Thursday 17 December 2015

EPISODE VII: THE EUROPEAN PREMIERE - LONDON (DECEMBER 16TH, 2015)


Surely the most ambitious publicity event/premiere that Disney UK has ever realised, and certainly one of the busiest, spread across three London West End cinemas (including the IMAX Leicester Square- apparently one of only two IMAX venues in the country where the film can be seen at its optimum picture and sound quality), THE FORCE AWAKENS clearly arrived in style for its European Premiere. Security was sadly intense (sniffer dogs and bouncers prepared to remove anyone without a ticket or whom looked suspicious- a sad indicator of our post Paris tragedy world), but the joyous effects of the STAR WARS saga soon overcome such obstacles and long waiting, of which everyone who attended the premiere (including STAR WARS AFICIONADO) felt an intoxicating shot in the arm of happiness, especially when the Classic Trilogy cast arrived and began mingling with the new stars of the Sequel Trilogy, plus the dynamic duo of George Lucas and J.J. Abrams spending lots of time with the crowds and signing, with even an appearance from the upcoming ROGUE ONE's new star, Felicity Jones. But this special night rightly belonged, I feel, to Carrie Fisher's beloved Gary the Dog, clearly bemused throughout and even challenging BB-8 to a brawl live on the outdoor stage!

As we all assembled in our seats at the EMPIRE, armed for cinematic enjoyment with our complimentary water and popcorn, the lights dimmed and the clapping and cheering quickly begun from the enthused and eagerly awaiting audience- the first of many satisfying occurrences throughout the whole film.

WELCOME BACK, STAR WARS!

A wonderful homecoming for Daisy Ridley.
The name's Boyega, John Boyega.
Creative Forces! J.J. Abrams and George Lucas.

Top four images: James Gillham/Sting Media.co.uk for DISNEY UK

Star Wars 'coming home' says George Lucas at London premiere - BBC News
Star Wars The Force Awakens ANA R2-D2 L.A. to London Flight Departure - YouTube
UK Star Wars premiere: On the red carpet in Leicester Square - YouTube
London Turns Nelson's Column Into a Giant Lightsaber for 'Star Wars' Premiere - YouTube
John Boyega and Daisy Ridley Interview - Star Wars The Force Awakens European Premiere Red Carpet - YouTube

The STAR WARS AFICIONADO team joins the busy red carpet.
We watch as J. J. signs for fans before going in.
At the ODEON, the cast assemble to introduce the movie.

Star Wars The Force Awakens European Premiere Interview - Mark Hamill - YouTube
Star Wars The Force Awakens European Premiere Interview - Daisy Ridley - YouTube
Star Wars The Force Awakens European Premiere Interview - John Boyega - YouTube
Star Wars The Force Awakens European Premiere Interview - Oscar Isaac - YouTube
Star Wars The Force Awakens European Premiere Interview - JJ Abrams - YouTube
Star Wars The Force Awakens European Premiere Interview - Carrie Fisher - YouTube

Star Wars: The Force Awakens European Press Conference - YouTube

The iconic sight of Nelson's Column becomes a lightsaber to light up Europe!

Online UK premiere articles:

Star Wars The Force Awakens premiere – a round-up of what happened | Metro News
Star Wars: The Force Awakens actors Daisy Ridley and Harrison Ford arrive at London premiere | Daily Mail Online
Star Wars' Daisy Ridley shows off some serious leg at premiere afterparty | Daily Mail Online

AFICIONADO's non-spoilery first review:
STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: EPISODE VII: THE AFICIONADO REVIEW

Other reviews: (Note: potential SPOILERS in some of these)

Star Wars: The Force Awakens reviews | EW.com
New Star Wars: The Force Awakens reviewed by Mail critic Brian Viner | Daily Mail Online
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Review | Star Wars 7 | Movies - Empire
The Force Awakens Is the Biggest Movie of the Year. But Is It Great?
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens review - " rest easy, this is the real deal – and will leave you begging for more"

The front of one of the UK premiere tickets.

Other STAR WARS related news:

'Star Wars' in U.K. Presales Record - Hollywood Reporter
'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Lands on AFI's Top 10 List - Hollywood Reporter
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Breaks $100 Million In Advance Ticket Sales | Comicbook.com
Disney Stock Rises on Enthusiasm for 'Star Wars' - Hollywood Reporter
France Box Office: 'Star Wars' Soars In Paris on Opening Day - Hollywood Reporter
'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' German Box-Office Preview - Hollywood Reporter
'The Force Awakens' Cast Sings A Capella Tribute to Star Wars With The Roots on 'The Tonight Show' | The Star Wars Underworld
Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher Talk 'Star Wars' Then and Now | ABC News - YouTube
Oscar Isaac Talks Star Wars: The Force Awakens | GQ
Lupita Nyong'o on Star Wars: The Force Awakens audition | EW.com
Ben Schwartz, Bill Hader: The Secret Faces Behind 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' New Droid - Hollywood Reporter
Ridley: Not Being Star Wars Fan Helped Play Rey
Ewan McGregor Had a Tiny Role in The Force Awakens (Spoiler)

With thanks to DISNEY UK for their help and support.

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