Star Wars

[The Duke]

That sounds great! Revenge of teh Sith will no doubt be the highlight of the prequels, at least for me. It will certainly tie up alot of loose ends. I am wondering how certain characters will die, and how/if Boba Fett will have much of a role (killing Mace Windu, perhaps?).

[The Duke]

This month's Vanity Fair magazine has an article about George Lucas, Episode III, and the history behind Star Wars, as well as some great pictures. The cover is a 4-page foldout that contains pictures of past and present Star Wars greats such as Liam Neeson, Hayden Christenses, and, best of all, Billy Dee Williams.

[LotB]

I have my doubts about Boba Fett killing Mace Windu. Bear in mind that the events of Episode III take place 3-4 years after the beginning of the Clone Wars and the death of Jango Fett, so Boba is still just a boy. At most he'd be 14 or 15. The odds of him taking out a seasoned Jedi Master are pretty slim. Especially since the "father" that he was cloned from couldn't do it.

I'd attribute Mace Windu's death to one of the only two people skilled enough to take him out, Emperor "Lord Darth Sidious" Palpatine, or the Chosen One himself, Anakin Skywalker.

As for the discussion you and the other teachers had about who is the "single most important" character in the entire Star Wars saga, I'd say Anakin Skywalker, since the entire Star Wars saga is the story of his life, times, tragedies, and ultimate redemption.

Beyond that obvious answer, I'd agree with your thoughts on Palpatine. Your statement that his influence turned Anakin to the Dark Side barely scratches the surface. We know so preciously little of Palpatine, but what we do know is pretty damn impressive.

Palpatine is the latest Lord of the Sith, an order that has managed to continue to exist in secret since they were thought to have been eliminated nearly a thousand years before the birth of Skywalker. Their secrets being passed down from one generation to the next, typically only ever one master and one apprentice alive at any given time. That in and of itself is impressive.

Then we have Palpatine, who first rose to political power as a senator from the peaceful little world of Naboo. We don't know what he's done to get himself that far, but we do know that even as he represents the planet in the senate on Coruscant, he's carefully arranged for the Trade Federation to blockade Naboo. He's also arranged for the Federation to have had an army of droids built, in order to be prepared for the political unrest and eventual secession that he's carefully engineered. He's also engineered an army of clones to defend those who remain loyal to the Republic. Though it was in reality Jedi Master Sypho-Dias who ordered the clone army, Palpatine took them for his own use and had his apprentice, Count "Lord Darth Tyranus" Dooku assassinate Sypho-Dias, prior to erasing all traces of the clone makers' planet from the Jedi archives. Palpatine never allowed the Clone Army to be discovered by the Jedi until he was ready for that to happen.

So we've got a guy who has engineered a war and secretly leads both sides for years upon years before the actual outbreak. He uses the Trade Federation's blockade of Naboo to bring about a vote of "No Confidence" in the much beloved Chancellor Vallorum, so that he himself can be voted in as the Chancellor. Even the fact that he's from the innocently beseiged Naboo garners him some sympathy votes.

Palpatine serves as Chancellor of the Senate for near the maximum term limit of ten years. As it comes time for him to step down, he not only has the war begin, but has the Senate vote to grant him "emergency" dictator powers and an indefinite term of office, which he then accepts with "great regret" in order to deal with the Separatist threat. A Separatist threat that he is still leading, primarily through his apprentices Dooku and General Grievous, who himself was ingeniously manipulated into serving the Sith. I'll skip over all the tedious details of how Sidious and Tyranus went about convincing so many different guilds, factions, banks, planet governments and whatnot to join the Separatist Movement in the first place. Most joined because they had lost faith in the Senate, a body that Palpatine had done his best to deteriorate through causing conflict and in-fighting all along.

An ancient prophecy had foretold a time when the Dark Side would come to grossly dominate the delicate balance of the Force, and that in this time a Chosen One would be miraculously born, sired by the midi-chlorians found in all molecules of all living cells. Said Chosen One would restore balance to the Force. Palpatine was well aware of this prophecy, and took a great interest, as did the Jedi, in a young boy found on a remote Outer Rim planet that the Jedi were forced to land on unexpectedly. Led there by the Will of the Force, they were.

Palpatine made a point to befriend the boy, forming a close "grandfatherly" sort of relationship with the youngster that lasted throughout his career as a Jedi Knight. Over a decade later, after the war's outbreak, this boy, now a young man in his early 20s, proved himself to have extraordinary capabilities. His powers in the Force were unlike any ever seen. By this time young Anakin had lost his mother, and the only three people alive that he considered to be his family were Obi-Wan Kenobi, his secret wife, Padme Naberrie, and of course, Chancellor Palpatine.

As the war continued, the Jedi Order, normally so good at tapping into the Force for insight, were completely blinded. Their perception obscured by a use of Dark Side power like none other. They could not imagine who this Darth Sidious being that wielded this sort of power really was, but they knew that they had to find him. Chancellor Palpatine was a big supporter of the Jedi's search to find himself, Darth Sidious. The Jedi made a point to keep the investigation, as well as much other information, within the Order, not sharing it even with Chancellor Palpatine. Anakin Skywalker defied the Jedi Council's orders and continued to share all knowledge with Palpatine, who after all, was not only the Chancellor, but was "family." Obviously that enabled Sidious/Palpatine to always stay one step ahead of the search.

After leading the Senate for about 14 years, it was nearing time for Palpatine to surrender his emergency powers and leave office as the Clone Wars were drawing to an end. Around this same time, Jedi Master Mace Windu finally somehow figured out who the Sith Lord really was. Windu set out to stop Palpatine once and for all, expecting help from his lower-ranking Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker. Naturally, Anakin doesn't appreciate Windu's desire to kill his "grandfather", and takes action.

Palpatine then refuses to surrender his dictator powers, citing that he needs to keep them to deal with the Jedi threat. After all, it turns out that it was the Jedi who were responsible for starting the Clone Wars and playing both sides in an attempt to make themselves the Supreme Power in the galaxy. Need proof, senators? You need only look at the fact that not only did a Jedi (Sypho-Dias) order the building of the Clone Army, but a supposedly "former" Jedi (Dooku) was leading the Separatist side and had ordered the building of the Droid Army. And what happened when Palpatine figured this out? Jedi Master Windu tried to kill him to keep him from talking.

Luckily, Palpatine survived Windu's assassination attempt, and was able to convince the Senate that the Jedi (who were really the universe's best hope) needed to be defeated, and so they were exterminated, largely via the assistance of Anakin Skywalker, Palpatine's friend/surrogate grandson/pupil.

By the time of Luke Skywalker entering the Rebellion, Palpatine was desolving the remains of the Senate and handing over the day-to-day reigns to the regional governors. Palpatine would continue his supreme dictatorship mostly through fear of himself, and fear of the Death Star.

There's even more evidence of Palpatine's importance, but I feel like I've typed enough at this point. Episode III will fill in specifics like who kills whom and how they die, but ultimately pretty much everyone's death can be chalked up to Palpatine, who set the entire Star Wars saga into motion.

To describe this man as an evil genius would be one hell of an understatement.

[muthagoose]

Custom Star Wars Window Blinds

This custom blinds shop has dozens of Star Wars posters from each film that they will screen onto your custom-sized window-blinds. A must for anyone trying to quench their thirst for The Force.

www.3day.com/WindowCoverings/Products/Lucas/SW_Home.aspx

[muthagoose]

In the latest official site update, Anthony Daniels revealed a worthy point of trivia: It seems the character with the very the last line of dialogue in "Episode III" is the very same character that has the first line of dialogue in "Episode IV: A New Hope" - ie. C-3PO. In the same set - how's that for bridging the saga? Also, with the scoring session now well underway, an item was marked as Darth Sidious's only moment of compassion ever recorded.

Also with each Star Wars film, composer John Williams has selected a particular composition to stand apart. It's removed from the context of the film, and generally has its start or end reworked so that it becomes a standalone musical piece. In the past, these have become singles on the soundtrack, concert suites or music videos. Examples include "Main Title," "Darth Vader's Theme (Imperial March)," "The Forest Battle," "Duel of the Fates," and "Across the Stars."

For Episode III, a dramatic cue from the sixth reel gets that treatment. Called "Revenge of the Sith" -- or less colorfully, 6M9 -- it appears in the film during the thick of the duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin Skywalker. The first half of the second day of scoring sessions consists of capturing this piece for both inclusion in the film, and as a modified version for the soundtrack release. In the end, it will include moments of heavy percussion, as well as the emotional sweep provided by a choir.

[The Duke]

A couple of strange possibilities...what do you all think?

Possibility #1: Dooku turns back to the light side, to fight Anakin Skywalker, who has just turned over to teh dark side, and is killied.

Possibility #2: Since Dooku has admitted to being on the dark side, but not to being a sith, is it possible that he is not a Sith, but that Windu himself is actually a Sith?

Possibility #3: Windu gets killed by Boba Fett.

[The Duke]

I thought this was kinda interesting:


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Press Release Source: Hasbro, Inc.


Hasbro Brings Final Chapter in Legendary Saga to Life with New Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith Toys and Games
Tuesday February 15, 10:46 am ET
-- New Line to Be Unveiled at Toy Fair; Worldwide On-Sale Date Set for April 2--


NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 15, 2005-- Starting at the International Toy Fair in New York City, Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS - News) brings kids and Star Wars fans of all ages back to "a galaxy far, far away" with the premiere of the new line of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith toys and games, which will be on store shelves beginning April 2, 2005.
Source: Hasbro, Inc.


· View multimedia news release




Celebrating the upcoming release of the final chapter of the Star Wars saga in theaters, the Force is strong with Hasbro as it unveils the newest and most diverse line of Star Wars toys and games ever. From role play items that put the Force in your hands, to games that bring the pop culture phenomenon home, Hasbro's Episode III Revenge of the Sith toys and games are guaranteed to spark the imagination of Star Wars fans of all ages.

"The final chapter of the Star Wars saga gives us the opportunity to roll out the most impressive line of Star Wars toys and games ever assembled," said Brian Goldner, President of Hasbro's U.S. toys group. "We've been working closely with Lucasfilm for over a year to bring the intrigue and excitement of the saga home in a way that's never been done before."

Key offerings from Hasbro's Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith toy and game line includes:

DARTH VADER VOICE CHANGER

(Approximate Retail Price: $29.99, Recommended Age: 5 & up, Available now)
One of the hottest toys during the holiday season, the DARTH VADER VOICE CHANGER features the realistic helmet, mask and chest plate that made the very image of Darth Vader an icon. Kids put on the gear, but the change will only be complete when they hear their own voice transformed to sound like that of the evil Lord Vader! Two additional modes are included: the first plays the ominous Darth Vader breathing sound, and the final mode plays five of his most popular phrases from the Star Wars movies, including "The Force is with you," "You don't know the power of the dark side," "Don't make me destroy you," "Your powers are weak," and "There is no escape." The child's voice can be adjusted through three different pitch levels.

Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith Electronic Lightsabers

(Approximate Retail Price: $19.99, Recommended Age: 4 & up)
Awesome new Episode III electronic lightsabers have signature features for key Jedi including ANAKIN SKYWALKER with a color change blade that lets kids choose on which side of the Force they want to fight on -- blue for the 'light' side or red for the 'dark side'; OBI-WAN KENOBI with a "Feel the Force" vibration pack in the handle so you can feel the Force as you fight; and YODA with a Jedi training mode with real YODA phrases that teach you to become a Jedi as you use the lightsaber.

Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith Action Figures

(Approximate Retail Price: $5.99, Recommended Age: 4 & up)
New Star Wars action figures featuring the awesome heroes and villains from Episode III. Collection 1 action figures feature an incredible action feature from the new film, such as a lightsaber attack, quick draw action, or Wookiee rage, all with the squeeze of the figure's leg. The first wave will include: OBI-WAN KENOBI with SLASHING ATTACK, ANAKIN SKYWALKER with LIGHTSABER ATTACK, YODA with FIRING CANNON, SUPER BATTLE DROIDS with FIRING ARM-BLASTER, CLONE TROOPER with QUICK DRAW ATTACK, R2-D2 with DROID ATTACK, GRIEVOUS' BODYGUARD with BATTLE ATTACK, MACE WINDU with FORCE COMBAT, DARTH VADER with LIGHTSABER ATTACK, and CHEWBACCA with WOOKIEE RAGE. Collection 2 action figures feature incredible detail and come with an authentic display base from the movie. Multiple waves will be introduced throughout the year, totaling 56 basic figures in all.

Star Wars FORCE BATTLERS

(Approximate Retail Price: $9.99, Recommended Age: 4 & up)
With an all new 7" scale for the Star Wars line, FORCE BATTLERS are ready for action! Armed with cool galactic gear and awesome weapons, these powerful heroes and dark villains battle across the galaxy. These bigger figures are perfect for small hands to do battle with. Characters such as OBI-WAN KENOBI, ANAKIN SKYWALKER and CHEWBACCA take on the dark side against DARTH VADER in this new line.

TRIVIAL PURSUIT® DVD Star Wars SAGA EDITION Game

(Approximate Retail: $49.99, Recommended Age: 10 & up)
The TRIVIAL PURSUIT® DVD Star Wars Saga Edition game combines traditional game play, modern DVD technology, and questions from all six Star Wars movies in six new categories - The Cantina; The Force; Heroes, Villains & Scoundrels; The Saga; A Galaxy Far, Far Away...; and Hyperspace. With over 2,400 questions, including 600 interactive questions on two DVDs, this game is sure to appeal to every Star Wars fan. Special to this game will be up to 20 DVD questions that will feature selected Star Wars' fans acting out various scenes from the Star Wars saga.

Star Wars LIGHTSABER BATTLE Game

(Approximate Retail: $49.99, Recommended Age: 8 & up)
The Star Wars saga comes to life in your living room with Hasbro Games' Star Wars LIGHTSABER BATTLE Game. In the battle against the dark side, players are equipped with the power of a wireless lightsaber as they advance through the game and practice their favorite Jedi moves all on their TV screen. Battle against all your favorite Jedi and Sith with a climatic confrontation against the Dark Lord of the Sith himself, Darth Vader. No video game system is required; players can simply plug the main unit straight into the T.V. and prepare for battle. Players can compete against their own score or that of an opponent.

Star Wars ATTACKTIX BATTLE FIGURE GAME

(Approximate Retail Price: $5.99 - $9.99, Recommended Age: 6 & up)
Star Wars ATTACKTIX is the revolutionary new battle figure game where kids compete with one simple goal: to be the last one standing! Only ATTACKTIX combines the crash-and-bash fun of action figures with the competition, strategy and collectability of trading card games. ATTACKTIX is easy to learn, but difficult to master. With no game board or dice, ATTACKTIX can be played anywhere, anytime. Each figure stands on a patented game base that features all of the game play information needed. The innovative movement system enables kids to move their figures in numerous combinations providing for enhanced strategy and a new game each time they play. Also, multiple strategy levels are built in to vary play even further.

Star Wars MINIATURES Revenge of the Sith STARTER GAME

(Approximate Retail Price: Starter Set $24.99; Boosters $12.99; Available 2005. Also, Universe Huge Pack $19.99, Available: August 2005)
The successful Star Wars MINIATURES game expands in April shortly before the release of the last episode of the Star Wars saga. Star Wars MINIATURES Revenge of the Sith starter game comes with a newly designed game board, providing a more authentic-feeling setting for battles between the available 60 unique, collectible creatures and characters. In August, galactic battles will escalate with the Star Wars MINIATURES UNIVERSE pack, which will feature legendary characters from the entire Star Wars universe--including new huge figures that will tower over the battlefield.

Star Wars TRADING CARD GAME (TCG) Revenge of the Sith

(Approximate Retail Price: Starter Set $9.99; Boosters $3.49; Booster Blisters $3.69; Available April 2005. Also, Rise of the Empire $9.99; Boosters $3.49; Booster Blisters $3.69, Available: August 2005)
The Star Wars TCG continues to grow in popularity as players engage in exciting, energy-packed battles between Rebel and Imperial forces. On April 2, 2005, weeks before the theatrical release of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith, fans will be able to experience Star Wars TCG Revenge of the Sith which will include 110 cards with images directly from the film, capturing all the breathtaking action and excitement of the movie.

Hasbro (NYSE:HAS - News) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.

[LotB]

I wonder what the hell ever happened to the second trailer that was supposed to be released in January.

[LotB]

www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/ae/3063086

March 2, 2005, 2:12PM
New 'Star Wars' trailer to premiere during 'The O.C.'
Associated Press

NEW YORK — Darth Vader is coming to The O.C.

The trailer for Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith will premiere during the March 10 episode of the Fox show.

The final installment of the Star Wars saga will open in theaters on May 19. The new trailer will be released in movie theaters beginning March 11.

Revenge of the Sith is the third prequel to the original Star Wars trilogy. It continues the chronicle of young Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), who eventually turns to the dark side and becomes Darth Vader.

As an avid superhero fan, Seth Cohen, the main character of The O.C. played by Adam Brody, would likely relish the event.

The O.C. airs Thursdays (8 p.m. EST).

[The Duke]

How much of the masked/suited Darth Vader is supposed to appear in the film?

[Dementro]

I heard the last 10 min

[The Duke]

That's cool...that's at least better than the last 2 min. that I heard a while back.

[CaticusRex]

Ok, so I had my mom tape the O.C. so i didn`t have to watch that god awful show so I could see the new trailer...

I`m thinking this one is going to be good. From the looks of the trailer we could have the makings of a damn fine, kick ass film! So who`s up for midnight tickets!? I have a few people standing at the ready

THIS I COMMAND

[Ponyone]

Doesn't Episode III open the same night we are going to NIN though?


If so, I'm up for seeing it on that Friday...


And the trailer did look bad-ass...

Looks like a whole lot of action in this one..
And no we didn't watch The OC - we just tuned in for the last 10 min to catch the trailer.

[Ponyone]

Anyone know what that scar across Anakin's eye is from? Did that happen in Episode II?

[Ponyone]

George Lucas on "60 Minutes"


Tune in to "60 Minutes" Sunday, March 13 on CBS for a special in-depth interview with George Lucas. The show previously profiled Lucas in 1999 during the release of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace to document the beginning of the prequels. Now that Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith heads into the final stages of post-production, "60 Minutes" correspondent Lesley Stahl returns to Skywalker Ranch to chat with Lucas about his family, his technological innovations and his plans after Episode III.
"We want to give something of interest to everyone from the most die-hard Star Wars fans who will be looking for that one frame that shows a little droid that they hadn't seen before, to somebody who hasn't seen the films but knows that George is an important figure in not just filmmaking but in another context as well," Segment Producer Rome Hartman says.

Fans can expect to see clips from the Revenge of the Sith as well as a rare glimpse into Lucas' private life.

"We hope people get a bit of a sneak peek of the film and what it's about and insight into George both as a filmmaker and as a leader in the digital filmmaking revolution, insight into his personal life because we see him with his kids, and a look at his role as a business man," Hartman says. "Lucasfilm's move to the Presidio is an important part of our story as is the business that he's built at the same time he's made these films over the last 30 years."

In addition to learning more about the man behind Star Wars, viewers will also get some further insight on the advancements in digital filmmaking that Lucas has passionately backed in his films ever since he created Industrial Light & Magic.

"Some of the technical innovations in the digital realm like the idea of digital doubles will really fascinate people," Hartman reveals. "And what George says regarding his plans for the future might surprise viewers."

[muthagoose]

It's no secret that Lucasfilm is developing a "Star Wars" TV series. The main question at the moment is what time period it will be set in. USA Today offered up a little clue as to the time frame:

George Lucas also told me at the Oscars that he's developing a 'Star Wars' TV show that would take place between the events of 'Revenge of the Sith' and 'A New Hope.'

[stallion]

For those who have an Xbox, have any of you tried the "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" game? I picked up a used copy of it for like $15, and I'm still not sure what to make of it. I had heard it was a kick-ass game, but the battle controls are somewhat odd. Rather than an action game where you just attack someone, it has some thing where your attack damage is based on "rolls of the dice" or some shit like a Dungeons and Dragons game. It's awfully choppy and makes the game feel quite slow. I didn't realize how much of an RPG element there was to the game and now I find myself wondering if the game's even worth bothering with. Anyone else notice this?

[stallion]

I'd be up for a late night showing. Episode III does look pretty cool from what I've seen.

[muthagoose]

I RAISE A CHALLENGE!!!!

I will pay for Earl and his bride's tickets to the premeire of EPISODE 3: REVENGE OF THE SITH (Arundel Mills Muvico Cinemaplex) ... should Earl dress as Obi Wan Kenobi (or similar Jedi) and his wife as Princess Leia at said premeire.

THAT IS THE CHALLENGE! WHAT SAY YOU HURRICANE!?!!!

[The Duke]

I just may have to answer that challenge, but perhaps dressed as Lando, or maybe Chewbacca.

haha

[Ponyone]

Alright , Alright - but you all gotta wait till Friday to see it when we're back from the NIN show - I gotta see "Chewbacca Earl"!!!

[The Duke]

Weel, I actually don't think that I will adorn a costume for the event, but I definitely will go with y'all that Friday.

[CaticusRex]

If I am not mistaken... does not the film come out on the 19th...that means that on the 18th at 11:59pm there will be midnight showings happening...thats the show I am going to see!! WHO`S DOWN?

THIS I COMMAND

[CaticusRex]

Also...I agree with you Pat...I did not care for that game...took to long to even get anything started...thought it would be more action but I was wrong