In the history of cinema there has never been a film that has captured the imagination of children like the Star Wars trilogy.  Now 22 years after it's original release, 'the force' is back with Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.

Starring Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor, the first episode of the new trilogy follows the early life of Anakin Skywalker who grows up to become the evil Darth Vader.

With critics predicting that Phantom Menace will be the first film to break the $100 million barrier in it's opening weekend in the US, children and adults alike are already clambering for the toys and other related merchandise.

The appeal of Star Wars memorabilia stems back to 1978 when Kenner released it's first 3 3/4" action figures.  To a generation from 1978 to 1985 these figures were an integral part of their childhood.

Taking more than $3 billion world wide, Star Wars is the only film series to make more money from it's merchandise than from ticket receipts.  This is a major feat considering that it is the second biggest film of all time.

It was the original audience, now grown up, with expendable income that were at the forefront of the revival of the Star Wars re-merchandising which began with force in 1994/5 with the release of Galoob's Micromachine play sets and Kenner's re-launch of their new and improved 3 3/4" range.  Since then (and with the release of the Special Editions in 1997), the merchandise has gone from strength to strength.  But all of this is set to be eclipsed with the release of The Phantom Menace.

Since Christmas Kenner have been building up to the release of the film by releasing the 'Bridge the Movie' Gap range (original characters with 'photo flashback' cards that relate to the new film), STAP vehicle and Battledroid as well as a Mace Windu (Samuel L Jackson) mail-away offer.

But things are about to get hotter with Pepsi and it's  subsidiaries paying $1 billion for the fast food rights to the three prequels, Star Wars offers are set to appear on Pepsi cans, Walkers crisps and in Pizza Hut and KFC.  While Kenner begin their full campaign in Britain in June with their 'Core' figure assortment.

The 'Core' range of 3 3/4" figures include Obi Wan Kenobi, Queen Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, Qui Gonn Jinn, and villain Darth Maul.  Each figures comes with a sound chip which when attached to a 'Comm-Talk Reader' say quotes from the film.

Kenner are also expanding their 12" range of figures with Qui Gonn Jinn, Jar Jar Binks and Darth Maul, as well as producing a life size replica of Maul's double ended light sabre.  Featuring sound effects, the light sabre should prove to be one of the more popular items.

Other items for June release include Queen Amidala hair play fashion dolls (for the female market), Micromachines play sets, 3D puzzles, Nintendo 64 games, colouring books, confectionery, posters and magazines.

With another two episodes to follow, Star Wars will be on the top of many a child (and adults) Christmas list for years to come.