Twenty years ago, a resurgence of Star Wars began not on the big screen but on the printed page. Back in 1991, the franchise itself was in danger of becoming obsolete and forgotten. It had been 8 years since Return of the Jedi ( long before the Special Editions and bloody prequels came along). Enter Lucasfilm Publishing who got the ball rolling and eventually leading to Timothy Zahn penning a three volume series chronicling the further adventures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and all the rest following the events of the final film.
Yesterday, I finally received my copy of the 20th Anniversary edition of said novel: Heir to the Empire. It has been sometime since I have checked the novel out from the library. The book itself is gorgeous featuring a silver-colored dustcover with the New Republic emblem prominently displayed. Underneath the cover is a rendering of the original cover. Inside in the introductory remarks, the author and his editor provide insight into the story behind the new trilogy. Something new in the meat of the book is annotations by Zahn providing insight into the development of characters and events. Names of friends, acquaintances, and contest winners became a part of the Expanded Universe! I have not yet begun to read the story itself but was captivated by the anecdotes including some flack from fans the author took for introducing such “Earthly” items as hot chocolate into the SW universe. Also a well-known Trek term was given some highlight but was quickly defended.
I must say that I am throughly enjoying the book and I haven’t even started it yet!
Ok… ok… should I or shouldn’t I comment on the OTHER big Star Wars event that happened yesterday. All right I will. For the first time, the entire cinematic saga (Episodes I-VI) are available on Blu-Ray. Personally, I have no problem with the release itself. I just grow weary of George Lucas changing the movies for each new release. I accepted the Special Edition releases of the original films prior to the much-inferior (IMHO) prequels. Now it seems that he adds pointless bits every 10 years or so. I agree with those who state that they are his movies and can do what he likes with them but do not like the “inclusion for the sake of inclusion.” Aliens being included via the wonder of CGI that were not there before. And the most awful inclusion of all:
Hmmm, I have no idea what’s different about the Darth Vader “no” clip. Glad you are enjoying your book! I am finally almost finished with the 2nd round of the last Harry Potter installment and can’t wait to move on to something that will have me looking forward to reading it. Think I’m gonna try “The Help”.
The fact that he never lamely shouted “NOOOOO” previously for one. The shout sounds like it was ripped right from Episode III (which I realize you have never seen) 😉
That does sound lame… and somehow I missed it. Maybe cuz the cookie timer went off in the middle of my watching the clip, and the kids were so excited about the cookies they had made. Lemme check it again.
COOOOKIES! MMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hard to hear, but yep, lame!
I read about this a few weeks ago and was similarly disgusted, particularly the second long “noooooooooooo.” Someone came up with an interesting theory about these changes in a thread I read about it- it sounds implausible, but what do I know of the legal world? The theory was Lucas making changes to make the movies sufficiently different from the originals that his ex, who apparently has some interest in the original films, can’t profit from re-releases since they are no longer the originals. If I hear of this outside of a random comment I might believe it.
The Zahn rerelease though does sound intriguing. I may have to stop at a bookstore to have a view of it.
Interesting, Derek. I almost forgot about the3D cinematic release of the movies (starting is it next year sometime?). Wonder if there will be still MORE changes before then 😉