October/November
Nov 29 Over the past 18 months, a broad series of tests have been conducted by Lucasfilm, Panavision and Sony to confirm key imaging and functional parameters required by Lucasfilm. These include specific definition of lens complements, widescreen aspect ratio management, system operational needs, supporting accessories, and audio requirements.
These tests have culminated with
the specific camera system soon to be delivered to Lucasfilm. "This working
relationship between ourselves, Sony and Panavision, represents a model for an industry
seeking to capitalize on fast-developing breakthroughs in digital imaging," said Rick
McCallum, producer of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. Evaluation of the overall
quality of 2/3-inch 1920 x 1080 HD digital acquisition combined with the HDCAMÒ digital
recording format, when transferred to 35mm motion picture film, constituted a core element
of the test.
A prototype of this specific unit was used and retained in Episode 1 - the scene where Qui-Gonn tests Anakins blood is totally digitally filmed.
Nov 27 George Lucas has been voted one of the most over-rated producers in the world. He came fourth in a list that also included Spielburg. More reassuringly, DiCaprio was the most over-rated actor, according to the Total Film magazine poll.
Nov 26 Sex. You could be forgiven for thinking that's the most searched for word on the internet. And you'd be wrong. Star Wars has just dropped down after being the most looked after words according to Lycos. And the new favourite? Pokemon, of course.
Nov 25 The official site has announced plans to release Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles on the PlayStation in Spring 2000. Players will choose from five Jedi Knights and use lightsabers to fight various foe, up to the Sith and Trade Federation. The Jedi Knights will be Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Mace Windu, Plo Koon or Adi Gallia.
More from the official site, author Jude Watson has three new titles to release in the first three months of next year. The author of Epsisode 1 Journal Queen Amidala gives a small preview by revealing one section will be a fascinating look at things from Darth Maul's point of view, starting with the blockade at Naboo and leading up to the last entry before his death. Shame there's nothing about his life before the start of TPM though...
Nov 24 This month's Star Wars Insider is out and contains news on the video release of TPM. Looks like it could be Late March/early April 2000 in America which roughly translates as a late May release in the UK.
Nov 23 Seems you may have to wait a little longer for Star Wars DVD - possibly up to six years. Lucasfilm has announced it will not release any of the Star Wars films on the DVD format until all the prequels are complete. Being optimistic that means waiting until about 2005. Lucas' reasoning is that he wants to wait until all the technology is there.
Nov 22 America may be getting a second-look at The Phantom Menace, but it doesn't look like the UK will. TPM is being re-releasde in the US mainly for charity events however there is no indication that anything similar will happen in the UK.
Nov 20 The Anakin rumour-mill rolls on with a new name suggested for the role. As well as Leonardo Di Caprio and James Van Der Beek, there is now the name of Jesse Spencer, of Neighbours' fame. According to an Aussie news agency he's given up his role in the soap opera to concentrate on landing the role. For anyone who cares he has a website at www.jessespencer.com
Nov 19 An actress who was the voice behind South Park's Kenny and was in The Phantom Menace has apparantly committed suicide. Mary Kay Bergman, 38, was found dead in her Los Angeles home.
Nov 17 The British film industry is making a bid to Hollywood to get more business - and George Lucas is helping. A DVD is being produced to try and boost film companies in the UK and Lucas, who filmed all four Star Wars films in England, has added his weight to the scheme.
Nov 15 Carrie Fisher is to become an agony aunt on the Internet. The 43-year-old actress who played Princess Leia (not Lea as The Times put it) has joined the Digital Entertainment Network. Go to www.den.net for details.
Nov 13 On the front cover of the Radio Times this week is a familiar face - the Dalek from the convention. Not just any Dalek either but the same one we had, who happens to be promoting a new Dr Who re-run on the BBC.
Nov 12 Natalie Portman has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to plug her latest movie, Anywhere But Here, which opens in America shortly.
Also, although not Star Wars, the BBC has announced it is to screen re-runs of old Dr Who shows, starting with the reign of the late but brilliant Jon Pertwee.
Nov 11 This could be nothing, but a web site is offering pre-bookings for The Phantom Menace on DVD. Or it could be just wishful thinking on their part... Click here if you're interested.
Nov 9 Digial Media World, a three-day animation show in London is dedicating November 18 to the creation of Star Wars. This will give visitors a unique chance to find out about special effects wizards Industrial Light & Magic. Go tothe Digital Media website for more details.etails.
Nov 8 Star Wars' musicman John Williams has been named as the 13th greatest composer of all time in a new poll. Williams was the highest ranking composer who is still alive, behind the likes of Mozart and Beethoven.
Nov 7 Fox Studios in Australia has opened with a star-studded gala event. Check out www.foxstudios.com/au for full details.
Nov 5 The casting for Episode II is now being advertised.
China becomes the last major country to receive The Phantom Menace. China is an apt place to end, as few US-made films are allowed to be shown there.
Nov 4 The new official Star Wars magazine is out in the UK. There's a special interview with Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), a guide to the planets and craft in Episode I and an interview with John Chapman, who was at the Clacton Sci-fi Convention on September 4.
Nov 1 Jar Jar's Journey is now available. The book contains colouring pages and memory tests for children.