'SPECIAL EDITION' CLASSIC IMAGE: INSIDE DOCKING BAY 94!

The legendary scene once witnessed only briefly in its raw form within the classic From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga documentary of 1983, now enhanced with CGI, as Han Solo and Jabba the Hutt spar at Mos Eisley spaceport's Docking Bay 94, within the seemingly constantly revised Star Wars Trilogy Special Editions, all of which were truly enjoyed by fans upon original release during Jan-March, 1997 (but sadly became controversial over time), kickstarting the saga anew on the big screen whilst also generating a helluva lot of money, much of its tie-in profits ultimately going towards the production costs of the then eagerly awaited, upcoming Prequels, to debut in 1999.

https://www.slashfilm.com/845091/why-a-pivotal-harrison-ford-star-wars-scene-sat-unfinished-for-20-years/?fbclid=IwAR16aWpLTeUSBzohJoC3I0irThjqHQXW9n0iWW5zi8STfIaUepxqkyhaNts

This image and above: the  CGI sequence as seen and updated from 2004 onwards.

1990's storyboard for the revised scene.

'JEDI' AT 40: 'RETURN'-ING TO UK AND US CINEMAS THIS MONTH

The new one-sheet art for the re-release, by Matt Ferguson.

It's time to celebratory steal a speeder bike and experience the final Original Trilogy film (Special Edition) as it was meant to be seen - on the biggest screen possible - later this month...

SWCE 2023: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Will Be Back in Theaters for 40th Anniversary Celebration | StarWars.com

'SPECIAL EDITION' CLASSIC IMAGE: ANOTHER NABOO CELEBRATION!

The Naboo civilisation, both human and Gungan, celebrates in epic style the death of the Emperor and the beginning of the end of the Galactic Empire, as they joyously teem in their masses within the streets and buildings of Theed City. A welcome over time additional closing scene fusing Prequel/Original Trilogies added by George Lucas and ILM to the DVD release of the 'Special Edition' of Return of the Jedi, back in 2004.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE END OF A CRIME LORD'S ERA

Wrecked by its own rear laser cannons, with a little help from a now freed Leia Organa at the targeting controls, Jabba the Hutt's legendary Sail Barge vehicle, now evacuated by many of the late slug's underworld criminal associates, is about to destroy itself next to the Great Pit of Carkoon. Another memorable image from Return of the Jedi, from the successful climax to the exciting battle in liberating Han Solo.

'SPECIAL EDITION' CLASSIC IMAGE: YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE...

Deciding to slightly expand the lead-in to the demise of the alluring slave girl Oola to the fearsome Rancor deep in Jabba the Hutt's pit on Tatooine, George Lucas and Rick McCallum were luckily able to contact actress/dancer actress/dancer Femi Taylor, who'd return to her memorable if short-lived role for filming at ILM, and the new scene's eventual inclusion within the Return of the Jedi - Special Edition, which debuted twenty-five years ago today (March 7th, 1997) in the US.

'SPECIAL EDITION' CLASSIC IMAGE: RETURN OF THE WAMPA!

Celebrating today's Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back - Special Edition, here's a behind the scenes look at the biggest new scene/revision made to that film- an expanded version of Luke's capture and escape from his Wampa captor on Hoth. The scene would feature a new cave set build at ILM, with Harold 'Howie' Weed playing the creature (in a newly built suit/facial head based on early concepts art), and directed by George Lucas, who would excitedly make the film's original director, Irvin Kershner, aware of the upcoming cinematic changes.

The Wampa enjoys his first course. Storyboards by George Hull.

Planning the set, built at a reduced height to make the monster look bigger on screen.

Testing the in-progress new Wampa costume at ILM.

Howie Weed gets hungry as the old/new Wampa.

Don Bies and colleague Mark Siegel make a costume adjustment during filming at ILM.

Lucas confers with Bies and Howie Weed (who has oxygen being fed him his mouth).

Celebrating today's anniversary:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_WdDXy4VS0

'SPECIAL EDITION' CLASSIC IMAGE: BACK WHERE THEY BELONG!

This week sees the 25th Anniversary of the now controversial Star Wars Trilogy Special Editions, which were enjoyed by fans upon original release, kickstarting the saga anew on the big screen to delighted audiences old and new worldwide, and they made a helluva lot of money (more than anyone expected for a then twenty-year old film), much of the tie-in profits going towards the production costs of the then eagerly-awaited, upcoming Prequels.

Here's one of the above American newspaper ads heralding the saga's return to cinemas in 1997 - poster art by the legendary Drew Struzan.

BEHIND THE SCENES: SUITIN' UP!

Hayden Christensen is once more the coolest man in the room, this time trying on the bulky and formidable Darth Vader costume developed and built by Ivo Coveny and his team in Australia for 2003's EPISODE III climactic appearance of the Dark Lord. Note the helmet/shoulder plates have not been finished yet in this image.

This image has surfaced online credited to being part of the filming of EPISODE III. Is this the footage of Hayden as Vader filming extra dialogue ultimately unused for the Special Edition of The Empire Strikes Back, the version that came to DVD in 2004 and whose shooting is mentioned in J.W Rinzler's 'Making of' book for EPISODE III?

'SPECIAL EDITION' CLASSIC IMAGE: DESTINATION - DEATH STAR!

Ahead of them lies one of the most terrifying sights the Yavin base-launched Rebel fighter assault squad has ever seen. But that won't stop them from initiating their boldest and most dangerous mission - penetrating the Empire's planet-killing Death Star, and its immense shielding and heavy weaponry, in order to destroy it via a small thermal exhaust port! May the Force truly be with them!

A terrific revised CGI effects image from the 1997 'Special Edition' of Star Wars: A New Hope.

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: A CITY IN THE CLOUDS!

Han Solo enjoys the Cloud City scenery, as detailed in an early script draft.

The stunning beauty of Cloud City, and its outdoor air traffic, is once more effectively showcased in this great art by Ralph McQuarrie. Though his concept final for the Bespin apartment occupied by Princess Leia and Han Solo wasn't used in the original 1979 movie (for reasons unknown), UK Production Designer Norman Reynold's circular set design interior would nonetheless adhere to its interior (including its roof ceiling). By the time of the1999 Special Editions onwards, George Lucas would have the McQuarrie exterior reinstated within his plans to open up the Bespin/Cloud City location more with the new CGI technology available to ILM.

The original matte painting for the Bespin apartment exterior.
 

Revised for the Special Edition onwards,

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

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY, 'STAR WARS TRILOGY - SPECIAL EDITION'

International teaser composition featuring Drew Struzan's poster elements.

Whether you liked the changes (the first of many) or not, there's no denying it was a wonderful cathartic community experience to have the three Classic Trilogy films back on the big screen and generating such box office and Hollywood industry buzz anew, surely beyond anything expected by Lucasfilm or 20TH CENTURY FOX- everything about the return of STAR WARS, and the diverse, wonderful, controversial things that would spawn from it, started today twenty years ago, with other countries soon equally caught in the anticipation of seeing these films in a way not experienced before, or in a viewing environment not experienced since childhood.

Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition Trailer - YouTube

George Lucas On the Special Editions of the Original STAR WARS Trilogy - YouTube

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: STAR WARS SPECIAL EDITIONS

CLASSIC ART: THE 'STAR WARS' MOGUL!

VANITY FAIR, EMPIRE and ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY have done it, so why shouldn't the popular sci-fi/horror/special effects magazine CINEFANTASTIQUE have its own unique version of the Most Powerful People list. Back in 1999, with the success of the STAR WARS SPECIAL EDITIONS and the all-new upcoming EPISODE I, George Lucas won the top spot and the prestigious cover of their April issue, flanked with two of his greatest saga icons, Yoda and Darth Vader, in this great art by David Voigt.

SPECIAL EDITION CLASSIC IMAGE: A FRIEND TO SAVE THE DAY!

Biggs might not be around to help Luke from escaping the diligent TIE fighter on his X-wing fighter's tail over the Death Star, but Wedge Antilles certainly is, making a surprise but no less welcome appearance to save the day, in this revamped effects shot for the STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE Special Edition. The entire 1997 20th Anniversary version of the Classic Trilogy returns to US cinema screens via the Alamo Drafthouse chain during August, and I'm sure it'll be a huge success.

More info here: 'Star Wars' original trilogy gets rare big-screen re-release | EW.com

SPECIAL EDITION CLASSIC IMAGE: ICON MARKETING!

They successfully put the STAR WARS franchise back at the top of the box office tree and won millions of new fans now joining in with the old guard waiting anxiously for the then Prequels. Yes, the STAR WARS TRILOGY SPECIAL EDITIONs were a big success (though fans at the time didn't expect them to replace the original versions of the films that had been so previously beloved in '77, '80 and '83). Certainly the goodwill and celebrations for the 20th Anniversary of STAR WARS carried over further into the VHS (yes, VHS!) release of this spruced up and CGI added trilogy, of which the above promotional piece (featuring all new character photography taken at Skywalker Ranch Archives) would be one most prized by collectors of the day.

ILM CLASSIC IMAGE: HELLO UP THERE!

No, its not a scene from the Land of the Giants TV series, but something up above has certainly caught the attentions of George Lucas, Rick McCallum and company at ILM, in this interesting behind the scenes shot linked to The Special Editions.

OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'STAR WARS TREASURY- THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY'

A lovely book that has seemingly not quite gotten the publicity it rightly deserves (not even a mention on the official STARWARS.COM site that I could find!) - presumably due to the merchandise storm build-up that has exploded for other areas linked to THE FORCE AWAKENS - is the newly released in the UK STAR WARS TREASURY, from Egmont Books. A great modern storybook for young readers and Kidults to enjoy, the STAR WARS publishing universe's respected Ryder Windham and the equally celebrated talents of entertainment illustrator Brain Rood have joined forces to present a lovingly crafted adaptation of the first three blockbusting, cinema re-defining STAR WARS movies - From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker - as of their post 1997 Special Edition guises.

Alongside Windham's efficient scene-conveying prose, Rood gets the chances to illustrate the saga's greatest scenes in 120 pieces, adapting/enhancing classic photographic images to artistic form (some of which he improves on), as well as providing his own stunning new works and interpretations of beloved moments in film and pop culture history, the majority of which are used to their best as lavishly-printed full spreads. Standouts for this reviewer are many: STAR WARS (A NEW HOPE) - a lovely shot of Han meeting Jabba and his goons in Docking Bay 94, and the classic chasm swing of Luke and Leia, EMPIRE- Chewbacca's watching out for the Probe Droid on the cold surface of Hoth, the dreaded dinner at Bespin with Vader, and Luke's Falcon rescue, plus JEDI's thrilling speeder bike chase and the Ewoks slugging it out with beleaguered Stormtroopers!

Its a lovely book for fans, especially delightful for younger readers new to the saga who will want to bedtime read catch-up on the heroes of George Lucas's original universe before they see them matured within the all-new galactic action and excitement of THE FORCE AWAKENS. It also makes for a lovely Christmas gift for all ages, currently available online at a good price.

AFICIONADO rating: 3.5 out of 5

Front and back cover, though the book's title has since changed.

Get the book here: Star Wars Treasury: The Original Trilogy: Amazon.co.uk: Brian Rood, Ryder Windham: 9781405280228: Books

Website: The Art of Brian Rood

'SPECIAL EDITION' CLASSIC IMAGE: SOME FANCY FLYING!

When chased by the Imperial Navy, the unexpected is always best, as Han Solo uses his deft piloting skills to manuevere the Millennium Falcon through a lethal asteroid field in order to escape pesky TIE fighters. A scene not from THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, but one of Van Ling's excellent CGI graphics menus for the STAR WARS SPECIAL EDITIONs eventual debut on DVD in 2004.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 'STAR WARS'!

They may have had a love/hate relationship with LUCASFILM since 1983, but the respected special effects magazine CENEFANTASTIQUE always had great coverage on STAR WARS nonetheless, and certainly created a very memorable 20th Anniversary special back for the Special Edition releases in February 1997, what with this great collage of art featuring beloved characters human and alien from across the Classic Trilogy. The image is just as relevant today, as the original Star Wars and Return of the Jedi celebrate their landmark releases.

Image: via The Star Wars magazines encyclopedia

Hear an audience react to Star Wars for the first time in 1977 - Boing Boing
Star Wars | British Board of Film Classification
▶ All Changes Made to Star Wars: A New Hope (Comparison Video) PART I - YouTube
▶ All Changes Made to Star Wars: A New Hope (Comparison Video) PART II - YouTube

BEHIND THE SCENES: ARRIVAL ON YAVIN IV!

Now landed on the lush jungle world of Yavin IV, Princess Leia and our heroes are collected and escorted by two speeder transports for delivery into a Massassi Temple housing the Rebel Alliance's secret base and hangar bay. Shot on Wednesday 14th July, 1976, this live-action scene was originally filmed by a second unit (with Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Peter Mayhew in attendance, with a double (paid £38.15p) for Anthony Daniels as Threepio (presumably in a spare golden suit), who was back at Elstree filming alongside Kenny Baker as Artoo. Having already returned States-side, Harrison Ford, prior completing his filming on June 24th, 1976, would also be replaced here by an unknown stand-in (paid £24.25p) outside one of two immense plane building hangars located at RAF Cardington Air Establishments in Bedfordshire, with a superb matte painting overlaid by Harrison Ellenshaw during ILM's Post Production*. 

A sequence of the two arriving speeder transports (in the original Fourth Draft script to have been a single military vehicle) moving off with their passengers on a stretch of road by the huge hangar (also presumably to have been overlaid with art) was additionally shot that day but ultimately cut from the film (though luckily captured for reference purposes on colour Polaroid by Script Supervisor Ann Skinner).

* For the later SPECIAL EDITIONs of the film, additional background embellishments were added to the distant hangar area.