December 15th, 2005
A phenomenon that stretched over 28 years appears to have come to a halt this summer. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith completed George Lucas’ six part space saga that revolutionized the cinematic experience in 1977, when Star Wars (which later became Episode IV: A New Hope) set new standards in film and arguably started the ‘blockbuster’ genre. This first big movie franchise nurtured the largest fan base (most likely) any film series has ever had, a community now devoid of a new Star Wars movie to anticipate. But surely a franchise that has garnered millions upon millions of dollars will be reluctant to fade from the limelight completely.
So then, where exactly does the legacy of Star Wars lie? The straightforward answer: in television. Again. Star Wars ventures on the small screen are a mixed bag. When the Original Trilogy (i.e. Episodes 4, 5 and 6) finished with Return of the Jedi in 1983, George Lucas came up with the idea to produce a Star Wars television feature that centered around the Ewoks (the cuddly bear-like creatures from Episode 6), which resulted in the 90 minute film Caravan of Courage. 65 Million US viewers of the premiere and an Emmy award for special effects were reason enough to create the sequel The Battle for Endor in 1985, to equal success. On the other hand, George Lucas was also responsible for the abominably infamous Holiday Special, a TV special about the Wookies (the ape-like race Chewbacca stems from) produced in the aftermatch of the first film’s impact in 1978. Despite a large amount of viewers, the Holiday Special remains one of Star Wars universe’s most shameful chapters (to the point that George Lucas made sure it was never aired again or released on video).
History seems to be repeating itself, at least what strategy is concerned about. With the completion of the Prequels, the second trilogy, Lucas wants to continue his universe on television. The faith that new TV projects will pay off is largely due to the success of the Clone Wars series, an animated blend of anime and CGI created by Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack) detailing the epic war that broke out in Attack of the Clones (Episode 2) and were concluded in Revenge of the Sith. The three (Volume I) to twelve (Volume II) minute episodes were aired to great critical appraisal. This achievement paved the way for Clone Wars 3D and an as of yet untitled live action series, two television projects slated for late 2007. Here’s a collection of what is known so far about these two series:
Clone Wars 3D
Live Action Series
Furthermore, it is safe to assume that Lucasfilm will release yet another Star Wars DVD box set, containing all six movies. 2007, the year of Star Wars’ 30th anniversary, might present itself as the ideal timeframe for such a release. But in the age of DVDs, where bonus extras have become almost as important a feature in the package as the film itself, what can fans expect? How about a all digital Yoda in The Phantom Menace, to replace the hideous puppet that looks nothing like the diminutive green Jedi master when compared with the other films. On a whole, George Lucas never seems to be satisfied with the effects work on the original trilogy, so another overhaul might be in line. Also rumoured are new scenes added into the original trilogy, tying it better together with the new films.
Whatever happens, the X-Realms staff will be here to chronicle the latest developments on the Star Wars front, ensuring that readers who check back frequently enough will always be up to date.
(Contributing sources: StarWars-Union)
Posted by Tai in Movies, Star Wars • 
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I prefer Obama to McCain. Now, McCain’s better than average for a Republican. And though his ads are intellectually offensive, he’s just bowing to his campaign masters and would calm down and be more sane once in office and not campaigning. But I have a few concerns with McCain on foreign policy. He’s not a full-fledged Neocon. That’s good. He opposed Reagan on Lebanon. Good. He was critical of Bush’s initial strategy in Iraq. That’s good. But there’s a problem. He thinks the Vietnam war was winnable and that the US shouldn’t have withdrawn. He’s also eager to spread democracy with force. This just isn’t a good set of beliefs for inheriting Iraq.