The May Star Wars anniversary celebrations continue, and today we get a two-fer: On May 19, 1999 Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace hit theaters, and on this day in 2005 Episode III: Revenge of the Sith also graced the big screen for the first time (except for you lucky dogs who got to see advanced screenings of course). It's kind of nice that we get to celebrate both the beginning and end of a new era of Star Wars films all in one day.

So lets get down to it, shall we? I'll try not to repeat the same continuity catastrophe I created in the previous post for AOTC

First on the docket might as well be The Phantom Menace, since it is Episode I after all, and the film is now celebrating a complete decade. Ah, TPM, the Star Wars movie everyone loves to hate. OK, I admit that when I rate all the Star Wars films in my order of preference, TPM usually falls near or at the bottom. There seems to be something instilled in a lot of fans and non-fans alike - a sort of knee-jerk reaction to what I will assume is based solely on the introduction of Jar Jar Binks. As annoying as Jar Jar may be, the character represents some great things, including the advancements being made in digital arts as well as the birth of a new generation of fans. But put Jar Jar aside (and there are some fan edits out there that have eliminated JJB from the prequels), and look at what you have left. I think it's some pretty amazing stuff.

The obvious is the pure excitement around the world for a new Star Wars movie. Old fans got to relive their childhood dreams, young fans got to see an actual Star Wars film in theaters, and a whole new generation was introduced to all the films (and the awesome waves of new toys that were soon to come). The story was just starting to go on.

And what were some of the very first things we got to see in TPM? Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson thankyouverymuch. It only took moments for my childhood crushes on Luke, Han, or Lando (okay, so I had a crush on Boba Fett too) to be transferred onto the young Obi-Wan, and because of this, I don't think I even noticed Jar Jar until the 3rd or 4th viewing. Qui-Gon Jinn was an amazing mix of Zen Master and youthful bravado as well. Then along came Darth Maul. Hello another new crush!

On to TPM factoids...

- It's not only the top grossing film for it's release year, but it's also the highest grossing of all the Star Wars films (I believe that's even with inflation adjustments but don't quote me on that), and it's the 9th highest grossing film of all-time worldwide.

- It grossed $28 million on it's opening day, which was the most of any film before it.

- Even though CGI had been rapidly developing in the years preceding the production of TPM - Lucasfilm, ILM, and namely John Knoll stepped up the technology and pioneered new techniques that were the cornerstone of the high-tech used in filmmaking today. For that reason, I believe TPM should be commended, and Lucas can be thanked for huge innovations in the industry and reshaping filmmaking once again.

- The only scene in TPM that was not altered with CGI in any way is when Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon get gassed on Gunray's Federation ship (before the droids showed up of course).

- It was nominated for Academy Awards in Best Sound, Best Sound Effects, and Best Visual Effects, and won the Saturns for Best Costumes and Best Special effects. It won an MTV Movie Award for Best Action Scene and Jake Lloyd won the Young Artist Award by the Hollywood Foreign Press.

- More TPM trivia from Wookieepedia


Check out starwars.com's Star Wars Episode I: Production Notes
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What's not to love about Revenge of the Sith? Sure, Jar Jar was still in it, but we had gotten used to him at that point. Even Anakin was less whiny in ROTS. And oh Anakin, "My how you've grown" (I know that line was from AOTC, but it registered for me during ROTS ). ROTS had it all; Grown men playing with laser swords, lava and the inevitable burn victims, (get ready for it) hot Obi-Wan on Grevious action, bondage attire, the birth of evil, and even plot holes! Of course that last part is in jest, and I know any good Star Wars fan can argue their way out of any plot hole accusation if they really want to.

So what about ROTS?

- Technically, ROTS premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 15, and the worldwide release was on May 19th which is the official release date.

- It was the first Star Wars film to receive a PG-13 rating. Burn victims are kind of scary.

- It was the second top grossing film in it's release year. On May 19 it had become the top grossing midnight release, as well as the top grossing single day release and opening day release. It is currently the 17th top grossing film of all time worldwide.

- It has the distinction of being the only Star Wars film not nominated for an Academy Award in Best Visual Effects, but it was nominated for Best Makeup. It won Best Picture from The People's Choice Awards (I remember that drive well!), and also won the best picture category from Teen Choice Awards (Action/Adventure), Saturn Awards (Sci-Fi Film), and Empire Awards (Sci-Fi/Fantasy film).

- Steven Spielberg was on the pre-production team

- Many of the Mustafar scenes use footage taken from Mt. Etna which just so happened to be erupting during principal photography.

- More ROTS trivia from Wookieepedia

We'll save the more in depth post for next year when ROTS hits the big 5!
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Also used starwars.com (hey that's us!), Wikipedia, and boxofficemojo.com

Star Wars Celebration is also 10 this year! "CI" ran from April 30 to May 2, 1999 in Denver, Colorado.

Please share your memories of seeing both TPM and ROTS for the first time, and your likes/dislikes of both!