Darth Vader lives again with a brand new virtual reality experience from the creators at ILMxLAB titled, Vader Immortal. Set after the events of ILMxLAB’s recent VR experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, the series will return to the volcanic wasteland of Mustafar.
Users will get to explore the dark fortress of Lord Vader, first seen in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The three part Darth Vader series will debut for the Oculus Quest next year, bringing the cutting edge experience directly to the comfort of your own home and will also be an industry first. This reveal comes shortly after the announcement of a brand new VR experience centered around the new Wreck it Ralph sequel, Ralph Breaks the Internet, which will open in Disney Springs and Downtown Disney later this year.
“We always look for opportunities to explore the Star Wars universe in new ways,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “ILMxLAB is very excited to be working with David S. Goyer on a first-of-its-kind Star Wars experience which allows fans to travel to Darth Vader’s fiery, lava-ridden fortress and wield a lightsaber on his home turf.”
Prepare to embrace the power of the Dark Side and unravel the secrets of the dark lord of the Sith. Vader Immortal is coming to a galaxy near you in 2019.
Prepare to punch it to lightspeed, as Star Wars and Disney Channel have revealed a new extended sneak peek at the upcoming new animated series, Star Wars Resistance. The news broke via Star Wars’ official site, giving fans their first look at Captain Phasma and Starkiller base.
The show will kick things off with a special one hour series premiere on the Disney Channel. Two new episodes will follow via the DisneyNow app and Disney Channel Video On Demand service. Set before the story of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, Resistance will feature a brand new set of characters, adventures, and connections to the Star Wars canon.
It was also revealed that ILMxLAB is producing a new VR experience and story line surrounding Darth Vader titled, Darth Vader: Immortal. The new VR expansion will be split into 3 parts/ A teaser trailer has been released, as well as more details via Star Wars’ official weekly web series, The Star Wars Show. You can watch the latest episode below, which also includes an exclusive introduction to the cast of Star Wars Resistance.
You can catch the series premiere Star Wars Resistance on October 7th at 10 PM ET/7PM PT.
Freeform announced today that it will air “Hocus Pocus 25th Anniversary Halloween Bash,” an all-star party in honor of the cult classic film’s milestone anniversary. The 90-minute special, filmed at the iconic Hollywood Forever Cemetery to celebrate the movie’s status as a Halloween staple, will premiere on SATURDAY, OCT. 20, at 8:15 PM EDT/PDT as part of Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween” programming event.
“Hocus Pocus 25th Anniversary Halloween Bash” will feature musical performances by Dove Cameron, PrettyMuch, and Junior New System, as well as a “Hocus Pocus” themed costume contest, judged by Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne. The special will also include exclusive interviews with “Hocus Pocus” cast and crew members Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sarah Sanderson”), Kathy Najimy (“Mary Sanderson”), Kenny Ortega (Director), Mick Garris (Writer), David Kirschner (Writer), Omri Katz (“Max”), Thora Birch (“Dani”), Amanda Shepherd (“Emily”), Doug Jones (“Billy Butcherson”), Larry Bagby (“Ernie”), Jason Marsden (voice of “Thackery Binx”), Tobias Jelinek (“Jay”), Peggy Holmes (choreographer) and John Debney (Composer). Drag superstar Lady Bunny will be rocking the spooky beats throughout the evening as the resident DJ. More surprise guests will be announced at a later date.
The night of Oct. 20 will be full of bewitching fun as the network will also be airing a “Pop’n Knowledge” edition of “Hocus Pocus,” before and after the Bash at 6:05 PM EDT/PDT and 9:45 PM EDT/PDT. The special edition will celebrate everything about the iconic film and the fandom with a mix of trivia, funny observations and commentary around key moments and quotes. This “Pop’n Knowledge” version of “Hocus Pocus” is an experience no fan should miss!
Freeform has expanded their annual Halloween programming event to “31 Nights of Halloween” bringing more thrills and chills to the entire month. From Oct. 1, the network will be invaded by everyone’s favorite witches, a murderous barber, out of control dinosaurs and everything else that goes bump in the night. “Hocus Pocus” will air throughout the most haunting stunt on television, as well as conclude the event with a day-long marathon featuring the Sanderson Sisters on Oct. 31.
“Hocus Pocus 25th Anniversary Halloween Bash” is executive produced by Kenny Ortega and Michael Levitt.
Fans in the Los Angeles area interested in attending the live taping can click here for more information.
In early 2020, Disney Cruise Line will offer families even more ways to explore the world together with the addition of a brand-new home port in New Orleans and a highly anticipated return to the Hawaiian Islands. Disney Cruise Line will also return to Puerto Rico for a limited time and continue guest-favorite itineraries to tropical destinations from Florida and California.
Itinerary highlights include return to Hawaii and other popular destinations
Bookings open to the public on Oct. 4, 2018. More details on 2020 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2020 page of disneycruise.com.
First-time Home Port in New Orleans
In 2020, the Disney Wonder will embark on a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian cruises from New Orleans – the first time Disney Cruise Line will have a home port in Louisiana. Not only will this provide families from the region with the magic of having a Disney ship in their own backyard, but it will also draw families from farther away to discover this incredible city before they set sail.
Before or after their Disney cruise, guests can venture into the city to savor the distinct flavors of famous New Orleans cuisine, visit family-friendly museums and parks, and revel in the sweet melodies of world-renowned jazz music. Travelers will delight in the Southern charm of this new home port, and Disney fans will find magic around every corner as they recognize the iconic sights and sounds that inspired the beloved animated film “The Princess and the Frog.”
The Disney Wonder will embark on six cruises during this limited-time season from New Orleans, including four-, six- and seven-night Western Caribbean sailings; a seven-night Bahamian cruise; and a 14-night Panama Canal voyage, departing Feb. 7 through March 6.
Long-Awaited Return to Hawaii
After a five-year hiatus, the Disney Wonder will return to Hawaii in early 2020 for two special cruises: a nine-night voyage to Honolulu from Vancouver, Canada, on April 29, and a 10-night sailing back to Vancouver on May 8.
During these dream vacations, guests will discover the breathtaking beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, including the famous beaches of Waikiki on Oahu; the views from high atop the summit of Haleakala Crater on Maui; the lush tropical gardens and waterfalls of Kauai; and the diverse natural wonders of Hawaii Island.
Popular Itineraries from Puerto Rico and California
The Disney Wonder continues its standout season with returns to popular home ports on both coasts. First, the ship sets sail for the Southern Caribbean during two seven-night voyages departing Jan. 19 and 26 from San Juan, Puerto Rico, followed by a five-night Bahamian cruise. Then beginning on March 20, the ship embarks on seven sailings to Baja and the Mexican Riviera, ranging in length from two to seven nights, from San Diego, California.
Unforgettable Tropical Getaways from Florida
Disney Cruise Line will have three ships sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida in early 2020, and every cruise includes a day of fun in the sun on Disney’s private Bahamian island reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests, Castaway Cay.
From Miami, the Disney Magic will sail three-, four- and five-night Bahamian cruises and five-night Western Caribbean cruises.
From Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, plus two special sailings at six- and eight-nights each.
From Port Canaveral, the Disney Dream will sail three- and four-night Bahamian cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay.
With a variety of options from Florida, guests can choose the vacation that provides something for everyone in the family, combining the adventure and relaxation of tropical destinations, the ease and indulgence of an ocean cruise, and the world-class entertainment and service of a Disney vacation.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent.
In DARK PHOENIX, the X-MEN face their most formidable and powerful foe: one of their own, Jean Grey. During a rescue mission in space, Jean is nearly killed when she is hit by a mysterious cosmic force. Once she returns home, this force not only makes her infinitely more powerful, but far more unstable. Wrestling with this entity inside her, Jean unleashes her powers in ways she can neither comprehend nor contain. With Jean spiraling out of control, and hurting the ones she loves most, she begins to unravel the very fabric that holds the X-Men together. Now, with this family falling apart, they must find a way to unite not only to save Jean’s soul, but to save our very planet from aliens who wish to weaponize this force and rule the galaxy.
DARK PHOENIX
Release Date: February 14, 2019
Written and Directed by: Simon Kinberg
Produced by: Simon Kinberg, Hutch Parker, Lauren Shuler Donner, Todd Hallowell
Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Evan Peters, and Jessica Chastain
A touch of Christmas magic is on its way to the Disneyland Resort this year, bringing back classic favorites and plenty of festive cheer. Here’s a look at some of what’s coming and what to get excited about in the coming months!
“A Christmas Fantasy” Parade: Make way Pixar Play Parade, this beloved holiday classic is returning to take center stage at Disneyland Park. From Mickey Mouse, to dancing gingerbread men, to your favorite toy pals, there’s something for everyone to get excited about. The party starts after Pixar Play Parade takes a bow on November 4th.
“Believe…in Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular:Sleeping Beauty Castle comes alive in colorful lights and and snow in “Believe…in Holiday Magic”. The annual fireworks show will return to Disneyland Park.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! in Disney California Adventure: The Three Caballeros will once again take over Disney California Adventure in an epic holiday street party celebrating a cultural fusion of color, music, and dancing. Keep an eye out for magical surprises and a possible mouse-eared cameo.
Festive Food Marketplaces at Disney California Adventure: Prepare your appetite as a wide array of yuletide snacks, drinks, and fare will make their way across the park. Each food offering is connected to a diverse number of cuisines and cultural traditions. The feast begins after Paint the Night makes its final run on November 7th.
Joining along in holiday spirit is a new line of Disney Parks merchandise, which you can see through our special preview here. The celebration is just around the corner and bound to be as magical as ever. Make sure to stay tuned and mark your calendars to take part in the fun!
* Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. Please understand that we have experienced these companies, and recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something through the links. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.
Earlier this year, Disney announced several celebrity narrators for the highly anticipated Candlelight Processional during the 2018 Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays, Nov. 22-Dec. 30, 2018. Now we are excited to share four more narrators who will delight guests this holiday season:
Chita Rivera, Nov. 22 – 23
Helen Hunt, Nov. 24-25 – NEW
Alfonso Ribeiro, Nov. 26-27 – NEW
TBD, Nov. 28-Dec. 2
Neil Patrick Harris, Dec. 3 – 6
Whoopi Goldberg, Dec. 7 – 9
Bart Millard, Dec. 10-12 – NEW
Blair Underwood, Dec. 13 – 14
Gary Sinise, Dec. 15 – 17
Pat Sajak, Dec. 18 – 20
Auli’I Cravalho, Dec. 21-23 – NEW
Edward James Olmos, Dec. 24 – 25
Jodi Benson, Dec. 26 – 27
Cal Ripken Jr., Dec. 28-30
Held in the America Gardens Theatre, the Candlelight Processional is a beloved part of the Walt Disney World holiday season. Celebrity narrators read the biblical Christmas story backed by a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir. For the first time, performances of the Candlelight Processional begin on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 2018.
The Candlelight Processional is just one of many ways to experience holiday magic at Epcot, including…food! The all-new menu at the Feast of the Three Kings marketplace features sofrito-marinated beef with sweet plantains and olives, queso fresco-stuffed arepa topped with shrimp, crushed avocado aji and tomato sauce, as well as arepas topped with melted queso fresco.
Other new food items this year include:
Black forest roulade with cherry whipped cream (Bavaria Holiday Kitchen, Germany)
Hand-carved smoked ham with green beans and sweet potato casserole (American Holiday Table, The American Adventure)
Three variations of croissant doughnuts at the Taste Track marketplace
For even more new foodie fun, track your purchases of five select holiday cookies in your Festival Passport by collecting a unique stamp for each one. Then, stop by Holiday Sweets and Treats to receive a special complimentary “completer” cookie…and a glass of milk!
There will also be a brand-new marketplace this year – keep checking back for more information coming soon.
Spooky fun and full of delight, the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort have terrifyingly tasty treats, amazing displays and ghostly entertainment, all sure-fire ways for you to enjoy the Halloween Time experience, before, during or after a great day at the parks.
Enjoy the Spook-tacular Seasonal Decor: In the lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a “spook-tacular” edible display of Halloween pumpkins. These pumpkins take a ghoulish form with Oogie Boogie, and are built from cereal treats, icing, chocolate, and fondant. Our talented pastry chefs used over 200 pounds of icing, 100 pounds of chocolate, and 300 pounds of fondant to create these incredible pumpkins.
Also during Halloween Time, experience ghoulish décor surrounding the Disneyland Hotel and discover the swashbuckler in you at the pirate-themed Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. The pirates have hoisted the Jolly Roger flag in the lobby, calling all buccaneers for fun at “Pirates Pier”!
Exclusive Trick-or-Treating for Hotel Guests: On select afternoons from October 2 through October 31, overnight guests of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are invited to drop in for a howling good time and exclusive, complimentary trick-or-treat festivities. Together, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will have a treat map of locations, so little ghosts and goblins (and their parents) can visit all three hotels. The hotels are offering activities such as coloring pages, bat mask decorating and create-your-own pirate hat. Cookie decorating kits are also available for a fee. Hotel guests are encouraged to sign up at the Guest Services desk.
Taste Yummy Halloween Treats: At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, you will find a holiday cart in the lobby serving up some scary and sweet Mickey-shaped cookies featuring iconic Halloween-inspired decorations. This cart is also serving up Halloween whoopie pies, jumbo cake pops, pretzel rods, a cookie box with Witch Finger cookies, and pumpkin pound cake. At The Coffee House at the Disneyland Hotel, you will find a chocolate Bat Cookie. Across all three hotels, the Red Poison Apple Glow Cube can be found at restaurant or quick service locations. The flavors of fall have arrived as well, with Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Surfside Lounge at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and Pumpkin Muffins at The Coffee House at the Disneyland Hotel.
Check out Eerie Musical Entertainment: Ghostly a capella performers, the Skeletones and the Cryptix, stroll and perform throughout the hotels of the Disneyland Resort, as well the Scareolers in Downtown Disney. You can enjoy harmonizing tunes such as “I Put a Spell on You” and “Grim Grinning Ghosts.”
A beautiful new dining space is now open in the Downtown Disney® District at the Disneyland® Resort! As part of a larger phased renovation, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria is pleased to unveil an upstairs restaurant with a quaint walkout patio.
Twinkling chandeliers give the celestial atmosphere a warm and inviting glow. Inside, Guests are welcome to comfortably lounge in plush booth seating while looking on as their meals are being expertly prepared in the open concept kitchen.
Guests can order Napolini’s famous fresh-baked pizzas from the recently opened ground-level patio at Naples. You can also grab an individual 10-inch Neapolitan pie to enjoy by yourself on the go or share a large 20-inch amongst friends and family for a delicious meal on the go. See the full list of drool-worthy pizza to-go options below:
Margherita
Pepperoni
Marinara E. Capperi
Capricciosa
Porchetta
Pesto E Gamberi
Pollo
Melanzane
Quattro Formaggi
The third and final phase of renovations are slated to be complete later this year. These dynamic developments are part of the ongoing Downtown Disney District promenade-wide transformation. Multiple new venues — such as Salt & Straw scoop shop, Ballast Point and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes and the reimagining of the World of Disney store — will all be introduced over the next few months while Downtown Disney remains open to Guests. There is so much to enjoy — we invite you to come sip, savor and shop!
Beginning on Oct. 16, you will be able to purchase Walt Disney World® theme park tickets that are priced based on the date you choose to visit. These changes are designed to give you an enhanced way to purchase theme park tickets to more easily plan the Disney vacation of your dreams.
This approach to pricing tickets by date is modeled off of consumer demand and is part of our effort to better distribute attendance throughout the year to improve the Guest experience.
Check out the video below for a first look at how it works.
In the past five years alone, Disney Parks has invested approximately $15 billion to bring historic and exciting expansions, both completed and in development, to destinations around the world. Expansions like Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® helped drive record attendance at Walt Disney World and along with Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® increased capacity and resulted in high levels of guest satisfaction. In addition to building new attractions and whole new lands, we continuously update our existing attractions and create new festivals, seasonal celebrations and events to provide guests with something new when they visit. Guests tell us new offerings, paired with our immersive storytelling and creativity, is a magical part of the Disney experience.
Detailed pricing will be available beginning on Oct. 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will date-based tickets expire?
1-Day base tickets are valid for admission on the specific start date selected. Multi-day tickets are valid for admission beginning on the start date selected and must be used within a limited time period.
Ticket Duration
Valid Use Period
1-Day Ticket
Only the start date selected
2-Day Ticket
Any 2 days within 4 days beginning on the start date
3-Day Ticket
Any 3 days within 5 days beginning on the start date
4-Day Ticket
Any 4 days within 7 days beginning on the start date
5-Day Ticket
Any 5 days within 8 days beginning on the start date
6-Day Ticket
Any 6 days within 9 days beginning on the start date
7-Day Ticket
Any 7 days within 10 days beginning on the start date
8-Day Ticket
Any 8 days within 12 days beginning on the start date
9-Day Ticket
Any 9 days within 13 days beginning on the start date
10-Day Ticket
Any 10 days within 14 days beginning on the start date
For example, a 6-day base ticket with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov.1 – Nov. 9.
Add the Park Hopper Option to visit more than one Theme Park on the same day. For example, a 6-day ticket with the Park Hopper Option with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov. 1 – Nov. 9.
Add the Park Hopper Plus Option to include visits to the Disney Water Parks and other attractions—along with the ability to visit more than one Theme Park on the same day. This option also extends the period of time within which you may use your ticket by one day. For example, a 6-day ticket with the Park Hopper Plus Option with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov. 1 – Nov. 10.
When will tickets purchased as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company package expire?
Date-based tickets purchased as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package will have one of the following valid use periods (whichever is longer): (i) the same valid use period described above, OR (ii) a valid use period beginning on the package resort arrival date and ending on the package resort check-out date. See above for the explanation of valid use period and how valid use period is not the same as ticket duration.
For example, a Guest who purchases a Walt Disney Travel Company package with a 3-Day base ticket and a resort length of stay of 6 nights with an arrival date of Nov. 1; ticket is valid any 3 days from Nov, 1 – Nov. 7.
Why did you shorten the valid use window for tickets?
The new valid use window for tickets better aligns with observed Guest ticket usage patterns. Guests wanting additional flexibility can purchase a Flexible Date Ticket.
Will you still offer multi-day discounts?
Yes, the “More you Play, the Less you Pay Per Day” philosophy still applies. Similar to today, the price per day decreases as you add more days to your ticket. Multi-day discounts will vary depending on the length of the ticket.
I already purchased tickets for my upcoming visit. Are my tickets still valid?
Unused, unexpired tickets will remain valid. Tickets maintain the same terms and conditions – including the expiration date – as they had at the time of purchase.
Will I need to pay more for my ticket if I already purchased it prior to Oct. 16?
No. Please be sure to check the specific terms and conditions on your ticket to confirm the expiration policy.
Are tickets able to be modified – what happens if a guest needs to change their date?
Yes, you will be able to modify tickets for your Clients prior to the ticket start date. And, for the first time, your Clients will be able to modify their own tickets online or through the Disney Reservation Center prior to the ticket start date. If the ticket is changed to a higher priced date, guest will be responsible for paying the difference in price. There will be no refunds to changes to lower priced dates. If modifications are needed after the ticket start date, guests must visit any Vacation Planning window.
Are stand-alone water park tickets included in this change?
1-Day Water Park Tickets are not included in this change.
Is date-based pricing being implemented at other sites at this time? This is only being implemented at Walt Disney World Resort at this time.
A winter wonderland awaits all who visit Universal Studios Hollywood this year, as the resort prepares a celebration full of holiday magic, breathtaking sights, and festive cheer. Many fan favorites are returning for this year’s holiday season, including “Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter“, and “Grinchmas”.
Hogsmeade will magically transform, bringing a plethora of festive holiday experiences and delicious treats that witches and wizards the world over can enjoy. As you enter, each storefront will charm with its own special yuletide theme, shining brightly for all to see. A flurry of snowfall will also make its way across the land nightly, accompanied by a dazzling light projection spectacular on Hogwarts Castle. To help kick off the celebration, the a capella Frog Choir will return, comprised of Professor Flitwick’s talented Hogwarts students and their giant throaty frogs. They will entertain guests with harmonized holiday themed songs throughout the entire season.
Make sure to build up an appetite, as newly introduced holiday themed fare and treats will be sprinkled throughout Hogsmeade Village. Hot Butterbeer will also be on tap, keeping you warm on those frosty winter nights. A wide array of custom made Christmas ornaments will be available, being specifically made for the Wizarding World. Plenty of other holiday decorations will be ready to take home, including decorative Hogwarts Castle snow globes, a special house garland, Hogwarts Crest and Mascot ornaments for each house, as well as a unique tree topper collection. “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will take place daily from November 17, 2018 through January 6, 2019.
Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood
The Christmas magic doesn’t stop there, as “Grinchmas” returns with a “Who-lebration” of fun fit for even the Grinchiest Grinches out there. The annual favorite includes a towering 60 foot tall “Grinchmas” tree, stage performances, and other fun surprises. “Grinchmas” will take place weekends on December 1-2 and 8-9, and daily from December 14 through December 30, 2018.
The Minions will be up to a very merry and mischievous Christmas takeover of “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land”. Though, they won’t be alone in spreading Christmas cheer, as the Universal CityWalk will be home to a towering 40 foot tall Christmas tree, topped with over 200,000 LED icicles that will dance and dazzle along to the sounds of the season in the 5 Towers plaza. Santa will make his way down from the North Pole to make daily appearances and offer special photo ops at 5 Towers. Make sure to wear your holiday best and grab some special memories with St. Nick.
Free concerts will be hosted at 5 Towers, complete with a full ensemble of street performers. Finally, the dancing water fountain in the heart of Universal CityWalk will make a holiday splash, projecting streams of choreographed water into the air alongside red and green LED lights and an array of holiday themed music. The spirit of the season awaits you this winter. More details and dates will be available on Universal Studio’s official site.
Punch it to a new level, as Solo: A Star Wars Story brings the Millennium Falcon home in a stunning Blu-Ray collection chalked full of fun surprises, in depth features, and extended scenes. The collection has over an hour of additional footage, giving you an intimate overview of the project from start to finish.
Starting in its earliest stages, Solo was a labor of love and this collection reaffirms that in true Star Wars fashion. Viewers get the opportunity to peek into the minds of Larry and Jonathan Kasdan through their struggle at bringing the film’s story to life. It’s a tale of Star Wars, but also of family. For both father and son, the connection to the space saga is strong, but in drastically different ways. Having two differing approaches proved intriguing when watching the feature, as it aims deeper than fan service and gives you a stronger appreciation for not only the Kasdan legacy, but what it truly means to be Han Solo. For any aspiring screenwriter or movie buff, it’s a touching reflection worth watching.
Moving beyond the page, what makes Star Wars so iconic is the melding of cutting edge special effects with practical film magic. Solo is no exception to the rule, bringing in the best of both worlds to create a balance of old school film trickery with state of the art digital work. One of the best examples of this comes directly from the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. Previous filming with the iconic ship relied on green screen matting and pure imagination during shooting. Rather than stick to the past method, ILM punched things up a notch, creating a fully immersive film screen environment for the actors to interact with in real time. Every scene was shot with real reference footage, including Lightspeed. It’s innovative, fresh, and one hundred percent ILM magic.
Though, their work doesn’t stop there, as the features list pours over the use of complete practical sets, on location shooting, unique sound recordings, and an expansion on Wookie vocal range. From start to finish, there’s a lot to learn and appreciate behind the scenes. Regardless of how you may feel about the new era of Star Wars, it’s a great reminder that the traditional film making still is alive and well at Lucasfilm. It’s a fun ride!
Here’s a look at the complete list of features:
Solo: The Director & Cast Roundtable
Sit down with director Ron Howard and the stars for an intimate and entertaining discussion of the film’s making.
Team Chewie
See what it takes to bring your favorite Wookiee to life in this lighthearted look behind the scenes.
Kasdan on Kasdan Iconic Star Wars screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and son Jonathan share what it was like to write the movie’s script together.
Remaking the Millennium Falcon Track the transformation of the most famous ship in the galaxy, from Lando’s swank and impeccable pride and joy to Han’s stripped-down hot-rod freighter with “special modifications.”
Escape from Corellia
Get behind the wheel for the making of this high-octane chase through the streets of Corellia.
The Train Heist
Explore the challenges and thrills of creating this action-packed sequence, including its remote location and spectacular effects.
Becoming a Droid: L3-37
Meet the newest droid—and the talented actor who helps bring her to life.
Scoundrels, Droids, Creatures and Cards: Welcome to Fort Ypso
Take an in-depth tour of the rough-and-tumble bar where strangers mix and gamblers risk all in the legendary card game, Sabaac.
Into the Maelstrom: The Kessel Run
Join Han and Chewie at the controls of the Millennium Falcon to see how this legendary moment in Star Wars history unfolds.
You can pick up your copy of Solo: A Star Wars Story at most major retailers, though special limited edition copies will be available from Best Buy and Target in limited quantities. To learn more about the movie, make sure to check out our complete movie review!
