BLU-RAY NEWS UPDATE...

Here's the cover for the latest issue, out now, of the UK's SCI FI NOW magazine, devoted to STAR WARS and the Blu-rays. We hope that its promised "first look" at the Blu-rays is actually comprehensive and not full of material we already know about. I'm intrigued to see if they've actually and fully seen the films in the new format and will talk about the apparently "re-revised" Original Trilogy changes that are said to have taken place...

A link to the magazine, which also contains an interview with FX genius Phil Tippett:

SciFi Now - The UK's Premier SciFi, Fantasy Horror & Cult TV Website

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



SCENES WE WANT ON BLU-RAY 9: LOBOT'S DUTIES

In one of the Art Deco corridors within the Bespin Cloud City, Lando Calrissian's aide, Lobot, as played by the late John Hollis, awaits further instructions. As well as having his few lines of dialogue removed - a decision made by director Irvin Kershner to make the character more interesting on-screen, he also lost several other intriguing filmed scenes, including his monitoring of the repairs to the Millennium Falcon (a sequence seen at the time of release on several ESB cards and stickers), and his final moments, where he is captured by Stormtroopers for termination (a scene Hollis himself recalled filming in an interview with STAR WARS INSIDER some years back. Cut, he thought, because it might scare young children). This latter scene will be included on the upcoming Blu-ray.

BLU-RAY UPDATE...

The first part of Home Theater Forum website's exclusive access to certain aspects of the STAR WARS Blu-rays, plus a transcript of the US LUCASFILM presentation are now online. Definitely worth checking out.

Link: Lucasfilm on Star Wars the Complete Saga Blu-ray: Hands on Report

UPDATE 22/8/11: Here's a very encouraging perspective on the press event from THE DIGITAL BITS website (which has more features and insights on the Blu-rays to come): The Digital Bits - The 2011 Star Wars Saga Blu-rays - First Insights

STAR WARS BLU-RAY NEWS! MORE DELETED SCENES INFO...

As Royal Guards help him deny admittance to the Emperor, Moff Jerjerrod feels the Force from Darth Vader in a sequence cut from RETURN OF THE JEDI. But will it be amongst the Blu-ray deleted scenes?

Yesterday/today word leaked out via Korea that the following deleted scenes will be making their debut on the STAR WARS Blu-rays. And there's some real goodies in there that should be very interesting to see.

Here's the info:

EPISODE I

Trash Talking Droids

The Battle Is Over

Anakin's Return

Battle On The Boarding Ramp

Extended Podrace Wager

Bail Organa of Alderaan

EPISODE II

Extended Speeder Chase

The Lost Twenty

Anakin's Nightmares

Anakin and Ruwee

Raid On The Droid Control Ship and Extended Arena Fight

EPISODE III

Elevator Antics

Escape The Hangar

Changes To The Constitution

Utapau Chase Animatics

Mustafar Duel Animatics

Mustafar Duel

Lava River Animatics

Kashyyyk Attack and Order 66 Animatic

Anakin kills Shaak Ti

Jedi Imposters at the Temple

Senate Duel Anamatic

Yoda Communes with Qui-Gon

EPISODE IV

Tosche Station

Old Woman on Tatooine

Aunt Beru's Blue Milk

The Search for R2-D2

Cantina Rough Cut

Stormtrooper Search

Darth Vader Widens the Search

Alternate Biggs and Luke Reunion

EPISODE V

Han and Leia: Extended Echo Base Argument

Luke's Recovery

Luke and Leia: Medical Center

Deleted Wampa Scenes

The Fate of General Veers

Yoda's Test

Hiding in the Asteroid

Alternate Han and Leia Kiss

Lobot's Capture

Leia Tends to Luke

EPISODE VI

Vader's Arrival and Reaching Out to Luke

Tatooine Sandstorm

Rebel Raid on the Bunker

Jerjerrod's Conflict

Battle of Endor: The Lost Rebels

SCENES WE WANT ON BLU-RAY 8: BERU'S KITCHEN CONVERSATION

With homely Beru Lars appearance in EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES cut down so savagely during the film's later post production editing (she has just one line in the finished film: "Hello"!) and followed by later re-shoots of material on Anakin and Padme, it would be nice if the upcoming Blu-rays could have Luke Skywalker's adopted mum to be's deleted scene with Padme, where, in the famous Homestead kitchen (painstakingly recreated by the films production designers to match the original environment conceived in 1976 by John Barry), she briefly talks about life on and outside of Tatooine...

"Would you like some blue milk?"

The Blu-ray Prequel deleted scenes for the new release total around 45 minutes, so that's probably 15 minutes for each film. A shame it all couldn't be longer, really, as there's at least 30 minutes of deleted scenes footage alone from ATTACK OF THE CLONES that is yet to be seen, with much of the final third of the film having been changed/re-worked/re-filmed in the post-production process.

MORE BLU-RAY STUFF...

In a nice and quiet alcove at Mos Eisley Cantina, Han and Jenny cuddle up and get ready to watch the STAR WARS Blu-rays!

Finally! A proper trailer for the Blu-ray Box set, with clips from deleted scenes and footage giving us a proper idea of the picture quality transfers (the above pic of the B/W alternate Cantina scene edit is greatly improved to what was seen all those years ago on CD-rom in 1997). From YAHOO, here: Star Wars: The Complete Saga - exclusive trailer | Movies Blog - Yahoo! Movies

Also, check out the Pod Race clip: Star Wars BLU-Ray Preview - The Phantom Menace Pod Doc - YouTube

And a recent feature on the Blu-ray blog: Star Wars: The Complete Saga Blu-ray preview with Holiday Special easter egg

A message from Darth Vader for AMAZON: Amazon.co.uk : Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Episodes I-VI) Ltd. Edition Film Cell

On the Prequels side of things, here's a taster of the Special Features Menus: STAR WARS - The Complete Saga auf Blu-ray: Sample Menü-Navigation (HD) - YouTube

Luke looks to the heavens waiting for his next Blu-ray post delivery!

BLU-RAY NEWS: "DVD & BLU-RAY REVIEW" MAGAZINE-SEPTEMBER 2011

The new edition of the UK's DVD & BLU-RAY review. Available in Jedi and Sith covers.

The latest issue of the popular British magazine BLU-RAY & DVD REVIEW is out now and its main focus is on, you guessed it, the upcoming STAR WARS SAGA Blu-ray releases. But don't be fooled by the cover lines, though, that make it look as if there's more info about the new releases than there actually is. Basically, the magazine is getting in on a cover and feature as early as it can in order to boost its circulation figures using the STAR WARS brand. There's a decent interview with the always likable and highly talented Matthew Wood who talks about the painstaking restoration work that he and David Accord have done on the sound design/mixing for the new releases (especially the new version of the original STAR WARS) to make them live up to, as best as possible, the way we originally heard the films when they were first at cinemas, and we also find out that the master copies being used for the Blu-ray are sourced from the controversial, previously used for the 2004 releases on DVD (which have now apparently been tinkered about with by ILM with regards to colour fixing and gradings, as well as some new lightsaber corrections, too. Wood doesn't state this in the article, just that the masters are from 2004. This info about ILM's involvement has recent-ish become public knowledge), but that's about it. The pictures are all the same old, same old we've seen in countless other magazines (why didn't they just ask LUCASFILM for some other images to use?), there's an okay feature from ex-INSIDER editor Brian J. Robb about the legacy of the original 1977 film, and a tired old "best of" moments previously done better in EMPIRE film magazine. If you can afford to get this magazine, and want it for your collection, by all means purchase it. Otherwise save yourself some money...

I haven't picked up BLU-RAY & DVD REVIEW in a long time, though I noticed its name re-vamping. I have to say that when it was originally just known as DVD REVIEW a few years back it was a much better title. The then printing of the magazine was really nice, the layouts fun and informative and it was just an overall better package than the drab and boringly designed, almost identity-less product I was reading today. Obviously the money belts held onto by the accountants have been tightened up at the magazine company that produces it (FUTURE PUBLISHING), which is a bit of a shame...

AFICIONADO RATING: 5 out of 10

SCENES WE WANT ON BLU-RAY 7: ANCHORHEAD GRAFFITI!

At Tosche Station, inside the Fixer's garage/work area in the small town of Anchorhead, the man himself (as played by Anthony Forrest), snuggles up for some quality time with his girlfriend Camie (played by almost Princess Leia-to-be, Koo Stark) whilst their friends Deak (Jay Benedict) and Windy (actor unknown-no one seems to know who played him! UK fan Jason Joiner probably knows but no doubt he's keeping the info to himself so as to try and get the person for an autograph signing!) engage in an intriguing and highly competitive electronic game with the newly returned to Tatooine Biggs Darklighter (Garrick Hagon). In a few scant seconds time, "Wormie" aka the young and exuberant Luke Skywalker, will burst into the room with enthusiastic stories of an overhead space battle-which no one will believe- that will be the starting point of an epic journey that will send young Luke into a bigger adventure than he could ever have dreamed possible...

Here's the sequence:YouTube - ‪"Star Wars" (1977) - The Deleted Scene Of Luke's Friends‬‏

For years the stuff of legend, this deleted scene raw footage, cut from the film by Lucas and Alan Ladd, Jr. because it was seemingly too similar to the kind of material explored by Lucas in his previous AMERICAN GRAFFITI, has only been shown twice officially by LUCASFILM, first as part of a special event held by Steve Sansweet at the San Diego COMIC CON in 1997, and second at a STAR WARS actors panel (which included Anthony Forrest) at CELEBRATION IV in 2007. In 1998 it made its way onto the famous STAR WARS: BEHIND THE MAGIC CD-ROM, where fans have since tried to clean it up and put it online in better quality for all to see and enjoy. It seems likely that this footage will be included, hopefully, in an even better, officially cleaned up state for the September Blu-ray release.

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

NOT LONG NOW..."THE COMPLETE SAGA": BLU-RAY NEWS

Everybody's probably already seen it, but I'm a completist when it comes to providing as much info as I can on the upcoming Blu-rays. Here's the link to the new STAR WARS BLU-RAY web site area on the official site:
StarWars.com | The Complete Saga on Blue-ray

The front and back holders for the unique cell packaging.

In the UK, fans who pre-order THE COMPLETE SAGA will receive their very own limited edition STAR WARS film cell.The Star Wars Sentiype™ contains a unique 35mm film frame reproduced from the original film footage using state-of-the-art imaging and printing techniques. The film frame is mounted and features original artwork from the Star Wars Blu-ray collection. Each senitype™ is numbered for authenticity.

The Senitype is only available to those that Pre-Order The Complete Saga on Blu-ray.  One limited edition Star Wars Senitype™  will be sent to all persons that have already pre-ordered The Complete Saga on Blu-ray. 

The overall packaging for the British Blu-ray COMPLETE SAGA disc releases.

The Limited Edition Star Wars® Sentiype™ is available whilst stocks last from UK dealers: Amazon, Play, HMV, The Hut and Tesco  


There's more STAR WARS related Blu-ray treats coming up for fans at the EMPIRE film magazine's event packed, star-studded extravaganza at the London 02 Arena-BIG SCREEN-taking place on the 12th-14th August. They'll be a big preview of THE COMPLETE SAGA discs, with on stage guest commentary from some of the key ILM team members involved in the films making and transfer to Blu-ray, plus a Jedi/Lightsaber Academy for the kids and families to indulge in, and an opportunity to have pictures taken on a popular STAR WARS set recreation. COWBOYS & ALIENS, starring Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig, will also be getting an advance UK screening, too! What's not to like!


Find out more about BIG SCREEN here: A Celebration of Film, A Feast for Fans Everywhere - The Live Movie Event | Empire Big Screen

DELETED SCENES GALORE COMING ON BLU-RAY!

A Treadwell droid watches Luke as he looks to the heavens in a classic deleted scene from STAR WARS.

Finally, LUCASFILM opens the vaults and shows us some of the Classic Trilogy Deleted Scenes goodies coming up on Blu-ray, and they're all the ones we want to see, as witnessed in this trailer: StarWars.com | Comic-Con 2011 Star Wars Blu-ray Deleted Scenes Teaser

Artoo escapes a carnage wielding Wampa in the caverns of Echo Base in EMPIRE.

Luke looks at the space battle overhead in STAR WARS.

Lando helps an injured Chewbacca to the Falcon in JEDI's famous Sandstorm sequence.

A shot of the Millennium Falcon and Princess Leia's Y-wing on Tatooine.

Luke conceals the damage to his mechanical hand in JEDI...

Luke makes his way to his X-wing during the Sandstorm.

A Mon Calamari pilot joins the Death Star II battle in JEDI

General Solo and his team come under Imperial attack in JEDI

The Bunker battle continues...