To mark the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, a whole new collection of 3 and 3/4 figures were released under the title of Episode I. At the time, this line was unique from other lines in that it covered only the characters and droids from the new movie. As a prelude to the film, and to increase interest, two preview items were made available in 1998. The first was a mail-away promotion for Jedi Master Mace Windu. The other item was a large scale Battle Droid on a STAP, which was available at retail and labeled "Episode I coming in 1999".