Yesterday’s announcement that George Lucas struck a deal to sell Lucasfilm Ltd (and related companies and properties, like ILM and Skywalker Sound, and the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises) came as a surprise to many. Along with the announcement were details about a third Star Wars trilogy with Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy as Executive Producer – Episodes 7 (already scheduled for a 2015 release), 8, and 9… in the event the news in general didn’t warrant enough of a reaction on its own. For me, the most surprising aspect of the deal is that circa the 70s, George Lucas was known as being quite anti-establishment… a rebel and innovator, working outside of the system, and, well, Disney (which owns ABC, ESPN, Pixar, Touchstone, Marvel Entertainment, theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, television stations, etc.) is about as establishment and corporate-oriented as they come. Disney bought Marvel in 2009 (for $0.05 billion less), and hasn’t ruined it or anything, but Marvel is not Star Wars, and what little I’ve already seen worries me. 24 hours into this new Disney/Star Wars era, and a video is already released with Stormtroopers wearing Mickey Mouse ears riding a merry-go-round with Darth Vader. Really? [Read more…]
Award-Winning Film Director and Special Effects Legend Joe Johnston – Movie Props and Memorabilia for Sale on eBay
Academy Award winning American filmmaker and special effects legend Joe Johnston has been offering some impressive memorabilia for sale on eBay in recent months, with auctions being held by a friend of his under the account mojo1316. Some of the material offered at auction include props and artwork from Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Rocketeer, Honey I Shrunk The Kids, Captain America, Star Wars, Jumanji, and more. [Read more…]
Fantastic Fan Made Super 8 Behind the Scenes Video Footage from ‘Return of the Jedi’ by Jeff Broz
Some fan made video showing on set, behind the scenes film from the making of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi was published on YouTube yesterday. Filmed on Super 8 in 1982 in Buttercup Valley, California, the footage features shots of Jabba the Hutt’s sandbarge and incredible action shots of Luke Skywalker fighting his henchmen, Boba Fett flying sequences, and more. Really incredible footage and a joy for any fan of Star Wars to see. [Read more…]
Dan Levin of Premiere Props Appears on Access Hollywood to Discuss Their “Hollywood Auction Extravaganza V”
Dan Levin from Premiere Props appeared on Access Hollywood today to talk about this weekend’s Hollywood Auction Extravaganza V sale event. Items discussed in the segment include pieces attributed to Madonna, Liberace, and Michael Jackson. Strangely, not only do the hosts/talent handle the auction items, one is “almost” sold during the segment, and many of the wardrobe pieces are worn by the hosts as well as they close out the episode.
Premiere Props ‘Hollywood Auction Extravaganza V’ Catalog Online, Television & Movie Prop and Costume Sale Event March 24th-25th
The online catalog for the Premiere Props “Hollywood Auction Extravaganza V”, scheduled for March 24-25, is now listed via online bidding partner iCollector as well as a traditional-style catalog in PDF format from their own website. The two-day auction includes over 1,000 lots from various film and television productions. [Read more…]
Tour of ‘Rancho Obi-Wan’, Steve Sansweet’s Star Wars Memorabilia Collection and Museum, Part 2 of 2
This is a continuation of my article about a visit to Mr. Steve Sansweet’s ‘Rancho Obi-Wan’ museum in Sonoma County. This second part includes additional photos from my visit yesterday – click here for Part 1. [Read more…]
Tour of ‘Rancho Obi-Wan’, Steve Sansweet’s Star Wars Memorabilia Collection and Museum, Part 1 of 2
This past weekend, I had an opportunity to spend some times with friends and Mr. Steve Sansweet at his ‘Rancho Obi-Wan’ museum in Sonoma County. Mr. Sansweet is famous worldwide for his incredible collection of Star Wars artifacts and memorabilia, having written and published many books, as well as having worked for Lucasfilm for over 15 years as Director of Content Management and Head of Fan Relations. His museum holds over 200,000 Star Wars items and spans over 9,000 square feet, and being able to view his diverse and comprehensive collection is truly amazing. Please note this is being broken into two parts due to the large number of photos – click here for Part 2. [Read more…]
“Auction Hunters” Stars To Go “Deep Inside the Lucasfilm Archives” as Part of Spike TV’s Labor Day Star Wars Marathon
According to a press release published today, Spike TV will be broadcasting a Labor Day Marathon special that will include a tour of the Lucasfilm Archives, with a look at many of the original props and costumes from Star Wars on display at Skywalker Ranch. The Marathon will be hosted by Allen Haff and Ton Jones of “Auction Hunters” and will be part of their programming that will feature all six Star Wars films and a special preview of the upcoming “Complete Saga” on Blu-Ray. The release promises a “hands on” look at an original R2-D2, Leia’s slave costume from Return of the Jedi, a Darth Maul costume, and AT-AT model, and more. [Read more…]