Author Archive



McQuarrie Honored by Digital Artists

Pete Vilmur | May 29, 2009

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According to the CG Society’s official website, legendary Star Wars concept artist Ralph McQuarrie has been awarded the distinction of “EXPOSÉ 7 Grand Master” by the group.

“The CGSociety is the most respected and accessible global organization for creative digital artists,” reads the group’s site. “The CGS supports artists at every level by offering a range of services to connect, inform, educate and promote, by celebrating achievement, excellence and innovation in all aspects of digital art.”

Fitting, then, that such an esteemed group of artists would honor McQuarrie’s work and career with such a prestigious award. Most Star Wars fans would agree that it is certainly well-deserved!

Head on over to the CG Society’s website for the award announcement, interview, and a great look back at McQuarrie’s spectacular career.

Vader Boogies in Star Wars Weekends Vids and Photos

Pete Vilmur | May 26, 2009

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Attractionsmagazine.com recently updated with a bunch of great video and photo coverage of the first 2009 Star Wars Weekend at Walt Disney World. Some really good coverage of the various events, parades, and celebrities in attendance, so if you’ve got a few minutes to spend in the Disney/Star Wars galaxy, head on over and take a look!

Dance-Off with the Star Wars Stars and Hyperspace Hoopla video and pictures (Check out those dark side dance moves!)

Parade/celebrity motorcade

More photos from Star Wars Weekends

12-foot LEGO Blockade Runner Readies for Diplomatic Mission

Pete Vilmur | May 19, 2009

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Gizmodo reports today of a LEGO builder who’s currently bricking together a 12-foot long Corellian Corvette, better known to most as Leia’s Tantive IV blockade runner from A New Hope. Scaled to the ubiquitous LEGO mini figures and featuring interior details throughout, this classic starship follows the flight path of another Corellian craft built by fan Craig Stevens — the Millennium Falcon — although this one measures just four feet long.

Head on over to Gizmodo and have a look!

Sansweet Shares Favorites with Forbes

Pete Vilmur | May 3, 2009

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Uber collector Steve Sansweet recently picked a dozen of his favorite Star Wars collectibles to share with Forbes.com — quite a task given that Sansweet estimates his collection, which is stored within his 5,000 square foot “Rancho Obi-Wan”, holds more than 100,000 pieces!

Be sure to check out the 12 pieces he’s picked (including the Bantha piñata above) by clicking through to page 2 of the story. Do you have a favorite not mentioned? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Someone to Walk in Artoo’s Shoes

Pete Vilmur | April 30, 2009

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There’s something irresistibly quirky about the old Star Wars sneakers from the late ‘70s, manufactured by Clarks of England. Based on various characters from A New Hope, this “R2-D2” pair that recently sold on eBay for under $10 was a steal, given that silver Star Wars sneakers are a pretty cool obscurity from the space-crazed ‘70s. Complete with illustrated Star Wars box, bag, and a couple inches added to your height with those beefy rubber heals, it’s a wonder every kid from the decade of disco wasn’t strutting these bad boys.

Check out the original auction here.

Found on eBay: $150 Star Wars Reggae Record

Pete Vilmur | April 23, 2009

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“Star Wars Dub” has always been a somewhat legendary if not curious entry in the world of early Star Wars-inspired bootleg recordings, but rarely has it fetched prices north of $100.

The rare 1978 Star Wars reggae record by musician Phill Pratt is probably known by Star Wars collectors more for its catchy cover art than for the music itself (how many of us still own turntables?), but that blue vinyl just makes the kitsch that much cooler. Check out the original auction here.

Found on eBay: Yoda Flirt Poster

Pete Vilmur | April 20, 2009

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Here’s one you didn’t see stateside — this cool transit poster from Japan recently went to a lucky bidder who obviously appreciates the whimsical side of Star Wars advertising. This rare (and large!) poster, which was printed up by a Japanese cellular company in 2005 and oddly features the Episode I version of Yoda, is actually one of a pair — the other featured Darth Vader on a park bench with a couple of Japanese school girls. It’s no wonder that Japanese Star Wars posters remain among the most sought after by collectors.

Check out the original Yoda poster auction here.

SW Auction to Aid Aussie Bush Fire Victims

Pete Vilmur | April 14, 2009

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Star Wars fans in Australia have banded together to help victims of recent bush fires that ravaged the state of Victoria, posting several eBay auctions of items donated by actors from the saga, Lucasfilm, and others.

From the Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009 website:

On February 7th 2009, the state of Victoria in Australia was ravaged by Bushfires.

These wildfires destroyed thousands upon thousands of hectares of native forests and laid waste to many townships.

Over 2000 homes were destroyed and over 7000 people were left homeless by these fires which burned out of control for many weeks. Over 200 people were reported to have lost their lives in what was to become known as Australia’s worst natural disaster.

The people of Australia however were not beaten by these events and they rallied together as one to help those in need. Countless donations of clothes and food flooded into relief centers and thousands of volunteers lined up to help. People donated their time, their homes and opened their hearts to help those effected by the fires.

Head over to the charity’s official website for more details, and also don’t miss the over two-dozen signed items currently up for bids from Dave Prowse, Kenny Baker, Jeremy Bulloch, Bonnie Piesse, and others!

Starlog’s Final Entry

Pete Vilmur | April 13, 2009

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The magazine that many of us old-school fans grew up with and geeked out over since the early days of Star Wars fandom has sadly folded, but will continue exclusively as an online publication. Here’s the report from EW.com:

Long before Entertainment Weekly, or Aintitcoolnews.com, or podcasts, Twitter feeds, blogs or THE INTERNET ITSELF, Starlog Magazine was in the business of covering all things geek. Spurred on by the popularity of the Star Trek conventions that cropped up in the wake of the classic series’ cancellation, editor Kerry O’Quinn and publisher Norman Jacobs launched Starlog in August of 1976. And after 33 years and 374 issues, Starlog is officially calling it quits, continuing for the time being as an online-only publication.

So long, Starlog — it’s been quite a ride. Check out the full story here.

Lost on eBay: Leia’s Do

Pete Vilmur | April 9, 2009

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The poor Princess. We scoured eBay looking for her lost hairdo but can’t seem to find it. It would seem that most of the original Kenner 12-inch Princess Leia dolls (which ironically came packaged with a comb) have endured a perpetual streak of bad hair days since December 26, 1978, when little girls (or little boys, and you know who you are) were motivated to loosen the buns and let her hair down. Unfortunately, few Leias have ever regained the difficult-to-restore hairmuffs, giving many-a-princess a forever frazzled look.

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