AFICIONADO REVIEWS - AUGUST 2011

Brave young Jedi Nuru Kungurama must face up to a deadly Mandalorian assassin in Ryder Windham's third book in his young readers BREAKOUT SQUAD series: DUEL AT SHATTERED ROCK. Check out our review here: DUEL AT SHATTERED ROCK

Also, for the younger ones on THE CLONE WARS front is the recently released BATTLES OF THE FORCE storybook. Check it out here: CLONE WARS 2010/11 BOOKS

BEHIND THE SCENES IMAGE: DAGOBAH DAYS!

Yoda operator Dave Barclay holds onto the Yoda puppet whilst Mark Hamill lifts himself up for some more Jedi training filming as Luke Skywalker, on the misty and murky Dagobah set towards the end of the main studio principal photography for THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK at ELSTREE, circa August/September 1979.

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



CLASSIC ART: McQUARRIE'S DAGOBAH

Here's some intriguing ideas from the master STAR WARS visualist for a far more unusual and alien environment for Yoda (originally known as Minch Yoda in late 1978) on his sanctuary world of Dagobah. The little Jedi's hut/home would basically stay the same for its eventual on-screen appearance (if a little smaller), though I think its time THE CLONE WARS adapted the rest of the environment for one of its alien planet fall episodes-it would look great.

For even more definitive behind the scenes info on the making of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, find out how to get hold of our two popular volumes on the film here: STAR WARS AFICIONADO "EMPIRE" BEHIND THE SCENES COMPANION and here: STAR WARS AFICIONADO DOUBLE ISSUE 11/12-THE MAKING OF "THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK"

CLASSIC IMAGE: JEDI DESTINY...

Within the deserted and wrecked Jedi Temple, Master Yoda confers with Obi-Wan Kenobi as to the culprits responsible for the slaughter of their friends. A confirmation of a worse battle to come is soon unavoidable and inevitable...

Linked to our favourite green Jedi Master, check out this recently activated new clip from PLAY.COM, from the upcoming Blu-ray release, on how composer John Williams came up with the characters much loved theme tune, here: Star Wars - Landing - Play.com (UK) - Free Delivery

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 ART: TOONAMI JEDI!

Here's a great piece of UK bus stop/terminal promotional art for the superb animated CLONE WARS series from 2005, shown on CARTOON NETWORK, and brought to life by Genndy Tartakovsky and his talented team of writers and animators.

Somebody PLEASE release this fantastic micro-series and its epic EPISODE III related sequel onto Blu-ray!

CLASSIC IMAGE: LITTLE GREEN WARRIOR!

One of the last surviving Jedi, and one of its greatest, Master Yoda, enters into fierce lightsaber battle with the evil Sith Lord, Darth Sidious, within the Republic's mighty office for the Supreme Chancellor on Coruscant. It can only be a moment from EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH...

CLASSIC ART: TINY WISDOM!

Here's a fun b/w late 1978 or early 1979 storyboard, possibly by the respected UK artist Ivor Beddoes during the time he worked on storyboarding for THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK at ELSTREE with the late director Irvin Kershner, showing a wide-eyed and innocent, dreaming of adventure and excitement Luke Skywalker conferring with an early version of Yoda within his hut home on Dagobah.

With thanks to Ian Trussler for the image.

CLASSIC IMAGE: SITH SWORDSMANSHIP!

An interesting EPISODE II image used online for a devoted STAR WARS fans desktop wallpaper, showing Christopher Lee as the evil Count Dooku flexing two lightsabers for part of a filmed but ultimately deleted duel sequence between the Sith Lord and Yoda in the Geonosian Hangar. Let's hope that one day the entire action sequence will appear on Blu-ray.

Outside of playing Count Dooku, our best wishes go out to Christopher Lee on his accepting his BAFTA fellowship award for his life and career in movies this weekend in London. It's well deserved and great to see him properly acknowledged.

CLASSIC IMAGE: IN THE NICK OF TIME!

In one of the best cheer out loud moments of EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES, Yoda and the fresh for battle Clone Armies arrive on Geonosis to assist their Jedi colleagues and stop Count Dooku and his new forces.

The Clone War has begun!

SEASONS GREETINGS!

Yoda at Xmas. Lovely art by Tsuneo Sanda.

A very Happy Xmas and a prosperous New Year to all our readers and to STAR WARS fans across the globe. 2011 looks set to be an exciting year, what with Seasons 3 and 4 of THE CLONE WARS, the awesome terror to come of Savage Opress, some intriguing new merchandise projects, especially tantalising new behind the scenes books and, of course, those shiny Blu-rays of all six films!!

Bring it on!

With thanks to our friend Andy Dukes for forwarding this little STAR WARS related Xmas ditty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMmaO6MzK4E&feature=player_embedded

CLASSIC IMAGE: "EMPIRE"s UNSEEN SEEKER DRONES

An intriguing design of one of the seeker drone balls (similar to the one from STAR WARS) used by Yoda in training Luke Skywalker on Dagobah during THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Sadly, these scenes, in which the Jedi Master would use them against his Padawan in unsuspecting moments, were cut from the script shortly before filming on the ELSTREE Dagobah sets, so as to keep the scenes on the planet tight story-wise, and to further help reduce the already escalating production budget. As far as we're aware, neither of the two seeker drones were ever constructed.

AFICIONADO REVIEW: "THE LEGACY REVEALED"

The origins of Yoda, as used in the US 2007 HISTORY CHANNEL promotions for THE LEGACY REVEALED

                                     http://www.starwarsaficionado.com/the_legacy_revealed.html

THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR!

The UK's SUNBIRD and PENWIZARD children's book publishing companies have joined forces to create a lovely new idea for STAR WARS publishing: the first personalised tale for THE CLONE WARS, where you, the reader, can become a major part of the action and adventure in both visuals and text, either as a hero or baddie (see the above image examples of personalised covers). The book is now available online in the UK and will be available to the US very soon.

Head over to our AFICIONADO review for more information:

http://www.starwarsaficionado.com/wayofthewarrioravatarbook.html

Or visit www.penwizard.co.uk/clonewars

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.

CLASSIC IMAGE: FLUORESCENT YODA!

Yoda's certainly looking a bit brighter these days, as this reference dummy, used by the cast and crew at FOX STUDIOS for EPISODE III in 2003, clearly demonstrates.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE TWO MASTERS OF DARKNESS!

From the EPISODE II DVD special features, here's some fun images showing legendary actor Christopher Lee- Count Dooku himself- at FOX STUDIOS AUSTRALIA in 2000, getting ready to film the next part of his lightsaber duel (with double Kyle Rowling) in the Geonosian hangar for EPISODE II, and this time up against his old Jedi Master, Yoda. Only, his opponent's looking a little bit different today!

The reference Yoda dummy used on that days filming would be given some vampire fangs by the behind the scenes crew in an amusing DRACULA joke/honorable homage. Despite Lee's seriousness on set to Lucas that he didn't find the improvised visual gag funny, we secretly hope that he eventually saw the lighter side of it all!