The Star Wars franchise is going strong 38 years later. But what about the artists and filmmakers who helped make the 1977 original a hit?
In theatres all over the world in 1977, audiences thrilled at the sights and sounds of Star Wars. Harking back to a bygone age of Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers, it also pointed forward to the coming age of ubiquitous computers and special effects-led blockbusters.
But while the triumphant fanfare of John Williams' score gave Star Wars a confident swagger, its success was far from preordained. George Lucas reworked his script time and again; studios turned his concept down; even the production was rushed and torturous.
By now, the contribution George Lucas, John Williams and Star Wars' cast made to cinema is well documented. But what about some of the other artists, technicians and fellow filmmakers who helped to make the movie such a success? Here's...
In theatres all over the world in 1977, audiences thrilled at the sights and sounds of Star Wars. Harking back to a bygone age of Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers, it also pointed forward to the coming age of ubiquitous computers and special effects-led blockbusters.
But while the triumphant fanfare of John Williams' score gave Star Wars a confident swagger, its success was far from preordained. George Lucas reworked his script time and again; studios turned his concept down; even the production was rushed and torturous.
By now, the contribution George Lucas, John Williams and Star Wars' cast made to cinema is well documented. But what about some of the other artists, technicians and fellow filmmakers who helped to make the movie such a success? Here's...
- 4/22/2015
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
In November 1998, Star Wars fans were queuing up to see The Phantom Menace trailer in cinemas. Ryan looks at how a teaser became an event...
Murmurs of anticipation in the pitch black theatre. Excited shuffles of feet. Then the word "Lucasfilm" sparkles up on the screen, and the audience goes wild. "Yeah!" someone exclaims at the back of the room, as though they'd just spotted an old best friend they hadn't seen in a decade.
It's November 1998, and for many Star Wars fans, this is the moment they've been waiting the best part of five years to see: their first glimpse of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Ever since George Lucas had announced his return to the Star Wars universe, in an October 1993 issue of Vanity Fair, anticipation had slowly been building for the new movie. And here, finally, was a first look at what Lucas had in store.
Murmurs of anticipation in the pitch black theatre. Excited shuffles of feet. Then the word "Lucasfilm" sparkles up on the screen, and the audience goes wild. "Yeah!" someone exclaims at the back of the room, as though they'd just spotted an old best friend they hadn't seen in a decade.
It's November 1998, and for many Star Wars fans, this is the moment they've been waiting the best part of five years to see: their first glimpse of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Ever since George Lucas had announced his return to the Star Wars universe, in an October 1993 issue of Vanity Fair, anticipation had slowly been building for the new movie. And here, finally, was a first look at what Lucas had in store.
- 11/25/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Rumours suggest that original cuts of Star Wars are heading to Blu-ray. But how likely is that? Ryan weighs up the possibilities...
For many Star Wars fanatics, the special edition release of the Original Trilogy back in 1997 was a bittersweet moment. On one hand, it offered us the chance to see George Lucas's space opera films in their natural habitat: on a huge cinema screen.
Then there's the restoration to consider: Lucasfilm took the original Star Wars negatives from its archives and cleaned them up, removing years of dirt and scratches, and restoring the colours to their original balance. Thanks to the efforts of people like effects supervisor Dave Carson and his team, Darth Vader's outfit was once again black and imposing, not an embarrassing shade of faded blue.
During this process, however, George Lucas decided to make a number of small yet significant alterations: the insertion of new effects shots,...
For many Star Wars fanatics, the special edition release of the Original Trilogy back in 1997 was a bittersweet moment. On one hand, it offered us the chance to see George Lucas's space opera films in their natural habitat: on a huge cinema screen.
Then there's the restoration to consider: Lucasfilm took the original Star Wars negatives from its archives and cleaned them up, removing years of dirt and scratches, and restoring the colours to their original balance. Thanks to the efforts of people like effects supervisor Dave Carson and his team, Darth Vader's outfit was once again black and imposing, not an embarrassing shade of faded blue.
During this process, however, George Lucas decided to make a number of small yet significant alterations: the insertion of new effects shots,...
- 8/18/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
In an episode of The Big Bang Theory (a sitcom lampooning modern “geek” culture with varying degrees of success), physicist Dr. Sheldon Cooper refuses to watch the Star Wars: Clone Wars animated series before the Clone Wars movie. He explains, “I prefer to let George Lucas disappoint me in the order he intended.” Though likely unintentional, this offhanded remark reveals the central dilemma of the Star Wars fandom. Does the franchise “belong” to Lucas or does it “belong” to the public, as an artifact of cultural history? With the 2011 release of the 6-part Star Wars saga on Blu-ray came the announcement that the version of the trilogy available in the set would not be from the original theatrical prints, but the 1997 “Special Edition” versions of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, which include additional scenes and updated technology. Many fans of the franchise see...
- 7/22/2014
- by Mallory Andrews
- SoundOnSight
Feature Ryan Lambie 1 May 2014 - 06:22
As the casting's announced for Episode VII, Ryan looks back at George Lucas' changing ideas for the Star Wars sequel trilogy...
For its legion fans, the Star Wars saga remains enduringly popular. But if his statements in interviews are to be believed, creator George Lucas' attitude to the universe he created in 1977 has changed repeatedly over the past 37 years.
Time Magazine contributor Denise Worrell, for example, found Lucas at a particularly low ebb in 1983. "I am burned out and I am burned out, period," Lucas said, apparently slumped in a couch and notably drained. "Star Wars has dominated my life, sort of grabbed it and taken it over against my will. I've got to get my life back again before it's too late. The sacrifices that had to make it this point are greater than what I wanted to make, ultimately."
Lucas...
As the casting's announced for Episode VII, Ryan looks back at George Lucas' changing ideas for the Star Wars sequel trilogy...
For its legion fans, the Star Wars saga remains enduringly popular. But if his statements in interviews are to be believed, creator George Lucas' attitude to the universe he created in 1977 has changed repeatedly over the past 37 years.
Time Magazine contributor Denise Worrell, for example, found Lucas at a particularly low ebb in 1983. "I am burned out and I am burned out, period," Lucas said, apparently slumped in a couch and notably drained. "Star Wars has dominated my life, sort of grabbed it and taken it over against my will. I've got to get my life back again before it's too late. The sacrifices that had to make it this point are greater than what I wanted to make, ultimately."
Lucas...
- 4/30/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Los Angeles — Darth Vader is dead. The evil Emperor exploded after being thrown down a shaft. And Luke Skywalker and his allies destroyed both Death Stars, restoring balance to the Force. For The Walt Disney Co., the prospective new owner of the "Star Wars" franchise, what's left to tell?
A lot, apparently.
There are more than 110 novels and 80-plus comic books set after the events of "Return of the Jedi," the sixth episode in the film series and the third to be made. All of these additions to the so-called "expanded universe" were sanctioned by Lucasfilm Ltd., founded by series creator George Lucas.
That has left a lot of room for speculation ever since Disney announced last month that it would buy Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion and resume making "Star Wars" movies, starting with Episode 7 in 2015.
For fans, some big questions remain.
Will Luke take on a Jedi apprentice? Will Han...
A lot, apparently.
There are more than 110 novels and 80-plus comic books set after the events of "Return of the Jedi," the sixth episode in the film series and the third to be made. All of these additions to the so-called "expanded universe" were sanctioned by Lucasfilm Ltd., founded by series creator George Lucas.
That has left a lot of room for speculation ever since Disney announced last month that it would buy Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion and resume making "Star Wars" movies, starting with Episode 7 in 2015.
For fans, some big questions remain.
Will Luke take on a Jedi apprentice? Will Han...
- 11/21/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
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