Since the 1970's, the Star Wars films have been a cultural phenomenon. The first Star Wars (episode IV) was released in 1977, and was later followed by The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, completing the original trilogy. But that wasn't enough for George Lucas who had grown fabulously wealthy from this empire of his. If three movies was good, 6 movies would be better. Thus was born the second trilogy, featuring Star Wars Episodes I, II, and III, known as The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith (released 2005) respectively. First released on VHS tape, all of the movies are now available on DVD - check out Amazon.com for prices. The original trilogy comes as a package set only on DVD (about $45), you cannot buy them individually. If you have a Star Wars fan in your life, these make great Christmas of birthday gifts. But if I know George Lucas, there is bound to be both a HD high definition set and a 3-D version of these out in the coming years!
Best Star Wars Video Games
To let fans relive their favorite movie scenes, LucasArts has graciously unleashed a slew of Star Wars video game titles for all the gaming platforms - Nintendo, Sony Playstation, PC, and MS Xbox. Star Wars Battlefront 1 and 2 are probably two of the most popular current titles. These are first person shooters that allow you to play a variety of characters in many different Star Wars locales. You can even take control of many different driving and flying machines, as well as manning a lot of different weapons. Other popular titles are Jedi Knight, Shadows of the Empire, Rebel Assault, Rogue Squadron. Check out sites like Gamespot.com for reviews of any Star Wars games before buying, because at $40 or $50 a pop, these video games cost more than both the movie DVDs or tickets to the movies (although hopefully they provide more than 2 hours of entertainment).
Star Wars Costumes, Lightsabers and Games
And no Star Wars fan would be complete without some Star Wars costumes or a Star Wars lightsaber. Where can I buy a Star Wars lightsaber? You can get a kids version of a light saber at most toy stores for $15 or $20. For replica Star Wars helmets, lightsabers, Star Wars action figures, and more, check out EntertainmentEarth.com - they have a Darth Vader replica light saber for $369. For that price you would think it could really cut a Jedi in half, but it is only a metal flashlight-looking device. These are copied exactly from the movie props, so they look nice. There are also cheaper $99 versions with a glowing blade and sound effects. For costumes, start at FantasyCostumesOnline.com - with Darth Vader and Boba Fett masks, Jedi robes and Yoda masks, you're off to a good start. AnniesCostumes.com also has a large selection of both child and adult Star Wars costumes. Star Wars Legos are another popular toy item for the little ones. Lego.com has all the Star Wars kits - build the Death Star, an AT-AT Walker, stage battles with your little Jedi action figures!
Star Wars books are another popular gift item. There is a whole universe of expanded and extended stories based on the Star Wars movies. There is a Clone War series, a history of Darth Maul, The Wedding of Luke and Mara. You get the idea. No matter what your Star Wars fan is into, you are bound to find a Star Wars gift that is just right.
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