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CNN Live Today

"Star Wars" Convention Offers Numerous Products for Fans

Aired May 03, 2002 - 11:19   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: "Star Wars" fans, this one is for you! You don't have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to celebrate the space saga. The next installment of the movie series is just about two weeks away. And, while they wait for the release of "Episode II: Attack of the Clones," "Star Wars" fans from around the world are gathering in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Our Keith Oppenheim joins us live from the "Star Wars" convention -- Keith, good morning. Why Indy?

KEITH OPPENHEIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, you know, it's just conveniently located. This is a convention center that's big. And lots of people can get to this place, and they're going to have a good 22,000 or more fans saying things like "may the force be with you." They come from all over the globe, really. And there's really a lot of things for them to do.

Of course, you can expect there's lots of thing to see and buy. Vendors sell toys, costumes, books, gadgets. This event is really filled with other events and exhibitions as well. There's a concert with Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis. There's a fan/film competition and autograph signing with cast members. So there's definitely variety. And Daryn, right now I'm going to introduce you to a very popular "Star Wars" character, who is on sale. With me now is Martin Pidel from Hasbro.

Tell us about this R2-D2 unit.

MARTIN PIDEL, HASBRO: He's a voice-activated droid. There's a lot of noise in here. But he may behave for us. So we'll try to get him to work.

Hey, R2. Do you remember?

R2-D2: ... remember...

PIDEL: Do you remember? Hey, R2, do you remember? Do you remember Darth Vader?

He does.

OPPENHEIM: He doesn't like Darth Vader.

PIDEL: Hey, R2, do you remember Princess Leah? He likes her. OPPENHEIM: That's electronic excitement. OK. What else can he do?

PIDEL: Hey, R2, go on patrol. He'll go around the room. He can sense walls, sounds, heat. He will look all over the place.

OPPENHEIM: He's going over my cable. So he can probably sense that it's time for me to say good-bye. But, Martin, I understand that he sells for about $100.00?

PIDEL: About $100.00, yes.

OPPENHEIM: That, Leon and Daryn, is the kind of paraphernalia fans are flocking to. But they can spend a lot more than $100.00.

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