries have been patient and we are excited to deliver this same great customer experience to players this March."
BioWare and EA will also be offering players in the region an in-game color crystal to change their weapon effect as a pre-order incentive for reserving a copy of the Standard Edition from participating local retailers. There are no participating retailers for pre-orders in Hong Kong and Singapore. Finally, players in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore will also be eligible for the Founder's medal, a distinction given to the early members of The Old Republic community.
Star Wars: The Old Republic is a story-driven, massively multiplayer online (MMO) game from BioWare and LucasArts, breaking new ground in online gaming by delivering high quality, fully-voiced storylines with personal choice and consequences. Set thousands of years before the classic Star Wars movies, players are immersed as they team up with friends online to fight in heroic battles reminiscent of the films, exploring a galaxy of vibrant planets, experiencing visceral Star Wars combat, all set to a sweeping musical score. Players are asked to join forces with either the Galactic Republic or Sith Empire and choose one of eight iconic Star Wars characters, including the Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular, Smuggler, Trooper, Sith Warrior, Sith Inquisitor, Bounty Hunter and Imperial Agent.
Players in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore will be able to choose from the Standard Edition ($79.99 AUD, $89.99 NZD) and the Digital Deluxe Edition ($89.99 AUD, $99.99 NZD) of Star Wars: The Old Republic at participating retailers. The Digital Deluxe Edition is exclusive to Origin.com. Included with the purchase of every copy of Star Wars: The Old Republic is 30 days of access to the game, after which players can continue to play by subscribing to the ongoing service. Subscribers will also receive ongoing content such as the recently released Game Update 1.1, Rise of the Rakghouls. For more information on Star Wars: The Old Republic, please visit www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com, follow the game on Twitter at twitter.com/swtor or "Like" Star Wars: The Old Republic on Facebook at facebook.com/starwarstheoldrepublic.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
From the selection of SWNZ Feature Articles:
Toltoys (NZ) Ltd , the New Zealand subsidiary of Toltoys Proprietary Ltd , manufactured and distributed a wide range of licensed and original toys, games and models in New Zealand over a period... ...MORE
SWNZ-X1a
Saturday 4th February, 2012, was declared "Star Wars Day" at the Sylvia Park shopping centre in Auckland. 20th Century Fox NZ teamed up with Hoyts Cinemas, in conjunction with ToyWorld, Microsoft (XBox 360), The Rock FM, Hasbro, and supported by the local costuming community (including the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion) to assemble a dramatic, interactive event to promote the opening of ticket sales for the advance premiere screening of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace in 3D.
As well as significant specials on Star Wars action figures, roleplay items and Lego at the ToyWorld store and temporary stands, the day featured a central "Kid's Jedi Zone", where junior fans could hone their lightsaber skills and be photographed with Star Wars characters. The Kid's Zone drew in a good quorum of school-aged Jedi, many of whom came along dressed as their favourite Star Wars character. As the schedule of events approached the midday movie ticket sale time, a parade of imperial troops... ...MORE
Matt G
Fishpond.co.nz currently has a lot of Star Wars books, particularly paperbacks, heavily reduced, including a number under $10. Following on from Monday's post, here's the completion of a list of heavily reduced Star Wars items. Don't forget to check their free shipping (in NZ) offer too:
- I, Jedi paperback, $11.28, save $10.71 (49%).
- The Complete 'Star Wars' Encyclopedia hardback, 1232 pages, $122, save $176.00 (59%).
- Heir to Empire, paperback, $9.48, save $12.51 (57%).
- Darth Bane: Rule of Two, paperback, $9.46, save $12.53 (57%).
- Fate of the Jedi: Allies, paperback, $9.56, save $12.43 (57%).
- The Story of Darth Vader, paperback, $4.99, save $6.00 (55%).
- Star Wars Mad Libs, paperback, $4.75, save $6.24 (57%).
- Yoda: Dark Rendezvous, paperback, $9.46, save $12.53 (57%).
- Star Wars Cookbook II: Darth Malt and More Galactic Recipes, hardcover, $22.49, save $25.50 (53%).
- Star Wars: R2-D2 and Friends, paperback, $4.95, save $6.04 (55%).
- Coruscant Nights I: Jedi Twilight, paperback, $9.46, save $12.53 (57%).
- Jedi Academy: Dark Apprentice: Book 2, paperback, $9.44, save $12.55 (57%).
- Choices of One, paperback, $9.85, save $12.14 (55%).
- Coruscant Nights III: Patterns of Force, paperback, $9.46, save $12.53 (57%).
- Star Wars: Scourge, paperback, $9.29, save $12.70 (58%).
- Star Wars: Essential Atlas, paperback, $35.62, save $39.37 (53%).
- Hand of Thrawn: 1: Specter of the Past, paperback, $9.42, save $12.57 (57%).
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
TV3's "Junior Jedi Journalist" report from Skywalker Ranch will screen on 3 News tomorrow (Friday) night from 6pm.
Matt G
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
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
Fishpond.co.nz currently has a lot of Star Wars books, particularly paperbacks, heavily reduced, including a number under $10 - a good opportunity to fill gaps in your Star Wars library. Don't forget to check their free shipping (in NZ) offer too:
- Lego Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (DK Readers: Level 2), paperback, $4.87, save $6.12 (56%).
- Lego Star Wars Mad Libs, paperback, $4.95, save $6.04 (55%).
- Star Wars Clone Troopers in Action (DK Readers: Level 1), paperback, $4.79, save $6.20 (56%).
- The Last Command(Star Wars Thrawn trilogy, book 3), paperback, $9.72, save $12.27 (56%).
- Shadow Games, paperback, $9.44, save $12.55 (57%).
- The Clone Wars: Jedi Heroes, paperback, $4.97, save $6.02 (55%).
- Art and Making of Old Republic, hardcover, $41.56, save $58.43 (58%).
- Dark Force Rising, paperback, $9.60, save $12.39 (56%).
- The Clone Wars: Yoda in Action!, paperback, $4.95, save $6.04 (55%).
- Star Wars: Darth Bane - Path of Destruction, paperback, $10.91, save $15.08 (58%).
- Save the Galaxy! (Lego Star Wars), hardcover, $12.51, save $14.48 (54%).
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars [With Stickers], paperback, $8.68, save $10.31 (54%).
- Star Wars: Red Harvest, paperback, $9.11, save $12.88 (59%).
- Riptide, paperback, $9.21, save $12.78 (58%).
- Illustrated Star Wars Universe, paperback, $24.20, save $25.79 (52%).
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
A selection of photos from the Sylvia Park 'Star Wars Day' are up on the SWNZ Facebook page. More pics and coverage to come shortly.
More details and discussion can be found in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
In addition to the details posted earlier, the above images (click to view) are the scanned advertisements from yesterday's and today's New Zealand Herald.
More details and discussion can be found in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace in 3D opens in New Zealand next week, with some advance premiere screenings taking place on Wednesday 8th, and a general release launching on Thursday 9th February.
Last Sunday I was fortunate enough to be in the audience of a press screening of this latest version of the first prequel film, in the Premiere Theatre at The Letterman Digital Arts Center (the combined home of Industrial Light & Magic, LucasArts, and a number of Lucasfilm divisions) in San Francisco. Viewing the film in the creative heart of the Lucasfilm Empire was a unique privilege, but independent of that, I came out of the screening very happy with the results, and somewhat eager to see the subsequent films converted and released (I'm not a prequel-hater by any stretch, but am very much looking forward to seeing the Original Trilogy again in the large-screen format, this time in three-dimensions).
A large part of the marketing message surrounding this re-release, and an important one to remember, is that it is not just an up-conversion to 3D, but that for a generation of children (and a small selection of adults), it is the first opportunity to see The Phantom Menace on the big screen. In a number of press appearances, George Lucas has emphasised that the conversion to 3D of the Star Wars films is an artistic process, rather than a purely technical one, involving many of the artists involved in crafting the original version. Keep this in mind too, and don't pre-judge this theatrical version based on other 2D-to-3D movie conversions from the last couple of years.
Having said all that, for those who have already seen The Phantom Menace (most of us, I presume!), don't go in the the cinema expecting to see anything spectacularly different other than the addition of depth to the rendering. This is the same iteration of the film from the recent blu-ray boxed set release, complete with CG-replacement of Yoda in all the scenes he was previously a puppet.
A lot of care and attention has gone in to this edition of Episode 1. Right from the second the projection hits the screen, we are treated to interesting and immersive effects... ...MORE
Matt G
The following news item comes in via our friends at YodasNews.com:
For eight years, Yodasnews has proudly brought our readers daily news (over 16,100 articles) - both relevant and quirky - from all corners of the Star Wars universe. We have brought extensive coverage from many convention floors. We have published in-depth Star Wars product reviews, in hand product video reviews and more. We have rewarded our loyal readers with dozens of giveaways.
Starting today and for the entire month of February, Yodasnews is celebrating its eighth anniversary. These milestones are always a deeply rewarding experience for our dedicated staff because they mark another year that we helped keep the spirit of our beloved franchise alive and shared it with you, our readers. As with previous anniversaries, we will be giving 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, and much more.
Some of the items up for grabs include: Kotobukiya Clone Trooper Two Pack and a Kotobukiya R2-D2 & C-3PO set, Hasbro Trade Federation AAT,Gentle Giant Darth Vader Unleashed Mini Bust, Hasbro Kit Fisto's Jedi Starfighter, Hasbro Hyena Bomber, 2010 Vintage-Style Carded Clone Trooper, Bom Vimdin, Keyan Farlander (Revenge card), Logray, Luke Skywalker (Endor Capture / Revenge Card), R2-D2 (Return of the Jedi card) ...
... Gentle Giant Vintage 12" Boba, Gentle Giant Bossk Maquettes, LEGO Naboo Starfighter & Naboo, Elite Cone Trooper & Commando Droid, Endor Rebel Trooper & Imperial Trooper, Funko Bobble Heads, Previews Packs, Princess Leia Mini Bust, Clone Trooper Bust Ups sets, Con Eexclusives, Clone Wars (Old Animated line) figures, SSCHoliday Yoda ...
... A Knight Membership to Rancho Obi-Wan, Joe Corroney Signed Artist Proofs, Asajj and Durge Character Keys, Han Carbonite Ice Cube Trays, R2-D2 Ice Cube Trays, Obi .45 Saber, GG Clone Wars Bust Ups Saesee Tiin Packs, Gentle Giant Chrome C-3PO Bust, Commander Bly Bust, McQuarrie Vader Bust, 2-1B Bust, SWS Airborne Commander Purple Bust, Koto Exclusive Fox PVC Statue, Chris Trevas and Chris Reiff Signed Star Wars Books, Attakus Gamorrean Guard Statue and more!
You can see these, as well as, other prizes right here. Of course, none of this could be possible without the generosity and support of our Anniversary Sponsors, so be sure to check them out on our prize page.
Matt G
via YodasNews.com
Episode 1: The Phantom Menace starts screening in New Zealand next week. You can be amongst the first in the world to see it at Hoyts Cinemas, Sylvia Park, Wednesday 8th February at 8pm.
From the Hoyts.co.nz website: Join the celebration as Star Wars returns to theatres. Discover how the epic story of Anakin Skywalker begins on the big screen for the first time ever in 3D.
SEE IT FIRST! AUCKLAND'S ONLY ADVANCE SCREENING AT SYLVIA PARK
- ONLY 200 SEATS AVAILABLE - BE IN QUICK!
Tickets for this exclusive screening go on sale Midday Saturday February 4th. Tickets will not be available online until SUNDAY FEB 5 - so to guarantee your seat you will need to be at Sylvia Park at Midday on Saturday.
Prior to tickets going on sale there is a host of activity happening at Sylvia Park which includes:
- Jedi Training
- Face Paining
- X Box Kinects Demos on the Big Screens
- Giveaways
Get down to the Sylvia Park Cinema on SATURDAY FEB 4 and grab your tickets at MIDDAY!
Full details are on the Hoyts website
Update: advance premiere screenings will also take place at the Embassy Theatre, Wellington and The Palms, Christchurch, with tickets on sale at midday on Saturday February 4. No online or telephone sales.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
If you are looking to buy, sell or trade Star Wars collectibles amongst fellow fans, you can now post and manage your own advertisements on the SWNZ Message Boards. There is also a quick link to the relevant section of the message boards over in the left-hand navigation menu of www.SWNZ.co.nz.
Matt G
If you have a Facebook account, you can join up to the Star Wars New Zealand page as a means to keep up-to-date, and interact, with SWNZ news items.
Click here (www.facebook.com/StarWarsNZ) to follow us!
Matt G
Note: Amazon.com prices are in US dollars.
Discuss your favourite Star Wars books in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
The following message comes in from our friends at YodasNews.com:
Yodasnews.com and Sideshow Collectibles have teamed up to kick off the 2012 Giveaways with a bang! We have two great Sideshow figures for you to take a shot at winning. How can you win? Take the image on this page and with your Photo Editing Skills (beginner and advanced welcome) make it into something fun, creative or interesting (but keep it PG).
The staff at Yodasnews will look over all the entries and pick the TWO they like best! The First Place winner gets choice of the two figures and the runner up gets the other figure. Click here for all the info, source image and some examples! Good Luck!
Via YodasNews.com
Before the DVD box sets, before the Special Editions, it was a bit more of a big deal when the Star Wars movies screened on public television. The above newspaper photo and copy was released in 1996 to advertise the Easter weekend screening of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back on New Zealand's TV2 channel.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
The latest Hasbro action figures from The Phantom Menace (both The Vintage Collection, and the new Movie Heroes lines) have been spotted on store shelves locally. The first reports have come in from the Toyworld branch in Manakau.
Keep up to date with action figure releases in New Zealand via the Store Reports / Latest Finds on the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
SWNZ member Fredstar has put together an original Star Wars New Zealand desktop/tablet wallpaper, based around the imperial search for the stolen Death Star plans. The following resolutions are available:
- 1280 x 960 px
- 1600 x 1200 px
- 1680 x 1050 px
- 1920 x 1080 px
- 1920 x 1200 px
- iPad
- iPhone
You can download all of the versions in a bundle on the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
17 May 2012 (Thu) 02:33pm
Bay of Plenty Times, 1978: http://t.co/aP0Iu8wW (original post).
15 May 2012 (Tue) 02:32pm
Confection Concepts Uncut Card Sheet: http://t.co/TuqMBKsP (original post).
14 May 2012 (Mon) 02:32pm
Toltoys (NZ) Ltd: http://t.co/vLddhYFn (original post).
12 May 2012 (Sat) 02:32pm
SWNZ Visits Lucasfilm - part 2, Letterman Digital Arts Center: http://t.co/11JmqZnG (original post).
10 May 2012 (Thu) 02:31pm
SWNZ Visits Lucasfilm - part 2, Letterman Digital Arts Center: http://t.co/G0VurfvC (original post).
09 May 2012 (Wed) 02:32pm
Confection Concepts: http://t.co/2SVZyoI0 (original post).
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