JULY 2005 ARCHIVE

25th - 31st July '05

LATEST WAVES OF COLLECTIONS #1 & #2

Retail Stores around the country have been receiving their shipments from Hasbro's new warehouse. The next wave of ROTS Collection #1 including Mustafar Anakin, SoundFX R2-D2, & Commander Bacara are out now. These items will be flying off the shelves but the wise collector need not worry if you have your pre-orders locked in with Case Fresh.

Like wise for the Final Wave of Collection #2. These cases contain Captain Antilles, Jett Jukassa, & Utapauan Warrior. The final wave of Collection #1 will be out in September with the Obi-Wan Pilot, Mustafar Sentry and the highly sort after Turbo Tank Driver. Make sure you Pre-order this wave or you may miss out. 

31st July  2005, WA-7

DROP YOUR WEAPONS

ALERT !!! The Kmart Holographic Princess Leia has not been altered from the USA release version. All stock world wide ships WITHOUT PISTOLS.

31st July  2005, MSE-6

LOST IN TRANSLATION

From the growth in the world wide fan base well we al assume Star Wars translates into other languages. But what happens when  you -retranslate a Chinese version back into English subtitles. Head over to Matthew's Blog site to find out what the Presbyterian Church has to do with the Jedi and remember ..."The Wish Power are together with you!!

30th July  2005, MSE-6

JULY CONTEST WINNERS

July was a huge month for us here at Mousedroid.com, celebrating our 2nd Anniversary with not one but two great contests. First off we launch the Hunter-Seeker Competition to find Australians Most Unique Collection Display. Our news team picks 12 finalists and let it up to you the reader to chose the winner. Click here see just who won.

Then forum member Adaph Brisweb drafted the first Saga Awards. Which movie had the best musical score? Who did the fans think was the best actor? And which Lightsaber battle of the entire saga was the best? For all the answers go to, Saga Awards - The Results, plus find out which lucky reader was drawn to win a Celebration III Darth Vader.

30th July  2005, MSE-6

PRE-ORDER EPISODE III TODAY

Star Wars fans, this is the moment you have been waiting for! Star Wars Episode III Revenge Of The Sith is now available to preorder from EzyDVD at the special price of only $29.83! Featuring two discs packed with Special Features, this exciting release is just what you'd expect from a DVD 3 years in the making!

Not only are EzyDVD offering the EP3 DVD at only $29.83 - but you also get the chance to WIN A COLLECTIBLE LIFE-SIZE STAR WARS STATUE! Visit our friends at EzyDVD for more info and while you are there check out the great Kurosawa 4 Movie Boxset. These samurai classic movie gave rise to some of the great Hollywood films - including George Lucas' Star Wars.

29th July  2005, WA-7

500th STAR WARS FIGURE RELEASED

Click over to CaseFresh.com to order your Star Wars 500th Action Figure. No character is more fitting to mark this Hasbro milestone than than the ultimate movie villain, Darth Vader. Designed with incredible detail, superior articulation, and with his famous meditation chamber, this item is sure to sure to become a cornerstone in your Star Wars collection!

Without removing this item from its unique packaging, Darth Vader's helmet can be lifted and lowered with a lever at the back of the chamber. For only AU$35, this is one Lord of the Sith you just have to have.

28th July  2005, WA-7

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

SYDNEY, Australia. (July 27, 2005) – The epic intergalactic adventure of the Star Wars saga is finally complete when this year’s biggest box-office hit, Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith, debuts its DVD release on November 2, 2005 in Australia from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Lucasfilm Ltd.

The two-disc REVENGE OF THE SITH DVD will include a brand-new, full-length documentary produced by Lucasfilm Ltd.; two new featurettes – one exploring the prophecy of Anakin Skywalker as the Chosen One, the other providing an in-depth look at the movie’s eye-popping stunts; and a 15-part collection of Lucasfilm’s groundbreaking web documentaries. This DVD has literally been three years in the making and it’s going to be a fantastic way to complete the Star Wars saga at home. The DVD will also offer access to a special Xbox-playable demo of two entire levels from LucasArts’ Star Wars Battlefront II.

Adding to the in-home Star Wars adventure is the release on November 7, 2005 of the eagerly anticipated STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT II from LucasArts – the sequel to the best-selling Star Wars video game of all time. Star Wars Battlefront II adds all-new space combat, playable Jedi characters, and never-before-seen environments straight out of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. The game will be released for the PlayStation2 , PC-CD, Xbox and Sony PSP. Fans of the original Star Wars Battlefront will also enjoy an all-new single-player experience that takes players through an epic, story-based saga centering on Darth Vader’s elite 501st Legion of Stormtroopers where every action the player takes impacts the battlefront and, ultimately, the fate of the Star Wars galaxy.

“The combination of Revenge of the Sith on DVD and Star Wars Battlefront II makes November (2-7), 2005 a watershed (week) for Star Wars fans. It’s really going to be a terrific celebration of the entire saga,”  said Jim Ward, Vice President of Marketing and Distribution for Lucasfilm Ltd

27th July  2005, MSE-6

REPUBLIC #77 - BEFORE THE SITH

The losses for both the Republic and the Jedi have been staggering. Especially on Saleucami. Here, the greatest Separatist threat has been encountered, and the Republic's greatest heroes have faltered, with the heart, mind, and motives of  Quinlan Vos being laid bare. Vos stands on a knife's edge between the dark side and redemption!

All this in Republic #77, the final issue of Republic before it is overtaken by the events in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. Not to be missed!

27th July  2005, MSE-6

REBEL STORM RE-ENFORCEMENTS ARRIVE

Looking to boost your Rebellion units? maybe that Imperial Garrison need re-enforcements? Or your Fringe Army need to hire some heavy weapon support? Whatever your reasons help has now arrived as Rebel Storm Boosters are now back in stock in Australia. So, visit the Wizards of the Coast site to see what you need to Complete Your Army today.

Then, order you Rebel Storm Booster either by the Single Booster ($17each), by the 5 Booster pack ($80*), or by the Case of 12 Boosters ($180*). * Note: All Australian customers receive free tracked shipping when ordering either the 5 Booster Packs or Sealed Cases, from our friends at CaseFresh.com.

26th July  2005, WA-7

18th - 24th July '05

2005 AUSTRALIAN RETAILER EXCLUSIVES - Special Report

In an effort to help Australian Star Wars fan plan their collecting of all the goodies announced at Comic Con, we have a special report. Thru reliable sources we have confirmed the majority of exclusives that will be made available here in Oz, plus which retailers will carrying the product. Several items are TBA as final numbers are worked out, but we will let you know the second the retailer is announced.

SINGLE FIGURE SETS:-
* Holographic Palpatine - Toys R Us (Oct/Nov Promotion)
* Stealth Clone Trooper - Retailer TBA
* Lava Glow Anakin Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi - Retailer TBA
* Wedge Antilles Pilot (No Trading Card)- Retailer TBA
* Cup & Figure Sets- Vader, Leia, Stormtrooper - NOT released in Australia

MULTI FIGURE SETS:-
* Hunt for the Millennium Falcon - Bounty Hunter 7 pack - Retailer TBA
* Assault on Hoth - General Veers, Snowtroopers & Probot - Toys R Us
* Clone Attack on Coruscant - 5 Clones with Gunship backdrop - Big W
* Separation of the Twins: Bail Organa/Leia, Obi-Wan/Luke - Kmart
* Figure 10-Pack with Exclusive Silver Vader - NOT released in Australia
* Jedi Temple Assault - Anakin, Pilot, Blue Clones - NOT released in Australia

STATUES:-
* Cinemacast Darth Vader with Lava Base - Toys R Us (limited stock)

Of note is that every figure in the Jedi Temple Assault pack has been or will be available as a separately carded figure. We have only included items that are confirmed as coming to Australia, but we do know of several items not on this list that still have a very good chance of being released locally. Check back soon as we will be updating the Retailer Exclusives List with details as they come to hand. Thanks once again to Yodanews for the images.

24th July  2005, MSE-6

INCOMING HOLO TRANSMISSION

"Help me, Australian Star Wars Collector. You are my only hope" ... Yes, the Holographic Princess Leia will begin to arrive around the country from this weekend. Expect to see limited numbers of this Purple Plastic Princess appearing Exclusively on Kmart shelves from Monday. This Comic Con & ShopStarWars item sold out extremely quickly in the USA

Whilst we are taking about Holographic figure, our Spies have confirmed that the Holographic Emperor Palpatine figure will be landing in Oz around October/November for a Toys R Us Exclusive promotion. Check back very soon as we will be announcing other Australian Retailer 2005 exclusives. Thanks to Yodanews for the images.

23rd July  2005, Bogan Spy

THE THUNDER OF WOOKIEES

Prepare to the attack of the Kashyyyk Drop Bears as Hasbro releases the very unusual but cool, Wookiee Helicopter. This special assault vehicle comes with action features and a Special Wookiee Warrior 3 3/4-inch action figure Squeeze the trigger to see the blades flap for real "flying” action plus launch the real firing missile.

Add this winged vehicle to your collection today, and order online Here. Also available for pre-order is Plo Koon's Jedi Starfighter, shipping in October.

21st July  2005, WA-7

CLONE WARS VOLUME 6

From the space-stations to untamed worlds on the edge of the galaxy, the Jedi must go where the Clone Wars take them. Mace Windu leads an Jedi strike force against an army of trained killers. Aayla Secura must confront her former Master. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker must prevent a fleet of warships from falling to enemy

On whatever field of battle the Jedi find themselves, their greatest challenge is to remain true to their teachings and to the ways of the Force! Find out more in the next collection of Clone Wars Vol.6

21st July  2005, WA-7

EVOLUTIONS OF ANAKIN SKYWALKER

This is the pack you have been waiting for. See the young Anakin Skywalker transformation from Jedi Hero (Episode II) to Clone Wars Commander (Episode III) and finally into the evil Sith Lord, Darth Vader (Episode IV). All three figures plus a host of accessories in the first release of the Evolutions line. Only $49 and ready to ship today from Case Fresh.

Plus you can also pre-order the next two Evolutions Packs, Clone to Stormtrooper and Sith Apprentice to Master. Both of these due in September.

20th July  2005, MSE-6

DARK HORSE MAPS OUT YEAR AHEAD

At Comic Con, Dark Horse revealed their plans for the next 12 months of Star Wars. The current Empire and Republic lines will finalize very soon with the remainder of 2005 to be filled in with two short series, X-wing Rogue Leader and Purge. Then in 2006, Dark Horse's 20th Anniversary year, the whole Star Wars product will be revamped.

Two new series we will see are Rebellion and Knights of the Old Republic. Head over to the Star Wars Zone at the Dark Horse site more more product info and past issue summaries.

19th July  2005, MSE-6

MORE STAR WARS TOYS UNTIL 2018

Our friends over at Yodanews.com have sent us a reminder of a small point we missed in our SDCC Round Up. "Hasbro has the license for Star Wars Toys until the year 2018". Yes, you read that right. We can look forward to 'at least' another 12 years of Star Wars toys from the folks at Hasbro. And you thought they were slowing down after the final film.

Speaking of which, here are some images of the new Unleashed Battle Packs which will be replacing the large scale statues. Wookiees / Warriors / Droids. head over to Yodanews.com for more images from Comic Con.

19th July  2005, MSE-6

11th - 17th July '05

YOU DECIDES WHO WINS

We narrowed a field of 165 submitted pictures from peoples unique collections down to only 12 images. It is now up to you, the Mousedroid Reader, to decide who has the 'Most Unique Collection Display'. View the images and cast your vote in our Hunter-Seeker Poll, and come Sat 30th July one lucky person will win a Lava Reflection Darth Vader.

Who will you vote for? Will it be; Endor Attack, the Wall of Maul, Emperor's Shuttle Arrival or Jabba's Pod Race Booth? Who will win? You Decide!!!

17th July  2005, MSE-6

COMIC CON ROUND-UP

The 2005 San Diego Comic Con will be wrapping up soon. So what Star Wars secrets were revealed? For starters, Hasbro will no longer be making 12" Figures and will partner with SideshowToys to produce a new line. The Unleashed line will be transformed into 2" Battle Packs, and just have a read of what else Hasbro has up its selves for 2005-2006.

ROTS Final Figure:
#57 - Commander Bly
#58 - Wookiee Commando
#59 - Commander Gree
#60 - Grievous Bodyguard (White)
#61 - Passel Argente
#62 - Cat Miin 
#63 - Neimoidian Commander
#64 - R4-P17
#65 - Tactical Ops Trooper (501st)
#66 - Plo Koon (Holographic)
#67 - Aayla Secura (Holographic)
#68 - Wookiee Heavy Gunner

Galactic Heroes:
* Darth Vader + Holographic Emperor
* Yoda +  Kashyyyk Clone Trooper
* Anakin + Special Ops Clone (501st)
* Anakin + Orange Clone (Utapau)

Vehicles:
* Millennium Falcon
* Plo Koon's Jedi Starfighter
* Obi-Wan Kenobi's Jedi Starfighter - Blue w/ pack-in Obi-Wan

2005 Evolutions :
* Clone Trooper to Sandtrooper
* Anakin to Vader
* Sith Apprentice to Master

2005 Unleashed (Final Wave):
* Shock Trooper,
* Han Solo as a Stormtrooper
* Chewbacca

Titanium Series:
* Wave 4 - Green Jedi Starfighter, Queen's Royal Starship, Battle Worn Falcon, Wookiee Flyer.
* Gift Pack w/ Slave I, Blue ARC-170, X-Wing, Green Swamp Speeder and a "raw" TIE Bomber
* 6" Series: Droid Tri Fighter, Republic Gunship, and X-Wing .

Attacktix :
* Wave 2 - (Not released in Australia)

Wizards of the Coast:
* Star Wars Miniatures - Universe

2005/06 Exclusives:
* Holographic Palpatine (TRU)
* Stealth Clone Trooper (Target)
* Cinemacast Darth Vader with Lava Base (Wal*Mart)
* Figure 10-Pack with Exclusive Silver Vader (KB Toys)
* Assault on Hoth - General Veers, 3xSnowtroopers & Probot (TRU)
* Exclusive Lava Glow Anakin Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi (Target)
* Cup & Figure Sets- Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Stormtrooper (Target)
* Clone Attack on Coruscant - 5 Clones with Gunship backdrop (Target)
* Separation of the Twins: Bail Organa + Leia, Obi-Wan + Luke (Wal*Mart)
* Jedi Temple Assault - Anakin , Clone Pilot, 3x Special Ops Clones (Kmart)

18th July  2005, WA-7

JEDI vs SITH - PREVIEW STOCK

Several of our forums members have reported spotting the new Jedi vs Sith Battle Packs in various Target stores. it appears 'limited stock' of this first pack was made available for a July catalog period, with all three in the series being made available in quantity and at a more reasonable price this August. Pre-order here or Read More in our forums.

16th July  2005, WA-7

COMIC CON 2005 COVERAGE

If you are in Australia and reading this then it is much too late for you to get to the opening of the 2005 Comic Con in San Diego. But click over to StarWars.com to read the rundown of what you are missing out on in the Lucasfilm Pavilion, Star Wars Day line-up or browse the Insiders Guide of Star Wars related events. Looks like we are in for a few surprises.

Remember to visit our USA Affiliates for all the best coverage, photos and behind the curtain peeks at this 4 day event.

14th July  2005, WA-7

WIRED on STAR WARS

George Lucas was born to make underground films. Then a little movie called Star Wars lured him to the dark side. Can the father of the blockbuster really rediscover his avant-garde soul? Read all about it in Wired Online's 6-Page interview entitled 'Life after Darth'. Also see the other Wired Star Wars Articles published in their May issue <Here>.

14th July  2005, MSE-6

EPISODE III ON YOUR MOBILE

With Star Wars Episode III leaving cinemas around the country very shortly, you can maintain the spirit of the force on your mobile until the DVD release in November. BlueSkyFrog, 20th Century Fox and Hoyts present a range of Ringtones (Truetone, & Polyphonic), Wallpapers, Java Games and Themes. Visit the Hoyts Website today for more info.

13th July  2005, WA-7

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWNZ

Another Star Wars Fan site has reached their 2nd Anniversary this month. A big Kia huritau ki a koe! (Happy Birthday) to our kiwi friends at SWNZ. Matt and the SWNZ crew have been a great asset to the growth of the Oceania Star Wars Community, with a host of reviews, contests, and fan event coverage from Armageddon to C3.

12th July  2005, MSE-6

DIY LEGO STAR DESTROYER

Ever wondered how long it takes the Imperials to build a Star Destroyer? Website aDogNamedFish.com took up the challenge and produced a video about it. Taking close to 10 hours, they set the webcam taking a picture every five seconds and made a stop motion video out of the pictures (over 7000 of them). The 4-minute long video is brilliant.

12th July  2005, MSE-6

NEW MULTI-PACKS FOR 2005

Our friends over at Action-Figure.com sent us info of Hasbro's plan to release a range of Saga/OTC figure theme Packs. Hunt for the Millennium Falcon - recreates Vader's briefing of the Bounty Hunters. Due around Nov-Dec this year, we will also see a Imperial Force Hoth Battle 5-Pack, as well as the Jedi Temple Attack 5-Pack. More images here.

12th July  2005, WA-7

1st - 10th July '05

SHOW US YOUR COLLECTION

Looking to kill two birds with the one digital camera this weekend, plus win your self some great Star Wars Prizes? Then enter our Hunter-Seeker Contest here at Mousedroid for your chance to win a Lava Reflection Darth Vader. Simply send up to 5 images showing off unique or interesting parts of your collection to go in the running. More details here.

Reminder that the Hunter Seeker Contest is open to all valid Australian and New Zealand residents. All collection photos must be submitted no later than 6pm AEST this Sunday 17th July 2005. Good Luck

Then using the same photos you can enter a second giveaway at  Yodanews. Send them pictures of your collection (only 1 entry per collection). The winner, picked at random, will win either a Target Clone Trooper or Darth Tater, winners choice! Send your pictures to Yodasnews@gmail.com and please zip large files. A winner will be announced on August 1st 2005.

8th July  2005, MSE-6

MORE DARK TALES

Powerful is the dark side of the Force. Exploring the moral and emotional fall-out that comes with giving oneself over to the ways of the Sith, this issue features four stories steeped in darkness and danger, plus the final act of "Nomad." The truth about Darca Nyl is at last revealed, but will his journey bring him peace ... or even more trouble? SW Tales #24

Imperial Slave Ships are coming to Jabiim, and only two Rebel X-wing pilots, Hobbie Klivian and Wedge Antilles, stand in their way! Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker and his captors have joined forces to battle an army of stormtroopers. But Luke's is haunted by the recent knowledge that his father, was not a hero but a traitor! Empire #32

8th July  2005, WA-7

MTV MOVIE AWARDS 2005

Two TV shows with a touch of Star Wars to look forward to this week. Kick it off with at 9pm Friday and tune into the 2005 MTV Movie Awards on network Ten with some comedy sketch pokes at Episode III. Then at 9.30pm Saturday night see an interview with Ewan Macgregor on ABC's Parkinson. Please confirm times with your local TV guides.

7th July  2005, Star Walking Inc

VIC/WA WEEKEND EVENTS

Are you a Melbourne Star Wars Fan? Then make sure you get along to the next Star Walking Inc meeting on this Saturday 9th July from 1-5pm at the Mervyn Himbury Theological Centre. Discuss your opinions or theories on Episode III as well as all the fan fun, regular faces, games and 'bargains' at the trader tables.

Also, for those people in Perth, don't forget that the Nexus Fair is also on this weekend. Held at the Park Recreation Centre from 9am-1pm, this event is very Sci-fi focused with everything from small collectors to the regular suspects.  For further details on both of these meets see our Events Section.

7th July  2005, WA-7

PLAYING WITH FIRE

Dodging dangerous lava blasts, Anakin defeats Obi-Wan then uses his new dark powers to save Padme from death. He then returns to betray Darth Sidious and rules the new Galactic Empire from his Fortress of Lava. Well that is what happened in our version of Episode III, using the new Mustafar Playset, OUT NOW from Hasbro.

This awesome playset features breakaway platforms, spinning battle discs, a pool of “lava” and a blasting volcano!  Playset comes with two magma balls, Exclusive Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker figures,  & two lightsabers.

6th July  2005, MSE-6

LAST OF THE JEDI SECRETS

Seem we have been focusing a lot on the Revenge of the Sith movie and toys range, that two Star Wars Young Reader books have gone relatively unnoticed. Star Wars: Last of the Jedi #1, is the beginning of a new mini-series. After the events of Episode III, Obi-Wan Kenobi finds himself adrift in the galaxy . . . with Darth Vader on his trail.

The other Young reader novel is a Scholastic Special Title called, Star Wars: Secrets of the Jedi. Jedi know that love is forbidden. But when Obi-Wan Kenobi and fellow apprentice Siri, approach a very human falling, the reverberations are felt for many years. With exclusive plot twists that lead up to the events of Episode III.

Head over to the Galaxy Bookshop site, to request your copy today. Their friendly staff are extremely helpful and will be able to order in any of your Star Wars Literature requirements. Just tell them MOUSEDROID.com sent you.

6th July  2005, MSE-6

FORCE BATTLERS - ROUND TWO

New Force Battlers will start appearing at major retailers from this week. Wave 2 includes; Chewbacca features Wookiee attack action and cool, water-firing backpack! Clone Trooper features quick draw attack action and backpack with opening wings and firing projectiles! Mace Windu has lightsaber attack action and firing projectile gauntlet!.

5th July  2005, MSE-6

THE WORLD OF JOHN WILLIAMS - FINAL REMINDER

A final reminder that Eminence Symphony Orchestra will be performing, World of John Williams Concert, for One Night Only on at the internationally renowned Concert Hall at the Sydney Town Hall this Friday July 8th. Tickets are still available at Ticketek. The concert will feature music from all 6 Star Wars movies,  Indiana Jones, plus many many more.

5th July  2005, MSE-6

CELEBRATION III VADER - AUSSIE EXCLUSIVE @ CASEFRESH

It has been a day long awaited but it has finally arrived. Yes, for those people that did not get to the USA for Celebration III and thought that your chances of picking up a CIII Vader at an affordable price,  your prays have been answered. Race over to CaseFresh.com today to buy the Celebration III Electronic Darth Vader for only $49.00.

Touted as 'The Ultimate Star Wars Figure for 2005', with stock sold out in the USA, lasting less than 5-hours on ShopStarWars. Stock is extremely limited so you better hurry to ensure those pesky Americans don't beat you to the prize.

4th July  2005, WA-7

LUCAS MOVES TO ORANGE COUNTY

George Lucas will make a guest appearance on this Tuesdays episode of The OC, in which Summer makes Zach and Seth decide who to take her to the prom. But when Lucas expresses interest in Seth's graphic novel, he is forced to choose between Summer and dinner with Lucas. Ch10, Tues 5th July 8.40pm

4th July  2005, MSE-6

OUR 2nd ANNIVERSARY

Today marks Mousedroid.com's 2nd Anniversary. Yes, that is right! We have been supporting the Australian Star Wars collectors and fans with up-to-date local news for 2 years, plus our team even scored a few International Exclusives. We're even more excited about our plans for the next 12 months as we turn our focus on Star Wars moving to TV.

To kick off our third year of All Australian Star Wars coverage, and with a huge effort by Forum member Adaph Brisweb, we have opened the Saga Awards 2005. The entire Star Wars Saga and the Anakin Skywalker story is now complete. So, what did you think were the 'Best of' Bits in George Lucas modern mythology?

Choose your favorite in over 20 categories from Best Actor thru to Best Vehicle, and you never know, you may just end up winning a special prize along the way. Open to all Star Wars fans worldwide, so submit your vote today.

3rd July  2005, MSE-6

YODANEWS SETH GREEN INTERVIEW

"Seth Green & Hugh Sterbakov sit down with Mark,  Webmaster of YodasNews.com, to discuss "The Freshmen", a new comic book from Top Cow Productions hitting comics shops July 13th! They also chat about their affinity for Star Wars and all things geeky! You will also notice some familiar names from the Star Wars world involved in the project!

2nd July  2005, WA-7