Travis Dosser
5/25/2012
It was 35 years ago today that Star Wars hit theatres and changed the world forever. May 25, 1977 you were introduced to Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Artoo-Detoo and many other unforgettable characters that would be imitated and parodied even to this day.
Darth Vader became the villain of choice for geeks who wanted to do an impression of a truly evil foe, Chewbacca howls were and still are roared between geeks to spark Wookie conversation worldwide.
Star Wars has made a lasting imprint on pop culture and has The film series has a total box office revenue of $4.49-billion making it the third highest grossing film series of all time.
Shane Turgeon, a local Star Wars fan and owner of Shades of Grey Tattoo tells 630CHED News he wasn't old enough to see the first one in theatres, but that wasn't the case for the sequel.
"I was old enough that my Mom took me to see The Empire Strikes Back in the theatre and that pretty much was a game changer for my whole life I think," Turgeon said while reminiscing about his first Star Wars theatre experience.
The movies have inspired thousands and brought together a worldwide community with a common interest.
"To me Star Wars is so much more than six movies and a few cartoons and whatever else," explains Turgeon. "It is the worldwide community that's sprung up from Star Wars, with Star Wars being the common uniting thread."
Turgeon says the franchise really help launch the collecting of toys and movie mementos.
"It gave people the ability to collect and play with things and brings that to their own home, have a piece of that in their own home," explains Turgeon. "Something that, with most movies, you could never do."
The first Star Wars action figures came in what was known as the "Early Bird Set," according to Turgeon.
He says you didn't get the toys right away because they hadn't finished making them, instead you'd get an empty envelope with Kenner's version of an IOU, then eventually the toys would be sent to you.
Star Wars has influenced Turgeon so much that he wrote and self-published a coffee table book called The Force in the Flesh. The book shows pictures and tells stories about Star Wars inspired body art.
Meanwhile, the films are still so popular they continue to be re-released. Episode 1: The Phantom Menace hit theatres in 3D February 10, 2012 and earned $43-million in its opening weekend.
Have you gone as a Star Wars character for Halloween and have pictures you want to share? Or maybe you have other Star Wars related pictures you've taken throughout the years? Share them with us! Tweet them to @630CHED, email chednews@630ched.com or post them to our Facebook page.
We'll post a collection of the pictures in an iReport to mark the 35th anniversary of the series. (twd)
On the Net:
The Flesh of the Force
Shades of Grey
Star Wars
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