Today is May the Fourth, Star Wars Day. However, in the UK, where we say the date correctly, it’s the Fourth of May, so we say it like Yoda.
Let’s talk about the glory days of Star Wars, before the dark times, before the Empire. Back to a simpler time, where you could go to the cinema, buy popcorn, sweets and a drink, and still have change from £5.
I was born at the wrong time. Firstly, I was expected on the 4th of May, but I came out a week late. This is something I’ve never forgiven my mother, and her uterus, for. My life began in 1975, and I didn’t get the chance to see Star Wars in the cinema, in all its cinematic glory.
Can you imagine what it must have been like? The 20th Century logo and music start, a flashcard says:
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…
Then a blank screen. There’s a sudden crash of John Williams’ score as the words STAR WARS appear on the screen. The crawl explains the story, and we pan down to Tatooine. A Corellian Cruiser flies over the camera, followed by an Imperial Star Destroyer.
You are then treated to 2 hours of something you’ve never seen before. Star Wars was a game-changer of a movie.
My First Memory
I know I keep banging on about this, but I first remember seeing Star Wars, was in our home-made cinema, with my dad. It was a Super 8mm 400ft cut-down version, which was the attack on the Death Star. I had a toy X-Wing (which I still have), where you would push R2-D2’s head to lock S-foils in attack position.
Being that young, I missed the big Darth Vader reveal. I didn’t remember where I first heard it, but I’m gutted I didn’t get this.
I can’t imagine being there for one of the biggest moments in cinema history.
However, I do remember going to the cinema for Return of the Jedi. It was in a local cinema, where my dad had worked as a projectionist years earlier.
I forget who I saw it with, but I remember having a blast; Oola the Twi’lek dancer, Princess Leia in the gold bikini, Luke finally becoming a Jedi. I didn’t even mind the Ewoks, but then, I was only 8.
Something Special
Star Wars was something special, with a new type of music, new special effects and the ultimate story of good vs evil. I know it’s not everyone’s cuppa tea, but it was a cultural phenomenon.
The Prequels were, overall, a letdown, but they still felt like Star Wars. I watched Episodes 1 to 3 this week, and man, the stories are so badly written.
Attack of the Clones is just terrible. The ‘love story’ is about as convincing as Kevin Costner’s accent in Prince of Thieves. How on earth Padme fell in love with Anakin is beyond anyone. He’s a whiny crybaby with huge anger issues, and on top of that, he’s creepy as hell…sounds like a right catch!
However, the PT still felt like Star Wars. I might be being shallow, but it’s got light sabre fights, people using the Force and pew pew guns. Revenge of the Sith was the last time I felt like I saw a real Star Wars movie in the cinema.
Memories
What about you? What are your memories of the good old days of Star Wars? When did you first watch it? Did you have it on VHS video? Did you have to wait till it was on TV with adverts? Are you too young for the OT, and the Prequels were your first steps into a larger world?
Let’s not sit here and slate the mouse, we can do that on every other article. This is about that special love you first showed to Star Wars.