EPISODE IX: ESCAPING THE FESTIVE SEASON!

Shooting in the famous Wadi Rum region of Morocco, where the mighty Lawrence of Arabia movie was filmed, Rey and the other Resistance heroes prior enjoyment of the Pasaana life ceremonies comes to an end as they partake in a critical escape scene, during filming of The Rise of Skywalker in 2018. 

EPISODE III: "WHY LEAVE?"

The epic double lightsaber duel begins during the epic finale to Episode III, not just on the fiery Mustafar, between Anakin and Obi-Wan, but also between Master Yoda and the dreaded Emperor, at first trying to retreat from the little green whirlwind, within the bowels of the senate chambers of Coruscant. 

Duels that will end in failure, sorrow and anger...

CLASSIC IMAGE: PRISONER AND ESCORT!

Breaking through Jabba's palace enforcers on Tatooine, the mysterious bounty hunter Boushh arrives at court with his captured prey, the mighty Chewbacca. But how was this possible? And what surprise lays in store for the Hutt slug?

A great atmospheric image from Return of the Jedi. 

CLASSIC INDY: NIGHT-TIME SCARES!

The jungle at night can be a weird and dangerous place, as out of place showgirl and musician Willie Scott soon discovers in a fun comedy sequence for Kate Capshaw and her fellow Indiana Jones stars, before the darkness of Mola Ram emerges, from 1984's Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. 

'ANDOR': INTRODUCING THE NEW 'BAIL'!

It was great that the second season of the acclaimed Andor brought back such an important character from the Prequel Trilogy as Princess Leia Organa's adopted father of Bail Organa of Alderaan, becoming a welcome part (again) of the saga's dramatic political storytelling aspects. If the character hadn't been seen linked to the critical senatorial scenes, and Mon Mothma, in the events leading up to the dissolution of the Republic Senate by the Emperor, then it would have been a real waste. Jimmy Smits may sadly not have been available to reprise his role due to scheduling conflicts - to me he was perfect casting back in the day - but Hollywood film and TV veteran Benjamin Bratt nonetheless proved a fine successor to the role, bringing an extra layer of realism and toughness to a role caught in disturbing, dark times.

EPISODE VIII: THE END FOR BEN SOLO?

Jedi Master Luke Skywalker has identified a terrifying new Dark Side threat to the order, and its from none other than his own sister's child; the powerful but vulnerable Ben Solo, who is almost, momentarily, eradicated by his Uncle's lightsaber within their own temple residence. The fearful Solo soon retaliates with all his power against Luke, in a scene of danger and drama from The Last Jedi. 

DELETED SCENE: FIND THAT SHIP!

On the bridge of Darth Vader's Super Star Destroyer, a group of Imperials of varying ranks, having watched the demise of Captain Needa, now find themselves under the Dark Lord's brutal scrutiny, before being discharged to continue searching for the escaped Millennium Falcon. A deleted scene from The Empire Strikes Back. Amongst the background players are British extras Trevor Butterfield and Tom Flood.

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: DELETED SCENE: MISTER MOTIVATOR RETURNS!

EPISODE II: RETURNING HOME...

The notorious bounty hunter Jango Fett returns to his unique home facility with the clones of Kamino, his ongoing, highly paid services to them, and to the mysterious Darth Tyranus, having now endured for over ten years. His legacy work dedicated to evil and power will soon shatter a galaxy during the events of Episode II.

More terrific concept work by the ever-talented Doug Chiang.

WHIP CRACK AWAY! 'RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK' HITS 45!

Poster concept art by Drew Struzan.

I'll never, ever forget the buzz of seeing a special midnight screening in London for Raiders of the Lost Ark back in 1981, several weeks before it went on general release. The first eagerly-awaited creative team-up by Lucas and Spielberg, it blew me away with its humour, superb action, relentless pace and terrific storytelling/direction. And it was the film in which Harrison Ford truly became a super star. Forty-five years on, its aura of rollercoaster Saturday afternoon serials atmosphere always delivers the cinematic goods to me whenever I watch it. The first ones are always the best!

Back in UK cinemas this month for an all too limited release, enjoy this visual celebration of the film that started the Indiana Jones phenomenon, as Raiders celebrates its Forty-Fifth Anniversary...

Early conceptual painting for the film by acclaimed artist Jim Steranko.

The 'Dream Team' confer on location in Hawaii.

Ford, cinematographer Douglas Slocombe and Spielberg work out how to film the opening sequence.

Ford as Indy prepares to make the transfer, which proves deadly.

The trap begins!

Indiana and fellow explorer Satipo (Alfred Molina).

Gary Kurtz captures a classic pose on camera at Elstree.

Three heads are better than one in this great image with Spielberg and Alfred Molina.

One of the earliest publicity images of Harrison Ford as Indy.

Ford clowns around with Spielberg.

Filming the Tibetan bar scene.

A close-up of Karen Allen as Marion.

Not a happy reunion for Indy and Marion!

Filming the Cairo set scenes in Tunisia.

Lovely shot of Ford and Allen in the street scenes.

Conferring with Howard Kazanjian and Spielberg.

Indy uses the bull whip to great effect.

Laughs aplenty during filming.

John Rhys-Davies amuses Harrison Ford at Elstree.

Indy contemplates the Tanis Map Room's secrets.

Inside the Well of the Souls!

'Asps! Very dangerous!'

Another gorgeous image of Karen Allen.

Together again, and back in danger!

Presumably production art for Marion and Indy's escape from the main chamber in the Well of Souls.

Marion, trapped in the Well of Souls!

Surviving illness by eating canned food, Spielberg directs on location.

Lucas and Kazanjian ponder the weather?

The amazing location filming with the Nazi flying wing vehicle.

Watched by a captivated crowd of extras, Spielberg goes through some rehearsal action with Pat Roach playing a Nazi.

Indy takes a bite from the nasty German!

Then goes on horseback to purse the Ark.

Filming the superb truck chase sequence.

Indy and Marian leave Sallah and journey away with Captain Katanga (a memorable performance from  George Harris).

Michael Sheard as the deleted scene U-boat captain.

Rehearsing Indy's moment in threatening to destroy the Ark. Filmed within the legendary Star Wars Canyon.

Spielberg directs the film's key villains before their ultimate demise from opening the Ark of the Covenant!

Manipulating the Belloq puppet for his demise.

Operating the dummy Belloq at ILM.

The eerie finale sequence.

Michael Pangrazio at work on the matte painting.

Conceptual poster art.

Spielberg with one of the original release posters.