Tag Archives: documentary
Episode 436: Plastic Galaxy: The Story of Star Wars Toys
George Lucas’ 1977 space fantasy Star Wars changed the way American audiences consumed films. More, though, it also changed the landscape for movie merchandising, with more money being made on toys, games, and collectibles than on the movies themselves. Now the documentary Plastic Galaxy looks bac
George Lucas’ 1977 space fantasy Star Wars changed the way American audiences consumed films. More, though, it also changed the landscape for movie merchandising, with more money being made on toys, games, and collectibles than on the movies themselves. Now the documentary Plastic Galaxy looks back at the first generation of Star Wars toys, released between 1977 and 1985 from Kenner. Does this film capture the childhood magic of Star Wars figures, and can the documentary appeal to anyone not already obsessed with little plastic Stormtroopers? Find out in this special Now Playing/Star Wars Action News crossover podcast hosted by Marjorie, Arnie, and Jerry!
Plastic Galaxy iTunes Preorder
Plastic Galaxy: The Story of Star Wars Toys is now up for preorder on iTunes with a release date of Nov. 4.
When Star Wars landed in the theaters, it introduced audiences to a galaxy filled with heroes and villains, robots and space ships, and a dizzying variety of alien life. But when the lights came up, they all disappeared… Unless you had all the toys. In which case, the adventure never had to end. Like no toys before them, Star Wars toys were a phenomenon that swept the nation, permanently transforming both the toy and movie industries, and ultimately creating a hobby that, 30 years later, still holds sway over its fans. Plastic Galaxy is a documentary that explores the groundbreaking and breathtaking world of Star Wars toys. Through interviews with former Kenner employees, experts and authors like Stephen Sansweet and Gus Lopez, and of course collectors, it looks at the toys’ history, their influence, and the fond and fervent feelings they elicit today.
Update: Lost TESB Documentary Footage
Movies.com has posted part of an unreleased documentary for the Making of the The Empire Strikes Back. Within the 15 minutes of footage you’ll see interviews, behind-the-scenes filming and the creation of the amazing practical effects and matte paintings by the legend, Ralph McQuarrie and more. Let’s hope complete documentary sees release someday.
EDIT: The video has been locked.
UPDATE: Video is again live for viewing