R2-D2 is quite possibly be the most malleable character in all of the Star Wars universe. His mischievous spirit (and garbage can shape) make him both ripe for kitschy merchandising and also a hilarious foil for earnest public service announcements. On the merchandising front, is there anything better for entertaining than this R2 ice bucket? (He even comes with a "Han frozen in carbonite" ice tray.) No regular, boring old ice cubes for your guests: They'll be enjoying a beverage with mini-Harrison Fords floating in their drinks, thanks to your li'l buddy R2. Also, of all the Wars crew, R2 seems the most likely to have a great time at your next shindig.
Even more ingenious (and prohibitively expensive) is the R2-D2 audio and video projector from Nikko. (See it in action here.) This one deserves a standing ovation, folks. It's quite possibly the greatest piece of Star Wars merchandise ever released. First off, it actually makes sense. Instead of distress holograms of Leia, R2 projects your DVDs, photos, video games, and more. (And of course, there's an iPod dock.) Oh, and also...he moves! Star Wars ancillary merchandisers, it's time to pack it up. Nikko just won the war. (If you've got a extra three grand lying around, it can be yours. Hey, that's only five tax refund checks.)
Completing today's R2 kitsch trifecta is this wonderful anti-smoking public service announcement from the early '80s featuring the little guy puffing away in defiance of that killjoy C-3P0. First off, why are they hanging out in what looks like the back of a RadioShack? Also, why does R2 hold his cigarette like a James Bond villain? And how heartbreaking is 3PO asking R2 to confirm whether or not he has a heart? Also, I sure hope they properly dispose of that butt. A protocol droid should know better than to litter. Maybe they saved that lesson for the next PSA.
