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HomeNewsCollectingThe Phantom Menace: Midnight Madness kicked off 3rd May 1999

The Phantom Menace: Midnight Madness kicked off 3rd May 1999

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Midnight on 3rd May 1999 was a day long-awaited as hoardes of fans and collectors hit stores across the States to participate in what used to be a common sight – Midnight Madness. As the countdown continued towards the release of The Phantom Menace – a fever pitch todays fans may have difficulty grasping in this modern era of multiple films, TV, animation, parks and much more – TV show Geek Unique took their cameras to Toys ‘R’ Us in Brandon, Florida to film the events.

To mark the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, a whole new collection of 3 and 3/4 figures were released under the title of Episode I. At the time, this line was unique from other lines in that it covered only the characters and droids from the new movie. As a prelude to the film, and to increase interest, two preview items were made available in 1998. The first was a mail-away promotion for Jedi Master Mace Windu. The other item was a large scale Battle Droid on a STAP, which was available at retail and labeled “Episode I coming in 1999”.

The full initial waves of figures, vehicles, and beasts were released at midnight, May 3rd, 1999. The line introduced a new level of paint and sculpture detail, as well as increased points of articulation on select figures. A new pack-in feature was also included called COMMTech chips, these chips also doubled as stands for the figures and, with the addition of a separately sold chip reader, enabled figures to electronically play phrases from the film.

Official STAR WARS Slime, 3-Pack Galaxy Slime Kit, Includes Darth Vader, The Mandalorian, Grogu, Perfect for Goodie Bags, Desk Toys, Star Wars Merch, Star Wars Toys, Bulk Party Favors for Kids 8-12
  • 3 JARS OF STAR WARS SLIME: This bundle comes with 3 different 8-ounce slimes, including metallic gray Mandalorian slime, fluffy green Grogu slime, and glitter-filled black Vader slime — all pre-made and ready to play!
  • COLLECTIBLE: Crowned by the enigmatic Mandalorian, the galaxy’s cutest companion Grogu, and the iconic Sith Lord, these jars are not just containers but display pieces that capture the essence of the Star Wars galaxy — they’re must-haves!
  • STEM LEARNING WITH STAR WARS: Explore the science behind compounds with the included collector cards, which add an educational dimension to the sensory play experience. A great Star Wars gift!
  • SAFE FOR YOUNGLINGS: These official Star Wars slimes are made with a non-toxic, gluten-free formula, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience, even for younglings! Collect them all!
  • SET INCLUDES: 3 Slimes with Collector Cards (8 oz. Darth Vader Jar of Pre-Made Black Slime with Glitter, 8 oz. Mando Jar of Pre-Made Metallic Gray Slime, 8 oz. Grogu Jar of Pre-Made Fluffy Green Slime)
Mark Newbold
Mark Newbold
Exploring the galaxy since 1978, Mark wrote his first fan fiction in 1981 and been a presence online since his first webpage Fanta War in 1996. He's contributed to Star Wars Insider (since '06) and Starburst Magazine (since '16) as well as ILM.com, SkywalkerSound.com, StarWars.com, Star Wars Encyclopedia, Build The Millennium Falcon, Geeky Monkey, TV Film Memorabilia, Model and Collectors Mart, Star Trek magazine and StarTrek.com. He is a four-time Star Wars Celebration Stage host, the only podcaster to have appeared on every Celebration podcast stage since the stage began in 2015, the Daily Content Manager of Fantha Tracks and the co-host of Making Tracks, Canon Fodder and Start Your Engines on Fantha Tracks Radio.
- Fundraiser -

The Phantom Menace: Midnight Madness kicked off 3rd May 1999

-

- Advertisement -

Midnight on 3rd May 1999 was a day long-awaited as hoardes of fans and collectors hit stores across the States to participate in what used to be a common sight – Midnight Madness. As the countdown continued towards the release of The Phantom Menace – a fever pitch todays fans may have difficulty grasping in this modern era of multiple films, TV, animation, parks and much more – TV show Geek Unique took their cameras to Toys ‘R’ Us in Brandon, Florida to film the events.

To mark the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, a whole new collection of 3 and 3/4 figures were released under the title of Episode I. At the time, this line was unique from other lines in that it covered only the characters and droids from the new movie. As a prelude to the film, and to increase interest, two preview items were made available in 1998. The first was a mail-away promotion for Jedi Master Mace Windu. The other item was a large scale Battle Droid on a STAP, which was available at retail and labeled “Episode I coming in 1999”.

The full initial waves of figures, vehicles, and beasts were released at midnight, May 3rd, 1999. The line introduced a new level of paint and sculpture detail, as well as increased points of articulation on select figures. A new pack-in feature was also included called COMMTech chips, these chips also doubled as stands for the figures and, with the addition of a separately sold chip reader, enabled figures to electronically play phrases from the film.

Official STAR WARS Slime, 3-Pack Galaxy Slime Kit, Includes Darth Vader, The Mandalorian, Grogu, Perfect for Goodie Bags, Desk Toys, Star Wars Merch, Star Wars Toys, Bulk Party Favors for Kids 8-12
  • 3 JARS OF STAR WARS SLIME: This bundle comes with 3 different 8-ounce slimes, including metallic gray Mandalorian slime, fluffy green Grogu slime, and glitter-filled black Vader slime — all pre-made and ready to play!
  • COLLECTIBLE: Crowned by the enigmatic Mandalorian, the galaxy’s cutest companion Grogu, and the iconic Sith Lord, these jars are not just containers but display pieces that capture the essence of the Star Wars galaxy — they’re must-haves!
  • STEM LEARNING WITH STAR WARS: Explore the science behind compounds with the included collector cards, which add an educational dimension to the sensory play experience. A great Star Wars gift!
  • SAFE FOR YOUNGLINGS: These official Star Wars slimes are made with a non-toxic, gluten-free formula, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience, even for younglings! Collect them all!
  • SET INCLUDES: 3 Slimes with Collector Cards (8 oz. Darth Vader Jar of Pre-Made Black Slime with Glitter, 8 oz. Mando Jar of Pre-Made Metallic Gray Slime, 8 oz. Grogu Jar of Pre-Made Fluffy Green Slime)
Mark Newbold
Mark Newbold
Exploring the galaxy since 1978, Mark wrote his first fan fiction in 1981 and been a presence online since his first webpage Fanta War in 1996. He's contributed to Star Wars Insider (since '06) and Starburst Magazine (since '16) as well as ILM.com, SkywalkerSound.com, StarWars.com, Star Wars Encyclopedia, Build The Millennium Falcon, Geeky Monkey, TV Film Memorabilia, Model and Collectors Mart, Star Trek magazine and StarTrek.com. He is a four-time Star Wars Celebration Stage host, the only podcaster to have appeared on every Celebration podcast stage since the stage began in 2015, the Daily Content Manager of Fantha Tracks and the co-host of Making Tracks, Canon Fodder and Start Your Engines on Fantha Tracks Radio.
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