Posted on Monday, November 29th, 2010 by Russ Fischer
Irvin Kershner, who directed the first (and best) sequel to Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, has died in Los Angeles. The AFP reports that he had been suffering from a long illness, citing his goddaughter, but does not otherwise report a specific cause of death. Read More »
Posted on Tuesday, November 9th, 2010 by Germain Lussier
Though people today constantly complains about spoilers, they regularly take for granted that they’re available at all. Today, someone can do a simple Google search and find out almost any secret they want to in regards to a movies or television. That’s pretty incredible, especially when you think it wasn’t so long ago the only way movies got spoiled was in the occasional magazine article, printed review or if someone blurted it out while you were in line for the next show.
In 1978, David Prowse – the actor who wore the Darth Vader suit in the original Star Wars Trilogy – did a personal appearance in Berkeley, California which was covered by a local newspaper. At the event, Prowse answered questions about “Star Wars II” and “Star Wars III” and also just happened to mention the greatest spoiler in movie history – that Darth Vader was Luke Skywalker’s father. In 1978. Two years before The Empire Strikes Back was released. We’ve got the original article after the jump. Read More »
Han Solo in Carbonite is my favorite piece of movie memorabilia ever. There, I said it. In the Nineties, a company made a small number of authorized prop replicas of it and I believe they cost $3,000 each. Though I was probably 13 at the time, to this day I regret not buying it. Just think of all the non-at-all-awkward conversations I could have had bringing girls to my place. “Yeah, I’m a bounty hunter…and you’re my bounty.” Or maybe, “Behave or I’ll put you on the wall too.” You know, things like that. So, when I saw this amazing full size Lego recreation of Han Solo in Carbonite, I knew I had to share it….after wiping the drool from the side of my mouth. Check out the full photo and more the jump. Read More »
Posted on Tuesday, September 14th, 2010 by Germain Lussier
Yes, you read that right. You are reading a post about a trailer for a book. But not just any book. This is a goosebump-inducing trailer for Del Ray Books The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back by J.W. Rinzler. He’s the guy behind the amazing books The Complete Making of Indiana Jones: The Definitive Story Behind All Four Films and The Making of Star Wars The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film. Now, he’s tackling the undisputed best film in the Star Wars universe, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. It’ll be released on October 12.
Hit the jump to view the trailer which features an incredible look inside the Lucasfilm Archives, never before seen photos and concept art from Ralph McQuarrie, an interview with George Lucas and much more. Read More »
Posted on Friday, August 13th, 2010 by Russ Fischer
There’s nothing quite like a bit of conflict between former creative partners to make a film’s backstory more interesting. George Lucas and Gary Kurtz famously split many years ago after The Empire Strikes Back, when the direction of the Star Wars movies took a turn that Kurtz didn’t like.
Some stories have been told of the split, and of what Kurtz saw as flaws of the Star Wars series. But now, in honor (might use that word lightly) of this weekend’s Star Wars Celebration V, Kurtz has said quite a lot about what he thinks of the Star Wars saga. Read More »
SplitReason is selling a fun Empire Strikes Back-parody t-shirt called “Home Sweet Taun Taun”.
This beautiful winter get-a-way may smell bad, but it will keep you warm. It comes pre-furnished, includes HD cable service, and is only a 4 hour walk from the nearest rebel base camp. 100% cotton (doesn’t feel like cardboard), printed on Pre-shrunk 10.2 ounce crewneck T, Double needle cover seamed neck, taped neck and shoulders, double needle sleeve and bottom.
Available for $18.95 plus shipping.
Read More »
Posted on Thursday, June 17th, 2010 by Peter Sciretta
I’m considering buying a bar of Fight Club soap, just so that when friends/guests use the bathroom in /Film headquarters, they will see the pink bar sitting in the soap dish next to the sink. But if you’re going to go with geek soap, why not go all the way and buy a bar of soap cast in the Han Solo in Carbonite mold from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back?
Posted on Monday, May 24th, 2010 by Peter Sciretta
As you know, it is the 30th anniversary of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. To celebrate, LucasFilm has been releasing some col new books, art prints, posters, and collectibles focusing on the original trilogy sequel. One of my favorite posters from Empire was composed by Japanese artist Noriyoshi Ohrai.
Apparently, StarWarsShop recently discovered one of the actual 8×10-inch high-resolution transparencies of Ohrai’s original artwork within the Lucasfilm archives, and “felt Empire’s 30th anniversary was the perfect occasion to bring back this classic piece of original trilogy illustration.” More details and a full image, after the jump.
