It’s hard to believe that STAR WARS is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, what’s harder is realising that 30 years have passed since many of us went to the cinema to see it for the first time and came away exhilarated by the experience. While that youthful enthusiasm might have waned we’re still not averse to watching those three original episodes on DVD, or VHS for the really hardcore purists.
There is no doubt that STAR WARS has had a lasting legacy on the cinema world. On the positive side, it made sci-fi cool and mainstream and allowed Lucas to develop a range of audio and video technologies that become staples of the industry – for example; Pixar (software) was originally a Lucas development. It also brought a new style of mythological storytelling to the masses. On the downside it is partly responsible for the ridiculous amount of merchandising and marketing tie-ins that the film industry thrusts upon consumers. However, STAR WARS has become more than just a global brand and for sci-fi fans of all ages it is still something dear to their hearts and worth celebrating.
At County Hall, on London’s South Bank, an exhibition of costumes, props and production designs has been running since May 5, finishing on September 1. More details of this can be found at www.starwars-theexhibition.com. While this exhibition is more akin to a museum visit that can be taken at a leisurely pace at a time to suit you, there is another, more intense celebration happening on the weekend of July 13 – 15 at ExCel in London’s Docklands.
Star Wars Celebration Europe is the official Lucasfilm backed event and will feature live entertainment, cast and crew from all six movies headed by Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), special film and video presentations and another exhibit of props and costumes along, with the inevitable merchandising and costume contests.
For STAR WARS fans this is the main event and not to be missed. You can find out more at www.celebrationeurope.com. Tickets are on sale now.
We have 10 one-day passes to give away by answering a suitably geeky question: Star Wars dates are written as B.B.Y and A.B.Y. What do the initials stand for? E-mail your answer to sw@comps.sci-fi-london.com. Entries close on July 2 2007.
And if you are still wondering where the last 30 years of your life went, remember that the Sex Pistols released Never Mind The Bollocks in the same year. All together now: “No future, no future…”