Retro Spins: Saga - Worlds Apart

 

Prog rock group Saga formed in 1977, originally in the iteration of the band, Pocket, which was developed from several members of the group Fludd. Michael Sadler (singer, keyboard, bass guitar), Ian Crichton (guitars), Peter Rochon (keyboards), Jim Crichton (bass guitar), and Steve Negus (drumbs),AKA Saga, released their self titled debut in 1978, finding mild success in Germany and Canada.

Rochon would leave the band in 1979 to become a full-time executive for a music equipment company, and his departure made space for Gregg Chadd, who took over duties of keyboards. With their new member in place, they returned to the studio to complete their second album, 1979's Images At Twilight. The album would also produce their first chart topper, It's Time, which peaked at number eighty-nine on the Canadian charts.

The bands success continued internationally with their 1980 released, Silent Knight. However, this resulted in yet another change of keyboard players, when Jim Gilmour replaced Chadd. There doesn't appear to be any information floating around the inter-web as to why he left.

With the now "classic line-up in place, Saga set about to record their breakout album, Worlds Apart, which was released in 1981. One of the biggest changes for the album were Sadler's vocals. Producer, Rupert Hine, told the singer to stop sounding like a choir boy, a style notable on previous albums.

It's here where we pump the brakes for today's Retro Spin.

I personally bought this album when I came across the track, Wind Him Up. It was a song of epic proportions, both in instrumentation and vocals. If you haven't heard this tune, I definitely recommend, at minimum, that you check it out.

As a whole, the album definitely screams of rock opera, and it's pretty enjoyable. The problem is that this also makes it difficult to pull certain tracks from it for a shuffle list. It would be like taking Rush's epic, 2112, and picking it apart in sections. Yes, you would still get good songs, but the tale would no longer unfold coherently.

Though my personal favorites from the album are, Wind Him Up, and Amnesia, it's actually On The Loose, which is the groups biggest chart topper, reaching number twenty-six on the Billboard charts. The singles success was greatly attributed to the music video, which was played in steady rotation during MTV's infancy.

Worlds Apart would also complete the "Chapters" story, which was spread across the group's prior albums. Initially, the arc was considered to be eight parts, but would ultimately grow to sixteen as the years would pass.

As for those years, though members continued to come and go, Saga have consistently released albums through 2021, with no signs of stopping any time soon. However, their biggest success continues to come from their Germany audience, the only country where their albums continue to chart consistently.

I don't know if I'll personally continue my journey through their music. I suppose if I saw an 80's album from them in the wild for relatively cheap, I would probably pick it up, but I won't necessarily be actively looking for any.

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Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
February 13, 1982

 

THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
February 13, 1988

Star Wars Unleashed (Hasbro)

In 2002, Hasbro introduced the world of Star Wars collector's to the Unleashed series. Each sculpt was essentially a mini statue made out of plastic - Affordable to the majority of collectors, yet with a stature that screamed high quality. They were an immediate success across retail chains.

The series launched during the Saga 3 3/4 line, and produced an initial eleven statues, with one variant.

Collector's swarmed the toy isles to swoop up every last one of them, and the series quickly became a secondary market dealer’s cash crop.


Anakin Skywalker, Darth Maul, Darth Sidius

A variant version of Darth Vader was released which depicted him with no mask. At the time of its release, this particular statue was incredibly difficult to find without resorting to the secondary market. A two pack was also released which contained both Jango and Boba Fett.


Darth Vader, Darth Vader (No Mask Variant), Jango and Boba Fett

Equally difficult to find was the Princess Leia statue which depicted her in her slave outfit.


Mace Windu, Padme Amidala, Princess Leia

Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, Darth Sidious

In 2003, the package design was changed drastically from its initial plain/dull look to really pop. Each card now depicted artwork at the top to coincide with the statue inside. It was much more eye catching to the average toy isle visitor, and overall made the series all the more collectible.

The initial launch of the 2003 line contained several repacks.


Mace Windu (Repack), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Repack), Darth Sidious (Repack)

Luke Skywalker (Repack), Princess Leia (Repack)

Boba Fett, Han Solo, Yoda

2004 saw a release of six new statues, and one variant.


Aayla Secura, Bossk, Chewbacca

Clone Trooper (White), Clone Trooper (Red), Luke Skywalker

Tusken Raider

2005 was the last series of Unleashed that were released under the "Saga" banner. There were three new figures, and two repacks - one of which was repacked the prior year as well.


Aurra Sing, Darth Vader (Repack), IG-88

Obi-Wan Kenobi (Re-Repack), Stormtrooper

When Revenge of the Sith hit theaters, the line continued on with that particular 3 3/4 inch figure line.


Anakin Skywalker, Asajj Ventress, Darth Vader

A new two pack with Yoda and Sidious was released during this time.


General Grievous, Yoda Vs. Sidious

The Revenge of the Sith Darth Vader got a fancier packaging, and was released exclusively at Best Buy to coincide with the DVD release.

Rather than utilizing a card back/bubble package, it was packaged in a cylinder. This would later become the standard packaging style.


Darth Vader (Best Buy Exclusive)

While the line continued to coincide with the Revenge of the Sith toys in 2006, the series didn't stick specifically to characters from that particular movie.


Chewbacca, Han Solo, Shock Trooper

Target released four exclusively packaged statues in 2006, and at the same time changed the way that the majority of future ones would be released. These exclusives also utilized the cylinder packaging used for the Best Buy exclusive. However, the statues themselves were simply updated/repainted prior releases.


Boba Fett, General Grievous

Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker

2007 would mark the last year (to date) that a traditional statue like Unleashed figure would be released. The packaging also changed to resemble the cylinder shaped ones used for the exclusive releases with the exception of two final carded ones.


Count Dooku, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Obi-Wan Kenobi

For the final Unleashed statue, now under the 30th Anniversary giese, the package was changed to white to closer resemble the current 3 3/4 line of figures.


Anakin Skywalker, Shadow Stormtrooper, ARC Heavy Gunner

During the Saga Collection (2006), and running through the 2009/2010 Clone Wars collection, Unleashed took a different approach. Rather than stick with the familiar statue style which made the series popular, Hasbro began releasing mini multipacks, now known as Battle Packs.

The once six to eight inch statues now stood approximately 1/4 their original size, and closer resembled upscale roleplaying game tokens.

While it left many original Unleashed fans unimpressed, the series was clearly strong enough to continue through 2010.

There are so many sets available, that while we are going to show them all, we aren't going to list them out by name.

Each package is separated into its respective toy line, but not in any particular order.

















Unleashed has come a long way since 2002, and whether you approve of the smaller versions pushing the larger ones from the limelight or not, it's clear that the series found a strong following of fans to press on for eight years.

Join us Monday as we continue our Star Wars 35th anniversary celebration with our look at Power of the Jedi 12" Legacy Collection!

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Star Wars - Saga (Hasbro)

2002 to 2004 was the era of the Saga. Figures and vehicles were pumped out at a rapid rate, spreading out into exclusive after exclusive to store after store with over 100 figures comprised to make up the Saga set.

Unlike most of the series of figures, the Saga figures don't actually get broken up into waves until 2004. 2002's and 2003's figures are each considered one large wave.

Though called the "Saga" series, the line was initially tailored to be an Attack of the Clones series to coincide with the film's release.

2002 BASIC FIGURES


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Anakin Skywalker (Peasant Disguise), Padme Amidala (Arena Escape), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Coruscant Chase), C-3PO (Protocol Droid)
Kit Fisto (Jedi Master), Super Battle Droid, Boba Fett (Kamino Escape), Tusken Raider Female with Tusken Child

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Captain Typho, Shaak Ti (Jedi Master), Battle Droid (Arena Battle), Battle Droid (Arena Battle) (Red Version)
Plo Koon, Jango Fett (Kamino Escape), R2-D2 (Coruscant Sentry), Geonosian Warrior

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Dexter Jettster, Clone Trooper (Red), Zam Wesell (Bounty Hunter), Royal Guard (Coruscant Security)
Saesee Tiin (Jedi Master), Nikto (Jedi Knight), Anakin Skywalker (Hanger Duel), Yoda (Jedi Master)

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Jar Jar Binks (Gungan Senator), Taun We (Kamino Cloner), Luminara Unduli (Jedi Master), Count Dooku (Dark Lord)
Mace Windu (Geonosian Rescue), Luke Skywalker (Bespin Duel), Darth Vader (Bespin Duel), Jango Fett (Final Battle)

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Qui-Gon Jinn (Jedi Master), Endor Rebel Soldier (Bearded), Endor Rebel Soldier, Massiff with Geonosian Warrior
Orn Free Ta, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Jedi Starfighter Pilot), Han Solo (Endor Raid), Chewbacca (Cloud City)

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, Djas Puhr (Alien Bounty Hunter), Padme Amidala (Coruscant Attack), Darth Maul (Sith Training)
Anakin Skywalker (Tatooine Attack), Ki-Adi Mundi (Jedi Master), Ephant Mon (Fan's Choice Figure), Teemto Pagalies (Pod Racer)

The Rebel Fleet Trooper was available in both a red and black hair version.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Jango Fett (Slave I Pilot). Destroyer Droid (Geonosis Battle), Clone Trooper (Republic Gunship Pilot), Watto (Mos Espa Junk Dealer)
Lott Dod (Neimoidian Senator), Tusken Raider with Massiff, Yoda (Jedi High Council), Rebel Fleet Trooper

The Imperial Officer was available in both a blond and brown hair version.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Imperial Officer
Eeth Koth (Jedi Master), Teebo

2002 TROOP BUILDER FIGURES

The Star Wars Fan Club offered two interesting sets in 2002 - Troop Builders. These were four pack mail away which included a squad of the figure in question. They were highly popular, and sold incredibly well.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Stormtroop Troop Builder Set
Endor Troop Builder Set

2002 DELUXE AND SCREEN SCENES FIGURES

The deluxe figures for the Saga series seemed to take a step back in time. Simply said, they weren't as impressive as the prior Power of the Jedi deluxe sets.

Two exciting pieces are the Death Star Trash Compactor screen scenes. The two sets are designed to be combined together to make one large scene.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Anakin Skywalker with Force-Flipping Attack, Anakin Skywalker with Lightsaber Slashing Action, C-3PO with Droid Factory Assembly Line
Clone Trooper with Speeder Bike, Darth Tyranus with Force-Flipping Attack, Flying Geonosian with Sonic Blaster and Attack Pod

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Jango Fett with Electronic Jetpack and Snap-On Armor, Mace Windu with Blast-Apart Battle Droid, Jango Fett (Kamino Showdown)
Nexu with Snapping Jaw and Attack Roar, Obi-Wan Kenobi with Force-Flipping Attack

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Yoda with Force Powers, Spider Droid, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Kamino Showdown)
Death Star Trash Compactor - Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, Death Star Trash Compactor - Princess Leia and Chewbacca

2002 EXCLUSIVE FIGURES

A fair amount of exclusive figures were offered from various locations throughout the Saga series.

A special holiday edition two pack was also offered as sort of a nod of the hat to Christmas.

Walmart offered a unique line of exclusives which when combined created one long bar for the Mos Eisely Cantina.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Ponda Baba, Momaw Nadon, Greedo
Wuher, Kitik Keed'kak, Dr. Evazan

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Commander Jorg Sacul (Rebel Pilot) (Celebration II), Silver Darth Vader (New York Toy Fair), Silver R2-D2 (Toys R' Us)
Holiday Edition (C-3PO and R2-D2) (Walmart)

2002 VEHICLES

Despite being such a large series, the vehicles didn't get as much attention as the figures. Most were repacks, with only a handful being new, some of which were made exclusives.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Anakin Skywalker's Speeder, Imperial Shuttle (FAO Schwartz), Obi-Wan Kenobi's Jedi Starfighter
Zam Wessell's Speeder, Jango Fett's Slave I, Republic Gunship
Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder (Toys R' Us), Obi-Wan Kenobi's Jedi Starfighter with Obi-Wan Kenobi (KB Toys), uke Skywalker's X-Wing Fighter (Toys R' Us

2002 CREATURES AND PLAYSETS


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Reek, Acklay
Geonosis Battle Arena

2003 BASIC FIGURES

In 2003 Hasbro released eight figures, then shifted to a new package design. Because of this sudden change in the packaging, several figures which had already been released were repacked.

Boba Fett was released in both a green and a blue armor variation.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Obi-Wan Kenobi (Acklay Battle), Mace Windu (Arena Confrontation), Darth Tyranus (Geonosian Escape), Padme Amidala (Droid Factory Chase)
SP-4 and JN-66 (Research Droids), Tusken Raider (Tatooine Camp Ambush), Anakin Skywalker (Secret Ceremony), Boba Fett (The Pit Of Carkoon)

Han Solo in Hoth Gear was produced in both a blue coat and green coat variation.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
R2-D2 (Droid Factory Flight), Lama Su with Clone Youth, Aayla Secura (Jedi Knight), Barriss Offee (Luminara's Padawan)
Han Solo (Hoth Gear), Chewbacca (Mynock Hunt), Yoda and Chian, Ashla and Jempa

At this point, Hasbro introduced a different kind of packaging to the Saga line. An error was originally produced on the Luke Skywalker - Throne Room Duel where as the figure was first produced with a black glove on Luke's left hand. It was later corrected to be on the right.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Aayla Secura (Jedi Knight), Barriss Offee (Luminara's Padawan), Han Solo (Hoth Gear), Chewbacca (Mynock Hunt)
Yoda and Chian, Ashla and Jempa, Luke Skywalker (Throne Room Duel), Darth Vader (Throne Room Duel)

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Snowtrooper (The Battle of Hoth), Jango Fett (Kamino Escape), C-3PO (Tatooine Ambush), Padmé Amidala (Secret Ceremony)
Wat Tambor (Geonosis War Room), Coleman Trebor (Battle of Geonosis), Darth Maul (Theed Hangar Duel), Princess Leia (Imperial Captive)

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Han Solo (Flight to Alderaan), WA-7 (Dexter's Diner), Lt. Faytonni (Coruscant Outlander Club), Emperor (Throne Room)
Luke Skywalker (Tatooine Encounter), Darth Vader (Death Star Clash), Bail Organa (Alderaan Senator), McQuarrie Concept Stormtrooper

A variant of Elan Sleazebaggano was produced that has no ears.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Imperial Dignitary Janus Greejatus, Padmé Amidala (Lars Homestead), Achk Med-Beq (Outlander Club), Ayy Vida (Outlander Nightclub Patron)
Obi-Wan Kenobi (Outlander Encounter), Elan Sleazebaggano (Outlander Encounter), Imperial Dignitary Klen Blista-Vanee

Technically at this point there is a Clone Wars line based off of Cartoon Networks short series, and which contained a fair amount of figures based in this era. For the purpose of staying in line with the Saga, this will be compiled in our next Star Wars post on September 12, 2011.

2003 EXCLUSIVE FIGURES


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Boba Fett (Star Wars Fan Club), Clone Trooper (Toys R' Us)
Star Wars Holiday Edition (Yoda) (Star Wars Fan Club)
Sandtrooper Troop Builder Set (Star Wars Fan Club), Rebel Trooper Troop Builder Set (Star Wars Fan Club)

2003 SCREEN SCENES FIGURES

Once again Hasbro brought the Screen Scenes together to create larger sets as opposed to smaller individual ones.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Jedi High Council 1 of 2, Jedi High Council 2 of 2
Geonosian War Room 1 of 2, Genosian War Room 2 of 2

2003 MULTIPACK FIGURES

Toys R' Us got the opportunity to release some great multi packs for the Saga series. Each set was particular to a group of characters and/or specific scene from the films.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Battle of Hoth, Imperial Forces
Ultimate Bounty, Jedi Warriors

2003 VEHICLES

The vehicles once again drew on the side of repacks. Again a few were offered as exclusives to specific stores.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT

Darth Tyranus's Geonosian Speeder Bike with Darth Tyranus, Anakin Skywalker's Swoop Bike with Anakin Skywalker
TIE Fighter (Imperial Dogfight) (KB Toys Exclusive)
A-Wing Fighter with Rebel Pilot (Target Exclusive), TIE Bomber

2004 BASIC FIGURES

2004 was the final year for the Saga figures, and also was the first time for this particular line that the figures were broken down in mini waves.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Hoth Trooper (Hoth Evacuation), R-3PO (Hoth Evacuation), Luke Skywalker (Hoth Attack)
Luke Skywalker (Jabba's Palace), R2-D2 (Jabba's Sail Barge), R1-G4 (Tatooine Transaction)

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Lando Calrissian (Jabba's Sail Barge), Rappertunie (Jabba's Palace), J'Quille (Jabba's Sail Barge)
Tanus Spijek (Jabba's Sail Barge), Holographic Luke (Jabba's Palace)

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
General Jan Dodonna (Battle of Yavin), Dutch Vander (Battle of Yavin), TIE Fighter Pilot (Battle of Yavin), Captain Antilles (Tantive IV Invasion)
Admiral Ozzel (Executor Assault), Bossk (Executor Meeting), Dengar (Executor Meeting

The Hall of Fame figures which rounded out the Saga line were just a fancy way of saying "repacks".


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Han Solo (Endor Strike), General Madine (Imperial Shuttle Capture), Lando Calrissian (Death Star Attack), Anakin Skywalker (Geonosis Hangar Duel), C-3P0 (Death Star Rescue), Chewbacca (Escape from Hoth), Darth Maul (Theed Hangar Duel)

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Darth Vader (Death Star Clash), Han Solo (Flight To Alderaan), Luke Skywalker (Tatooine Encounter), Obi-Wan Kenobi Coruscant Chase)
Princess Leia (Death Star Captive), R2-D2 (Tatooine Mission), Stormtrooper (Death Star Chase), Yoda (Battle of Geonosis)

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Anakin Skywalker (Secret Ceremony), Boba Fett(The Pit Of Carkoon)
C-3PO with Escape Pod (Tatooine Escape), Ewok with Attack Glider (Assault on Endor), General Rieekan (Hoth Evacuation)

2004 ULTRA FIGURES

The Ultra figures were what the deluxe figures should have been. Returning back to the roots of the deluxe figures from the Power of the Jedi line, the Ultra figures offered so many detailed accessories with the figures.

Two deluxe figures were repacked with the Ultra figures.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Jabba the Hutt (Jabba's Palace), Jabba’s Palace Court Denizens, Wampa with Hoth Cave (Hoth Attack)
Obi-Wan Kenobi (Kamino Showdown), Jango Fett (Kamino Showdown)

4 PACK, THEN GLASSES (GLASSES LISTED TOP TO BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT)
Skirmish At Carkoon (Toys R' Us)
Luke Skywalker - X-Wing Pilot (Target), Anakin Skywalker (Target)
Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi (Target), Darth Maul (Target)
Princess Leai (Target)

2004 EXCLUSIVES FIGURES

Companies came out of the woodwork to jump on the exclusive band wagon for the final figures in the Saga line.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Clone Troopers (Colors) (Entertainment Earth), Clone Troopers (Entertainment Earth)
Clone Troopers (Colors - Blast Marks) (Entertainment Earth) Clone Troopers (Blast Marks) (Entertainment Earth)

TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Silver Sandtrooper (Star Wars Fan Club), Silver Darth Vader (Toys R' Us)
Jedi-Con 2 Pack (Jedi Con), Scout Trooper (Battlefront II) (GameStop)

2004 VEHICLES

One final vehicle was produced in 2004 for the Saga series.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
Red Leader X-Wing Fighter with Garven Dreis

***BONUS***BONUS***BONUS***

STAR TOURS

Disney returned for another wave of exclusive Star Tours figures. This time they also included a Sneak Preview Starspeeder 1000, and a regular Starspeeder 3000.


TOP TO BOTTOM/LEFT TO RIGHT
G2-9T, R5-D2, SK-Z38
Starspeeder 1000 (Sneak Preview), Starspeeder 3000

The Saga series was large, contained several repacks, and a whole lot of wonderful toys in it. It's a cumbersome set to obtain, but exciting to chase down.

Join us September 12, 2011 for an in depth look at all the toys from Star Wars - Clone Wars!

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