http://swnz.dr-maul.com Star Wars news, hobbies and collecting from New Zealand. en-us 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1200 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.]]> 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1200 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]]> 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1200 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

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.]]> 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1200 Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back on New Zealand's TV2 channel... ...MORE]]> 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1200
  - 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.]]> 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1200 NZ Collection section. Today's update includes the addition of a poster-sized card holder for the Confection Concepts 1997 postacards... ...MORE]]> 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1200 August we covered the press release from NZ Mint about the legal tender Star Wars coins being produced for Niue. They are now starting to be distributed and, because they are made locally, we've got a couple in hand and are able to share photos.

Close inspection reveals a few aspects not immediately evident in the early promotional images. The coins ship shrink-wrapped to a cardboard backer. The backing cards are specific to the character on the coin, with a brief bio listed along with the descriptive details of the coin (weight, size, uncirculated condition etc) and an edition number (out of the 50,000 issued per design). The feature face of the coin portrays an original trilogy hero or villain in full colour - the character sculpt is actually recessed and subtly embossed (more noticable with some characters than others). The obverse side of the coin exhibits Raphael Maklouf's portrait of the Queen Elizabeth II - familiar to kiwis as it is the same sculpt seen on New Zealand currency and that of other commonwealth nations... ...MORE]]> 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1200 Fishpond.co.nz delivered (with free shipping) in time for Christmas. The following items are in stock in their New Zealand warehouse, with guaranteed Christmas delivery if ordered now:

  - Cad Bane and Speeder Bike, $34.99.
  - Tethan Battle Adventure: Decide Your Destiny, paperback, 192 pages, $14.97.
  - Star Wars Omnibus, graphic novel (all 6 films), 600 pages, $39.28.
  - Electronic Blaster Boba Fett, $53.57.
  - Holiday Yoda Mini Bobble Head, $23.06.
  - The Empire Strikes Back Photo Comic, paperback, 96 pages, $17.13.
  - Clone Wars Basic Figure ARF Trooper, $15.23.
  - The Clone Wars Republic Heroes, PC Game, DVD, $59.95.
  - Legacy of the Force: Tempest, paperback, 416 pages, $18.99.
  - Star Wars: Blueprints: Inside the Production Archives, hardcover, 336 pages, $699.00.
  - Clone Wars Gambit - Siege, hardcover, 400 pages, $38.80.
  - Legacy, volume 8: Tatooine, graphic novel, $34.41.
  - How to Draw "Star Wars", hardcover, 94 pages, $13.19.
  - Fate of the Jedi: Backlash paperback, 367 pages, $14.95.
  - Art and Making of Old Republic, hardcover, 160 pages, $57.97.
  - Darth Bane: Path of Destruction, hardcover, 324 pages, $31.88.

Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.

Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.]]> 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1200 'Star Wars: The Old Republic' (SW:TOR, or just SWTOR) is the new online roleplaying game about to be released by BioWare (the makers of original 'Knights of the Old Republic' computer games). It has an official US/Europe release date of December 20th...but frustratingly there are a number of "red-zones", including New Zealand, that don't have any confirmed local information on availability. That has lead to a lot of confusion about when, if, and how we might get to play this much anticipated MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game). Over the last few weeks a number of SWNZ staff and forum members have been involved in the beta-testing programme - ie, we have been able to test and play the game live, and have been working to seek clarity regarding the availability situation for Kiwis. Here's a summary of the best, currently available information, as confirmed by BioWare sources... ...MORE]]> 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1200 NZ Collection section. Today's update includes the addition of advertising posters from the Telecom Episode 1 promotions of 1999... ...MORE]]> 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1200
Armageddon has grown to encompass a pretty wide definition of "pop culture", providing products and attractions across many genres and themes. What I find particularly interesting and positive though is the trend towards greater involvement of various fan groups who are appearing to both promote their organisation and provide direct entertainment. Star Wars has had representation of this sort for a number of years, from the local 501st Legion garrison, Rebel Legion outpost, and, of course, Star Wars New Zealand. Also starting to gather momentum, for example, are the Star Trek NZ group, the kiwi Dr Who fan club, and local live-action role-playing groups... ...MORE]]> 03 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1200
With over 350 dancers ranging in age from 4 to 26 years, the Pump Dance crews captivate audiences with their endless energy. Hip hop, jazz, contemporary and ballet are combined with high-impact visuals to create a must-see show for the whole family and all lovers of modern dance.

Saturday 26th November at the Opera House, Wellington.
Matinee Show 3:30pm.
Evening Show 7pm.
Tickets available through Ticketek. Adults $25, Children (14 years and under) $20, Family (2 adults, 2 children) $75.]]> 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1200 ...MORE]]> 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1200 NZ Collection section. Today's update includes the addition of an advertising poster from the Bluebird Chips Episode 1 promotion of 1999... ...MORE.]]> 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1200 iQ Toys is New Zealand's first online toy store (starting up way back in 1996). Their main utility for Star Wars collectors is their inventory of Star Wars Lego, but they also carry some Star Wars Hasbro product. On a more general note, if you're looking for gifts for children, their range of educational toys will give you much to choose from. All purchases from SWNZ affiliates help contribute to the ongoing costs of this website!

iQ Toys currently offer free shipping within New Zealand on orders over $100. Check out the following in stock items:

  - Vintage figures (4-LOM & Cloud car Pilot in stock, $14.99.
  - Lego Midi-Scale Imperial Star Destroyer 8099, $89.99.
  - Lego Slave I 8097, $199.99.
  - Jedi Force Landspeeder, $22.99.
  - Lego T-6 Jedi Shuttle 7931, $129.99.
  - Lego Republic Frigate 7964, $249.99.
  - Lego Imperial Shuttle, $499.99.
  - Lego ARC-170 Starfighter 8088, $139.99.
  - Lego Hoth Echo Base 7879, $179.99.
  - Jedi Force Millennium Falcon Playset, $64.99.]]> 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1200 Ultimate FX Lightsabers feature accurate hilt styling and details, and are brought to life with realistic sound and light effects. Hasbro NZ has kindly donated ten Ultimate FX Lightsabers (RRP $89.99 each) as prizes for this competition!

To enter, click here.]]> 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1200 "This incredible lightsaber looks and feels just like the one used by DARTH VADER! The glowing blade ignites with light and makes sounds when you power up, power down, and clash in battle! It's the ultimate weapon to make your Star Wars battles incredibly real!"

You can see video of these lightsabers in action on the dedicated Hasbro product page: www.JoinTheJedi.com.

Star Wars New Zealand will very shortly be launching a competition, thanks to Hasbro NZ, with prizes of these Ultimate FX Lightsabers. Stay tuned for details!

Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.]]> 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1200 SWNZ Forums (www.SWNZForums.co.nz) are the place for you - it's an efficient and interactive way to keep up to date with the latest news, and to participate in a variety of Star Wars-related threads. The following are amongst the popular topics and sections:

  - New/upcoming figure/vehicle discussions?
  - New youtube channel
  - Original Trilogy on public TV in NZ
  - For Sale: Various Star Wars Decipher CCG cards
  - {Spoiler} is back! (spoiler for Clone Wars TV show)
  - Clone Wars Season 3 on DVD / Blu-ray
  - West side studios display and show
  - A new Bounty Hunter-Shae Vizla The Old Republic

Come on over and join in the conversation! Read the 'Welcome' message for more details.]]> 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1200 NZ Collection section. Today's update includes the addition of a great image of products from the Mainland 'Taste the Magic' Episode II competition of 2002... ...MORE]]> 16 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1200 The Book Depository is SWNZ's newest affiliate, chosen because they have great prices on books, and free international shipping to New Zealand! The following is a selection of new and upcoming Star Wars books available to order or preorder. Prices below are in NZ$ (you can select to have prices displayed in different currencies on the website). Yes, you read those prices correctly...some paperbacks are as cheap as less than eight dollars each!

  - Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Warfare (Paperback), $25.13.
  - Fate of the Jedi: Vortex (Paperback), $7.72.
  - Red Harvest (Paperback), $7.72.
  - The Secret Life of Droids (Hardback), $11.89.
  - The Millennium Falcon Owner's Workshop Manual (Hardback), $27.08.
  - Darth Plagueis (Hardback), $26.11.
  - Death Troopers (Paperback), $8.87.
  - The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force (Hardback), $24.36.
  - The Clone Wars Character Encyclopedia (Hardback), $19.14.
  - Fate of the Jedi: Allies (Paperback), $9.81.
  - The Complete Vader (Hardback), $71.57.
  - Star Wars Complete Saga 2012 (Calendar), $19.48.
  - Riptide (Paperback), $7.72.

You can review their full Star Wars selection at this link.

Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.]]> 15 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1200