WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - JULY 7, 2004 - On May 25, 1977, the world of science fiction films was turned upside down by a young writer/director and his movie, Star Wars. George Lucas, with his love for science fiction and inspiration of epic movies from such directors as John Ford and Akira Kurosawa, introduced the world to Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope. This movie tells the epic story of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Ben Kenobi (Sir Alec Guinness), Han Solo (Harrison Ford) Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), C-3P0 (Anthony Daniels) and R2-D2 (Kenny Baker), and their journey to aid a rebel alliance against an evil empire, by saving Princess Lea (Carrie Fisher) from the clutches of the evil Darth Vader (played by David Prowse and voiced by James Earl Jones).
The success of this movie exploded into a worldwide phenomena that produced two sequels, three prequels (the third will hit theaters in 2005), cartoons, comic books, music, toys, books, clothes, video games, and just about every other conceivable collectible, from coins to costumes. Generations of fans have embraced this fantastic story set a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, with tireless dedication. It is not unusual to see thousands of fans, waiting patiently in line, for days, in costume, and even in bad weather, just to buy tickets for the next installment of this amazing story.
And now, almost 30 years later, Sideshow Collectibles is ecstatic to announce a partnership with Lucasfilm, to produce the first line of 1/4 scale character collectibles based on the Star Wars family of films.
"We're proud to be involved with these legendary films," said Greg Anzalone, CEO of Sideshow Collectibles. "Everyone at Sideshow understands the enormous responsibility that we have in representing the iconic characters from Star Wars, and satisfying the worldwide audience. Our goal is to create the best possible museum quality mixed media reproductions, using the finest materials including a mix of metal, polystone, and expertly crafted hand-tailored costumes. We believe that our new Star Wars figures will be unlike anything else on the market today."
These high-end, very limited edition 18-inch figures will be available in 2005, but fans will get their first look at Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader this summer. The first figures to be released by Sideshow will be based on the introduction of Luke and Darth Vader from the first Star Wars film. Both figures will be on display at the Sideshow booth at Comic-Con International in San Diego, CA from July 22-25, 2004.
"We are extremely excited about our recently established relationship with Sideshow Collectibles," said Darren Phillipson, Lucas Licensing Director of Global Product Development. "Their attention to detail in sculpting, painting and costume design is undeniably superb and we are looking forward to the launch of their 1/4 scale line of Star Wars figures. I am absolutely confident that our fans will be thrilled with the authenticity and likeness Sideshow Collectibles will be incorporating into each character from the Star Wars saga."
"We can't wait to show them to the fans, especially since we are all fans ourselves," says Tom Gilliland, Sideshow creative director. "Not only are we going to develop a beautiful, museum quality figure, but a figure standing in an environment unique to that character as well, such as the rock and sand of Luke's home world of Tatooine. These works of art will be the perfect centerpiece for a collector's home or office."
The Star Wars 1/4 scale figures will be created by Sideshow's expert art staff; the same team that has been responsible for a long list of award winning collectible lines. Sideshow will be incorporating the same dedication and attention to detail to the Star Wars line, by employing metal, cloth, and a variety of mixed media, to represent these figures as though they have just jumped off of the screen, and into your collection. Each piece will be sold as a hand-numbered limited edition.
About Lucasfilm
Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the leading independent film and entertainment companies in the world. Based in California, in the ever-growing town of Skywalker Ranch, Lucasfilm businesses include George Lucas' film and television production and distribution activities as well as the business activities of the THX Group. Lucasfilm's feature films have won 19 Oscars and received 52 Academy Award® nominations, and its television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards.
About Sideshow Collectibles
Since its inception in 1994, Sideshow Collectibles has been a specialty manufacturer of licensed and proprietary collectible products that reflect a passion toward creating unique, highly sought after figure collectibles, as well as film prop replicas and fine art collectibles. The Sideshow artisans are renowned sculptors, experienced model makers, painters and costumers, whose collaborative efforts result in intricately detailed likenesses of popular characters, including film and television monsters, villains, heroes and mystical creatures of fantasy, as well as legendary figures from history. Sideshow artisans have regularly distinguished themselves for their ability to achieve a level of authenticity seldom seen in the figure collectible arena.
Sideshow is the premier source for highly collectible figures, statues, busts, framed art, prop replicas and film-study maquettes. Sideshow products are available online at: www.sideshowcollectibles.com or www.sideshowfineart.com as well as through specialty and collectible shops, comic book stores, and via collectible web sites worldwide.
