CLASSIC ART: A MYSTERY POSTER!

An intriguing poster shot that we believe was from the original Star Wars release internationally. It's a shame they got the Star Destroyer upside down here, because otherwise it's a truly lovely and evocative fantasy piece showcasing our star heroes.

If anyone knows more about this piece and its artist, please get in touch.

CLASSIC IMAGE: RE-INVENTING A CLASSIC!

The classic scene that set the standard for future science fiction/fantasy storytelling and blew audiences away worldwide with its truly epic special effects work- the opening to the original 1977 Star Wars involving an Imperial Star Destroyer chasing the Rebel Blockade Runner above Tatooine.

But it's not. Instead, this is an equally impressive moment from the sequence specially re-shot from scratch (using a more-detailed meter long Star Destroyer model from The Empire Strikes Back) for the equally incredible and ground-breaking IMAX screen format, as part of legendary sound designer Ben Burtt's pleasing 1996 documentary Special Effects: Anything Can Happen, shown exclusively in IMAX and OMNI MAX cinemas in the US and Canada.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQjY7ZDWFNo

ROGUE ONE: SPACE DOCK CONFLICT

The battle is brutally joined between Rebel X-wing fighters and TIE fighters in and around the busy Star Destroyer space dock platform above the natural resources mined world of Scarif, in one of the original concept art pieces for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story's developing story conclusion, crafted by the ever-talented visualist, Ryan Church.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE IMPERIAL DEATH FLEET GATHERS...

The first conceptual art version of the immense Super Star Destroyer Executor, centre amidst a convoy of other ancillary Imperial ships, is well captured in ominous storyboard art by Joe Johnston for The Empire Strikes Back.

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: SWEEPING THE ASTEROID FIELD

 

Asteroids be damned, as Darth Vader orders his Imperial Death Fleet deeper into the densely packed and dangerous to navigate field, no matter the damage and lives lost, as the search for the hiding Millennium Falcon continues. Great ILM storyboard art, presumably by Joe Johnston. This filmed moment originally used a part variation of the rousing Imperial March, and was scored by John Williams  (recorded in London with the LSO). In post production, however, Kershner decided that the track would ultimately be unused.

ILM CLASSIC IMAGE: IMPERIAL PURSUER!

A terrific shot (taken by the late Grant McCune) of the mighty Imperial Star Destroyer (later named Devastator) model that will onscreen chase Princess Leia's soon-damaged Blockade Runner above the wastes of Tatooine, during the classic opening to the original Star Wars of 1977. It's amazing that this original three-foot long model was built smaller than the expensive to build six-foot long Blockade Runner at ILM, yet ultimately appeared so large and lengthy on screen- the power of the camera and the talented visual effects artists!

ILM technician Doug Smith prepares the model for filming.

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: A VERY PALPABLE HIT!

The Tyrant is hit! An ILM composite image created for later in release movie publicity and merchandising.

The Ion Cannon's belly blasts from the surface of Hoth have found their deep space target on the Imperial Star Destroyer Tyrant, temporarily crippling the formidable vessel and allowing the first Rebel Transport and its X-wing fighter support to escape unheeded.

ILM storyboard for the beginning of the scene as the cannon blasts streak from the planet's surface.

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: THE BLOCKADE OF HOTH!

Emerged from Hyperspace into the nearby sector four, the Rebels are soon alerted to the newly arrived Imperial Death Fleet, whose Star Destroyers efficiently form a blockade around Hoth's sixth planet. A lovely shot of the Imperial war machines in orbit from the legendary Ralph McQuarrie.

Painting and thumbnail concepts by Ralph McQuarrie, 

ROGUE ONE: LOCK DOWN!

The planet killing primary weapon dish of the Death Star slowly but surely begins to lock into place with the final stages of the space station's construction, in this great image from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and also shows its immense size in comparison to the lowly Star Destroyer nearby.

The impressive shot is a clear homage to Joe Johnston's 1976 concept pieces for the Death Star surface, notably linked to the 'laser eye', penned for the original Star Wars.

EPISODE VII: TIE PURSUIT!

The chase by the First Order to stop the Millennium Falcon continues, as their TIE fighters enter an area of space vessel wasteland on Jakku both hazardous yet worthy of any top pilots' skills to navigate, in this scene from The Force Awakens.

EPISODE IX: RETURN OF THE EMPIRE!

In a mysterious and unknown corner of the galaxy filled with strange iceberg-like phenomenon, a dark fleet stirs, ready for action- part of a new directive linked to a very old and familiar enemy. The original, iconic and ever-impressive original Star Destroyers of the Empire are back, in this great image from the upcoming EPISODE IX.

'STAR WARS REBELS': THE NEW PROTECTORS!

A former Jedi Padawan escaped from the bloodshed of Order 66 and a young and capable flying-ace Twi'Lek escaping the pain and tyranny caused to her world by the Empire, joining forces on the plains-world of the occupied Lothal. United in grief, but soon united in hope and deep friendship against a common enemy in this epic character art by TwoDots for the gorgeous Brazilian exclusive cover to John Jackson Miller's popular Star Wars Rebels book/series set-up: A New Dawn.

https://www.starwars.com/news/swcc-2019-8-highlights-from-rebels-remembered-panel

MOVE AND COUNTER MOVE! 'THRAWN - ALLIANCES' COMES TO UK PAPERBACK

Eighteen years on from his original and strikingly memorable debut within the acclaimed Heir to the Empire trilogy, Timothy Zahn's compelling bad guy we love to hate and admire, Admiral Thrawn, a unique alien being of infinite artistic taste fused with remarkable foresight in his military tactical skills, has proved more popular than ever in the saga, bolstered by his proper official inclusion into the Star Wars animated universe with Star Wars Rebels during its final seasons, as well as the all-new Thrawn book tie-in trilogy, once more helmed by his creator, whose opening tales have been best sellers worldwide. Book Two's showcase of the character - Alliances - was noted for its strong plotting and characterisation, and its successful Prequel links incorporating iconic Republic heroes Anakin Skywalker (followed by the ominous Darth Vader in clever flash-forwards) and spirited senator Padme Amidala, the secret couple working, albeit uneasily, alongside the then very mysterious and secretive former Chiss spy on a hostile frontier world.

Thrawn: Alliances debuts in UK paperback, from Arrow, tomorrow (February 28th, 2019).

Check out our original review here:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2018/09/aficionado-review-thrawn-alliances.html

Get the book here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrawn-Alliances-Star-Wars/dp/0525481281/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551273850&sr=8-1&keywords=thrawn+alliances+paperback

And look out for the explosive trilogy finale: Thrawn: Treason, later this summer, published in hardback by Century.

ROGUE ONE: REBEL MOVER!

The Rebellion's corvette vessel five speeds alongside a recently crippled Star Destroyer orbiting above Scarif, ready to initiate a bold plan for Admiral Raddus, in a memorable moment from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

'SOLO': THE FEAR BUILDERS OF CORELLIA!

The industrial planet of Corellia has become known for its construction of the immense Imperial Star Destroyers for the Galactic Empire, like this one here, seen on the surface of one of the main gargantuan construction facilities IN this scene setting, planet-establishing conceptual art idea for Solo: A Star Wars Story by James Clyne, inspired by real world visions of heavy duty industry.

Discover more about the realms of Corellia- the home of Han Solo, as well as many other fascinating environs, tech and character design evolution crafted by the talented cadre of production illustrators that worked on the the movie, inside the glorious pages of The Art of Solo: A Star Wars Story, written and compiled by Phil Szostak (featuring introductions from top ILM artist James Clyne and Production Designer Neil Lamont), published by ABRAMS. It's a truly gorgeous and informative coffee table book for any fan's collection.

Get hold of it here: 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Solo-Star-Wars-Story/dp/1419727451/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536594464&sr=8-1&keywords=the+art+of+solo+a+star+wars+story

'SOLO': REVISITING A CANTWELL CLASSIC!

Art by Colin Cantwell.

Predating by a year Ralph McQuarrie's design, and Alex Tavoularis's storyboard sequence ideas, Colin Cantwell, another of the earliest people to have been importantly involved States-side with the visual ideas creation of The Star Wars universe for George Lucas, came up with this superb potential design for the Imperial Star Destroyer. Though never used, it has over the years continued to inspire future designers partaking in the saga universe's evolving cinematic creation, and was to have made an appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story as a new vehicle: the Imperial Arrestor Cruiser. Linked to the release, it was made a sure-fire collectible Hot Wheels toy vehicle, too. Though lost in that film's eventual re-shaping and re-development with the welcome arrival of Ron Howard, Cantwell's design is too good for it to not eventually appear somewhere on the big screen. So let's keep an eye out for it...

Imperial Arrestor cruiser design for Solo by Vincent Jenkins.

http://www.cantwellcollection.com/

With thanks to Chris Baker.