Thursday 31 July 2014

DELETED SCENE: A WORK IN PROGRESS!


Padme's work in plating the "naked" Threepio continues in the Lars Homestead Garage, in this deleted scene image, with Anthony Daniels as his puppeteer operator, from EPISODE II. In the finished film, Threepio was to be seen completely in his skin prior to the arrival of our heroes on Tatooine - a result of heavy editing/plot re-structuring/re-shoots initiated by Lucas to make the film pacier in its middle act.


The Lars Homestead garage, beautifully recreated at the FOX Studios, Australia in 2000.

Anthony Daniels operates the puppet Threepio as Padme begins attaching his body coverings.


Continuing the work.


Behind the scenes as the face mask is applied.

The transformation is complete.



Owen Lars (Joel Edgerton) watches. Another character moment lost that frustrated the Australian actor back with the film's original 2002 release.

Unused close-up image.


Threepio with Artoo in another deleted scene within the garage, probably linked to the originally shot hologram message relayed to Padme and Anakin.


Wednesday 30 July 2014

CLASSIC IMAGE: BAD FEELING NUMBER TWO!


Inside the unusual environs of their Asteroid "Cave" hideout, Han and Leia, surveying the Falcon, soon detect that something isn't right, in this classic moment from THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

Tuesday 29 July 2014

ILM CLASSIC IMAGE: MODEL REALITY!


Then still a vital part of the special effects process (and hopefully reawakened for the upcoming EPISODE VII), the art of model making would reach its booming zenith for EPISODE I, as an ILM technician/cameraman prepares to shoot on the expansive Boonta Eve Stadium creation.

Monday 28 July 2014

BEHIND THE SCENES: MIXING WITH ICONS...


UK script continuity supervisor Ann Skinner hangs around with a certain beloved Wookiee during filming of STAR WARS finale medal ceremony sequence, packed with around 200 extras playing Rebels at Shepperton Studios during May 1976.

Miss Skinner's all-important, note-filled continuity script is going to be showcased as part of a special rarity museum exhibit at the London BFI later this year, celebrating over three months a rich and very diverse season (though mostly British) of British created film and TV sci-fi- SCI-FI: DAYS OF FEAR AND WONDER. More info here: The BFI takes a giant leap into Sci-Fi: Days of Fear and Wonder | BFI

Rare Behind-the-Scenes Photos From the Set of the Original 'Star Wars'

He may not have received a medal of heroism at Yavin, but Chewbacca eventually got special recognition via Carrie Fisher and an adoring audience, at the 1997 MTV MOVIE AWARDS: Chewbacca gets Lifetime achievement award

Sunday 27 July 2014

CLASSIC ART: HAPPILY LOWERING THE TONE!


As we await the next iconic MAD parody with EPISODE VII in 2015, here's a flashback to the hilarious tribute they did for the first four movies back in August 1999, when STAR WARS mania returned with THE PHANTOM MENACE.

Image via The NY Comic Shop

Saturday 26 July 2014

ROGUES, REBELS AND ROBOTS. 'STAR WARS REBELS' BREAKS OUT!

A building hope against the Empire. STAR WARS REBELS - coming soon! Image: DISNEY XD.

Any kind of publicity for EPISODE VII may have been deliberately lacking at this year's mega-busting San Diego COMIC CON, but STAR WARS fans were worthily compensated- treated to some special looks at the upcoming animated STAR WARS REBELS, including a sneak-peek at the full action-packed one-hour opener.

Here's the latest compilaton of clips and trailers that have been on the internet these past few days, as the DISNEY XD October transmission date draws near...

Star Wars Rebels: A Look Ahead | Star Wars Rebels | StarWars.com
▶ Star Wars Rebels: SDCC 2014 Exclusive Clip -- "We're Even" - YouTube
▶ Star Wars Rebels: SDCC 2014 Exclusive Clip - "Kanan vs. The Inquisitor" - YouTube
SDCC 2014: Thoughts on the First Episode of Star Wars Rebels - IGN
'Star Wars Rebels' fight scene: The Inquisitor has a tricky lightsaber | Inside TV | EW.com
SDCC 2014: "The Heroes of Star Wars Rebels" Panel - Liveblog | StarWars.com
Star Wars Master the Force | Official Disney UK



Don't forget, the new DORLING KINDERSLEY Visual Guide to the series is out now. Get it here: Star Wars Rebels the Visual Guide: Amazon.co.uk: Adam Bray: Books





Friday 25 July 2014

CLASSIC ART: THE NEW JEDI ORDER...


Another classic Chris Trevas image, showing us Luke at the head of his New Republic-era Jedi, based within the Massassi Temples of the Fourth Moon of Yavin, as begun in the fateful events of Kevin J. Anderson's JEDI ACADEMY trilogy, and further cemented in other Expanded Universe books later down the line.

Whether Luke did indeed gather a new assemblage of Jedi outside the unofficial Expanded Universe, within the timeline of official events after EPISODE VI, and before the likely tumoultous 35 years after events of EPISODE VII, is unknown. Will young rising stars Daisy Ridley and John Boyega be the proper start of the next generation of Jedi from 2015?


Attending MARVEL's UK premiere of sci-fi comedy GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, Mark Hamill was interviewed by the BBC about EPISODE VII, and the contractually-obligated growing of his Alec Guinness-inspired beard: BBC News - Mark Hamill, aka Luke Skywalker, on Star Wars: Episode VII


CLASSIC IMAGE: FAMILY VALUES!


Within a superb recreation of the Rebel Blockade Runner interior, Gary the Stormtrooper, with obnoxious daughter Jessica, faces an unusual reaction from his Dark Lord boss, Darth Vader, during the classic Take Your Daughter to Work Day sketch from ROBOT CHICKEN.

▶ Take Your Daughter to Work Day | Robot Chicken | Adult Swim - YouTube

Top 10 Moments | Robot Chicken: Star Wars | Adult Swim - YouTube

Thursday 24 July 2014

CLASSIC IMAGE: BIKER SCOUT SKIRMISH!


With no time to enjoy the spacious beauty of the wild Endor forest, Princess Leia soon has a rough ride fighting Imperial Biker Scouts. Fortunately, she'll soon have a "little" help, in this scene from RETURN OF THE JEDI.

BEHIND THE SCENES: JUST RESTING MY EYES!


In between action rehearsals for EPISODE III at the FOX STUDIOS, Australia in 2003, Ewan McGregor enjoys some forty winks time whilst his trusty stunt double Nash Edgerton goes through some upcoming moves with Nick Gillard, for Obi-Wan's Boga-riding chase against General Grievous.

With thanks to Ian Trussler for the image.


Wednesday 23 July 2014

COMING SOON: STAR WARS ART: POSTERS


The next in the superb and lavish STAR WARS ART portfolio celebration books from J.W. Rinzler, LUCAS BOOKS and Abrams publishing, coming this October 2014- featuring poster art foreword/introduction contributions from legends Drew Struzan and Roger Kastel.

Can't wait to see what rare goodies will be in this one!

Here's the product blurb:

Few pieces of artwork distill the passion for Star Wars as do posters. From Tom Jung's iconic one-sheet for Episode IV to Roger Kastel’s Gone with the Wind–inspired painting for Episode V and beyond, Star Wars has enjoyed nearly four decades of poster art from some of the most renowned artists working in movies. The fifth book in the George Lucas–curated Star Wars Art series, Posters collects the best artwork from all six Star Wars films, the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated television series, and limited-edition prints. This collection unites all of the action, artistry, and drama of a galaxy far, far away into one lavishly produced tome.  

AFICIONADO PREVIEW: STEVEN SPIELBERG - 'THE SOUTH BANK SHOW ORIGINALS'

Master of fantasy: Steven Spielberg - in 1982 conversation with THE SOUTH BANK SHOW. Image: SKY ARTS 1/LWT.

James Cameron may have joyfully self-proclaimed himself "King of the World" back in 1997 for the incredible success of ship meets iceberg drama TITANIC, but director and entrepreneur Steven Spielberg pipped him to the post long before, what with his into the eighties quadruple whammy box office blockbuster hits of JAWS, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (his first collaboration with friend of many years, George Lucas), and, by 1982, the phenomenally popular, a boy and his inter-galactic Lassie, long-time box office number one reigning E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL. It was in that very special and iconic year that the UK's top television arts programme, THE SOUTH BANK SHOW, fronted and edited by Melvyn Bragg, managed to catch Spielberg for a very insightful and memorable interview about his life and career up to that point. Never previously repeated after its original ratings-winning, late Sunday-night airing, parts of that terrific programme have now been put together by its original presenter for a half-hour retrospective, within a special classics revisited season (bearing the moniker "Originals"), airing on the UK's SKY ARTS 1 HD programme next Thursday 31st July, 2014, at 9.30pm.

This revised edition sadly misses out on the detailed look at the start of his television career (especially linked to projects like NIGHT GALLERY- his famously acknowledged directing of Joan Crawford at such a young age, and the incredible on the map success emerging from his nightmare road movie DUEL), though his interest in films from a very early age is included (literally recreating indelible scenes with his toys (especially trains!), filming them to notable effect). From there, we then pretty much go straight to the main four films that would make him such a seminal force in the industry, with showcase clips alongside Spielberg's talking about the genesis of each one, the selection of certain techniques to realize them, how certain classic scenes came to be, and how E.T. was his (then) most personal and relatable film to date. Spielberg is serious yet funny, intelligent and exuberant in this classic material- still the kidult and not yet the kind of settled and serious creative conglomerate he would be by the mid-nineties. Here's a guy who just loves making motion pictures that will genuinely entertain and live forever in people's hearts and as part of entertainment history. Flashing forward to the now, Bragg recalls his positive time and meetings with Spielberg, the American director already aware of the arts show critical reputation at that tine, and there's an additional contribution that will interest STAR WARS spin-off movie fans from rising star UK talent Gareth Edwards, the man behind the recent re-imagining of GODZILLA, talking on and off about his favourite Spielberg movie scenes and how he has been such an instrumental creative force in shaping his own career as a film-maker.

AFICIONADO REVIEW: Being honest, the original version of this "Original" could, and should, have been repeated in its entirety, but what's been selected within this half-hour is certainly enjoyable, informative, and well worth a look. 3 out of 5

OUT NOW IN UK PAPERBACK: 'ALIEN - SEA OF SORROWS'

Primal scream! The ALIEN franchise continues. Image: TITAN BOOKS.

Terror never dies, and neither does the Xenomorph threat-the true dark heart of the ALIEN film franchise- as the second of the all-new book trilogy from TITAN, officially authorised by 20th CENTURY FOX, arrives in mass-market paperback, featuring the debut of one of Ellen Ripley's descendants, caught in the machinations of the evil Weyland-Yutani company's latest bid to capture the creatures for themselves. Welcome to James A. Moore's intriguing and often quite blood-thirsty tale: Sea of Sorrows.

Check out the review here: KOOL TV REVIEW: 'ALIEN - SEA OF SORROWS' NOVEL

Get hold of it here: Alien - Sea of Sorrows (Book 2) (Alien Trilogy 2): Amazon.co.uk: James A. Moore: Books

Tuesday 22 July 2014

ILM CLASSIC IMAGE: READY FOR DEPARTURE!


Boba Fett's intimidating vessel, Slave One, stands ready on the Bespin landing pad to transport its valuable cargo - the Carbonite form of Han Solo- to Tatooine, and Jabba the Hutt!

A superb matte painting by Harrison Ellenshaw. Rumours are circulating that this ship may be appearing in EPISODE VII, and not necessarily used by Fett!

Matte Paintings - Discoveries From Inside: Matte Paintings Unveiled | StarWars.com

CLASSIC IMAGE: DEFINITELY NOT THE JEDI WAY!


Consumed by grief, hate and revenge, Anakin Skywalker unleashes his true potential for the Dark Side as he begins his one-man slaughter of the Tusken Raider tribe responsible for the torture and ultimate murder of his mother, Shmi, in this all-too brief "heart of darkness" moment from EPISODE II.

Monday 21 July 2014

EPISODE VII: BACK TO THAT 'USED UNIVERSE'


J.J. Abrams gives us another visual treat for fans to take part in the Force for Change/UNICEF initiative linked to EPISODE VII. And what a treat it is: a proper look at an old/new blue-striped X-wing fighter, ready for take-off from the desert planet outdoor set of Pinewood Studios...

▶ Star Wars: Force for Change - An Update from J.J. Abrams - YouTube

Other news:
Harrison Ford hobbles on to private jet as broken ankle continues to heal | Mail Online
STAR WARS EPISODE VII Follow-Up: John Boyega’s Character Is… | Badass Digest
Star Wars: Episode VII Plot Details Revealed? | Movie News | Empire
Time skipping on the streets of London: Dispatches from the Episode VII cast | Club Jade
Star Wars: Episode VII cast for Brit Christina Chong | Mail Online

BEHIND THE SCENES: GRAPHICS GENIUS


Respected, Oscar-nominated British illustrator/set decorator Harry Lange, no stranger to fantasy environments with the likes of 2001 and numerous James Bond movies (including Moonraker), works on creating control panels for the Millennium Falcon cockpit (note the rounded reference layout papers to his side), at Elstree Studios 1976/1977, for the original STAR WARS.

The upcoming EPISODE VII version of the Falcon cockpit interior will apparently closely resemble the work he did on the first two films.

EPISODE I AT FIFTEEN: THE GENUINE "MENACE"!


His cloaked hood defining his twisted Dark Side scorn, manipulating the key events for EPISODE I, this intriguing image properly reveals the true visage underneath of Darth Sidious, aka Ian McDiarmid. I have a feeling that this was an early costume reference test image rather than what was eventually seen on cinema screens in 1999...

▶ Star Wars Ian McDiarmid Interview LFCC 2014 - Episode 7, Emperor Palpatine Spin-Off Movie & Theatre - YouTube

Sunday 20 July 2014

THE CLONE WARS: TOGETHER AGAIN!


An all-too rare scenario from THE CLONE WARS animated series: our core Prequel heroes all-together, reunited after their exhaustive battles against General Grievous on its immense Malevolence cruiser. From the early-on Season One episode: Destroy Malevolence.


Saturday 19 July 2014

FORGING THE FUTURE! CELEBRATING TWENTY YEARS OF 'THE JEDI ACADEMY TRILOGY'


Timothy Zahn had gotten the new STAR WARS Expanded Universe off to an incredible, blockbuster start with The Thrawn Trilogy, now it was Kevin J. Anderson's populist turn to build on its solid foundations, creating a history-setting series of storylines and character developments that would equally make as an indelible a mark on the continuing book series and generally satisfy its burgeoning and beloved fan base for the next twenty years. I would be very unsurprised if some of the ideas from this book, as well as Zahn's first trilogy, didn't make it somewhere into the story DNA, even if only at a subtly noticeable level, of EPISODE VII and beyond.

Jedi Search- Book One of Anderson's then all-new THE JEDI ACADEMY trilogy- is a fun and zippy affair, though, of all our STAR WARS heroes old and new featured within the book, it's Han and Chewbacca who have the best scenes and get into the most trouble: the Falcon severely crippled and the duo captured by a renegade force controlling the now famous Kessel spice mining system (mentioned several times in the original STAR WARS and finally realised here, in novel form), located near the dangerous Black Hole-parked the Maw, itself soon discovered as a home to a fleet of Imperial Star Destroyers (one of which later gets caught in the natural space and time devourer- an image I'd love to see translated to film or animation!) and a weapons research base with created terrifying power for destruction rivalling the original Death Star (as well as a lethal prototype Sun Crusher fighter), bearing operators and legions of Stormtroopers unaware of the Empire's prior defeat at the Battle of Endor. It's here that Imperial bitch Admiral Daala, groomed to her fullest potential by the Grand Moff Tarkin himself, makes her first embittered and revenge-fuelled entrance, staying in the EU right up to the FATE OF THE JEDI series.

Meanwhile, knowing that the Republic has never been in more danger and disharmony, Luke Skywalker, with help from Lando and trusty Artoo, travels the universe in search of new Jedi apprentices (including the soon discovered Kyp Durron), all to be trained in isolation on the fourth moon of Yavin- a nice idea/continuity exploiter, of which this first book also features a return visit to the wild clouds of Bespin and descriptively explores several other key environments created/expanded by Ralph McQuarrie for Anderson's popular The Illustrated STAR WARS Universe hardcover book, as well as the prior established Imperial Centre of Coruscant (named before it was officially given the title by Lucas for EPISODE I). And as for Princess Leia, well, she doesn't get any action duties yet-this first entry sees her confined to the New Republic's political centre, with the uneasy duty of dealing with a planet still sharing strong ties to the last remnants of the Empire, whilst poor old Threepio has the unenviable task of acting the Nanny to her two newly arrived, no longer in hiding young children- Jaina and Jacen. Golden Rod has his hands full there!

AFICIONADO RATING: 3.5 out of 5

Friday 18 July 2014

CLASSIC ART: A BEACON OF LIGHT AND HOPE!


A 1983 first release poster image that has gained more appreciation over time- the classic hands of a Jedi wrapped firmly around a lightsaber hilt- effectively symbolising the story of RETURN OF THE JEDI, here publicity translated for the Japanese cinema market.

This key art will surely prove just as relevant to the continuing story and release of EPISODE VII, too...

Thursday 17 July 2014

CLASSIC IMAGE: OUT FROM THE FOREST...


A solitary but nonetheless powerful AT-AT Walker heads towards the docking gantry of an Imperial garrison installation on the forest moon of Endor, bearing an important prisoner for the attention of Darth Vader.

This may have been the last appearance of a Walker in the Classic Trilogy but they'll apparently be back in action for EPISODE VII.

DELETED SCENE: THE REPUBLIC'S NEXT MOVE?


Having heard of their crash-landing on Coruscant, Mace Windu immediately arrives to congratulate his Jedi comrades, and their rescued Palpatine, on their survival, whilst also discussing their next steps in the Clone War, now that Count Dooku is dead and General Grievous has fled.

This aftermath scene was ultimately deleted- instead, some of the dialogue was changed or redirected to a new sequence set at the Senate Landing Area, as members of the Republic greet Palpatine's return.

Wednesday 16 July 2014

CLASSIC IMAGE: DROID HELL!


Deep in the heart of Bespin's industrial area, those busy little pig-like aliens, the Ugnaughts, get ready to blast furnace the next load of scrap hardware-specifically the remains of poor C-3PO!- in this intriguing image, showing a variety of other droid parts and pieces (including IG-88!), from THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THAT OUTFIT!


Adding further fuel to the fire in Anakin's weak at the knees love, nay early obsession, for her, Padme Amidala's meal-time/night-time leather and lace outfit, designed for the film by none other than George Lucas himself, certainly attracted attention during filming and for fans watching the completed film!

Tuesday 15 July 2014

CLASSIC IMAGE: HAPPY REUNION!


General Willard shows his affection at seeing the alive and well Princess Leia Organa returned to the fold of the Rebel Alliance, in one of the few stills so far released showing the character (taken during a filming break), as played by popular Irish actor Eddie Byrne, from the original STAR WARS.

At the recent London Film and Comic Con event (July 2014), AFICIONADO contributor Ian Trussler asked STAR WARS first producer Gary Kurtz about Byrne's major screen credit, for what was such a minor role: "Kurtz responded that, in the first cut of the movie, he had a much larger part which, through various editing, got cut down to almost nothing. Also, the screen credit thing in those days was a bit of a lottery and often alphabetical order came into it after the principles had been credited. Hence Byrne got a fairly prominent credit based against actual screen time."

Cheers for the info, Ian!

Additional note: In the film's 1977 post production process, Byrne's voice/dialogue would be dubbed by US actor Michael Bell.

https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/movie-news/family-used-to-scribble-numbers-on-grandads-original-star-wars-script-actor-jack-olohan-34287922.html

EPISODE I AT FIFTEEN: DOUBLE's DILEMMA!


Watched by Stunt Coordinator supremo Nick Gillard, stuntman and Obi-Wan double/ swordsman Andreas Petrides test/rehearse some crucial wire work for the tense scene where our Jedi hero is kicked over the edge of the Theed City reactor pit by Darth Maul. Part of a superb and now iconic scene from EPISODE I.

Hopefully catching an all-new generation of fans in the build-up anticipation to EPISODE VII, EPISODE I will be getting a prime-time evening showing next Saturday on the UK's ITV 1 channel.

Monday 14 July 2014

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE TIDE OF WAR!


Ultimately framed for a galactic war they didn't start, our Jedi heroes of the CLONE WARS micro series soldier on, alongside their fearless and diverse Clone Troopers, in this iconic promotional image for the inspired Genndy Tartakovksy/CARTOON NETWORK television event whose critical and commercial success would spawn so much great and future STAR WARS animation from its wake...

OUT NOW IN UK PAPERBACK: 'DAWN OF THE JEDI'


Previously outcast by her brothers and sisters in the Je'daii Council, bold and dedicated heroine Lanoree Brock is called into duty against a dark and dangerous foe threatening the galaxy- a situation uniquely hers to endure, made worse in that this man, this dark matter unleashing opponent, is of family blood, as Tim Lebbon's critically enjoyed, reader-friendly early story of our favourite Force using institution, circa thousands of years before the events that brought Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker into conflict, is showcased in Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void, out now in UK paperback from ARROW.

Get it here: Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void: Amazon.co.uk: Tim Lebbon: Books

Sunday 13 July 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARRISON FORD!


The one and only Harrison Ford, the man who helped changed the face of sci-fi and action movies forever, celebrates his Birthday today. On the mend from his recent leg injury, he'll soon be out of the bacta tank to complete his EPISODE VII filming!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Saturday 12 July 2014

THE FOREST AND THE DESERT. MORE 'EPISODE VII' NEWS...

Tatooine - this time in breath-taking IMAX! Image: BAD ROBOT.
There's going to be some filming re-scheduling in August, and sadly no panel/presentation at the upcoming San Diego COMIC CON, but things are nonetheless proceeding at a fast pace behind the scenes with EPISODE VII.

Carrie Fisher looking great during a recent London night-out. Image via Carrie's TWITTER page.

Latest news...

Star Wars: Episode VII Production Update | StarWars.com
The Long, Winding, and Shapeshifting Trail to Episodes VII, VIII & IX | StarWars.com
TheForce.net: Kevin Smith Sheds Tears Over Episode VII Movie Set
Harrison Ford making a 'rapid recovery' from Star Wars 7 set injury reveals personal trainer - Mirror Online
Harrison Ford is back on two feet (almost) after breaking foot on Star Wars set | Mail Online
▶ BBC Report: Star Wars Episode VII Shooting in Forest of Dean, UK - YouTube
The Original Darth Vader Sculptor for Star Wars joins Star Wars: Episode VII Production! - MakingStarWars.net


STAR WARS REBELS: FRIED STORMTROOPER!


Keeping up his popular past time habit of trashing Imperial Stormtroopers, distinctive STAR WARS REBELS hero, the alien Lasat known as Zeb, visually looking like he's sprung straight out of the imagination pensmanship of Ralph McQuarrie's concept art, will surely be one of the new DISNEY XD/LUCASFILM series most popular characters.

A few more bits of recent REBELS news...

‘Star Wars Rebels’ Creator Simon Kinberg Talks Classic Characters and Capturing the Tone of the Original Trilogy

‘Star Wars Rebels’: First look at ‘Rebel hunter’ villain Agent Kallus | Hero Complex – movies, comics, pop culture – Los Angeles Times

More Movie Characters To Pop Up On 'Star Wars: Rebels'

▶ Star Wars Rebels: Full Trailer (Official) - YouTube


And look out for this summer's new colourful and informative Visual Guide book on the series from DORLING KINDERSLEY: Star Wars Rebels The Visual Guide: Amazon.co.uk: DK DK, Adam Bray: Books, plus the August 5th arriving DISNEY adventure book, A New Hero, from Pablo Hidalgo: Star Wars Rebels a New Hero Purchase Includes Star Wars eBook! : Purchase Includes Star Wars eBook!: Amazon.co.uk: Disney Book Group, Pablo Hidalgo, Rebels Animation Team: Books



Friday 11 July 2014

CLASSIC IMAGE: EVIL HANDIWORK!


A powerless Leia and Chewbacca can only look on in horror and repulsion at the fate of their beloved Han Solo, now encased in carbonite as part of a successful "test" in Darth Vader's unique plan to ensnare Luke Skywalker- his one true prey.

A scene of genuine atmosphere and dread, truly putting the heart of darkness into STAR WARS- a flavour that would be attempted in subsequent sequels but never quite equalled.

British Cinematographer Peter Suschitzky was one of the key creative forces behind the scenes on THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, helping director Irvin Kershner make it the visual classic it has become since its release in 1980. Find out more about his work on the film here: The Photography for The Empire Strikes Back


CLASSIC IMAGE: STOP THAT SITH!


Knowing that the Republic can't afford to let the deceitful Count Dooku escape Geonosis, sterling Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi and an intense Anakin Skywalker race into the enemy's escape hangar, intent on stopping him, in this clash of good versus evil concluding the game-changing events of EPISODE II.

Thursday 10 July 2014

CLASSIC IMAGE: GETTING SOME BREATHING SPACE!


One of the distinctive UK created Mos Eisley Cantina Aliens, named in several sources as "The Plutonian"- a double-armed, adapted gas-mask prop wearing character, posing for a costume test reference image sometime in April/May 1976, at Elstree Studios, for the original STAR WARS. We think the character, later named as Chall Bekan in the Expanded Universe, was played by a lady (IMDB says Linda Jones?), but I don't have confirmation or more info. If anyone has, please get in touch...

With thanks to Ian Trussler for this side image.