Tuesday 31 March 2015

BEHIND THE SCENES: RED FLIGHT AT ELSTREE


In his cramped cockpit at Elstree Studios, ten to twelve feet of the studio floor, during the height of the soaring 1976 British summer, actor Drewe Henley (still being annoyingly mispelt as "Drewe Hemley" in the original STAR WARS end cast listing as of the 2011 restored Blu-ray!) films his scenes as Red (originally Blue) Leader of the key X-wing squadron attacking the Death Star.

Below are a selection of cockpit images of the fighter pilots taken by Script Supervisor Ann Skinner during that shoot, which were displayed at last year's BFI exhibition and are now back in their Special Collections. Sadly not included in the exhibition but also shot were colour cockpit Polaroids of Jack Klaff as "John D", Robert O'Mahoney as Red Ten, and a pilot specifically marked as Red Twelve, who I cannot confirm was actor John Chapman (who played the character for the background Rebel briefing room scenes) as the image was ultimately too blurred below the helmet. However, when matched with what's seen in the finished film, the unique helmet markings of Red Twelve definitely confirm that this pilot's fiery death was substituted over Red Ten's (O'Mahoney) during the US editing of the trench run sequence in post production.

Red Leader (Drewe Henley). 
Red Two- Wedge (Denis Lawson).
Red Three - Biggs (Garrick Hagon).
Red Six- Porkins (William Hootkins).
Red Twelve's (actor unknown) demise, used for Red Ten's onscreen death during the film's editing.
A shot of Wedge's helmet on the set.

With the droids accompanying the pilots, Skinner's hand-written continuity notes indicate Red Ten had a B/W domed droid, John D's was script-noted as having a "scar" and was a white top droid with R5 head, and Porkins (also referred to in the continuity script as "Piggy") had a white Artoo with taller type head- 2 red stripes around the top. There was also a cream/green-painted Artoo head listed. Skinner's continuity script additionally has Red Twelve's "standing by" confirmation line.

With thanks to Ann Skinner and the BFI Special Collections.

STAR WARS: The Complete Saga auf Blu-ray: Actor Interviews: Ewan McGregor HD - YouTube

BEHIND THE SCENES: ARE WE DREAMING THIS?


Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson enjoy the fun of clashing lightsaber blades (or rather rehearsal rods) with Ray Park, as duel choreography continues at Leavesden Studios, during the Summer of 1997, for EPISODE I.

"I nearly s++t myself! I just died of excitement." So said Ewan McGregor of filming the stunts/action for EPISODE I, to FILM REVIEW magazine's June 2002 issue.

STAR WARS AFICIONADO sends Happy Birthday greetings out to Ewan McGregor today!

Monday 30 March 2015

OUT NOW ON BLU-RAY AND DVD: 'INTERSTELLAR'

Image: WARNER BROTHERS.

Humanity's greatest adventure in the stars awaits, as Christopher Nolan's modern-day 2001, INTERSTELLAR, makes is spectacular debut on UK Blu-ray, DVD and DIGITAL HD, courtesy of WARNER BROTHERS.

Interstellar Trailer (Trailer #4) - IMDb

All of Nolan's films over the years have been must-sees, and INTERSTELLAR, which features a terrific and emotionally stirring lead performance from Matthew McConaughey as father and space pilot pioneer Cooper, is no exception. And it's a super warm-up whilst we await the space fantasy of the surely no less compelling EPISODE VII...

Check out the review here: KOOL TV REVIEW: 'INTERSTELLAR' (2-DISC BLU-RAY)

CLASSIC ART: A DISTANT GALAXY, A DARING MISSION!


The now immortal cover art by Ralph McQuarrie for that first Del Rey book publishing of STAR WARS, written by George Lucas (aka Alan Dean Foster) from December 1976 (the time period when the film was to have been originally released, before production and effects problems delayed it into 1977), showing us his exciting concepts for the saga's immortal main hero, Luke Skywalker, and villain with Darth Vader. The book swiftly sold out 125, 000 copies by February 1977, and was surely an exciting primer for the upcoming theatrical release in May. I'd love to know what people thought of the book at the time, before they saw the film...

I personally never saw a copy of the novelisation in the UK until after the film's December 1977 release (of which Sphere Books had the territory publication rights), but if anyone has any more info as to whether the US version book actually ever made it to the UK stores before then, please get in touch...

A look back at the classic novel and the differencies between it and the finished film: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B80ITjM31EVROUhFN3p2T1Fja2s/view?usp=sharing

Sunday 29 March 2015

THE 'SITH' AT 10: DARK DEEDS AND DARKER PLANS


On the bridge of their Imperial cruiser, the triumvulate of evil that is Captain Tarkin, The Emperor and his henchman, Darth Vader, study the impressive work in progress that is the world devastator eventually christened Death Star, in this brief but memorable moment from from the finale of EPISODE III.

BACK IN UK CINEMAS: 'BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT'

Image: BFI.

BLADE RUNNER, the ultimate fusion of haunting film noir and unsettling science future warning, featuring Harrison Ford in one of his finest roles as the often coldly resilient, against the odds Replicant-hunter Rick Deckard, soon finding that the targets he's pursuant of will prove more human than he is in many ways, is deservedly back in UK cinemas from April 3rd, via its The Final Cut restoration, courtesy of the BFI. And, if you've never seen this incredible and genuinely artistic triumph from visionary director Ridley Scott on the big screen where it belongs, then you genuinely owe it to yourself to track it down.

Blade Runner: The Final Cut (New Trailer) - In cinemas 3 Apr | BFI release - YouTube
In cinemas: Blade Runner: The Final Cut (1982/2007) | BFI
KOOL TV: A REQUIEM FOR HUMANITY. 'BLADE RUNNER' - BACK IN UK CINEMAS!

In London, the PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA is screening it in an exclusive run: Blade Runner : The Final Cut Screening

Saturday 28 March 2015

STAR WARS REBELS: 'FULCRUM' REVEALED!

A different time, a different struggle for former Jedi Ahsoka Tano, in STAR WARS REBELS. Image: DISNEY.

Her return to the STAR WARS universe probably one of the behind the scene team's worst kept secrets- hell, co-creator Dave Filoni pretty much said she was coming back at CELEBRATION EUROPE II, before STAR WARS REBELS had even aired! - the revelation of Ahsoka Tano being the shadowy Rebel spy "Fulcrum" was warmly welcomed by THE CLONE WARS fans, giving the late series a welcome bridging with its animated successor. It should be very intriguing to find out what happens next, and just how far integrated Tano will be in future REBELS seasons and with its main group. Does she know that Darth Vader is Anakin Skywalker, and just how did she escape the galactic purge initiated in Order 66? Importantly, will she and Vader finally, and fan expectantly, clash lightsabers?

Season Two of REBELS looks set to expand the series format greatly, with new worlds, new heroes and new villains promised, whilst having a good time celebrating the adventurous era of the Classic Trilogy to which it's set. Truth be told, the show, despite a fast springing and voracious core fanbase, has not yet made the kind of international ratings impact with general audiences that THE CLONE WARS did in its premiere year, but the upcoming changes and this next, longer episode run, will surely make amends...

▶ Rebels Recon #14: Inside "Fire Across the Galaxy" - YouTube
A Jedi returns in 'Star Wars Rebels' finale
| EW Community | EW.com
Interview: Dave Filoni on Star Wars Rebels, Part 3 | StarWars.com
Sarah Michelle Gellar joins 'Star Wars Rebels' in season 2 | EW.com
(Exclusive) Info on Sarah Michelle Gellars character in Star Wars: Rebels! | Star Wars Time
Star Wars Rebels Co-Creator on Season 1's Big Death and Big Return and Where Season 2 Will Go - IGN
Kanan: The Last Padawan #1 – Exclusive 5-page Preview | StarWars.com

Friday 27 March 2015

CLASSIC IMAGE: ONE DOWN, TWO TO GO!


Above the treacherous Sarlaac Pit, Luke Skywalker flexes his Jedi muscles in combat against Jabba's lethal alien henchmen, as the battle to liberate his friends gathers momentum, during Return of the Jedi.

Thursday 26 March 2015

CLASSIC IMAGE: WAR WOUNDS!


Taken out by the dark and powerful forces of the now Sith converted Count Dooku, the injured forms of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi can now only watch as Master Yoda confronts their new enemy, in this dark scene from EPISODE II.

Wednesday 25 March 2015

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 35: DON'T MESS WITH A PRINCESS!


She's lost her man, and boy is she angry! An at-her-best Princess Leia blasts a Stormtrooper as she and her hero friends make their way to the Falcon, for intended pursuit of Boba Fett and the Carbon-frozen Han Solo, in this classic moment of drama and action from The Empire Strikes Back.


Tuesday 24 March 2015

CLASSIC IMAGE: JAR JAR MEETS THE DROIDS!


As the damage alarms sound on the Naboo Royal Cruiser- the vessel hit by Trade Federation blockade laser fire - the curious Jar Jar Binks (here played in human form by Ahmed Best) encounters Artoo Detoo and other worker Astro Droids, in this scene from EPISODE I.

Monday 23 March 2015

BEHIND THE SCENES: OUT OF THE TRASH COMPACTOR!


Having narrowly avoided a life-threatening tight-squeeze inside one of the Death Star's Trash Compactors, and now in an adjacent and dusty, seldom used sub-corridor/hallway, our Star Warriors Han Solo and Luke Skywalker abandon their stormtrooper disguises and get another taste of Princess Leia's fiery attitude, in a classic scene from the original STAR WARS.

Image:Ann Skinner/BFI.
Image: Ann Skinner/BFI.

Ann Skinner's continuity Polaroids for this scene show Princess Leia near the abandoned trooper costume frames, whilst another shows her with Luke changed back to his farmboy duds and putting on a stormtrooper equipment belt- we're not sure if its a behind the scenes moment or a deleted one (likely the former, though Carol Titelman's script translation for THE ART OF STAR WARS does describes our heroes changing their clothes and strapping on their blaster belts- the end of their changing seen in the movie). Two other B/W Polaroids Skinner taken, sadly not included in last year's BFI exhibition but within their Special Collection, show the barely seen in the movie distance end of the set leading from the open hatch into the Trash Compactor- not the actual original studio set itself but a background fake perspective recreation set-dressed with lots of foreground junk pieces (pipes, grabage and assembled crushed-together items). Originally, from the 19th April 1976 script, the Dia Noga creature was to have banged a searching tentacle against the hatch, but in the final movie a sound effect of the creature exemplified its displeasure instead.

With thanks to Ann Skinner and the BFI Special Collections.

Sunday 22 March 2015

CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF THE 'CLONE WARS' MICRO-SERIES - SEASON TWO


Now disappointingly ignored from the official STAR WARS canon timeline by the LUCASFILM Story Group (despite its being sanctioned by George Lucas, who specifically asked for it to reflect the main title crawl of the then upcoming EPISODE III), the second season of the 2-D animated CLONE WARS micro-series, award-winningly brought to life by Genndy Tartakovsky via Cartoon Network, was just as ambitious and action-packed as its earlier, short-bits 2003 run, bringing further new elements of excitement and cool-ness to the STAR WARS universe, and genuinely filling in the story/character gaps leading to the final Prequel movie's stunning opening space battle above Coruscant. Genuine and striking highlights would be the resolution to the previous season's cliffhanger introducing the psychotic General Grievous, and the Clone Arc Troopers exhilirating rescue of the near dead Jedi fighting it, led by Ki-Adi Mundi, plus the stunning Separatist invasion of the Republic's central world, as Yoda, once more on his trusty Kybuck steed, and a purple lightsaber-wielding Mace Windu lead the epic defence. All this, whilst Shaak Ti and friends try to protect their Supreme Chancellor Palpatine from abduction by Grievous and his magna-guards, during a sprawling, expansive action sequence that takes them above, across and below the city streets.

Terrific stuff!

▶ Star Wars - Clone Wars - Bridging the Saga - YouTube
How the Clone Wars microseries led the way for Star Wars' return to TV | Blastr

Saturday 21 March 2015

CLASSIC IMAGE: FISH OUT OF WATER!


Bold tactician and fiery leader Admiral Ackbar gives the orders, as Mon Calamari aides monitor the battle over Endor, in this early image showcasing the character and his race (originally to have emanated from the planet Dac) in a 1982 issue of the Bantha Tracks newsletter.


CLASSIC INDY: WATERY ESCAPADES!


Back in 1983, I'm sure that Harrison Ford would gamely have gone down a water-propelled ravine, within a yellow life raft, in order to bring believability to his adventures as Indiana Jones. But a more practical and less dangerous way was ultimately achieved to handle his close-ups, as seen in this fun behind the scenes image from Temple of Doom.

Friday 20 March 2015

DELETED SCENE: HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT!


'STAR WARS' FOURTH REVISED DRAFT: 19th April 1976

Scene 117. INT. DEATH STAR- MAIN FORWARD BAY- STARSHIP

Threepio looks around at the troops milling about the starship entry ramp.

THREEPIO: Where could they be?... Oh, oh!

Threepio ducks out of sight as a trooper looks over towards him. When the robot ventures another peek, he spots Han and Chewbacca in a tunnel on the other side of the starship.

Ann Skinner's original filming continuity script (now in the preserving hands of the BFI), alongside a linked/numbered colour polaroid showing the containers that Threepio hides behind in the scene, indicate that this moment was indeed filmed. The above publicity still is also further proof, and shows the containers.

With thanks to the BFI SPECIAL COLLECTIONS for their help and assistance.

'RED TAILS' ON UK TV THIS WEEKEND...

Earning their wings, the Tuskegee airmen of RED TAILS. Images: LUCASFILM. 

A long time in the making, George Lucas and Anthony Hemingway's flawed but good intentioned movie biography of those brave and dedicated Tuskegee airmen- RED TAILS- gets its first terrestrial screening in the UK, on BBC 2 this Sunday 22nd at 10.30pm, where it should look pretty great in HD, especially when showcasing ILM's genuinely spectacular and adrenaline-charged effects work...

In the thick of battle: STAR WARS REBELS David Oyelowo as Joe "Lightning' Little. 

▶ Red Tails (2012) HD Movie Trailer - Lucasfilm Official Trailer - YouTube
▶ Red Tails - George Lucas - Behind The Scenes - HD Movie - YouTube

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: RED TAILS

Thursday 19 March 2015

THE 'SITH' AT 10: CLOSE-QUARTER CLONES


Making the most of their surprise attack against Grievous's forces on Utapau, Commander Cody and his bold Clone Troopers press on with their advantage, in this visually memorable sequence from EPISODE III.

Wednesday 18 March 2015

OUT NOW IN UK PAPERBACK: 'HONOR AMONG THIEVES'


Its still early days for space smuggler extraordinaire Han Solo and his first mate Chewbacca's involvement in the Rebel Alliance, after vitally assisting Luke Skywalker in the destruction of the Death Star. So much so that, with their names not yet fully connected to the struggling band of freedom fighters, they can likely stay off the Imperial radar long enough to extract a top Rebel operative now in peril. But we all know it isn't going to be easy, despite the pair's ingenius, often unorthodox talent for navigating perilous situations, as the action-packed and solidly enjoyable second and final book in the Empire and Rebellion saga: Honor Among Thieves, penned by Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck (under their pen name James S.A. Corey), arrives in UK paperback form within the Legends collective, courtesy of ARROW.

Check out our original review and info here: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: HONOR AMONG THIEVES

Get the book here: Honor Among Thieves: Star Wars (Star Wars - Legends): Amazon.co.uk: James S. A. Corey: 9780345546876: Books

Tuesday 17 March 2015

THE CLONE WARS: A MESSAGE FROM UK FANS TO LUCASFILM...

Yoda senses disturbing times for frustrated UK fans of THE CLONE WARS. Image: LUCASFILM ANIMATION.

One year on from its original debut on the US NETFLIX service, STAR WARS AFICIONADO would like to re-remind LUCASFILM and DISNEY, beyond its American territories, that the UK's devoted fanbase are still officially waiting to see these these LOST MISSIONS episodes somewhere beyond the rip-off import prices for its Region Zero American/German releases. This last season of THE CLONE WARS deserves proper availability in the UK market- if not on Blu-ray/DVD then at least via this territory's version of NETFLIX. Why the delay?

Monday 16 March 2015

COMING TO THE UK THIS SUMMER: AN 'EMPIRE' REVEALED AT 'SECRET CINEMA'


Determined to immerse their viewers in the ultimate cinematic symbiosis of super-cool movie screenings and environmental recreational experiences, those impressive celluloid enthusiasts at the SECRET CINEMA, after prior huge success with ALIEN and BACK TO THE FUTURE, are taking a bold leap into the STAR WARS universe this Summer with their screening/recreation for THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK-a wonderful creative decision that's a perfect lead-in to December with THE FORCE AWAKENS. I'm betting on their building an immense Hoth Rebel Base interior and exterior landscape, complete with Tauntauns, Wampa and AT-AT's!


Booking link, commencing from March 18th: Star Wars
SECRET CINEMA. Tell no one.
FACEBOOK: Secret Cinema
Secret Cinema announces Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back as next event - Movies News - Digital Spy

CLASSIC IMAGE: ANAKIN AND THE NEXU!


Anakin uses his powers in the Force to tame the fierce Nexu beast, during the critical Geonosis Arena conflict of EPISODE II.

Sunday 15 March 2015

HAPPY UK MOTHER'S DAY!


Early conceptual art for EPISODE III showing a critical point in STAR WARS history bridging the Prequel and Sequel universes together: a reserved and noble-featured Breha Organa nurturing her adopted baby Leia on Alderaan.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all UK readers!

Saturday 14 March 2015

'STAR WARS' AT MADAME TUSSAUDS: UPDATE 2

All images: MADAME TUSSAUDS.

They previously showed us their incredible work on the Classic Trilogy characters being given waxwork creation for their stunning STAR WARS saga exhibition this coming May, now its only fair that London's MADAME TUSSAUDS dedicated behind the scenes team reveal a sneak peek of their equally fine work with the icons of the Prequel Trilogy: namely Anakin Skywalker (aka Darth Vader), Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn of the Jedi Order.

Angry Anakin.
Determined Obi-Wan.
Noble Qui-Gon.
Madame Tussauds London - Star Wars

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 35: REMEMBERING 'DEATH PROBE'


Continuing the air of darkness and violence so prevalent during events of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, MARVELS's first all-new original adventure from the sterling team of writer Archie Goodwin and artist Carmine Infantino, after the series previous acclaimed six-issue adaptation, sees Luke Skywalker, trapped on a derelict Rebel cruiser alongside buddy Artoo Detoo, using all of his skills as a pilot and a Jedi-to-be against an augmented and heavily armed Probe Droid that's under remote control from a glory-seeking Imperial commenader. Can Luke stop the droid before it discovers his identity, and locks onto the path of the incoming, on-the-run Rebel fleet?

Death Probe is a great first adventure launching the new series- the idea of using the Probe Droid as a combatant is one of the best seen in what was once the early days of the Expanded STAR WARS universe, and its artistically brought to striking life (check out the opening spread of the Probe Droid smashing into the cruiser's hull and blasting away at its Rebel prey- truly impactful)- a fine way to tell the comic reading audience that the encapsulating post EMPIRE storytelling/timeline has begun with a bang. As a solo story for Luke its equally important: seeing him testing his abilities after the mental and physical scars he received from duelling Darth Vader. Here, as his predicament worsens, he also uses the Force in a new way: controlling his breathing in order to make it look as if he's barely alive to the Probe Droid's sensor readings, and gets to wield his lightsaber (still being mis-spelled "Lightsabre"), presumably written and pencilled before the EMPIRE adaptation had been fully completed and it was known that Luke would ultimately lose the civilised weapon at Bespin.

Friday 13 March 2015

STAR WARS REBELS: THE TYRANNY OF TARKIN!


Like a walking cadaver, oozing evil and corruption from his pores, Grand Moff Tarkin's presence on the Outer Rim world of Lothal can only mean trouble of the worst kind for our STAR WARS REBELS, as DISNEY XD UK finally screen the season end building episode Call to Action tomorrow at 9am. Actor Stephen Stanton gives his best vocal tribute yet to the late, great Peter Cushing's unique and deadly Grand Moff.

▶ Star Wars Rebels: “Tarkin Arrives” - YouTube

The many faces of Tarkin. With thanks to Gozzi Eric Lien-Ko.

Thursday 12 March 2015

THE NEXT REBEL HEROINE? SPIN-OFF 'ROGUE ONE' CONFIRMED

Image: via STARWARS.COM.

British actress Felicity Jones, hotter than hot at the moment after her Oscar nominated success, has been confirmed as the first official cast member for the STAR WARS spin-off series launcher blasting into cinemas December 16th, 2016, to be directed by another en vogue and talented Brit: Gareth Edwards. The film has also been officially titled: Rogue One.

Congratulations to Miss Jones in joining the select STAR WARS heroines club-I'm sure they'll be lots of female fans/cosplayers out there anxiously awaiting her first onscreen trailer appearance come 2016...

Rogue One Title Revealed, Rian Johnson Confirmed for Star Wars: Episode VIII | StarWars.com

CLASSIC IMAGE: "A SITH HERE?!"


Nute Gunray and his Trade Federation lackey Rune Haako receive grim word from their shadowy "ally", Darth Sidious, of the impending arrival of Darth Maul on Naboo. A tense moment from EPISODE I.

Wednesday 11 March 2015

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.

Tuesday 10 March 2015

A 'SITH' AT 10: STRIKE AND COUNTERSTRIKE!


Each unable to find a penetrating hole in their attack and defence, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader continue their apocalyptic fight inside the environs of the Mustafar control base, in this electric lightsaber action scene from EPISODE III.

With thanks to Chris Baker for the image.

Monday 9 March 2015

EPISODE VII: RACING TO DESTINY!


SPOILER ALERT! A mysterious discovery, and the dangerous shockwave of events born from it, soon send the enigmatic, seemingly lone figure of Rey (Daisy Ridley) onto a speeder vehicle en route to an important life-changing meeting. An exciting, soon historic, sequence from EPISODE VII.

Recent EPISODE VII and spin-offs related news:

Star Wars Episode 7 News | UPDATE! Potential Description of Star Wars: The Force Awakens Teaser Trailer 2!
▶ Mark Hamill on 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens,' and Being Back on the Millenium Falcon - YouTube
Helidubai Pilot Speaks About His Work On Star Wars. - MakingStarWars.net
BBC News - Star Wars: Some rumours 'are true'
The 10 things Andy Serkis can say about 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' | EW.com
Star Wars: The Force Awakens: All About Leia & The Ultimate Weapons! - MakingStarWars.net
J.J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy to Kick Off Star Wars Celebration | StarWars.com
Star Wars: Fans should be very excited, says John Boyega - CBBC Newsround
Rumor: Han Solo Dialogue From 'The Force Awakens' Revealed | The Star Wars Underworld
George Lucas Rips Hollywood, ‘Stupid’ Cat Videos at Sundance | Variety
That’s no moon. It’s a Panavision! | The Black and Blue
JJ Abrams At VES Awards: “‘Star Wars’ A Dream Come True” | Deadline
Rumor: Sketch of Leia's 'The Force Awakens' Costume | The Star Wars Underworld
I’ve got a good feeling about this | The Sunday Times
Chris Weitz Star Wars Standalone: Writer Talks 2016 Film
‘The Force Awakens’ Recording Sessions: London or Los Angeles? | JOHN WILLIAMS Fan Network - JWFAN

ILM CLASSIC IMAGE: PHIL'S STOMPING GROUND!


Dennis Muren films test footage of Phil Tippett bravely enclosed in a Rancor costume, when it was originally planed to do the creature scenes with a man in a suit- a deliberate homage to the Japanese GODZILLA films. Results that didn't look too great when seen in dailies, and quickly prompted a re-think that utilized reshoots with Go-Motion puppetry instead.

Sunday 8 March 2015

THE CLONE WARS: DOOKU'S DELIGHT!


Count Dooku enjoys the pain and suffering being felt by the overwhelmed Anakin Skywalker, captured by the lethal Magna Droids, in this critical scene from the Season Four episode Shadow Warrior.

Saturday 7 March 2015

DELETED SCENE: SWINGING THE CHASM (THE PREQUEL!)


In a deleted scene originally planned as an echo/tribute to EPISODE IV's previous, now famous, chasm swing with Luke and Leia, their parents-to-be Padme and Anakin make a similar effort in a closed off area above the droid foundry. The brief sequence was scrapped and replaced when Lucas instead saw potential for a major action sequence set within the obstacle-packed droid foundry itself...

Deleted leap. Image: Jason Snell.