Today's TeeFury Shirt of the Day

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'Role' Credits

After a decade of helping to organize Star Wars fans in Central Florida and around the state I've decided to devote myself to other projects and focus on my family. I'm especially happy to have led the Orlando System and that we joined forces with Chris Wyman's Tampa Star Wars Club to create the Star Wars Grand Florida Alliance.

By hosting numerous events and representing the SWGFA at Celebration V and VI as well as other conventions, I can say with confidence that I've helped to create a place where fans can share their love of the Galaxy Far, Far Away. I will remain available as a consultant and for the immediate future will maintain the finances (such as they are) and the forums. Chris is devoted to building the club and will soon announce a new way for fans to become a charter member of the SWGFA in 2013. Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm and the promise of new movies guarantees new lifeblood into the franchise so there's no better time than now to connnect with fellow fans. While I'm reducing my role in the club's guidance my enthusiasm for Star Wars remains and I see a bright future for the SWGFA.

Disney Star Wars

I consider myself one of the biggest fans of Star Wars that most people are likely to meet, but I have to admit that I have misgivings about the Disney acquisition of Lucasfilm. I think I've been waiting for my 1985, a time where Star Wars would eventually fade and I could take stock of all the experiences and collectibles I've amassed since Star Wars roared back with the Thrawn novels and later the Special Editions and Prequels. Knowing that the brand is as strong as ever is exciting, but I'm also reminded that many people consider us to be getting further and further from the core of Star Wars, the trilogy that moved a generation. A decade ago, when a Trekker might say that their franchise had at least half a dozen television series and ten movies. I took some pride that my favorite property only needed about ten hours (Revenge of the Sith was in production). Yeah, I glossed over the mid-80s cartoons, the Ewoks movies and the Holiday Special, but the actual story of Star Wars used to be far meatier. Star Trek, which I love in its own way, was watered down and I feel like Star Wars is getting that characteristic too. I love many things about the Prequels, but push comes to shove, I'm an Original Trilogy fan, and the further we get from that point, the more I wonder if I can maintain my enthusiasm for the new.


Will I be at the opening nights of all the new Star Wars films? It's extremely likely. And a positive spin on the movies is that Episode III, the last theatrical outing for a live action Star Wars movie, is the best prequel by a good margin. Rumors that spin-off movies could replace the live action TV show model may really refresh the brand and Disney has the resources and the crowd-pleasing drive to really make some wonderful movies. I'm excited, but I'm cautious with my hopes.

I do look forward to seeing how Disney brings Star Wars further into the theme parks, and I've already fantasized about a Star Wars cruise aboard one of their magnificent ships. Disney certainly gives Star Wars the legs to be around for generations to come, and in a multitude of incarnations. I should probably look at it like I looked at collecting in the 1990s. Prior to 1995 we bought Bend-ems and toys from other brands just to get that fix of childhood like when we got action figures and school supplies and trading cards. Once Kenner began producing new toys and various other vendors made a plethora of new products no one could collect it all. You had to make choices and you got what you really cared about and had to pass the less interesting. Maybe that's what's happening with all sorts of fans at this point. There are certainly divisions of passionate OT fans, a generation that prefer the prequels, and some Clone Wars kids that ask, "There are movies?" Maybe this enormous selection will be good for all of us because we get to pick and choose those elements of the galaxy far, far away that mean the most to us. It certainly appears that there will be no shortage of choices.

Star Wars Spin-offs?

It would have been unthinkable a few weeks ago, but rumors now point to the possibility of spin-off movies in the Star Wars universe. With the success of Marvel's superhero movies, Disney could be positioning the Star Wars franchise in a very different direction than Lucas, who has often said that television was the future for Star Wars. Company shake-ups like this week's announcement that Rick McCallum had left Lucasfilm points to a bold new direction under Kathleen Kennedy's leadership.

from ScreenCrush.com:
Star Wars has entered a brave new world since its acquisition by Disney last month; it appears as though every day sheds a little more light on the fast-tracked remodeling of the Lucasfilm property. Most recently we learned that ‘Empire Strikes Back’ scribe Lawrence Kasdan is allegedly making a long-awaited return to the franchise; joining the cause as well is ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ writer Simon Kinberg. The thinking at the time of that news was that Disney and Lucasfilm had hired the screenwriters to commence work on Star Wars: Episodes 8 and 9, but a new report suggests something a bit more ambitious may be at play…

According to a new article in the Hollywood Reporter, Kasdan and Kinberg have indeed been hired to work on the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, but not necessarily the eventual follow-ups to ‘Star Wars: Episode 7′. Their scripts could end up being spin-off films, focusing on side characters not directly linked to the Skywalker saga. In other words, Disney might be giving several different characters in the ‘Star Wars’ universe their own movies, potentially leading to, one would think, the ‘Star Wars’ equivalent of ‘The Avengers’.

This is simply speculation right now, and naturally neither Disney nor Lucasfilm is commenting on the rumor. (They haven’t even officially confirmed Kasdan and Kinberg yet.) But knowing that Disney is focused on releasing a new ‘Star Wars’ movie every two-three years, it makes sense that they wouldn’t necessarily be tied to the just three new ‘Episodes’, but a vast tapestry of fresh storylines and characters. After all, it’s working out pretty well with those little Marvel flicks.

What do you think? Would you be up for ‘Star Wars’ spin-off films?

Happy Birthday, Carrie Fisher

The galaxy's favorite Princess, Carrie Fisher, was born this date in 1956.

Where Science Meets Imagination, 501st Style

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer becomes a Stormtrooper to welcome 'Star Wars' exhibit

Buck Rogers, Dwight Cloudclimber, and the Littlest Archaeologist

In the late 1970s Gary Coleman was riding a huge wave of fame while starring on the TV show Diff'rent Strokes. In addition to a memorable TV specials and movies he also did guest spots on other popular shows like Buck Rogers and, again with Erin Gray, Silver Spoons.

One TV movie toward the end of the Diff'rent Strokes run was The Fantastic World of D.C. Collins. This
Secret Life of Walter Mitty take-off would be largely forgotten but for two little spoofs of Star Wars and Indiana Jones.



Coleman's Indy lacks the charm of his Jedi Knight. He's got his Jedi Ready stance nailed.

Kenner Die-Cast

Received a lot of small items in the mail this week including a die-cast Y-Wing that Kenner released soon after the first Star Wars movie. I was lucky to have gotten it in such good condition and including the oft-lost red bomb.

The Y-Wing joins my Star Destroyer, Cloud Car, and Millenium Falcon, as well as a Landspeeder, not pictured.

That makes about half of the vehicles released in this early line. Die-cast ships would return in the mid-90s in what would become Hasbro's Titanium line and Rawcliffe pewter pieces. Overseas, in the mid-00s, DeAgostini also released a series of 80 very detailed die-cast vehicles.

End of 2012 SWGFA Social, November 3rd

We made it through most of another great year in Star Wars, everybody! Join us one last time at Acme Superstore in Longwood on Saturday, November 3rd, from 4-8pm. This time will be about having fun and getting together. Acme's extending us a 25% discount off ALL Star Wars items and we'll be featuring Lucasfilm artist Stephen Hayford. Join us!

Pinball Astromech / Artoo Angry Birds

Check out today's TheYetee.com shirt of the day by Drew Wise. Imagine an R2-D2 pinball machine. With the recent announcement that Star Wars Angry Birds is forthcoming, this might not be far behind.

Logan and The Uncanny Fett Men

Entertainment Weekly’s Reunion issue, currently on newsstands, features an interview with Jeremy Bulloch, Daniel Logan, and Dickey Beer plus a great photo of them all together at Celebration VI. 

Logan was also mentioned in yesterday’s Orlando Sentinal announcing that he’s returning to Orlando this Saturday for the opening of “Where Science Meets Imagination” at the Orlando Science Center. 

This will be Daniel's fourth trip to Orlando this year following appearances at MegaCon, Disney's Star Wars Weekends, and CVI. 

Wookiee the Chew

Today's TeeFury selection is by friend of the SWGFA, artist James Hance. Pick one up so you'll have something to wear to Celebration VI in 24 short days...

The Limited Edition Cheap T-Shirt, Gone in 24hours! | TeeFury

Show Your Alliance, Episode II

We don't need no stinking badges... Or do we? The badges are back, folks! From now through Sunday, July 15th, you can order a badge just like your heroes in the Star Wars Grand Florida Alliance.

The SWGFA is proud to announce another opportunity to order your very own customized magnetic name badge for only $20. Badges can be picked up at the SWGFA Celebration VI booth, or afterwards, at the next SWGFA Event TBD. (We aren't able to mail these out- sorry!)

You can put up to three lines of text on your badge (four if your name takes up 2 lines). You may choose what goes on each (subject to approval), but generally we suggest the following format:

line #1 - Real name

line #2 - City

line #3 - Screen Name, title, club name, etc. Take a look at the photo to get an idea of what size fonts can be used based on the length of your text.

Payment may be made by sending $20 via Paypal* to sabacc72@msn.com. For each badge, make sure to send the text as you want it inscribed. We'll accept orders through Sunday, July 15th, 2012.

Questions? Post them here or write us at SWGFA77@gmail.com.

*Payments via Paypal should be made as a normal purchase, not as a "gift."

I.L.M. Artists on Eve Magazine. 1979

Check out this clip of modelmakers Lorne Peterson and Jon Berg (both due at this August's Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando) discussing the Hoth scenes of The Empire Strikes Back. Plus vintage Ralph McQuarrie is always interesting. We even get one of the many references to the Star Wars Saga being intended as NINE parts.

No time for love, Dr. Jones.

In preparation for September's Blu-ray release of the four Indiana Jones movies, IndianaJones.com has been updated.



It's good to see some love paid to Lucasfilm's other major franchise. A friend attended a merchandising show recently that showcased different licenses vying for licensors. Among outdated and low-selling franchises such as The Phantom and The Shadow he was surprised to see that Lucasfilm didn't even bring Indiana Jones to the table. Star Wars was the only thing at their booth. Now, as a major fan of the galaxy far, far away I certainly support the creativity and energy put into the Star Wars brand, but can't my favorite archaeologist get a little love, too?

I've been collecting Disney Star Wars pins since they became mainstream in the late 90s. Here's an interesting set from last year.    

Disneyland Sci-Fi Academy "Empire's Most Wanted" pins. Each is a little wanted poster in a different frame, ltd. to 1000. Luke is worth 1M credits, while Lando and Chewie only command 300K. The picture and text is on a transparent plastic (or flimsy in the Star Wars galaxy).

Collecting Podcasts

There's a new podcast on the block, and it's actually very familiar to those of us that listened to it at an old home. The CurtoBurns Collector Cast is a new incarnation from Dan Curto and James Burns which appears to have some of the same access as it has over the past years to Hasbro and other licensees, along with regular check-ins by Steve Sansweet. 

 

The ChiveCast (think Archive) is the collecting podcast that I most regularly listen to, and which has single-handedly encouraged my collecting of vintage items over the last couple of years. They're affiliated with The Star Wars Collectors Archive.

 

For those that collect books or comics there's no podcast with more coverage or access than Jedi Journals, hosted by our own Chris Wyman and "Jovial" Jay Shepard. They're part of Rebelscum and in The Forcecast family. And if you happen to collect Indiana Jones, their neighbors at The IndyCast are the best source of Indy news on the 'net.

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R2-D2 crushes on a waste bin | Today's Qwertee-shirt £8/€10/$12

Star Wars Fan Film Awards Nixed

Rebelscum is reporting that the Fan Film Awards have been cancelled. I have to say I'm not disappointed by this, though I would leave the door open for them in the future. There's such a glut of fan films that having a regular award for them rewards the mediocre in addition to the excellent. I always advocate Star Wars Celebration playing a loop of fan generated media, but I don't think it's all prize-worthy. 

we now rejoin Star Wars Weekends, already in progress...

Star Wars Celebration 86'd!   No, it's nothing bad- it's something good. In 86 short days Celebration VI will return to the Orange County Convention Center and we'll be hanging out with 35,000 of our best friends. I'm excited, but I won't say I can't wait. That's partly because I'm not a fan of that particular hyperbole (you almost always can, and will ,wait) but it's also because there is a lot to do between now and then.

First off we're smack dab in the middle of Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios. I never can get used to that name. Too bad they didn't go with Disney-Pixar Studios. Even Disney Movie Studios. Something about that apostrophe s that sticks in my throat and makes me happy that some of my closest friends and castmembers just call it DHS. But enough digression: well, at least of this digression.

I was able to attend the first Saturday and I missed this Memorial Day Weekend. Odds are looking good that I'll be at the final two Saturdays. I was able to procure a couple of autographs, so that was fortunate that first weekend. Turns out I'd gotten one from Andy Secombe (the voice of Watto) eight years prior but I'd forgotten and it was a pleasure to visit a gracious star. He had raced to come a week early, replacing Jerome Blake who had Visa challenges, but was very happy to have an extra week in the Florida heat. My other autograph was a walk-up from Dee Bradley Baker. It was my first time meeting him and I wasn't particularly prepared so I didn't really interact with him. I generally like to prepare some specific question for the celebrity so I can remember something about the encounter, but in this rare instance nothing came to mind.

The celebrities, and the "Stars of the Saga" talk show are a high point of Star Wars Weekends for me, but they only slightly edge out the exclusive merchandise. This year I was very happy with the selection, but was just fine that little of it seemed a necessity. One of my focuses are Star Tours and SWW pins. I only had my heart set on two this go around but even that was too great a goal for someone that came on day two. The Piece of the Death Star pin sold out on the first Friday so I'll have to find it on eBay. I did, however, score the Chewbacca Bandolier lanyard, which was actually more limited.

Other than that my favorite new item was the Star Tours nametags. These are personalized in Aurabesh with your name and list the home planet of your choice from a dozen options. (The Death Star, "that's no [planet], it's a space station," is among these.) I heard a Disney rumor that more varieties of these [think Imperial cogs and Rebel Symbols] will follow based on the success of this initial offering. Personally, I'd like to see Tatooine Traders drop the "add your face to the scene" photo shop and add a permanent name tag maker. You can't beat a personallized, iconic souvenir for $8.95.

And when I say favorite, I'm not even considering the awesome new Droid Factory experience offered at Tatooine Traders. It's a bit crowded for me to build my own at the moment, but that's here to stay and has met with great popularity since its introduction 11 days ago. I'll get to it soon enough.

See you real soon.

Show Your Alliance: Official SWGFA Badges are coming!

The Star Wars Grand Florida Alliance is proud to announce exclusive new customized name badges. For $20 you get both the 3¾" x 2½" badge AND a 1" x 2" logo pin (also sold separately). Pins can be picked up at the next SWGFA Event.

You can put up to three lines of text on your badge (four if your name takes up 2 lines). You may choose what goes on each (subject to approval), but generally we suggest the following format:
line #1 - Real name
line #2 - City
line #3 - User Name, title, club name, etc. Take a look at the photo to get an idea of what size fonts can be used based on the length of your text.

Payment may be made by Paypal* to sabacc72@msn.com. $20 gets both the badge and the pin, or you can purchase a badge ONLY for $17 or the pin alone for $4. For each badge, make sure to send the text as you want it inscribed. We'll accept orders through Sunday, March 18th, 2012.

Questions? Post them here or write us at SWGFA77@gmail.com.

*Payments via Paypal should be made as a normal purchase, not as a "gift."

The Phantom Menace returns to Theaters- this time in 3D!

Twenty-nine years after we saw Return of the Jedi, Dad and I returned to the theater, joined by SWGF-Ally SkyWalter and my wife.I bought tickets for the earliest show (1pm) at our local Cinemark but was surprised when I arrived, that they'd added two additional shows. I was fortunate to have gotten the earlybird price anyhow, so that was a nice bonus- especially since it's my 40th birthday. We got the best seats in the house. We expected a busy showing, like I'd seen at the opening last month at Red Tails, but unbelievably, there were only two other people in the theater. It made for an uninterrupted viewing, but was quite an oddity in my first day showings to be in a theater with only half a dozen fans.

I loved seeing The Phantom Menace on the bigscreen again. I recently watched a commentary for it on Blu-ray so my eyes were keen to see all the detail magnified. However, I was distressed to find that more than popping off the screen, many of the backgrounds were now just blurry. If I go again while its in theaters- I'd like to- I'd see it in 2D. At the moment, I really hope they expand the 2D screenings next year for Attack of the Clones. I think the format is not the point here- the point is seeing Star Wars in it's eye-popping, ear-candy bigscreen glory again. I truly don't want to tear the release down, but the absolute best use of the 3D form here was seeing the classic crawl float from just in front of me to the starfield beyond.

I've debated the future of 3D and this did not encourage me- especially for movies not made in the format. I'll likely see all the Star Wars movies in 3D as they're released, but I wouldn't be disappointed if they just have theatrical re-releases in 2D. I think it would be amazing to do this every decade or so so kids of all ages can enjoy them for the first time or one more time.

A 1999 Episode I hat, a -shirt of Han's blaster, and a free poster (lightsaber) made up my fanboy attire.

The Adventure Has Continued for 25 Years

Twenty-five years ago today, Star Tours, a collaboration between George Lucas and the Disney Imagineers opened for business at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

The ride vehicle, a Starspeeder 3000, was a cutting edge simulator meant to take "passengers" on a journey to Endor. Unfortunately, hijinks ensued as the bumbling rookie pilot- your captain, Rex, voiced by Paul Reubens- came out of hyperspace too late and took the ship through a comet and inadvertently participated in the destruction of the first Death Star. The motion on the screen matched the motion of the seats so jostled park attendees got the feeling they had physically entered the world of Star Wars.

Star Tours became one of the park's most popular attractions so the mission to spread it to other parks began. In July of 1989 a second Star Tours debuted at Tokyo Disneyland and later that year Star Tours was opened at the fledgling Disney MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios) in Orlando. In 1992 a fourth came to Disneyland Park in Paris.

A Starspeeder 3000 at Disneyland Tokyo

Rumors of an update to the attraction began going public in the late 90s as the film seen in the Starspeeder that had been state of the art in 1987 looked increasingly dated. As Star Wars: Episode I came to theaters there was hope that a podrace might be the setting for a new version of the ride. Star Tours remained a top attraction at each park so Disney executives decided to leave well enough alone and didn't fully commit to any change for almost a decade.

The end of an era

This finally changed in 2010 and the event was commemorated in Florida during Star Wars Celebration V at The Last Tour of Endor. Between July and September Star Tours in California and Florida were closed to begin a complete renovation of each attraction.

The new Starspeeder 1000

The ante was upped this time around and when Star Tours: The Adventure Continues opened at both parks last May it featured different destinations and segments that could take each group of guests on one of 54 different combinations, all in 3D with upgraded motion simulation.

The original Star Tours is slated to be be updated in Tokyo later this year with Disneyland Paris following eventually.

Princess Leia and the Beatle

At the tender age of 21, Carrie Fisher was still playing a teenager. From a certain point of view. During the period when she was dating Paul Simon she appeared in a television special for another musical luminary, Ringo Starr. In this rather creative 1978 short, Ringo dances around with Fisher covering the song made famous by Johnny Burnette in 1960.



Interestingly, the song was written by the Sherman Brothers, the Disney collaborators responsible for the songs from movies like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book. The original version of the song was also featured in George Lucas's second movie, American Graffiti.