As the final weekend without the existence of a Star Wars Episode VII came to a close, Target decided to promote the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in style, hosting a “Share The Force” campaign that featured four dome structures that included immersive Star Wars-themed experiences in Downtown Los Angeles.
The first dome was sponsored by Rancho Obi-Wan, a non-profit benefit corporation that features the largest Star Wars collection in the world. Some of the items they had on display were the original Star Wars figures in their mint-condition packaging (surrounded by 575 Hasbro Stormtroopers). Also featured in this vast collection was custom art from Darth Vader helmets to lightsabers.
The second Dome was sponsored by Lego as evidenced by the Lego Chewbacca and Lego C3PO that were proudly displayed. Inside, people were encouraged to build using the small bricks, which would be used by professional builders to put together a Lego TIE fighter from the new movie.
The third dome, and the most popular draw by far, was home to the BB-8 Racers where they put a headset on you to measure your brain-lengths. With this, you would be able to “use the force” to move a ball on a model desert path as if you were BB-8 rolling through the deserts of Jakku. I wasn’t able to top any records, unfortunately (the rough sand on my path was to blame for that), but it was cool to see that technology has come so far that one is able to move objects with just your brain.
The final dome was a Galaxy Show. Much like something you’d see at a planetarium, it was a short little video that features X-wings, TIE Fighters and star constellations in the shape of all your favorite characters such as Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, R2, C3PO and Darth Vader.
In between these domes were character meet-and-greets, origami building and, of course, a shop with some toys and shirts. I resisted at buying anything, but I still managed to get complimentary lunch-box which they were handing out guests.
Overall, a fun once-in-lifetime event that helps build the anticipation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens to even greater heights.
