Star Wars: The Complete Saga (1977-2005)

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by Uxi

They were ALL made for children.

Yes indeedy. The commentary for Empire is very interesting in that regard, as both Lucas and Kersh (R.I.P.) talk about several scenes and how they were approached with the target audience - i.e. kiddies - in mind.

I'm not saying that the OT and the PT are identical in that 'made for kids' mould, because they're not; Jar Jar alone tips the balance. But it's disingenuous to fling that argument solely at the PT. Besides, someone else will soon moan that they're too complicated for kids to follow, what with all that political stuff.

And make no mistake, once the $$$ started rolling in on Star Wars, all the sequels and prequels were precisely engineered to bring in as much merchandising coin as possible. I think it's Robert Watts (producer) who's quoted in the Making Of Empire book as saying that he wasn't sure whether they were making a film or a toy commercial.

[Bluyoda]

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

Gone With The Wind had a total of 206 million theatrical admission in the U.S. - no other film has ever achieved that -- Star Wars (#2) had 197 million, Sound of Music (#3) had 153 million, Jaws (#8) had 122 million, Avatar (#23) had 81 million.

It is possible that the a 3D theatrical release of Star Wars IV will move it to the #1 position.

That could indeed become VERY interesting!

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

Well, I consider myself to be a "moderate" Star Wars fan, and I like the prequels, Jar Jar included. In fact, I was disappointed that Lucas caved in to others' pressure about the character, especially after so many years of talking about "his vision" for the series. Jar Jar was a much-needed comic relief for the PT, especially considering how dark events would get in Episodes II & III. I wasn't happy at all that Lucas essentially made Binks the founder of the Empire in Episode II, and went even further by only giving him a cameo in III. Lucas seemed so happy with "his vision", but then he basically sold out when folks started complaining. I know Jar Jar's screen time needed to be reduced over "Clones" and "Sith", but did it really need to happen so quickly?

Jar Jar was appropriate for TPM as Anakin was a kid, and the empire hadn't been formed yet, so the galaxy was only starting to show signs of evil, but was mainly peaceful. AOTC and ROTS had to have a more serious tone.....
I am fine with the way he used Jar Jar, and I find him funny too.

[Uxi]

I'd rather see tickets sold than revenue in $, even after inflation adjustment. Prices always going up, mostly faster than inflation but "butts in seats" is a better metric. IIRC I saw a site that actually did that, but it escapes me at the moment

[greg_achen]

Originally Posted by Dynamo of Eternia

Fair enoug. But I am curious... which was it? Laughing "with him", or laughing "at him"?

Like I previously explained in my other post...

The professor drew a comparison to a certain anatomical feature looking like Jar Jar Binks.

They laughed because it most certainly did resemble Jar Jar. I forgot what the exact anatomical feature she was comparing him to, but when I find out, I will post it here because I am sure you would agree and find the humor in it as well. It's not the first time people have drawn comparisons to body parts looking like Star Wars creatures. Sarlacc pit, anyone?

Just to reaffirm what I have been saying in all my posts in response to this subject. Jar Jar IS a memorable character whether you think it's for all the right reasons or all the wrong reasons. The two most recognizable characters from Episode I for the general public are probably Darth Maul and Jar Jar Binks... more so probably than even Anakin, I’d venture. I’ve never said your opinions on why you think he was memorable were wrong. My whole point in my original post was an observation I found interesting about a character that many people malign. I still think it’s neat that out of all the horrible characters and movies that have populated cinemas in the last 10+ years, many people still hold a special place in their hearts for either loving or hating Jar Jar.

If Episode I in 3D does well in theaters, which I think it most likely will, it will be interesting to see how many fans watch it because they are either masochists or genuinely like it.

[JamesKurtovich]

Originally Posted by greg_achen

If Episode I in 3D does well in theaters, which I think it most likely will, it will be interesting to see how many fans watch it because they are either masochists or genuinely like it.

I'll definitely be seeing it. Although live action movies never seem to look that good in 3-D (not good enough to justify the price increase anyway).

I also never saw TPM in theaters. Didn't even know a new Star Wars movie was coming out until the Happy Meals with Jar Jar's ugly mug started coming out...

Kinda glad I wasn't one of those people that sat in the theater after waiting forever for it though.

[shelldweller]

Originally Posted by Bluyoda

Jar Jar was appropriate for TPM as Anakin was a kid, and the empire hadn't been formed yet, so the galaxy was only starting to show signs of evil, but was mainly peaceful. AOTC and ROTS had to have a more serious tone.....
I am fine with the way he used Jar Jar, and I find him funny too.

I could not agree more...
JarJar is the right character you need before Anakins (and the Republics) turn to the dark side. Just like the Ewoks in RotJ.


I was one of those who waited forever for Episode 1 and the Prequel Trilogy and I was not disappointed. I really love the Prequels as much as as I do love the Sequels which I grew up on. If you really get what Star Wars is all about I don´t understand how you can like one trilogy and not the other.

[Bluyoda]

Originally Posted by shelldweller

I could not agree more...
JarJar is the right character you need before Anakins (and the Republics) turn to the dark side. Just like the Ewoks in RotJ.


I was one of those who waited forever for Episode 1 and the Prequel Trilogy and I was not disappointed. I really love the Prequels as much as as I do love the Sequels which I grew up on. If you really get what Star Wars is all about I don´t understand how you can like one trilogy and not the other.

I had been a huge fan since the SE in '97, and my expectations where to the moon!!

I think I watched the trailers 100s of times!

I saw the film on its midnight release, and when scenes that were in the trailers came on, followed by different ones, it felt so weird, because I had gotten so used to the editing of the trailers. The next day I went another 4 times. Overall, I saw it 15 times at the cinema.
It was immediately clear to me that this was a new era of film-making.
The vision was so rich and detailed.

The film that completely blew me away in the theater was AOTC though.

I couldn't get up after the showing! My mouth was wide agape, and my jaw on the floor, literally! Best theater experience ever.
Seeing Anakin's metal hand in the wedding scene sent chills through my bones.
The future emperor standing on the balcony witnessing the thousands of clone troopers preparing for battle, and the pre-star destroyers taking off.
Well, almost every single scene....

I love the PT at least as much as I enjoy the OT, because the story is much richer, the scope much grander, and George was finally able to bring his vision to the screen.

I really don't care what other people think about them, but am glad that there are people who enjoy them as much as I do.

[chip75]

Originally Posted by greg_achen

It's not the first time people have drawn comparisons to body parts looking like Star Wars creatures. Sarlacc pit, anyone?

If the bodypart which resembled the Sarlacc actually looked like that I'd switch teams...

For the new SE of Return of the Jedi there should be a scene after the end credits where Boba Fett blasts out of the Sarlacc rockets firing and as the Sarlacc explodes Fett should shout à la Total Recall's Doug Quaid "Consider that a divorce!"

[Bluyoda]

Welcome back to the Homing Beacon, the official Star Wars email Newsletter

This summer, Star Wars fans and music lovers in the Los Angeles area can experience the sweeping music and epic story of the Star Wars saga in a two-night engagement of Star Wars: In Concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

On Friday, June 3 and Saturday June 4, 2011, the famed amphitheater will host the unique multi-media event featuring music from all six of John Williams' epic Star Wars scores. Narrated live by Anthony Daniels (the actor who portrayed C-3PO in all six films), the production features principal conductor Dirk Brossé leading the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and choir, accompanied by specially edited footage from the films displayed on a three-story-tall, high-definition LED super-screen -- one of the largest ever put on tour. The live music and film elements are synchronized in order to create a full multi-media, one-of-kind Star Wars experience.

Tickets go on sale starting Monday, March 14 at 10am Pacific. Tickets will be available at Ticketmaster Outlets, via phone (800) 745-3000, or online at ticketmaster.com. For more information about Star Wars: in Concert, visit the official website at StarWarsinConcert.com.

Star Wars: in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl is produced by Andrew Hewitt & Bill Silva Presents.

[shelldweller]

Originally Posted by Bluyoda

Welcome back to the Homing Beacon, the official Star Wars email Newsletter

This summer, Star Wars fans and music lovers in the Los Angeles area can experience the sweeping music and epic story of the Star Wars saga in a two-night engagement of Star Wars: In Concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

...

I went see Star Wars in Concert last year and it was awesome!
It´s the closest thing to seeing the movies in cinema. The live music and the gigantic LED-display are just amazing! And besides... it´s were I saw the CGI Yoda integrated into the Phantom Menace which is great.

[shelldweller]

Does anyone know if there are pictures of interior pages of the Star Wars Frames book on the internet? As much as I´d like to own it it´s a little pricy...

I guess the frames published in this book should be taken from the versions of the movies which are being put on blu-ray. You should be able to see any further changes made to the movies on those pages ...

[chip75]

Originally Posted by shelldweller

Does anyone know if there are pictures of interior pages of the Star Wars Frames book on the internet? As much as I´d like to own it it´s a little pricy...

I guess the frames published in this book should be taken from the versions of the movies which are being put on blu-ray. You should be able to see any further changes made to the movies on those pages ...

Star Wars Frames. They could put these on the BD's as a slideshow. Although the pause button will have the same effect. Lovely looking things though.

Purple X-Wing engines! The horror, the horror....

Frames2.jpg

[STARKILLER--1138]

Originally Posted by shelldweller

If you really get what Star Wars is all about I don´t understand how you can like one trilogy and not the other.

Amen brother!

[Bluyoda]

Originally Posted by shelldweller

If you really get what Star Wars is all about I don´t understand how you can like one trilogy and not the other.

YES!! That's how I have always felt about it myself!

Originally Posted by shelldweller

I went see Star Wars in Concert last year and it was awesome!
It´s the closest thing to seeing the movies in cinema. The live music and the gigantic LED-display are just amazing! And besides... it´s were I saw the CGI Yoda integrated into the Phantom Menace which is great.

I believe you. I wish I could see it live as well, or at least a show on Blu-ray.
Perhaps that's going to be one of the extras, hopefully in full HD.

The frames book is utterly beautiful. I guess he's not having Yoda changed in TESB and ROTJ then, as he is still the puppet in the photos, but that doesn't mean anything final either. We'll see.
Who wants to get me this collection?

[JamesKurtovich]

Originally Posted by shelldweller

If you really get what Star Wars is all about I don´t understand how you can like one trilogy and not the other.

Because one trilogy isn't that good compared to the other.

[OG Pooh]

Originally Posted by JamesKurtovich

Because one trilogy isn't that good.

Each one is a rollercoaster, with highs & lows. I can't say either trilogy is flawless, nor can I say either is no good at all. Anyone who can or would say that, is either wearing rose colored glasses, needs glasses or is playing the part of the fanboy/hater. Any true fan of Star Wars doesn't look at the films as seperate trilogies, but rather as one saga.

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by shelldweller

I could not agree more...
JarJar is the right character you need before Anakins (and the Republics) turn to the dark side. Just like the Ewoks in RotJ.


I was one of those who waited forever for Episode 1 and the Prequel Trilogy and I was not disappointed. I really love the Prequels as much as as I do love the Sequels which I grew up on. If you really get what Star Wars is all about I don´t understand how you can like one trilogy and not the other.

Originally Posted by Bluyoda

I had been a huge fan since the SE in '97, and my expectations where to the moon!!

I think I watched the trailers 100s of times!

I saw the film on its midnight release, and when scenes that were in the trailers came on, followed by different ones, it felt so weird, because I had gotten so used to the editing of the trailers. The next day I went another 4 times. Overall, I saw it 15 times at the cinema.
It was immediately clear to me that this was a new era of film-making.
The vision was so rich and detailed.

The film that completely blew me away in the theater was AOTC though.

I couldn't get up after the showing! My mouth was wide agape, and my jaw on the floor, literally! Best theater experience ever.
Seeing Anakin's metal hand in the wedding scene sent chills through my bones.
The future emperor standing on the balcony witnessing the thousands of clone troopers preparing for battle, and the pre-star destroyers taking off.
Well, almost every single scene....

I love the PT at least as much as I enjoy the OT, because the story is much richer, the scope much grander, and George was finally able to bring his vision to the screen.

I really don't care what other people think about them, but am glad that there are people who enjoy them as much as I do.

I used to think I was alone in loving the prequels as much as the OT. They really flesh out the Star Wars universe and give it such an amazing scope that we didn't have before. The whole Saga is incredible, and it all works rather well together, even with some of the inconsistencies or plot holes. I'm glad to have been young enough to see all the Special Editions in theaters, and the prequels as well. I've been able to fully enjoy all of them for a good portion of my life, and I'm glad to see I'm not alone in that.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by OG Pooh

Any true fan of Star Wars doesn't look at the films as seperate trilogies, but rather as one saga.

You True Fans should get together and make a comprehensive list of everything just plain folk would need to do, say and think in order to become True Fans.

A resource like that could be a marvelous timesaver.

[OG Pooh]

Originally Posted by octagon

You True Fans should get together and make a comprehensive list of everything just plain folk would need to do, say and think in order to become True Fans.

A resource like that could be a marvelous timesaver.

So, what you're saying is that someone who doesn't like something is a... Fan?

I don't know, maybe my eyesight needs to be checked, but the last time I looked, the titles of all six films start with Star Wars. If someone wants to group them with the intent of singling half out as being infeior, he/she is not a fan. A fan actually likes the work he/she is claiming to be a fan of.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by OG Pooh

So, what you're saying is that someone who doesn't like something is a... Fan?

I'm saying one can be a Star Wars fan without seeing things the exact same way you (or any of the other self-appointed True Fans) do.