BLU-RAYS: NEW SNEAK PEEKS/CLIPS...

Above is a shot from the new Yoda footage for EPISODE I originally done by Rob Coleman and the ILM animators as a rehearsal for their Yoda work in EPISODE III (the footage may also have undergone further refinements for the Blu-rays). Looks great, eh?

Equally impressive stuff here- some other great Blu-ray footage that's now been revealed from overseas- EPISODE ONE looks absolutely superb in its new conversion. There's also going to be some controversy with scenes from the 2004 versions of the Classic Trilogy films also on the Blu-rays.

UPDATE: LUCASFILM have put their STAR WARS MOMENTS/VISUALIZER area online here:
Star Wars: The Complete Saga | Visualizer

Prior and continued thanks to "R2D2" and the other dedicated fans at ORIGINALTRILOGY.COM for their heads up on so many good things Blu-ray related...


EPISODE I CLIPS:

"There’s always a bigger fish":


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep1/Ep1_Visualizer_Clip_1_MJPG.mp4

Shield generator has been hit - R2's heroic moment:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep1/Ep1_Visualizer_Clip_2_MJPG.mp4

Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep1/Ep1_Visualizer_Clip_3_MJPG.mp4

I will come back to free you mom, I promise:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep1/Ep1_Visualizer_Clip_4_MJPG.mp4

Activate the droids:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep1/Ep1_Visualizer_Clip_5_MJPG.mp4

Obi versus Darth Maul:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep1/Ep1_Visualizer_Clip_6_MJPG.mp4

Anakin, Anakin, drop [lightsabers]:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep1/Ep1_Visualizer_Clip_7_MJPG.mp4

Republic credits are not good out here:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep1/Ep1_Visualizer_Clip_8_MJPG.mp4

Clumsy Jar Jar at the pod:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep1/Ep1_Visualizer_Clip_9_MJPG.mp4

Pod-race:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep1/Ep1_Visualizer_Clip_10_MJPG.mp4

Jabba also gets a revised make-over for the new Blu-ray of EPISODE ONE.

EPISODE II CLIPS:

Speeder chase:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep2/Ep2_Visualizer_Clip_1_MJPG.mp4

Anakin leaving to find his mother:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep2/Ep2_Visualizer_Clip_2_MJPG.mp4

Yoda teaches class - "Lost planet Master Obi -Wan has":


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep2/Ep2_Visualizer_Clip_3_MJPG.mp4

Jango versus Obi:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep2/Ep2_Visualizer_Clip_4_MJPG.mp4

Obi at Kamino:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep2/Ep2_Visualizer_Clip_5_MJPG.mp4

Yoda versus Dooku [lightsabers]:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep2/Ep2_Visualizer_Clip_6_MJPG.mp4

Geonosis - battle scene:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep2/Ep2_Visualizer_Clip_7_MJPG.mp4

geonosis - arena battle scene:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep2/Ep2_Visualizer_Clip_8_MJPG.mp4

Obi versus Jango Fett - space chase:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep2/Ep2_Visualizer_Clip_9_MJPG.mp4

Geonosis - another arena battle scene:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep2/Ep2_Visualizer_Clip_10_MJPG.mp4

EPISODE III CLIPS:

R2 - "hit the buzz droids center eye":
http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep3/Ep3_Visualizer_Clip_1__MJPG.mp4

Stupid little astro droid:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep3/Ep3_Visualizer_Clip_2__MJPG.mp4

Kashyyyk - battle:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep3/Ep3_Visualizer_Clip_3__MJPG.mp4

Order 66:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep3/Ep3_Visualizer_Clip_4__MJPG.mp4

After the attack of the Jedi Temple:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep3/Ep3_Visualizer_Clip_5__MJPG.mp4

yoda versus Darth Sidious [lightsabers]:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep3/Ep3_Visualizer_Clip_6__MJPG.mp4

Grievious versus Obi :
http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep3/Ep3_Visualizer_Clip_7__MJPG.mp4

In the name of the Galactic Senate of the Republic [lightsabers]:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep3/Ep3_Visualizer_Clip_8__MJPG.mp4

The Council wants you to report on all Chancellor's dealings:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep3/Ep3_Visualizer_Clip_9__MJPG.mp4

"Hello there!":
http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep3/Ep3_Visualizer_Clip_10__MJPG.mp4

EPISODE IV CLIPS: 

Vader kills Antilles:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep4/Ep4_Visualizer_Clip_1__MJPG.mp4

“We seem to be made to suffer”:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep4/Ep4_Visualizer_Clip_2__MJPG.mp4

“Your fathers lightsaber”:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep4/Ep4_Visualizer_Clip_4__MJPG.mp4

Cantina:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep4/Ep4_Visualizer_Clip_5__MJPG.mp4

Holo-chess game:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep4/Ep4_Visualizer_Clip_6__MJPG.mp4

“Better her – than me”:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep4/Ep4_Visualizer_Clip_7__MJPG.mp4

“Shut down...”:

http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep4/Ep4_Visualizer_Clip_8__MJPG.mp4

Come here you big coward, Chewie come here:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep4/Ep4_Visualizer_Clip_9__MJPG.mp4

"Use the force Luke, let go Luke":


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep4/Ep4_Visualizer_Clip_10__MJPG.mp4

EPISODE V CLIPS

You could use a good kiss! video:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep5/Ep5_Visualizer_Clip_1__MJPG.mp4

Tauntaun opening video:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep5/Ep5_Visualizer_Clip_2__MJPG.mp4

Rebels prepare for AT-ATs:

http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep5/Ep5_Visualizer_Clip_3__MJPG.mp4

Han and Leia kiss video:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep5/Ep5_Visualizer_Clip_4__MJPG.mp4

Being Watched:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep5/Ep5_Visualizer_Clip_5__MJPG.mp4

That is why you fail:

http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep5/Ep5_Visualizer_Clip_6__MJPG.mp4

Lando’s welcome:

http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep5/Ep5_Visualizer_Clip_7__MJPG.mp4

I love you:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep5/Ep5_Visualizer_Clip_8__MJPG.mp4

“I am your father!”

http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep5/Ep5_Visualizer_Clip_9__MJPG.mp4

“I never doubted you for a second – wonderful”:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep5/Ep5_Visualizer_Clip_10__MJPG.mp4

EPISODE VI CLIPS

Hayden as Force Ghost: http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/images/1000px/ep6/EP6_ILM_235.jpg

Emperor cross sabers !!

http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep6/Ep6_Visualizer_Clip_8_MJPG.mp4

Emperor’s DS arrival:


http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep6/Ep6_Visualizer_Clip_5_MJPG.mp4



Jabba and Sarlacc:
 http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep6/Ep6_Visualizer_Clip_4_MJPG.mp4



Rancor:
http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep6/Ep6_Visualizer_Clip_3_MJPG.mp4



Jabba’s Palace:
 http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep6/Ep6_Visualizer_Clip_2_MJPG.mp4



Carbonite free: 
http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep6/Ep6_Visualizer_Clip_1_MJPG.mp4



It’s a trap!: 
http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep6/Ep6_Visualizer_Clip_9_MJPG.mp4



Explosion!:

http://d2np6futyd7kp6.cloudfront.net/videos/en/ep6/Ep6_Visualizer_Clip_10_MJPG.mp4



BEHIND THE SCENES IMAGE: JABBA'S SAIL BARGE

The superb Sail Barge set was one of the many visual highlights of RETURN OF THE JEDI. As seen here in this reference image, its front side fully constructed in Buttercup Valley in Yuma, Arizona in April 1982 (alongside one of the smaller prisoner skiffs), it was the last major-league prop built for the Classic STAR WARS Trilogy, though it remains forever immortalised on the big screen with its incredible design and dedicated realisation.

For more on the Classic Trilogy's Production Design, look out for J.W. Rinzler's epic book on the subject, packed with blueprints and interviews with the films production designers and set decorators. see the trailer here: Star Wars: The Blueprints Trailer | Video | MTV

CLASSIC IMAGE: A SPIRITED TEACHER

On the jungle world of Dagobah, the in-exile Jedi Master Yoda begins his training of the boy with no patience, Luke Skywalker.

A triumph of effects, puppetry and acting by the talented Frank Oz, check out this link to a great behind the scenes feature, full of rare images, on the little green Jedi's practical on-set realisation, from the British puppeteer who assisted Oz on EMPIRE (as well as being an important part of Jabba the Hutt in JEDI), Dave Barclay: Dave Barclay

CLASSIC IMAGE: JABBA IN DA HOUSE!

Here's another classic B/W image sent by LUCASFILM to KENNER for reference use in 1982/83, this time of Jabba and friends from RETURN OF THE JEDI, inside the palace throne room on Tatooine. If ever there was a great image that should be released via OFFICIAL PIXS, this is certainly one worthy for consideration.

C'mon, OP, release more rare JEDI pics please!

And, check out this great and highly informative web feature from John Coppinger going behind the scenes at Jabba's creation : Star Wars - Passion4Makeup Magazine

With thanks to Chris Baker for the image.


And, linked to JEDI, check out this rare interview material (including Richard Marquand conversation)/behind the scenes footage that has returned to YOUTUBE about the making of JEDI, and most importantly, the creation of Jabba's Palace creatures/ Sail Barge.

YouTube - mrjohnavery's Channel
YouTube - ROTJ Richard Marquand, Anthony Daniels

With thanks to the YOUTUBE posters for these great TV finds.

MONSTER AUCTION!

My good buddy Chris Baker recently got in touch with me on an event from last year that I wasn't previously aware of, and which I thought I'd pass the info and photos on. Here's what he said:

“These (attached) images are from a PIH Hollywood Auction Catalog I found online yesterday. The Auction actually happened back on December 17 & 18th of 2010, from the Saban Theatre in Beverley Hills. Phil Tippett added several pieces from his personal collection, These are the 'SW' ones from his lot

 

... wish I had a few extra hundred thousand just sitting around (lol)

    

(the images-click to blow up for more detail and caption info- are numbered in the order they were presented in the catalogue)”

Thanks for the info, Chris.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THREEPIO'S RESCUER!

A cloaked Luke Skywalker, last of the Jedi, enters Jabba's Palace on Tatooine to demand the immediate release of his captured friends, in this atmospheric, and very cool, shot from RETURN OF THE JEDI.

CLASSIC SCENE: ENCOUNTER WITH A JEDI!

"You will take me to Jabba now." Luke trades Force-ful words with Bib Fortuna.

Newly arrived at Jabba's Palace, Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) confers with the Hutt's Major Domo, Bib Fortuna (Michael Carter), who tries to prevent him from an audience with his master. This scene, for reasons unknown, was ultimately re-filmed a short time after, on the steps leading to the creature's Throne Room instead.

This image, which was originally provided to KENNER TOYS for reference in 1982 (note the scratches made by LUCASFILM to prevent copying), was sold online recently at an auction by the website ENTERTAINMENT EARTH.

BIG LIPS SINK HUTTS!

Jail-breaker Ziro the Hutt gets some quality time with his girlfriend Sy Snootles in THE HUNT FOR ZIRO.

With her great introductory musical opening number (deliberately reminiscent of Kate Capshaw’s ANYTHING GOES from INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM), and a now revealed relationship with Ziro the Hutt, Jabba the Hutt’s prized singer/entertainer Sy Snootles turned out to be one of the true stars of THE HUNT FOR ZIRO episode of THE CLONE WARS shown last night in the US. The episode was a fun, fast paced tale of intrigue and action, and was also a fine introduction to a more audience friendly version of rogue Jedi Quinlan Vos, whose Han Solo-ish attitudes worked well with Obi-Wan Kenobi by the book intelligence. And what about that superb fight with Vos and Kenobi against Cad Bane, eh? This was the kind of action Boba Fett should have had in the Classic Trilogy!

In celebration of lippy Sy’s return here’s a classic shot of her best live action visual incarnation from the original version of RETURN OF THE JEDI. With thanks to Chris Baker for the image.

And here’s a link to the MTV released pop video for the original 1983 JEDI song from Jabba’s Palace, LAPTI NEK, put together by John Williams and his son, which includes the film's Second Unit director David Tomblin's footage of Jabba, and his den of dangerous acolytes, that never made it into the finished film:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iZFZRCCLIU

THE BLUE BARON IS BACK! GEORGE LUCAS IN "SPHERE OF INFLUENCE"



George Lucas becomes the star of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, this week on SKY MOVIES PREMIERE HD



SKY MOVIES have very kindly sent us the latest press release info for the new episode of THE CLONE WARS showing on SKY MOVIES PREMIERE and HD from this weekend, and its the one fans have been waiting for, as George Lucas takes the action hero spotlight in SPHERE OF INFLUENCE.

Here's the info:

Star Wars Creator George Lucas Sees Some Action in an All-New Episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars!

When Pantoran Chairman Papanoida's family is kidnapped and held for ransom, Ahsoka Tano must team up with Senator Riyo Chuchi to aid the new chairman in recovering his family. It’s a journey deep into the dark underbelly of the Coruscant crime scene, with an unlikely – and immediately recognizable – protagonist painted into a corner and forced into action in “Sphere of Influence,” an all-new episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars – at 5.30pm Saturday 6th November on Sky Movies Premiere/HD.

Seen only briefly as a background character in Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith, Papanoida will nonetheless appear very familiar to Star Wars fans, film buffs and pop culture aficionados. He is, of course, modeled after Star Wars creator George Lucas – who also wore blue face paint for the character’s live-action cameo debut.

“My appearance in Episode III was just for fun. Mostly, I did it for my kids,” says Lucas. “I was wrapping the series, and I’d never been on-screen in a Star Wars film, even though I’d been making them for decades. With The Clone Wars, I get the best of both worlds, because I get a starring role but don’t have to do any acting or wear any blue make-up.”

Lucas’ children – Amanda, Katie and Jett – also appeared with the director in the live-action outing, and they, too, make their Clone Wars debut in “Sphere of Influence.” None of the Lucas family provides voice-acting for the series, however; Jett’s doppelganger is voiced by Robot Chicken’s Seth Green, while Amanda and Katie’s avatars are voiced by Meredith Salenger (who also voices Barriss Offee) and Nika Futerman (Asajj Ventress), respectively. Lucas himself is voiced by Clone Wars regular Corey Burton (Count Dooku, Cad Bane) – who based the character’s distinctive sound on Orson Welles’ Harry Lime from The Third Man.

While Papanoida is featured fairly passively in his live-action incarnation, the character has an opportunity for a considerably more active role in The Clone Wars. Taking him deep into the Coruscant underground, the Pantoran Chairman’s mission gives him the chance to demonstrate his chops in a few decidedly action-oriented sequences.

“We actually made Papanoida into kind of an action hero,” says Dave Filoni, supervising director of The Clone Wars. “The bad guys have his family, and he goes after them, blasters blazing. Shoot first, ask questions later. His character is very focused on finding and protecting his kids; it’s a desperate situation, and he steps up. It’s a fun episode with a lot of action – and it’s unique, in that our normal heroes give up the spotlight while Papanoida takes matters into his own hands. This was a surreal episode to produce, since the guy on screen was sitting right next to me while we were making it.”

THE CLONE WARS RAGE ON. SEASON THREE - SECRETS REVEALED!

Let's hope we see a lot more of Yoda in Season Three

Its not long now- mere weeks- until UK viewers get to see the brand new third series of THE CLONE WARS exclusively on SKY MOVIES PREMIERE and HD. In the meantime, SKY has very kindly sent AFICIONADO some great new LUCASFILM ANIMATION images from the new series as a little taster.

Cad Bane makes an appearance at Jabba's Court. Does this signal the start of the Hutt Clan war?

A Republic gunship heads towards Tipocca City with urgent news.

Keep checking the AFICIONADO blog for more THE CLONE WARS updates.

CELEBRATION V: "THE CLONE WARS" SEASON THREE NEWS...

With THE CLONE WARS then still under wraps, aside from some early art and a wow factor trailer, for the most part of the previous Celebration IV, the gloves were now off and the secrecy shackles removed from Dave Filoni for this years Celebration V, as he presented two spectacular digital screening panels to packed and eager audiences for the upcoming third season of THE CLONE WARS. Here's some of the great information I was able to glean from the event, on what looks set to be an absolutely fantastic new season of epic battles, grand heroics and truly evil deeds.


Please note, there are lots of spoilers below.

The opening episodes see a stunning attack on the clone facilities at Kamino by the Separatists, led by Asajj Ventress, in underwater attack ships (similar to the one that captured Rotta the Hutt's Tatooine Sail Barge from the Clone Wars movie) that literally latch themselves onto the Kaminoan cities and smash their way into the superstructures, unleashing destruction on a grand scale (including an incredible scene where the Clone vats are destroyed) and a new series of Super Battle Droids.


Several new Jedi faces will be added to the ranks, though one will be killed by a mysterious assassin or creature during the series run. Shaak Ti is also a new face to the series- the decision was taken to introduce her later in the run so that kids would not get her confused with the similar looking Ahsoka.


Its been hinted at by Filoni that the previously thought to be destroyed Slave One vessel of Boba Fett is in the hands of pirate Hondo Ohnaka, and is getting a refurbishment that will make the ship look a little closer in appearance to the way it will be in THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.


There will be a link/character from the Classic Trilogy appearing in Season Three (our money is on a teenage Han Solo, whose planned appearance was cut from EPISODE III).


The series may go beyond its planned five year run (Lucas and co. are currently working on Year Five as you read this), and looks set to run for as long as its popular with fans and audiences.


In a question I asked Filoni at one of the talks he confirmed that, with the advances in series CGI realisation (including rain and sea waves for Kamino, fire and costume material for the characters), we will one day see Wookiees and Kashyyyk in the series.

The action sequences have been amped up with better lighting and angles and a greater sense of realism now that the CGI has been improved and refined even further. Expect to see a lot more believability of movement and more shadows and reflections.


Count Dooku, in very stylish pyjamas no less!, will have a stunning lightsaber duel with a group of mostly invisible assassins-an idea that was conceived by Lucas (though it's initial concept did put a smile on Filoni's face at the thought of invisible people!) and looked superb in the footage shown at the event. Overall, there will be more of Dooku in this season and we'll also find out what the title crawl to EPISODE III meant when it said "There are heroes on both sides. Evil is everywhere."

Based on designs originally conceived by Ian McCaig for EPISODE ONE, the scarily drawn Sith Witches become reality, now known as the Witches of Dathomir, the home race of Asajj Ventress, revealed in Season Three. In the episode/s, Ventress is seemingly on the run from Dooku/Sidious and seeks refuge with her "family" on Dathomir, on a planet where the male and female races have evolved separately from one another. Its been hinted at that this season will be the last for Ventress's character-which is a bit of a shame.


From the new mega trailer (first shown exclusively at the CV event, and edited by one of Filoni's best friends, who now also works for LUCASFILM), the Duchess of Satine and the Mandalorians will return, as do the Toydarians, Aurra Sing, Clone Commander Wolf, Jabba and Ziro the Hutt (the latter, possibly along with Boba Fett (?), busted from prison on Coruscant and heralding the start of a Hutt clan war later in the season), Jar Jar Binks (once more voiced by Ahmed Best), plus General Grievous and Cad Bane (who gives Obi-Wan Kenobi an "electrifying" time in one lightsaber duel).


The big highlight for many though was the reveal of Darth Maul's brother, Savage Opres, who will become a regular enemy for the Jedi to fight this season- a gift from the Witches of Dathomir to Count Dooku.


The Clone Commandos also make a brief cameo in one episode, in a sequence shown at the convention that brought the house down with applause after years of waiting for a visual appearance somewhere in live action or animated Prequel-dom.

Katie Lucas has written quite a few episodes for this season, including the Ventress/Dathomir episodes and one coming up which will star the entire Lucas family as the blue skinned Papanoidia family, with George's Baron heavily involved in an action sequence in a cantina, though son Jett was unhappy that his animated character's gun wasn't as big as his dad's!

The Year Three mega trailer for THE CLONE WARS can be seen on the official STAR WARS site's main CELEBRATION V home page, and is coming to the US CARTOON NETWORK from September 17th 2010, and on SKY in the UK by at least the end of October this year.