Star Wars in 3D Gets an Official Release Date



John Knoll Talks Star Wars in 3D


I'm sure if you've ever read my blog you know that the announcement of an official release date for the Star Wars Saga has my heart all a flutter.  I just recently completed my 6 lists of the top 10 scenes that I would like to see in each episode. Once the list was completed I felt a bit empty, you know, the way any UPF of Star Wars feels when the credits finish at the end of the movie. Today I added my countdown widget for Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace the official kick off of the Star Wars Saga in 3-D on the big screen to my blog.  Now the waiting and anticipation begins.

I think this is also a great time to review my previous lists. I won't bore you with the details here, but I will supply all the previous post links:

Original Post Date	Link
Wednesday, October 6, 2010	The Star Wars Saga in 3-D: The Phantom Menace - My Top 10 3-D Moments
Monday, October 11, 2010	The Star Wars Saga in 3-D: The Clone Wars - My Top 10 3-D Moments
Saturday, October 30, 2010	The Star Wars Saga in 3-D: Revenge of the Sith - My Top 10 3-D Moments
Monday, January 31, 2011	The Star Wars Saga in 3-D: A New Hope My Top 10 3-D Moments
Saturday, December 4, 2010	The Star Wars Saga in 3-D: The Empire Strikes Back My Top 10 3-D Moments
Monday, February 21, 2011	The Star Wars Saga in 3-D: Return of the Jedi - My Top 10 3-D Moments

What's next for me...a new list. While posting lists of 3-D moments, I was surprised by how many scenes there are that are my favorites that have nothing to do with any type of special effects or sci-fi action sequences. So, I will be listing my favorite scenes from each film.

May the Force Be With You, Always!

The Star Wars Saga in 3-D: Return of the Jedi - My Top 10 3-D Moments

Repeated viewing of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi so that I could choose my favorite scenes to see in 3-D was so much fun.  I LOVE Luke Skywalker even more each time I see it! Aesthetically speaking, Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker is just perfect. This final episode of the Star Wars Saga packages everything together and delivers it! As always, the visuals are awe inspiring and the music is perfect. Wedge is back and loaded for bear, and the Empire is finally defeated.

I have been going through a rough time in my life recently and the triumph of good over evil by the Rebel Alliance is just what I needed. Luke resists the temptation of power by the Dark Side and is a shining beacon leading Anakin back to the Light.  If Darth Vader can slough off the shroud of shame he wears for all that he has done in the name of the Dark Side, forgive himself and return to the Light Side of the Force; then maybe I can forgive myself for the little things that I have done in my life that keep me from my ultimate destiny.

Don’t let shame and past mistakes cause you to wallow in failure – It’s a Trap!

1. A Jedi’s Fury – Luke Skywalker is a Jedi on fire as he masterfully defeats Darth Vader, but our humble knight soon emerges from his fury and is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice rather than kill his own father. With a single battle cry and an epic Star Wars silhouette, I am entranced. It’s not good emperor. It’s great! When Luke says, “I am a Jedi like my father before me.” I get all verklempt.
2. Father vs. Son – The light saber battle has already begun when we join this scene and we learn with Darth Vader that Luke has learned some new tricks.
3. Luke and The Emperor – I know there is no great action in this scene, but watching Luke handcuffed with Vader beside him, a lamb, calmly walking to the slaughter. Again, a visually beautiful scene that is full of dread for me.
4. Speeder Bike Chase – This scene is so much fun and the dizzying speed is thrilling.  I especially love that little twinkle in Luke’s eye when the stormtrooper turns back to finish him off. You can just hear him thinking, “It’s the last mistake you’ll ever make.”
5. Fully Operational – It’s a Trap! I knew it! The action in this space battle is awesome.  I love watching Lando chase down those three TIE fighters. They mayhem truly begins when they realize that the Death Star is operational.
6. Force Lightning – The emperor thinks that Luke is going to pay the price for his lack of vision, but it is only Luke who sees that redemption is possible for Anakin. The few moments that Darth Vader thinks before acting are agony to me…I can feel Luke’s pain. Every time I just know he is going to fall into the crevice.
7. Into the Death Star – Going into the belly of the beast and riding this obstacle course in 3-D will be an incredible ride.  Mr. Lucas, after you revamp Star Tours, this should be the next ride!
8. Death Star Destroyed – I’m a Star Wars fan, so of course, I want to see a big explosion! Well Jedi does not disappoint. I’m surprised Lando Calrissian doesn’t lose is mustache as he just escapes the flames.
9. The Sarlacc Pit – “I used to live here.” “You’re gonna die here, you know.” Luke is full-out Jedi taking on Jabba’s henchmen and Leia shows Jabba what happens to anyone who messes with her man!
10. “Oh no! The Rancor!” We all know what’s coming – Oola, the green Twi’lek girl, didn’t stand a chance. But Luke keeps his cool and shows Jabba that he’s gotten more than he bargained for in Luke.

May the Force Be With You, Always!

The Star Wars Saga in 3-D: A New Hope My Top 10 3-D Moments

It seems rather appropriate to start the new year with a listing of the top 10 scenes I can't wait to see in 3-D for Star Wars: A New Hope. Choosing only 10 scenes, like all the previous times I've completed a listing, is very difficult. But each time it is a labor of love and a great excuse to watch each film again. I abstain from watching each film for at least a week before reviewing it for the listing.  I was happily surprised by my experience on this viewing of a New Hope.  Possibly because I know that once completed, the list is out there on the Internet never to be rescinded and as a Star Wars Ultra Passionate Fan, I take the listing very seriously. Whatever the reason, it was as if I was seeing the film for the first time. 

The cinematography, lighting and color palette of the film were especially apparent to me on this viewing.  The warmth of Tatooine in contrast to the cold, darkness of space took on a new artistic significance, and I wondered at what George Lucas must have been trying to teach me. Even Princess Leia's plea to Obi-Wan Kenobi, a speech I have watched hundreds of times, seemed especially poignant. Maybe the memory of Carrie Fisher's recent recital of that speech at Celebration V is still fresh in my memory. I was lucky enough to share a quick conversation with Miss Fisher from the stage, and her kindness, charm and wit were everything and more than I expected.

I usually try not to alter time, speed up the harvest or teleport myself off any rocks, but I can hardly wait to see these films starting with Episode I in 2012. Until then, the Force will be with me.

1.  Use the Force Luke: This final triumphant sequence has all the goodies: X-Wing action, the Millennium Falcon blazing in like a bat out of Hades and the explosive annihilation of the Death Star.
2. Trench Runs: This is our first glimpse of the Rebel fighters engaged in battle and there is plenty of World War I Flying Aces type action.
    
3. Imperial Boarding Party: The opening, as Leia's Rebel blockade runner is chased by the Imperial Star Destroyer, is awe inspiring. The juxtaposition of her tiny ship to the huge destroyer is an allusion to the David vs. Goliath battle that lies ahead.
4. Alderaan's Fate: From the charging of the Death Star's ultimate weapon to the merciless blast that destroys a planet in mere seconds, this scene is our first taste of a Star Wars fireworks extravaganza.
5. Fighter Attack: Why hasn't someone released a full -motion video arcade game where you can sit in the Millennium Falcon's gunner chairs and destroy Imperial Star Fighters!? I don't know, but this scene is going to be really fun in 3-D and I will start saving up my quarters.
6.  Rescuing the Princess: It is a blaster blazing, all-out frenzy when Luke, Han and Chewbacca take over the Detention Center to rescue Leia. There is one blast in particular that comes straight at you!
7. Into the Garbage Chute Flyboy: The shootout at the OK Corral, George Lucas style, resumes as does our opportunity for blaster action.
8. Assault on the Death Star: The Rebel fighter squadron leaves Yavin 4 to engage the Imperial Battle Station. I love the departure, the formation and engaging of X-foils and finally the approach on the Death Star.
9. Leia's Message: Though this is not an action sequence, R2-D2's hologram of Leia's plea lends itself to some awesome 3-D holographic imagery. I will keep my fingers crossed.
10. Binary Sunset: I know there isn't any action in this scene and nothing really happens, but this scene has always been the heart of the film for me. If there is any way possible to use 3-D effects to make the two suns of Tatooine more real, then I know I will be able to feel their heat, lol.

May the Force Be With You, Always!

The Star Wars Saga in 3-D: The Empire Strikes Back My Top 10 3-D Moments

Whose dumb idea was it any way to select only the Top 10 scenes I can’t wait to see in each Star Wars Episode? …Oh yea, I guess that was me.  Well I can honestly say, if I haven’t already, that I can’t wait to see EVERY SINGLE SECOND of every Episode in 3-D on the big screen (and eventually my Blue-Ray, lol).  My UPF fantasy is to build a Star Wars Saga war chest so that I can watch each film EVERY day that it is available on the big screen finally culminating with a marathon viewing of all six films (I would love to throw the Clone Wars in there as wellJ.), one right after the other until I drop from sheer bliss and exhaustion. Until I can work out all the kinks in that one, I will forge ahead and finish what I started my-masochistic listing.

1. Lightsaber Duel & Vader’s Revelation - I begin this list by cheating.  I admit it. I have lumped the lightsaber duel chapter with the Vader's revelation chapter. In my own defense, it's the same light saber battle and how can Vader's revelation not be THE moment to see in this film.
2. There is No Try  - My father being a man of the cloth – and the greatest man I have ever known – this scene holds a special place in my heart.  Many a day of my youth was spent discussing religious dogma and philosophy with my father – me as the awakening prodigy, Luke, and my father as the wise yet humble Yoda.  Here faith comes by hearing and seeing.
3. Battle in the Snow – We finally see the Rebels and the Empire lock horns in the light of day. For the Rebels…it ain’t pretty. Imperial walkers equal stubborn, tenacious, slow-walking kickass until Mr. Skywalker comes to town.
4. Confronting the Dark Lord – This was the most anticipated confrontation of its time: the imagery, the primary colors, the light sabers, the sound of them…these things will stay with me forever.
5. Rebels in Retreat - The fireworks display when Luke takes out that walker is awesomeness, and  the emperial walker (AT-AT) that takes a step back and shoots the speeder…come on…that is so cool, lol.  
6. The Empire in Pursuit – Han may be scruffy-looking and Chewie his nerf but they are beautiful poetry flying like a bat out of heck in the Falcon.
7. Carbon-Freeze – I admit it, this is the first scene in a movie ever to make me cry.  Chewbacca wailing at the loss of friend…kills me every time.
8. Escape from the Wampa – Luke hanging upside down on ice, hand outstretched reaching for his saber.  I know I can feel the Force, can’t you.
9. Crash Landing on Dagobah – Say it ain’t so…did we just lose R2-D2? Good thing R2 doesn’t taste as good as he looks.
10. Luke’s Recovery – I know that slave-girl Leia was every man’s favorite costume at Celebration V, but I will continue the lobby I started for some brave gym-baby to don Luke’s Bacta-Tank swimwear at Celebration VI.  I know there will be many a black garbed, Jedi Luke in attendance, however, for 30 years I have nursed this dream.  I see no reason to stop now, lol. This is not the only reason I want to see this scene in 3-D. The whole Empire family is there in one shot: Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, C-3PO & R2-D2 doing what they do best-driving each other crazy. Just like all good families.

Not happy with my Top 10 3-D list , no hard feelings (Apology accepted Captain Needa).  My suggestion, go watch the Empire Strikes Back again and make your own list.  The fun is in the doing.

May the Force Be With You Always!

The Star Wars Saga in 3-D: Revenge of the Sith - My Top 10 3-D Moments

My apologies on how long it took me to post my top ten 3-D scenes from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.  With every reviewing of this film I am torn apart emotionally.  It must be some form of emotional, self preservation, but I forget how traumatic this film is to me.  The beginning of the film is wrought with excitement and emotional intrigue; however, the tables turn on an ever downward spiral of despair that begins with Mace vs. Sidious.  The horrible ache at the pit of my stomach rises and the bile at the base of my throat births a bad taste in my mouth as I watch Palpatine transfigured into the hideous Lord Sidious.  I know that as he lies and manipulates Anakin, this is the beginning of the end.  I know that I must watch the end of Anakin Skywalker.  The surrender of a once good and valiant Jedi Knight to a despicable Lord of the Sith who will soon go on to murder his Jedi brother and sisters who had adopted him into their home and way of life. We know the clones we have come to love and cheer are going to betray their Jedi leaders. Like Yoda, I want to protect Obi-Wan from the heartbreak that will come with the knowledge of Anakin's treachery at killing fellow Jedi and Younglings.  Though I had waited nearly 30 years to see the epic light saber duel between these two (master/padawan, father/son, brothers/friends), I can almost not bear to see the despair in Obi-Wan's face when he defeats Anakin and says aloud what we already know, what Luke and Han cannot bear to say, that he loved him-even as he turns his head away and leaves him to burn. Watching the hatred that Anakin feels, to be burning in the very fires of Hell and rather than seek redemption choose to use what may be his final breathe to say, "I hate you," with all the strength that is left in him.

I took my daughter to see this film on the big screen and even now when we watch it together at home I can only appreciate the closeness we cling to as we endure the agony of this heart-wrenching episode.  That is the beauty of the prequels. We already know what is going to happen. We know that Senator Palatine is the one pulling the strings (if you can’t see the Francis Ford Coppola, Godfather allusion here.  I just can’t help you.), we know that our relationship with the clones will turn and that all will be seemingly lost. Yet we are powerless to stop the agony that we feel.  Our cheering at both the birth of our beloved anti-hero Lord Vader and the twins is the only thing that saves us from this sci-fi tragedy. As we watch the twin suns of Tattoine set on this chapter of the Star Wars saga we are emotionally exhausted and saddened.  However, there is hope, 'A New Hope,' that will rise with these two suns and lead to the destruction of Sidious and the eventually return of our fallen hero.  While I grab a hankie, here are my top ten scenes:

1.       Battle of Heroes: The one we all waited for: Obi-Wan vs. Anakin Skywalker and the only bad thing I can say about this is—I wish it could be 10 times longer.

2.       Yoda vs. Sidious: One line sums up how awesome this sequence is—If so powerful are you, why leave.

3.       Mace vs. Sidious: I can barely stand to watch the beginning of the end here: Anakin, what have you done?

4.       Battle over Coruscant: There is so much to see in this scene. One of the things I love about Star Wars Saga, with each viewing there is something to see that you may not have seen before.  Although, with Ewan McGregor in the scene it is sometimes tough to tear my eyes away—Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope!

5.       Rescuing the Chancellor: Obi & Anakin vs. Count Dooku. The life-sized replica of Obi-Wan that Anakin carries…I think there could be a market for that, lol.

6.       Confronting Grievous: Obi-Wan & Anakin on the bridge of the Separatist’s ship all the way to ‘another happy’ landing.

7.       Obi-Wan vs. Grievous: Hello there! The chase, admittedly another chapter, through Grievous’ final demise.

8.       Order Sixty-Six: At least this time I will be prepared and have my Kleenex!

9.       Time to Leave: Jett Lucas killing clones like it’s going out of style. Also, I have to say there has never been, nor will there ever be as cool a tuck-tail-and-run retreat as the one executed by Bail Organa.  Jimmy Smits is awesome!

10.   Birth & Rebirth: Lord Vader Awakens!

Thank goodness I can always count on Obi-Wan to cheer me up:  wet or dry!

Hot, Wet & Wielding!

May the Force Be With You, Always!

The Star Wars Saga in 3-D: The Clone Wars - My Top 10 3-D Moments

Glad to see the continued interest in the Star Wars Saga in 3-D.  As fans sound off, remember the re-release of these films is a gift from George Lucas to Star Wars fans everywhere-old and new. And I love getting presents.  Normally, I would not choose a favorite anything where the Star Wars saga is concerned but I thought doing a list of my top 10 Star Wars 3-D scenes in each film would help fans focus on the positive: another chance to see Star Wars on the big screen. (And give me the unnecessary excuse to watch the films again, lol).  In doing so, I have put myself between a blizzard and a tauntaun's gut: trying to select which scenes I want to see in 3-D most. I hope you appreciate this list because, trust me, it wasn't easy:

1. Mace Windu: The Party's Over
2. Yoda's Calvary
3. Obi-Wan & Anakin: Speeder Chase
4. Obi-Wan & Jango Fett: Asteroid Chase (Don't forget little Boba.)
5. Obi-Wan vs Jango (Again, don't forget little Boba.)
6. Master Yoda vs. Dooku
7. Clone War on Geonosis
8. The Droid Factory
9. Yoda & the Younglings: Map Reader (I love this scene, lol.)
10. Begun the Clone Wars Has (Final scene where Star Destroyers go into space.)

I forced by myself to stick to only 10, but I will cheat here by saying that I can also not wait to see the following scenes: Return to Coruscant, the Inspection of the Clone Army, The Geonosis Arena, Obi Wan & Anakin's Duel with Dooku, etc.

And finally, again, anything with Ewan McGregor wet or dry is good for all Jedi girls and boys.  So I will leave you with one of my favorite pictures that I've titled Wet & Wielding, Enjoy!

Hello There!

The Star Wars Saga in 3-D: The Phantom Menace - My Top 10 3-D Moments

Fans are sounding off all over the internet at the annoucement that the Star Wars Saga is being released in 3D.  Well here are my "3" cents.  I can't wait.  Of course, I had to take the annoucement as an excuse, I mean opportunity, to watch the saga again.  I can't wait to see the entire film, but I have restricted myself to include the top 10 scenes that I can't wait to see in the new format. (Even then I list 11, lol.)

1. Pod Race
2. Lightsaber fight w/Qui Gon, Obi Wan & Darth Maul
3. Battle between the Gungans and the Droid army on Naboo coutryside.
4. The skirmish in the Naboo hanger between the droids and the Naboo
5. Showdown with Jedi and the Destroyer Droids on Trade Federation ship
6. Anakin destroying the Droid Control ship from within
7. R2-D2 repairing the shields on the Naboo ship that escapes the Trade Federation blockade.
8. The Bongo being attacked by the sea creatures: Opee Sea Killer, Sando Aqua Monster and Colo Claw Fish.
9. The invasion of Naboo by the Trade Federation army.
10. The Republic Cruiser being blown up in the docking bay of the Trade Federation ship. 

And, any scene with Ewan McGregor-wet or dry. 

Who knew Obi Wan Kenobi could be so sexy?

It brings new meaning to...help me, Obi Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope!