"The Last Jedi: How Luke Skywalker tricked Kylo Ren

The climactic confrontation in "The Last Jedi" between Luke Skywalker and Kylo Ren, set against the stark backdrop of the salt flats of Crait, stands as a pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga, showcasing a brilliant fusion of visual storytelling and thematic complexity. This sequence, which begins with Luke Skywalker's enigmatic appearance on the battlefield, immediately casts a veil of mystery and intrigue. The audience, aware of Luke's self-imposed exile on Ahch-To and the seemingly inoperable state of his X-Wing, is left pondering the means of his sudden and dramatic arrival.

Subtle clues peppered throughout the scene begin to hint at an underlying illusion. The first notable discrepancy is Luke's physical appearance. His hair and beard, previously a grizzled silver, have inexplicably reverted to a youthful brown. This startling transformation from the weary hermit we'd witnessed earlier in the film raises the first flag of something extraordinary at play.

Director Rian Johnson (Looper) artfully employs various visual cues to reinforce the notion that Luke's presence is a carefully crafted illusion. One of the most striking is the absence of footprints or sound as Luke moves across the salt surface, a stark contrast to Kylo Ren's marked and noisy path. Moreover, Luke's pristine appearance, remaining unaffected by the environmental elements that coat Kylo in dust and ash, further solidifies the ethereal nature of his presence. Notably, even when Luke seems to brush off his shoulder in a display of nonchalance, it becomes clear that there is nothing there.

In a moment of cinematic subtlety, Luke wields a lightsaber that had been destroyed earlier in the film. This significant detail, overlooked by a rage-consumed Kylo Ren, serves as a crucial piece of the puzzle. It's an inconsistency that Kylo, emotionally turbulent and obsessed with eradicating his past, fails to recognize.

Leia Organa, displaying a profound understanding of the situation, shares a poignant moment with Luke, her comprehension of his spectral presence conveyed in a simple, yet emotionally laden, touch. This understated interaction speaks volumes about their bond and Leia's insight.

The combat itself is another layer in this intricate narrative. Luke's lightsaber never makes physical contact with Kylo's, a necessary measure to maintain the illusion. His appearance inside a cave with no discernible point of entry further cements the realization that he is not truly there.

Kylo Ren's failure to perceive these signs, driven by his blinding rage and desire to sever ties with his past, plays directly into Luke's hands. Luke's illusory presence serves a dual purpose: a distraction for Kylo and a profound lesson. Focused on destroying his past, Kylo is unable to discern the truth that lies before him.

This scene transcends a simple duel. It weaves together a tapestry rich with emotional depth, thematic resonance, and callbacks to the teachings of Yoda and other elements from the Star Wars lore. It stands not just as a confrontation but as a complex interplay of legacy, perception, and the power of illusion, adding a rich and nuanced layer to the overarching narrative of the Star Wars universe.

What film sold the most copies on laserdisc?

The film that holds the distinction of being the best-selling on LaserDisc is James Cameron's "Terminator 2: Judgment Day." Released in 1991, "Terminator 2" quickly became a significant hit, not just in theaters but also in the home video market. Its success on LaserDisc was particularly notable selling 350,000 units.

LaserDisc, a format that predated the widespread adoption of DVDs, offered higher-quality video and audio than VHS and became popular among home theater enthusiasts and collectors in the 1990s. 

The format's larger disc size and capacity allowed for improved picture resolution, which made it ideal for showcasing films with high-quality special effects and cinematography, such as "Terminator 2."

"Terminator 2" was known for its groundbreaking use of CGI and visual effects, aspects that were best appreciated in the high-definition quality that LaserDiscs provided. This, combined with the film's immense popularity and critical acclaim, drove its sales on the format. The film's LaserDisc release included special features and director's commentaries, which were novel at the time and added to its appeal among collectors and cinephiles.

Moreover, "Terminator 2" on LaserDisc became emblematic of the shift in home media consumption. While the format never achieved mainstream success due to its cost and the eventual rise of DVDs, it remains a significant chapter in the evolution of home video technology and film preservation. The success of "Terminator 2" on LaserDisc also underscored the growing importance of the home video market for the film industry, a trend that has continued and evolved with subsequent formats and digital streaming.

Top Ten film sales on Laser Disc

Compiling a list of the top-selling films on LaserDisc is challenging due to the lack of comprehensive sales data, especially since the format was most popular during a period when detailed sales tracking was less prevalent. 

However, based on available information and the popularity of certain titles among collectors, we can infer a list of films that were likely among the top sellers on LaserDisc. 

This list reflects a combination of the films' general popularity, their appeal to the home theater enthusiast community, and the presence of special features that were attractive to LaserDisc buyers.

1. "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991) - Known for its groundbreaking visual effects, this film was a showcase for the superior video and audio quality of LaserDiscs.
2. "Star Wars Trilogy" (1977-1983) - The original "Star Wars" trilogy was a must-have for collectors, offering a home theater experience that capitalized on the format's strengths.
3. "Jurassic Park" (1993) - With its revolutionary special effects, "Jurassic Park" was a popular title for demonstrating the capabilities of home theater systems.
4. "Blade Runner" (1982) - The visually stunning and thematically rich "Blade Runner" was a favorite among cinephiles and collectors.
5. "The Lion King" (1994) - Disney films were popular on LaserDisc, and "The Lion King" was one of the best-selling animated titles.
6. "Top Gun" (1986) - Known for its action-packed sequences and dynamic soundtrack, "Top Gun" was a popular choice for showcasing the audio-visual quality of LaserDiscs.
7. "The Rock" (1996) - This action film was favored for its high-energy sequences and was a common demonstration disc for home theater setups.
8. "Alien" and "Aliens" (1979 & 1986) - Both films in the "Alien" series were popular among LaserDisc enthusiasts, appreciated for their atmospheric visuals and sound design.
9. "Beauty and the Beast" (1991) - Another Disney classic, "Beauty and the Beast" was a top seller, appealing to families and animation fans.
10. "Akira" (1988) - As a groundbreaking anime film with a cult following, "Akira" was a popular LaserDisc title, especially among fans of the genre.

It's important to note that this list is based on anecdotal evidence and general trends in LaserDisc collecting rather than precise sales data. The LaserDisc market was niche, catering primarily to movie enthusiasts and early adopters of home theater technology. As such, the titles that sold well on LaserDisc often reflected the tastes and interests of this specific demographic.

The Intriguing Journey of Bossk's Costume: From Doctor Who to Star Wars

One of the most captivating pieces of Star Wars trivia to recently emerge involves Bossk, the enigmatic bounty hunter briefly seen in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." While the character himself is shrouded in mystery, the story behind his costume is a fascinating tale that intertwines with British television history and even military apparel.

Bossk is a Trandoshan bounty hunter who makes a fleeting appearance in "The Empire Strikes Back" during the assembly of bounty hunters on Darth Vader's Star Destroyer. He is seen again, albeit briefly, on Jabba the Hutt's sail barge in "Return of the Jedi," which presumably suggests his demise during the barge's destruction.

The Doctor Who Connection: A Tale of Recycled Costumes

Legend has it that Bossk's costume was originally a spacesuit from a 1966 episode of the BBC's "Doctor Who," specifically the episode titled "The 10th Planet."

Given that much of the Star Wars original trilogy was filmed in England, it's plausible that the costume designers had access to a variety of costumes and props from past British productions. The spacesuit's design and aesthetic made it a suitable choice for the Star Wars universe.

The RAF Connection: A High-Altitude Windak Pressure Suit

Further investigation reveals that the suit is actually a 'High-Altitude Windak Pressure Suit,' used by English RAF pilots during the 1960s. This adds another layer of historical context to Bossk's attire, linking it not just to television history but also to real-world military apparel.

How old is Furiosa in the Mad Max Saga prequel?

The character of Imperator Furiosa, first introduced in the 2015 film "Mad Max: Fury Road," has become an iconic figure in the Mad Max saga. A prequel film focusing on Furiosa's backstory, aptly titled "Furiosa," is set to expand the Mad Max universe by exploring her early life. Understanding Furiosa's age in the prequel is essential to comprehending the timeline and her character's evolution within the Mad Max saga.

The Mad Max Timeline and Furiosa's Age

1. The Original Mad Max Series (1979-1985):

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   • The original series, starting with "Mad Max" (1979), followed by "The Road Warrior" (1981), and "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" (1985), centers around the character Max Rockatansky. These films are set in a post-apocalyptic Australia where society has collapsed.
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   • The timeline of these films is somewhat vague but generally follows the descent of the world into chaos and anarchy.

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3. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015):

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   • "Fury Road" is more of a reimagining than a direct sequel to the original trilogy. The film is set in a dystopian future where water and gasoline are scarce.
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   • Imperator Furiosa, portrayed by Charlize Theron, is introduced. Her age is not explicitly stated in the film, but Theron was around 40 years old during filming. This suggests that Furiosa could be in her late 30s to early 40s in "Fury Road."

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5. Furiosa Prequel:

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   • The "Furiosa" prequel is intended to explore the origins of Furiosa. Given that the prequel is set before "Fury Road," Furiosa would be significantly younger.
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   • If we consider Furiosa to be around 40 in "Fury Road" and the prequel explores her early life, it's plausible that the prequel would portray her in her late teens to early 20s. This age range would allow for a detailed exploration of her formative years and the events that shaped her into the warrior seen in "Fury Road."

How did Furiosa lose her arm and need a mechanical replacement in Mad Max?

The intriguing backstory of Charlize Theron's Imperator Furiosa, a standout character from "Mad Max: Fury Road," particularly regarding the loss of her arm and her subsequent reliance on a mechanical replacement, is a subject of much speculation among fans. 

While the original film, directed by George Miller, leaves this aspect of her story largely to the audience's imagination, there is anticipation for more concrete answers in the upcoming prequel focused on Furiosa.

The Furiosa prequel, also helmed by George Miller, promises to delve into the origins and earlier life of this compelling character. This film is expected to provide much-needed context and backstory, potentially including the circumstances that led to the loss of her arm. Given Miller's storytelling style, it's likely that the revelation will be both visually striking and emotionally resonant, fitting seamlessly into the gritty and intense world of "Mad Max."

The prequel offers a unique opportunity to explore the character's formative experiences, shedding light on how she became the formidable warrior seen in "Fury Road." The loss of her arm and her adaptation to a mechanical replacement could be a pivotal plot point, symbolizing her resilience and determination in the face of adversity. This aspect of her story is not just a physical attribute but a significant part of her identity, reflecting her survival and adaptability in a hostile world.

In summary, while "Mad Max: Fury Road" left much of Furiosa's history unexplained, including the loss of her arm, the upcoming prequel dedicated to her character is anticipated to fill in these gaps. This narrative decision aligns well with the storytelling approach of the Mad Max franchise, where character backstories are often revealed gradually, adding depth and richness to the cinematic universe.

Why is Max used as a 'blood bag' in Fury Road?

The use of Max as a "blood bag" in the film "Mad Max: Fury Road" is a plot point that touches upon themes of dehumanization, survival, and the dystopian world's economy of resources. 

"Mad Max: Fury Road" is set in a post-apocalyptic world where resources are scarce and society has collapsed into tribal warfare and despotism. In this world, water, fuel, and human commodities are of utmost value. 

The film's director, George Miller, crafts a universe where survival is paramount, and everything is utilized to its utmost - including human beings.

In this desolate landscape, the scarcity of resources extends to vital ones like blood. 

The film introduces the concept of "blood bags" - captives used for blood transfusions to replenish the health of sick or injured members of the War Boys, the army of the tyrant Immortan Joe. This practice underscores the extreme measures taken to survive in this harsh world.

Max Rockatansky, played by Tom Hardy, is captured by the War Boys and identified as a universal donor (O-negative blood type), making his blood valuable for transfusions. This designation as a universal donor is symbolic of Max's role in the "Mad Max" universe - he is a character who can integrate into various situations and serve various purposes, much like his blood can serve anyone in need.

Max's use as Nux's "blood bag" serves as a powerful symbol of dehumanization, particularly when Max is tattooed to show his potential worth as a commodity to be used and abused.

It reflects how people in this dystopian society are seen not as individuals with rights and freedoms but as commodities, and resources to be exploited. This dehumanization is a central theme in dystopian narratives, often used to critique contemporary societal trends.

The use of people as resources starkly contrasts with the treatment of characters like Immortan Joe and his close associates, who hoard resources and live comparatively lavish lifestyles. This disparity highlights the social stratification and inequality pervasive in this society.

Max's role as a blood bag leads to his involvement in the film's central plot - the escape and pursuit led by Imperator Furiosa. His initial unwillingness to participate evolves into a collaborative struggle for freedom and redemption, reflecting broader themes of resistance and humanity's enduring spirit.

If we had to be critical - Max probably should have died given how much blood was extracted from him...

What are the time line key events of the Mad Max Saga?

The "Mad Max" saga, created by George Miller, is an iconic series of post-apocalyptic action films set in a dystopian Australia, the first three of which starred a young Mel Gibson as Max. 

The timeline of the "Mad Max" universe is not explicitly dated in the films, and the chronology is somewhat ambiguous due to the mythic and allegorical nature of the stories. 

However, based on the events and context provided in the films, a speculative timeline can be constructed, focusing on the key events in the lives of Max Rockatansky and Imperator Furiosa.

"Mad Max" (1979)

The original Mad Max featuring Gibson going head to head with Toecutter opens with the caption, “A few years from now.” That, and a piece of graffiti on a road sign dated December 1984, puts the events of the first film squarely in the mid-80s, possibly 1985.

As the narrative unfolds, the global landscape, including Australia, is plunged into a state of turmoil. This crisis stems from escalating conflicts in the Persian Gulf, a key region for the world's oil supply. The hostilities in this area lead to a significant disruption in oil production, a vital resource that underpins much of the world's economic and social structure.

This decline in oil availability triggers a cascade of consequences. Economies worldwide, already delicately balanced, begin to falter, leading to widespread financial instability. The ripple effects of this economic downturn are profound and far-reaching. In an effort to stabilize the situation and maintain social order, several nations find themselves resorting to the declaration of martial law. This state of emergency reflects the severity of the crisis, as governments take extraordinary measures to manage the fallout of the disrupted oil supply and its impact on global stability.

Key Events for Max Rockatansky:

• After a series of violent encounters with a biker gang, Max's wife and child are murdered.
• Max, driven by revenge, hunts down and kills the gang members.
• This marks the transformation of Max from a law-abiding officer to a vengeful drifter.

 "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior" (1981)

Time Line: A few years after the first film, in a world now fully post-apocalyptic.

"The Road Warrior" unfolds in a timeline preceding an eventual global nuclear war. The dystopian wasteland depicted in the film is a product of gradual societal collapse and decay, rather than the direct consequence of a nuclear winter. This setting paints a stark picture of a world where the vestiges of civilization are eroding, yet it remains untouched by the cataclysmic effects of nuclear conflict.

In contrast, the prequel comics of "Mad Max: Fury Road" introduce a revision to this timeline. Here, the narrative posits that the nuclear war occurs between the events of the first and second films. This alteration in the series' chronology brings a different perspective to the degradation of society and the environment.

Despite these differing timelines, the outcome in both narratives is strikingly similar: a rapid and profound deterioration of societal structures within a few years following the conclusion of "Mad Max." The Australian wasteland, where the protagonist Max now resides, becomes an emblem of this decline. Max, traversing this desolate landscape in his Interceptor, is in a relentless search for gasoline, a scarce resource that symbolizes the desperate struggle for survival in this bleak world. 

This backdrop sets the stage for exploring themes of survival, resource scarcity, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst the ruins of a once-thriving civilization.

Key Events for Max:

• Max roams the wasteland with his dog, scavenging for resources.
• He becomes involved with a group of survivors defending an oil refinery against a marauding gang.
• Max helps the survivors escape, but he remains a lone wanderer.

"Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" (1985)

Time Line Setting:  Approximately 15 years years after the events of "The Road Warrior."

"Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome," set about 15 years after "The Road Warrior," encounters timeline complexities, especially in light of "Mad Max: Fury Road" and its prequel comics. The film, positioned in a post-nuclear war era, is marked by a 1999 reference point, conflicting with the later timeline suggested in "Fury Road" where the nuclear event occurs after 2015. 

"Beyond Thunderdome" showcases the evolution of society in this dystopian world, introducing Bartertown, a rudimentary civilization with emerging social structures, a significant leap from the simplistic groups in "The Road Warrior." This development aligns with the societal depiction in "Fury Road." 

The film's portrayal of an increasingly barren, nuclear-ravaged wasteland culminates in a narrative where children aspire to rebuild civilization in Sydney's remains, a venture "Fury Road" implies is ultimately unsuccessful...

Key Events for Max:

• Max ends up in Bartertown, a settlement built around a methane refinery.
• He is caught in the power struggle between Aunty Entity, the ruler of Bartertown, and Master Blaster, who control the refinery.
• Fights in the Thunder Dome and learns the true meaning of Two Men Enter, One Man Leaves...
• Max is exiled and discovers a tribe of children in an oasis, eventually helping them to find a new home.

Tina Turner as Aunty Entity

"Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015)

"Mad Max: Fury Road" presents a unique position within the series' timeline, marked by its setting and the mythical status of its protagonist, Max. The film seemingly exists in a nebulous timeframe, one that doesn't neatly align with the chronology established by its predecessors. This ambiguity is partly addressed by treating Max as a mythic figure, a narrative choice that allows for a more fluid interpretation of the timeline. 

Max's character, portrayed with varying degrees of continuity across the series, becomes a legendary, almost folkloric presence in this post-apocalyptic world. By embracing the idea of Max as a myth rather than a strictly linear character, "Fury Road" sidesteps the inconsistencies in the timeline. 

This approach suggests that the story of Max is not bound by conventional chronology but is a series of legendary tales set against the backdrop of a dystopian world. This setting, characterized by its desolation and the ongoing struggle for survival and resources, becomes a canvas for the larger-than-life exploits of Max, where the focus is less on the precise timeline and more on the enduring themes of resilience, tyranny, and rebellion in a world gone mad.

Key Events for Max and Furiosa

• Max is captured by the War Boys of Immortan Joe and used as a "blood bag."
• Imperator Furiosa, a war captain under Immortan Joe, betrays him to free his five wives that are only alive to be breeders.
• Max and Furiosa's paths cross, and they join forces.
• They overthrow Immortan Joe and take control of the Citadel, a stronghold with access to water and resources.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

The film delves into the backstory of Imperator Furiosa, a character first introduced in "Fury Road" and originally played by Charlize Theron. In this prequel, Anya Taylor-Joy takes on the role of a younger Furiosa, exploring her origins and journey before the events of "Fury Road."

The narrative of "Furiosa" is situated approximately 45 years after the collapse of civilization. This places the setting of "Furiosa" after "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome," but significantly before the events of "Fury Road." The timeline suggests that "Furiosa" likely occurs in the 2030s, considering "Fury Road" is estimated to be set around the 2050s. 

The film is expected to cover a span of several years, offering a detailed look at Furiosa's early life, her capture by a biker horde led by Warlord Dementus, and her eventual rise to become the formidable road warrior seen in "Fury Road."