Disney is taking the old Star Tours up for one last go-round as a part of the Celebration festivities. But is the ride worth $75, even with the nostalgia factor and extra events? Still, I doubt they’ll have trouble selling tickets.
StarWars.com’s Hyperspace to end in 2011
Hyperspace is going away next year.
Started right before Revenge of the Sith began principal photography as subscription section on StarWars.com, Hyperspace went through several incarnations. During the ROTS filming it offered fans extraordinary access to film’s set in Sydney with a live webcam, chats, and a set diary by Pablo Hidalgo. (It also had the nice side effect of effectively ending the cut-throat fansite spoiler-wars that marked the runup to The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones.)
However, once Revenge of the Sith was released, Hyperspace had much less to offer subscribers (even the ‘ad-free’ promise eventually expired.) Features were added, like the blogs, but the content over the past few years has been irregular and often only of interest only to those who enjoy fairly obscure parts of the GFFA.
It even merged with the fan club and became part of a package deal with Star Wars Insider for a time. The Insider is no longer included, but the Official Fan Club still uses the ‘Hyperspace’ name. (If Hyperspace is truly being discontinued, will the fan club be getting another makeover in the coming year…?)
I can’t say I’m surprised at this – the ‘exclusive’ content has been sparse for years and StarWarsShop probably brings in far more revenue – but Hyperspace has been around for quite a while in internet times, and it’s entwined with some particularly interesting times in the fandom for me. But it’s clearly been on the backburner for quite a while, so might as well give up the ghost and move on. And hey, what the hell – I renewed my subscription one last time this evening for old time’s sake.
Wacky merchandise du jour: Darth Vader GPS
Yes, TomTom is actually offering a Darth Vader voice for their GPS, with Threepio, Yoda and (seriously?) Han Solo coming soon.
Reviewing The Clone Wars: ‘Death Trap’
It’s a trap! A ‘Death Trap’ to be precise – young Boba Fett makes his Star Wars: The Clone Wars debut in the start of a three episode arc with him seeking revenge, Inigo Montoya style. Obviously, he can’t bump Mace Windu off in the first act (or at all, knowing Mace’s role in Revenge of the Sith), but he can throw a monkey-lizard wrench into the Jedi’s plans. Continue reading “Reviewing The Clone Wars: ‘Death Trap’”
JibJab yourself into The Empire Strikes Back
I’m going to be honest: This Star Wars Jib Jab thing freaks me a bit out out and is giving me an epic case of Do Not Want. But I know some of you will love it, so here you go. Have at it!
Roundup: Celebration V is closer than you might think
So in the midst of real life and other such horrors, I missed a great deal of Celebration V news. First off, you should know that we are now 99 days out from the event, a fact which strikes me with terror because I haven’t done a damn thing to prepare. (Yes, I really need to stop moving in Celebration years.) But onto the news:
- We’ve had two sets of t-shirt reveals: The first, some standard logos. (I suppose if one must have Boba Fett, sticking him something appropriately Miami Vicesque takes some of the fanboy stench off.) The second set is much more palatable, even if it involves hot pink, and the Han/Leia shirt combo is rather adorable.
- Jay Laga’aia is returning as celebrity host, which is A-OK by me, because Jay Laga’aia is awesome. Really, no snark here. He just is.
Also hosting (at the Behind-the-Scenes Stage) is Internet Rockstar Pablo Hidalgo and LucasArts’ David Collins (on the Digital Stage.) Alas, this crushes my secret hope for a Pablo-staffed continuity-counseling booth (mockup at right) but it is more likely to keep him from running like a madman into the night.
- The R2-D2 Builders will be there in force, promising “a bigger and more encompassing experience for our visitors that will not only include tons of droids, but also re-creations of some of the most iconic scenes from The Empire Strikes Back.”
Happy Star Wars Day, fandom!
We’re (again) swamped, so: May the Fourth be with you, and all that jazz.
Roundup: Everything Her Universe
The reaction to the the announcement of Ashley Eckstein’s upcoming Her Universe line has been overwhelmingly positive, to the shock of no one with an XX chromosome.
The line will launch with not only t-shirts, but also a sweatshirt, some long-sleeved tees, hats, and two necklaces, Eckstein said on last week’s Forcecast. “The female fans have always been there, but it’s really changed over the past decade,” she said, adding: “A lot of the top blogs and sites are now written by women.” (NO WAI.)
Former fan club president Dan Madsen is also involved – He’s been answering questions on Rebelscum’s forums. He revealed the list of conventions the Her Universe folks will be hitting up – all the majors: San Diego Comic Con, Celebration V, Chicago Comic Con, Dragon*Con and New York Comic Con.
Sizing has been a hot issue, and in a FAQ posted yesterday, Eckstein says that the first line will be avaliable in sizes XS-XXL – and they are pursuing plus size. The cost may be a bit more than folks expect, though, with t-shirts in the $30-$35 range.
Artists Katie Cook and Cat Staggs are already on board, but get your vote in on the Her Universe Facebook page.
Share your ESB memories with CNN
CNN is in search of (old) geeks with fond memories of the debut of The Empire Strikes Back for their iReport feature. (via)
And there will apparently be a story project happening at Star Wars Celebration, as well. So come prepared.
Geeky record of the week: Trekkies en masse
Let’s hear it for the gang at Vulcan Con in Florida for surpassing those Brits for the most Star Trek costumes in one place. Way to break the space-time continuum, gang!