Fans of the space epic “Star Wars” are in for a galactic treat in an ongoing exhibit at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, just days before the release of the series’ much awaited seventh installment, “The Force Awakens.”
The exhibit at the mall’s Atrium and Cyberzone, which was organized by SM Lifestyle Entertainment and Disney, features life-size and interactive elements from the hit franchise.
Ria Canteras, assistant vice president for corporate marketing of SM Lifestyle, said their “strategic” partnership with Disney was aimed at bringing “Star Wars” fans, adults and kids alike, “entertainment at its best.”
“SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. has prepared this whole exhibit for the much anticipated movie of the year. So here at Mall of Asia, we have four different exhibits… What we want to bring them is entertainment at its best. So it’s just strategic for SM Lifestyle to partner with the biggest entertainment brand which is Disney,” Canteras told INQUIRER.net during the media tour of the exhibit on Wednesday.
Walt Disney Co. took over “Star Wars” when it purchased Lucasfilm in 2012.
READ: ‘Star Wars,’ the space epic no one believed in
The first and biggest part of the exhibit was the life-size X-Wing fighter, one of the more popular aircrafts in the franchise, where guests can ride in the cockpit and take photos from the viewing deck.
PHOTO BY SEPHY GARIBAY/INQUIRER.net
“The modern incarnation of a classic design, the Incom T-70 X-Wing fighter is the signature combat craft of the Resistance forces in their fight against the First Order. When missions call for it, ace Resistance pilot Poe Dameron becomes Black Leader, flying a dark-hulled T-70 X-wing into action,” the description of the attraction read.
Just behind the X-Wing exhibit, visitors and “Star Wars” enthusiasts can interact with one another by playing the latest Battlefront (PS4 version) video game. Fully articulated toys by Hot Toys featuring characters such as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Stormtroopers are also on display.
PHOTO BY SEPHY GARIBAY/INQUIRER.net
The “Interactive Wall” can be found at the mall’s Cyberzone area, where guests can take photos and play with lightsabers or laser swords at the “Choose Your Destiny” wall. The lightsabers produce actual sounds when they clash.
In the same section are life-size stormtroopers, the elite land-based soldiers in the Imperial Army under the Galactic Empire. The corps’ newest head gears are also on display.
Feeling the galactic vibe, avid “Star Wars” fans who joined the press viewing willingly struck a pose with the stormtroopers holding their lightsabers, and some with even their own helmets.
READ: Can ‘The Force Awakens’ become the biggest movie ever?
Arnel Serioso, Jeffrey Estaris, and Rico Santos of 501st Legion, a Lucasfilm-recognized fan group with 45 local members and about 9,000 affiliates in the world. PHOTO BY SEPHY GARIBAY/INQUIRER.net
Arnel Serioso and Jeffrey Estaris of 501st Legion, a Lucasfilm-recognized fan group with 45 local members and about 9,000 affiliates in the world, said they are very excited about the release of “The Force Awakens,” especially because it’s the first “Star Wars” film in a decade.
“We are united by the same cause, and that is to promote Star Wars while doing charity work,” Serioso said, noting that they don’t get paid for attending such events and donate money instead to charitable institutions.
Canteras said the exhibit will run at the SM Mall of Asia until January 3, 2016. “The Force Awakens,” which is slated for a Dec. 17 release in local theaters, will remain in IMAX in the duration of the Metro Manila Film Festival. Screening in regular SM theaters will resume on Jan. 8.
The series’ latest installment is set 30 years after “The Return of the Jedi” in 1983. The first “Star Wars” film was released in 1977. CDG