LEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out [DVD]

We've certainly come along way since the first Lego Star Wars sets began appearing in 1999. Afterall, who would have thought back then that the franchise would still be here over a decade later? Not only that, but the characters themselves have developed new personalities over the course of their 'Legofication' - something that is hard to imagine when yellow-headed Luke Skywalker and his friends were more a reflection of naive design than effortless marketing.Star Wars has of course been one of the few success stories in The Lego Group's licensing domain, and indeed, perhaps of their own product lines. The universal appeal can be attributed to many different things, but I think it's fair to say that at the core of these movies, the timeless values and old tales were revisited in such a way that it will keep capturing an audiences imagination. Star Wars is not set in a future (in which probability diminishes the imagination), but in the past - a long, long time ago.'The Empire Strikes Out' is nothing more than a short story at just 20-minutes long, but is a perfect bite-size film for children. The basic premise is that, following the destruction of the Death Star for the second time, Palpatine, Vader and Maul plan to rebuild their 'home' and bring yet more order to the galaxy. Leia is well aware of these efforts however, which leave the heroine and Han Solo to go on their own quest while Luke and R2-D2 venture in another direction. But C-3PO and Chewbacca aren't left out - they're left with the hilarious void of trying 'not' to be The Odd Couple! By the end, it is clear why a Darth Vader minifigure (with medal) is included.As a product, the film demonstrates just how far this franchise has evolved, for all the characters take advantage of the Lego universe, and do so with surprisingly hilarious efforts. I was a little anxious at first for how childish it would all be, but in truth, this is perfect family entertainment. It appeals to both children (who will play with this 'figures regularly) and adults (who appreciate the obscenity of it all!)This highlights the most interesting aspect of the movie, and that is of course product placement. It's quite frightening just how many toys - old, new and upcoming - are used within the story, and I fear from this angle it's just one big advertisement. On the other hand, there are just as many classic Lego products displayed here that are now discontinued, so this in itself highlights the respect paid to those wonderful designs.Some of my favourite moments from the film:Vader: "I will spare your life Admiral, but you have failed me for the last time!"Officer: "You know, if you let him live, he could fail you again..."- Prior to being built, the Death Star floats in space as a box with bags and bricks, just as in real life!- R2 dressed as an Ewok- Some subtle references to the Special Editions. "Wait a second - Han shot first!"- Vader being labelled 'Leatherpants' by PalpatineThe included limited edition minifigure is Darth Vader, but with the added bonus of wearing a ceremonial medal. Excellent! And let's face it, this is a very cheap (and rare) opportunity to get your hands on a Darth Vader 'figure. The DVD itself comes with no bonus features or additional options - something that is a little disappointing, but nothing to worry about either.In short, this is very well priced for a brand new DVD and offers great replay value. The included minifigure alone will no doubt sell for a high price online, so think of the product as being split in half. The movie is very entertaining and will hopefully pave the way for more releases in the future!

The thought of yet another animated film to add to my 5 year old boys collection was, to be completely honest, almost more than I could bear. The first showing of any animated film is great, and, not unlike my son, I'm usually quite excited to watch it. However, now I'm a (somewhat) seasoned parent with a huge library of animated films, I know what comes next. The 2nd viewing, the 3rd, the 4th...on and on and on and on......until you'd be happy if some fairly serious accident were to befall this (now) treasured dvd, bespite the ensuing tears that will enevitably follow.HOWEVER.....the Lego films are a breath of fresh air (and not just the Starwars ones) they are easy to watch and humorous (even for grown ups). I've sat through at least 15 showings of this one now, and I'm not employing the food processor to help construct an elaborate dvd accident!

This is the second time I've bought this for my children. It's not that they wore it out as such: they left it on the floor and trod on it. It was such a good DVD, though, that I had to replace it.I'm so glad that both LEGO and Star Wars/Lucasfilm/Disney have allowed these videos to be made. They make my children laugh every time they watch it. One of my children just now told me to "remember to say that it's funny". Job done.

I'd recommend this DVD to anyone with young children who love Star Wars. Both my 6 year old girl and 2 year old boy love it and will watch it several times in a row if I let them! Adults who remember the original trilogy will really get the humour too, it's laugh out loud in places, and actually more funny than 'The Padawan Menace' which is also excellent. The only reason I can dock a star is simply that it isn't very long and isn't packed with extra's like 'The Padawan Menace' that really is my only gripe!

If you love Lego and Star Wars then this is the ideal item for you, I collect the Lego Star Wars minifigures and it's was a bonus to get the exclusive minifigure with the DVD.When this came through the post my three boys wanted to watch it immediately, we had seen the last 5 minutes on Cartoon Network and it had us all in stitches.As Darth Maul says, "Awesome, Awesome"

A fantastic DVD. Very funny and will amuse not only avid Star Wars fans, but everyone else who watches it. This is something you can watch over and over as you will pick up on different things each time. Definitely a must-have in your DVD collection.

My 8 year old son loves this BUT didnt realise it was only 20 minutes long so think it is very over priced. Also paid extra for the mini figure which i was promised to be sent - however when it arrived no mini figure was included. This was suppose to be for my sons easter present so i now have a very upset and disappointed little boy!!!!!!!!!!!

My kids and l love it, it wasnt a too bader price as long as they keep it at that but its Star Wars and they are all expensive, the film was very good but you just get into it and its finished...........but the product is good