As was the case last year (see 2007 Year in Review), what follows is an editorial review of my personal views with regards to the hobby, looking back at the top trends and news stories of 2008. As always, there were a lot of interesting developments and events, and quite a bit to review and consider. [Read more…]
“Den of Geek!” Interview with Roger Christian
Simon Brew has published an excellent 3-part interview with Roger Christian at DenOfGeek.com. Mr. Christian has won multiple Academy Awards for art direction and set design work, with a body of work including Alien and Star Wars. [Read more…]
Star Wars “Prototype” Stormtrooper Helmets Update: High Court Ruling Excerpts on LFL v. SDS Case
Given the British High Court ruling on the case of Lucasfilm vs. Andrew Ainsworth (see Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth High Court Ruling: Full Document from Royal Courts of Justice), and the additional information available from the court documents, I thought it would be a good opportunity to build on the prior OPB article exploring the “prototype” Stormtrooper helmets (see Star Wars “Prototype” Stormtrooper Helmets) trading in the marketplace as original and authentic precursors to the helmets used on set and filmed in Star Wars: A New Hope. [Read more…]
Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth High Court Ruling: Full Document from Royal Courts of Justice
“Exoray” from the RPF is hosting a full HTML version of the High Court ruling on the case between Lucasfilm and Andrew Ainsworth in the legal dispute over the trademark and copyright of the Stormtrooper helmet and other helmets and armor produced for Star Wars: A New Hope. I have not had time to review the full ruling in detail, but thought readers would be interested in reviewing it first hand: [Read more…]
Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth High Court Ruling: Let The Spin Begin
News reports are flooding in with regard to the Lucasfilm legal dispute over the trademark and copyright of the Stormtrooper helmet and other helmets and armor produced for Star Wars: A New Hope. This legal battle, transplanted from the United States to the UK, is between George Lucas and his Lucasfilm production company and Andrew Ainsworth and his Shepperton Design Studios. The High Court judge handed down his ruling today, and the outcome, or “victory”, is dependent upon who you ask or what news story you might be reading. One headline reads “Lucas Wins Stormtrooper Case” while another proclaims “Judge’s force is with stormtroooper helmet designer“, which would lead one to believe The Guardian probably has it correct: “George Lucas reaches stalemate in legal battle over Star Wars stormtroopers“. [Read more…]
eBay: “Original” Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler Update – Seller Response
The following Reader Comment was published by the seller of the replica Jawa sandscrawler on eBay, in response to the last update (see …History from the Model Maker), with regard to the model being offered for sale (see eBay: “Original” Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler & Statistical Authentication?): [Read more…]
eBay: “Original” Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler Update – History from the Model Maker
This is an update to the article published yesterday – eBay: “Original” Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler & Statistical Authentication? – in reference to a Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler model listed on eBay that is marketed as “FROM ORIGINAL 1976 STAR WARS and “ONLY PRE-PRODUCTION MODEL IN EXISTANCE!”. The prior article includes archives of the current auction listing as well as the auction listing from the same seller for the same item from earlier in the year. Also documented are facts, photographs, and information from key Star Wars publications to compare with this piece and in contrast to the marketing claims. [Read more…]
eBay: “Original” Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler & Statistical Authentication?
Currently listed on eBay is a Star Wars Jawa Sandcrawler model that is marketed as “FROM ORIGINAL 1976 STAR WARS and “ONLY PRE-PRODUCTION MODEL IN EXISTANCE!”. I archived an auction listing from the same seller for the same item from earlier in the year and have compiled facts, photographs, and information from key Star Wars publications to compare with this piece and how it was marketed in January 2008 and now in July 2008. [Read more…]