DELETED SCENE: MADINE IN COMMAND!

General Madine (Dermot Crowley) and the bridge command crew of his Rebel Cruiser show their readiness for battle in a deleted scene from RETURN OF THE JEDI that finally made it to the Blu-ray release last year, of which we also got to see him say the classic line, "May the Force be with us".

More in-battle footage was shot of Madine in 1982, by Richard Marquand's camera team, which still hasn't been seen or released, including the bridge crew watching the destruction of either the Super Star Destroyer or the Death Star II and cheering!

Additional Note: In late 1982/early 1983 post-production for JEDI, it was decided to re-dub Mister Crowley's voice with a US actor: John Hostetter.

CLASSIC ART: FADE TO BLACK...

An interesting art cover for the MARVEL US STAR WARS comic from 1985, as the popular series life was soon interrupted and it sadly neared the end of its run. In general, 1985 wasn't a particularly great year for all-things STAR WARS, as the saga started to wind down and enter self carbon freeze. RETURN OF THE JEDI had ended its triumphant theatrical airings, those cuddly furballs hated by Harrison Ford-the Ewoks, in their two average TV films, had come and gone, the merchandise was on its last legs for the next year or so, and things were bleak news-wise for fans awaiting Lucas's return to his beloved franchise. Even the trusty friend to the saga, STARLOG magazine, by 1986/87 had wondered if STAR WARS fandom was still alive!

The sleeping giant would awaken, though. And when it did, building from 1991 onwards, gaining momentum in 1995, the world, and new generations of young enthusiasts, would thrill anew or once more to the exploits and fantasy worlds of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.

DINNER-TIME FOR 'JAWS'!

Happy swimmer, very happy JAWS! Images: UNIVERSAL.

It isn't just humans eagerly awaiting the upcoming September 3rd release of Steven Spielberg's seminal, premiere league classic of horror and suspense, JAWS, on Blu-ray, it's the sharks, too, if you think about all the recent sightings of varied Carcharodon carcharias over the last few summer weeks off of several English coastal resorts. You couldn't pay for that kind of publicity!

Check out the latest fun behind the scenes clip for what looks set to be an outstanding release, about the ever malfunctioning lead star, nicknamed "Bruce", here: Jaws making the animatronics - Available to Own on Blu-ray Sep 3 - YouTube

Earlier US Blu-ray release trailer: Jaws - Blu-ray Trailer - Own it August 14th - YouTube

Get JAWS here: Jaws (Blu-ray + Digital Copy + UV Copy) [1975]: Amazon.co.uk: Roy Schneider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw, Steven Spielberg: Film & TV

And don't forget the FACEBOOK site: Jaws

CLASSIC IMAGE: TEA FOR THREE. PLUS A WOOKIEE!

That charming rogue Lando Calrissian invites Princess Leia, and oh, the rest of the Millennium Falcon party, for "a little refreshment". Though our heroes are unaware of the nasty surprise that accepting such an invite will soon bring!

STAR WARS AT 35: TUSKEN TRAVELER!

A lone Tusken Raider atop his Bantha travels the Jundland Wastes in this very rare image taken on location in Death Valley, California for shooting of extra footage in 1977 for the original STAR WARS.

Banthas: From Concept to Screen | StarWars.com

CLASSIC IMAGE: JOHN WILLIAMS - MUSIC IS THE KEY!

UK fans of the legendary and accomplished work of John Williams will be able to enjoy a special two hour celebration of his life and work tonight on the CLASSIC FM channel, with an all-new interview in tribute to his recent eightieth birthday.

Here's the info: Film Score Daily: John Williams Celebrated on UK Radio and TV - Interviewing the Interviewer

And a classic clip conducting "Star Wars": John Williams conducts "Star Wars" - YouTube

THE CLONE WARS: DISRUPTIVE ELEMENT...

Recognising his continued storytelling promise whilst keeping the merchandising coffers up, the return of the once slain ex-Sith Lord Darth Maul to the animated mix of THE CLONE WARS continues into the upcoming Season Five, which premieres in its new US Saturdays at 9.30am time and date on CARTOON NETWORK starting September 29th 2012, and likely to arrive in the UK next Easter.

Another epic season looms. Check out this recently debuted trailer with lots of Astro Droids, the Battle of Onderon, the possibility of an actually good Mandalorian story arc, Clone Commandos (yaayyy!) and a two lightsabers wielding Darth Sidious! 'Star Wars: Clone Wars' Season 5: See exclusive trailer | Inside TV | EW.com

ILM CLASSIC IMAGE: NOT BAD FOR A LITTLE FURBALL...

The brave Ewok Paploo continues his diversion with the Imperial Biker scouts on Endor, in this model sequence filmed by ILM for RETURN OF THE JEDI.

CLASSIC IMAGE: TWISTED HORROR

Like a cross between a Death's Head and an insect, the diabolical Jedi slayer General Grievous-part cyborg, part organic and all dangerous- made an intriguing foe for Obi-Wan Kenobi to fight against in EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH. Matthew Wood's rasping voice also added greatly to the on-screen realisation mix. (Though I would love to hear Gary Oldman's original vocal take on the role, before Acting Union regulations apparently nixed his involvement.) Since EPISODE III, Grievous has continued to make itself a worthy enemy within THE CLONE WARS series.

And on the subject of the Prequel's continuing 3D theatrical releases came the big announcement yesterday that EPISODEs II and III will be shown back to back next year. Exciting news. More here: Star Wars Episodes II and III to be Released in 3D Back-to-Back in 2013 - ComingSoon.net

BEHIND THE SCENES: A NEW REALM...

Yoda's self exile to the swamp world of Dagobah begins, in this lovely and evocative piece of conceptual art for EPISODE III by Erik Tiemens.

THE CLONE WARS: CASUALTIES OF WAR

The Clone Troopers of the indomitable 501st are put to the ultimate test of courage and loyalty when the cruel Jedi General, Pong Krell, takes command of their unit on the harsh night-time shrouded world of Umbara, in the excellent Season Four episode Darkness on Umbara.

BEHIND THE SCENES: CLOUD CITY TEAMSTERS...

A group of Ugnaughts and a human work colleague pose for a publicity/reference shot at Elstree April/May 1979- in one of the Bespin corridors- for THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

AOTC AT TEN: TO STALK A SITH...

Count Dooku plays cat and mouse with young but fierce Anakin Skywalker in the darkened and spacious interior of a Geonisian hangar, in this tense scene from EPISODE II.

CLASSIC ART: ANTISEPTIC PLEASURES...

After a hard days work bounty hunting, even baddies like Jango Fett like to unwind and have a quiet chill-ax at times, as seen in this interesting conceptual painting from Edwin Natividad for his all-white, almost sterile looking Kamino residency in EPISODE II, reminding me a little bit of the Nostromo cocoon chamber and alcove area from Ridley Scott's ALIEN.

THE CLONE WARS: CLOSE-UP BLASTING!

Despicable villain Cad Bane, backed up by his robot partner Todo, sends out some lethal cover fire as they flee from their Jedi pursuers Obi-Wan Kenobi and Quinlan Vos in the lively, planet-hopping Season Three episode Hunt for Ziro.

BEHIND THE SCENES: LET'S GET OUTTA HERE!

Though Luke is suddenly distracted, our gang of Classic Trilogy heroes rush to the Falcon, and get ready to escape from the Death Star, in this rehearsal scene from STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE filmed at Elstree Studios during the memorably sweltering Summer of 1976.

With thanks to Chris Baker for the image.

CLASSIC IMAGE: "MASTER, DESTROYERS!"

Outside the bridge of the Trade Federation control ship, fearless Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn are caught in a stand-off against the newly arrived rolling balls of death, the Droidekas, in this exciting moment from EPISODE I.

CLASSIC ART: NABOO's NEW FRONTIER

A worthy visual successor to Ralph McQuarrie, here's Doug Chiang's lovely conceptual art of some Gungan cavalry scouts out on the grassland plains of Naboo-a race of mostly underwater dwellers who would become an important part of the first STAR WARS Prequel: THE PHANTOM MENACE- and in key episodes of the later THE CLONE WARS animated series, mostly via their bumbling representative Jar Jar Binks and the brave Captain Tarpals.

'RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK' HITS THE UK IMAX!

Finally, the great news has come in that RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK will be having a one week limited screening at London's BFI IMAX starting 21 - 27th September, prior to its Blu-ray arrival on 8th October. See that opening boulder chase bigger than ever!

Get your tickets here: ODEON - BFI IMAX | London IMAX cinema | Book tickets | View Films

And don't forget the upcoming PRINCE CHARLES London screening of the Classic Trilogy tomorrow: Indiana Jones Trilogy Screening

Whip-cracking his way onto UK Blu-ray in October. 

THE CLONE WARS: FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

Our Jedi duo of Anakin and Ahsoka team up with an unlikely band of hired guns brought in by the farmers of Felucia to protect their crop from attack, in George Lucas's fun and action-packed animated tribute to Kurowawa's The Seven Samurai: THE CLONE WARS Season Two's Bounty Hunters.

BEHIND THE SCENES: SNEAK ATTACK!

Certainly not the weak and life drained Sith Lord supposedly defeated by Mace Windu, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, now finally revealed as Darth Sidious, sees his opportunity to strike back with all the incredible Dark Side power at his command against the injured Jedi Master, in this scene filmed at the FOX STUDIOS, Australia for EPISODE III.

CLASSIC IMAGE: LUKE'S BATTLE!

Luke Skywalker momentarily gives in to his anger in attempting to destroy the evil Emperor and is forced back from the observation area by the defensive figure of Darth Vader. A scene of the pair moving away from the Sith Master to begin their duel, after their first locked swords, was apparently filmed but ultimately cut from the movie.

For more on rare behind the scenes info on ROTJ, check out our previous: RETURN OF THE JEDI ANNIVERSARY BLOGS

Check out the recent STARWARS.COM blog on Ian McDiarmid's rare interview at the CELEBRATION VI convention: The Official Star Wars Blog | SWCVI: An Hour With Ian McDiarmid

CLASSIC ART: LUKE'S ON THE MENU!

Luke Skywalker prepares to take on the dreaded pet of Jabba the Hutt, the Rancor, in this great piece of evolving work by the late Ralph McQuarrie in 1982/83 for RETURN OF THE JEDI. This would be a commercial portfolio and publicity piece of conceptual art during the films post production phase rather than pre-production.

For more on McQuarrie's JEDI work, check out J.W. Rinzler's blog here: The Official Star Wars Blog | How To Spot a Ralph McQuarrie and this four minute clip from the Ralph McQuarrie Retrospective film: The Official Star Wars Blog | SWCVI: Ralph McQuarrie Retrospective: First 4 Minutes

THE CLONE WARS: MISCHIEVOUS JEDI!

Master Yoda gets things off to a great and explosive start for the animated weekly TV series adventures of THE CLONE WARS, as Ambush sees him and a small force of Clone troopers win over King Katuunko of Toydaria and his people to the Republic cause, against the massed Battle Droids and sly temptations of Sith assassin Asajj Ventress.

BEHIND THE SCENES: PROBE GRAB!

Filming against Blue Screen, Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi holds on for dear life (a few inches from the ground!) to the probe droid sent by assassin Zam Wesell to infiltrate Padme's apartment, in this scene from EPISODE II.

SPECIAL EDITION CLASSIC IMAGE: SKYWALKER FIGHTS BACK!

Luke Skywalker's Rogue Flight soars into battle against Imperial firepower threatening the Rebel Alliance's existence, in this great image from THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. All of the Snowspeeder model and cockpit scene elements filmed against blue screen and incorporating difficult white background optical overlays would receive welcome technical upgrades and fixes for the SPECIAL EDITION release, as well as the incorporation of a once deleted line from Mark Hamill...

Watch the recent Blu-ray release and you'll also see that, in the model shots of the speeders, Luke's vessel has a rank denoting grey stripe running done from the middle of the craft under the front canopy between the blaster weapons, whilst all the other craft bear orange markings.

BEHIND THE SCENES: CLOUD CITY APPROACH

Escorted by Twin Pod patrol ships. the Millennium Falcon makes a smooth and fast journey to the beautiful city in the clouds of Bespin, for an encounter with an old friend of Han Solo's, in this great storyboard from THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

For more great behind the scenes material, why not check out our special behind the scenes feature here: THE "EMPIRE" AT 30!!

THE CLONE WARS: READY FOR NEW ADVENTURES...

Those venerable heroes Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi make their first large steps into the world of animation with THE CLONE WARS, their new look interpretations debuting with a colourful and exciting movie launch in 2008. The series, now entering its fifth year, continues to impress critics and viewers with its strong storytelling and compelling visuals...

BEHIND THE SCENES: THE CLASH!

Clashing lightsabers continue as Ray Park, Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor film some close-up moves for the finale duel against Blue Screen at LEAVESDEN STUDIOS, ENGLAND during 1997.

A complex and exciting sequence well choreographed by Nick Gillard, Ewan McGregor took to the fighting like a duck to water. Liam Neeson was equally impressed by the Jedi/Sith conflict, though later referred to it in an MTV 1999 movie special as being "bloody hard work"!

For more behind the scenes on EPISODE ONE, check out the main site here: THE PHANTOM AT TEN!!! and here: THE MAKING OF THE STAR WARS SAGA

STAR WARS AT 35: ARTOO DETOO - REBEL PILOT!

In the heat of intense laser fire above the Death Star space station (not yet added onto this image from the original 1976 studio filming), super-droid Artoo Detoo provides support and technical wizardry to his master Luke Skywalker, as they pilot their X-wing fighter as part of the Rebel's daring Red Squadron...

BEHIND THE SCENES: THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM...

Out in the wastes of Tatooine working on a moisture vaporator with his trusty, if old, droid, Luke Skywalker's once mundane life will soon be changing direction towards a more exciting, and dangerous period, in this rare storyboard for the original STAR WARS circa 1975 by Alex Tavoluaris.

CLASSIC ART: WHEN VHS RULED THE WORLD!

Here's a great VHS promotion from the eighties for EMPIRE and JEDI, back in the day when clunky tapes and grainy, fleck and drop out filled pan and scan images of the original films were all we had-y'know, before our favourite and iconic saga was heavily mucked about with to the point where they can probably no longer be saved for any (also no doubt unlikely) future restoration!

Image via: The Star Wars Trilogy | "It's Solo, and he's shooting first! That's not fair!"

CLASSIC MERCHANDISE: STOP THE PRESSES!

Move over Beatles, here are the new Fab Four!

Here's three of the classic STAR WARS covers that graced the popular US magazine PEOPLE WEEKLY in the early eighties, plus some links to their classic interviews...

Out of this World - Star Wars, Billy Dee Williams, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill : People.com

Yoda Mania - Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars, Non-Humans, Frank Oz, Yoda : People.com

Return of the Fisher - Star Wars, Carrie Fisher : People.com

With thanks to Chris Baker for the links info.

CLASSIC INDY: "SHE TALKS IN HER SLEEP..."

The inimitable presence of Sean Connery as Henry Jones Senior may have been the main travelling companion to Indiana Jones in THE LAST CRUSADE, but that didn't stop then relative film newcomer, Irish actress and beauty Alison Doody, having a strong part as Dr. Elsa Schneider, as seen in this rare B/W image from the film, where her true nature as a Nazi spy is revealed.

UK Indy Fans can check out Miss Doody on the big screen once again with the special showing of the entire classic trilogy at London's acclaimed Prince Charles cinema on Sunday August 26th. More details here: Screening

And let's not forget the coming soon new Blu-ray set release, either...

AOTC AT TEN: LOVING OPPOSITES

Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala make a lovely couple together in this posed character publicity shot, but the ramifications of their union will soon prove intense for the STAR WARS galaxy, as events unfold in EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES...

CLASSIC IMAGE: PALITOY POSSESSIONS!

Here's some great vintage ads, often found on UK teen comics and magazine back covers of the time, linked to the PALITOY range of STAR WARS figures and accessories from 1980-1983, for THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and RETURN OF THE JEDI. Also included is a Capture Log featuring old "Bucket Face" himself, Boba Fett!

For more on classic STAR WARS PALITOY figures, and how to get hold of them, don't forget the excellent website: All The Cool Stuff

MORE FROM THE LUCASFILM ARCHIVE...

There's been some great rarities image-wise on the official STAR WARS Twitter account recently. If you haven't kept up with it, here's a link... Star Wars (starwars) on Twitter