The merchandise for “Star Wars” has always been one of the biggest moneymakers over the years for the science fiction fantasy epic that has spanned generations. And these original retroastic TV commercials released by the official Star Wars site have us all glued to our screens in nostalgic yearning for all the original trilogy toys many of us used to play with (and probably cost a fortune now).
It is a feat in itself that many of these Kenner TV commercials are even still available. They may be blurry and not quite the high-definition standard we have come to expect on YouTube, but as relics from an era of Betamax and VHS tapes and home recording, they are a testament to the will of the fans to save every bit of “Star Wars” memorabilia they can get.
Hundreds of commercials are available for viewing on YouTube and the official Star Wars website has decided to feature just a sampling of their favorites on Monday.
Check out the Rancor Monster complete with a makeshift arena made from objects kids in the 80s and early 90s may have found in their own homes and backyards.
Wampa!
Or how about the Boba Fett action figure, which was first only available as a mail-away offer? Little did anyone know that the little bounty hunter would become such a fan-favorite in the years to come after his debut in “The Empire Strikes Back.”
The 1981 commercial that features the entire line of Kenner action figures (plus limited edition parts that you could get by mailing in your proofs-of-purchase) is enough to make you head on over to eBay to see if you can get your hands on those childhood toys again... And weep at the price tag they are now fetching.
Many more toy ads are listed on the Star Wars website. Just don't say we didn't warn you that this blast from the past is sure to make your productivity levels at work drop significantly.
Wampa!
