1203 replies to this topic

[Genrewriter]

The photo: Hmm, Vader after the Atkins diet. It truly IS evil!

Anyhow, given that it would seem Vader only appears for about two minutes I see no reason Prowse could not have been used. Well, at least James Earl Jones is still doing the voice.

[The Dove]

*sigh* You just can please some people! lol.. Personally, I couldn't care less if it was David Prowse or Haydn Christiansen in the Vader outfit. You never see or hear the actor in the suit. As long as James Earl Jones is doing the voice, thats all that matters. But then again, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I also happen to disagree with the prequels downgrading the original films. I think that they add to the whole experience of the Star Wars world. I had always wanted to see how Anakin Skywalker becomes Vader ever since I first saw Jedi in 1983. I'm glad that Lucas made the prequels. However, If he had tried to make sequels (eps 7, 8 and 9) you really couldn't do that because all the original actors would be too old to return. As for the actors in the prequels, I really have no problems with Haydn Christiansen (better him than Leonardo DiCaprio, who was rumored to have that part before Ep.II came out!! ) Natalie Portman, is so so for me. However I am glad that there are some quality actors like Samuel L. Jackson, Ewen McGregor and Ian McDiarmond. I wish May 19th would hurry up and get here! I've also gotta get out and buy a few of the new Episode III toys!

[Tarl_Cabot]

Hey If I was Hayden I would be pissed if I didn't get to play DARTH VADER!!! Who wants to just be annoying dork boy who kills women and children???


Vader cheerios...I wonder if Vader will be sold that way...he's afterall, a genocidal, patrocidal serial murdering dictator!

[Genrewriter]

He's on a box of Corn Flakes where I am as well as some cheese flavored crackers. As for Prowse/Hayden, I really don't care but considering it's a two minute appearance it does seem odd (maybe age was a factor).

[RITZ]

Is it wrong to find this funny?

http://news.bbc.co.u...ilm/4419365.stm

No. Frankly its hilarious.

[Genrewriter]

Now that's funny! Jim, I think it's wrong to not find it funny.

[hrabb04]

Well, I know I am going to be in a minority here, but I don't care. I have read the novelization for Ep 3, and I really liked it quite a lot. I was really affected by the ending. I guess I don't take stuff like this as seriously as some of you. The people who cry about having their childhood raped need to see a shrink, not waste time casting aspirations on George Lucas' true parenthood.

[Qwerty]

Is it wrong to find this funny?

http://news.bbc.co.u...ilm/4419365.stm

No. Frankly its hilarious.

I have to agree.

[jwheels]

Well I finished the novelization a couple days ago, and I'm even moreexcited to see this now. I think this is going to be on of the best in the series. It doesn't really bother me about what's his name being in the Vader suit, he's only going to be in it for a couple minutes, but the picture is definatley bad.

[Triton]

A friend of mine thought it would have been cool if Vader was a little different in Sith. Vader Mark I. His suggestion -- and I really liked this idea -- was to still have the familiar Vader face mask (which is the breathing apparatus and should be the same), but instead of the helmet on top (which doesn't make sense really as that is an Empire era helmet) he would just have a hooded cloak, like Maul and Sidious. The Vader face in a cloak. That would have been interesting (and logical).

But, of course, then you don't have the very familiar Vader image to slap on cereal boxes and isn't that what Star Wars is really all about?

Lucas sucks...now where do I buy my Vader Cheerios.

I too would have liked to have seen a Vader Mark I appear in Revenge of the Sith. But instead of your friend's suggestion, I would have suggested that they would have made a Darth Vader costume based on Ralph McQuarrie's early concept sketches/paintings of Vader printed in the Art of Star Wars. Specifically the pre-production painting of the environmental-suited hero, Deke Starkiller?, dueling with Vader in a Tantive IV looking corridor.

I too don't quite understand why we have to see the Empire-era Darth Vader in Revenge of the Sith. Are we to believe that he has worn the same suit for twenty years? Wouldn't it wear out and smell pretty ripe inside? Wouldn't he have gotten replacement suits and wouldn't these change and improve over time?

It also seems contrary to the design philosophy that Lucas imposed on the other vehicles and character designs of Revenge of the Sith and the other prequels. The Republic Star Destroyer design hints at the later Imperial Star Destroyer, early Walker designs shown in the film will evolve into the Walkers shown in Empire and Jedi, and the Jedi starfighter and Sith Infiltrator will evolve into the various types of TIE fighters shown in the original trilogy.

[gkgyver]

"I too don't quite understand why we have to see the Empire-era Darth Vader in Revenge of the Sith. Are we to believe that he has worn the same suit for twenty years? Wouldn't it wear out and smell pretty ripe inside? Wouldn't he have gotten replacement suits and wouldn't these change and improve over time?"

That belongs to the same category as "Are we to believe that Superman wears his costume underneath his normal clothes all the time? Wouldn't he look fat?"
Or: "Are we to believe that noone indentifies Clark Kent as Superman because he wears glasses?"

[Johnboy007]

I don't really see the controversy in the mask. It's iconic, and like the lightsaber, doesn't and shouldn't change from series to series.

[Triton]

"I too don't quite understand why we have to see the Empire-era Darth Vader in Revenge of the Sith. Are we to believe that he has worn the same suit for twenty years? Wouldn't it wear out and smell pretty ripe inside? Wouldn't he have gotten replacement suits and wouldn't these change and improve over time?"

That belongs to the same category as "Are we to believe that Superman wears his costume underneath his normal clothes all the time? Wouldn't he look fat?"
Or: "Are we to believe that noone indentifies Clark Kent as Superman because he wears glasses?"

I was being facetious. But no it doesn't quite belong in the same category. In my opinion, the appearance of the orginal trilogy Darth Vader suit design in Revenge of the Sith is contrary to the design philosophy of the prequels and Lucas' comments that the designs of the Empire take twenty years to develop.

I would have preferred to have seen an earlier, or more primitive, Darth Vader in Revenge of the Sith. Especially in light of the fact that Lucas is now using previously unused designs created by Ralph McQuarrie and Joe Johnston created in the late 1970's and early 1980's.

[hrabb04]

Well, to put it bluntly, our names are no where in the credits for Episode 3. George Lucas wrote and directed the movie. If some of us think we can do better, put your writer's caps on and start writing your own stuff. It's that simple. Pissing and moaning about how we would have done Darth Vader is just pathetic.

[zencat]

I too would have liked to have seen a Vader Mark I appear in Revenge of the Sith. But instead of your friend's suggestion, I would have suggested that they would have made a Darth Vader costume based on Ralph McQuarrie's early concept sketches/paintings of Vader printed in the Art of Star Wars. Specifically the pre-production painting of the environmental-suited hero, Deke Starkiller?, dueling with Vader in a Tantive IV looking corridor.

I too don't quite understand why we have to see the Empire-era Darth Vader in Revenge of the Sith. Are we to believe that he has worn the same suit for twenty years?  Wouldn't it wear out and smell pretty ripe inside?  Wouldn't he have gotten replacement suits and wouldn't these change and improve over time?

It also seems contrary to the design philosophy that Lucas imposed on the other vehicles and character designs of Revenge of the Sith and the other prequels. The Republic Star Destroyer design hints at the later Imperial Star Destroyer, early Walker designs shown in the film will evolve into the Walkers shown in Empire and Jedi, and the Jedi starfighter and Sith Infiltrator will evolve into the various types of TIE fighters shown in the original trilogy.

Great post. I agree with you Triton. I was pretty disappointed, and baffled, when I saw the full-blown Vader in Sith. It doesn't follow the design philosophy of the prequels. And, yes, the Ralph McQuarrie Vader would have been great!

And from a merchandising POV (which is the real Star Wars gold), I think Lucas missed an opportunity. I think he would have sold twice as many Vader Mark I action figures than "the Vader you already have." Lucas thinks changing the packaging is all it takes. Hmmm, unfortunately, I think he's right! LOL.

[Triton]

Gee, I didn't expect that I would be attacked for voicing my design preference or explaining why I felt that my design preference would have worked better in the film.

Certainly the criticisms directed toward me are of the pot calling the kettle black variety. Especially since the majoritry of the threads on this forum are fans voicing their preference for James Bond and their speculations of how the films would have been different if they had the opportunity to make the production decisions.

[Donovan]

You know, I noticed the subtle helmet differences as well. The helmet in "Ep. IV" makes him look more evil. Would have been a nice touch for consistency. But one thing's for sure, "Ep. III" will take several liberties with consistency. No big deal at this point, having endured the last two films...which really were a waste of time, story development-wise. Although it is great to have such an expanded presence for Palpatine.

By the way, just listened to the soundtrack (my God, how Lucas must be fuming--the script is all over the Internet as well...was there some book form of it that hit stores recently? I don't mean the novelization, I mean something in shooting script form). Back to the music, at least John Williams never dissapoints. The final cues and end credits sent a chill down my spine. In fact, much of the score is a sort of homage to all the previous films.

p.s. But there was one moment that made me chuckle because it was very much like something he composed for "Lost in Space".

Edited by Donovan, 10 April 2005 - 06:00 AM.

[trs007]

Speaking of EP 3, if you look in the right places, the soundtrack has leaked out and is available for the DL'ing. Haven't had a chance to listen to all of it yet, but what few tracks I have heard indicate we're in for a treat.

[gkgyver]

Yeah, I'm listening to it, too.
Battle Of The Heroes is already my personal "track of the year".

I don't know exactly why, but the Episode III theme (Battle of the Heroes) sounds a little crappy when it's played by the horn section.
But the string and choir version featured in "Anakin vs Obi- Wan" is pure genius that we didn't have since Empire Strikes Back in my opinion.

And it's not really what I had looked forward to; I don't want to say that I don't like it (frankly, I find it f***** awesome), but I expected a new theme and not a short fanfare cue.
I haven't decided yet if I find it dissapointing or refreshing. I tend to the latter, though

It's simply amazing that after all those years, John Williams never ceases to impress.

[hrabb04]

According to AICN, the movie is now officially rated PG-13 for violence and intense images.

[SPECTRE ASSASSIN]

According to AICN, the movie is now officially rated PG-13 for violence and intense images.

Not a surprise there...

[Loyal Terrior]

According to AICN, the movie is now officially rated PG-13 for violence and intense images.

Yeah, recall this mentioned a while back in this thread. Not too surprising based on what we've heard.

[zencat]

(my God, how Lucas must be fuming--the script is all over the Internet as well...was there some book form of it that hit stores recently? I don't mean the novelization, I mean something in shooting script form).

Oddly enough, I don't think Lucas really cares about the story getting out. I'm not sure of the legitimacy of that online script, but, yes, the screenplay is in The Art of Revenge of the Sith book (UK edition) and the novelization has been out now for a few weeks. I think Lucas tries to keep a lid on his ship designs, etc., so cheap knockoffs can't be made, but he doesn't seem to sweat keeping a lid on the story. The novelization of the original Star Wars was released a full 6 months before the movie and the Empire comic came out before the movie, so did the Episode II novelization. I think he's figured out that when the story is all out there, ironically, people seem to respect its secrets. There's no room for the "guess what I learned" one-upmanship and no "Star Wars secrets revealed!" stories in the tabloids that will spoil it for the general audience. Hand the fans all the secrets and suddenly they behave responsibly and become somewhat protective of those secrets. I wonder if Eon could learn from this?

[hrabb04]

Well, considering the pics in the making of book, it's not at all surprising.

[zencat]

Well, considering the pics in the making of book, it's not at all surprising.

My struggle is to NOT look at those books. I have The Art of Sith book right here, but I won't open it. Okay, I did peak at one page...and I instantly saw a major spoiler. LOL.

I think I know everything that happens in this movie (as I do for Bond), but I don't know in what order they happen, the structure of the story, so that's really why I avoid those books until I've seen the movie. I want my first experience of the story progression to be in the theater.

BTW, until the movie is out, let's not talk about spoilers in this thread.

[hrabb04]

So, maybe we shouldn't talk about Anakin's sex change operation then? I mean, only some of us know he turns into Lady Vader anyway, right?

[Triton]

Or the song and dance sequence when Palpatine is revealed as Darth Sidious accompanied by Royal Guards in the Galatic Senate dubbed "The Sith Rock!" George just loves his musical numbers in Star Wars.

[hrabb04]

I also promise not to tell about Justin Timberlake's cameo appearance as an alien along with Cameron Diaz who perform a duet of the song Lapti Nek from the Return of the Jedi Original version. See, Lucas took that song out from Jedi, only to put back in here.

[Triton]

I also promise not to tell about Justin Timberlake's cameo appearance as an alien along with Cameron Diaz who perform a duet of the song Lapti Nek from the Return of the Jedi Original version.  See, Lucas took that song out from Jedi, only to put back in here.

Or that the Wookies do their own rendition of "Yub Nub: The Ewok Celebration".

[Triton]

OK. It's not often that I have a moan-off, but here's that rare occasion.

I find it ironic that people who treat this franchise so seriously can be so unkind against it's creator.

Whether you want to believe it or not. George Lucas is a genius, and his Star Wars movies are unique, and unsurpassed.

You can believe it not, but Lucas has done more for the movie industry that re-releasing his movies every so often. He's invented a advanced sound system that enhances most of the movies we see today.

You've got to agree that this man, and Steven Spielberg has made so much improvement in how we see and hear movies. Even if we do not agree with their movies, the movies that are enhanced by Lucas's innovative sound canvass are so much better for his input.

I like Star Wars, but I'm not a lover. However, making these movies, Lucas has found the ( now ) ultimate sound and visual experience of almost every movie goer.

Cheers,

S. Spielberg. 

I believe that some fans are unkind to him because the operation of the Star Wars universe is a little weird with some of the concepts introduced in the prequels. Feudal titles given to democratically elected leaders and the idea of midichlorians being the most outrageous examples.

Plus George Lucas' constant revisions to the original trilogy. Is this really the fulfillment of his artistic vision? Or to add a little bit new to something old so that he can repackage the films for a new media format.

He also doesn't take criticism very well. Arrogantly proclaiming that I'm the artist and I only have to please myself.

There is no denying though that George Lucas has made great contributions to Hollywood and the way movies are made and seen: non-linear editing (Edit Droid), motion control and blue screen special effects, computer animation and the creation of Pixar, and his evangilism of multi-channel sound through THX and digital projection.