AN 'EMPIRE' AT 45: A UNIVERSE OF DRAMA AND ADVENTURE...

The long-running commercial artist John Alvin's work on the original Star Wars films have become highly beloved and respected over time. None more so than the super 1995 work he did for the films on their uncut VHS release before the debut of the Special Editions, of which all the key successful character ingredients for The Empire Strikes Back would be well represented.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THREEPIO IN GENESIS!

The Prequel Trilogy behind the scenes news filters slowly but surely revealed that Threepio would return to the saga in one shape or form, but his final visual reveal, and historical storytelling place at the saga's beginning, proved both surprising and intriguing, as seen in this great concept/production art by Doug Chiang from 1995. 

CLASSIC ART: POWERS OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS!

The restart of the Star Wars saga post Return of the Jedi in printed fiction couldn't have gotten off to a more exciting and memorable start via the debut of Timothy Zahn's playing within George Lucas's innovative and iconic sandbox. His first trilogy of books, introducing a host of intriguing new heroes and villains, have always been reprinted to great success, most recently as part of the rebranded 'Legends' series post 2015, and deserving of great art covers, particularly so with the evocative trio created uniquely for the Brazilian territory with Heir to the Empire (now celebrating an incredible 30th Anniversary), Dark Force Rising and The Last Command.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE DREAM MAKERS!

The artistic future of the then upcoming Star Wars Prequels couldn't have been in better hands via new recruits Doug Chiang and Iain McCaig, both respecting fans of the Classic Trilogy and its iconography, working on creating a varied and altogether more different galaxy for the Old Republic from within one of the attic areas of Skywalker ranch, in top secret mode for an enthused George Lucas, from the mid-nineties onwards.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: ANAKIN BLASTS OUT!

With power to his starfighter quickly restored, Anakin escapes the Trade Federation Droid Control Ship, but not without first letting out two proton torpedoes that do heavy damage to the main reactor and soon sets off a chain reaction, as seen in two pivotal ILM storyboards shown here.

This would be a scene from Lucas deliberately echoing, or rhyming with, Luke Skywalker's later destruction of the Death Star space station with his proton torpedoes in EPISODE IV.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: DANGERS OF THE DEEP!

Travelling through Naboo's planet core is full of dangers, as Qui-Gon Jinn's Gungan 'Bongo' sub is chased by the big-tongued Opee Sea Killer creature, in this terrific production art by Doug Chiang for EPISODE I.

More on the saga's diverse creatures:
https://www.starwars.com/news/designing-star-wars-monsters

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: A 'VERY ODD' GUNGAN!

Jar Jar Binks. Hesa back!

"George (Lucas ) made a movie for kids. That was always the idea, and they love it. What hasn't really been explored in all of this is how serious I am about the character. Some people look at Jar Jar as this novelty act, that he's there just to get a laugh. That's just disrespectful to George, to me and to everybody involved in the film. Jar Jar was probably one of the most complicated characters ever to be created in movie history. It was the first time somebody had said, "I'm going to do a completely digitally animated character which looks like and is voice by a live-action actor." That's not easy to do. A lot of work was put into him and a great deal of respect was paid to the character's creation."

Ahmed Best - STARLOG magazine interview (1999)

Best based his character's unique movements on comedian/Silent movies star Buster Keaton (he and Lucas, a film fanatic, would look at all of Keaton's movement and work out which moves they'd like Jar Jar to copy) as well as those of martial arts film star Jackie Chan, whom Best greatly admired.

Best's voice for Jar Jar was one of six that the actor/dancer recorded as demos. When hired, Best didn't know if he would be doing the voice alongside wearing the costume. It was only when the actor arrived for filming at London's Leavesden Studios, and attended the cast read through that he knew he had the voice too, specifically when he impressed young Jake Lloyd and made him laugh with his self-chosen voice (one that Best always did to amuse children) for the character. Best was told during filming by Lucas to not be afraid of going 'too dopey' with the character's realisation.

Early character art from Doug Chiang.

Character studies for Jar Jar by Iain McCaig from 1996.

More character studies.

Ahmed Best talks Jar Jar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoGHuGW6yo4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNYK5lhAzvg

A selection of character maquettes for Jar Jar, as displayed at the STAR WARS IDENTITIES exhibition. Image: Chris Baker.

Jar Jar character introduction TV spot (1999):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG93Ek0Mzr4&list=PLw8ep6cYzDhoQfQavCbfLMa-oyambJX_X&index=7

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: STAND OFF!

Obi-Wan stands defiant against the incoming Droidekas. Production art by Doug Chiang.

"At one time, the Jedi were going to be like a UN peacekeeping force, with regimented costumes. Obi-Wan's age changed all over the place- at one time he was a youngish 50. For a long time we had a character who was samurai-like, with a ponytail and long sideburns. But it evolved, it suited the story better to split (the character) into Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn. Now here was an older mentor, and it told us a lot more about who the Jedi were. It's wasn't like a peacekeeping force- it was more like a temple, with an apprenticeship. When that happened, we revised the look. In the end, in order to make a really strong connection between the Obi-Wan we know and the Obi-Wan in the Prequel, we went back to the original costume design."

Ian McCaig - The Face magazine (1999)

Doug Chiang character concept for Obi-Wan, circa 1995.

OUT NOW: NEW CLASSIC TRILOGY BOOKS FROM TOPPS

It's a bumper month for all lovers of the classic TOPPS STAR WARS cards and stickers series of the 70's to 90's, as TOPPS' long-time editor/writer and keeper of the STAR WARS card universe collective Gary Gerani, once more happily aligned with ABRAMS BOOKS, present their collection of the much beloved 1995 card set devoted to the original version of STAR WARS in its premiere showcase 'widevision' format, featuring images specially selected and telecine captured from the unaltered original 1977 movie, at a time before the film was widely available to see in its full aspect ratio- so successful and fan acclaimed was this launch set that it became the opening salvo to an outstanding run of STAR WARS cards and imagery presented in this special size, in presentations that have continued to this day as a release tradition up to The Force Awakens. Adding welcome completism, the book also comes with the later 1997 Special Edition card set of the film,  that was specially focused on all the love them or hate them editorial, optical and effects changes made to the film by George Lucas and ILM for a new cinema watching generation in the saga's then 20th Anniversary year. RANCHO OBI-WAN's Stephen Sansweet returns to bring his editorial comments and behind the scenes information to bear on this particular and also visually impressive set.

Relive those halcyon special days of specialist card collecting, here: Star Wars Widevision: The Original Topps Trading Card Series, Volume One (Topps Star Wars): Amazon.co.uk: Gary Gerani: 9781419724497: Books

Continuing the fun and celebrations, also available via ABRAMS, comes the TOPPS compilation book featuring these earliest merchandise collectibles linked to the Classic Trilogy in sticker form, reprinting 250 of the classic sticker images that first showcased the 1977 adventure's memorable characters and action (and mostly in their original release size for this new publication), worthily just in time for the saga's Fortieth Anniversary. The title also comes with eighteen bonus stickers mixing 'Legacy' heroes and villains with the new stars of The Force Awakens, plus five pullout backgrounds to create your own sticker posters on one side, or display a recreation of the classic Topps STAR WARS puzzle poster on the other. A colourful, nostalgic treat, indeed.

Get it here: Star Wars Topps Classic Sticker Book: Amazon.co.uk: The Topps Company: 9781419727115: Books

'STAR WARS' AT 40: A GALAXY OF CHARACTERS!

Welcome to 2017, and the start of STAR WARS AFICIONADO's 365 days celebrating the incredible, iconic, as superb as ever original STAR WARS (now STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE), as it reaches its amazing 40th Anniversary Year! A life without the saga is truly impossible to think about, especially now that its hardwired into the world's collective pop culture consciousness, so come with us and enjoy the days ahead...

First out of the gate are these two great pieces of unused poster art for a Coca Cola promotion, by Jerome Tarplay, circa 1978.

CLASSIC ART: TRAIL OF THE BANTHAS

When it comes to travelling and enduring the harsh but beautiful desert realms of Tatooine, there's no better creature to utilize in your endeavours than a Bantha, best known in their use by those fearsome Tusken Raiders, but also by other less dangerous, if somewhat shady, residents of the planet, like those assembled here in this lovely art by the legendary Ralph McQuarrie, part of his last major creative endeavours for the STAR WARS Classic Trilogy, well paired with author Kevin J. Anderson's talents, for THE ILLUSTRATED STAR WARS UNIVERSE book, now celebrating its landmark, acclaimed 20th Anniversary this month.

Dreams given form for EPISODE VII.

With the McQuarrie still making an impact in the animated and filmic realms, its nice to see that the distinctive bridge entrance gate here will be appearing on Jakku for THE FORCE AWAKENS.

Ralph McQuarrie's Del Rey Star Wars Covers | StarWars.com
The Del Rey Star Wars Covers of Ralph McQuarrie, Part 2 | StarWars.com
The Del Rey Star Wars Covers of Ralph McQuarrie, Part 3 | StarWars.com

CLASSIC ART: A FIGHT TO THE DEATH!

In an early script and James Kahn's novelisation for RETURN OF THE JEDI, that gross slug Jabba the Hutt tells Luke Skywalker of its time spent slaying Jedi Knights in days gone by. It was a dialogue line cut from the finished film, but that didn't stop this unknown artist from giving us their exciting idea of what that era of Jedi versus Hutt might have been like, for a card that, due to LUCASFILM's then stringent policy of not treading on the Prequel era being worked out by George Lucas, never ultimately made it to the first STAR WARS GALAXY set series back in 1995. Its interesting that the Jedi shown here wear similar black outfits similar to the ones conceived early on by Doug Chiang on for EPISODE I, whilst the combative Hutt collects lightsabers as trophies the way General Grievous would later do.

CLASSIC ART: CUSTODIAN OF HOPE!

A lovely, ultimately unused piece of art for the STAR WARS GALAXY card series from 1995, featuring a young Sir Alec Guinness as Ben Kenobi cradling the newly born Luke Skywalker. The image (artist unknown- Ngwian?) was withdrawn by LUCASFILM at the time as the Prequel universe saga history and continuity was then still being mapped out, what with George Lucas's return to his film universe- the era becoming pretty much declared off limits to other writers and artists, bar the occasional mention of The Clone Wars.

CLASSIC ART: THE JEDI THAT WAS, THE JEDI THAT WILL BE...

He'll be the mostly hidden underpinnings to the ultimate story of THE FORCE AWAKENS at cinemas this Xmas, but the earlier conceived, printed Expanded Universe was able to tell an altogether different future history for Luke Skywalker and his new Jedi Order, during the novel adventures of the nineties onwards. This is the impressive Japanese cover (artist unknown, possibly by stalwart Japanese SW universe giant Tsuyoshi Nagano, though I can't confirm this) for the first volume of Kevin J. Anderson's Jedi Academy Trilogy: Jedi Search.

For more on the worldwide art for this series, head here: The Early Bantam Era: John Alvin | Roqoo Depot

OUT NOW ON UK BLU-RAY AND DVD: 'VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED' 1995

Beware the children of the VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED! Images: FABULOUS FILMS/UNIVERSAL.

The quiet and unassuming town of Midwich. Population 2,000. A place where everybody knows everybody, and life is good and prosperous. Good, that is, until 10am on the morning of their annual summer fare, as the inhabitants are suddenly knocked out for six hours by a mysterious and unknown power, of which a select group of women inexplicably find themselves pregnant and ultimately birthing a group of silver haired, intelligence and extra senses enhanced, super dangerous children who can kill just by looking at you, possessing a unique biological imperative to survive and prosper as the ultimate rulers of the Earth. By any means necessary...

Christopher Reeve's teaching skills soon become an annoyance to his "class"!

▶ John Carpenter's Village Of The Damned (Trailer - 1995) - YouTube

Now celebrating its Twentieth Anniversary, master of horror and fantasy John Carpenter's remake of the classic British sci-fi tale VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED, sprung from the ideas-packed mind of acclaimed novelist John Wyndham, and also previously made as an eerie B/W movie of the Fifties that would make both a visually memorable impact on Carpenter's childhood and play a vital part in the formulation of his filmmaking career, is a tightly made and enjoyable transfer to modern leafy America. Main star Christopher Reeve, in his sadly last performance before his all-too-tragic horse riding accident, shows quiet character and ultimate courage as the town doctor trying to find a way to make the children discover their humanity, though soon realising that they are just too dangerous and must be stopped at all costs before their powers can accelerate further. Co-star Kirstie Alley returns to some serious acting, after her comedic stint as goofy Rebecca in CHEERS, to play the cloak and dagger incident liaison scientist who has secret theories about the creation of the superchildren, whilst CROCODILE DUNDEE's sexy Linda Kozlowski plays the caring and conflicted single mother whose unique child she must win over from the collective brood he has become symbiotically linked with. Plus, of course, there's a fun, if all too brief appearance from STAR WARS veteran Mark Hamill, shedding his heroic Luke Skywalker image to play an emotionally unsettled priest who realises all too well, and quicker than most in Midwich, the dangers which they all face, planning to take his own individual action- even if means going against his principles as a man of the cloth. "The Children", with their eerie visual appearance and memorable ILM optically enhanced eyes, led by Lindsay Haun and Thomas Dekker, are also very good and prove the film's ultimate standouts. After all this time, VILLAGE remains highly watchable and visualised with enthusiasm, yet it feels way too short at 94 minutes and could perhaps have done with more character development and atmosphere build-up in between its creepily calculated bouts of horror and physical injury perpetrated by those ruthlessly logical, dark-minded creatures who'd truly never make it to Sunday School!

Sensing the horror to come: Mark Hamill as Reverend George.

I've seen VILLAGE on HD TV before, but this UNIVERSAL/FABULOUS FILM's Blu-ray release showcases the best picture and sound quality yet, accompanied by a singular but enjoyable teaser trailer.

AFICIONADO RATING: It may not be up in the higher echelons of his previous iconic work with THE THING or BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, but VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED is a satisfying entry in the John Carpenter biography, presenting an overall story concept that continues to be worthy of examination and remaking. 7.5 out of 10.

Gte hold of VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED on Blu-ray here: John Carpenter's Village Of The Damned [Blu-ray]: Amazon.co.uk: Christopher Reeve, Kirstie Alley, Mark Hamill, John Carpenter: DVD & Blu-ray

A GALAXY REENGINEERED. ENTER ' THE SPECIAL EDITIONS'...

The celebratory poster signalling the return of STAR WARS to the big screen!

Twenty years ago this year, after prior meetings between them two years earlier, serious work would be initiated by George Lucas and 20th Century Fox to restore the original Classic Trilogy of STAR WARS in time for its then milestone Twentieth Anniversary cinematic re-release, a scenario that would also act as an important primer for the then upcoming new Prequels films which Lucas had begun writing and preparing from the end of 1994. To say the remastering job would be immense would be an understatement. Apparently, the deterioration of the negatives, especially for the original first film, was in a far worse state than originally thought, resulting in huge cleaning and restoration work needing to be done, and several of the best original Technicolor release prints having to be utilised for selected sequences (including one copy in the collection of producer Gary Kurtz). Additionally, viewing several scenes from the original movie that he'd never been happy with back in the day due to time pressures, lack of resources and technology, Lucas decided to replace or "repair" certain scenes with all-new CGI effects shots- another tester for the ground-breakers of ILM after the success of JURASSIC PARK and an indication of what could be done for the future with the Prequels. Additionally, previously deleted scenes would be added where desired, alongside other specially shot new sequences at ILM. Finally, the trilogy would receive a brand new sound mix from the series dedicated long-term sound designer, Ben Burtt, who hadn't really been allowed to go near the original mix (apart from being a consultant), handled by veteran Sam Shaw, back in 1977.

▶ "Star Wars Trilogy (1997)" Special Edition Trailer - YouTube
▶ Star Wars special edition 1997 making of (part 1 of 3) - YouTube
▶ The Empire Strikes Back special edition 1997 making of (part 2 of 3) - YouTube
▶ The Return of the Jedi special edition 1997 making of (part 3 of 3) - YouTube
▶ Sci-Fi Channel Special -- "The Force Returns -- Star Wars Trilogy: Special Edition" (1997), [RAW]* - YouTube
▶ Star Wars MTV Movie Special 1997 part 1 of 3 - YouTube
▶ Star Wars IV Special Edition Comparison Death Star Battle - YouTube
Star Wars - Episode IV: A New Hope (Comparison: Special Edition - DVD Edition) - Movie-Censorship.com
▶ Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition DVD Trailer - YouTube
▶ Conan O'Brien 'Mark Hamill 3/18/97 - YouTube

Publicity material for the soon to follow VHS releases.

Arriving like a juggernaut at just the right time and place in the worlds of entertainment and sci-fi from January 1997, the STAR WARS SPECIAL EDITIONS, released in a serialised every couple of weeks way, would have fans young (many of whom had never seen the films in a cinema) and old re-hooked on their favourite heroes and villains, of which additional publicity and exposure would be generated via a huge promotional tie-in with BURGER KING and COCA-COLA, with profits/funding to LUCASFILM going towards the costs of bringing EPISODE I to life. At the time in 1997, the majority of audiences enjoyed the fact that STAR WARS, whether it was upgraded or not, was back, and that they could finally see it the way it was meant to be experienced- as part of a cathartic response within movie theatres. At that time, he new scenes and enhanced sound were also welcomed and considered a part of that enjoyment process. But such celebrations weren't to last- as the following three years progressed die-hard fans enjoyment and willingness to accept the SPECIAL EDITIONS was tainted with the news that Lucas preferred these new versions over the original movies and didn't want the latter released on DVD or Blu-ray (though a non anamorphic 1995 laserdisc master set would eventually materialise on DVD around 2006- designed to generate needed profits for LUCASFILM). With the DISNEY takeover of 2012, and the impending release of EPISODE VII, fans will hopefully get their dreams of an anamorphic, unaltered STAR WARS Classic Trilogy release on Blu-ray made reality, but let's not dismiss those original 1997 SPECIAL EDITIONS- there were some genuine improvements here and there, and they had far less creatively divisive changes made to them than what would later be seen by the further "upgrades" by 2004 and 2011. Nor should we forget the genuine and heartfelt impact the returned Trilogy brought in, affectionately reawakening the franchise for good with worldwide audiences...

CELEBRATING TWENTY YEARS OF THE ORIGINAL 'THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION'

In my book the best collection of the three original unaltered films (the last time they'd be available to purchase in that state until the DVD "special features" of 2006), behind the scenes materials and other physically produced items, the UK's 1995 Definitive Collection VHS set from Lucasfilm/FOX, then available in a special black Imperial S- Executor tin, remains one of the quintessential, and most nostalgic, pieces of STAR WARS merchandise one could ever collect. And, though it had lots of deleted scenes which were not available back in the nineties, not even the first Blu-ray set of 2011 has managed to equal it in incorporating all of this package's original documentaries and rare trailers, alongside a wealth of solid length behind the scenes featurettes, ILM videomatics and stills galleries, into one set. The UK VHS release even boasts extra audio/visual materials than what would be available on the better picture and sound quality US laserdisc boxset (which regrettably became more notable for fans in suffering from some minor scene cutting on one of the changeovers on EMPIRE's movie discs than for the extras it ultimately held!).

I fondly remember this limited edition tin flying like hotcakes off the video stores of HMV and VIRGIN on original release. I actually ended up getting mine, if a little dented in the right corner, via sci-fi memorabilia collector/dealer Bruce Campbell- his last sale copy!

▶ Star Wars 1995 VHS release Trailer - YouTube

With rumours abounding that the unaltered Classic Trilogy will finally be available in pristine transfers in time for next Christmas on Blu-ray, let's hope that a bigger, better accompanying special features set comes along to outdistance all that has gone before...

Star Wars VHS Releases! - Collectibles from the Outer Rim | StarWars.com

SPECIAL EDITION CLASSIC IMAGE: A JEDI FIGHTS BACK!

Another one of Jabba's weird and wonderful mercenary goons is about to hit the tentacled and awaitingly hungry Sarlaac Pit, as Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker continues to prove his worth, during the superb Sail Barge action scene from RETURN OF THE JEDI.

CLASSIC ART: A LEGEND RETURNS...

I love this super artwork by the late, great John Alvin that was used for in-store/magazine promotions in America and Australia for the unaltered Classic Trilogy's "one last time" final release on VHS tape circa 1995 (Alvin did the VHS tape sleeve art for the individual films that year, too), before the onslaught of the love 'em or hate 'em SPECIAL EDITIONS in 1997. If anyone has this image in better res quality, please send it through so I can re-post.

I wish LUCASFILM would release this terrific image as an official poster. It'd make a great Blu-ray sleeve cover for EPISODE IV!

CLASSIC ART: ESCAPING IMPERIAL ENTANGLEMENTS!

Getting the New Year off to a bang, here's a wonderful space battle image from the finale of 1995's Steve Perry written STAR WARS adventure SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE, where our Rebel heroes in the Millennium Falcon, accompanied by Dash Rendar, try to escape Coruscant and the clutches of Prince Xizor and Darth Vader in this amazing art from the esteemed Hildebrandt brothers- commissioned for the TOPPS card series released that same year.

Click the pic to see the image in its full widescreen glory.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!