Thousand Oaks, CA - July 2006 - Star Wars lore is replete with colorful characters, but none are as beloved, resourceful, and loyal as its two droid stars: R2-D2 and C-3PO. No fight is too treacherous, no repair too complex for these unlikely allies from distant worlds-Naboo and Tatooine, to be specific. "R2" was conceived as an astromech droid, a rolling toolbox with attitude, rumbling to the aid of Anakin, and later, Luke Skywalker in pivotal moments of combat peril. C-3PO, the fusty and fussy conscience of the pair, always strives to keep R2's heroic impulses in check while serving the Rebel Alliance.

From their entrance in Episode Four, inside the rebel starship Tantive IV, audiences were enthralled by two of the most memorable and beloved characters from the Star Wars universe. In George Lucas' vision, droids can be heroes, or villainous bounty hunters - but the adventures and antics of R2-D2 and C-3PO have inspired and entertained generations of Star Wars fans - two robots who forever changed popular culture.

But now, thanks to the artistry of film robotics master Fred Barton, Sideshow Collectibles has announced the creation of life-size fiigures of R2-D2 and C-3PO. "We're very fortunate to be collaborating on this landmark robotics project with the world's foremost robotics fabricator," says Sideshow's Creative Director, Tom Gilliland.

The two 1:1 scale droids will premiere July 19-23 at the Sideshow Collectibles Booth (#1929) during the International Comic-Con in San Diego. Sideshow will present the two iconic characters in a photo alcove where Con attendees can pose for pictures with the droids. Pricing and order information for both R2-D2 and C-3PO will be available later at www.SideshowCollectibles.com.

About Fred Barton

Fred Barton is an animatronics engineer whose incomparable work in custom and replica robotics has earned him the nickname of America's Robot Man. Influenced by the science fiction films and television shows of the 1950s and 60s, and captivated by characters like Robby, the Robot™, and Gort, Fred discovered he had an innate talent for the fabrication of life-size animatronic robots. In 1996, Fred Barton turned his life-long passion into a successful business, creating robots for private collectors and museums all over the world.

About R2-D2

R2-D2 came from the peaceful world of Naboo, where he and a team of astromechs served the elected monarch aboard her Royal Starship. When the greedy Trade Federation invaded Naboo, Queen Amidala rushed away from her world and ran afoul of a blockade. When the Royal Starship sustained damage to its shields, it was R2-D2 who repaired the ship, allowing it to escape into hyperspace. The droid used his magnetized rollers to cling tenaciously to the chromed surface of the ship while deadly turbolaser blasts rained overhead. Other R2 heroics that audiences may recall include "riding shotgun" in Luke Skywalker's X-wing fighter during the battle of the Death Star, and his dramatic rescue of Princess Amidala on the planet Geonosis, when he used his anti-grav boosters to fly to Amidala's aid and his computer interface to stop a deadly downpour of molten metal from killing the Senator.

About C-3PO

A fussy and worry-prone "protocol droid," C-3PO was cobbled together from salvage and scrap by a nine-year-old prodigy on the desert planet of Tatooine. Young Anakin Skywalker had intended the droid to be a helpmate to his mother, Shmi. When Anakin befriended Padme Nabeerie of the planet Naboo, C-3PO first met the blue-and-white droid R2-D2. The two formed a fast friendship, working together to perfect Master Anakin's blazing fast podracer for an upcoming competition. The more experienced Artoo told Threepio of the hazards of space travel. 3PO overcame his fears, and joined R2, and the Rebel Alliance in six films-worth of interstellar adventure.

About Sideshow Collectibles

Sideshow Collectibles is the premier source for highly collectible figures, statues, busts, framed art, prop replicas and figure-study maquettes. Sideshow products are available online at: www.sideshowcollectibles.com, as well as through specialty shops, comic book stores, and via collectible web sites worldwide.

For additional information, please contact Sideshow Collectibles at PR@Sideshowcollectibles.com

© 2006 Lucas film Ltd. ™. All Rights Reserved.. Manufactured by Sideshow, Inc. All Rights Reserved.