Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and Black Angel Coming to Mill Valley Film Festival 36

The California Film Institute is holding it's annual Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) October 3-13, 2013. The event will feature some interesting Star Wars and Star Wars related content.

On October 7th their will be a special 30th anniversary screening of Return of the Jedi.  The pre-show events for this screening will begin at 5:30 pm while the screening itself will start at 6:30 pm.  Tickets are on sale now and priced very reasonably at $14.50 for adults, $13.50 for members and $10 for children 12 and under.  If you do attend any screenings at this festival ensure that you arrive 15 minutes early to secure your seat.

Cosplay is encouraged by the festival for this screening at it will feature prizes and giveaways as well as special guests for a question and answer session.

This will likely be very much like Entertainment Weekly's CapeTown film festival 30th anniversary screening which took place at Hollywood's Egyptian Theatre on May 4th of this year.  As an attendee of the CapeTown screening, I can say that it was a lot of fun to see Return of the Jedi on the big screen and being there with hardcore Star Wars and film fans was a tremendous amount of fun.

On October 13th on the final day of the festival, there will be a screening as part of the 5 @ 5 Shorts section, of Black Angel and some festival favorites. This screening will begin at 8 pm and run 90 minutes.

Black Angel is a 22 minute short film written and directed by Roger Christian, a set decorator on A New Hope and Second Unit Director on The Phantom Menace. The short film was funded by George Lucas and packaged with the theatrical release of The Empire Strikes Back in it's foreign release in the United Kingdom, Australia and Scandinavia.

An August 12, 1997 profile of Christian on StarWars.com during the production of The Phantom Menace gives a bit of the back story on his career and how Black Angel fits into it.

It was his experience on the original Star Wars and his growing love for film that led to Christian's career change. "After Star Wars I art-directed the first Alien film, then I wrote a short film and went back to film school," he says. British theaters then almost always showed short films along with features and Lucas wanted something that would go well with The Empire Strikes Back. By chance Christian met a Fox Film executive and told him of his un-produced script for a medieval fantasy, The Black Angel, which was too expensive to do in film school. Lucas read the script, okayed it and Fox gave the money for it to be made. "And that's what kicked me off," Christian says.

One of the interesting things about Black Angel, which I haven't seen but would love to is that it was never released in any home video format and it was believed lost until a copy of the film was found in 2011 by a Universal Studios archivist. A digitally restored and remastered version of the film will be screened at the festival.

Sources: Arstechnica, Mvff.com, StarWars.com(via backup link) and Wikipedia

Star Wars Celebration Fan Club Table and Fan Built Prop and Set Submissions for Celebration Anaheim

Are you part of a Star Wars fan club? Are you handy with a hydrospanner? If you answer yes to either question, then Lucasfilm has a way that you can be an active part of Star Wars Celebration Anaheim.

Star Wars Fan Club Table Information

Fan Club Table Application

There will be a limited number of fan club tables available at Celebration for unofficial, regional, and international fan clubs and similar fan organizations. These tables will allow clubs to promote their organizations to other Star Wars fans and to act as a central location for club activities at Celebration.

Clubs that qualify will be supplied with one approximately 8-foot table, two chairs, one standard electrical outlet, and a space approximately 10 feet wide by 10 feet deep at no cost to them. Clubs will also receive four exhibitor badges at no cost to them. Clubs will be responsible for costs for any additional booth furnishings and will be asked to make specific arrangements with the facility or the official decorator for further utilities or other equipment at the prevailing rate. The fan table locations are yet to be determined but will likely be part of a larger Celebration Experience Exhibit Hall.

Application Materials

Fan-Built Props and Sets

Fan-Built Props & Sets

Many fans show their passion by building incredible Star Wars props and sets that look as if they came right out of the galaxy far, far away, and we would like to include as many of these at Star Wars Celebration as space and budget will allow. To have your props or sets considered for inclusion at Celebration, please see the guidelines and application information below.

To have your props or sets considered for inclusion, please send the following information to Mary Franklin at Lucasfilm:

          Photos of each set or prop from front, back, and each side

Space needed for each set or prop, including length, width, and height
Weight of each set or prop
Address where each set or prop is currently located and will be shipped from
Any other special needs for your sets and props (electricity, special loading equipment, etc.)
Will you need help paying for shipping or transportation for your prop or set piece? If yes, then what is the preferred method of transportation?
Number of staff needed to set up and dismantle
Number of staff needed at all times during show hours
Whether or not fans can take photographs inside the prop or set or near it
Any other special information specific to your set or prop

Submissions should include your email address, preferred phone number, and other contact details.

Applications for consideration for fan-built props and sets must be turned in by 11:59 PM EST on July 15, 2014 to Mary Franklin at fanevents@starwars.com.

Celebration will not start responding to fan table requests until August 15, 2014, and final decisions will be made by September 30, 2014.

SOURCE: StarwarsCelebration.com

Calling All Fans: Submissions for Star Wars Celebration Anaheim Fan Programming Now Being Accepted

If you are planning to attend Star Wars Celebration Anaheim in 2015, then you should take a shot at being a more active participant in the event and spread your love and knowledge of Star Wars with other fans.

Lucasfilm is now accepting initial proposals for fan programming at the event.  There will no doubt be a ton of interest in this convention, so I suggest not only that you get your idea in early (they won't be reviewed until early 2014) but that you take the time to craft a well thought out idea with as much information and specificity as you can.  I would also suggest that in the interest of Mary Franklin's sanity that you don't send the same idea multiple times or have absurd proposals.  Think brevity, specificity and clarity when crafting your proposal.

The Fan Programming Solicitation:

Fan Programming

It’s never too early to start planning for Star Wars Celebration!

Celebrations are created by fans, for fans, and we want you to start thinking of how you might contribute to the fun. At all Celebrations, Star Wars fans have the opportunity to become a very important part of the show. You, your friends, or your fan club can jump right into the heart of Celebration by submitting proposals and ideas for fan-sponsored events, entertainment, panels, or exhibits.

Please send a brief initial proposal (limit 500 words) to Mary Franklin at Lucasfilm. Proposals should include your email address and contact information.

Briefly summarize what you would do, time, budget, materials needed, number of people involved, and how the audience would participate, if at all. Initial proposals will be considered for final proposals but are not guaranteed scheduling during Star Wars Celebration.

Fan Programming Submittal Schedule: 

Fan programming proposals may be turned in starting now, but review will begin in early 2014.

First responses from Lucasfilm to Fan Programming Proposals will begin April 7, 2014.

All Fan Programming Proposals will be due by December 15, 2014.

Final decisions on Fan Programming Proposals will be made and communicated by February 1, 2015.

If you do submit a proposal, may the Force be with you and good luck.

SOURCE: StarwarsCelebration.com

The Next Star Wars Celebration (VII) Announced: Anaheim 2015

At today's closing ceremonies for Celebration Europe II, it was announced the date for the next Star Wars Celebration.

Star Wars Celebration (VII) will be held in Anaheim, California on April 16th-19th, 2015.

The obvious location is the Anaheim Convention Center which is located approximately one-half mile away from Disneyland.

Anaheim Convention Center Specifications Overview
Total acreage: 53
Total facility: 1.6 million square feet
Exhibit space: 813,000 square feet
Seating space: Anaheim Arena seating for 7,500
Meeting rooms: 51
Meeting space: 130,000 square feet
Main Ballroom: 38,000 square feet
Pre-function lobby space: 200,000 square feet
Outdoor Event Space: More than 200,000 square feet
Over 40 years of history and service to the event industry

For more on the next Celebration visit ReedPop and for more on the Anaheim Convention Center visit it's website.

Star Wars Celebration Europe News: Episode VII Update from Kathleen Kennedy: John Williams to Score Episode VII

This year's Star Wars Celebration marks the debut of new Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy at the company's official fan convention.  

Kennedy was joined on stage by Celebration host Warwick Davis and while we didn't get a ton of news out of the panel we did get an update on the process and production plans for Episode VII and an announcement about a composer to work on the film.

John Williams is returning to a galaxy far, far away and has agreed to score Episode VII.  I am really happy about this because music is very important to the Star Wars films and having an auditory continuity through the three trilogies will help to link them in spite of the visual differences. The language of Kennedy's announcement is important however, it doesn't specify that Williams is under contract (which is likely a mere formality at this point) or more importantly that he is committed to any other Star Wars films beyond Episode VII.

Image Source: Star Tribune

From the Official Star Wars Blog Coverage:

11:19: Is there something you can tell us about Episode VII, Davis asks… “I had breakfast with someone very important to the Star Wars family last Friday, and he has committed to working on [Episode VII]. And that is Mr. John Williams.” HUGE ovation!

11:21: Video interview with John Williams now playing. He says Kennedy and Abrams are “perfect” choices to carry on Star Wars. “You couldn’t find better candidates.”

We also learned that they are very much conscious of the need to mix CG with real sets and practical effects to give the films a feel more like the Original Trilogy.  If there is one major knock on the Prequel Trilogy for me it was an over reliance on CG and green screens.

10:55: “Much like many of you, looking at all the Star Wars movies and getting a feeling in what the early films did in combination with real locations and special effects — that’s something we’re looking very seriously at. We’re going to find some really cool locations for Ep VII. We’re going to use ever tool in the toolbox for this movie.”

10:56: “It’s using artwork that you can touch and feel in combination with CG effects.”

Kennedy also describes what her typical day is like, which makes it sound like they are very much still refining the script for Episode VII as they begin casting and looking for shooting locations.

11:10: Typical day? Kennedy spends part of her time at Lucasfilm, then the rest of the week with Abrams and the writing team at Bad Robot. They do a lot of Skyping and sit in long, lengthy story meetings. “Great stuff is coming out of those discussions.” At the Presidio office of Lucasfilm, she is in Lucas’ old office. Lucas is still at Skywalker Ranch.

Stay tuned for more Episode VII news out of Celebration Europe, the Hamill and Fisher panels still remain and we may get some news out of those or at the closing ceremonies.

SOURCE: Star Wars Blog

Star Wars Celebration Europe II: What May Be Announced and When?

Gruga Hall, location of Celebration Stage

Star Wars Celebration Europe II is right around the corner. On July 26th-28th legions of Star Wars fans will invade Messe Essen, Germany.  As a preview for those attending and those not attending, let's take a look at what could be officially announced at this Celebration.

Below is my speculation based on publicly announced schedule and guests. Some things to note with CEII is that a great number of the panels and screenings (except the special guest panels) repeat throughout the weekend.

Publishing:

While we know that Lucasfilm/LucasBooks Senior Editor Jennifer Heddle will be present for the convention, the U.S. novel publisher Del Rey will not have a presence at the convention.  Dark Horse Comics will have a minor presence with Editor Randly Stradley being present for "The Art of Star Wars Comics With Panini" panel on Friday from 12:00 pm -1:00 pm on the Behind-The-Scenes Stage.

Until we get further along in development on Episode VII it seems like the novel and comic publishing licensees are in a bit of a holding pattern.  We may get some tidbits of news out of Leland Chee's panel, "The Holocron 101 with Lucasfilm’s Leland Chee" on Saturday, July 27 from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm on the Behind-The-Scenes Stage. Any news out of this panel will likely be regarding continuity and possibly hints at what is coming in the future of publishing, but if we do get news I wouldn't expect much.

The non-fiction book The Making of Return of the Jedi by J.W. Rinzler will get a panel hosted by Leland Chee and featuring Rinzler called "Lost Secrets from Return of the Jedi." This panel will take place on Sunday on the Digital stage from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm.

Other than that we may get some news about short fiction at the Star Wars Insider Magazine, "Star Wars Insider" panel on Saturday, July 27 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the Star Wars University stage.

It seems clear that from a storytelling point of view the focus of this celebration is going to be Episode VII, Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. So I expect no major publishing announcements at Celebration Europe II.

Films:

There will be special screenings of Return of the Jedi and Attack of the Clones at the convention.  The Return of the Jedi screening will be a special outdoor event from 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm on Friday night, because of the nature of the event and it's location there aren't likely to be any announcements made then.

Repeated on the Digital Stage once per day during the convention will be a special screening of Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones in 3D. While the previously planned release of all six Star Wars films in 3D conversions is on hold, fans will get a chance to see Episode II in what we assume is a completed conversion.  Once again I wouldn't expect any major announcements on this, except perhaps that they are going to continue the 3D conversion process on the other films with the eye towards a future release after the sequel trilogy.

We have two tiers of film related panels based on the likelihood of theatrical news.

Lower Likelihood Tier

On Sunday at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm on the Celebration stage there is the panel, "The Fett-Tastic Four." This panel features Jeremy Bulloch, Daniel Logan, Dickey Beer and John Morton, discussing Fett.  If there is a spin-off film that focuses on a young Han or young Boba Fett we may get some news out of this panel.

The supporting character fun continues on the Celebration stage on Sunday from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm, as "The Jabba's Palace Reunion" panel takes place featuring Tim Rose, Mike Edmonds, Femi Taylor, Toby Philpott, Gerald Home, Sean Crawford, and Tim Dry.

Higher Likelihood Tier

"The Golden Hour (Or Maybe 45 Minutes) with Anthony Daniels," will take place on Friday, July 26 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm on the Celebration Stage. The likelihood of C-3PO appearing in the Sequel Trilogy seems high, so perhaps with some proper etiquette and protocol we can get some news out of Sir Anthony.

Following Anthony Daneils on the Celebration stage will be, "Evening With the Emperor: Ian McDiarmid" at 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm.  Fans can ask questions to both Anthony Daniels and Ian McDiarmid via Twitter by using the hashtags, #AskC3PO and  #AskPalpatine.

Luke and Leia will be making their appearances at the convention.  Carrie Fisher will be featured on "Straight Talk From a Princess: Carrie Fisher" Saturday, July 27 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm on the Celebration stage. Mark Hamill takes center stage in "Mark Hamill: The Jedi Returns" on  Sunday, July 28 from 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm.  Fans can submit questions for Mark Hamill by using the hashtage #AskJedi.

You never know that Carrie Fisher may say and it certainly would make sense for both Carrie and Mark to talk up Episode VII.

Preceding both Carrie and Mark's panels will be the Celebration debut of Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. "Kathleen Kennedy: Her Celebration Premiere!" will be held on the Celebration stage on Saturday, July 27 from 10:30 am - 11:30 am. Fans can submit questions by tweeting #AskKathy.  If I were placing bets on a big Episode VII or spin-off film announcement it will be at this panel.

I  think we will get a few announcements at Kennedy's panel. I think we get the official confirmation of the return of Original Trilogy cast members, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, and Anthony Daniels to the Sequel Trilogy.  I also think we get the official announcement of the subtitle for the film.  Finally I think we get official confirmation of the subject and possibly title of the first spin-off film.

Kennedy's panel seems likely to feature a drop in by Hamill and Fisher and perhaps a surprise appearance by Harrison Ford.


Television:

We have two major things to look forward to from the television perspective for Celebration Europe II. Announcements regarding the future of Star Wars: The Clone Wars' bonus content and announcements and a sneak peak at Star Wars Rebels.

The Clone Wars:

For The Clone Wars we have special screenings of the theatrical cut of the Season Five Darth Maul/Mandalore story arc featuring episodes “Revival,” “Eminence,” “Shades of Reason,” and “The Lawless."  These screenings will be held introduced by Dave Filoni.  The presence of Filoni could allow for him giving attending fans some news regarding the series' bonus content.

There are two panels that aren't especially Clone Wars focused but may let some information slip.  Ashley Eckstein the actress who portrayed Ahsoka Tano in The Clone Wars will take part in the "The Women of Star Wars" panel on Sunday, July 28 from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm on the Digital stage. Dave Filoni will also host a fan question and answer with guests Pablo Hidalgo and Leland Chee, "Masters’ Challenge: Dave Filoni with Pablo Hidalgo and Leland Chee on Saturday," July 27 at 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm on the Behind-The-Scenes stage.

The biggest Clone Wars news will likely drop at the "Secrets of Star Wars: The Clone Wars" panel on Friday, July 26 from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm on the Behind-The-Scenes stage. This panel will feature Dave Filoni and Pablo Hidalgo and potentially some fan questions as well.  From this panel I can expect we would get a release date and cover art for the Season 5 Blu-ray and DVD release.  I also think we will get announcements regarding the "bonus content" including a distribution channel, release date, possibly titles and a new trailer.

Star Wars Rebels

While it is possible and even likely that Kathleen Kennedy will mention Star Wars Rebels during her Saturday morning panel, we are early enough in the production process on the show that what little news we will get of the series will likely all come out of the one dedicated panel at the convention.  Kennedy will probably mention the series in passing not to steal the thunder from the Rebels panel which occurs after her panel.

The panel "First Look: Star Wars Rebels" will occur on  Saturday, July 27 from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm on the Celebration stage.

"Exclusive for Celebration Europe, a first glimpse into the production of Star Wars Rebels, an exciting, all-new animated television series slated for release in 2014. Rebels executive producer Dave Filoni, who was supervising director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, will discuss the inspiration for the new series. Rebels is set between the events of Episodes III and IV, an era spanning almost two decades of Star Wars stories that have not yet been explored on screen. Details about the show are a closely-guarded secret at this point, but fans at Celebration Europe can catch a first look into production. Tweet using #AskFiloni and your question may be asked during the panel!"

I expect we may see some character concept art, perhaps some storyboards, but I would be surprised if they are far enough on in production to give us a proper trailer for the show.

Closing Ceremonies:

Finally at the Closing Ceremonies we should get an announcement about the next Celebration and perhaps Fan Days events. The Closing Ceremonies will take place on the Celebration stage on Sunday from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

For a complete printable schedule of Celebration Europe II, click HERE.

SOURCE: StarWarsCelebration.EU

Skywalker Vineyards Wine Sale: Many Grapes Died to Bring Us This Vintage

If you are a wine lover and a Star Wars fan you may have a new item to put on your shopping list this holiday season.

Skywalker Vineyards has made available via it's mailing list two wines for sale.  They are limited quantities and offered on a first come first serve basis to mailing list members.

2010 SKYWALKER PINOT NOIR: MARIN COUNTY ESTATE

$70/Bottle  $840/Case

Dense ruby with purple shadows, this wine’s color hints that good things will follow.  Powerful aromas of spicy clove and dark forest berries lead to a luxuriously textured and coating wine with incredible density and sweetness.  The finish is beyond generous with layers of ripe fruit and spice, very lasting and uncommon for its power and hedonistic charm. Only 202 cases made.

2009 VIANDANTE DEL CIELO PINOT NOIR: MARIN COUNTY ESTATE

$35/Bottle  $420/Case

Beautiful, lifted sweet spice and plum aroma, oak scents, and clove telltale of classic cool climate Pinot Noir.  Balanced and elegant with beautiful texture carrying through to the finish.

Click here to join the Skywalker Vineyards Mailing List.

Star Wars Reads Day Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FANS AND VOLUNTEERS GEAR UP FOR STAR WARSREADS DAY
Over 1200 Bookstore and Library events throughout the US to be held October 6, 2012

NEW YORK, NY., September 18, 2012 – On Saturday, October 6, 2012, over 1200 bookstores and libraries across the United States will host events in celebration of a national Star Wars Reads Day. Star Wars Reads Day is an initiative of Lucasfilm and its publishing partners to celebrate reading and Star Wars. Participating publishers include Abrams, Chronicle Books, Dark Horse Comics, Del Rey, DK, Klutz, Random House Audio, Scholastic, Titan Magazines, and Workman.

At Star Wars Reads Day events, officially participating bookstores and libraries will offer a range of activities such as raffle prizes; promotional giveaways; trivia; and more. Sponsors for various raffle prizes include Thermos, Kotobukiya, Uncle Milton, Mimoco, and Comic Images. Select events will feature appearances by the more than 30 Star Wars authors and artists located throughout the United States. Participating authors include Chris Alexander, Aaron Allston, Tom Angleberger, Jeremy Barlow, Haden Blackman, Charles Boyd, Jeffrey Brown, Troy Denning, Dave Dorman, Ashley Eckstein, Alexander Freed, Jason Fry, Henry Gilroy, Christie Golden, Jeff Grubb, Paul Gulacy, Pablo Hidalgo, Hall Hood, Drew Karpyshyn, Rick Leonardi, Steven Melching, John Jackson Miller, John Ostrander, Chris Reiff, Matthew Reinhart, Mike Richardson, Ian Ryan, Chris Scalf, Lara Starr, Randy Stradley, Marc Thompson, Chris Trevas, Daniel Wallace, and Ryder Windham.

Nearly 1,000 volunteers from the international fan-based costuming organizations, the 501stLegion, the Rebel Legion, the Mandalorian Mercs, and the R2 Builders Club will also participate at select Star Wars Reads events around the country.

To help extend the celebration to readers everywhere, NBC’s The Today Show Charitable Foundation has signed on as the official charitable partner for Star Wars Reads Day. Each participating publisher will donate Star Wars books from their respective libraries, and The Today Show Charitable Foundation will distribute the books to their affiliate organizations nationwide.

“Star Wars Reads Day is the perfect way to celebrate with our Star Wars fans” says Carol Roeder, Director of Publishing at Lucasfilm. “Our publishing program has always been an essential component of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, as there are so many more stories to tell than what we experience in the films, TV series, and games. We at Lucasfilm are proud to be a part of initiatives like Star Wars Reads Day and hope that it will encourage more young people to read.”

There are currently over 120 million Star Wars books in print and more than 110 Star Wars titles have been New York Times bestsellers.

For a list of Star Wars Reads Day events visit the following link: http://www.starwars.com/reads/

Lucasfilm, STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE: Random House

New Lego Star Wars Special: The Empire Strikes Out

Image Source: Hoth Bricks

The Simpsons and Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace writer, Michael Price confirmed via Twitter today that we will be soon seeing a new installment in animated Lego Star Wars action.

The new special will air Wednesday September 26th at 8 P.M. on Cartoon Network.

SOURCES: Twitter, Hoth Bricks and TFN

Should Star Wars: The Clone Wars Return to Movie Theaters?

Long time readers of this blog will remember that I attended the Savage Opress screening at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood.  This was not only my first chance to visit the bright lights and big city of Hollywood, but also my first chance to be at a Star Wars Event. My wife and I got their early and got to say hello to Dave and shake the hand of the Maker's Apprentice.

If you saw the original TCW movie in theaters you might be ambivalent to the series returning to the big screen, but the advances in animation the show has made have been quantum leaps forward.

Watching the Savage Opress screening on the big screen is some of the most fun I have had in a movie theater in a long time.  The way the show is shot is much better than on the small screen or on the PC screen.

There are some interesting experimentation going on at Lucasfilm right now.  We are getting a Target exclusive DVD Director's cut of the 4-part Darth Maul arc from Season Four.  We also saw a 4-part Young  Jedi 88 minute cinematic experience exhibited at Celebration VI.

These multi-episode arcs are so much more enjoyable when they are woven together and watched as a complete story.

Listening to the latest episode of Solosound.net's We Talk Clones Podcast, they discussed the idea of partnering with a company like Fathom Events. To provide movie screenings like we have seen in a handful of cities in previous seasons on a bit of a larger scale.

Fathom Events is a company that provides live and previously recorded special event programming at movie theaters.  On July 23rd in cooperation with CBS TV they had a special screening of Star Trek: The Next Generation Episodes 106 and 114 in a ton of theaters across the country.  This was a special event to help promote the Blu-ray release of the series. Now I have checked Fathom's website and their Fall 2012 until Spring 2013 doesn't include any Star Wars events listed, it is mostly classic movies and performances from the Metropolitan Opera.

I could really see Lucasfilm partner with Fathom or a similar company to bring Star Wars: The Clone Wars back to the big screen.  The biggest issue I can imagine is with Cartoon Network. If you hold the event on too many screens you may hurt CN's ratings and the value of TCW to that network.  So if they where to do a screening perhaps if it is a large scale one it would have to take place after the episodes air or with a profit sharing between Fathom, Theaters, Lucasfilm, and Cartoon Network.

Make it happen folks.

Star Wars Celebration VI Del Rey Panel Twitter Coverage

Our own intrepid Special Correspondent Aaron Goins was in attendance this past weekend at Star Wars Celebration VI.  Aaron live Tweeted the Del Rey publishing panel. A special thanks to Aaron for providing our coverage, please give him a follow at @avgoins on Twitter.

Below are a compilation of Aaron's Tweets:

SOURCE: TWITTER

Star Wars Detours Video Clips and Description from Celebration VI

Much like the Death Star construction Robot Chicken creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich have been slaving away to create a new Star Wars animated series.

The show has the tag line, "the other side of the stars, between the wars," and  is described on it's Facebook page as:

"Star Wars Detours™ is an animated comedy that explores what daily life is like in a galaxy far, far away. There are no Empires striking back or attacking clones here. Instead, Star Wars Detours focuses on the universe’s regular folks and their everyday problems… which, to be fair, do frequently involve famous bounty hunters, crazed Ewoks, and even a Dark Lord of the Sith."

Amy Ratcliffe (@Amy_Geek) had the recap of the panel for the Official Starwars.com Blog:

"Todd Grimes, Seth Green, and Matt Senreich explained that the series takes place in three different environments: the Death Star under construction, Tatooine – especially Jabba’s palace, and Dex’s Diner on Coruscant. Each location comes with its own set of characters and stories, and they shared clips for each place. Their enthusiasm for the project was contagious. They talked excitedly about everything from Billy Dee Williams voicing Lando to their version of Rotta the Hutt (he’s a surly teenager in the series). It has to be amazing for them to finally share the project they’ve been working on so long."

StarWars.com's Official Youtube Channel has six preview clips from the series up.  Robot Chicken fans may recognize some of the voices.

VIDEO #1: The Trailer


VIDEO #2: Princess Leia, her Decoys, and Dexter


VIDEO #3: Han and Chewie


VIDEO #4: Stormtroopers Ace and Killer


VIDEO #5: Greedo and Lando


VIDEO #6: Obi-Wan and Harmony



Stay tuned to LightsaberRattling.com as we will bring you more coverage of Star Wars: Detours as the show develops. SOURCE: Starwars.com, Facebook and Youtube 

Star Wars in 3D: Episode II and III Release Dates

It was revealed at Star Wars Celebration VI, that the next two installments of the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy will be getting converted to 3D and hitting theaters in 2013.  This announcement made by actor Ian McDiarmid and George Lucas.

Episode II: Attack of the Clones will hit theaters in 3D on September 20, 2013 and before you can say Dex's Diner, it will be followed up with Episode III: Revenge of the Sith on October 11, 2013.

So come fall 2013, be there or be square..err cubed?

SOURCE: IGN

Lightsaber Rattling's Star Wars: Celebration VI Coverage

As legions of Star Wars fans invade Orlando, Lightsaber Rattling will have a Special Correspondent among the horde of Star Wars media there to cover the event.

Our Special Correspondent, Aaron Goins also writes for the fantastic Star Wars fan-site, The Star Wars Report.  Aaron will be live tweeting from the convention both on his account and on our Twitter account.

On Sunday and Monday following the convention, I will be compiling Aaron's coverage as well as providing my thoughts on the news that we get out of Orlando.


Please follow both Aaron (@avgoins) and LightsaberRattling.com's account (@PeteMorrisonLR) for Star Wars Celebration VI coverage.  

Rancho Obi-Wan Experience coming to Celebration VI

The Rancho Obi-Wan Experience

Coming to Star WarsCelebration VI!

CONTACT: Consetta Parker:

PR@ranchoobiwan.org

ORLANDO—July 20—A selection of rare, interactive, and one-of-a-kind treasures from the world’s largest privately-held collection of Star Wars memorabilia will be on display at Star Wars Celebration VI as part of The Rancho Obi-Wan Experience!

“I’m really excited that we’re going to be able to share with tens of thousands of fans a carefully curated exhibit that shows the breadth and depth of both worldwide Star Wars merchandise over 35 years and the passion and skill that fans have shown in creating their own tribute works,” said Steve Sansweet, owner of the collection and president and chief executive of Rancho Obi-Wan Inc., the nonprofit company that runs the membership museum in Petaluma, CA.

The Rancho Obi-Wan Experience will occupy a 600-square-foot mini-museum space on the main exhibit floor of Celebration VI, which takes places in Orlando, FL, from August 23 through 26 (www.starwarscelebration.com).Items will range from props and prototypes to original art and fan-made wonders.

In addition, fans will have the opportunity to chat with Steve and ask any questions. There will be advance sales of the upcomingStar Wars: Ultimate Action Figure Collection book (Chronicle Books, fall 2012), with unique and colorful free bookplates that can be personalized and signed by all four authors.

Fans will also be able to become members of Rancho Obi-Wan and take home personalized membership kits that—in addition to a card, letter, and 2012 ROW patch—will contain an exclusive matching Celebration VI patch available in very limited quantities. There also will be a limited amount of ROW and special Rancho Obi-Wan Experience merchandise available, along with some of Steve’s Star Wars books.

Steve and other managers and board members of Rancho Obi-Wan will be doing a panel on ROW as part of the Collectors’ Track. Fans can also get help at the exhibit planning a future trip to ROW (www.RanchoObiWan.org), (twitter: @RanchoObiWan),(www.facebook.com/RanchoObiWan).

STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd.  All rights reserved.  All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

For more information about Rancho Obi-Wan as well as other great Star Wars related clients you can also follow Consetta Parker on Twitter (@Parkerpublicist)

San Diego Comic-Con Friday & Saturday: Star Wars EU and Clone Wars Panels

If you haven't heard by now, there are two panels at this years SDCC that have me most interested, they are Friday's "The Future of Star Wars Publishing: Dark Horse & Del Rey" and Saturday's "Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Onto Season Five."

Both panels are afternoon panels and I will have a summary and reaction to the news following the panels once reports trickle out of the Con.


FRIDAY: 3pm - 4pm, Room: 7AB

The Future of Star Wars Publishing: Dark Horse & Del Rey: 
Find out what's coming up in the Expanded Universe of Star Wars publishing. Editors Randy Stradley and Dave Marshall from Dark Horse Comics will discuss what's next for Agent of the Empire, Dawn of the Jedi, Lost Tribe of the Sith and Darth Maul, as well as reveal a new secret title that's on the horizon. From Del Rey Books come editors Frank Parisi and Erich Schoeneweiss with author Troy Denning (Apocalypse) to look at new novels coming later this year from fan-favorite authors Timothy Zahn and Aaron Allston, as well as give us a peek into 2013. Also on the panel is Jennifer Heddle, senior editor at LucasBooks. Moderated by author Pablo Hidalgo (Star Wars: The Essential Reader's Companion).

SATURDAY:  2pm - 3pm, Room: 6DE

Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Onto Season Five: 
The aftermath of Season Four has left the Star Wars galaxy a very dangerous place: Darth Maul is alive, Asajj Ventress is a bounty hunter, and the Mandalorian Death Watch is deadlier than ever. How will these threads continue in Season Five of Star Wars: The Clone Wars? Find out in this behind-the-scenes panel, which will feature new clips, new insights and more. Join the discussion with Supervising Director Dave Filoni and head writer Matt Michnovetz (who wrote Season Four's powerful Umbara arc). Moderated by Star Wars author Pablo Hidalgo.

SOURCE: Starwars.com

Course of the Force: Jabba's Sail Barge stops in Pacific Beach

Mrs. Lightsaber Rattling was able to capture some pictures from Tuesday Course of the Force stop in the Pacific Beach area of San Diego, California.

As awesome as the Sail Barge is I would love to have that bus as my motor home.