In May 25. 1977 - George Lucas released one of the most epic sci-fi adventure films ever made, and introduced the world to Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, many different heroes and villains, and a story featuring humans and aliens as the battle between good and evil was waged in a galaxy far, far away.
That film was the original Star Wars - now known as "Episode IV: A New Hope" retroactively and chronologically the fourth entry in the "Skywalker Saga" that would be told through nine films that have spanned four decades.
To celebrate four and a half decades of this culturally and historically significant movie, here's the original trailer to the first film.
Premiering at the Kennedy Center this day 40 years ago just before its theatrical run on May 21, 1980, The Empire Strikes Back is without a doubt one of the biggest sequels to come out and make a scene in the world of cinema and popular culture. It's significance in progressing the Star Wars saga cannot be understated, and there were plenty of things fans took in and found out first hand once they saw the film - primarily the continuing journey of Luke Skywalker, his heritage and Jedi training with Yoda, and the shocking revelation made by Darth Vader in the end.
1980 Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford at premier of Empire Strikes Back.
Everything else is pretty much history and well documented through the years, but there's nothing wrong with taking a trip back to the past and revisiting some memories - of a time when Star Wars just got BIGGER and more wilder as George Lucas delivered his middle entry in his "Original Trilogy" of films. Above is a feature with Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford - being interviewed promoting the release of the film.
Revealed by Entertainment Weekly along with a batch of new preview photos posted in their latest Fall Movie Preview showcase, two new covers spotlighting Daisy Ridley as Rey and Mark Hamill as the elderly Luke Skywalker promote the arrival of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" this Christmas time - the second part of the "New Trilogy" introduced by Walt Disney Pictures when they acquired LucasFilm a few years ago and embarked on a new journey to bring George Lucas' space adventure saga back into the big screen.
While there's a lot of preview pictures out already showing how the returning characters will look in the upcoming new film, these covers show Rey being more skilled and determined with a lightsaber, while Jedi Master Luke looks very broody as his gaze tells a certain story. We'll find out more soon enough when more footage and trailers come just before the movie arrives in time for the holidays.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi will be released in theaters this December.
In case you missed it, fans of The Force and the world of Star Wars the world over converged in Orlando to begin the grand "Star Wars Celebration" - celebrating all things about the world created by George Lucas and now expanding thanks to Disney and LucasFilm headed by LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy, with the latest chapter in "Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi" hitting later this year and celebrating 40 years of EPIC adventures from a galaxy far, far away!
Day 1 was streamed just this Thursday (watch it here). In addition to featuring panel discussions with Lucas himself and returning actors Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), Ian McDiarmid (Palpatine), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), and Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), the SWCO also paid tribute to the late great Carrie Fisher with a tearful video montage and Fisher's daughter Billie Lourd honoring the one and only original Princess Leia Organa.
A Tribute To Carrie Fisher
Star Wars Celebration Orlando is currently ongoing. Catch it at Star Wars.com and YouTube!
It's hard to imagine that George Lucas' first foray into a galaxy far, far away happened 38 years ago... Yet here we are and honoring the release of one of the greatest science fiction and adventure films of all time - "Star Wars".
Released on May 25th, 1977, the first film, later retitled "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope", told the story of Luke Skywalker, a farmhand from the planet Tatooine who stumbles upon two droids who hold plans crucial for the Rebel Alliance to destroy the "Death Star" - a planet destroying space station used by the Galactic Empire to spread fear and tyranny across the galaxy. Accompanying him on his journey is a legendary Jedi Master named Obi-Wan Kenobi, who guides Luke and helps him march forward to his destiny to become a Jedi Knight. Along the way they meet unlikely allies in Han Solo and Chewbacca, and the group march forward to rescue Princess Leia Organa from the clutches of Sith Lord Darth Vader, ultimately helping the Rebel Alliance fight back against the Empire to restore peace and freedom across the galaxy.
Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, and the late great Sir Alec Guinness. Legendary cast, and the film still stands the test of time to this day. With a new Star Wars coming up this December, the entire world celebrates this milestone.
Star Wars A New Hope 1977 Trailer
Happy 38 years, Star Wars! May The Force Be With You... Always!
Looks like the return to "A Galaxy Far, Far Away" is now in full swing, as J.J. Abrams and his team behind the next installment of the infamous "Star Wars" film franchise have officially unveiled the cast for Episode VII!!!
Via the official Star Wars website, an official press statement, accompanied by the first cast pic, has been released showing the lineup of actors new and old reigniting the classic space saga George Lucas started, and here it is:
"The Star Wars team is thrilled to announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.
Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film. Director J.J. Abrams says, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud." Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015."
So there you have it... STAR WARS Episode VII has it's cast, with new characters joining Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and the old gang in theaters on 2015!
It's that time of the year again... Where comics are free and the date coincides with the powers of The Force!
Be sure to march right at your nearest comic book retail shop, as May 4, 2013 welcomes another installment of "Free Comic Book Day"! It's the time of the year where known and independent publishers release exclusive FCBD titles that promote the industry and showcase stuff that newbies and veterans can enjoy, so be sure to check out your favorite stores and partake of this amazing annual tradition!
And for those who love Star Wars, May 4th happens to be a holiday among fans of the franchise, and it commemorates everything you love about George Lucas' epic space saga series, from Jedi Knights to The Galactic Empire! Now that it's under Disney ownership, celebrate the first "Star Wars Day/ May The 4th Be With You Holiday" by showing your inner Force skills!
Two holidays in one day! May The 4th Be With You... Always!
According to Disney's own Alan Horn when he was interviewed at this year's Cinema Con, the studio that already owns LucasFilm Ltd. and the keys to the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises is looking to make the next 'Wars Trilogy saga and its subsequent spinoffs a yearly thing... Much like the other property owned by the company which is Marvel and its film centered "Marvel Cinematic Universe"!
According to reports by Bleeding Cool and Geek Tyrant, Disney is looking to release Episode VII with J.J. Abrams directing as scheduled, but will follow things up with a Star Wars film spin-off the next year on 2016. Whether it will be the rumored character film that may concentrate on a character like Han Solo or Boba Fett is anyone's guess, but the next chapter of the main trilogy being Episode VIII follows the year after on 2017. From that pattern another spin-off follows, and then the final chapter of the new trilogy comes in with Episode IX.
So there you have it. Potential and straight Star Wars films each year starting 2015. It's two years from now, so there's a lot to look forward to and updates still in the making.
"On May 4th All Will Be Revealed..." - Star Wars.com
Those words echoed across the interwebz, and a lot of people were expecting big and pleasant news to come on May 4th, or what is now officially known worldwide as "Star Wars Day". Well, the countdown timer finally expired and now all is revealed... Which may excite or disappoint fans looking forward to something big happening to commemorate the special day of those who believe in the Epic Space Saga created by one George Lucas.
Yep, The Star Wars Saga is finally making its way to Blu-Ray this September. Whether you're happy about the news or not, one thing remains clear and certain - everyone is celebrating Star Wars day with a passion. Greetings to all you Jedi and Wookies out there, and May The Force Be WIth You... Always!
Looks like fans expecting George Lucas' 3D conversion of the Star Wars saga may not have to wait long until it is rereleased in theaters, as Deadline and Slash Film report that the 3D version of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace has been given a release date!
As announced by Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox, and posted in StarWars.com, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3D finally gets a release date of February 10, 2012! As such, fans and first time viewers can relive the early and humble beginnings of the saga, which featured a young Anakin Skywalker became he becomes a Jedi (and ultimately the great Sith Lord Darth Vader). Episode I also features a younger Obi-Wan Kenobi and his master Qui-Gon Jinn, as they race to protect Naboo Queen Padme Amidala from evil forces bent on her destruction to prevent a resolution on an interplanetary trade dispute. If you're unfamiliar with the 1999 classic, here's the trailer for a trip down nostalgia lane... and the terror that was Jar Jar Binks.
Star Wars Episode I Trailer
For more info, visit the source posts at Slash Film, Deadline, and the official Star Wars website! Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is slated for release in 3D February 10, 2012!
Looks like the force is strong with rumors in the Star Wars universe!
Even if George Lucas is done telling the rise, fall, and redemption of Anakin Skywalker in the original Star Wars movies, he's far from done with the franchise that sealed his legacy in the world of science fiction and movies. Even with the news out that he'll be converting the original six movies into 3D, there's already a rumor that once that's done, the legendary film director is planning on creating a NEW TRILOGY of movies - one that doesn't star or have anything to do with the Skywalker family! As reported in i09's post, the rumor comes from IESB.net, and it's a feeling of deja vu ala 1990, during the time when Lucas released Special Editions of the original Star Wars trilogy just before he made and released the prequel trilogy in 1999! Still, this is a rumor that has no confrimation yet whatsoever, and it'll be a long time before the 3D conversion for all the original movies is complete, which should be around 2015 or 2016. For more on the story, check out the source post at i09.com!
I'm sure almost all of you know the opening lines by heart, but today is a different matter. Today marks the 30th anniversary of the second film in George Lucas' epic Star Wars saga - The Empire Strikes Back. On May 21, 1980, this film changed the lives of people around the world, and whether people agree with me on this or not, it had one of the most mind-blowing revelations in the history of cinema, and to this day, many other films have tried to emulate or parody this moment for the effect it delivers. Yes, "Episode V" was a key moment for Star Wars buffs, and pop culture geeks will celebrate this moment wielding lightsabers and dressing up in Stormtrooper outfits. In my case, I'd like to do a little retrospective, to reflect on the film once more and to share my thoughts on what this beloved space opera adventure has done and continues to do for me everytime I get the chance to watch it.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Trailer
Directed by Irvin Kershner (who also directed Bond film Never Say Never Again and Robocop 2), The Empire Strikes Back starts off with the Rebel Alliance forced into hiding on the icy planet of Hoth. Despite their defeat and the obliteration of the Death Star on A New Hope, The Empire has come back stronger than ever, intent on delivering a crushing blow to their enemies once and for all. Led by Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, and Han Solo, the rebels fight on the persistant fight, but with the tide against their favor, the good guys have no choice but to make a desperate escape. Solo orginally planned to split with the group due to his business with Jabba The Hutt, but circumstances force him and his Wookie partner Chewbacca to take and safeguard the princess and the droid C-3P0. In the meantime, Luke, after receiving a vision from his late mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi, travels to the planet Dagobah along with R2-D2, to undergo Jedi Training and master the ways of the Force. Meanwhile, the Sith Lord Darth Vader has been on a relentless personal crusade to seek out Skywalker for mysterious reasons. His attack on Hoth was just the beginning, as he dispatches many of his resources to track down the would-be Jedi. Luke finally reaches Dagobah and meets Yoda, who goes on to train the boy.
The Empire Strikes Back - Luke meets Yoda
On the other side, after navigating through dangerous terrain to escape the Empire's forces, Han Solo makes a decision to seek sanctuary with his companions in Cloud City, now run by an "old friend" of his, Lando Calrissian. However, Han is betrayed by Lando to Darth Vader when the dark lord offers to prevent the Empire from taking over the city in exchange for the Rebel group. Even as he trains to become a true Jedi, Luke senses his friends are in danger, and makes the hasty decision to goto Cloud City to rescue them despite Yoda's warnings.
The Empire Strikes Back - Han Frozen Scene
As Vader prepares to turn solo over to Jabba's authorized bounty hunter, Boba Fett, he makes the decision to use the Millenium Falcon pilot as a test subject for carbonite freezing. Even as Leia proclaims her love for Han, the latter is successfully frozen and placed in suspended animation. Luke finally arrives in Cloud City, while Lando frees Leia and her friends to try and rescue Solo, who is unfortunately whisked away by Boba before they have a chance to stop him. As Skywalker searches for his friends, he walks right into Darth Vader's trap, and the two finally square off in a one-on-one lightsaber duel.
The Empire Strikes Back - Luke vs Darth Vader
Hardly experienced and outmatched against the Sith lord, Luke loses the battle and his right hand, forced into a corner by Vader. It is at this moment where Vader offers Luke to join him at his side... and makes the startling revelation that "He Is His Father".
The Empire Strikes Back - "I Am Your Father"
Shocked and in disbelief, Luke makes a desperate attempt to escape by plummeting over the central air shaft, falling into the lower most part of the hovering city. Maimed and injured, he makes a desperate call to Leia, who senses him and has the Millenium Falcon turned around to rescue him. After escaping to a Rebel ship, Luke gets a mechanical hand replacement, while Lando and Chewie board the Falcon once more to search for Han and rescue him. The film ends with Luke, Leia, and the droids watching as the ship flies off.
Totally awesome. Absolutely epic. Nostalgic all the way.
The Empire Strikes Back is what I consider to be the best film in the Star Wars saga, and I'm not alone in this line of thinking at all. It has everything a fanboy could ever want - ship battles, drama, tension, action, suspense, lightsabers, droids, blasters, and, of course, Darth Vader. The fact that Vader was revealed at the end to be Luke's father was a surprising twist nobody expected at the time. It contradicts Obi-Wan's story in the first film that Vader killed Luke's father, but it actually makes sense and adds a depth of tragedy to the story. It's a unique way of storytelling that has traces of Greek Mythology written all over it, and George Lucas was brilliant and ahead of his time in implementing stellar ideas like that into his brainchild franchise. It's a key and defining moment in the film, yes, but there are other aspects to it that make it all the more memorable, such as Luke's training with Yoda and the first appearance of Emperor Palpatine. Meeting and seeing Yoda for the first time was impressionable to me as a kid, and Frank Oz performance as the elderly Jedi Master was one of absolute perfection. Quotes like "Do. There Is No Try" echo valuable lessons that everyone learns in life, and Yoda being the teacher tries to teach an impatient and fiery Luke Skywalker important lessons that will turn him into the noble warrior he is destined to be.
On the other hand, seeing the hideous face of the emperor for the first time was a remarkably genuine moment. Here you see the guy who has power over the entire galaxy for the first time... in a large holographic projection screen. Even Vader bows down to his master in servitude, so one has to wonder how powerful this cackling maniac is (and we don't find out until the next film and, eventually, Revenge Of The Sith decades later). Other themes explored include the blooming romance of Han Solo and Princess Leia. Those two have chemistry with each other, and it's fitting that despite the danger and circumstances intent on tearing them apart, their bond becomes stronger and it finally reaches a headpoint when Han's about to be frozen in carbonite. Side characters like Chewie and the droids get more action and comedic antics to do, and we meet a new face in Lando Calrissian, who acts like a jerk at first, but proves to be noble in his own way eventually when he tries to make up and help in eventually saving Han Solo from Jabba in the next film.
Yes, there's lots to say about Empire and its contributions, but if I could sum up everything in one word, it would be "Maturation". The characters in the filmhad to grow up and learn things about themselves that were previously unknown to them, and it's a lesson that Luke learns the hardest, especially since his maturation as a Jedi came at the hands of his own father. Bottomline, for the 30 years it has continued to entertain fans and newbies alike, The Empire Strikes Back is a classic that remains one of my favorites. Thank you Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, James Earl Jones, George Lucas, and the rest of the cast for such a wonderful film.
Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, And May The Force Be With You, Always.
