Starsky & Hutch – Giant Retail Display Box (2003 Promotional Store Prop)

This item is a large-format promotional display box produced by Empire Interactive in 2003 to advertise the release of the Starsky & Hutch video game. These oversized “dummy boxes” were never sold to the public—they were shipped directly to retail chains such as GAME, Gamestation, EB Games, and independent stores to promote the game across all platforms.

Because they were intended only for short-term in-store marketing, very few survived, making them highly collectible today.

What This Item Actually Is

• Promotional Display Box — A large, empty cardboard cube used for shelf‑top, window, or counter advertising

• Not a retail game — No disc, no manual, no internal packaging

• Multi‑platform branding — Shows logos for PS2, Xbox, GameCube, PC CD‑ROM, and Game Boy Advance

• Oversized artwork — Uses the same key art as the retail game: the red‑and‑white Ford Gran Torino (“Striped Tomato”) and stylised portraits of Starsky & Hutch

• Publisher: Empire Interactive

• Purpose: Eye‑catching store advertising during the 2003 launch window

These boxes were typically discarded after promotions ended, which is why surviving examples are scarce.

About the Starsky & Hutch Video Game

• Vehicular combat / action game released in 2003

• Developed by Mind’s Eye Productions

• Platforms: PS2, Xbox, GameCube, PC CD‑ROM, Game Boy Advance

• Set in a stylised version of Bay City, inspired by the 1970s TV show

• Features the iconic Ford Gran Torino

• Includes narration by Antonio Fargas (Huggy Bear)

Gameplay Highlights

Driving + Shooting Hybrid:

• One player drives as Starsky
• Another shoots as Hutch
• Can be played solo or in asymmetric co‑op

Viewer Rating System:

• The game behaves like a TV episode
• Stunts, chases, and accurate shooting raise your rating
• Mistakes or slow pacing lower it
• If the rating hits zero, the “show” is cancelled

Arcade‑style missions:

• Chase criminals
• Perform jumps
• Ram enemy vehicles
• Complete episodic objectives

Why This Display Box Is Collectible

• Rare promotional item — Never sold at retail

• Large-format display — Impressive for game rooms, retro setups, or store‑themed décor

• Multi‑platform branding — Represents the full 2003 launch campaign

• Nostalgia factor — Starsky & Hutch remains a cult favourite

• Survival rarity — Most stores discarded these after use

Ideal For

• Retro collectors

• Game room displays

• Promotional item archivists

• Fans of Starsky & Hutch or 1970s TV memorabilia