Has Star Wars merchandising gone beyond ridiculous this time?

[Hedji]

There's definitely a Phantom Menace level glut of product. It's overkill. But on the bright side, so far, there is nothing as cringe worthy as the infamous Jar Jar candy where kids had to open Jar Jar's mouth and suck on his tongue.

Hey there's one of those on eBay right now... with the Candy still intact!!! Wow!!

[Earth 2 Chris]

Yeah, the Kay Jewelry commercial really put it over the top for me. My wife is as geeky as they get, but even she would scoff at me buying a high-end Stormtrooper charm bracelet for our anniversary.

Chris

[Werewolf]

I have a conspiracy theory that Disney would like nothing more than to do away with the 501st Legion so they can profit on what those guys have been doing for free or for charity,

The glut of Disney licensed merchandise and ridiculous level of secrecy has my enthusiasm for the movie really dwindling too. But I would seriously doubt they would do that. I would actually be shocked. Any hypothetical profit they could gain would be miniscule in comparison to the ginormous backlash and damage it would cause the brand.

[Hedji]

Well, not to take it too far off topic, they've already begun issuing mandates that Stormtroopers not troop with Blasters at Lucasfilm events. And an expensive Hollywood Studios ticket price will now get you the opportunity for photo ops with costumed characters for "Imperial Meet and Greet", something the 501st has been offering for free since it was founded in 1997. I sense a disturbance in the Force.

That said, I like movie secrecy, and cannot wait for the next two weeks to pass. I'm hoping JJ pulls off the miracle everyone is promising.

[Werewolf]

Well, not to take it too far off topic, they've already begun issuing mandates that Stormtroopers not troop with Blasters at Lucasfilm events.

Considering what's been going on in the news lately, it's not exactly surprising they don't want characters carrying guns (yes, even obviously fake ones) at officially sponsored events. I really wouldn't read more than that into it. Disney is greedy but they are not stupid.

[Brazoo]

May The ChryslerCoverGirlDuracellGeneralMillsVerizonSubway Hewlett-Packard™ Be With You.

[palitoy]

I just inked a deal this week to distribute licensed products in Canada, I decided not to buy SW opting for TMNT instead. I just kind of feared a Phantom Menace situation.

[starsky]

waiting for the dvd. lol

[samurainoir]

MOICHINDISING!

[MIB41]

I just inked a deal this week to distribute licensed products in Canada, I decided not to buy SW opting for TMNT instead. I just kind of feared a Phantom Menace situation.

Very smart move indeed. This market is already so saturated, I'm sure there will be plenty who bleed on the deal.

[Nostalgiabuff]

there will definitely be a lot of product in clearance bins come march/april

[Bionicfanboy66]

They've turned 1977-83 up to 11 this time around.

[Bionicfanboy66]

[QUOTE=palitoy;1255204]I just inked a deal this week to distribute licensed products in Canada, I decided not to buy SW opting for TMNT instead. I just kind of feared a Phantom Menace situation.[/QUOTE

How about a deal with WB/DC for Gotham, Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends Of Tomorrow to balance things out a bit?

[Mikey]

When you really think about it, it was merchandising that made Star Wars what it was.

Without merchandising, it was a lousy sci-fi movie that had no nudity or any other reason to take notice of it.

Star Wars was basically a kid's Saturday Morning TV Show with an above-average budget

[Nostalgiabuff]

I have to disagree with you there Mike. the merchandise was not even available when the movie came out. marketers were scrambling to get stuff out there because it became such an enormous success