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The Impact and Galaxy of Merchandise: 1977-1983

Damon Hayes

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Published in The Star Wars Phenomenon In Britain: The Impact And The Galaxy Of Merchandise 1977 1983

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In a galaxy far, far away, a merchandising empire was born. The release of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977 sparked a merchandising frenzy that would forever change the landscape of popular culture. This article will explore the impact of this merchandise boom, examining how it shaped the commercialization of movies, fandom, and the very nature of collecting.

The Birth of a Merchandising Empire

The original Star Wars film was a groundbreaking success, capturing the imaginations of audiences worldwide. Its memorable characters, thrilling action, and epic scope created an instant phenomenon. Recognizing the film's potential for merchandising, Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox quickly established a licensing program.

The first wave of Star Wars merchandise hit shelves in 1977, and it was an instant success. Action figures, playsets, lunchboxes, and countless other items adorned the shelves of toy stores and supermarkets, appealing to children and adults alike.

The Star Wars Phenomenon in Britain: The Impact and the Galaxy of Merchandise 1977 1983

The Star Wars Phenomenon in Britain: The Blockbuster Impact and the Galaxy of Merchandise, 1977-1983

by Kenneth L. Mattox

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	28381 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	360 pages

The Commercialization of Movies

The Star Wars merchandising boom marked a turning point in the commercialization of movies. Prior to this, film merchandise was limited to posters, soundtracks, and novelizations. However, the success of Star Wars merchandise demonstrated that there was a vast untapped market for products related to popular films.

The Star Wars licensing program became a model for other film studios, who quickly realized the financial potential of merchandising their own properties. The result was a proliferation of movie-related merchandise, from action figures to clothing to video games.

The Rise of Fandom

The Star Wars merchandising boom also played a significant role in the rise of fandom. The availability of merchandise provided fans with a tangible way to express their passion for the film. Collecting Star Wars memorabilia became a popular hobby, and fan clubs and conventions sprung up around the world.

The Star Wars fan phenomenon was fueled by the merchandising boom, and it has continued to grow and evolve over the decades. Today, Star Wars fandom is a global community, united by their love of the franchise and its merchandise.

The Nature of Collecting

The Star Wars merchandising boom also had a profound impact on the nature of collecting. Prior to this, collecting was largely the domain of antiques and fine art. However, the success of Star Wars merchandise made collecting popular and accessible to a much wider audience.

Collecting Star Wars memorabilia offered a unique way for fans to connect with their favorite franchise and to express their creativity. Collectors developed elaborate displays, published fanzines, and organized toy conventions.

The Star Wars merchandising boom of 1977-1983 was a transformative event in the history of popular culture. It changed the way movies were marketed and sold, it gave birth to a global fandom, and it transformed the nature of collecting.

Today, the Star Wars merchandising empire continues to thrive, with new products being released on a regular basis. The legacy of the original merchandise boom lives on, as Star Wars remains one of the most popular and collectible franchises in the world.

The Star Wars Phenomenon in Britain: The Blockbuster Impact and the Galaxy of Merchandise, 1977-1983

by Kenneth L. Mattox

4.7 out of 5