News And Rumors

The Official Episode 1 Trailer will not go along with any movie we were expecting. Personally I was hoping to see the Trailer with Star Trek Insurrection, but this is ten times better. It seems that Electronic Gaming Monthly has written up a nice and long article on the upcoming games from Lucasarts. In it has a piece on Star Wars: Behind the Magic. And this is what they had to say about the new CD.

"From a new Star Wars product, a new multi-media reference CD ROM for the PC to be exact, called Star Wars: Behind the Magic. This incredible resource is set to be released this September. Ever wanted to see the deleted scenes feature Biggs? Or schematics for every ship and weapon? How about a trailer for Star Wars: Episode One? Bet that got your attention."

Cinescape, (another site that I quote from several times) has confirmed that other video game magazines had been confirmed about the trailer appearing Behind the Magic. Here is what they had to say

"After dropping a few dimes the Insider can now confirm that Lucasfilm did indeed let it slip to the number one video game magazine (and former sister-pub of Cinescape) that the trailer WOULD BE on the Star Wars: Behind the Magic disc. One can rationally conclude that a theatrical debut of the trailer would follow sometime after the disc's scheduled September 24th release (if you buy into the notion that Lucasfilm wants to sell A LOT of BTM CD-ROMs before showing it for free)."

One would also agree with Cinescape that by showing the trailer it is a cheep way of selling the CD. But I was interested buying the CD even before I heard about this. I am also surprise to hear that the release date to Behind the Magic would be the 24th. Visit the official Behind the Magic Site at Lucasarts to learn more about what's is Behind the Magic all about.

Liam on Episode 1. Well, this is not as amazing as hearing Spielberg say "Oh, my god." But Neeson has been very quite about his character for quite sometime. The following is what he said to Newsweek.

"It's going to be quite an amazing film," Neeson said. "I read a lot of Joseph Campbell [in preparing for the role of a Jedi master]. I watched a lot of interviews with him talking about myths and legends and read some stuff on Buddhism. I put all that stuff together and the rest is my imagination."

It is interesting that Neeson has said it is amazing, but I wonder did he even see the film like Spielberg? Or is he talking about from the experience of making the film?

Editor's Note. I would love to just shout out to a brilliant artist, Christian Lester, and tell him Happy Birthday. Yesterday Was his 20th Birthday, and we here at Eye on Episode 1 would love to say Happy Birthday. And I wish we could have gotten you a copy of Tron for your Birthday.

August 29, 1998

Interesting Photos of Episode 1 toys. Well, remember last time I updated this site, I had a few links of some new picture. Well, from the same source at the Prequel Watch they have come up with more pictures from the same blurry source. And I will also have some information on Stap and the Battle Droid for those who do now know about them.

Here is another picture of that Mase Windu (Samuel L Jackson's character) figure that I showed a while ago. This picture is a lot larger then the one before. It helps you to make out the important details on him. The picture looks a lot like the picture of Sam that appeared on Ain't Cool News. So we can assume that this is real. Another interesting thing is that Mase (Gee, is Mase a good name? Every time I think about Sam playing as Mase, I think of the Rapper Mase. Hmmm... I wonder what Mase will say when the movie is released?) Has a Blue Light saber, I wonder if Sam will get to whip out his Light saber for practicing in the film? Will he have a fight scene with anyone else? Or is this a temporary light saber and he will get a different color light saber later?

Remember the Picture of the Battle Droid and Stap? Well, here is the back of the box from which it came from. And after that is a bit of information that I gathered up about the battle droid from various sources on the web. Yeah, yeah, I am going to have to ask you to highlight the following text if you want to read it. I know that this is not that BIG of a spoiler. But if you are too sensitive about this then I make your days happier.

"Well, Stap are vehicles that the Battle Droids fly around with. Some describe it as a hover sled or even a shovel although in the picture it gives the impression that the battle droid is placed on a station position and looks like he cannot move. This in my opinion is not that bit of a deal, I mean it is like telling people about the AT-AT in Empire. The Battle Droids is an important character that we will see both Liam and Ewan fight against. They serve as the infantry of the Trade Federation Army, you would say that they are the Storm Troopers of Episode 1.Gee, that is the best way of putting it with out spoiling everyone."

Now showing you this would and may be too much of a spoiler to everyone, because these are pictures of some of prototype figures of the main characters in Episode 1. This comes from the Prequel Watch from the source that got us those blurry pictures. The good news is that these pictures are not blurry. In fact they are very clear except for a lens flair, which I believe is caused by the fact that the figures are kept in a glass or plastic case. I don't know if I can vouch for the authenticity of the toys, so maybe they are fake or real? I warn you again that this is a big spoiler (of course one may argue that this is not like knowing that Vader was Luke's Father, but It is seeing characters before the film is release).

Another picture of the Stap and Battle Droid. Now, this is not from the Prequel Watch. In fact it is coming from The Force Net's Coruscant Marketplace. They have gotten a picture of the figure of the Battle Droid with Stap. This is a picture of the actual toy even thought the picture is blurry it looks great. In fact it remind me of an anime mech. I really want to get this figure when it comes out.

A picture of the set from the official site. Well, this picture was posted up along with that message about how they finish up shooting the reshoot. The picture is very interesting because it looks so huge; I was not aware how big some of set would be in Episode1. I assume they would have small sets and they would all be enhanced through CGI.

A fan made Episode 1 trailer. I have to say I was dying of laughter when I saw this. I was not laughing at how silly it was, but to how complex it is to make something like that. I would love to know who has made it. And I would love to ask this person how they made it, with what did they made it with, did they have any help, how long did it take to make, etc, etc, etc. If you are the person who made the trailer or if you know anyone who did make the trailer send and email to me I want to ask this person a few questions. This is a really great trailer, I suggest you all should take a look at it. And visit the site from which it came from the The Skystation and here is a link to the section where they have more trailers.

Editor's Note. Well, Right now I am still testing a few things on Zombie film review to pass the time away. But I do want to throw a few names of directors that I would love to see Direct Episode 2 and 3. Okay, I am just throwing out names of directors that I really enjoy and I would think they would be great to direct Episode 2 or 3. I know that the best people for the job are Steven Spielberg and James Cameron but I want to start a bit of controversy I want people to really deeply think about who would be great for these movies. I am also doing this in hope that I could influence Lucasfilms or anyone associated with Lucasfilms. Hey, I have great ideas and I hope people are out there listening. I will post up different name every chance I can get, Email me on what you think of my choice or a good choice you have.

Kathryn Bigelow: She is famous for the films Point Break and Strange Days. Right now a lot of people are talking about here because of James Cameron was married to her a long time ago. In fact when anyone brings up her name people immediately think of James Cameron who also wrote Strange Days and Ghost written Point Break. But she has proven that if she is given a good script she can make a really great film. And in her films she can really get the viewer involved in the action sequences, which I have seen hundred of director fail to do.

Robert Rodriquez: When most people think of Robert tas the bloodiest director on Earth. With films like From Dusk Till Dawn, Desperado, El Mariachi, Four Room and a new film The Faculty (which is also written by Scream writer Kevin Williamson) it is no wonder people think of him like that. But In El Mariachi and in From Dusk Till Dawn he has proven that he can make really good films... Although many would say that From Dusk Till Dawn was just a mess of a film, you have to agree that the first hour was perfect film making. He knew how to make the audience get creepy with a dark tone of wondering who are these people and why do people fear them. Like George Lucas Robert firmly believes that editing really does make a film. But yet, his wild camera movements and fast editing make some compare him with MTV directors or even Armageddon director Michael Bay. But after seeing Saving Private Ryan I think he has the potential to be the next Spielberg (which is a funny thing ever since El Mariachi was release everyone compared him to Spielberg). I don't know if Lucas would pick someone like Robert, I believe he would skip him because he is too much of a wild card. He would totally be unpredictable, and I have to say that what I love about him.

Lucasfilms had a few things to say about the reshoot. Well, The Official Star Wars site had a little comment about finish up the reshooting in Levensden. It has some interesting id bits that some might find it interesting.

The August 1998 Star Wars pick-ups at Leavesden Studios have wrapped, completing the filming of new scenes added to the script by George Lucas based on the Episode I rough cut assembled at Skywalker Ranch. The week of shooting re-united an appreciable number of the Episode I cast and crew, including actors Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid, Ahmed Best, and Hugh Quarshie, among others. The carefully-stored costumes were brought out again, and once more exotic aliens, Jedi masters, and leather-clad soldiers were to be seen at lunch time ordering the fish and chips in the Leavesden canteen, waiting in line with George Lucas and Rick McCallum and the rest of us. It was like we had never left. Between the famous faces and the prosthetic faces and the familiar bemused faces, it was quite the jolly scene. The whole crew was clearly glad to be working together again.
Since only a few sets were needed for these pick-ups, the formerly sprawling Episode I operations at Leavesden were cut down to a manageable size this time, which made logistics easier for everyone. A single old hangar housed a bluescreen stage and the four indoor sets, with part of one exterior set remaining out on the main Leavesden runway. Some bluescreen and exterior shooting took place right outside the hangar and nearby on location. The sets involved were re-assembled from storage for these pick-ups, altered in some cases to create new variations or additional rooms. Spaceship interiors for both "good guys" and "bad guys" were involved in the shooting, as well as locations from planets Coruscant and Tatooine. Anakin's home, for example, was completely re-assembled and re-dressed for the shoot, returned painstakingly to its original appearance for the new scenes. A special still camera equipped with a 'fisheye' lens recorded complete 360-degree views of this and other sets for future projects.
At one point, Stunt Coordinator Nick Gillard was teaching an intense sequence of Jedi lightsaber battle choreography to a member of the documentary team on one of the spaceship sets. The opportunity to partake in real Jedi combat was clearly too much to pass up, and the rest of the documentary team soon joined in with extra stunt sabers from Gillard's armory rack. Our young Anakin Skywalker, Jake Lloyd, lost no time in plunging into the fray with lightsaber-equipped enthusiasm. Wielding two sabers at times, he engaged his opponents with such energy that a concerned Jedi Master might almost suspect Dark Side sympathies. However, Anakin Skywalker has the makings of a fine Jedi and no one is really worried that he would ever fall to the Dark Side. We should mention, however, that the documentary sound recordist left the impromptu battle site nursing blade-smashed fingers, muttering something to the effect that "he practically cut my hand off!" Jake had a strange gleam in his eye and was breathing heavily from the exertion.
With all the new footage from this round of pick-ups 'in the can,' Lucas and McCallum are supervising dialogue recording sessions before returning to post-production in the States.

Some very interesting picture. What I mean interesting is that most of the pictures are blurry and that raises some question on how reliable they are. Of course they came from the Prequel Watch, which in my opinion is one of the most important Episode 1 News site there is. The first picture is for the Kenner Mail in Mase Windu figure. I am really ticked off that it is blurry I really want to read it and try to mail it in. The other is of Stap with Battle Droid. It could be fake or it could be real we could spend pages of what we think about these pictures. My only complaint is why are they so freaking blurry? Did the person who scanned was in an earthquake? Did some one quickly flash him these pictures and he tried his best to get them? Oh well, I assume I can't complain. I mean this person did get us these interesting pictures.

Editor's Note. If you know this by now, and I assume I have told it to everyone for the millionth time. I have been hard at work redesigning Zombie Film Review. Now everything is finally getting into focus and I believe I could have the site up soon. I will not focus on the new section too much (which was my biggest problem with the site before, I use to put all my time and energy on the news and not the reviews) but I will just focus on getting the reviews for the site. As for the Obi Wan drawing, I will get it scanned soon as possible... Oh yeah I said that before. But trust me, I really want to show him off to you.

August 19, 1998

Pictures! Pictures! Pictures! Well, I have been scavenging around I have found all these great pictures from various sites.

T'Bone Fender's Star Wars Universe got this great picture of a model of some creature. We assume that they made the model so they could scan it into 3D. Some say the creature is supposed to be a Sebulba. Although some people already know what a Sebulba is you will have to highlight the following Text to read more about it. The following text was posted on T'Bone Fender's Star Wars Universe.

"Just who is Sebulba anyway? Sebulba started out in the early rumor-mill days as a Hutt. He then developed into a female Hutt and went through a few other transitions before settling into a CG character that sabotages Anakin's pod before the now famous pod race that happens in Episode I on Tatooine. We still have yet to see a good picture of Sebulba - mostly because he is a CG character I suppose… but here's something interesting.
I was sent this picture today. It supposedly comes from an English film magazine called Total Film. This little guy could just be our friend Sebulba but that has yet to be completely confirmed. From what I know of Sebulba, this fits his description pretty well. Notice the really long fingers and the resemblance to a Roswell-type alien.
A guy named JediMike, who gave some reports to Jedinet's Prequel Watch recently, mailed me back after I contacted him and told me this:
Sebulba is sort of a "block head". Has a large square head, about the size and shape of a desktop computer. He has long sharp teeth. His mouth basically hangs high on the front of his face, and he has beady little eyes. He's kind of lanky looking. Very mantis-like. Arms are really long and he has 2 or 3 elbows on each. Hands point downwards and feature long "claws". He is grayish-brown in color, but that may have been changed several times by now as he IS a completely CG character.
On July 23rd, Cinescape On-Line reported this from a source named Yojimbo:
Sebulba is an insect-like alien. He looks like a stout praying mantis with long mantis-like arms, two elbows in each. The character has a squarish shaped head and long sharp teeth. I have no idea about the character's voice over, but I've heard (though not completely solid) that he will have an alien dialect.
Now these two descriptions are pretty similar and from two different sources so they could be legit. The guy in the picture, however, does not have "beady little eyes". His head is not exactly square like a computer, but it is flat. The arms are long but I can't make out multiple joints. The mouth does kind of hang on the face but I don't see any sharp teeth. Of course these could all be added in later and this could just be a model for scanning. It could also just be some little extra guy. It could also not even be from Episode I since I have yet to see the mag myself. The possibilities, right now, are endless. You just never know. Anyway, I thought I'd share it with you all and see what you think. From what I can gather, this picture is Sebulba. If anyone else has a copy of this mag and would like to send it to me, please contact me. Thanks."

Now these pictures are from the second Line Hale Documentary in which she focuses on Doug Chiang. T'Boe was cool enough to get some great great res picture of the documentary. I wonder how he got them as such a great res? I know that the documentary was a long time ago, but I have been meaning to post these pictures on my site a for a while now.

This picture was posted on Ain't It Cool News. The problem with this picture is that they had nothing much to say about it. They didn't explain what it is for or why it is in badly scanned. Well, for looking at it this is a production art of a droid and a person. The art is done in the style of Doug Chiang, you can tell by the style of how the metal is draw and the mechanics of the droid. The biggest problem that I have with the picture is scanning was done in Line art and on low res so we really could not really tell if it is really Doug Chiang. Oh well, enjoy this really kick ass picture.

This picture was also posted on Ain't It Cool News. Some say that the picture is of a Gungun (a very important character in the film) or it is an aquatic creature we would see in the film. The other picture is a blaster that might be seen in the film. I know what the last article was a picture from AICN but they were both posted on separate pages by separate spy. The text for the Gungun has some spoilers highlight the text if you want to read it.

"Alright, this first thing could be the head of a Gungun, but it could also be some other creature that lives underwater. In the film, we should see this thing in the first 30 minutes, if it belongs. Actually there's a couple of water things that occur, my fave is when the big creature tries to swallow the good guy's ship, but narrowly misses due to another...bigger creature swallowing it. This should come across very cool on the big screen. I tell ya I'm excited about this flick again. My trip sort of revitalized my enthusiasm... Well here's what TUPP sent in..."

And as for this gun, I don't know what it's purpose is. I do know from talking to several "Archivers" on the project that almost all the props for this film were sealed up like this and shipped off to wherever Lucas is keeping this stuff. There is massive archiving of the new film going on that far surpasses the archiving from the previous films. So expect massive picture books and exhibits at some point after all our computers crash...

And finally this one was posted on the Force Net. This one is a picture of a droid that was in the Official UK Star Wars Magazine. Picture was scanned at a low res, that make it difficult to make out what the text is saying. I tried to make out what it says, all that I understood was that it is about Jeremy Bulloch's (he played as Boba Fett in Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi) reaction that someone else played as Boba Fett in A New Hope and Return of the Jedi: Special Edition (the guy who played as Boba Fett in Special Edition was a Special Effect Artist who did the Dewbacks and Jabba in A New Hope: Special Edition) . The Drawing on the back looks like the battle driod that everyone is talking about, and it also looks like the driod drawing that was on Doug Chiang's desk in the last issue of Star Wars Insider.

How are you local Movie Theater? Is the screen clean? Is the Sound audible? Is it up to par with THX theaters? If not then I suggest you should stop but THX Theater Alignment Program site. What is this, well you could have THX take a survey to see if what problems your local theater has. Make sure theater is ready for the experience of Episode 1. Personally I have a Sony Theater Nearby I do not know where I could find a THX theater in my area so the Sony Theater is good enough. The major complaints that I had were sometimes the sound in the front end of the speakers went out in Return of the Jedi: Special Edition. But for recent films like Saving Private Ryan and The Negotiator it has been flawless.

August 17, 1998

Rumor about Ewan seeing Episode 1. Well, when I first heard it sounded to unreliable. Ain't It Cool News is known for getting us some of the best news on the net. But this one sounds like someone had made it up. Who knows if Ewan actually said this? So why don't you hear "what a guy told another guy, who talked to another guy, who talked to Ewan McGregor." You see why I think it is unreliable?

Thought this might interest you Harry
So I am in a pub on Saturday night. I get talking to a guy who comes from Creiff. Where you may well ask is Creiff ? Well it is a small village/town in Scotland and birthplace of Mr Ewan McGregor. Anyway a bearded Ewan was in town to open the local Highland Games (lots of peoples in kilts eating haggis and tossing their caber).
He eventually got chatting to Ewan and obviously asked him about Star Wars and how it was going. Ewan confirmed that he was just finished the "touch ups" in London and that he and the rest of the major cast had seen a rough version of the film. As you would expect the next question was "So ........?". Well Ewan reckoned that it was great, kinda like watching Star Wars for the first time (Ewan has always loved the film - check earlier interviews). He was very excited about the film and said any fan would love it.
So there you go - the guy could have been talking rubbish but I do know for a fact that Ewan was at Creiff so who knows ?
Call me Lorraine

And another person saw a rough-cut of episode 1. What is it, did Lucas have a big slumber party and had Spielberg, Portman, Neeson, and the crew all in sleeping bags and talking about who like who? Actually that would look rather funny. Never mind, well, Ain't It Cool News has come up again with another person talking about another person who has seen the film. It seems that all we can get from this site, people talking about other people. I just wish Lucas would come to me and say, "Hey come and watch the film!" I don't know if I would rather see the film or run into the archives and dress up as General Kail from Willow. Sorry, I went a bit off track. The interesting about this person's opinion is that they compare it to Willow. That surprises me because most of the rumors on the net say Episode 1 looks a lot like Star Wars: A New Hope. They confirm that Jake Lloyd sucks remember he is a kid and did you see his performance in Jingle All the Way? And that there is no Blurry Footage. I guess I am just exciting about the film being compared to Willow then A New Hope.

I've been a faithful visitor for the past two years, but I think this may be the first and only time I have something to offer you.
I work with someone who works at ILM (convoluted, I know), and this ILM person has seen the rough cut of the Episode One. He/she's dutifully complying with all the non-disclosure agreements, but he/she HAS given his/her impressions of the film.
His/her overall feeling about the film is that it is a lot like Willow, in that it takes place mostly on the ground, with not as many space scenes as one would expect, or want. Ewan MacGregor gives a fantastic performance, and Jake Lloyd is terrible. (Apparently the lad thinks he's Mr. Wonderful, and seems to perform his scenes with that impression of himself.)
However, this source says that the movie is FANTASTIC (with NO blurry footage) and will blow everyone away. And that the Jedi are really cool.
I know I don't have a lick of credibility, but this is the info as I heard it.
The Dark Piranha

Ticket Priced being hiked up just for Episode 1. Another news bit from Ain't It Cool News, we might have to pay 12 buck for the film. It might sound that I am just a die hard of the Star Wars saga because I will pay. But I understand the reason ticket prices are expensive is because the Theaters have excellent sound systems, and nice and clean screen, those comfortable chairs, and that the theater would have the film available for you. That's why Ticket Prices are so high, and I will pay to see it at these theaters. So I am not paying it for the movie I am paying it for the experience. That bad part about this article is that it sounds too much like Sony did for Godzilla. Gee, that's a scary though to compare Sony's Godzilla with Star Wars. Well, I think I would if we were talking about the classic Godzilla.... Never mind, read on anyway.

My friend in the theater booking business told me in no uncertain terms that they could not afford to lose Ep. 1 to a competitor because Ep. 1 is expected to do monster business at the concession stands as well as at the box office. And the film will undoubtedly rule the box-office charts for at least the first months of its release.
He told me that it would only be natural for ticket prices to be higher for Ep. 1 just because of all the demands that the distributor is going to want from them. However, he had no idea just how much more they would need to charge for Ep. 1. For instance, if for the average movie, the distributor and the theater split the money fifty/fifty. Then, if the theater charges $ 5 dollars, then the theater would get $ 2.50 for each ticket sold.
If Fox asks for 90% of gross ticket sales then the theater would only get 50 cents out of each $ 5 dollar ticket sold. Hence, there would be a financial incentive to raise ticket prices to perhaps as much as $ 10 dollars in order to double their take to $ 1 dollar. With concession business (i.e., popcorn, sodas and candy) and spill-over business to other movies when the prequel sells out, the theater should do quite well. THEORETICALLY. However, he said that many chains are going to balk at having to pay such an enormous percentage of the box-office pie to Fox. He finds it hard to believe that Fox will actually be able to get 90% (even if it's just for the first weekend of release). 90% would be unprecedented. Yet, the possibility that Ep. 1 might be the next $ 600 million Titanic mega-hit is too much to miss cashing in on. Theater owners are in a Catch-22. If they pay through the nose to get Ep. 1, they will get buried in red ink if Ep. 1 flops. Likewise, if their competitor secures Ep. 1, then they will get buried in red ink if Ep. 1 turns out to be the hit film of the century . . .
However, he did fear this: What if the prequel doesn't do as well as expected? The result would be that the theater would be stuck for many weeks with a film that is performing poorly and they would still have to give Fox the bulk of the box-office pie.
He admitted that each theater chain is going to want to actually see the film before making such a monumental investment in the film. A reasonable requirement. The Godzilla debacle is going to hurt Ep. 1 just because all the theater owners and managers are now wondering what if? What if Ep. 1 underperforms? Will it cost me my job?
Regardless of how well Ep. 1 is going to do next summer, there is precedence for theater owners raising ticket prices for a Star Wars movie. If you're old enough to remember the original release of Return of the Jedi way back in 1983, then you will remember that many theater owners raised their normal ticket prices for the final installment of the SW Trilogy. This increase was significant. The average movie ticket cost about $ 2 dollars in 1983. However, at many theaters, ROTJ tickets were going for $ 3 bucks each. That's a 50% increase over the average movie. Did anyone complain? No.
It's called supply and demand. When demand exceeds supply, then prices go up. In 1983, outside of E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial 2, ROTJ was the most anticipated "sequel" of all time. Theater owners could have asked for your first born son and many . . . I mean many would have been willing to comply. Well, I might be exaggerating somewhat, but nobody I knew of ever complained about the price hike. I mean if you would pay $ 2 bucks to see junk, how much would you pay to see the final Star Wars film? Needless to say, we all paid our $ 3 dollars and had the best times of our lives (at a theater). Yes, we even loved the Ewoks back then. I guess we didn't know any better.
So if you're use to plopping down $ 5 dollars to see the latest flick at your local cineplex, don't be surprised if you're asked for $ 10 dollars or more to see the prequel (by far the most anticipated film of all time) during its opening weekend. It's inevitable. It's the law of supply and demand. If you won't pay $ 10 bucks to see Ep. 1 then believe me that the guy (probably me) standing behind you will gladly push you out of the way and snatch up your ticket .

Another Spoiler about the film's story. Well, I don't usually post spoilers but this sounds interesting. In fact it sounds a bit odd, I mean in the rumor they mention about the Mandalorian. And I thought we would not see them until either Episode 2 or 3. Or maybe I am just talking about Boba Fett, who knows if this is true. I got this from Ain't It Cool News if you were wondering. Highlight the text if you want to read it.

Hi, I am not 100% sure the following is true and thought maybe someone could give me there thoughts on it. It comes to me from a good friend that has given inside information about Natalie Portman for my site before. This is what he told me... a friend at Pepsi told him (the whole story is on my sites, please check it out)Thanks:
'After Padme goes into hiding, and Amidala's handmaiden, Sache takes over as the "Queen" of Naboo, she has to make one of the hardest decisions of her young life. It seems that a group of Mandalorian , is planning an attack on Padme's planet. She has learned of the attack thanks to one of the members of the Republic Senate, named Palpatine. It seems Palpatine is her only hope to stop the attack. It's not as easy as it sounds cause Palpatine is not too sure he wants to help out. If Naboo is attacked it will be much easier for Palpatine to take over Naboo and he can become President. But if he lets the Mandalorian attack then thousands will die. A unknown Jedi Knight comes to Padme in her darkest hour and warns her that she must fight the Mandalorain herself with out the help of Palpatine and his men. He tells Padme that Palpatine is the one that planned the attack so that he can take over Naboo, that way he could have a stronger hold on the Republic Senate. Now Padme most decide if she should listen to this rough Jedi Knight or trust the man that is like a 'father' to her."
My sites are www.americasqueen.base.org countingdown/natalieportman

Confirmation about the security on Episode 1. Remember a while ago I mention that the security is so tight that people had to destroy paper if they are lying around. That Emails and messages are monitored at all time. And even that they were listened to because the whole placed was bugged. On the newest Issue of Entertainment Weekly (by the way it is a great issue on all the upcoming fall films and a small article on Episode 1. Pick it up if you have the chance) confirm the rumor. The talk with Lynn Hale about this and this is what she had to say.

"Sure, we have proprietary software, and we don’t exactly let [public] tours go right through ILM, but we haven’t instituted any of those things. It makes for a good story, though."

Reason for reshoot? Rumor has it that they are reshooting because George was unhappy with some of the scenes that Ewan did. Although Lucasfilms has said that they have been planing to reshoot even since they ended filming last year. Another rumor is that they are reshooting because they had conflicts with Natalie Portamn staring in the Diary of Ann Frank on Broadway.

Is the title "Episode 1: The Beginning"? Cinescape reported this. This picture was sent through Email Cinescape and not much was told about its originator. The interesting about the picture is the logo, and in the logo the film is being called "Episode 1: The Beginning". Maybe Galoob was in a hurry to name the film, so they went on and created their own name for the film. Or maybe Lucasfilms has already named the film as "The Beginning? Or maybe the name will change when we are closer to the film's release. Check out this picture.

Dark Horizon got something interesting. Although Garth has not posted the actually message on his site Dark Horizons. He received an odd email about that talks about the all the rumors on the Net about Episode 1 are true. Why don't you read and see what he had to say.

Editor's Note: Keep your eye out for this weekend's edition as I'll announce the details of the anticipated "Independents Day" update on August 31st. Meanwhile one small matter to comment on, seems someone claiming to be from "Star Wars: Insider" sent an E-Mail today (with no fixed address which makes me doubt their claim) indicating that I made a statement somewhere saying the rumours about the Prequel on the Net are correct and I've "overestimated the significance on what has been leaked thus far". I haven't made any such comments AT ALL, and am HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS of most Prequel-related info on the Internet as I know of Lucasfilm's massive and quite effective disinformation campaign. That's why you don't see much Prequel info on DH, mainly because I only include items which I know are from VERY reliable sources. Sorry to entangle everyone in this.

What the Pepsi cans really say. This was posted on the Force Net's Jedi Council Forumers, Nightowl, had to squint really hard to make it out. I have no idea how he could have read it. I mean it look too tiny. Some of you may have already read it, but I fell that they are too much of a spoiler so I had to cover them for those who do not want to read them. Highlight the fallowing text if you want to read it.

"QUEEN PADME
Trust or Doubt?
Hiding under the guise of Amidala's handmaiden, the true queen Padme is faced with decisions affecting the fate of her planet. Should she trust Palpatine to help her sway the Senate, or trust the Jedi Masters and beware the mysterious Senator's motives?

SENATOR PALPATINE
People or Power?
A member of the Republic Senate, Palpatine is responsible for the welfare and prosperity of his home planet, Naboo. But will Palpatine seek to advance his own power as President or serve the needs of a desperate Queen and her people?

ANAKIN SKYWALKER
Force or Dark Side?
Two paths are waiting for this young Skywalker, each leading to a very different destiny. The path through the unknown Dark Side leads to Darth Vader, and a decision that will affect the entire galaxy. Should Anakin stay true to the Jedi or allow the Dark Side to (corrupt?) him?

OBI-WAN KENOBI
Sense or Saber?
An impatient Obi-Wan Kenobi fights to resist the temptation of giving into his emotions and remaining true to the Force. As Darth Maul taunts him, will Obi-Wan seek revenge? Will he let hatred guide his saber and battle the Dark Side before he is ready?"

Editor Note. I am incredibly sorry about being so late on the news. I have been busy, with working on the PC and trying to get a job. I am sorry about ignoring you guys. I will try to update this site more regularly. And I have a truck load full of new to post up as well, I will post them up maybe later in the day or even as the week goes by. The Obi Wan Kenobi Drawing? I have finished it, but I have not scanned it in yet. I also want to make a little animated clip with this Obi-Wan. I kinda like him, well I mean the character and the felling you get when I draw him. I tried to make him look very anime and even act as if he was anime. But if people were to ask me comparing to the Star Wars films what have I based him on. I would say it is from the rumors on the net and a cross between Han and Luke. And you ball that all up with anime type attitude then that how he looks and feels like. I also drew him in an outfit pretty much like Luke in Return of the Jedi, because there are too many rumors about his outfit. That I wanted to go and do something. By the way (I know that this is not Star Wars related but I am a die hard Spider-Man fan), did you hear about Stan Lee talking about James Cameron's Spider-Man film will most likely begin shooting by the a year or so. YAHOOOOO!!!!!!!! Finally! I have been waiting for this film as long as I have been waiting for Episode 1.

August 9, 1998

The Reshooting is over! The official Star Wars site has confirmed the reshooting. And they are finally done and they just focus 100% on postproduction special effects. Enough of my Jabbering, and read what Lucasfilms had to say.

One Last Round at Leavesden
August 7, 1998 -- The members of the Lucasfilm Star Wars: Episode I cast and crew team are assembling at Leavesden Studios in England for a round of pick-up shooting. This photography will fill in additional shots or angles needed for the film, based on the development of the rough cut at Skywalker Ranch. Animatics and drawings have stood in for these missing scenes as Martin Smith and George Lucas edit the film and revise it; now these last place-holders will come to life with actors and sets. Producer Rick McCallum originally budgeted three weeks of August pick-ups back in 1997, but the schedule has been cut back to only a week, with additional weeks slated for dialogue recording.

As with the March 1998 pick-ups, www.starwars.com will offer a report from the set. Stay tuned!

An OFFICIAL release date! This seems to be a great day for Lucasfilms, now they have more to talk about. The Date is MAY 21 1997! Don't worry I have changed the Java scripted clock for that date, but I wonder when will be the first showing. And Lucas had more to say on this issue. In fact he has some good news to say.

SPECIAL SCOOP FLASH FOR WWW.STARWARS.COM FANS: RELEASE DATE SET FOR EPISODE I
August 7, 1998 -- You read it here first! Star Wars: Episode I now has a scheduled release date. On Monday, 20th Century Fox will place the film on the industry release schedule. Episode I will come to life on screens around the United States and Canada on May 21st, 1999. As with the Star Wars Special Edition, Fox will not set the film for widest possible release, but will bring the film to theaters with the emphasis on quality. George Lucas commented: "I'm not trying to break any records. I'm interested in quality presentation, and a positive group experience for everyone who comes to see this film. It's about sight and sound and the movie itself."

Now that's the reason they needed to reshoot! Well, it is not really a reason but more a funny thing that happened on the set of Episode 1. I got this on Ain't Cool News. I think it is too funny that I had to post it up here. I know all you Star Wars fans will enjoy. We would do the same thing if we were doing this.

THIS STUFF IS NOW FAIRLY OLD NEWS AND YOU MAY HAVE ALREADY HEARD IT...
I WAS TOLD THIS BY A SCOTTISH STAND UP COMEDIAN WHO IS A FRIEND OF ROBERT CARLYLE'S (FULL MONTY, TRAINSPOTTING). THIS GUY WAS ON THE PHONE TO ROBERT CARLYLE WHO TOLD HIM SOMETHING ABOUT THE FILMING OF STAR WARS EPISODE ONE THAT EWAN MCGREGOR (TRAINSPOTTING, ETC.)TOLD HIM. EWAN WAS IN TUNISIA FILMING SCENES WITH LIAM NEESON WHICH INVOLVED A LIGHTSABRE DUEL AND LIAM IS HAVING REAL PROBLEMS KEEPING HIS CONCENTRATION.
EVERYTIME 'ACTION' IS CALLED, A FEW SECONDS INTO FILMING LIAM KEEPS LAUGHING OUT LOUD AT EWAN. THIS GOES ON FOR A WHILE UNTIL EVENTUALLY LIAM TURNS TO GEORGE LUCAS AND SAYS 'I'M SORRY, I CAN'T GO ON UNTIL EWAN STOPS DOING WHAT HE'S DOING'. IT TURNS OUT THAT EVERYTIME 'ACTION' IS CALLED, WITHOUT REALISING THAT HE'S DOING IT, AND BECAUSE LIKE ANY TWENTYSOMETHING WHO WAS BROUGHT UP ON THE STAR WARS TRILOGY AND IS ECSTATIC ABOUT BEING IN ONE OF THE PREQUELS, EWAN IS MAKING THE HUMMING NOISE OF THE LIGHTSABRE WITH HIS MOUTH AS HE'S GOING THROUGH THE FIGHT MOVES.
WHEN THE GUY TOLD THIS STORY TO MY BAR PACKED WITH PEOPLE A YEAR AGO THE EVERYONE DIED LAUGHING!!!
IF YOU PRINT THIS PLEASE CALL ME MACKLIN MAN...

Test designs of Episode 1 Pepsi Cans. I actually am not a big Fan of Pepsi. Silly as it maybe but I don't the carbonation too much, but that's what everyone loves about Soda Pop. Yeah, But Pepsi annoys me the most. "AHHHHHH!!!!! The Bubbles are burring the back oh my mouth!!!!" (Grandpa Simpson). Well some one gave harry this picture of the design for Pepsi Episode 1 cans. These are the test designs, but too maybe people believe they are bogus. I could believe that these are just the test design for the cans. And the real ones that they are going to use are pictures from the actual film. Yet, when Pepsi finds out about this they might not want to use this design any more... Oh well, just check them out for the time being. The design is great but they should have been on High Res so we could see what the text is.

Rumor about the Teaser Trailer!!! Okay, we have heard them all the rumors out there. And sometime we feel sick that majorities are false. But here comes a new one, who knows if it is False. I got this rumor for Dark Horizons.

In other news, there is rumour that a secret negotiation is underway between Paramount & Lucasfilm to have copies of the "Star Wars Episode 1" teaser attached to at least some, possible most copies of Star Trek Insurrection when its released in December. No word on how authentic the rumour is, but its quite possible when you consider the only major FOX releases before the prequel - "The Thin Red Line" and "Wing Commander" are looking likely to be delayed till February or March next year, and the fact that STI is the only major sci-fi pic scheduled for the end of the year.

Editor's Note. Sorry about the slow updates. I have been busy for the last week. I have been redesigning Zombie Film Review. I want to totally revamp it in a different style and design. Another thing That I was working on was the Anakin drawing that I was telling you about. I have been trying to get use the different style of art. Although I watch anime all the time, but I want to get a feel of the character. Now, we kinda have an idea what Obi Wan is like in Episode 1, I wanted to make him totally anime. He would act more like the main characters K.O. Century Beast, Dominion Tank Police, and even Sailior Moon. He was intended to be more as a joke than anything else. I have also thinking of having him in certain sections of the site and maybe as a mascot for the site. You will get a good look at him on Monday, I swear you will.

August 2, 1998

The Force Net exclusive on the Focusing problem on episode 1. Well, by now everyone knows about it, and everyone has his or her own opinion on it. "This is Lucas we are talking about!" Or "Hey, Dean Devlin lied to us about the Godzilla sketches!" Well, this "official" letter from Lucas films should end all the chatter about it.

Samuel L Jackson greatest actor! Well, that's what I have been saying for the past 10 years now! Sam Jackson appeared on the cover of Entertainment Weekly with Kevin Spacey, with the caption "Hollywood's 25 Greatest Actors". Well, the article does not really get to study the depths and ranges that Sam has or even the other 24 greatest actors. But it is nice recognition for an actor who really worked like a mother f**ker to get here. Pick up the new issue of Entertainment Weekly.

Ain't It Cool News change. Hey did you notice the new and drastic change in Ain't It Cool News? I rather enjoy it. For me it was difficult having to read the text with that annoying background. The new design is great, but I have to change the links on my site. Because he sorts the pages using CGI coding. So there is a good side and a bad side to all this.