Gary Kurtz blasts Star Wars myths. Chris Taylor highlights what the A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back producer told him about some of the mythology that’s sprung up around the production of the saga. Taylor’s book, How Star Wars Conquered the Universe, will be out Tuesday.
Another rumor points towards a new unaltered original trilogy release on Blu-ray
It never takes much to set off rumors about a new release of the pre-Special Edition versions of the original trilogy, but today it’s apparently Comicbook.com‘s turn. They have “two independent reliable sources” who say that Blu-ray versions of the unaltered original trilogy are in the works, and though the timeline of such a release is unsure due to the amount of work required, the plan is to have them out before Episode VII.
Late last month, a picture of Skywalker Sound folks apparently working on Return of the Jedi also fueled the ever-present hopes, while Bleeding Cool tweaked the rumor mill in May.
Versions of the pre-Special Edition films were available in a a limited edition 2006 DVD re-release, but they were straight rips from the old laserdisc versions.
Although plenty of folks get up in arms over this (on both sides!) I find it hard to deny that there actually is a demand for the unaltered versions of the film, if no other reason than the otherwise unremarkable news of the last Blu-ray release being our #1 most popular and searched-for post of 2013.
And while Disney would need to give up some cash to 20th Century Fox for this to happen (which, again, they did just last year) I’m sure the publicity benefits (and merchandise sales) would more than make up for it.
But, per always: It’s just a rumor, for now.
FiveThirtyEight takes on Star Wars
FiveThirtyEight takes on Star Wars. This is all from one survey, probably not well populated by hardcore fans. Take it as you will, but it’s pretty interesting.
Video: From Star Wars to Jedi
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.
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.
Looking back at Splinter of the Mind’s Eye
The Star Wars sequel that never was. Screencrush’s Mike Ryan takes a look at the 1978 novel Splinter of the Mind’s Eye, which could have been the second film. Also noteworthy: Splinter is a weird relic of a Star Wars book which hasn’t been out of print since the early 90’s. If that’s not proof there’s hope for the EU, what is?
A look at the original trilogy storyboards
With the release of Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy less than a month away, 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.