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Using the Force

Star Wars Marketing Scores Rare Home Run

SW_stormtrooper.jpgFrom George Lucas’s excessive tinkering to its sputtering theatrical continuations, few Hollywood properties have been driven into the ground as obsessively and destructively as Star Wars. But every now and then its creator’s self-seriousness abates, and we’re all reminded that it’s actually OK to have fun with the Force. We have Disney to thank for the latest, all-too-rare return to roots, summarized in four new posters for its forthcoming Star Wars Weekends in Orlando.

Even the loathsome Ewoks come off well in the campaign, which spotlights four weekends’ worth of fan gatherings at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios theme park. I can’t make any claims about the character motorcade, autograph blitz or Jedi Training Academy, but a Stormtrooper with a weakness for chocolate (not to mention the consequences of the Dark Side on an edible pair of Mickey Mouse ears) is a welcome respite to, say, lisping Hutts and all those other continuing Clone Wars nightmares. Best of all, Disney can probably draw free crowd control from a certain Scottish police squad. If this isn’t a win-win, then I don’t know what is.

· 2009 Star Wars Weekends Backstage Posters [StarWars.com via /film]

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Comments

Loathsome Ewoks???!!!!

What??!!

What planet... or what side of the force did this VANAIRSDALE come from?

That vader costumea and stormtrooper costume are just like the ones sold here: http://www.UltimateStarWarsCostumes.com

funny funny stuff.......love the ewok one!

loathsome ewoks? apparently you don't understand the publics feelings.

First

LOVE IT!

Why is an orc trying to get in?

HAHAHA That is hilarious.

Funny stuff there... almost made me spill me acai tea

This ads are designed for people who actually know star wars.

Surprisingly good ad from Disney.

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Data courtesy of Rentrak