As the new millennium dawned, Hasbro ushered in a digital revolution in toy marketing. Their 1999 Pre-Toy Fair catalog broke new ground, releasing for the first time both a traditional print version and an interactive CD highlighting the company's exciting new toy lines. This innovative multi-format approach gave retailers a tantalizing preview of the innovative playthings on tap for the coming year. It was a bold step into the digital age for the veteran toymaker, blending old-school catalogs with cutting-edge technology. For the Toy Fair attendees awaiting the latest and greatest, Hasbro delivered not just toys but a glimpse into the future.
With the release of the CD, Star Wars fans got their first glimpse into the exciting new Expanded Universe. This special preview offered a sneak peek at early concept art, including a hand-crafted mockup of Luke Skywalker made from cardboard cutouts. Though rudimentary, this DIY artwork stirred the imagination, whetting fans' appetite for the rich new Star Wars stories soon to come. This humble beginning marked the emergence of a bold new era in the galaxy far, far away.
The printed catalog shown an unreleased line look concept dubbed as "Star Wars Classic Edition".
Here is an early glimpse at the Star Wars Classic Edition Buddies line. Unfortunately the Darth Vader and Dewback were never approved for production.