Category - Episode VI – Return of the Jedi

What will happen to Star Wars after 1983?

The following news report provides a beautifully whimsical insight into the buzz surrounding the original release of Return of the Jedi, and what Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas had revealed at that point about their future plans for the saga. As someone who was lucky enough to attend a 1983 screening of the third (at that point, possibly the final) Star Wars film, I recall the palpable excitement that precipitated the film’s release. Now part of a well-oiled marketing machine, the merchandising, supporting stories and media buzz about the film was something rarely experienced at the time and it truly felt as though fans were part of a worldwide cultural phenomenon.

A number of interesting sights and tidbits appear within this report, including Harrison Ford suggesting that he was happy to permanently hang up Han Solo’s outfit, an uber-fan queuing up in a rare “Revenge of the Jedi” t-shirt, other fans hinting at the desire for prequel films and early talk about the nine-film story arc that had been drafted in rough form by that stage.

This is a lovely flashback, that will take older fans back to their childhoods and provide newer fans with some understanding as to how significant the Original Trilogy was in the popular culture of its time.

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Why George Lucas has no interest in directing more Star Wars movies

Many of the most iconic pieces of pop culture from the 1980s sprang from the vivid imagination of George Lucas. Those who grew up in that era were no doubt heavily influenced by the original Star Wars trilogy, by Indiana Jones and perhaps even George’s smaller fantasy works, such as Willow.

If the following video is any indication, however, it seems that George is still reeling from the hammering he received from fans upon the release of the prequel trilogy. Those films, while visually spectacular, suffered from a lack of charm, heart and evocative performances, so it’s understandable that fans of the original series felt that the saga had lost some of its magic. At the same time, it’s unfortunate if the lack of love shown towards Jar-Jar Binks is what has deflated George’s passion for the Star Wars Universe.

Take a look and let us know your thoughts below.

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Bad Lip Reading brings a Star Wars gift to us all

The crew behind Bad Lip Reading – famous for dubbing footage from film, TV, sporting events and political highlights with largely nonsensical but often riotously funny alternative dialogue – has delivered in a big way. Clearly inspired by the mammoth attention heaped upon the debut of The Force Awakens, they have just simultaneously launched three Star Wars “Lip Reading” videos. These parody events and characters from A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

What’s more, this series of videos is dubbed by some impressive voiceover talent, including Kung Fu Panda himself – Jack Black, as well as Maya Rudolf and Bill Hader. Given Hader’s attachment, it’s possible that Disney has subtly given these shorts their blessing (he recently voiced a major character in Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out).

There’s plenty to love about these, including surprising transformations of Chewie and Jabba. Musical pieces also feature, with Obi Wan Kenobi’s folk ballad “Bushes of Love” and Luke’s R&B AT-AT raid track particular highlights. We hope you love these new perspectives on the original classics.

 

BAD LIP READING TAKES ON STAR WARS EPISODE IV – A NEW HOPE

 

BAD LIP READING TAKES ON STAR WARS EPISODE V – THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

 

BAD LIP READING TAKES ON STAR WARS EPISODE VI – RETURN OF THE JEDI

 

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