Back in the 1980's we were, as a nation, encouraged to Challenge Anneka. Well, on February 2nd at the Star Wars Charity Dinner at the London Hilton, Park Lane Table 23, competing under the name of the Qui-Gon Jinn and Tonics did just that. And here's what she had to say in reply.

Following on from the announcement of what will be happening in the US, we've now received the press release for enhanced screenings of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace in Canada!

Whilst checking out my local London Drugs in search of the elusive wave 2 of Movie Heroes, I discovered that figures from The Clone Wars, Saga Legends and The Vintage Collection (from the previous assortment 97568) have all been marked down to $7.

Whilst the figures on display were mostly older waves, it still provides the opportunity to pick some up on the cheap.

D. Martin Myatt over at Rebelscum has reported that there will likely be no General Mills Star Wars Promotion for Canada.

Here's what he had to say:

General Mills confirmed today that their cereal box promotion for The Phantom Menace is not currently planned to hit Canadian supermarkets. Canadian collectors looking forward to getting the pen sets and cereal boxes in their collections should start looking at acquiring the US packages

We cannot stress enough what a totally brilliant night was had by all at the Star Wars Charity Dinner at the London Hilton, Park Lane last night. Guests included Warwick Davis, Jeremy Bulloch and Nick Gillard as well as Harry from McFly and 80's presenter Anneka Rice. Edith Bowman, seen above in her classic Leia costume, and Rude Tube's Alex Zane did a great job of presenting the night, alongside former England rugby player Martin Bayfield who raucously oversaw the raffle and auction.

And don't forget, it was a charity dinner and quiz and as well as raising well in advance of £40,000 on the night the guests on Table 23, competing under the name of Qui-Gon Jinn and Tonic did rather well. It might have helped having Jonathan Wilkins from The Insider, Mark McKenzie-Ray from the Galaxy magazine, James Burns and myself on the team but hey, we were up against Warwick Davis on the next table and the pressure was on.

We'll bring more photo's from the event over the next few days and we're all hoping to defend our 2012 MediCinema Quiz Wars trophies next year!

The pre-order for Sideshow Collectibles Premium Format (1:4 scale) Aayla Secura is now live at Sideshow and at the time of writing the Exclusive Edition (featuring a severed Clone Helmet base) is still available - take the link below to 'secura' your order now; it'll be shipping in Q3 2012...

Our good friend Curto at Rebelscum.com has got the scoop on a whole heap of new figures from a UK list supplied by Toyz and Gamez - read on for all the breaking news (new figures highlighted in bold)...

You may remember that late last year we reported that friend of the site and acclaimed artist Denise Vasquez had created a glow-in-the-dark "FRANKENVADER" helmet for a contest being held by HalloweenCostumes.com benefiting two charities.

We're delighted to announce that Denise has been awarded first place in the contest!

Everyone at Jedi News would like to congratulate Denise on this fine achievement and if you're interested in owning the winning helment, check out the auction which begins Februrary 7th at 12pm CST.

Mark this down as flat out the weirdest Star Wars trailer since Harrison Ford was doing voice-overs...

A very brief update today, check out our Planets guide for a batch of newly added Setnin worlds, and check the list below for more information on the Sedapard Cluster.

• Stories
• Planets
• Characters

Mark at Sublevel Studios has got in touch to let us know about their new Limited Edition AT-AT designed t-shirt that's available on ShirtPunch.com for just 24 hours (there's just over 20 hours left at the time of writing) - take the link below to buy now...

Saturday 28th January marked the closing reception for a Star Wars exhibit, "These Are The Droids Your Looking For", at Ltd. Art Gallery in Seattle, run by James Monosmith, formerly of Acme Archives Limited, and also a screening of Hughes the Force. I had the pleasure of being invited down by the movie's producer, Ruark Dreher, and after an all-too-close encounter with a Seattle sidewalk(!), met up with both James and Ruark, as well as Hughes the Force's writer and director, J.C. Reifenberg and two of its stars, Taylor Treadwell (Leia) and Nathaniel Weiss (Simon).

Music Producer Headnodic has let us know about the release of "Funky Star Wars", his FREE 40 minute mix of the funkiest Star Wars cover tunes of the 70's & 80's.

Over to Headnodic -

My goal is to spread this mix to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, so anything you can do to help share it, post it, and let the world know would be awesome.

I'm hoping to blast it out on Feb. 4th (to coincide w/ the debut of the 3D saga in theaters).

Thanks much for your time...  and may the force be with you.

With the fifth and third anniversaries of the UK and Canadian Jedi News sites coming up, it makes you realise how time flies, and Yodasnews have a few more years on us still.

For eight years, Yodasnews has proudly brought our readers daily news (over 16,100 articles) —both relevant and quirky—from all corners of the Star Wars universe. We have brought extensive coverage from many convention floors. We have published in-depth Star Wars product reviews, in hand product video reviews and more. We have rewarded our loyal readers with dozens of giveaways.

Starting today and for the entire month of February, Yodasnews is celebrating its eighth anniversary. These milestones are always a deeply rewarding experience for our dedicated staff because they mark another year that we helped keep the spirit of our beloved franchise alive and shared it with you, our readers. As with previous anniversaries, we will be giving away TONS of amazing prizes for both casual readers and forum members, and there will be special events that will test your creativity, competitive trivia nights, and much more.

The Super Bowl is this coming Sunday and now Volkswagen have released an extended version of their 2012 Game Day commercial, entitled The Dog Strikes Back!

The inaugural Star Wars Charity Dinner is tomorrow night and we've been contacted with some exciting news regarding the presenters for the evenings events.

Press Release

Edith Bowman and Alex Zane to Host Star Wars Charity Dinner and Quiz

TV and Radio Presenter Edith Bowman will host the evening’s entertainment at the Star Wars Charity Dinner and Quiz supporting MediCinema which is taking place at The Hilton Hotel, Park Lane on Thursday 2nd February. Alex Zane, Channel 4 TV presenter, will be the Official Star Wars Quiz master – the perfect choice for this role with his passion for Star Wars and with his experience as host of the Sky Movies Show 35mm.

The Official Star Wars Charity Dinner and Quiz will act as a crucial fundraiser for MediCinema this year - the charity which installs state-of-the-art cinemas to improve the difficult reality of being in hospital for patients and families by bringing them genuine movie-going experiences. During the evening there will be various fundraising activities including the main auction hosted by the accomplished auctioneer Martin Bayfield of ex-England Rugby player and established after dinner-speaker fame.

Alex Zane commented:

‘I am so excited to be involved with this event. I can’t wait to host the quiz as it will give me an opportunity to indulge my ardent Star Wars fanaticism at what is set to be a truly spectacular evening – one full of Star Wars trivia, original Star War props from the London Museum, special Star Wars guests and some genuine Star Wars fundraising items to bid for. And all for a fantastic cause that reinforces my passion for film by ensuring that even those patients critically ill can benefit from the therapeutic effects that the magic of cinema can bring.’

Stephen Moore, Chief Executive, MediCinema said:

‘We are delighted to announce a great line up of Star Wars related talent for this very special occasion in support of MediCinema. These entertaining personalities will ensure that Star Wars is showcased across the evening in the most spectacular way to make it a must attend for any Star Wars fan or corporate director looking for an impressive evening to entertain clients.’

With limited spaces left available for the evening, this announcement represents the last chance for anyone interested in attending to book one of the remaining tables. For more information on the Official Star Wars Charity Dinner and Quiz, visit the events website.

Author Tripp Millican has been in touch with news of a Star Wars-related book available via Amazon on the Kindle...and for the next two days it's free!

Over to Tripp.

I wanted to let you know about a novel I recently published to Amazon titled "The Rebel Alliance". The novel is about an avid (and obsessive) Star Wars collector who gets stranded in a small Iowa town with a runaway fugitive - he's trying to get to his parents' funeral and she's trying to avoid the law. It's currently free for Prime members to borrow and starting today for 2 days (Feb 1st and 2nd), it will be free for everyone (instead of the normal $1.99). It can found here:

A somewhat longer description: 60 hours before his parents’ joint funeral, 29-year-old Star Wars collector Dennis Harwell finds himself stranded in the tiny town of Walnut, Iowa, with Star, a brash 20-year-old punk rock girl. He is 1,700 miles from his destination with little money and fewer options; Dennis is ineffective and Star is a fugitive. As their problems mount, the pair must work together if they are going to escape Walnut.

It's not official Star Wars news but it does feature a strong Star Wars pop culture bent. I'd love to get word out about the book especially to Star Wars collectors and fans! Thanks!

The Official Site weighs in with its coverage of issue 131 of the Star Wars Insider, released to celebrate the 3D release of The Phantom Menace.

Gear 4 Games are part of Forbidden Planet International and will have some exclusive Hasbro Star Wars products available this year (which we hope to review soon).  In the meantime, here's some of their new and existing plush line that were showing at the UK Toy Fair last week (we weren't allowed to photograph all their items but they look great) - click on each image for a closer look...

Here's the latest update from our friends at Toy Palace.  They've just received a container load of new items which are in-stock now and shipping!

• Attakus Elite Collection Darth Vader Resin Satue 21cm
• Hasbro Star Wars Video Game Figure-Pack Set of 2 (10 Figs)
• Hasbro Vintage 2010 Vehicle Assortment (2)
• The Clone Wars Figure 2-Packs "Special OPs & Waxer" Set of 2
• Master Replicas EpIV CHROME Han Solo Blaster Scaled Replica
• Master Replicas EpIV GOLD Han Solo Blaster Scaled Replica
• Rubies Supreme Edt. Stormtrooper Costume Std (L)
• Rubies Deluxe Princess Leia Costume - Adult L (Std)
• Gentle Giant Kenner R5-D4 AF Replica 19cm
• Gentle Giant Star Wars Dartboard Princess Leia
• Hasbro Movie Heroes Exclusive Begin The Adventure 2-Packs
• Hasbro Movie Heroes 2012 Figure Asst. Wave 1 (12pcs)
• The Clone Wars - Anakin Ultimate FX Lightsaber 86cm
• Sideshow STAP Vehicle+Battle Droid Sixth Scale Set 30cm
• LEGO Star Wars Torch - Darth Vader 30cm
• MIMOBOT USB Stick Han Solo Carbonite 8GB
• Yoda MIMOMICRO USB Card Reader Flash Drive
• Darth Vader MICRO USB Card Reader Flash Drive

As Star Wars fans we all have our boltholes. It could be a collection room, your bedroom at your folks house, a bookcase on the landing or if you're a world-renowned collector, Rancho Obi-Wan.

But there can't be too many folks who have their very own Ewok Village. Check out the info after the break and enjoy this fascinating video.

Revell were at the UK Toy Fair and displaying their latest range of Star Wars products as part of their EasyKit line. Here's their schedule for 2012 (click on each image for a closer look)...

Star Wars EasyKit (Q1)

• Obi-Wan’s Jedi Starfighter (Episode 3) - £12.99
• ARC-170 Fighter (Episode 3) - £18.99
• Anakin’s Jedi Starfighter (Episode 3) - £12.99
• Grievous Starfighter (The Clone Wars) - £22.99
• Republic Attack shuttle (The Clone Wars) - £26.99
• AT-TE (The Clone Wars) - £26.99

Star Wars EasyKit (Q4)

• Sith Infiltrator (Episode 1) - £26.99
• Anakin’s Podracer (Episode 1) - £29.99

Star Wars EasyKit Pocket (Q1)

• Sith Infiltrator - £6.50
• Naboo Starfighter - £6.50

Star Wars EasyKit Pocket (Q4)

• TIE Fighter - £8.99
• Imperial Star Destroyer - £8.99
• Boba Fett’s Slave I - £8.99

Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information take the link below...  For more images view the whole story.

Read on for the latest update from Site Sponsor Big Bad Toy Store that features a great batch of arrivals and many more new preorders (including the brand new Avengers lineup from Hasbro along with the full 2012 line up from DC Direct) ...

This may be false, it may be fandom playing tricks or it might turn out to be true but Aint it Cool claim to have received a key plot point from the highly anticipated first episode of the Star Wars Underworld live-action series.

While the source is 'untested', Aint it Cool seem happy enough to post this potential spoiler.

Daniel tells us that one of the series' first episodes will involve a group of bandits acquiring the capability of time travel, and using it to travel back in time to stop Darth Vader from ever existing.

This is certainly in keeping with past indications we've heard about the show - that it would involve the "darker" side of the STAR WARS universe, criminal factions, Empire building, etc. While "time travel" is relatively new to the film and television canon of the STAR WARS universe, it's a factor that has at least been acknowledge/discussed in the franchise's "Extended Universe" (details HERE). As such, its potential inclusion in this show is not as remarkable as one might initially believe.

What do you think? Are we ready for time travel in the STAR WARS mythos, or might its presence provide an irresistible temptation for Lucas to organically revise STAR WARS history even further?

Whoever came up with the idea to do a Haynes Millennium Falcon Owner's Workshop Manual needs their head checking...to see if they have any more brilliant ideas tucked away in their genius noggin! And you thought I was going to say something negative; oh yea of little faith!

Aimed at both DIY enthusiasts and professional garage mechanics, Haynes Manuals have been around for decades, and now Star Wars fans have been added to the target audience, with the release of the Millennium Falcon Owner's Workshop Manual.

Back in October 2011 Jedi News were out in force at Fan Days IV in Fort Worth, Texas. Mark, James and Adam spread the good word about the site and while there Mark and James conducted a number of interviews with Star Wars celebrities for our friends at The Star Wars Insider. Our chat with Catherine Taber was published in issue 131 and this month we're thrilled to see our chat with Stephen Stanton.

Make sure to grab a copy and check out this photo of Stephen, me and James, taken by our good pal Dutch Delaney.

Jedi News is working with Star Wars Actors Appearances to bring you the very latest in Star Wars actors convention appearances. Here's this weeks updates:

ANTHONY DANIELS

C-3PO C-3PO (voice) - Droids / The Clone Wars (TV & Film) CZ-3 - ANH Dannl Faytonni - ROTS

Steel City Con

Mar. 2-4, 2012

Monroeville Convention Center

Monroeville, PA

Steel City Con

HARRY FIELDER

Corporal Grenwick - ANH

Tenth Planet Event Signing

Apr. 21, 2012

Barking Learning Library

Barking, England

Tenth Planet Event Signing

Fan of Jedi News Colin Wells just dropped us a line with some information regarding the 3D Anakin Skywalker glasses that all Star Wars fanatics are keen to get their hands on. Over to Colin.

With the new release of The Phantom Menace select cinemas are selling limited edition Anakin skywalker 3D glasses. Details and images of the glasses can be found on the Empire cinemas website. Another cool marketing idea from the big man Mr.Lucas. Keep up the good work on the site I'm always checking in on the news.

Cheers Colin, be sure to check your local cinemas to see if they are selling these very cool glasses.

First we had The Shat versus The Princess, now we get Qui-Gon going head-to-head with Captain Picard in an altogether more friendly competition, deciding who has the coolest action figure.

No-prizes go to those who guess that it's The Wars that take this round...

DK Canada has sent out their latest newsletter promoting some of their books being released to tie-in with the launch of The Phantom Menace in 3D next month.

These are the Books You Are Looking For!

On Friday February 10th, Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace will be back in theatres in glorious 3D. To celebrate we invite you to brushup on your Star Wars knowledge with our great selection of Star Wars books and compare two of the greatest Sith Lords of all time!

Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the series our Star Wars Boutique has something for everyone. Click here or on any of the images below to visit our Star Wars Boutique and get 30% off all the titles for a limited time.

We've been contacted by someone who should be a familiar name to Star Wars online fans, Carl Cunningham formerly of the brilliant starwarsfans.org. Carl is involved with a new venture that will be of great interest to anyone fascinated by the production of the Star Wars saga. It's a Kickstarter project that's well worth supporting, as it's sure to be packed with essential information.

The news that Sideshow would be releasing Aayla Secura as a Premium Format Figure managed to slip under our radar a couple of days ago, but there is still time before the full product reveal on Tuesday 31st January, and pre-ordering, which begins two days later on Thursday 2nd February.

It hits UK shelves on the 9th February 2012 and it's a must-buy for anyone interested in all things Phantom Menace. Yes, Star Wars Insider 131 is winging its way to letter boxes and desktops worldwide, and as ever it's an essential purchase.

• 100-page celebaratory issue marking the cinema release of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.
• Exclusive never-before-seen storyboards of the Jedi-led attack on Theed, Industrial Light & Magic guru John Knoll reveals the creative process behind the new 3D format, author Dan Wallace launches a staunch defence of helpless Gungan Jar Jar Binks, and we reveal the 3D highlights to look out for at the cinema.
• Brian J. Robb asks what it takes to become an iconic Star Wars villain on the back of very limited screen time, while Jason Fry shows his appreciation for a galaxy of characters in the Star Wars saga.
• Focus on Star Wars Art: Comics with Paul Pope and Frank Quitely, exclusive fiction in 'Maze Run', and all the latest Star Wars books, comics and merch in our dedicated 'Blaster!' section.

All that plus Red Five with Nick Gillard conducted by my good self and My Star Wars again by me and James Burns. What other fan site brings you the goods both on a daily website AND in the official Star Wars magazine?

Friend of the site Chris 'Hoth Ice Planet' Smith of the ever awesome Sarlacc Pit podcast has been in touch with this very sweet piece of news. Over to Chris.

Postcards for Baby Leah

Since this "Journey" is for Baby "Princess" Leah our guest of honor. We are adding postcards for Princess Leah to this Leia's Journey for Baby Leah.

Anyone who would like to send in a postcard to Princess Leah, just pick up a postcard in your local area. Write a personal message to Princess Leah on the postcard, date it and mail it to us at the Sarlacc Pit podcast.

We will compile these postcards and put them together in a book that will be given to Leah along with the Leia 12" action figure. That way as Leah is growing up she can read all the messages from all of us who care about her. Click here for more info.

To celebrate the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3D which arrives in cinemas February 9th, we are giving away two pairs of tickets to an exclusive advance screening on Wednesday the 8th February.

The screening will take place at a West End venue (this will be revealed once you receive your ticket), in a galaxy far, far away. Storm Troopers will open the doors at 5:30pm, followed by action in the foyer. The saga will begin at 6:30pm.

COMPETITION ENTRIES MUST BE IN BY NOON ON SUNDAY 29TH JAN!  Take the link below to enter and MTFBWY...