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Elstree Film Festival 3 - The Empire Strikes Back

James — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Last night was the final evening of the ‘Elstree Film Festival 3’ which ran from 29th June through to 4th July. The last film of the festival being shown was ‘The Empire Strikes Back’, to a sold out audience at ‘The Reel’ in Borehamwood. Before the film started there was a Q&A session with Jedi News friend Jeremy Bulloch who played the iconic Boba Fett in the film.

We caught up with Jeremy before the Q&A and he’d had a busy week filming a part in the new BBC One TV Series called ‘Bonekickers’ starting this Tuesday at 9pm, he plays a character aptly named ‘The Masked Man’ in episode 6 which will broadcast in approximately six weeks time. He’s off to Celebration Japan in just over a week too.

Read on for some of the Q&A...

During the Q&A Jeremy discussed his role in Summer Holiday and his fond memories of the Elstree Studios. He remembered singing the songs as they were working and also meeting Roger Moore on the set of ‘The Saint’, also being filmed at Elstree.

He then spoke of his role in Empire and the fact that it was really a matter of being in the right place at the right time to get the part; it also helped that the costume was a perfect fit – he described the whole process as ‘a very lucky break’.

Several questions were asked...

How did he feel that a secondary character had such an impact – ‘it was down to the fact that he captured Han Solo single handed and also that he was the only person to answer Darth Vader back and get away with it’.

On finding out that his voice wasn’t to be used in the final edit – ‘I didn’t know but was so happy just to be in the film’.

How many times have you seen ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ – ‘Only 6 times in 30 years’ – he didn’t stay to watch the film a seventh time last night either!

What’s your favourite piece of Boba Fett merchandise – ‘The Compulsion Gallery Boba Fett bronze statue’.

On getting a role in Episode III – ‘I was away on a family holiday and the mobile phone rang and it was Rick McCallum asking me if I’d like a small cameo in the last film; I asked again who was actually calling – I was very pleasantly surprised’

When was the last time you wore the costume – ‘I’ve recently been presented with a full replica of the costume made to measure by Dented Helmet and I hope to wear the costume for the first time later in the year, probably as the National Space Centre event in Leicester to raise funds for Make a Wish – we’re still trying to work things out.’

What’s your favourite character other than Boba Fett – ‘That would have to be Han Solo – they have so much in common’.

Jedi News would like to thank Elstree Screen Heritage for inviting us to the event and we look forward to working with them in the future.

The Clone Wars Novel Front-Cover

Adam — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:27:37 GMT

The cover for The Clone Wars novelisation has been revealed by publishers Random House and it bears a striking resemblance to Order 66, also by Karen Traviss and due out later this year.

The Clone Wars will be released in hardback on July 26th.

The Clone Wars - Customising the Clones

Adam — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:08:38 GMT

With the release date of The Clone Wars theatrical release just around the corner, StarWars.com has posted a video clip featuring director Dave Filoni, in which he talks about how the clone troopers have been personalised as a result of working closely with the Jedi, by manner of adopting different character traits, hairstyles and the like.

So if you thought that all clones are alike, think again!

And if you really can't wait until the movie's release, TheForce.Net have posted the first part of The Clone Wars complete plot spoilers...don't click on this link unless you've absolutely, positively got to know the storyline.

You have been warned!

A Wedding with Imperial Entanglements

Adam — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:55:22 GMT

The Weston Mercury has reported on a local couple's wedding which had a distinctly Star Wars feel to it...

A WESTON couple enjoyed a 'storming' wedding with a guard of honour from a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars fans Richard Andrews and Caroline White married at Banwell Castle on June 21, in a ceremony attended by four of the movie's iconic Stormtroopers.

Richard, aged 28, told the Mercury that their appearance had been arranged through a group of Star Wars enthusiasts called the 501st who use the costumes in various charity appearances.

He said: "It was Caroline's idea, really. We are both into that sort of thing, and I have liked it since I was young, so it was her way of making the day even more special for me."

Electronics assembler Richard and veterinary nurse Caroline, aged 37, live in Osborne Road and became engaged last Christmas.

Congratulations to the happy couple, but next time we'd like to see the Stormtroopers doing some star-jumps as well!

Celebration V for 2009/2010?

Adam — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:28:06 GMT

According to the Baltimore Business Journal, the city is one of the possible locations to host Celebration V, which is set for either next year or the year after that.

Baltimore has a shot of snagging a "Star Wars" fan convention that would rank among the city's largest gatherings, drawing as many as 35,000.

Lucasfilm Ltd., creator of the "Star Wars" series, is eyeing Baltimore for a four-day convention to be held either spring 2009 or spring 2010. Winning the convention would boost Baltimore's tourism business because of its size and media attention surrounding "Star Wars," one of the biggest pop culture phenomenons, local tourism experts said.

"It would be a great coup for Baltimore," said Melissa "Missy" Geppi-Bowersox, executive vice president of Geppi's Entertainment Museum. The Camden Yards pop culture museum houses many "Star Wars" collectibles and is expected to draw attendees from the convention. "We're talking about generations upon generations who loved the movies," Geppi-Bowersox said.

Baltimore is competing with Minneapolis, Chicago, Indianapolis and Orlando, Fla., for the fan gathering to be known as Celebration V, said Steve Sansweet, director of content management and head of fan relations for Lucasfilm.

New Sideshow Collectibles Additions

Adam — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:00:37 GMT

Sideshow Collectibles have released some teaser images of a couple of forthcoming items, namely the bronze Boba Fett statue, and Ki-Adi Mundi 1/6 scale figure.

Click on the thumbnails above for a closer look....

It's Official - Toys R Us UK Midnight Madness Information

James — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:25:00 GMT

Site Sponsor Toys R Us has joined forces with Lucas Film ahead of the new highly anticipated CGi animated movie - Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

The partnership begins next weekend with the installation of Countdown Clocks in every Toys R Us store ticking towards the official launch of the latest toy range. At midnight on the night of July 25th, Toys R Us will open the doors of 12 of its stores (Cribbs Causeway Bristol; Brent Cross, North London; Southampton; Medway; Metro; Oldbury; Warrington; Edinburgh; Croydon; Leeds; Ipswich and Glasgow Helen Street) to a frenzy of midnight madness to launch the largest selection of toys, construction sets, role play accessories and more based on the new Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie. Also, Customers will receive a free Star Wars gift when spending £20 or more at the Midnight Event. [Jedi News will be present at the Brent Cross branch bringing you all of the night's events (hopefully live)].

Mike Coogan, Marketing Director of Toys R Us said “We are thrilled to have been the ultimate Star Wars destination store for over two decades serving generations of fans with the latest Star Wars toys. With the launch of the new animated movie The Clone Wars, we can continue to offer the largest range of Star Wars products to children and collectors alike”.

“Our partnership with Lucasfilm will bring the latest collection of products to life with our massive displays in all stores and will also give devoted Star Wars fans the first opportunity to purchase toys from the new collection; we are expecting the awesome Millennium Falcon, the updated iconic Star Wars vehicle to be in huge demand at the midnight events”.

As well as the stores opening at midnight on July 25th, every Toys R Us nationwide will dedicate up to 24ft of display space to the new toys and display life-size visuals based on Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Each store will showcase the largest selection of Star Wars toys, games, construction sets and more including several exclusive items only available at Toys R Us. All stores are also set to receive regular shipments of the new Clone Wars merchandise.

For those avid fans unable to get to a store at midnight, the Toys R Us online store http://www.toysrus.co.uk/ will also be launching the latest Clone Wars merchandise. Customers visiting the site will also be able to locate their nearest Toys R Us store hosting a midnight event on the 25th July.

After the newest array of Star Wars toys are released on the 26th, the Toys R Us Countdown Clocks in stores will reset to count the minutes until the release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars film on the 18th August.

Happy Independence Day

James — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:01:11 GMT

We'd like to wish all our American friends a very Happy Independence Day - 4th July - from all the team here at Jedi News.

We'd also like to apologise to all our Canadian friends for forgetting to wish them a very Happy Canada Day (for 1st July).

May the Force be with you!

Hasbro Droid Factory

Adam — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:51:30 GMT

No sooner had we posted the Millennium Falcon press release when we received another email from Hasbro with details on the Droid Factory...

Hello Star Wars fans!

Hasbro is very excited about its new Star Wars Droid Factory lineup — and from the online buzz the product has been getting since Toy Fair it appears that fans around the galaxy are equally thrilled. As you may know, being the experienced Jedi consumer that you are, Wal-Mart is currently offering the following Star Wars Droid Factory two-packs as an exclusive at its stores nationwide. We would love your help getting the word out to fans of this exclusive product offering!

Each two-pack includes one (1) "build-a-part" piece to create a one of a kind droid that you can't get anywhere else! Collect all 6 Star Wars Droid Factory sets at Wal-Mart to build C-3PX! (Each sold separately.)

Darth Vader™ & K-3PX™
The protocol droid K-3PX is in the service of the evil Darth Vader who is determined to crush the Rebel Alliance.

Luke Skywalker™ & R2-D2™
Luke is a young Jedi who helps defeat the Empire. His astromech droid R2-D2 is damaged during the attack on the first Death Star.

Watto™ & R2-T0™
Watto sells used droids and mechanical parts in his shop on Tatooine. One of the droids for sale is R2-T0.

Kit Fisto™ & R4-H5™
Jedi Master Kit Fisto is equally comfortable in air or water. R4-H5 flies in Fisto's starfighter to help navigate and repair the ship.

Plo Koon™ & R4-F5™
Jedi Master Plo Koon flies his Jedi starfighter into battle against Separatist forces, aided by his astromech droid R4-F5.

Han Solo™ & R-3PO ™
The Alliance's command center on Hoth includes the diverse tactical expertise of the impetuous Han Solo and the protocol droid R-3PO.

Just to remind you that Nick from ThreeDarthsCollectables let us know a couple of days ago that the "Build-a-Droid" sets will be arriving in the next week or so and these are currently being offered with free postage and packing when ordered.

BMF Press Release

Adam — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:36:26 GMT

Hasbro have been in touch with the press release for the new Millennium Falcon due out in just a couple of weeks!

HASBRO LAUNCHES A NEW MILLENNIUM FALCON™ FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 30 YEARS
Iconic STAR WARS™ Starship Toy Undergoes Major Overhaul

Pawtucket, Rhode Island, July 1, 2008 -- Updating the fan-favorite MILLENNIUM FALCON for the first time since its introduction in 1979, Hasbro is launching the largest MILLENNIUM FALCON toy to ever travel the galaxy. The new STAR WARS LEGACY COLLECTION MILLENNIUM FALCON includes electronic lights and sounds, and is approximately 30% percent larger than the original version of the toy.

Over the last 30 years, ever since it was introduced on the screen in 1977 and to toy enthusiasts two years later, Han Solo's signature starship, the MILLENNIUM FALCON, has become one of the most recognizable "characters" in movie history and one of Hasbro's most popular STAR WARS toys. Last year, the toy's steel production mold – which was used to create hundreds of thousands of MILLENNIUM FALCON toys – suffered a crack that rendered the tool damaged beyond repair.

When creating a new mold, Hasbro used the opportunity to improve its toy’s play value by increasing the ship’s size (which now accommodates 18 action figures, sold separately) and adding authentic lights and sounds, making this the most exciting Corellian freighter in the galaxy.

"We've always wanted to make a bigger MILLENNIUM FALCON. When we literally "broke the mold" we seized the opportunity to fulfill ours wishes as well as the fans. Legions of young STAR WARS fans have grown up playing with the original MILLENNIUM FALCON toy," said Derryl D. DePriest, director of marketing for STAR WARS at Hasbro. "In designing the new MILLENNIUM FALCON for a new generation of fans, Hasbro's design team succeeded in adding new features that will both excite kids and thrill our devoted collectors."

The new STAR WARS LEGACY COLLECTION MILLENNIUM FALCON will soar onto retail shelves on July 26 with an appropriate retail price of $149.99. Fans attending San Diego Comic-Con (7/23-7/28) will have a chance to see it first hand a few days before the toy arrives in stores.

SIZING THEM UP

Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) 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, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world. © 2008 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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.

First Look: The Clone Wars Build Your Own Lightsaber

Graham — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:18:59 GMT

Derby's specialist toy shop, Toy Planet, have given us this glimpse at Hasbro's latest Build Your Own Lightsaber - including new pieces, such as Maris Brood-style grips. This product will be available to buy along with other merchandise from The Clone Wars on July 26th.

Star Wars Frames - Are you sitting down for this?

Adam — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:28:46 GMT

Forum member dr_bob was interested to know about pricing on the Star Wars Frames set that we reported last week and here's the response he got from the publishers...

Hello,

We are taking pre-orders now and are shipping in February 2009.

Frames pricing is as follows:

BATCH A (#1 - #250)                $4,000
BATCH B (#251 - #500)            $4,250
BATCH C (#501 - #750)            $4,500
BATCH D (#751 – #1,000)        $4,750
BATCH E (#1,001 – #1,138)      $5,000

So just to clarify, those prices are in thousands, and as dr_bob points out, rather bizarrely, the lower numbers in the run are actually the cheaper ones!

So who's going to be getting one?

Thanks to dr_bob for the heads-up...

REMINDER: Win Tickets for 'One Man Star Wars Trilogy'

James — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:01:58 GMT

We've teamed up with Charles Ross and his management company to give away two free tickets to ANY one of the the 23 locations around the UK!!!

All you have to do to enter is answer this simple question...

What Country is Charles Ross from?

Let us know the answer along with which Venue you'd like tickets for and a daytime telephone number and we'll do the rest. The competition will close on Friday 4th July 2008 at 14:00 hours UK time.

Read on for a full list of Venues... Tickets are going fast but some are still available...

JULY
4/5     NORWICH  Playhouse Theatre 01603 598 598
6        ABERDEEN  The Music Hall 01224 641122
7        HULL    New Theatre 01482 226655
8        COLCHESTER Mercury Theatre 01206 573948
9/10   JERSEY   Opera House 01534 511115
11      SALFORD  The Lowry   0870 787 5790
12      TEWKESBURY Roses Theatre 01684 295074
13      HIGH WYCOMBE Swan Theatre 01494 512 000
14      SOUTH SHIELDS The Customs House 0191 454 1234
15      STOCKTON ON TEES ARC   01642 525199
16      HAYES  Beck Theatre 020 8561 8371
17      BELFAST   Waterfront   028 9033 4455
18      CRAWLEY  The Hawth   01293 553636
19      LICHFIELD  Garrick   01543 412121
20      KINGSTON   Rose Theatre 0871 230 1552
21      SWANSEA   Grand Theatre 01792 475715
23      SOUTHEND Cliffs Pavilion 01702 351135
24      SWINDON   Wyvern   01793 524481
25      TORQUAY  Princess Theatre 0844 847 2315
27      BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre 01253 290190
29      BUXTON   Opera House 0845 127 2190
30      NOTTINGHAM Royal Concert Hall 0115 989 5555
31      STEVENAGE Gordon Craig Theatre 08700 131 030

New Team Member at Jedi News

James — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:00:00 GMT

We're delighted to announce a new team member coming soon here at Jedi News, due on the 17th January 2009. The new arrival will join Micah in the Jedi Younglings area of the site and we hope in due course, following successful completion of training, they will go on to pen many news items for Jedi News. Suggestions for names on a 'postcard' please, to the usual e-mail address.

Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game - Coming Summer '08

Adam — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:18:06 GMT

Having recently celebrated five years since the launch of Star Wars Galaxies, LucasArts and Sony Online Entertainment announced yesterday the release of an online trading card game.

Now the Galactic Civil War continues on a whole new playing field with the introduction of the Star Wars Galaxies™ Trading Card Game and its first release, Champions of the Force. This first ever online Star Wars® trading card game is available exclusively to Star Wars Galaxies subscribers* as part of their valid subscription to the game.

Choose your allegiance and build your own Light or Dark side digital card decks
Collect more than 250 beautifully detailed original Star Wars-themed cards
Challenge your skills in solo play, or join with friends in epic one-on-one matches, cooperative Heroic Encounters and official tournaments
More than 20 loot cards in the first release that are redeemable for fantastic Star Wars Galaxies in-game items
Plus, in Star Wars Galaxies, adventure and collect desirable cards that enhance your trading card deck

Read the Official Press Release

The Legacy Collection Comic Pack Images

Adam — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:04:17 GMT

JediDefender have posted images received from an anonymous source of two forthcoming Comic Packs from The Legacy Collection, Anakin & Durge and Tol Skorr & Asajj Ventress.

Click on the thumbnails above to get a closer look

Instructions for The Clone Wars LEGO online

Graham — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:23:06 GMT

LEGO have updated their instructions archive with The Clone Wars sets, including new ship The Twilight (above). Just select the 'Star Wars' option from the drop-down list of brands, and scroll down to find the new sets.

New Aaron Allston novel - Fate of the Jedi

Adam — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:01:51 GMT

The fine folks over at EU Cantina.net have received word from Zee Zee at Star Wars Books that Amazon Canada have listed a new book by Aaron Allston entitled SW Fate of the Jedi 1.

Little else is known other than that it will be 256 pages long and is set to be released in hardback in March of 2009.

Stay tuned for more news!

New Look for StarWars.com

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:38:26 GMT

The official site has had a complete facelift, replacing the previous new-look home page that was launched last year, making it even easier and quicker to find whatever it is you are looking for with the addition of multiple navigation menus on every page.

Take the link below to check it out

Exclusive LEGO at Toys R Us

Graham — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:19:18 GMT

The US Toys R Us website has a new Star Wars blog as part of their promotion for The Clone Wars product. The first entry reveals that the LEGO Twilight (7680) and Separatist Spider Droid (7681) will be exclusive to the chain, and should hit on July 26th along with the rest of The Clone Wars LEGO.

Robot Chicken: Star Wars R2 DVD coming in August

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:42:43 GMT

Posted over at DVD Times yesterday

Revolver Entertainment have announced the UK Region 2 DVD release of Robot Chicken: Star Wars on 11th August 2008 priced at £12.99. The legendary story of the intergalactic struggle between good vs. evil gets a unique make-over in Robot Chicken: Star Wars with full endorsement from Lucasfilm. The episode combines the satirical touch of the show’s creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich's Robot Chicken, with the unforgettable moments and favourite characters of the Star Wars universe—among them, the creator himself, George Lucas is transformed into a stop-motion animated character which he also voiced. Other noteworthy voice actors include Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Breckin Meyer, Malcolm McDowell, Donald Faison, Hulk Hogan and James Van Der Beek.

Extras include:

Introduction to [adult swim] Bonus Episodes
Video commentary
On Air Bumps
Animation Meeting
Trailers
Behind The Scenes
Deleted Scenes
Alternate Audio
Light Speed Time Lapse of entire production
Photo Gallery
Panel Presentation
Episode Commentary

The Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels Cover

Adam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:15:20 GMT

Wii Topia have unearthed the US box art for Star Wars The Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels.

Click on the thumbnail above for a larger image

Charles Ross 'One Man Star Wars Trilogy' Interview

James — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:17:08 GMT

Just before Charles jumped on a plane for his UK tour we caught up with him and asked him a few questions...

JN: What was your inspiration for putting the show together and did you start "from the beginning", or with segments from each movie that you linked
together?
CR: I went with what I could remember off the top of my head. I sat at a computer and tried to write the lines I could remember that told the story in the most expedient fashion.
JN: Alec Guiness wrote in his autobiography that he asked a young boy who had seen 'A New Hope' over a 100 times to promise to stop watching the film. First of all, was that you, and secondly, what do you think is the main reason why people can watch the Star Wars movies over and over without getting bored?
CR: No it wasn't me. I can understand why Alec Guiness said that too. Watching any film over a hundred times is excessive to say the least.
I think that something that we experience during childhood (like Star Wars) can have a lasting affect on us. We reconnect with who we were as children when we re-watch it as adults. There is an unabashed innocent exuberance we have as children that I think we lose in adulthood. I think watching it keeps us young.

Read on for the full Interview...

JN: You've managed to pick up on a lot of the nuances of the Star Wars saga in the show, which those of us who've seen the movies a lot have no doubt appreciated. When you were writing the show, were these bits already in your mind to include, or did you notice them more when re-watching the movies?
CR: Most bits were in my mind. I suppose the reason that other fans recognize them is because it's a shared experience.
JN: Did you have any difficulty in coming up with any of the effects that you do for the show, like Jabba's flappy lips or Vader's breathing, or did these
come naturally to you?
CR: Crazy to say, but it's true, it came naturally. Luckily I'm not the same girth as Jabba, otherwise the performing the shore would be quite the chore.
Also, I have always used sound effects and bits of mime to bring across a point that sometime words simply can't.
JN: You seem to enjoy Vader's realisation that Luke has a twin sister; what are your favourite parts of the show?
CR: There are too many to speak of. But one of my favorite sections of the story is from Return of the Jedi with Luke, Vader, and the Emperor in the throne room.
JN: Which Star Wars character do you enjoy doing the most?
CR: The Emperor- he's such a rotten bastard and so deliciously evil.
JN: When you did the show in front of George Lucas, were you able to treat it as just another performance, or were you incredibly nervous?
CR: I've never done the show for the man himself, just a group of Lucasfilm big wigs. That was at Celebration 3 in Indianapolis. "Big" shows are in many ways the same as small shows. I love them both even though there's a lot more damage done if you flop in front of a large crowd.
JN: When you're done with performing the show, will it be available on DVD? We've been asked by people as far flung as Mexico to be able to see your show, unless you've got any plans to tour there, I'm guessing his only chance will be on DVD.
CR: I will travel to wherever the show can tour. I'm a living Movie doing the work of a DVD. Theatre is very hard to recreate on DVD.
JN: It must have been difficult to have left certain chunks of the movies out
when writing the show, simply to cut the running time down; was there
anything that you would like to have included, but couldn't for any reason?
CR: The Rancor, the Astroid Field, most of film ends up on my cutting room floor.
JN: You have obviously put a lot into the show and when you put something
together like this, you undoubtedly have high hopes for the show's success,
but what were your initial expectations? Did you ever imagine how big it
would become and where it would take you?
CR: I had no idea. In many ways I still have no idea of it. I don't read press. I just love to tour and perform the show. I'll keep doing it for as long as there's an audience.
JN: Where and how often have you performed your show in Vancouver, and what's it like playing to your home crowd?
CR: Victoria- on "Vancouver" Island actually- is great. I live there still and I love the fact that I can perform and sleep in my own bed that evening. It's a novelty I could definitely get used to.
JN: Are you a Star Wars collector? If so, what are your favourite areas of
collecting and where do you get your collectables from?
CR: I'm not a collector. I always loved to the toys when I was a kid. I particularly loved the ships. I've also been truly impressed with costumers.
JN: There's been a few rumours that this UK tour will be the last outing for the 'One Man Star Wars Trilogy' - is that true, will you not perform it again
after this?
CR: In the UK? Not likely in the near future. I love the UK, but I need to spend a wee bit of time at home. I never say "never".
JN: What's next for you...? Will you visit the Star Wars prequels and come up with something equally great for those films?
CR: Possibly. But for now I have a new show, based upon nothing but boring old me. Except that I'm a medieval warrior fighting daemons.

Win Tickets for Charles Ross 'One Man Star Wars Trilogy'

James — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:09:20 GMT

Charles Ross is on a flight from Canada to the UK as we speak, ready to start his UK tour this Friday night in Norwich at the Playhouse Theatre. The tour runs for the whole of July and takes in 23 locations around the UK.

We've teamed up with his management company to give two free tickets to ANY one of the the UK tour dates!!!

All you have to do to enter is answer this simple question...

What Country is Charles Ross from?

Let us know the answer along with which Venue you'd like tickets for and a daytime telephone number and we'll do the rest. The competition will close on Friday 4th July 2008 at 14:00 hours UK time.

Read on for a full list of Venue's... Tickets are going fast but some are still available...

The Clone Wars - McDonald's & Toys R Us Tie-In Promotions

Adam — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:57:03 GMT

In another article from The New York Times, details have been revealed regarding McDonald's promotion of The Clone Wars

For the first time in the history of the “Star Wars” franchise, McDonald’s is coming along for the ride. Starting Aug. 15, the fast food chain will be offering Clone Wars Happy Meals. Each will come with a specially designed box and one of 18 exclusive toys. Collectors will have to be diligent however, as the promotion lasts only four weeks, and the toys will be available only with the purchase of a Happy Meal.

Also in the report is some further information on Toys R Us' own promotion, which "will last at least through the Christmas shopping season, according to executives at the company".

Follow the link below to read the full article.

George Lucas explains "why more Star Wars?"

Graham — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:23:25 GMT

The New York Times has an interview with George Lucas - there's little new information on The Clone Wars, but he does talk a bit about his motivation for making the series and how it ended up with Warner Brothers.

LEGO Clone Army Raising Awareness and Funds for Autism

Adam — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:46:00 GMT

Posted over at Gizmodo earlier today:

What are 35,310 Lego Star Wars Clone Troopers mini-figs doing together, apart from planning a planet invasion after breaking out of the giant Lego storage cathedrals? Raising awareness and funds for autism, that's what. So if you wondered where all those helmets at the Lego stormtrooper cloning machine go to, check the gallery for some amazing high resolution shots.

A group of Lego UK employees built the Clone Trooper army in just six and a half hours to raise money for The National Autistic Society. The National Autistic Society is a British organization dedicated to helping "people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible."

As someone who has a cousin with Asperger Syndrome, I'm all in favour of anything that helps support such a worthy cause, so hats off to LEGO UK....

Click on the link below for more images

Kevin Graham Interview at Lightsabre

Adam — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:07:12 GMT

The latest interview is up over at Lightsabre and this week, Mark's been chatting to artist Kevin Graham, whose work has been featured on trading cards from the likes of Topps and Marvel among others.

Follow the link below to read what Kevin had to say about how he works and to get a look at some of his amazing artwork.

Lukasz Mlotkowski of Imperial City Online is next in line for the webmaster interview and coming soon is the first part of their 3-part chat with producer Robert Watts.

A Word From Our Sponsor: ThreeDarthsCollectables

Adam — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:10:26 GMT

The latest update from Nick at ThreeDarthsCollectables has just come in...

Just a quick update on a few new items that are due to arrive in the next week or so. First up is the new 30th Anniversary Collection Large Wing White Tie Fighter. Limited quantities of this great item available. Also the Build a Droid sets will be arriving and these are currently being offered with free postage and packing when ordered.