FEBRUARY 2005 ARCHIVE

21st - 28th February '05

SPOILER SOUND WAVE?!? YOU DECIDE

Unsure it this is legit, you better have a listen and decide for yourself. Be warned if it is the real deal then those people who don't want a surprise better block their ears. Thanks to Jedi-One for the CHOSEN file.

Good News...Confirmation that the sound file we originally featured here was sampled from Episode III. Bad News...due to copyright laws we have removed the sound file from our site. See, it pays to check our news page every day.

28th February 2005, Jedi-One

THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR part 3

A Dwarf...Yoda has...forth birthday...WHAT THE??? Find out just how old Yoda really is, how the big bang theory relates to Episode I, where to can get your very own Holograph projector, a splash of Sith on the Xbox magazine cover, and how much a Clone Combo costs (plus what the hell it is). All this on Brant Ravens Cutting Room Floor.

25th February 2005, Brant Raven

THIS AIN'T LIKE DUSTING CROPS...BUT IT'S CLOSE

We have two more new releases to the Australian market well before they were expected. Now out at retail the Anakin Jedi Starfighter (Preview Version) and Mr Potato Head as Darth Tater. These items, originally scheduled for a March release have broken out of the Hasbro container and are getting snapped up by eager collectors.

The Anakin Jedi Starfighter (Preview Version) has echoes of the first EP2 Jedi Starfighter and visions of the future Enhanced Tie Fighter. Collectors have given this first EP3 vehicle the big thumbs up. Whilst Darth Tater, marks the first time Mr Potato Head has dressed up to pay homage to a film icon. Get your Jedi Fighter with a 'Side order of Fires' today.

24th February 2005, MSE-6

VADER AND YODA EXCLUSIVE CARDED IMAGES

STOP PRESS...EXCLUSIVE NEWS JUST TO HAND... The first images of two previously unannounced figures have landed in the Mousedroid image library. These images are of not one but Two Worldwide Exclusives for two of the biggest International Star Wars Retailers. One figure for the light side and one figure for the darkside of retailing.

Mousedroid.com are proud to bring you the following images of the Toys R Us Exclusive Holographic Yoda (CARDED) and the Target Exclusive Lava Darth Vader (CARDED). At this time worldwide distribution and run numbers are not clear, so check back often as we await more information to arrive from our spy holonet.

23rd February 2005, MSE-6

KOTOBUKIYA CHEWIE AND SANDTROOPER SARGENT

Yet another shipment from the Land of the Rising Sun has landed in the Case Fresh Australian Warehouse. Two more new items from Kotobukiya (ArtFX) are now being processed and ready for dispatch later in the week. Choose from the Chewbacca with Bowcaster or Limited Release Sandtrooper Sergeant...or better still, get them both :)

The Kotobukiya Chewbacca comes in a classic pose with this trusty Bowcaster at the ready. The second of the Kotobukiya Sandtroopers, has the Sergeant with white pauldron and his blaster at the ready. Packaged in a window box, Chewie only $195 and the Sandtrooper $249, including Free eParcel shipping in Australia.

23rd February 2005, MSE-6

DARK SIDE OF DARK HORSE

The "new" Star Wars Tales continues! This issue contributes three more tales to the mythos. Jedi Darca Nyl continues to unravel; Two enemy soldiers accidentally left behind after the Battle of Endor must survive a tribe of disgruntled Ewoks; and the first tie-in to the highly anticipated Republic Commando game. Star Wars comics at their best! Star Wars Tales #22

The Emperor is not willing to allow Jabiimi rebels to forcibly boot the last of his stormtroopers off the planet. The harder they fight, the tighter the Imperial grip becomes. Help arrives in the form of the Rebel Alliance, but Luke Skywalker doesn't realize he's walking in his father's tainted footsteps  that may earn him a death sentence! Star Wars: Empire #29

Star Wars Tales Volume 5 collects issues #17-#20 of the quarterly Star Wars Tales. Includes a Chewbacca story illustrated by Cary Nord (Conan), Haden Blackman's unbelievable Han Solo tale, Scott Kurtz's parody of The Breakfast Club, and the "all-indie issue"-featuring many of the best independent comics creators in the business!

23rd February 2005, MSE-6

EPISODE III 'GOLD CLASS' SOLD OUT

We have had an awesome response to our Midnight Star Wars Episode III Event. So much so that our Gold Class session tickets were sold out in under a week. That means if you wish to attend, not just a midnight screening, but a true Star Wars Fan Event for the last ever opening night, you better Hurry and Reserve Tickets for SILVERSCREEN right now.

21st February 2005, MSE-6

14th - 20th February '05

JUMPING THE GUN?

Remember hearing out a April 2nd street date for advertised sale of Revenge of the Sith Hasbro lines? Well, we have been receiving reports of local retailers jumping the gun, so to speak. Considering larger stores in the USA such as Shop Star Wars or Entertainment Earth have yet to advertise pre-orders, we are trying to confirm the validity of these posts.

Check back soon, as we see if the street date has been broken or if it is just a case of wishful thinking on the part of local retailers, using images posted on news sites and not actual items in hand.

20th February 2005, Bogan Spy

MARCH OF THE CLONE WAR DVD PACKS

Our report in January said the Animated Figure DVD Packs exclusive to Target would be  released to coincide with the  Animated Clone Wars Series 1 DVD hitting the shelves. Well, someone forgot to tell the shelf packers, as it seems Target have released the Animated Pack early. We have had reports of the DVD pack in QLD and VIC at this stage.

The first pack features; Obi-wan, Anakin Skywalker, and ARC Trooper Captain, with the second including; Assajj Ventress, General Grievous and Durge. Unfortunately, no new figures, just repacks of waves 1/2 in a triple window box. What we really want to see now is if Target will bust the street date on the Clone Wars DVD.

19th February 2005, Jed- One

THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR part 2

A face that launch a thousand ships...to stop her form broadcasting spoilers, that is. Yes, the big mouth of Star Wars secrets, Angela Bishop, features in one of Brant Raven's Cutting Room Floor snippets. Did you know Episode I had sold AU$6,000,000 in merchandise prior to opening night? Read other print articles in The Cutting Room.

19th February 2005, Brant Raven

US TOY FAIR BEGINS

Sunday is the kick off to the high point of the Toy Industry around the world, the American International Toy Fair. Expect a sea of Star Wars images including numerous movie spoilers (you have been warned). Every Lucas License holder will be unleashing a barrage of Revenge of the Sith Products. Toys, collectibles, games, roleplay...you name it.

USA Toy Fair runs from 20th - 23rd February but a few "preview" images have begun to show up. Currently the Republic News page at Hasbro is showing Previews of their Toy Fair Display. Visit your favorite US collectibles news site for full coverage,  our favourites being StarWars@Hasbro, Rebelscum, Galactic Hunter and Action-Figure.com.

18th February 2005, Brant Raven

A BIG TITANIUM DELIVERY

As reported back in December, the new first wave of the new Titanium Trilogy Series, featuring the Millennium Falcon, X-wing, Slave I, and TIE Fighter will be available around the country this week from BIG-W. Each die cast vehicle comes with a display stand and exciting action features like rotating cannons, pivoting guns, and/or opening hatch.

18th February 2005, WA-7

LIGHT UP SABER VADER

The most fearsome starfighter in the Imperial fleet is back! What the TIE fighter lacks in armor, it makes up for with incredible speed. Darth Vader commands this ship, with a lightsaber that really lights up! Press down on Darth Vader's head to make his lightsaber light up! Open the TIE fighter's hatch and maneuver the solar wings.

The Emperor has arrived to inspect the new Death Star! Recreate the Death Star hangar with the new Imperial Inspection Shuttle. Features an Imperial Shuttle with moving wings and passenger compartment, cargo vehicle, command station,  plus 10 figures (Emperor, Darth Vader, 2 Royal Guards, 2 Imperial Officers and 4 Stormtroopers)

Both these new sets are available to buy now from Lego Shop@Home.

18th February 2005, MSE-6

SYDNEY TOY & COLLECTIBLES FAIR

The  first Parramatta Collectibles Fair for 2005 is on this weekend. Always a great place for a Sunday morning bargain hunt, the fair hosts retailers of all manner of collectible items, from cards to posters, Marvel to Star Wars, even Coke Cans and fridge magnets. Get in early for those rare or much sort after items and great conversations with the dealers.

Date:                    Sunday February 20th, 2005
Time:                    8am to 3pm
Location:              182 Church Street Mall, Parramatta, NSW
Entrance Fees:   $5.00 before 10am, $3.00 after 10am.

Note: Mousedroid.com will also be at the Fair selling tickets to our midnight screening of Episode III so stop by the Case Fresh Stage Area to reserve your seats and get more info on the event.

17th February 2005, MSE-6

STAR WARS SURVEY

Have your say in the STARWARS.com Fan Survey. to set the direction of Star Wars in 2006 and beyond.. Don't forget to mention Mousedroid.com as your favorite sites for 'local' Star Wars news.

17th February 2005, MSE-6

EPISODE III CHEWBACCA UNWRAPPED

Hasbro is in Wookiee Rage mode and are ready to release the new Episode III Chewbacca across the world. The latest 12" version comes enclosed in a transparent outer packaging to enhance and protect the lava theme artwork. Chewie comes equipped with Wookiee Blaster Cannon. On the back, some SPOILERS are given away, so be warned.

Here are our exclusive images of the final product. Package Front, Back, Side, Close-up and Gun Detail. Seems this item is destined to be a KB Toys Exclusive in the USA. Still no word where Hasbro plans to release this locally.

16th February 2005, Bogan Spy

LOOK SIR, DROIDS !!!

A Giant intergalactic shipment has landed...a Gentle Giant shipment that is. Fresh into stock is the new Minibust of ol' golden rod himself, C-3P0. Standing over 6 inches tall, this gold plated piece is limited to only 8000 pieces. He is quickly pursued by the first of the larger pieces from Gentle Giant Studios, the Sandtrooper on Dewback.
 

The Dewback is a massive 17" long with his Sandtrooper  rider on top having dual position arms and riding staff.  The Sandtrooper with Dewback is $495 and the C-3P0 minibust, only $110, both with free Australian Shipping. Order your Gentle giant items from Case Fresh today and you can TRACK THEM TO YOUR DOOR with the Eparcel system.

16th February 2005, MSE-6

MIDNIGHT SCREENING TICKETS

The last chapter in the Star Wars saga is now under 100 days away from hitting the big screen. Do you have your tickets yet? Mousedroid has been able to secure the premium cinema in Sydney for a special midnight Screening Event of Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith on the 18th May 2005 (11.59pm).

Choose from either the opulence of Gold Class: a 30 seat cinema with Moran recliners and waiter service, or Silverscreen: 120 seat cinema with private lounge, and a bar with exclusive menu items. Where will you be on the last opening night event for a Star Wars Film? Make it a night to remember in the company of friends and the comfort of either the Gold Class or Silverscreen Cinemas. Our TICKET OFFICE is now open.

14th February 2005, WA-7

DeAGOSTINI TIN FIGURES

Our European affiliate, BeJedi.com have an inside scoop an yet another new title from DeAgostini. Star Wars 'Figures in Tin' magazine is stylized on the successful Star Wars Fact Files. Each issue includes a hand-painted tin mini-figure that stands about 7-10 cm tall, a magazine, an extra introductory magazine and a two-sided sheet with info on the tin figure.

 The first issue offers a Darth Vader figure on a mock-Silver Edition card blister. Head over to BeJedi.com for more images and a review of the first issue. Hopefully it is a success and will not meet a similar fate to that of the Battle Gamer magazine.

14th February 2005, WA-7

7th - 13th February '05

YODA TURNS 1 YEAR OLD ????

Our latest Star Wars International Affiliate is celebrating their First Birthday. Yes, that's right Yodanews.com is 365 days old. So head over and check out the little green guys page. They have just given away a Master Replicas Stormtrooper Blaster, and now have a plethora of birthday gift packs for luck forum members to win over  ten days.

13th February 2005, MSE-6

KNIGHT OF THE OLD REPUBLIC II

The sequel to the Best Role-playing Game of 2005, and arguably the Best Star Wars Game made to date, has hit the streets. Knights of the Old Republic II: the Sith Lords, has been released Australia wide this weekend. Set 5 years after KOTOR, the Jedi are begin hunted to extinction by the Sith and the old Republic is about to fall. Which side do you play?

With all the strengths of its predecessor, this is a awesome start for video gaming in 2005, Republic Commando next month and the Star Wars Episode III video game in April. Give in to the dark side and pick up your copy today. Available in both XBox and PC versions, from all EB Stores and video gaming outlets across the country.

13th February 2005, WA-7

THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR

Some fans just collect toys, some books, others comics, the rich people get high priced replicas. One fan, amongst his other Star Wars memorabilia, collects news paper clippings relating to Star Wars. Brant Raven's Cutting Room Floor will over the coming weeks feature various aspects of our favorite saga as printed in black and white.. So check it out here.

12th February 2005, Brant Raven

EMPIRE DELIVERED UNDER THE RADAR

February EMPIRE Movie Magazine nearly slip past our desks here at Mousedroid. Thanks to reader Jedi-One for the heads up. Featuring our favorite Wookiee on the cover this issues focus is on the big movies for 2005. From the Fantastic Four, King Kong, War of the Worlds, Batman Forever and of course Star Wars Episode 3, makes this month a truly great read.

12th February 2005, MSE-6

THE REBELLION STRIKES BACK

If you thought Stormtroopers were the only ones that get to pack some heat, then you better think again. Hot on the heals of the E-11 Blaster comes the mainstay of the Rebel alliance soldier, the "BlasTech DH-17" Blaster". The E-11 blasters are already sold out from Master Replicas and the DH-17 are in low supply, so you best secure your weapon today.

10th February 2005, MSE-6

REBEL STORM ULTIMATE MISSION FAQ

Along with a flash new front page, Wizards of the Coast  has addressed several rule clarification and errata for the Star Wars miniature campaign source book, Ultimate Missions: Rebel Storm. Also available for download are new Thrown Room tiles and a scenario call "Father's Heir". If you have yet to pick up a copy of Ultimate Missions #1 then best be quick.

Case Fresh will get their last delivery of this source book in this week with the new Ultimate Missions: Clone Strike following not far behind.

9th February 2005, MSE-6

JAPANESE SANDTROOPERS IN OZ

The first of three versions of  the Kotobukiya Sandtroopers are now in Australia. The first version is the orange pauldron Squad Leader 'regular' version has now landed, with the black pauldron Corporal and white pauldron Sergeant follow quickly behind. With interchangeable weapons and body parts, these statues are the most detailed troopers to date.

7th February 2005, WA-7

1st - 6th February '05

LEARN TO PLAY IN MINIATURE

Looking to get into Star Wars Miniatures in 2005? Then head over to the Wizards of the Coast website for a run thru Ten round demo of the mechanics for this exciting tabletop game. With both Rebel Storm and Clone Strike packs out now and Revenge of the Sith set on the way there is no better time than the present to refine your wargame skills.

4th February 2005, WA-7

PRIME OF THE JEDI TRAILER

Star wars is such an amazing phenomena that has spawned legions of fans worldwide including remote places like New Caledonia. From the director of the hit comedy, George Lucas: Legend of the Force, comes this new stunning movie PRIME OF THE JEDI , a new STAR WARS saga that takes place many years after the Jedi Academy trilogy.

Members of a new secret Empire have discovered the legendary Sith Inferno, an ancient Sith Weapon capable of destroying the Universe. The fate of the Galaxy will once again be in the hands of the Children of the Force: Jaina and Jaycen Solo. Join the Jedi Twins in their new extraordinary action packed adventures. So, check out the Trailer (25MB) and hopefully the full movie will make it to the big screen here in Australia at FORCE IV.

3rd February 2005, MSE-6

REPUBLIC COMMANDO DEMO

The Separatist forces think they have the upper hand, but the Republic has a secret weapon...You. Become one of the elite Commando soldiers and go behind enemy lines in the newly released Star Wars: Republic Commando PC Demo. Lock & Load, Trooper and head over to either the Gamespot or download the demo locally from Game Arena. (note: 421MB)

2nd February 2005, MSE-6

COMIC COUNTDOWN TO THE SITH

Lured into a trap aboard a drifting space wreck, Obi-Wan and Anakin become separated, and Anakin is forced to face the seemingly unkillable bounty hunter Durge. But Durge has not reckoned with Skywalker's innate power, or the young man's growing ties to the dark side. Without Obi-Wan's moderating influence, Anakin goes off on Durge in Obsession #3.

Anzati are feared throughout the galaxy for their deadly cunning and stealth. Their only rivals, the cult of Morgukai assassins, whose strength and sheer tenacity made them dangerous adversaries even for the Jedi. Now 'Anzati trained' Morgukai are back-and in numbers not seen for hundreds of years working for Count Dooku! In Republic #73.

2nd February 2005, MSE-6

PREVIEW FIGURES RELEASED

At long last the day has arrived for the first of the Episode 3 Preview Figures to hit Australia. Following the the same vein as previous previews we have a selection of four characters to order. R4-G9 will keep those astromech fans happy, a Wookiee Warrior is sure to be the start of a Kashyyyk army,  our very own Bruce Spence gets his character Tion Medon in plastic, and last of all is the Jedi killing machine, General Grievous. All figures are now in stock and ready for Tracked Shipping to your door.

Also listed for preorder, and to be released in March, is the preview vehicle Anakin's Jedi Star Fighter. A hybrid of the original Episode 2 fighter with a hint of what is to come in the form of  Vader's Advance TIE. Then to keep the little one away form your new acquisitions buy the the most fearsome vegetable this side of the cabbage patch, Darth Tater. You don't know the power of the Spud.

1st February 2005, MSE-6