NOV 29, 2006

  "Luke, You've Switched Off Your Targeting Computer- What's Wrong??"

  Looking for a gift for that sci-fi nerd or computer geek you can never buy for?
  Check out this gadget from thinkgeek.com. It's sure to satisfy those SW fans
  wanting to re-live the trench battle scene of ANH, or anything else they can
  load in their imagination banks.  "Stay on the leader...."

12:00PM - EST     

  Ever Wonder How Your Star Wars Legos Are Made?

  BusinessWeek has a great article highlighting the infamous Lego toy and its
  48 year evolution.  This article shows you all that's involved before you end
  up with something like your TRU exclusive Lego AT-ST..  Check it out.

8:00AM - EST     

  Natalie Portman Appearances 2007
  Source: natalieportman.com

  Natalie Portman will be appearing in 2 separate films during 2007, Mr Magorium's
  Wonder Emporium and The Other Boleyn Girl.  Pics available here and here.

8:00AM - EST     

  Toy Happenings This Weekend

  Thanks to our friends at Toy Shop, we're glad to provide youwith the following toy
  events happening this weekend nationwide:

   12/2: Grand Rapids, MI
12/3: Orland Park, IL
   Wayne, NJ
          New Hope, PA

  Fore more details, drop us an email.

8:00AM - EST     

  Vader Goes To Holland

  1st generation Vader, David Prowse, appears to be headed to Holland for an
  appearance sometime around 12/2, with a follow-up appearance on 12/17
  at a convention in Cardiff, Wales (UK).  We'll provide more info as we get it
  on these events.

9:00PM - EST     

  "Shuttle Tydirium, What Is Your Cargo And Destination?"

  For those who have not yet caught the ad, the latest Target commercial
  highlights this season's limited edition items, one of which is the exclusive
  Imperial Shuttle.  A fleet of 3 shuttles are actually seen "flying" in the ad,
  with snowflakes for exhaust (yeah I know, the snowflakes were a little over
  the top but hey-).

  If one of our readers happens to capture the ad and would like to
  forward it in to BTDT, we'll be glad to post it.

9:00PM - EST     

  When Star Wars And Monty Python Collide

  If you're a fan of Star Wars, and also a Holy Grail enthusiast, then this vidz'
  for you..

9:30PM - EST     

  The Star Wars Kid - Viewed 900 Million Times And Still Goin'

  It's been over 3 years since "Star Wars Kid" Ghyslain Raza's video made its
  way to the World Wide Web.  Since then there have been lawsuits, public
  statements, and many other events targeted at retribution for the young
  Canadian citizen.

  UKTV G2's Totally Viral has labeled this vid as the world's most popular viral
  video, topping such other online vidz as Paris Hilton's sex video and others.
  More on the video's rating here.

  My personal thoughts on this are YES, initially it was a cruel thing for the
  boy's friends to do- but when you see that this video has been viewed over
  900 MILLION TIMES, across the entire GLOBE, I'd be calling some networks
  for some air time if I were this kid.  Ghyslain, if you're out there reading,
  contact us here at BTDT- I will be glad to share your story with the
  World and we'll turn this around together.

8:00PM - EST     

  Obi Wan To Kick The Habit

  Ewan McGregor is currently battling a true Dark Side tendency: smoking.  His
  present attempt at quitting is using hypnosis techniques.

  Can't he just get someone on the Council to wave their hand and say "you
  WILL quit smoking"?

  In other news on McGregor, he will be reuniting with his Young Adam co-star
  Emily Mortimer for Number 13, about on-set intrigue during the making of an
  early Hitchcock film.

11:30AM - EST     

  Ewan McGregor's Got Happy Feet

  For those of you who have seen the latest penguin flic Happy Feet, Ewan
  McGregor has been spotted with a cameo role in the film.  If you want to know
  where he appears, highlight the text below:

*he can be found in the zoo scene talking on a cell phone*

11:30AM - EST     

  GameStop: Take 5% Off Lego SW II And More

  GameStop is running a promo until 11/28, where you can take an extra 5% off
  of any console or PC game, including Lego SW II for Xbox 360 and many other
  Star Wars titles in stock!  Check the ad on their main page for more info.

  Thanks goes out to BTDT reader AnneDroid for the heads up..

10:30PM - EST     

  The Cinemax Corellian Challenge - Have You Entered?

  The Cinemax Corellian Challenge gives everyone a shot at 10G's, along with a
  bunch of other great prizes.  But you better hurry, the promotion ends on
  Sunday, December 31st.

9:30PM - EST     

  Star Wars Figuratively Speaking

  Some cheezy but funny moments can be found in this fan film, using some of
  the various figures from the Star Wars toy lineup.  Even includes some
  commercials, such as Jedi Viagra..  Check it.

9:30PM - EST     

  The Force In A Flash

  Ever wished you could transfer files the way the folks in the Star Wars
  lineup do?  Well now you can-  Available now are flash drives stamped with
  a multitude of Star Wars eye candy.  Storage capacities are 256MB.  Not too
  shabby..

8:00PM - EST     

  Bo Shuda... Life-Sized JABBA On eBay

  OK so how many of THESE do you actually see up for auction?  Items like
  this are perfect for that Star Wars collector who has everything, and is just
  one step away from alimony payments..  Bid wisely.

  Laughing Salacious Crumbb and 4 car-batteries NOT included.

 FETT | 12:00PM - EST   

  Ford Narrates Dalai Lama Documentary

  Harrison has been narrating a two-hour feature documentary on the meeting between
  prominent Western thinkers and the Dalai Lama that took place in September 1999.
  The movie was shot at the Tibetan exile HQ in Dharamsala, India and is the first movie
  about the topic in a long time.

  The movie homepage indicates that the movie will be screened at the Sundance Festival
  and other major festivals, go for wide public release "in the Fall" and be entered for the
   Academy Awards competition.

  All I want to know is, does he mention his classic line from ANH anywhere in the doc?
  C'mon, you know the one... "Kid, I've flown from one side of this galaxy to the other,
  and I've seen a lot of strange stuff. But I've never seen anything to make me believe
  that there's one all-powerful Force controlling everything. There's no mystical energy
  field that controls MY destiny."  I guess that might be considered a conflict of interest, huh-

 FETT | 12:00PM - EST   

  Top 10 Time-Travel Films

  MTV has compiled a cool list of the top 10 time-travel films.  Although the
  list includes my favorite film of all-time, it also includes some great sci-fi
  classics, like a certain Trek film where Scotty is told, "JUST use the KEYBOARD!!"

  So put down that turkey sandwich (it's your second one probably) and check
  out the list.

 FETT | 12:00PM - EST   

  ARK Angels

  So how cool would it be, with the next Indiana Jones film in the near future,
  to have in a room of your home nothing other than a finely detailed Ark of
  The Covenant prop?  Well up for bid right now on eBay is a prop part to
  help get you on your way..  The finely detailed angels that are found on the
  the top of the ark have been accurately recreated in this auction.

  All you need is the crate with the swastika on it and you're golden (pun
  intended)...

 FETT | 8:00PM - EST   

  Carrie Fisher Stars In Wishful Drinking

  Carrie Fisher is running her own show, in a one-woman play called Wishful
  Drinking- in its plot, Carrie reveals her fall from grace and the trip back up.

  More on the event here.

 FETT | 12:00PM - EST   

  All Six Saga Films In HD 1/1/07 On SKY

  For Sky subscribers, all 6 Star Wars films will be shown on New Year's Day.
  For times and more information, click here.

 FETT | 12:00PM - EST   

  Star Wars: The Best Of PC

  5 classic SW PC game titles have been bundled for a total price of $39.99.
  They include: Empire At War, KOTR, Battlefront, Jedi Knight II, and Republic
  Commando.  So if you're missing one of them and are looking for a deal,
  voila..  Or simply play them again: "for the first..........time."

 FETT | 8:00AM - EST   

  Highlights From UK Sci-Fi Film Fair 11/12

  For a recap of the UK Sci-Fi Film Fair this past Sunday, go here.  Prowse,
  Bulloch, and Davis were all in attendance, as well as some folks of Dr. Who
  fame. Check it out.

 FETT | 12:00PM - EST   

  Did Anakin Suffer From PLP?

  Many people today who have had to have fingers or limbs amputated, suffer
  from a problem known as phantom limb pain (PLP) -- a sensation of pain
  experienced that appears to originate in the missing limb.  New VR therapy
  is being used to combat this problem, and surprisingly with great success.
  More here.

 FETT | 12:00PM - EST   

  Sculpting A Galaxy Hits Store Shelves Today
  Source: mania.com

  The new Star Wars Model Guide, Sculpting A Galaxy: Inside the Star Wars Model
  Shop, hits stores today.  It's written by Lorne Peterson, one of the founding
  members of Industrial Light & Magic, and includes all the bells and whistles
  appropriate for a book cataloguing the methods that propelled special effects
  into a new era.  More on this new arrival here.

 FETT | 12:00PM - EST   

  Natalie Portman Likes Mexican

  According to sources at The Sun, Natalie Portman has rejoined with former love
  Gael Garcia Bernal from whom she departed in 2004.  Guess that means she
  likes it spicy..  OLÉ!

 FETT | 8:00PM - EST   

  Collector Toy And Comic Sale This Weekend @ TCBS

  One of our local collectibles shops, The Comic Book Shop, is well-known for
  their outstanding vintage and modern collectible inventory.  They have many
  toy lines available including GI Joe, Transformers, and of course, Star Wars.
  They are having a pre-holiday sale this weekend, 10AM-8PM 11/18 and 12-5PM
  on 11/19.  You can read more on this great savings opportunity here.

  And if you get there, be sure to tell them beforethedarktimes sent ya!

 FETT | 8:00PM - EST   

  Star Wars Lego Mastercard Spoof

  This will make you chuckle, especially the end.  And the moment when Chewie
  screams like a girl brings back memories of Ren and Stimpy..

 FETT | 12:00PM - EST   

  A New Way To Play The Imperial March

  A new "air guitar" T-shirt has been invented, allowing the person wearing it to
  basically jam some great power chords simply by moving their arms accordingly.
  The invention can be seen in a demo here.

  Now imagine playing the Imperial March while wearing this under your
  Stormtrooper armor or Royal Guard suit..  Oh the possibilities!

 FETT | 12:00PM - EST   

  George Lucas Attends USC Football Game

  George Lucas showed up in person for the USC game on Saturday, to partake in
  their victory over the Oregon Ducks 35-10.  He actually waited after the close
  of the game to personally greet some of the players, one being wide receiver
  Jordan Kent of the Ducks.  More on the game here.

 FETT | 8:00AM - EST   

  These ARE The Droids We're Looking For...

  Every Star Wars collector knows the (Sith) legend of the rare VLIX figure-
  But what about Jessica Meade?  Or Gaff?  These seem to have floated out
  beyond the Outer Rim Territories..

  Well BTDT, in an expansion to our Ewoks figures post from last week, have
  decided to give you another small glimpse into the Past, when Droids figures
  hung on the pegs in the toy aisles of yesteryear (1986 to be exact)..  These
  aren't found in the TRU Big Book, or on the Target exclusives list, but they're
  still simply great to view if you're a fellow figure lover.  Enjoy.

 FETT | 12:00PM - EST   

  Star Wars Original Trilogy HD Screenshots

  The crew over at MillenniumFalcon.com has screenshots of the Cinemax OT HD
  movies, in their actual 1920x1088 resolution.  Now that's PURDY!

 FETT | 8:00PM - EST   

  Maul In Malaysia

  Ray Park arrived back in Malaysia last week to hone his wushu skills and
  see some old friends.  More on his visit here.

 FETT | 4:00PM - EST   

  Greedy For Greedo - Uncirculated POTF Coin On eBay

  OK authenticators, start... your... engines.  Up for grabs on eBay is this
  POTF Greedo coin, apparently uncirculated, from the description by the seller.
  Current bid is at $500.  That's alotta coin for a- well... coin.

 FETT | 9:00PM - EST   

  Episode I Bloopers: See Them Again. For The First Time.

  

  BTDT reader Southern Sith writes in asking for us to share this Episode I
  blooper sequence from the DVD with our readers.  Hard to believe they're
  already 7 years old..

  My favorite is Jake Lloyd yelling "I CAN'T HEAR YOU CHRIS!!!"

 FETT | 9:00PM - EST   

  Star Wars Galaxy Expertise: Free Trial

  A new feature to SW Galaxies is the new SW Galaxie Expertise.  With it users
  will discover new navigation features, to enhance their skills and enjoyment
  of the already popular online series. More info here.

 FETT | 8:00PM - EST   

  Star Wars Ewoks: The Wave That Never Was

  In 1985, Star Wars toys were still a hit and selling in Kiddie City's and Kiddie
  World's all over the country.  Even though the last Star Wars movie left the
  big screen in 1984, kids still loved their Star Wars.  So if sales were still going
  well in 1985, it was a pretty good bet that they'd sell in 1986 too, right?

  In the 1986 International Toy Fair catalog, both the Ewoks and Droids lines
  were right on schedule to hit store shelves in the Spring of '86.  However, as
  many of us collectors already know, those new waves of figures never went
  to production.

  Take a moment with BTDT for a trip back in time, to see the Ewoks figs that
  never made it to the hands of children- Bondo, Morag, the whole crew..

 FETT | 7:00PM - EST   

  Comcast Tops Cinemax On Star Wars HD

  Last week, Outrage posted that Cinemax would be showing all six Star Wars
  films in HD beginning mid-November. Well, Comcast has decided to see that
  bet and raise 'em..  According to this article, Comcast is going to allow their
  customers to have this film festival 9 days earlier than anticipated.  So, if
  you're on Comcast, consider yourself a VIP.

 FETT | 7:00PM - EST   

  Star Wars: Heart Of An Empire Documentary

  The documentary "Heart of an Empire" has finally been completed after four
  years of effort. For those who are interested in the nit-picky details of life in
  the 501st Legion, this film should offer a lot of insight into why so many of us
  take our hobby so seriously. Release/showing dates have not been confirmed
  yet, but will be updated on their website. They've put a trailer up on their
  Myspace page, I would recommend checking it out.

 TrooperGirl | 5:00PM - EST   

  The Birds And The Bees, Star Wars Style

  "Mommy? Where do nerds come from?"
  "Well sweetie, when a Stormtrooper and a Biker Scout really love each
  other..."

  I'd like to formally announce that there's a little nerd on the way. My husband
  and I are expecting our first child in late May. I admit that I've been somewhat
  absent the last month, and if my health continues to improve, I plan to rectify
  that. Before anyone asks, the armor is being retired until after I give birth.
  During that period, some upgrades will be made, none of which include room
  for my ever expanding waistline.  Now taking bets on the mitichlorian count..

 TrooperGirl | 5:00PM - EST   

  And Ya Can't Beat THAT With.. LAQAT

  After a moment of brief radio silence, we are proud to announce that BTDT
  is back on the grid over at laqat.com, a popular movie news repository.  I
  first got wind of the folks over there during my time with artoosnews.

  In my best talk show guest impression: "well thanks guys, it's GREAT to be
  back.."

 FETT | 5:00PM - EST   

  Natalie Portman Goes To The BAZAAR

  Natalie shows her stuff in the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar, viewable here.

 FETT | 5:00PM - EST   

  Star Wars Prop Armor Lawsuit Wages On
  Source: bbc.co.uk

  The infamous Stormtrooper gear we have all come to know and love, stemmed
  from the design genius of Shepperton Design Studios in the UK.  Andrew
  Ainsworth, affiliate of the studio, was sued by Lucasfilm in 2004 for $20MM
  because of their production and sales of Stormtrooper and TIE Pilot helmets
  and suits.  Lucasfilm claims the designs are their property- Shepperton claims
  they never surrendered the rights of the designs to Lucasfilm.  This makes for
  a pretty interesting battle- even sounds a little like Rebellion VS Senate to me..
  More here.

 FETT | 12:00PM - EST   

  Burt Shot First?
  Source: newkerala.com

  According to this article, the role of Han Solo was actually offered up to
  Burt Reynolds prior to going to Harrison Ford, and he regrettably admits it
  being "the biggest mistake" of his career.

  I would think it would be a given that Cannonball Run fame would only go
  so far, but that's just me..

 FETT | 10:00AM - EST   

  Superman II: v2.0
  Source: superherohype.com

  This film was always my favorite of the original Superman trilogy, but it
  wasn't until recently that I learned that the version that hit the big screen,
  a different version than what was to be originally shot.  Apparently, the
  original director of Superman 1, Richard Donner, was to be in charge of the
  sequel as well, but left the project due to issues with the producers.  As a
  result, a new director was brought on to complete the film, and as one
  could expect, changed the path of the film forever.

  In a rare opportunity, this film has been recompiled by Donner's former
  assistant, Michael Thau, to be shown as it was originally meant to be.
  This "new" version (if you will) will be available on DVD November 28th.

 FETT | 8:00AM - EST   

  Star Wars: Lethal Alliance

  For those of you just hearing about this game, it will be available on the
  Nintendo DS, and there's some great info on it here and here.

 FETT | 1:00PM - EST   

  Carrie Fisher: Whistle While Your Wife Works
  Source: tv.com

  For you Family Guy fans, Carrie Fisher will be lending her voice for the role of
  Angela on the November 12 episode of The Family Guy, titled Whistle While
  Your Wife Works.

 FETT | 1:00PM - EST   

  Shatner Cameo In Star Trek XI
  Source: scifi.com

  Willliam Shatner told TV Guide recently that he has a cameo appearance in
  the latest Star Trek film, and that his appearance has actually been CGI'd
  to make him look younger.  More on the update here.

  It's a shame that the digital magic of CGI is now being used for such menial
  tasks as giving Shatner youth, and shrinking Lindsay Lohan's chest.

 FETT | 1:00PM - EST   

  28 Days Later Sequel

  A sequel to the thriller 28 Days Later will be making its way to theatres in
  Spring 2007.  The title?  28 Weeks Later.  A teaser trailer is available here.

  I really enjoyed the first film, but if this is followed by a 28 Months Later, I
  think I'll have to give it a 2.5 out of 10 for lack of originality..  Judges??

 FETT | 10:30PM - EST      

  "He's A Demon On Wheels..."
  Source: scifi.com

  The crew who brought you into The Matrix has formally accepted a new task-
  The Wachowski Brothers have been recruited to bring Trixie, Chim Chim, and
  yes, Racer X, into a live action rendition of Speed Racer.

  More on the update here.

 FETT | 10:30PM - EST