George Lucas Would Like To Sell You An Overpriced Basket Of Buffalo Wings
The mystery and allure that shrouds George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch is legendary among fans. It has even spawned a mediocre Cheetos-fart comedy, Fanboys, in which a team of crack supernerds attempts to sneak onto the property to steal a print of Phantom Menace (from the Weinstein Company. Good work guys, keep the dream of a vital cinema alive). With its multi-million dollar sound editing studio, and even an inn where directors and editors can stay while they finish their projects, Skywalker Ranch is, without a doubt, the most exciting post-production facility on the planet (not exciting).
So, just what exactly will you find there? MTV Blogs took a trip there this week, and have this thrilling report:
The actual original light sabers from almost all of the "Star Wars" films, including the newest episodes (Darth Vader, Anakin, Luke, Mace Windu, Count Dooku and yes, even Yoda), the original Darth Vader costume, the Darth Vader mask, Indiana Jones' original bullwhip and hat from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (one of only 10 that were made), the legendary glowing Sankara stones from "Temple of Doom," the headpiece to the Staff of Ra from "Raiders."The real life Chewbacca costume, two other giant full-size Wookiees (bigger than Chewbacca, as he was the runt of the litter), the actual full-scale model of the Death Star (wow!), just about every gun featured in the "Star Wars" films, the original Millennium Falcon and an alternative Millennium Falcon, which was never used in the film (a long, thin triangular ship -- completely different from what we know as the Falcon), Anakin Skywalker's robotic arm, the Han Solo frozen block, the Leia gold bikini (oh yes, the gold bikini), the original Stormtrooper outfits and their weapons from the very first movie, the many X-wings and TIE fighters, the various pilots' helmets from the movies, Mola Ram's death mask (extra-special, as it's my favorite Indy film and Mola Ram is one scary bad guy), Dr. Henry Jones' (Sean Connery's) Grail diary.
The original R2-D2 and C-3PO, huge scene paintings used before the days of CGI, the Cantina Band, Ewoks, Sand People, all of Padmé's regal dresses and costumes, even some costumes from the latest Indy flick (but I have been sworn to secrecy and don't want to spoil it for anyone), various cast models of "Star Wars" battleships, the floating ball that Jedis train with, Jango and Boba Fett's armor and weapons, the full-size (and very tall) Jar Jar Binks, the original Yoda (kept in great condition), the Holy Grail (yes, I found it) and -- one of the most impressive pieces -- the Ark of the Covenant itself (nowhere near as heavy as it looks in the film). Before you ask me what's inside, I've been sworn to secrecy that I won't tell. Some mysteries just have to remain at the ranch. One thing I will say is that the myth that the Ark contains George Lucas' original "Star Wars" manuscript is completely ... not true!
Visit George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch so you can cross that off the list of things to do before you die!
Nerds have bucket lists just like the rest of us!
This made me LaughOL you guys. Apparently, Skywalker Ranch is a Hard Rock Cafe. I wish all travel writing was just a crazy list of objects. Not that I blame him, because you know that there's a nerd out there somewhere who is just waiting to find some rare prop that was accidentally omitted and ruin MTV Blogs on all the BBS message boards.
Posted by Gabe at 10:35 AM in Behind The Scenes
Tags: George Lucas | Indiana Jones | Nerds | Skywalker Ranch | Star Wars
"Skywalker Ranch is, without a doubt, the most exciting post-production facility on the planet (not exciting)."
Post-production IS exciting. And it's fun. All that crazy equipment he must have would blow my mind. And make me so happy. I'm not a big George Lucas fan but I'd love to be able to use some of the state-of-the-art stuff he must have. Have I mentioned I'm a film student?
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