CLASSIC IMAGE: THE SEARCH BEGINS...

Imperial Sandtroopers, with a far distant Patrol Dewback (a huge specially built prop with limited movement rather than the 1997 SPECIAL EDITION CGI creature), search for their new quarry: droids, in this slightly different image by photographer John Jay for the original STAR WARS taken on location in the deserts of Tunisia.

NEW BLU-RAY DELETED SCENE CLIP: CHASM CLASH!

Another welcome little deleted scene snippet from the upcoming Blu-rays has turned up online: this time its a slightly different version of the chasm battle from STAR WARS (Episode IV), incorporating the famous, for years debated, was it or wasn't it filmed moment in which Luke throws the grappling hook and misses the first time around.

Here it is:  STAR WARS Blu-Ray New Deleted Scene‬‏ - YouTube

We're sure there will be more hotly debated scenes like this to come on those shiny discs!!

UPDATE 2/8/2011: Turns out it was all just a clever hoax from the YOUTUBE poster. But, I'm sure you'll agree a nicely done one at that!

Also, here's an apparent Russian trailer for the Blu-rays. We don't think it's the real deal, though it's well put together: ‪Star Wars Blu Ray HD [Russian]‬‏ - YouTube

CLASSIC IMAGE: UNFORGETTABLE VILLAINY

Wearing, in my opinion, the best costume and helmet, from the original STAR WARS, the menacing, lightsaber holding dark vision that is Darth Vader (presumably inhabited by US Don Post employee/ Vader stand-in Kermit Eller?) poses for a promotional image for the LUCASFILM/FOX publicity machine, sometime during 1977-1978.

ILM CLASSIC IMAGE: DEATH STAR PATROL

A patrol of TIE fighters tear across the equatorial channel of the fearsome Imperial Death Star battle station in this terrific piece of conceptual art by ILM's Joe Johnston from 1977, as seen in the STAR WARS SKETCH BOOK of the time.

Its a great image and you can just imagine Ben Burtt's brutal sound design for the craft as they race by...

CLASSIC IMAGE: USED DROIDS FOR SALE!

Outside on the vast landscape plains of the Owen Lars moisture farm/household, those pesky but lovable Jawas begin to gather their odds and ends droids for possible sale, including two recent acquisitions: See-Threepio and Artoo-Detoo!

Truly another magical scene from the original STAR WARS!

ILM CLASSIC IMAGE: TO FILM A T.I.E.!

In a small ex-garage in Van Nuys, California, sometime during late 1976/early 1977, where an unsuspecting world outside of it has virtually no idea that STAR WARS is on the way, ILM Visual Effects Technician/icon Richard Edlund makes an adjustment to a TIE fighter model prior to blue screen filming.

CLASSIC ART: FIRE IN THE SKY!

Here's a terrific and evocative piece of art by the late sci-fi talent John Berkey-a favourite illustrator of George Lucas- from sometime between 1976 and 77, showing Rebel X-wing fighters making their attack runs in, out and around the mighty planet killer, the Death Star, from the original STAR WARS. Sadly, this image from Berkey (whose other great film work would include art for KING KONG (1977) and SUPERMAN III (1983)), which was created as part of his commissioned work for the STAR WARS poster campaign, was not eventually used, though one other piece of character/action art (featuring the towering figure of Lord Vader with a defiant Luke, Leia and the droids underneath him) would make the grade as the iconic cover of the UK SPHERE BOOK edition of the movies adaptation in 1977. This Death Star battle art is yet another fine example of the incredible artistic work done for the saga over the last thirty-four years, and its stunning depiction remains indelibly iconic....

Check out more of Berkey's brilliant sci-fi work here:  John Berkey Image Gallery

CLASSIC IMAGE: BATTLE READY REBELS!

A group of loyal Rebel soldiers prepare to meet heavy Imperial resistance cutting its way into the Blockade Runner in search of the stolen data tapes of the Death Star. In the original script (and comic book), the Stormtroopers blast downwards from the ceiling and into battle-an intriguing image. Though what was finally seen on screen in 1977 with their explosive entrance would prove more than exemplary!

CLASSIC IMAGE: A JAWA TROPHY

With several additional/re-shoot scenes filmed in Death Valley, USA in early 1977, as well as a small amount of original footage the year before in Tunisia (the above shot filmed there in STAR WARS CANYON (the large rock, behind the Jawas, was, I'm sure, in the finale of RAIDERS, too!)), here's the classic scene audiences loved upon the films original release, where Artoo is sneakily captured by those little scavengers of the Tatooine desert: the Jawas!

CLASSIC IMAGE: ESCAPE FLIGHT!

Making last minute adjustments to his beloved Millennium Falcon, currently berthed in Docking Bay 94, Han Solo is soon perturbed by a squadron of attacking Stormtroopers.

Check out our latest issue of STAR WARS AFICIONADO magazine: THE BEST OF ISSUES 1-4, which has a special section devoted to the Corellian pilot and Chewbacca (page example below), as well as the iconic actors that played them, here: BEST OF ISSUES 1-4 INFO and how to get hold of it, here:  BACK ISSUE PDF CATALOG

CLASSIC IMAGE: TIE COCKPIT

An interesting close-in shot of a TIE fighter cockpit (I'm not sure if it's an original model or a replica). I always loved these Classic Trilogy fighters, and their fearsome battle cry tearing through space, but what I really wanted to have seen more use of in the later films was Darth Vader's own unique prototype ship (imagine if it had been in proper combat against the Millennium Falcon. Now that would have been a battle!), and it rarely appeared in the MARVEL comics, which was a bit of a shame...

AFICIONADO STAR WARS MYSTERY: CAPTURING THE MAN IN BLACK!

Here's some intriguing pictures of a US (?) photo shot taken of Darth Vader, the true Dark Lord of the Sith. I think its from at least 1977/78 (presumably thats Kermit Eller in the costume) - note the huge size of the Vader mask: it has to be from A NEW HOPE time.

If anyone knows what the shoot was for, if there's any more images in the set, and where and when it first appeared, please get in touch...

CLASSIC IMAGE: HIGH SPIRITED REBELS!

Overjoyed with their first gargantuan success against the Empire: the destruction of the fearsome Death Star, our trio of heroes-Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Prncess Leia, followed close behind by Chewbacca- depart the fighter bay hanger of the Massassi Temple on Yavin IV, and get ready to par-ty!

CLASSIC IMAGE: CHASM CHALLENGED!

Here's a great shot from one of my favourite scenes of STAR WARS: the exciting, and classic, chasm swing with Luke and Leia. This image has an interesting composition, presumably taken during rehearsal, and, as you can see, it shows our heroes at the other end of the junction they've just swung to (or has photographer John Jay gone round the other side of the set so as to shoot from a differing angle?).

Though used for several pieces of pre-release promotion (including a lavish FOX colour brochure spread within their FILMS FOR 77 booklet (presumably, at the time the booklet was being formulated in mid to late 1976, this was one of the very first colour images released for the blockbuster that no one really saw coming), you don't really see this pic used much nowadays, and I'd like to see it appear in the future by way of an official magazine or book in a much higher res, and in a nice double page spread, too!

With thanks to Chris Baker for the image.

CLASSIC IMAGE: IMPERIAL TAKE-OVER!

Now aboard the captured Blockade Runner, the ever threatening Darth Vader (Dave Prowse) cannot control his anger at Captain Antilles (Peter Geddis) for his stubborn refusal to co-operate regarding the location of the stolen Death Star data tapes, in this classic image from the opening scenes of STAR WARS.

BEHIND THE SCENES: GREEDO'S THREAT!

In January 1977, Lucas and a small Los Angeles Second Unit would film additional scenes for insertion into the evolving cut of STAR WARS, including many cutaway shots featuring Rick Baker's new menagerie of monsters. Stuart Freeborn's originally used Greedo mask would receive some practical design improvements by Baker for additional sequences also shot at the same time, where the trigger happy Rodian would be played by Maria De Aragon.

CLASSIC CHEWBACCA: THE BOWCASTER.

Continuing our celebration of our favourite Wookiee's return to the STAR WARS saga with THE CLONE WARS, here's a great behind the scenes reference image of the Bowcaster, the distinctive crossbow/laser weapon hybrid which Chewbacca has but ultimately doesn't use in the first STAR WARS, though he soon proves an excellent shot with it in a very cool moment from RETURN OF THE JEDI, when he skillfully takes down an accelerating Speeder Bike pilot within the forests of Endor.

I'm not sure if the Bowcaster was a specially made prop for the films or an adapted weapon from a British armourers (I'm assuming the latter), so if anyone has any more info on it, please get in touch...

"THE ANATOMY OF "STAR WARS""

Image: KURTZ/JOINER ARCHIVE

Great news for UK STAR WARS fans in the celebrations run up to the Blu-ray launch, as the website Lightsaber Rattling has this great news on a new event taking place in May- THE ANATOMY OF STAR WARS weekend- involving Producer Gary Kurtz (above, in 1976, with Kenny Baker as Artoo) and 20^TH CENTURY FOX executive, Sandy Lieberson.

Check out the details here:

http://lightsaberrattling.blogspot.com/2011/03/star-wars-event-news-anatomy-of-star.html?m=1

If any UK readers get a chance to attend the event, please get in touch with AFICIONADO and tell us about all the info learnt from it!

UPDATE: 20/5/2011. Ian Croft sent a detailed synopsis of the event to THEFORCE.NET. Read it here:
TheForce.Net - Latest News - The Anatomy of Star Wars Class - Reviewed

CLASSIC IMAGE: FALCON DUDES!

Here's a scene from STAR WARS that I want to see included on the upcoming Blu-ray release no matter what-I don't care if it turns out good or badly realised, I just want to see it. It's the moment after the TIE fighter battle where Han and Luke congratulate themselves on their laser gun targeting skills. There's a real "Whoa, look what we did!" expression on Luke's face. Classic.

CLASSIC IMAGE: HAMILL, FORD, FISHER - TORONTO JUNE 16TH, 1977

A very rare signing of our Clsssic Trilogy actors for Toronto STAR WARS fans in 1977. All images: Charles McKee. 

Regular AFICIONADO contributor Chris Baker has kindly sent me another great piece of rare Classic Trilogy nostalgia, and it’s an amazing find I wasn’t previously aware of, and one that must be shared…

Here’s what Chris said….

"A friend named AJ just picked this up off of EBay. Here is what he had to say about it (w/ the images he was able to score from the event). Not sure if this store is still in existence but I do know Yonge Street (in Toronto) well .. If I hadn't only been 7 at the time of this little gathering I likely would have been there.

Here is to missed opportunities, can u imagine all three of them at one sitting ..!”

 

“I just scored this off eBay, and I am super psyched. It's a vintage Marvel comic book (Issue #3) signed by Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford... without a doubt the best examples of their vintage signatures in my collection:

Back in June of 1977, 20th Century Fox agreed to have a book signing at a store in Toronto to promote the upcoming release of Star Wars. Bakka books (May 1972 -1982) was Toronto's biggest Sci-Fi bookstore at the time, and Hamill, Ford and Fisher made a fairly rare appearance. This comic was signed that day. I found some great pics from the signing... how cool would it have been to be there!!!!! Check 'em out:”

The collection is from the store's owner, Charles McKee (who we think is the guy wearing the STAR WARS t-shirt in the corner), who has a FACEBOOK page for the life and toimes of his popuar shop: You will have to log in and "like" the pictures, and if you scroll back to June 6th of last year (in the news feed) there are some other 'SW' auto. party related pics

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20685070776

  

And here is a link to a slideshow of the images:

http://www.charlesmckeebooks.com/bakka/slideshows/catmags/BakkaMagazine-No6-Fall1977.pdf

One guy even posts on the Bakka FB wall ... "I know I was there. I even remember running four blocks to get American cigarettes for Harrison Ford. I guess all the photos were taken while I was off doing that" (lol)

Thanks to Chris, his friend AJ, and, most importantly, Charles McKee, for the info and great images...