The iconic 1983 making of documentary is now up on the official Star Wars Youtube account… In nine parts. But the good news is: We got the last one yesterday, so I can finally post it.
The Empire Strikes Back voted greatest movie of all time
The Empire Strikes Back has been voted greatest movie of all time in a new poll from Empire magazine. The original Star Wars clocks in at #6, Return of the Jedi is #120 and Revenge of the Sith is #224.
Last time they did the poll, in 2008, Empire came in third, behind The Godfather and Raiders of the Lost Ark. This time, The Godfather slips to #2 and Raiders fell from #2 to #9.
37 years of Star Wars
Sorry, May 4, but May 25th is the real Star Wars day. Another anniversary is upon us, with A New Hope (then just Star Wars, of course) coming out on this date 37 years ago. And 31 years ago, we saw the release of Return of the Jedi. Of course the two bookends of the original trilogy would have birthdays regardless, but it’s especially meaningful this year as we know that production on Episode VII is underway..
Congratulations also go to Nanci and Brian of the fansite Tosche Station, who got married today!
Trailer for Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy
Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy, edited by J.W. Rinzler, will be in bookstores on May 13 (next Tuesday.) If you can’t wait, the prequel trilogy one was released last year.
Classic video: Star Wars retold
This one is for all your friends/family/acquaintances who know nothing about Star Wars. We forgive you, because this is amazing.
A look at the original trilogy storyboards
Video: Birth of the lightsaber
In this nearly 16-minute featurette, George Lucas, Ben Burtt, and Mark Hamill talk about the aim, origins and uses of the iconic weapon throughout the saga.
Highlights of Mark Hamill’s Reddit AMA
Mark Hamill had his Reddit Ask Me Anything this afternoon. Despite a late start and a brief troll issue, it seemed to go swimmingly.
He didn’t say much about Episode VII – sorry, no announcements! This was to promote the Make-A-Wish contest. Though of course he was asked about the Fisher report from the other day:
The only character I know for sure is returning is my friend R2-D2. He hasn’t stopped beeping about it.
And when pressed…
Haha. I’m not being coy, really. When I find something out, I’ll let everybody know. But nothing has been decided yet.
I don’t know if anyone actually believes that, but hey, it’s not like we can blame the guy for playing it cool. Below the cut, power convertors, facial hair, keeping secrets and much, much more.
Video: Dennis Muren on effects by location
In this weekend’s retro clip, Muren talks about how the number of locations complicates VFX.
Video: 1982 Return of the Jedi trailer, more Muren
Unlike the first one, this trailer does indeed use the film’s final title.
And here’s Dennis Muren on thoughtful effects: