REMEMBERING THOSE WHO HELPED SHAPE THE SUCCESS OF “STAR WARS”     By SCOTT WELLER     Yep, the THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY of STAR WARS has proved to be a considerable success this year- and George Lucas' "little space movie for young people" is still as superb as ever, continuing to find new fans of all ages across the globe in whatever medium it breathes life in, be it books, movies, tv or comics.   From where it all began, George Lucas is the corner stone, the lit blue touch paper from where it all began like a supernova- the story, the characters, the look and feel of it all, the entire universe-it all comes from him-and we'll all be eternally greatful of the day that he put pen to paer to come up with the film on those handwritten notes he outlined in May 1973, and for the amazing imagination within that fertile mind of his that, even now, continues to spur on into new heights of creativity. STAR WARS (or STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE-whatever you want to call it!!), in this writer's mind, is still the best film of the saga and has yet to be equalled, primatrily because Lucas is there at the beginning in every way, and nothing has equalled it's raw power of enjoyment, in my eyes, since..   It was a struggle for Lucas to get the film made- a struggle that would last for five years. It was a risk, but one that ultimately paid off. To get this film made, for it to leap from the imagination of Lucas's mind onto the celluloid screen, the young director needed help, assembling some of the best people working in the cinema at that time to achieve his goal. On this thirtieth anniversary, we quite rightly continue to celebrate talents like George Lucas, Ralph McQuarrie (whose wonderous creative and artistic insights launched a visual style that hasn't bettered), Alan Ladd Jr, John Williams, Richard Edlund, Dennis Muren, Joe Johnston, Ben Burtt-all amzing people and all quite rightly congratulated for their work. In this anniversary year, however, let us also remember the great talents that are no longer with us-the brilliant Production Designer John Barry, who helped realise Joe Johnston and Ralph McQuarrie's superb environments into practical set reality (making any visitors to the ELSTREE Studio's in 1976 amazed by the uniqueness of the upcoming movie). Let's not forget, John Stears and his practical UK team (of which only Stears would be credited for his contribution to STAR WARS-none of his UK team mates were credited in the end titles, event though all of the rising star ILM team members were) for their hard work in bringing the many droids like Artoo Detoo to life, realising the Landspeeder, the light sabers and all of the other iconic effects -all of which might have seemed impossible to create to other film-makers in 1973- that, though they have been improved upon since, started with this movie. Let's also not forget Gilbert Taylor. His long experience and film-making style may have regrettably clashed with the young independent film-maker (years later, apparently, he would even be banished from being allowed in for the premiere party for THE STAR WARS SPECIAL EDITION in London in 1997!!), used to doing his own camera-set ups and changing lights (the veteran cinematographer, unbeknownst to Lucas, also being under orders from FOX to have his work adhere to their own visual requests for the film), but lets not forget the beautiful clean and sharp look he brought to  the DEATH STAR scenes, as well as the wild beauty of Tatooine, the grimy criminal atmosphere of the cantina and the organic green and brown colour scheme of a growing Rebellion on Yavin IV. Again, the artistic palettes for cinematography may have changed and improved over the years, but STAR WARS still looks fantastic from a photography vantage. And in particular, on this important anniversary year, if there's one person still being overlooked for his contributions to the STAR WARS universe, let's also not forget the film-maker still continually active in today's tough world of the movie-making environment-Gary Kurtz-producer of STAR WARS and THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Despite the problems of getting STAR WARS off the ground, and despite the complex nightmares of the even more ambitious EMPIRE, the majority of which were unforseen and could not have been avoided, Gary Kurtz would be the further important under-pinning that made the STAR WARS SAGA the sucess it is today. With a talent for character and storytelling, a strong eye for direction, film-making and photography, and in the areas of special effects photography, Kurtz would help Lucas shape the films into the success they have become today. And as Producer, let's not forget his contributions-on EMPIRE, it was Kurtz who selected Kershner to direct the important sequel (a superb choice to helm the film), it was Kurtz who chose Peter Suschitsky (whom many think gave the STAR WARS saga its best cinematography with EMPIRE). It would also be Kurtz who maintained a strict quality control on all areas of the films, especially EMPIRE, from the way the film was marketed, to toy creation and promotion, to the dailies film footage being shot at ELSTREE and ILM, to the help, protection and support he gave the films young stars, this producers talent and hard work on the films should not be overlooked. With the revolution of the STAR WARS INSIDER by TITAN MAGAZINES, let us hope that the magazine one day returns to its glory days of the mid nineties in terms of content. Lets find out more behind the scene material on our favourite films, in particular, more interviews, with decent questions rather than the same old same old, with the cast and crews that made these films, and a reduction in the toy marketing content. So many people who have contributed to STAR WARS have died in the last few years and none of their stories or anecdotes have been recorded or detailed (an example being David Tomblin- when did anyone talk to him about his extensive work on EMPIRE and JEDI-I don't recall him ever being interviewed for a STAR WARS magazine). LUCASFILM has the access-lets talk to these people. Let's talk to Gary Kurtz in depth about both films- I don't think I've seen an interviw with Kurtz in an official STAR WARS magazine since 1980!!!-lets talk to Gilbert Taylor again (rather than a re-hashing of a ten year old interview!!). And what about Richard Marquand on JEDI-his contributions to the final film of the CLASSIC SAGA are also left un-explored-how about talking with his estate and his family about his work on the film (and with JEDI there is still so much to find out on its making-it's top secret making-has anyone ever seen the original shooting script for the film-of which only three full copies existed? How about a book printing?). So much to be explored still, so many people and their talents to be celebrated. As this anniversary year comes to an end, let us raise our glasses in toast to all the creative talents who worked on the STAR WARS films, and let us also hope that their hard work is explored in greater detail in the STAR WARS years that are still to come.   WE SALUTE YOU!!

MY OWN PERSONAL STAR WARS MEMORIES!!     By Scott Weller     As we now approach the official end of STAR WARS THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS, I thought I’d share some of my personal favourite, as well as not so favourite, memories of the STAR WARS SAGA that I have so enjoyed since I was a little boy. I hope my reminisces will encourage others to write in and let me know their own memories of enjoying the STAR WARS SAGA....       Looking at the first editorial on the movie in the UK PHOTOPLAY film magazines. One summer 1977 issue in particular, which had a four page feature on a little film called STAR WARS that was proving to be a successful as JAWS at the box office. The pictorial spread was just incredible to this eager seven year old, on his way to the local country fete with his father, and would linger in the mind-especially the images of Threepio and Artoo (even in black and white), and the classic shot of Ben and Vader dueling. This was the beginning of my love affair with STAR WARS. Seeing the first trailer at the ODEON STREATHAM in late 1976. We, mum and me, walked in late (we always liked to see the coming attractions) and it was literally on the big screen-I recall Chewbacca's face BIG the moment we were struggling in the dark trying to find seats. Then the scene of Threepio being lowered into the liquid, then the laser sword duel. Then, the big explosion..and the mighty words of STAR WARS. Going to the cinema in January 1978 and seeing the film. I remember working with my dad in his shop-a trip to WH SMITH stationery and book/magazine shop for a treat of some kind-normally a sci-fi magazine or film book-then we met up with mum and went into the ODEON STREATHAM to see this amazing new film. It was the 6pm screening and there were no crowds-though the inside foyer was busy. When the film started, my jaw dropped and it literally stayed like that for two hours-I remember we were all having trouble hearing what Harrison Ford was saying/mumbling-I don't remember the cinema having DOLBY. I remember my heart broken and crying when Obi-Wan Kenobi was killed and yet, minutes later, totally engrossed when the TIEs attacked the FALCON. And then there was the DEATH STAR trench-so exhilarating. When we left the cinema, I couldn't believe the line of people wanting to see the film for its 9pm showing-it went on forever. The line must have been a mile long!!! I'd never seen anything like it. I had to see this film again..very soon. We were all amazed by it. I remember lots of playground recreations-I was normally Luke (which as cool for a time). I remember recreating the Sandpeople attack numerous times with my cousin in the garden. The neighbors must have thought I was mad! STAR WARS wallpaper-it was so great-my bedroom was covered in it on one side of its wall. My mum’s painting of Darth Vader on my inside bedroom door soon replaced what used to be the heroic Dark Knight figure of Batman. My first PALITOY figures my mum brought home from a shopping trip at BRITISH HOME STORES department store-See-Threepio and a Jawa (and you'll have to guess whether the cape was plastic or wool!!) Reading the UK MARVEL STAR WARS weekly comic from cover to cover-I loved it even if it wasn’t in full colour like the small US monthly magazines. Seeing the STARLOG cover of the STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL in 1979 and wondering why it hadn't been shown on ITV (ten years later I found out why!!) The first clip of EMPIRE shown several weeks prior to the release of the film-with Leia shouting “Luke..don’t it’s a trap. It’s a trap!!” I must have seen that clip dozens of times afterwards-to the point that the tape of that one scene was wearing out. Soon after, my cousin and I had created an EMPIRE play based around what footage we had seen so far, including one of the early trailers, and what we could glean info wise on the EMPIRE's plot. Getting the MARVEL COMICs paperback adaptation of EMPIRE. I remember being shocked that it came out so early at my local bookshop. I tried not to read it-to skim over it, but it was soon too much for me!! Meeting Mark Hamill and Dave Prowse for the first time at the FORBIDDEN PLANET signing in London’s Denmark Street-again, lines around the block with my mum literally pleading to join the front end of the line (she did it!!!)-an amazing lunchtime-then going to the ODEON to see EMPIRE-it looked so big-the walker battle was incredible!!- but I remember coming down the mighty foyer steps of the cinema and we were slightly disappointed that the film had ended on a note of “to be continued”. And then there was that Vader revelation-I thought he was lying. If it were true, the consequences for Luke were too scary to think about for this ten year old. Xmas 1980 and the discovery that my brother (with money from good old mum), on holiday in the US, had brought home a huge stack of EMPIRE KENNER toys that hadn't yet been released in the UK-how my brother and his wife got it all through customs I really don't know!! The first pic of Admiral Ackbar in BANTHA TRACKS and remembering how cool he looked. Later, going to the DOMINION theatre in London, and seeing Drew Struzan’s first poster for the film-with the words REVENGE OF THE JEDI on them. I sat looking at that image for ages!! The HARRODS department store JEDI exhibition of props which I went to with my mum, my school friend and his mum-seeing the huge Gammorrean Guard costume prop and being over-awed, and lots of pictures on the display walls-including several outdoor forest pics with Han and Chewie captured by Stormtroopers. The trailer for RETURN (“The circle closes!!”) was on a constant loop on a TV monitor screen. It was such an exciting, visual feast, that trailer. I watched it about fourteen times and never got bored, staying fixed to the spot near the television and having to be literally lured away by my mum when she bought me an action figure from RETURN. Once again, reading the comic and novel early. I read parts of the novel first and was stunned that Vader was Luke's father. Oh no!! And the there was the photos. And that shot of Leia with Jabba. I was thirteen and it was hubba hubba time!! Meeting Anthony Daniels at a signing at FORBIDDEN PLANET 2 bookstore, now at London’s St Giles High Street, and meeting an older kid in the line who said he had a copy of JEDI that he had gotten hold of from an airline flight that was showing it-he was besieged by requests for copies from people in the line next to me as well-I'm not an advocate of video piracy but Shaun, twenty five years later, I'm, still waiting or it!! Seeing JEDI twice at the DOMINION theatre-an afternoon show with mum and an evening show with my brother and his wife (I remember my bro’ coming out amazed by the space battle). Two totally different but highly appreciative audiences!! Seeing JEDI at the cinema for the last time in 1983 with my dad, coming fuill circle back at the ODEON STREATHAM, and telling him that the next film would be about five years from then, in 1988, as Lucas was taking a short break!! Short break-what an understatement!! Reading the first new STAR WARS novel-HEIR TO THE EMPIRE and absolutely loving it-thank you Mister Zahn!!   Going to the Royal premiere of the STAR WARS SPECIAL EDITION. Coming out of the cinema and seeing Mark Hamill leap into the love of the still waiting fans and signing autographs for ages!! Meeting the always friendly Garrick Hagon and telling him how nice it was to see one of his scenes put back into the movie. A member of the stalls audience on the opening Friday night of the  EMPIRE SPECIAL EDITION release at the ODEON LEICESTER SQUARE, with his lightsaber, challenging Darth Vader to a duel -the pair effortlessly recreating the beginning of the carbon freezing chamber duel fight!!   Coming out of the RETURN OF THE JEDI special edition full of joy that the saga had returned so successfully to the big screen. Seeing the EPISODE ONE trailer at a special press launch at the ODEON LEICESTER SQUARE. We all loved it so much we demanded to see it again-and we did!! I remember how the cinema's owner was so excited that the STAR WARS saga was coming back to the cinemas after the success of the SPECIAL EDITIONS. Being in Florida to see THE PHANTOM MENACE at DISNEY PLEASURE ISLAND’s AMC cinema a couple of weeks after it opened (it wasn’t in the UK until a few months later). I remember being in shell shock for the first forty minutes or so that STAR WARS had come back (and I was visible awed to see the opening title crawl again)-by the time of the battle of Naboo I was hooked and so was the audience, when Obi-Wan took on Darth Maul on his own, I remember the guy behind me enthusiastically shouting encouragement for Obi to kill him!! Unexpectedly walking into Hayden Christensen in London’s West End the day his play THIS IS OUR YOUTH started (I'd forgotten it was on) and getting a chance to talk to him and get his autograph (I didn't have any STAR WARS memorabilia on me so I desperately had him sign the cover of an ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY that I'd brought that day. He signed over Jennifer Garner’s ample bosom on the cover-which we both had a laugh at. Hayden's a nice guy and I really wish him the best of success for his film career, especially with the recent debut of the trailer for his all action movie JUMPER.   Seeing ATTACK OF THE CLONES in New York at LOEWS with my good friend Gerry. Another great line, another great audience. Finishing off the first issue of STAR WARS AFICIONADO and desperately hoping that it would find a readership of some kind!! CELEBRATIONS III and IV- a lot of great memories and laughs with Ian T and Chris B - two of my best STAR WARS buddies. THE STAR WARS DAY in London in May 2005-seeing all six films finally on the big screen at the EMPIRE LEICESTER SQUARE-still my favourite modern screen in London since 1989,and getting to shake hands with Ian McDiarmid, George Lucas, Hayden Christensen and Rick McCallum-I didn't want to wash my hands after that but, y'know, cleanliness… Meeting Mark Hamill again at CELEBRATION EUROPE. It may have cost £75 but it was so nice to see and talk to him again. His youthful exuberance and enthusiasm with people still as infectious as ever-it was just like being in a timewarp. Mark Hamill-what a guy!! AND MY SADDEST OR MOST ANNOYING MEMORIES LINKED TO STAR WARS The invite to the Royal, celebrity packed, premiere of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK being sent in he post and arriving the day after the premiere-my chance of meeting Harrison Ford now lost forever. The day I read STARLOG and discovered that Gary Kurtz had stopped producing the films. It was sad news then, and it's even sadder now-can you imagine how good a job he'd have done on the Prequels (don't get me wrong, I love the Prequels but what Prequels they would have been if it had been Kurtz and Lucas working together again as they did on the first film!!). Not getting a Yak Face figure, an original 1978 Dewback or an original Imperial shuttle!! The canceling of the US MARVEL comic strip and curtailing Luke's fight against the new lady Dark Lord- Shira Brie. The final issue of the magazine was terrible but DARK EMPIRE would eventually soothe the pain. Looking at STAR WARS INSIDER and seeing what a lost opportunity it's been for fans over the last four years. No new STAR WARS film materializing, as hoped, between 1985 and 1987. No nine, or even twelve, films in the saga. Getting old-though, thankfully, STAR WARS is working well to keep me feeling young. OPPOSITE PHOTO CAPTION: Me at nine years old in my bedroom as my mum's mighty drawing of Darth Vader looms behind me (yep, Vader's name was spelt wrong-we got his spelling from the infamous LUCASFILM badge that even they got wrong!!). Picture taken by Sarah Bishop.

BLADE RUNNER: THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION DVD BOX SET-THE BEST DVD PRODUCT OF THE LAST FIVE YEARS?     By Scott Weller   To me, one of the seminal movies of science fiction, as well as one of the seminal movies of all time is Ridley Scott's futuristic film noir masterpiece BLADE RUNNER. Featuring one of Harrison Ford's best performances, as intergalactic gumshoe detective/ruthless killer Rick Deckard, this film, like STAR WARS would set the standards for future science fiction films. Seeing it in 1982, I loved it enormously but didn't really appreciate it as much as I do now, as the plethora of blockbuster movies are generally so disappointing now, in one way or another, when compared to masterpieces like the first two STAR WARS films, ALIEN and BLADE RUNNER. So when I heard that WARNER BROTHERS, ever determined to make money out of the film that had once been considered a flop, were finally releasing, in liaison with Ridley Scott, what was being touted as “THE FINAL CUT” of this classic movie I couldn’t wait to receive it. My happiness was turned to great joy when it was revealed that the film would be available as part of a mammoth box set containing not only THE FINAL CUT but every other available version of the film in existence since 1982, including the legendary “work print” that a test audience first saw in 1982. With the release of the box set (available in the UK for a cheap cheap price of £17.99 from HMV.COM), words cannot express how impressed I have been with all of it’s contents-not only have all the films been scanned to the best picture quality possible (even the raw work print looks the best it can be), but the extras are just incredible-amongst the most detailed, and labour of love crafted, that I have seen since the release of the earlier Ridley Scott influenced ALIEN LEGACY box set of a few years back- the highlight of the special features, as well as seeing the actual “work print”, which contains fascinating outtake footage being used, stock music and subtle differences to the theatrical version, and the original 1982 version (yes, I like the voice-over-I’m one of those like Guillermo Del Toro!!), the three hour documentary, titled DANGEROUS DAYS, is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen, not only about a film, but also as a general documentary full stop. Like the detailed release of all the films, this documentary has been just as lovingly compiled, with the most detailed interviews (including the once reticent Harrison Ford) and all the information on the making of the movie that you'd ever want to know. And as for the equally legendary deleted scenes, they are all excellent and fascinating, showing intriguing new aspects to the film, it's story and characters-this is one movie where so many scenes and characters motivations can be analyzed and re-analyzed. Basically, the whole box set is absolutely amazing and if you haven't seen this film, you'll absolutely enjoy seeing it in all its incarnations. This new product now re-sets the benchmark for quality presentations of films on DVD and additionally sets a new challenge to LUCASFILM as well. Their four disc STAR WARS TRILOGY box set from 2004 was very good, and the EMPIRE OF DREAMS documentary was an enjoyable, but rather tame, viewing experience, with goodies that were partially, rather than fully, revealed (i.e. where were the cut scenes?). But with the release of this box set, fans will be disappointed if future LUCASFILM/STAR WARS releases (like the long awaited eventual release of a six film box set when it eventually arrives after the blue ray/hd-dvd battle is over,) don’t give us the kind of mouth watering extras that Ridley Scott and the team behind DANGEROUS DAYS have unleashed. For STAR WARS, the fans deserve a box set that will be either an equal or superior to this and the ALIEN LEGACY sets- and when it comes there must be no chickening out -we all want, in particular, to see to see the cut scenes, from all six films, and we want to see more wide ranging documentaries- I think it would be fair to say that we want to see individual documentaries at least an hour or so in length one each and every one of the films in the saga. And if Ridley Scott can release the workprint of his seminal film, why can’t we see the workprints for all of the STAR WARS films, especially the John Jympson edit of the original film witnessed years ago by Dr. David West Reynolds. Okay, Ridley’s team and BLADE RUNNER have set the mark with the new release, now it's time for George and STAR WARS to overwhelmingly top it!! C'mon LUCASFILM, we know you can do it!!!   Opposite image: John Alvin's beautiful poster artwork for the original 1982 release of BLADE RUNNER. Watch out for the upcoming art book on Alvin's work, from the talented people behind the marvellous ART OF RALPH MCQUARRIE.

REMEMBERING THE SEVENTIES SOUND MIXING OF "STAR WARS"   By Scott Weller   Just a quickie to let people know of a great site I discovered via the ORIGINALTRILOGY.COM site. If, like me , you've ever been fascinated by the various sound mix differences of STAR WARS (or A NEW HOPE), you may want to check out Russ Dawson's excellent site comparing the original 1977 cinema Mono and Dolby release tracks done for the film when it was originally released. The site is a labour of love, nicely designed and well worth a look and listen-you'll be surprised by some of the stuff on there!! Head over to: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/russdawson/mono/mono1.htm ENJOY!!   SCOTT

MY 2008 STAR WARS WISH LIST!!     By Scott Weller     Well, it’s a new year. 2008 has arrived. The Xmas turkey has been well and truly eaten. The empty wine and sherry bottles have disappeared into the recycling (save the bottles-save the world-doesn’t have quite the same ring as the HEROES TV series motto does it??!!). Yep, it’s a new start yet again. And with new years we all have new hopes and wishes that we want to see realized. On the STAR WARS front, here’s my little shopping list of wonders that I hope materialize one day or another:   A different style of STAR WARS apparel-some more adult styled t-shirts and jackets-nothing too flashy-just nice and subtle.And note to all the UK t-shirt manufacturers- we don't all have the waist-line of Brad Pitt, y'know-no matter how hard we try, some of us have beer bellies, or partial beer bellies, that need to be catered for!! OFFICIAL PIX to release more rare black and white images from the films and not just as part of their special collectors set. There are thousands and thousands of images in the black and white medium shot for the original films, especially some from EMPIRE and JEDI, that have not been seen by the public.   Some really good new individual original novels for both the ORIGINAL and PREQUEL saga heroes and villains-I don’t think I can take multi-part let’s change the saga completely books anymore. Please can someone bring back Alan Dean Foster (the APPROACHING STORM was really refreshing), Donald F. Glut and James Khan to do some original books-I’d love to see their individual takes on the saga. And less revisioning of STAR WARS history by certain authors, please!! Any chance of another STAR WARS poster book by Missurs Sansweet and Vilmur?  And a new version of the ACTION FIGURE ARCHIVE? J.W. Rinzler working on THE MAKING OF EMPIRE and JEDI books-he took making of books to new heights with this epic, and breathtakingly good, release on the making of STAR WARS. Lets hope that he will work on the next two soon very very soon-and I can’t wait for the Indy release!!. STAR WARS ANIMATION: Any chance that in the future, we might get some animated (cgi or just great basic animation) of the original characters in adventures set between the three films-I see a lot of opportunity here for spin-off s and toys and comics-oh my eyes have lit up just thinking about it!! STAR WARS INSIDER: That the magazine can return its great heights from the nineties when it was edited by Jon Bradley Snyder and droll comedian Scott Chernoff for the US edition, and the UK edition by John Freeman and Marcus Hearn in the late nineties. Printing it on good quality paper would also help a great deal too, and not on the recycled toilet paper its on now (though I hear that lucky US readers get their magazine on glossy paper-can anyone out there confirm this?), as all the photos, especially on the all important products that LUCASFILM wants fans to buy and enjoy, look really dull and flat. The layouts for the magazine, which probably look great as cromalins / dummy pages when seen by TITAN/LUCASFILM may look great and colourful but they really lose it when printed. Let’s also see some more rare photos and more interviews with cast and crew members who haven’t been interviewed before. THE STAR WARS SIX FILM -ULTIMATE DVD BOX SET. Well, what can I say. We all want it (we’ve heard that there will be 100 hours of documentaries)-in either DVD, Blue-ray or HD-DVD, or even basic DVD!! I’m not fussy!! THE STAR WARS TRILOGY ORIGINAL THEATRICAL VERSIONS re-released on DVD-I don't mind if they are the same 1997 LASERDISC masters used as bonus discs for the 2005 DVD release-I actually thought they were pretty good quality (especially JEDI)-but just spend some money and put 'em in anamorphic. That LUCASFILM continues to release the new CLONE WARS animated series theatrically-the way it should be seen and heard-for a true audience experience of the cgi animation medium, rather than on TV. It’ll make a lot of money, I tell ya!! Adults and kids will get it, even if the networks don’t!! STAR WARS IN IMAX-IN 3-D. As Sean Connery said, “Never say never!!”   That we get another PETER SERAFINOWICZ comedy series on the BBC, and that we get another STAR WARS spoof from him as good as "Darth Vader in Love". "Whhhaaaatttt!!" That Lucas changes his mind about some of the new live action series ideas-that Darth Vader and some surviving Jedi appear in the series at some point in its eventual run. Oh, and can I write an episode, please, please, please!! I’ve loads of ideas!!!   Can someone please liaise with Gary Kurtz on a book of his beautiful photography for STAR WARS and EMPIRE, or an exhibition of some kind, at least. And let’s hope his next film set during World War II is a big success, too!!     That someone gives Robert Watts a knighthood!! The man is the Guv’nor of STAR WARS UK!!     That INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL blows the box-office away. It ain't STAR WARS, but it's Lucas, Ford and Spielberg-nuff said!!     That Justin Lee Collins upcoming BRING BACK STAR WARS documentary on Channel 4 is the best of all his "BRING BACK"s, and that he manages to get to talk to Harrison Ford about STAR WARS!! Good luck, mate!! Getting Ford to a cast reunion-you really will need the Force for that one!!   Can we please have more of Pablo Hidalgo's MAKING OF STAR WARS visual guides on STARWARS.COM!! Thye seem to be as scarce on the official site as water on Tatooine!!  Oh, and finally...can we have episodes seven to twelve, please. Is it really too much to ask for!!

THE INDIANA JONES / CLONE WARS 2008 COMBO!!   By Scott Weller Well, after months of waiting and literally within days of each other the LUCASFILM publicity machine has been in full swing- we've seen the trailer for INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL (I've really gotten used to that title now!! It's no longer a tongue twister) and more footage/behind the scenes material on the new CLONE WARS tv series/theatrical release (didn't I say they should release it theatrically!! Thank you Mister Lucas!!) Well, what can I say about both of them. The CLONE WARS footage looked far superior to anything I've ever seen in cartoon/anaimation form-I like the look of it, the majority of the characters old and new and it looks..well, just breathtaking...can't wait for August. (or whenever the UK gets it!!) As for INDIANA JONES-it looks even better than I anticipated. I was hoping that the film would be as good as at least THE LAST CRUSADE (if it was even seventy per cent as good I would have been pleased, given it's been such a long time between INDY films), but this looks like it could be even better-I think Harrison looks great for his age and it is just so good to see him back with the familiar hat and whip. And then there's Cate Blanchett and Karen Allen and Shia..and Ray Winstone too!! Within hours people online have been moaning about the trailer but I LOVED IT, especially the scenes where he's swinging about and fighting Russians in a certain mysterious warehouse!! Humour, action, thrills, character (all important!!) and wall to wall dynamic action. Just what we want from a Lucas/Spielberg movie. Bring on May 22nd!!  This is gonna be a great year for STAR WARS and INDY FANS-LET THE FUN COMMENCE!!!         INDIANA JONES - THE VIBE IS GOOD!!   By Chris Baker   From the traditional transformation intro - This time w/ the Paramount pictures mountain logo morphed into an illustrated map mountain (w/ LucasFilm Logo in tag) brought to conclusion w/ a cool perspective swing added to sweeten it all A brief refresher of Indy's past adventures to bring us right back into focus for what lies ahead in part 4 To the little touches: Indy's unsure/hesitant steps forward in picking up his fedora to which seemlessly introduce his shilouete, and a promising look at several stunt set-up's (I sense many humorous pokes at Indy's age in this one) I still can't shake LaBeouf's 'Transformers' image out of my head but I'll have to get past that.. (Did anybody notice what the white templated words read as (on the metal container that Cate Blanchett's character seemed to be standing over) .... Guess you'll have to go back and watch it again - Heh-Heh!) May 22nd is looking as though it's bringing back lots of punches, explosions and tribal warriors .... as well as a trip back to a certain some-what familiar warehouse .... Hmmmm No lasting trailer appearance by Karen Allen so some things have been saved for the theater but the cliff-side car chases, temple runs and classic suspense appear to be all lined up and ready to go All this then wrapped up into a nice clean graphic element back into the Jones logo - The vibe is good!!

JOHN ROZUM'S THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY STAR WARS CELEBRATIONS BLOG By Scott Weller Whilst scouting (or should that be lurking?) the worldwide web looking for any and all rare pics for our upcoming MAKING OF RETURN OF THE JEDI issue, and like a startled Luke Skywalker discovering Princess Leia's message, I stumbled across a marvellous blog site by the comic book series creator John Rozum, of which he had dedicated his section of May blogging goodness during 2007 completely to the thirtieth anniversary of STAR WARS. It's a terrific trip through memory lane, with scans of toys, 1977 magazines, info and nice observations that he's collected over the years- for fans of the Original Trilogy this really is good. On a scale of fan wonderness, I think it's high enough to get Simon Pegg misty eyed if he ever saw it!!  Head over to: http://johnrozum.blogspot.com/2007_05_01_archive.html and enjoy!!

TEN REASONS WHY THE NEW CLONE WARS ANIMATED SERIES IS GONNA ROCK - BIG TIME!! By Scott Weller 1. Amazing CLONE WARS action scenes involving the Republic Clones and the Jedi against the Separatist Armies that we could only previously dream about-of which only the barest glimpses were seen in the Prequels with the battle of Geonosis, and the earlier CLONES WARS CARTOON NETWORK series which expanded things further but left us wanting more in a visual sense that the EU books, though the majority of them are great, just couldn't provide. And what about that scene with the spider droids going up the city walls!! 2. Greater, expanded characterisation for the main character, a chance for the Prequel heroes and vilians to shine more clearly-especially between Obi-Wan and Anakin, who will be more like the good friends they should be, as mentioned by Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan in STAR WARS, than was previously shown in EPISODES II and III. These guys friendship must be so strong now during this epic conflict they they must be willing to die for each other at this point in the saga,  and let's hope that there are dramatic moments when choices like these may arise to test their friendship. 3. Anakin Skyalker in the atmsophere of a beautiful purple/pink planet  jumping from Stap to Stap decpaitating Battle Droids with his lightsaber-it doesn't get any better than that!! 4. Asaj Ventress. "Where is Anakin Skywalker!!" A really menacing female villain in the live action STAR WARS films was much missed (the INDIANA JONES films had better fortunes)-wouldn't it have been great to have seen Leia facing upto a lady villain!!  Another duel between Ventress and Anakin? Or Ben, or a duel between all three (a la Darth Maul). Yes Please!! 5. Clone Troopers. The fans love 'em in everything. I love seeing them in the films and cartoon series. It looks like their bravery and dedication to the Republic and the Jedi, before ORDER 66, will know no limits and continue to shine in the new series. 6. Amazing planetry vistas and epic cinematography. I loved that shot of Anakin with Artoo and his new apprentice in that desert wilderness. Pure STAR WARS. Looking forward to all the new worlds, or even looking at new parts of old worlds. We saw Yavin and Dantooine in the first CLONE WARS animated series- how about a trip to Alderaan? Or Corellia or Ord Mantell? And on the photography side, how amazing was that pullback shot with Obi-Wan, Anakin and Palpatine, revealing thousands of Clone Troopers in front of them-the kind of shot I always wanted to see-MANGA meets STAR WARS in the best ways possible!! 7. More on our favourite returning characters. Yoda - more ass kicking from everybody's favourite green Jedi, with Mace Windu and his purple lightsaber decapitating baddies not far behind him (though let's forget all about that SHATTERPOINT stuff, please!!). Padme, back in that sexy white Geonosian arena ATTACK OF THE CLONES costume and back holding a gun directing the troops into battle-she's certainly the best action pacifist I've ever seen!!- looking like she's more seriously involved at this point in the STAR WARS saga than REVENGE OF THE SITH would ever have let her be. Artoo and Threepio back again-they are the constant points of reference in the saga-it wouldn't be the same without them, or Anthony Daniels voicing the role. Any chance of other favourites, please, like Bail Organa (I'd love to know more about the geo-political/eco system of the Royal House) or the Wookiees? And don't forget the villains-lets hope that Grievous is more vindictive and stinkingly rotten in the animated series (good to have the coughing Matthew Wood back too!), as well as more cunning and vicious underhanded nastiness from Darth's Sidious and Tyrannus. 8. Lightsabers. Still the coolest weapon ever created for a science fiction adventure saga. STAR WARS without them wouldn't be the same. 9. A new young Jedi Padawan, named Ahsoka -not yet sure how she 's going to work out as Anakin's Padawan learner (and will she survive ORDER 66? Will Anakin actually end up killing her at another point in time yet to be developed?), but she looks an interesting new addition-one sure to attract and engender affectio fromte younger kids audience spectrum- and her scenes/contributions in the first trailer look fun and exciting. And with her exotic character design, I'm sure they'll be many people becoming her at conventions over the next thirty years to come. 10. Great creative minds at work. What can we say!! Dave Filoni is not only a talented film-maker in his own right, he's also a great, knowledgable STAR WARS fan too. He knows his stuff-I think we can trust him, in the same way we trusted Genndy Tartovsky and his team from SAMURAI JACK. And as for that guy named George Lucas!! It's official STAR WARS-he's providing the story outlines, overseeing it all, and once more breaking new ground in all manner of things. His visual imagination is there for all to see. Nuff said!!

STAR WARS: JAPANESE BOOK COVERS - CAPTURING THE ORIGINAL SAGA AND IT'S CHARACTERS AT THEIR VISUAL BEST. By Scott Weller To continune their series co-inciding with the upcoming CELEBRATION JAPAN convention in 2008, today's STARWARS.COM website has a super new section on Japanese book cover art on the Original Trilogy and the Exanded Universe that's well worth a look. The artwork on display here, the first of what we hope will be a many parts series (how about some Prequel art please!!) rather than just a small number, is superb. It's very definitely in a different style to the US compositions, but so many of the Japanese art pieces capture what the Saga means to me (and their Manga STAR WARS comics were equally as good!!). I think that this particular image opposite, from VISION OF THE FUTURE, is absolutely magnificent-capturing the likenesses of the cast post RETURN OF THE JEDI extremely well (though the Leia image is obviously from EMPIRE). It's a shame that some of the books can't have the option for you to pick your favourite cover when you buy them-this would be my choice. The beauty of the ever continual STAR WARS SAGA art will never diminsh as continually talented new artists join the ranks to bring a new eye to our favourite scenes from the films and series, not only in contributions from Europe and the US, but Japan as well-I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing future covers from that territory (so much of Japanese STAR WARS fandom, and the history of it's popularity there, seems a mystery that I'm aching to see explored further by STARWARS.COM), especially with the new CLONE WARS series, and  when the new live action series eventually debuts in 2010.

BEGINNING THE RE-VISITATION OF STAR WARS   By Scott Weller   So, it seems that the war between HD-DVD and BLUE RAY has finally been won, and to the victor-BLUE RAY-comes the spoils-as the major film studios all commit fully towards releasing, and re-releasing, their films onto the new technology. Everyone will be an eventual winner and lots of money will be made in Hollywood-something that will appease the studios in the face of their compromise to the writers during the regrettable three months US strike (well done you writing guys-now go out and write for the STAR WARS TV series!!) And one of those companies seeing the next delivery of money to keep their operation running smoothly is bound to be LUCASFILM. Having waited for the ultimate winner before making their plans to release the ultimate STAR WARS box set of all six films and (hopefully) zillions of extras, it would seem that the time may soon be upon us…   As we play the waiting game, and LUCASFILM makes it's secret plans to blow our minds away with whats to come on these new morsels of STAR WARS goodness, we can be content with knowing that there are non LUCASFILM employees making their own unique contributions to the STAR WARS universe and for it’s fans. Two such individuals to watch out for are operating within their own unique DVD environments, one to the release and preservation of the original trilogy saga’s behind the scenes universe, the other making bold steps to correct/make revisions (in some cases vast improvements) to deficiencies that he thinks exist in them. To those who may not be aware of the two citizens of cyberspace, their names are Jambe Davdar and Adywan.   First up we have Jambe who, for the last four years or so (that I’m aware of), has worked tirelessly in between his family commitments in creating multi-visual treats with his behind the scenes feature film compilations BUILDING EMPIRE, RETURNING TO JEDI and the upcoming STAR WARS BEGINS. Each has its own unique take on the making of the movies, with unique footage, cast and crew notes, outtakes, alternate music cues and deleted scenes. Its brilliantly put together and the hard work and dedication he’s put into it will hopefully not go unrewarded-he’s bound to enter the television production business at some point soon (remember your fiends Jambe!!), including a new project on ELSTREE STUDIOS (if anyone out there can help with info and behind the scenes footage of movies filmed there, he’d love to hear from you!!),  and there is also the excellent news that BUILDING EMPIRE has been nominated , I believe, in one of the Miami DVD film-making festivals-again, lets hope he wins. STAR WARS BEGINS is currently under construction but by the end of this year at the very least, our tasters will be ready to sample it's goodness. Such small tasters of it can be found on YOUTUBE, as can BUILDING EMPIRE and RETURNING TO JEDI, on the site in multiple parts, at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNe7FEbdblo or just key in STAR WARS BEGINS. Jambe also has a blogsite at: http://buildingempire.blogspot.com/   And next we have ADYWAN, who, whilst his wife commits herself to the unceasing world of soap operas, works boldly on his computer creating revised versions of the original trilogy that would make even George Lucas envious. First up is STAR WARS REVISITED, with over 100 corrections/additions to the movie-some simple, some completely revisionist, but altogether an amazing new experience and opportunity to watch the film (in some scenes he’s added completely new CGI shots to sequences like the TIE fighter attack on the Falcon and the end battle, as well as fascinating digital corrections to other scenes). I don’t agree with all the changes made to the film-no matter how many mistakes or glitches, to me the way these films were made and edited by their original creators are the way they should be seen- but STAR WARS REVISITED is a truly a unique revolutionist vision-and some new moments are absolutely superb (I loved the addition of small, but what I thought vital missing moments to the film, compiled from the re-editing of certain scenes within the original film itself, such as Luke’s emotional cry out to Biggs after his friend had been killed in the trench-I always thought that moment in the original film lacked a bit of humanity-they must surely have been friends since childhood on Tatooine), and that TIE battle against the Falcon is awesome. With all of his recently well deserved acclaim in fan film circles, Adywan is now hard at work on EMPIRE REVISITED –I haven’t seen any footage of it yet, but I know a trailer exists, so check out all of his work at the ORIGINALTRILOGY.COM site: http://www.originaltrilogy.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=9&threadid=5942   With the landmark, highly original work from these fans, that’s not coming from the Ranch, LUCASFILM now have the task of rising to the challenge in providing even better commercial goods on the DVD front in the near future. STAR WARS BEGINS and STAR WARS REVISITED may help bring in a new official revolution from George Lucas and BLUE RAY on the original cinematic wonders that launched these fan projects in the first place. And the beauty of it all, once more, is everybody who loves STAR WARS benefits!!!