Version 1.0 Revised March 31, 2005
Compiled by Adam Pawlus
I. Introduction
II. Packaging
III. Toys
a. Basic Figures
b. Unleashed Figures
c. Large Figures (12)
d. Vehicles
e. Exclusives
f. Other Toys
IV. Conclusions
V. Distribution
I. INTRODUCTION
What is presumed to be the final new movie line started hitting stores in February 2005 with the Revenge of the Sith collection. While it is not presently known if Hasbro plans to roll a lot of toys from other movies under this banner, it will dominate the line for 2005 in a way that Attack of the Clones didn't quite do for Saga. Right now, the line isn't set to expire like the popular OTC line from 2004, and will probably last through at least the end of the year.
The line is much like any other movie line, only with some more exclusives, more unique product, and probably more "classic" figures than any other prequel by virtue of the designs and characters to be featured in the film. As always, lists of toys from a movie may contain spoilers and should be treaded lightly.
The packaging is a unique style that incorporates a stylized Darth Vader helmet, lava, and a unique bubble that covers and wraps the card much like Hasbro's own G.I. Joe: Valor vs. Venom line and numerous Japanese figure likes from Takara and BanDai over the past decade. The packaging allows for a collector to cut tape, remove the figure, and then replace the figure later with minimal damage to the card or bubble.
Right now, the final tally of the line is unknown but it is expected to top 56 basic figures and countless other products. The currently announced 56 figures only cover the Fall, so new items beyond that could be from Revenge of the Sith or perhaps some other area of the Star Wars Universe.
II. PACKAGING
The packaging was revised to an extremely collector-friendly and kid-grabbing look that incorporates elements from Star Wars and eye-popping colors to grab your attention, too. The bubble itself is a unique, almost egglike plastic container that covers the figure and the cardback, wrapping it in a protective plastic and providing a durable, seemingly hard to dent design. The card design itself is a true deviation from modern Star Wars standards. Neither blocky, square, or corner-filled, this design has a similarly scaled cardback with a bubble that prevents it from being stored in most traditional cases.
The packaging itself is unique in that it incorporates a taped seal on the back to allow figures to be entered or removed with ease, an idea that has come up in the past and was rejected due to potential problems with pieces being lost prior to the toy's sale. There isn't a lot of room for customization, but the template highlights the character as well as the name and action feature, when appropriate, to give the buyer the notion of "Wookiee Rage" to be had upon opening the toy.
In addition to the 56 basic figures, there have been other figures on slightly different packaging for 2005. A Holographic Yoda for Toys "R" Us is just a modified ROTS package, while Target's exclusive Clone Trooper and Lava Darth Vader have modified basic packaging with a plastic clamshell. Coming later is a Holographic Leia on a revised version of the very popular 2004 OTC packaging, and it is not known if this is presently a one-shot deal or a sign of things to come.
To view a breakdown of the Revenge of the Sith cardback, click here for our Cardatomy.
III. TOYS
The toy segment is split between several assortments and numerous lines, and as of now, a lot of things are still up in the air. This section will present information for what we know as of the latest revision.
Right now, expectations call for:
56 Basic Figures
and several exclusive items, role-play goods, and so forth. The line's scope is still under wraps and as such, numbers are not available for all products at this time.
a. Basic Figures
56 basic figures are listed on Hasbro paperwork, all from Revenge of the Sith, making it the largest first-year selection of basic figures for any Star Wars movie ever. While most new movies are typically promoted with all-new characters and a few updates of core characters. This time around, Hasbro eschewed the likes of Jar Jar Binks for figures like Ask Aak, Senate Guards, a gaggle of Clone Troopers, and even Tarkin. The direction is a bold and refreshing one, but at the same time, it makes one wonder what will be on tap for year two of Revenge of the Sith as most of the fan favorites are already on their way to stores.
The basic figure line was originally scheduled to hit stores on April 2, 2005, however fans widely stumbled on stores putting the figures out as soon as they got them. Not included in the initial tally of 56 are an additional four figures sold in February of 2005 as Sneak Preview figures. These come on the same style of packaging but are numbered as a separate series and came and went fairly quickly.
Prior to the April 2 launch date of Revenge of the Sith, there was a brief series of "05" figures in packaging almost identical to that used in the Original Trilogy Collection of 2004. Eight new sculpts and eight repackaged figures were sold for a total of 16, one of which, the Sandtrooper, made its appearance on the popular black cardback for the very first time.
b. Unleashed Figures
Hasbro's wildly popular line of larger Unleashed figures continues with new releases in a similar style to previous issues. This is particularly notable because while countless toys are getting a 2005 makeover, this line continues with the same style package that Hasbro has used since 2003. The same unique templates with top notch card art will see use throughout the year and at this time, it is expected no less than five figures will hit stores in 2005.
The future of this line is in flux, as Hasbro gave a strange answer on what we could expect for 2006. Would it continue? "Yes and no." Of course, they also let on we'd see the likes of Han Solo in Stormtrooper disguise soon, which is indeed a good sign.
c. Large Figures (12)
After being given a break in 2004, Hasbro brings 12" figures back into the fold for 2005 with at least eight new releases in this scale, including exclusives. Chewbacca is currently expected at Kay-Bee toys, while an Ultimate Villain figure allows you to transform Anakin to the Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Vader. Also available: Clone Trooper, Aayla Secura, Barriss Offee, Darth Sidious, General Grievous, and Shaak Ti. More are expected as numerous characters are not yet represented, but are not confirmed at this time and Hasbro has stated that Unleashed has replaced 12" as the top choice for collector dollars.
d. Vehicles
Unlike the 2004 line, in 2005 the toy line is not dominated by exclusives when it comes to vehicles. Nearly ten vehicles are expected this year with several others rumored, including more repaints of vehicles from as far back as 2002. Electronics are taking a back seat to improved detail work and action features, and numerous Jedi Starfighters are expected in several forms as well as vehicles for the Clones.
While the line is still in the early stages of development, it is not currently expected that the Tantive VI will see plastic in 2005, nor will any classic vehicles like the Cloud Car. These things can (and will) change as time goes on, though, so keep checking back with this document and your favorite news sites for the latest.
e. Exclusives
A number of exclusives are planned for the Revenge of the Sith line, and so far these have been confirmed to include the following available now:
- Holographic Yoda (Toys R Us & Amazon.com, $9.99 or free with purchase)
- Lava Reflection Darth Vader (50,000 pieces, Target exclusive, $12.99)
- Clone Trooper (Target exclusive, $12.99)
- Clone Trooper (Quick Draw) with Cup (Target exclusive, $9.99)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi with Cup (Target exclusive, $9.99)
- General Grievous (Sneak Preview) with Cup (Target exclusive, $9.99)
- Micro vehicle and figure packs (Target exclusive, Six so far, $6.99)
- Chewbacca (Kay-Bee Toys 12" Exclusive, $29.99)
- Early Bird Kit (Wal-Mart Exclusive, $29.96)
- Titanium vehicles (Wal-Mart Exclusive, 10 so far, $4.96)
- Celebration III Darth Vader (April, Star Wars Celebration III, $15.00)
More are expected as the year goes on, such as:
- Anakin's Jedi Starfighter (Green) with Anakin Skywalker figure (May, Toys "R" Us exclusive)
f. Other Toys
Numerous toys are on the way for this new movie, including:
Jedi Force:
- Anakin Skywalker
- Yoda
- Han Solo
Galactic Heroes:
- Anakin Skywalker & Count Dooku
- Emperor Palpatine & Yoda
- Obi-Wan Kenobi & General Grievous
Dozens of board games, lightsabers, role-play guns, and a top-notch Wookiee Water Blaster Super Soaker toy were released as well as the kitschy Darth Tater. Please consult our checklists for additional information on these toys.
IV. CONCLUSIONS
While still very much in development, Revenge of the Sith seems to delight by bringing in new sculpts for figures, old favorite vehicles, and characters fans will recognize and appreciate. Compared to other movie launches, this seems to be one of the most ambitious, with multiple lines aimed at kids, collectors, and those with a merely passing interest in the property. Short run items will likely grab a lot of attention, as will some variant guards and troopers, but like all years it's a solid selection of figures with enough new blood to excite jaded fans while interesting old-school fans with dozens of new ways to purchase Darth Vader.
V. DISTRIBUTION
Distribution of this document is welcome and encouraged as long as it is complete and unedited with credit given where appropriate. Last updated May 9, 2005.
