SEASONS GREETINGS!

A classic piece of art from the UK RETURN OF THE JEDI comic circa 1983.

STAR WARS AFICIONADO wishes its readers a warm, safe and very Happy Xmas and a prosperous New Year. See you in 2013!

'STAR WARS' AT 35: BAND OF HEROES

Triumphant at the destruction of the Empire's universe threatening Death Star space station, our unlikely heroes: Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Chewbacca the Wookiee, and flanked by loyal droids Threepio and Artoo, are welcomed and medal honoured by Princess Leia and General Dodonna. A deserved celebration of their key victory for the Rebel Alliance, bringing A New Hope to the fight against the oppression and tyranny of the evil Emperor Palpatine and his dark servants.

The STAR WARS SAGA had begun and, closing AFICIONADO's celebration of the classic first movie in it's 35th Anniversary year, it looks ever more likely that some or possibly all of our heroes will return in one way, shape or form for at least EPISODEs VII.

We can't wait...

CLASSIC IMAGE: PIT WORK!

Will he ever get his beloved Falcon repaired properly? Han Solo ponders the question, as he and Chewie continue their seemingly relentless work, even when pursued by the Imperial Death Fleet, in a classic moment from THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

With thanks to Chris Baker for picture clean-up work.

CLASSIC IMAGE: ARMED AND DANGEROUS!

In the misty, heat swirled lair of Jabba's decadent palace throne room, Boba Fett, the most dangerous and instinctive bounty hunter in the galaxy, stands ready to protect his best payroller in this posed moment from RETURN OF THE JEDI.

'STAR WARS' - SWEDISH STYLE!

Old enemies and old friends assemble in this fun and highly nostalgic Swedish promotional image nicely composed for the 1980/81 Kenner Toy Range of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

it’s little me, in a pair of commercials from the 80s! | WIL WHEATON dot NET

CLASSIC ART: WOOKIEE WAR!

Their homeworld threatened, the Wookiees begin the fightback to protect Kashyyyk from the Separatists in this terrific conceptual art for EPISODE III, for an eventual action sequence that proved way too short for such a classic alien race.

AOTC AT TEN: SPEEDING MASTERMIND

Christopher Lee brings concentrated focus to his role as the diabolical Sith Lord Count Dooku, blue screen filming his character's speeder bike scenes across a Geonosian desert landscape, to be added later in post production for EPISODE II.

CLASSIC IMAGE: A TENDER MOMENT...

Space is cold, too cold for little Anakin Skywalker, as handmaiden and friend Padme provides the young and far away from home boy with some comforting words and a warm blanket, in a tender scene, hinting at things to come in the future, from EPISODE I.

AFICIONADO CLASSIC BLOG 2007- 'BLADE RUNNER': THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY DVD BOX-SET. THE BEST DVD PRODUCT OF THE LAST FIVE YEARS?

Dangerous Days. Still as potent a sci-fi drama as ever: the iconic BLADE RUNNER. Post art by the great John Alvin.

Another classic blog, originally on the main AFICIONADO site, from 2007.


To me, one of the seminal movies of science fiction, as well as one of the seminal movies of all-time is Ridley Scott's futuristic film noir masterpiece BLADE RUNNER. Featuring one of Harrison Ford's best performances, as intergalactic gumshoe detective/ruthless killer Rick Deckard, this film, like STAR WARS would set the standards for future science fiction films. Seeing it in 1982, I loved it enormously but didn't really appreciate it as much as I do now, as the plethora of blockbuster movies are generally so disappointing now, in one way or another, when compared to masterpieces like the first two STAR WARS films, ALIEN and BLADE RUNNER. So when I heard that WARNER BROTHERS, ever determined to make money out of the film that had once been considered a flop, were finally releasing, in liaison with Ridley Scott, what was being touted as “THE FINAL CUT” of this classic movie I couldn’t wait to receive it. My happiness was turned to great joy when it was revealed that the film would be available as part of a mammoth box set containing not only THE FINAL CUT but every other available version of the film in existence since 1982, including the legendary “work print” that a test audience first saw in 1982. With the release of the box set (available in the UK for a cheap, cheap price of £17.99 from HMV.COM), words cannot express how impressed I have been with all of it’s contents-not only have all the films been scanned to the best picture quality possible (even the raw work print looks the best it can be), but the extras are just incredible-amongst the most detailed, and labour of love crafted, that I have seen since the release of the earlier Ridley Scott influenced ALIEN LEGACY box set of a few years back- the highlight of the special features, as well as seeing the actual “work print”, which contains fascinating outtake footage being used, stock music and subtle differences to the theatrical version, and the original 1982 version (yes, I like the voice-over-I’m one of those like Guillermo Del Toro!!), the three hour documentary, titled DANGEROUS DAYS, is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen, not only about a film, but also as a general documentary full stop. Like the detailed release of all the films, this documentary has been just as lovingly compiled, with the most detailed interviews (including the once reticent Harrison Ford) and all the information on the making of the movie that you'd ever want to know. And as for the equally legendary deleted scenes, they are all excellent and fascinating, showing intriguing new aspects to the film, it's story and characters-this is one movie where so many scenes and characters motivations can be analyzed and re-analyzed. Basically, the whole box set is absolutely amazing and if you haven't seen this film, you'll absolutely enjoy seeing it in all its incarnations. This new product now re-sets the benchmark for quality presentations of films on DVD and additionally sets a new challenge to LUCASFILM as well. Their four-disc STAR WARS TRILOGY box set from 2004 was very good, and the EMPIRE OF DREAMS documentary was an enjoyable, but rather tame, viewing experience, with goodies that were partially, rather than fully, revealed (i.e. where were the cut scenes?). But with the release of this box set, fans will be disappointed if future LUCASFILM/STAR WARS releases (like the long awaited eventual release of a six film box set when it eventually arrives after the Blu-ray/hd- battle is over,) don’t give us the kind of mouth watering extras that Ridley Scott and the team behind DANGEROUS DAYS have unleashed. For STAR WARS, the fans deserve a box set that will be either an equal or superior to this and the ALIEN LEGACY sets- and when it comes there must be no chickening out -we all want, in particular, to see to see the cut scenes, from all six films, and we want to see more wide ranging documentaries- I think it would be fair to say that we want to see individual documentaries at least an hour or so in length one each and every one of the films in the saga. And if Ridley Scott can release the workprint of his seminal film, why can’t we see the workprints for all of the STAR WARS films, especially the John Jympson edit of the original film witnessed years ago by Dr. David West Reynolds.


Okay, Ridley’s team and BLADE RUNNER have set the mark with the new release, now it's time for George and STAR WARS to overwhelmingly top it!! C'mon LUCASFILM, we know you can do it!!!

Editors Note (2012): A stunning new anniversary box set of Blade Runner is now available on US Blu-ray. MTV Geek – Blade Runner is Coming to Blu-ray – Again!

Original Ridley Scott presentation: Blade Runner Convention Reel (1982) - YouTube

THE CLONE WARS: UNHOLY ALLIANCE!

I always loved those old super villain team ups in comic books as a kid, and THE CLONE WARS will be keeping my kidult soul very happy indeed when it returns to CARTOON NETWORK US early next year, what with its hopefully kick-ass multi-part adventure involving the Maul brothers teaming up with Death Watch to capture Mandalore and it's Queen. Fingers crossed for an actually successful story arc this time for Pre Vizsla!

Clip: EXCLUSIVE clip from The Clone Wars: Season 5 - Black Sun Arrives! - YouTube

CLASSIC IMAGE: WITH TENDRILS OUTSTRETCHED...

There's no such thing as an empty belly to the infamous Sarlaac Pit of the Tatooine Dune Sea, as it readies itself to make poor Lando Calrissian it's main course, in a rare image from RETURN OF THE JEDI which also shows a second tendril for the creature on the opposite side to the Skiff.

CELEBRATING MUSIC BY JOHN WILLIAMS...

Lucky listeners in the UK can tune in to BBC RADIO 2 tonight at 8pm and enjoy a celebratory concert in honour of the legendary John Williams 80th Birthday, featuring music from all his best and most beloved work, as played by the BBC Concert Orchestra. A nice little treat to lead into Christmas.

Some more info here: BBC Radio 2 - Friday Night is Music Night, Happy Birthday John Williams!

With the new STAR WARS movie due in 2015, I can't wait to hear that main theme of his making it's grand return to cinemas.

BEHIND THE SCENES: A FREEBORN MASTERPIECE

Makeup supremo Stuart Freeborn prepares to put the Chewbacca face mask back onto actor Peter Mayhew in this 1976 behind the scenes shot at Elstree Studios from the original STAR WARS.

ILM CLASSIC IMAGE: THE FASTEST HUNK OF JUNK IN THE GALAXY!

One of the new and revised miniature models of Han Solo's trusty Millennium Falcon stands ready for 1979 ILM filming, for scenes of increased action and flyby manoeuvres in THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

CLASSIC IMAGE: UNDERCOVER BARON!

Having infiltrated Jabba's Palace, Lando Calrissian keeps an eye out for his friends, as the rescue attempt on Han Solo begins in RETURN OF THE JEDI.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THEIR LAST KISS

Anakin Skywalker, now the Sith Lord Darth Vader, has one more task to achieve for his new Master, Darth Sidious, telling his beloved Padme of his secret mission to the Mustafar system and ending the Civil War. An intriguing and underlying tense scene, pared down from what was originally scripted and filmed, from EPISODE III.

CLASSIC INDY: "C'MON, GENIUS!"

Ever the likeable tomb robber, Indy gets down and dirty within the trap filled cemetery near the Peruvian Nazca Lines, in this scene from the under-rated but still a mouthful of a title to say: INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL.

ENJOY 'STAR WARS AFICIONADO' AT CHRISTMAS!

It's Christmas!

Looking to get yourself, or a loved one, a special STAR WARS treat for the holidays, then why not sample a bit of home-cooked STAR WARS AFICIONADO magazine on PDF!

Each issue is packed to the brim with rare photos and behind the scene material of the six (so far) movies. There are also individual, thoroughly comprehensive issues dedicated to the making of the Classic Trilogy, packed with information not present in the official J.W. Rinzler books. And don 't forget, by getting hold of these, your non-profit contributions help to keep the two AFICIONADO sites alive in celebrating our landmark Tenth Anniversary next year, and for the next evolutionary phase of George Lucas's unforgettable and enduring saga...

Check out the available back issues here: BACK ISSUE PDF CATALOG

May the Force be with us all in the Holiday Season to come !

BEHIND THE SCENES: ALAN TOMKINS TALKS 'EMPIRE'

Out in the cold at Norway: March/April 1979 for THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Image: Alan Tomkins.

AFICIONADO contributor Ian Trussler met ESB’s veteran Art Directing talent Alan Tomkins at a Birmingham Memorabillia signing last month, who revealed the following behind the scenes information:

Alan Tomkins in 2012. Picture by Ian Trussler.

He did about 3 days as a Rebel on location in Finse, simply because they were short of men. He worked directly under Norman Reynolds and oversaw the building of sets and large props. He did the technical drawings for the Snowspeeder prop and also for AT-ATs and other vehicles, etc. He said he was asked by a production executive how much it would cost to actually make the Snowspeeders really fly, something that was genuinely being considered, and explained that they were designed for visual aesthetics rather than actual aerodynamics, but that with unlimited time and money anything could be made to fly. He said he took pics in Finse of the Snowspeeder prop being airlifted by helicopter up to the glacier for shooting, although he didn’t have them with him to show at the event. This was his first ever signing and he was really enjoying it. A really nice old guy and perhaps he will do Empire Day next year, or other shows in the future.

Tomkins on the right, playing a Rebel Snowtrooper on location at Finse. Image: Alan Tomkins.

With thanks to Chris Baker for his image remastering skills.

Alan Tomkins career photo biography, STARS and WARS, is reviewed: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'STARS AND WARS: THE FILM MEMOIRS AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF ALAN TOMKINS'

Get the book here: Stars and Wars | 9780750956178

AOTC AT TEN: FROG VERSUS COUNT!

Within the confines of a dark and damaged Geonosian hangar, and watched in the background by an injured and helpless Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, Master Yoda goes on the offensive against the corrupted Count Dooku in this crowd-pleasing moment from EPISODE II.

“George showed it to me (the fight between Yoda and Dooku) before the movie was completed) but when I saw it at the New York Film Festival, it was pretty freaky! As soon as Yoda came in and said ‘Count Dooku’ and started the fight, the whole audience erupted! It was just amazing. They freaked!”

FRANK OZ-STARLOG 343-MARCH 2005

CLASSIC ART: OBSERVING THE CAPTURED STARSHIP...

The Imperial captured Millennium Falcon is looked over by a detachment of Stormtroopers, in another one of Ralph McQuarrie's classic pieces of pre-production conceptual art-done later and nearer towards 1976 post production and filming- for the original STAR WARS.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE PERKS OF COMMAND...

The always friendly Jeremy Bulloch becomes one of the few iconic actors to appear in both STAR WARS Trilogies (and hopefully the next one to come too!), when he portrays the loyal Alderaanian Captain Colton, master pilot of Bail Organa's star cruiser and blockade runner, in some last minute additional footage filmed in the UK for EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH.

With thanks to Chris Baker for the image.

AOTC AT TEN: MESSAGE FROM A JEDI

Ewan McGregor films an important scene in his persona of Obi-Wan Kenobi, as his droid Arfour sends a vital message from the Jedi Knight to Coruscant via Geonosis, in EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES, coming back next year to 3D cinemas.

CLASSIC IMAGE: A THIRST TO KILL...

Ray Park as Darth Maul delivers a sinister stance with his ready for action double lightsaber, in this promotional image for EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE.

CLASSIC IMAGE: MASTER LUKE, RESCUE ME!

In the opening sequence of RETURN OF THE JEDI, C-3PO, the true antithesis of his compatriot R2-D2, is not enjoying himself within the confines of Jabba's Palace, as this image, of the droid alongside a Gamorrean Guard, clearly shows!

CLASSIC IMAGE: A BOLD LITTLE DROID...

Cut off from Luke Skywalker, a lone Artoo Detoo begins his search for a way to find his master, in a brief deleted scene moment from THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

Always a winning character with fans of all ages, Artoo makes a return to THE CLONE WARS for a very special story celebrating his plucky heroism, as he and a group of other Astro Droids become Secret Weapons for the Jedi in order to steal a vitally needed Separatist encryption model, on CARTOON NETWORK in the US later today.

Clip: Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 5, Ep. 10 'Secret Weapons' Clip 2 | Video | MTV