Anakin Skywalker, boy slave

"Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" opened on May 19, 1999 and came almost 16 years after the release of the last film in the series, "Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi". The hype building up to the release was enormous and expectations were sky high. Ray Parks as the Sith Lord Darth Maul was simply amazing and his martial arts skills really came into play nicely for the role. The final fight scene between Darth Maul and the two Jedi knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi with John Williams' score in the background was impressive. Can't wait to see Ray Parks in "Iron Fist" and as Snake-Eyes in the "G.I. Joe" movie. Unfortunately, on the whole, Episode I didn't really do it for me, probably because the much-hyped special effects were less impressive than anticipated simply because of high expectations.

Episode I did introduce us to Anakin Skywalker and the teaser poster says it all

When we watched Episodes IV to VI, the central character was Luke Skywalker and how a farmboy became a Jedi Master, defeated the Emperor, saved his father and freed the galaxy from the clutches of the Galactic Empire. But with Episodes I to III added, the whole theme is now focused on Anakin Skywalker from child slave to Sith and finally, redeeming himself and becoming one with the Force.

Hasbro released Anakin, boy slave and Podracer with Podracing helmet.

Anakin without helmet. IMHO, casting Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker wasn't a right decision. Anakin is discovered to have a higher midi-cholorian count than any Jedi, and is therefore exceptionally gifted in the Force. Explaining the Force as a physical thing (like a viral infection) negates the spiritual quality of the Force and spoils it too.

Anakin also comes with a Hangar Deck Scrubber Droid