'REVENGE' OF THE MAIL-IN!

It was a long time coming but Star Wars fans were finally getting hold of one of the first action figures for the then upcoming Revenge of the Jedi by late 1982/early 1983, via highly successful proof of purchase mail-ins within both the US (Kenner) and UK (via Palitoy), as the mystery leader of the Rebel Alliance space fleet, the fishy Admiral Ackbar, was revealed, whetting (forgive the potential pun) our appetites for more...

Mail-in Offers: Admiral Ackbar Action Figure

The US sticker for the new Revenge figure mail-in stuck to Empire figures in the US.

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY, 'RETURN OF THE JEDI'!

Unused poster concept art.

It ended the once publicity described saga of 'a boy, a girl and a universe' in spectacular, noteworthy style, with epic action, amazing special effects, grotesque and humorous creatures, and, in its key storytelling - most importantly - resolving an emotional and highly dramatic personal conflict, ultimately through honour and sacrifice, darkness turned to light, between father and son.

Return of the Jedi turned out to be the emotionally satisfying and rewarding viewing experience we all hoped it would be back on this day May 25th, 1983 onwards...

May the Force be with George Lucas and the cast and crew who made the film such an enduring winner in the Star Wars franchise.

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY, 'RETURN OF THE JEDI'! 

THE LOST 'REVENGE' LOCATION: THE TATOOINE HOVEL!

Luke and Artoo make the most of a local Tatooine hovel in order to plan (alongside Lando and Chewie) Han Solo's ultimate rescue from Jabba the Hutt, in this intriguing production design by the late Norman Reynolds, from circa mid-1981, for Revenge of the Jedi. It would be a scene that would be changed by the time Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas's script was finalised by the end of that year, replaced with a small cave environment where Luke would receive telepath communication from Darth Vader whilst completing his new lightsaber.

IMPERIAL 'REVENGE' AND THE BUNKER CAPTURE!

It's a trap! And Han Solo and his commando squad have been caught firmly in it as they are now paraded out of the Shield Generator Control room by their captors. A great image, which first appeared (as far as I know) in the US Fantastic Films magazine, showing the continued blockbuster action scope of the saga and its latest entry then coming soon to cinemas- a mouth-watering sneak peak (a full size AT-ST Walker on location!) showing LOTS of Imperial Stormtroopers and a chance to see Han Solo back in action, now clearly committed to the Rebel cause, unthawed after the climactic events of The Empire Strikes Back. 

It was so great to have Solo/Ford returning for Revenge of the Jedi, as their had been some doubts for a short while back in 1981...

A 'WARS' FOR 'REVENGE'!

A rarity that was unearthed from the late Jeremy Bulloch's collection that was sold off via an East Bristol UK auction house last year- some kind of one sheet poster celebrating the 1982 sixth anniversary of the original Star Wars whilst primarily promoting the upcoming Revenge of the Jedi. a rare piece of merchandise signed not just by Bulloch but also Dave Prowse and Kenny Baker, two other saga legends sadly no longer with us.

'REVENGE' OF THE UK WRAP PARTY!

It's time to break out the food and bubbly as the UK filming crew of Revenge of the Jedi issue invites to a unique party celebrating the end of the film's fast and efficient Elstree Studios filming by April 1982. The event proved a success - the technicians known for their legendary ability to enjoy alcohol! - though one or two of the British crew were deeply saddened that George Lucas didn't even bother to make a brief 'hello' at the party!

This image was one of many items from the late Jeremy Bulloch's personal SW collection, the majority of which were auctioned off for charity during 2022.

RECOMMENDED PURCHASE - 'HOWARD KAZANJIAN - A PRODUCER'S LIFE'

Howard Kazanjian is best known as the producer of the worldwide box office hit conclusion to the original Star Wars saga with Return of the Jedi, where he had to bring his lifelong friend George Lucas's epic blockbuster filmed across the world in on both budget and time for its then May 1983 release, as well as vitally making sure it delivered the storytelling goods to millions of devoted fans eager to see the further adventures of Luke Skywalker and friends. No easy task for sure, but one that Kazanjian ultimately handled and professionally realized via strong discipline, creative inspiration, some occasional no-nonsense directness, and using the rare ability to 'listen' to people and work things out when there were problems. Most importantly, Kazanjian had, and still has, a wealth of knowledge and life-experience about how to make Hollywood/Independent movies, and make them work well. Discover his career, not just on Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark (where you'll see and appreciate his critical input on both in new ways) but over a variety of other movie and TV projects across fifty years (most notably in the seventies and mid-eighties - an incredible and certainly magical time), within a rightfully celebrated in-depth, all-new book: Howard Kazanjian - A Producer's Life, available now from Cameron Books.

Adapted with Kazanjian by the late and much-missed film historian and novelist J.W. Rinzler (with additional support from archivist Brandon Alinger), packed with terrific rare photos, and featuring some diverse collaborators happily recalling Kazanjian's hard work and dedication to all the projects he's worked on (including contributions and a foreword from the producer's rarely interviewed friend, Marcia Lucas - a major coup for the book), A Producer's Life is well worth adding to your behind the scenes collection and will prove a must-have for aspiring film-makers.

https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2020/12/coming-soon-howard-kazanjian-producers.html

Get it here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Howard-Kazanjian-Producers-J-Rinzler/dp/1951836189/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1WMT5AW843FMD&keywords=howard+kazanjian+a+producer%27s+life&qid=1638362027&sprefix=HOWARD+KAZAN%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1