KOOL TV REVIEW: 'STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS' - THE COMPLETE SEASON FOUR BLU-RAY BOX SET

Back from the dead, Darth Maul returns to cause havoc within the STAR WARS universe, in THE CLONE WARS Season Four, out now on Blu-ray and DVD. Images: LUCASFILM ANIMATION/WARNER BROTHERS.

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS – THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON

Created and Executive Produced by George Lucas

Available on Blu-ray (3 disc set) and DVD (5 disc set) from LUCASFILM ANIMATION/WARNER BROTHERS

Reviewed by Scott Weller

After a previous creatively uneven year, the fourth season of THE CLONE WARS, now available on stunning high definition Blu-ray and DVD from LUCASFILM ANIMATION/WARNER BROTHERS, is a more dramatic, more adult and more animation sophisticated confection than we’ve seen before. It may not be as much fun as its genesis years of 2008-2010, as the series shifts into high-gear darkness more akin to the Vader-is-born finale of the live-action Prequels, but it’s a 22 episode evolving and refined trip that’s well worth taking. The sturdy and zippy single episodes of the past are mostly abandoned this time around in order to tell bigger, longer running stories (that also make more out of the shows modest production budget) within five main arcs that really stretch out and diversify the established characters and diverse environs: the spectacular, action-packed epic water war set on the planet of Mon Cala, as Anakin, Padme Amidala and classic series veteran Admiral (“It’s a Trap!”) Ackbar, trying to stop the Separatist armies from gaining a foothold, or should that be flipper?, over the strategically important world’s new young King, the Umbara arc-some of the most dramatic and atmospheric war storytelling yet as the Clone Troopers of the 501^st, later Darth Vader’s prime execution squad, led by Captain Rex, take on a deranged Jedi General- the fierce multi-limbed General Pong Krell, the Zygerrian slavers arc, where Anakin must confront the dark nature of his troubled past in order to defeat the return of a once vast slavers empire, and the fun and diverse planet-hopping, Obi-Wan/Bounty Hunters arc, where our noble Jedi with a disdain for the uncivilised must infiltrate an elite and lethal cadre of hired talents, including the nefarious Cad Bane, to stop an assassination plot on Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Last but not least, probably the least successful of the arcs in my honest opinion, is the re-emergence of Darth Maul, which sees the legendary Sith Lord, a fan favourite last seen decapitated in the live-action EPISODE I, now very much alive, totally insane and spider-legged limbed, wanting revenge against both the Jedi and his once Sith Master who seemingly abandoned him: Darth Sidious (voiced by the late Ian Abercrombie, doing double duties with Palpatine). Of all the storylines this year Maul’s was the only one that seemed the most forced and commercialistic, with Filoni and his team successfully, if implausibly, bringing the horny little devil back on Uncle George’s orders, but with no proper, rational explanation given of how he survived being cut in half and how he ended up at the bottom of a junk yard on a far-off world. Overall, fans worldwide have embraced Maul’s return, and now that’s he established back in the show his personal arc will surely get better, but I personally think the series didn’t need him back at all- that it would have gotten along fine enough with just Maul’s lethal and equally powerful and threatening force brother-the Frankenstein’s Monster-esque Savage Opress.

Padme Amidala and Anakin Skywalker fight the Separatists in Shadow Warrior.

Blu-ray/ DVD trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtxuAre5qLI

Check out STAR WARS AFICIONADO’s Top Five Season Four episodes here: http://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/THE CLONE WARS SEASON FOUR?updated-max=2012-10-23T12:17:00%2B01:00&max-results=20&start=4&by-date=false

Spectacular underwater action ensues in the epic Water War saga which opens the season. 

Not totally extinct from the series, the single episode stories of Season Four are a mixed bag, with the return of the outlawed Mandalorian Death Watch (and their first female warrior, Bo Katan, voiced by sexy BATTLESTAR GALACTICA veteran Katee Sackhoff) in A Friend in Need, causing Genghis Khan and his hordes type havoc against Ahsoka and her fugitive boyfriend, Lux Bonteri, cyborg general General Grievous gets his ass kicked by the floppy eared Jar Jar Binks and the Gungans in early and controversial episode Shadow Warrior, Asajj Ventress, now an outcast bounty hunter with the death of her people in the creepy and enjoyable Massacre, gets some fun action in and out of  a speeding underground bullet train in Bounty(featuring an ill-conceived and truly hypocritical voice performance from Prequel hater Simon Pegg as classic villain Dengar), whilst lovable icon droids Artoo Detoo and See-Threepio partake in some bizarre but enjoyably harmless fantasy in two offbeat episodes clearly designed for the youngsters to delight in, between bouts of intense drama and death. On a sour note, though, still no individual stories for Mace Windu or Yoda. What’s going on???

A ruthless Jedi General makes life hell for the Clone Troopers in the four-part Umbara arc.

Four key episodes of the season (The Carnage of Krell, Escape from Kadavo, Massacre andBounty) come in director’s cuts (but watching them its difficult to see what exactly has been added/deleted to them-they come in at pretty much the same running times as the original episodes IMO), though the Maul episodes director’s cuts are noticeable by their absence-saved for the recent US only single disc release of the story as a feature-length entity.

A group of Bounty Hunters undergo the ultimate test inside The Box.

Best watched in the Blu-ray format, where the hard work of the animation team is really showcased, there’s the kind of classic and inventive fast paced storytelling and action you expect from STAR WARS with the high calibre of its behind the scenes team, led by Supervising Director Dave Filoni and George Lucas as Executive Producer, plus its aforementioned incredible locales (new stands outs like Umbara and Zygerria, as well as return visits to worlds like Naboo, Coruscant and Nal Hutta) beautifully realised with some of the most gorgeous state of the art animation yet seen on TV. Let’s also not forget the great voice acting from a fine series of regulars who have made the famous character roles their own in this specialised medium, particularly the core Jedi trio of Matt Lanter as Anakin Skywalker, James Arnold Taylor as Obi-Wan and Ashley Eckstein as Padawan Ahsoka Tano.

Lovable duo See-Threepio and Artoo Detoo are unwittingly caught up in the action once again in Nomad Droids.

As always the special features accompanying these season sets are still not as comprehensible as fans would like them to be, but there’s enough to enjoy and discover. The Blu-ray and DVDs contain five great behind the scenes video commentaries on the story arcs, from Filoni, a perfect host, enthusiastic STAR WARS fan and splendid choice of overall animation leader for the series, with a core group of behind the scenes veterans including Joel Aron, Killian Plunkett and Keith Kellogg. As well as showing their own personal friendships and humorous banter, the teaming’s provide a wealth of interesting information on how the shows and storylines/characters were developed, what things were planned for but dropped, key things/little Easter eggs to watch out for in the episodes and a verbal sneak peek from a teasing Filoni of things to come in later CLONE WARS episodes (like a desert planet environment involving Captain Wolf and his Clone Troopers).

Jar Jar Binks (right) goes undercover in Shadow Warrior.

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaaTo4EoBuY&feature=plcp

On the Zygerrian story, there’s the welcome presence on the viewing couch of writer Henry Gilroy, back on the series to adapt his popular THE CLONE WARS comic from DARK HORSE to animated reality, providing some intriguing anecdotes. For Maul’s return, the flavor is a little different, as the behind the scenes give way to Filoni with writer Katie Lucas, Maul vocal actor Sam Witwer and Obi-Wan actor James Arnold Taylor. Things feel a but less fun here, but some interesting material from Lucas and Witwer is revealed nonetheless about writing for Asajj Ventress and the playing of the new Maul. Fan favourite Taylor clearly enjoys his work on the show and the return of Obi-Wan’s greatest antagonist.

Jedi Padawan's Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee gets some space battle action in Darkness on Umbara.

Not on the DVD, the Blu-ray has further noteworthy material in it’s Jedi Holocron area, delving deep into the behind the scenes canvas of the series, with lots of deleted scene (mostly of the animatic kind (check out a sequence here: http://www.sfx.co.uk/2012/10/18/clone-wars-season-4-deleted-scene/), including a different ending to the episode Escape from Kadavo, plus a few completed animation pieces), animatic and final episode comparisons, 3-D character turnarounds, occasional snippets from the voice cast who talk about their involvement in selected episodes (notably Dee Bradley Baker, who voices the many Clone Troopers) and lots of great conceptual artwork.

Evenly matched? Obi-Wan and Asajj Ventress fight Darth Maul and Savage Opress in Revenge.

A minor complaint to the Blu-ray release is that the box sets seem to be getting cheaper looking and produced each year. The inside plastic disc holders will prove breakable over time, and should have been in more sturdy, attractive packaging. Apart from an inside sleeve wrap, there’s also no deserving booklet/guide to the series and no Bounty Hunter poster with the UK release. What happened there, LUCASFILM/WARNERS?

STAR WARS AFICIONADO RATING: A solid and spectacular animated hit once more worthy of the STAR WARS reputation. Season Four overall storytelling: 3.5 out of 5. Disc extras 3.5 out of 5

Get STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS – THE COMPLETE SEASON FOUR on Blu-ray here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0093PKBMA/ref=s9_simh_gw_p74_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0XSRCMP6NCT2080YVE8Z&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=317828027&pf_rd_i=468294

On DVD: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Clone-Season-DVD/dp/B0093PKJZ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1351348266&sr=8-2

THE COMPLETE SEASONS ONE TO FOUR available on Blu-ray here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Clone-Season-Blu-ray/dp/B005YYCLHW/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1351348277&sr=8-8

On DVD here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Clone-Season-1-4/dp/B005YYCLEK/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1351348298&sr=8-18

KOOL TV BABE OF THE WEEK: 'THE CLONE WARS' CATHERINE TABER

First Lady of animated STAR WARS: the lovely Catherine Taber. Image: Catherine Taber.

Making a fine addition to the growing pantheon of feisty and female icons born in the STAR WARS universe, first started off and defined by quirky and charming Carrie Fisher as dedicated, blaster firing Rebel Leader Princess Leia Organa in the original Classic Trilogy, followed by beautiful Natalie Portman as Queen turned senator turned child bearer to the Skywalker dynasty, Padme Amidala, in the later under-rated Prequel Trilogy, we now have the lovely American actress Catherine Taber continuing the worthy tradition in her popular voice role of Senator Amidala in the hit STAR WARS animated series set between the cataclysmic events of EPISODEs II and III: THE CLONE WARS, returning to the US CARTOON NETWORK channel for a new fifth season run of 22 epic looking episodes starting from tomorrow morning.

Taber adds sincerity and determination to the continuing role of Padme Amidala in THE CLONE WARS. Images: LUCASFILM ANIMATION.

At first it must have been a little daunting taking over the acting reins of a character so popular as Padme, and an actress on the rise as Portman has been in the last five years, but Miss Taber, a rising talent herself, who jumped to early recognition from industry critics in the coming of age drama THE GIRL'S ROOM, and a successful and noteworthy voice artist on numerous States-side animated series,  would quickly bring her own unique qualities and interpretation to the role, building, sometimes improving, on what was previously established by Portman in the live action realm, backed up with strong and memorable story lines from a core group of LUCASFILM productions writers that have often given the character lots of scope in and out of the political arena of which her character thrives on the Republic centre world of Coruscant. In her relationship to her work and trying to saving the galaxy from the continued civil war, and with her secret and forbidden marriage to Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker often beleaguered, Padme Amidala truly is both a fighter and a lover in equal measure and a strong role model for female fans of George Lucas's hit saga...

Amidala with comedy veterans See-Threepio and Jar Jar Binks in the episode Jedi Bombad.

And fighting alongside her husband, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker.

A dedicated STAR WARS fan since childhood, of which she has contributed to several other projects beyond THE CLONE WARS (including video games and the upcoming children's STAR WARS comedy series from Seth Green: DETOURS), as well as a warm and welcome figure at numerous official LUCASFILM organised conventions, Georgia born Miss Taber certainly has a bright future beyond a Galaxy Far, Far, Away...

The lovely Catherine Taber. Image: Catherine Taber.

Check out Miss Taber's FACEBOOK page and the good causes she supports: Catherine Taber Fan Page

Follow her on TWITTER: catherine taber (cattaber) on Twitter

Check out the STAR WARS AFICIONADO website's massive coverage of the new Season Five of THE CLONE WARS here: STAR WARS AFICIONADO MAGAZINE: THE CLONE WARS SEASON FIVE

Season Four of THE CLONE WARS is coming to Blu-ray and DVD from October from LUCASFILM/WARNER BROTHERS. Get it here:
Star Wars Clone Wars - Season 4 Blu-ray Region Free: Amazon.co.uk: Film & TV

KOOL TV REVIEW: 'REMEMBERING RALPH McQUARRIE: DREAMER AND VISIONARY'

The man who brought George Lucas's STAR WARS universe to visual reality. Ralph McQuarrie, remembered in the new DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS book: REMEMBERING RALPH McQUARRIE: DREAMER AND VISIONARY.

REMEMBERING RALPH McQUARRIE: DREAMER AND VISIONARY


Published by DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS


Reviewed by Scott Weller




The recent passing of STAR WARS legendary visual founder, that humble man of such incredible talent, Ralph McQuarrie, is still being keenly felt within the worldwide fan community of George Lucas's beloved space fantasy series, but his friends and devoted partners at the DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS company have produced a wonderful and beautifully nostalgic tribute to the kind- hearted, dedicated and stunningly inventive man- a true pioneer whose brushstrokes changed the face of the film and TV industry forever, and cast such a positive, enchanting- thoroughly spellbinding- visual potion on all us-and proving himself as a true Wizard of Oz in the process!- in creating such stuff that once only dreams were made of. A man whose rich abilities let the child inside all of us finally escape and soar to new heights of artistic wonder and enjoyment, within a time of beauty, fantasy and imagination now fully restored to us through a universe set "A Long Time Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away..."

One of McQuarrie's classic conceptual paintings for THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, as Luke and Darth Vader clash. The new book goes beyond the artist's recognised STAR WARS work and includes some true rarities that fans will adore.

REMEMBERING RALPH McQUARRIE: DREAMER AND VISIONARY is a lovely work. A 48 page treasure trove taking us into the wonderfully rich life and career of this much admired and loved man, in an overview with numerous and often very touching contributions from his family, friends and work colleagues (including such greats as Phil Tippett, Harrison Ellenshaw, and, in a personal highlight, a contribution from George Lucas himself), as well as the artists whose lives were indelibly changed forever by his talents (like Prequel Trilogy veteran Doug Chiang). It's all finely crafted against a backdrop of some of the rarest of McQuarrie's pieces, including lots of material never before published in DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS's prior and ambitious celebratory book projects, alongside some new discoveries, too. STAR WARS fans will be delighted with the selection of rare materials here, including conceptual work and storyboards on the films and material linked to spin-offs, alongside behind the scenes photos, that have been beautifully gathered and laid out. Lovers of all of the late artists work in general will be equally satisfied, including rare book cover art and film projects that sadly never got off the ground. (Like the stunning work he did for EMPIRE director Irvin Kershner's aborted, but very bold, re-make plans for the classic sci-fi movie FORBIDDEN PLANET in the early 90's.) There's also a look back to McQuarrie's pre-WARS work that would influence George Lucas into hiring him in 1975, like his lovely and equally important cells and paint work for CBS in their world-changing coverage of the 1969 Apollo 7 moon landing, and the Hal Barwood and Matthew Robbins unmade and fascinating STAR DANCING sci-fi project. Beyond the fantasy and reality of space, McQuarrie's love of aviation, technology and humanity in general also shine through in a charming and evocative way.

Making its debut at the upcoming STAR WARS: CELEBRATION VI convention in Florida this August 24th, REMEMBERING RALPH McQUARRIE is a true celebration and dedication to the much missed man and his talent, and a warm and emotional tribute. It's a beautifully assembled endeavour that no STAR WARS fan should be without.

KOOL TV RATING: 5 out of 5

For more on the book, and how to get it, head over to the DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS site: Dreams and Visions Press and their FACEBOOK page: Dreams and Visions Press

With thanks to John Scoleri at DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS

ARMED AND DANGEROUS! ' THE CLONE WARS' SEASON FOUR DEBUTS ON UK TV

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Asajj Ventress take on the Maul brothers in the memorable THE CLONE WARS Season Four episode Revenge. Images: LUCASFILM/CARTOON NETWORK.

Finally, finally, after nearly eight months of anxious news and waiting for its loyal UK fan base, the latest fourth season of George Lucas's animated STAR WARS hit series, THE CLONE WARS, makes its well-deserved debut on our shores, on the UK CARTOON NETWORK this week, weekdays from Monday April 2nd at 10am (and repeated at 6pm). With a season sub-title of Battle Lines, this years new and cinematic conflicts between the evil Sith and the heroic Jedi, Separatists and Republic, are more ambitious and exciting than ever, with notable story arcs this bold year being Water War-a mammoth underwater battle three-parter set within the watery home world climes of Classic STAR WARS favourite Admiral Ackbar-which sees our submersed Jedi heroes taking on a lethal shark-like baddie, the Umbara Quadrilogy, where the galaxy engaged Clone Troopers, led by the super-cool Captain Rex, find their loyalties and abilities tested to the very limit by a dangerous Jedi General, on an outer-rim planet literally swamped in darkness and unusual alien creatures, and the Kadavo Slaves arc, where our heroes Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, alongside fearless young Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano, have their work cut out for them in freeing a world of captured Zygerian aliens from the heady grip of an evil Queen and her ruthless, weapon wielding slave trader peoples.

It's Calamari versus Quarren in an epic Water War.

Explosive trouble for the Clone Troopers in the Umbara Quadrilogy.

Hapless Gungan hero Jar Jar Binks returns to help Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala in Shadow Warrior.  

A disguised Anakin takes on Count Dooku in Escape from Kadavo.

The nightmare man! The evil Sith Assassin, Darth Maul, returns for the season finale.

All this, plus the return of the fan favourite Sith Lord from the original EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE live-action movie, the devil-like Darth Maul (now voiced by Sam Witwer), mysteriously back from the dead and allying himself with his horned Zabrakian/Dathomir brother, the equally formidable Savage Opress, to avenge himself on old enemy Obi-Wan Kenobi. We also can't forget the return of bald Sith apprentice Asajj Ventress, multiple lightsaber wielding coughster General Grievous, lots of old and new bounty hunters assembled for a lethal action-packed mission to assassinate the Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, plus some fun fairytale-esque episodes featuring those lovable and endearing droids who will also be iconic and synonymous to STAR WARS: C-3PO and R2-D2.

Trailers: The Clone Wars - Season 4 - Extended Trailer! - YouTube
Star Wars The Clone Wars Season 4 Preview 2 (WonderCon) - YouTube
The Clone Wars: Season 4 Darth Maul trailer - YouTube

With its ever-raised dramatic stakes, strong characterisations and storytelling (using some of the finest writers, directors and voice talents in the US, headed by talented Supervising Director Dave Filoni), and utilising the best modern animation techniques, its a great shame that LUCASFILM and CARTOON NETWORK are seemingly not really bothered about promoting the show beyond is core audience of dedicated fans, children and families in the US. For a major UK premiere of such an innovative and exciting series, THE CLONE WARS, having already lost SKY MOVIES as its original main broadcaster (who showed seasons one to three but gave up the ghost, presumably due to expense, with season four), deserves much better treatment in this outside territory (the second most successful marketing and merchandising arena for the saga in the world), as well as a major shot in the arm publicity-wise to get UK and European audiences interested beyond those that are already lovingly converted to it. Quality series deserve quality treatment in my book!

Seasons One to Three of THE CONE WARS are now available in a special box set on Blu-ray and DVD. Get it here: Star Wars Clone Wars - Season 1-3 [DVD]: Amazon.co.uk: Film & TV

CELEBRATING THE ARTISTIC LEGACY OF RALPH McQUARRIE...

Space battle! A Cylon fighter attacks a Human Colonial Viper ship in one of artist Ralph McQuarrie's exciting conceptual works for the classic 1978 BATTLESTAR GALACTICA TV series. Image: UNIVERSAL.

The list of true artistic visionaries in the world of film and TV sadly got that little bit shorter this weekend with the sad news of the passing of acclaimed artist/illustrator Ralph McQuarrie at the age of 82.

Ralph McQuarrie (left) confers with STAR WARS creator Ralph McQuarrie. Image: LUCASFILM.

Ralph at his finest: working on the original and classic STAR WARS Trilogy. Image: LUCASFILM.

One of McQuarrie's most recognisable conceptual art pieces for STAR WARS, as the deathly Darth Vader tales on Deak Starkiller in a lightsaber duel. Image: LUCASFILM.

McQuarrie's beautiful early rendering of the droids Artoo Detoo and See-Threepio in the Tatooine desert wilds. Image: LUCASFILM.

The inspired creation of 900 year old Jedi Master Yoda, appearing in the STAR WARS sequel THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK,  is charmingly rendered by McQuarrie. Image: LUCASFILM.

Once a commercial artist for the BOEING corporation, then going on to win deserved acclaim and plaudits for his stunning panorama work for CBS TV during their live coverage of the ground-breaking NASA Apollo space mission to the moon, McQuarrie's future career as an artist/illustrator on numerous genre books and film posters quickly went stratospheric when he became a world known name for his beautiful and evocative universe creating work on film-maker George Lucas magnum space opus STAR WARS in 1975, providing the key conceptual artworks of environments, characters, action scenes and space battles from Lucas's imagination, vitally helping the writer/director visualise his ground-breaking ideas in order to sell the film to nervous 20th CENTURY FOX executives then wary of science fiction within a gloomy, financially unstable period of American motion picture making. Seeing McQuarrie's thirteen incredible paintings, the suits eventually said yes and film and pop culture history was made, as STAR WARS became one of the biggest sensations in film and space fantasy ever, of which the artist, recognised as one of the major factors for the film ultimate and long-term success, would soon contribute future ideas and concepts artistically for the saga's next two sequels: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK in 1980 and RETURN OF THE JEDI in 1983.

McQuarrie would bring in a new-look U.S.S. Enterprise for the eventually aborted 1976 movie project Planet of the Titans. Image: PARAMOUNT.

Another angle showing McQuarrie's intriguing re-design of the Enterprise.  Image: PARAMOUNT.

The mighty BATTLESTAR GALACTICA leads its rag-tag fugitive fleet in the search for Earth, in this evocative image from McQuarrie. Image: UNIVERSAL.

In between providing starry worlds, mighty machines, and weird but wonderful creatures for LUCASFILM with their revolutionary gigs, the in-demand McQuarrie would also be a visualist on numerous other popular sci-fi series in film and TV, including re-designing the classic U.S.S. Enterprise in Gene Roddenberry's original, to be made in the UK, plans for the 1976 feature-length movie resurrection of the classic STAR TREK franchise with Planet of the Titans (though, sadly, this storyline and project was eventually canned and a new totally different film came into being by 1979), helping to design Steven Spielberg's incredible extra-terrestrial Mothership in 1977's other sci-fi success: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, work on the early episodes of Glen A. Larson's popular and hugely enjoyable "STAR WARS rip-off" BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, and some other early inspirations with Larson and co-producer Leslie Stevens on the eventual late seventies BUCK ROGERS TV series starring Gil Gerard, notably providing concepts for what would become our heroes fantastic mode of space transport and intergalactic action, the sleek starfighter. More on Ralph's versatile work can be found here: Ralph McQuarrie - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A generous, funny, kind hearted man with a brilliant imagination and artistic flair, brimming with creative inspiration and buckets of natural talent, McQuarrie's immense body of work would be deservedly iconized, admired and held up as the standard by which all future science fiction film and TV worlds and artwork would be judged by his dedicated fans and industry friends around the globe. He will be much missed, but his work will resonate and be enjoyed by generations to come...

Celebrating the best in life and art: Ralph McQuarrie. June 13th, 1929 - March 3rd, 2012. R.I.P.

KOOL TV sends its condolences to Ralph's wife, Joan, his friends and fans worldwide, and his agents, friends and artistic preservers at DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS, in this time of mourning.

For more on Ralph McQuarrie and his incredible STAR WARS work, check out the STAR WARS AFICIONADO blog tribute here: STAR WARS AFICIONADO MAGAZINE: GOODBYE, RALPH McQUARRIE...

For more on Ralph's incredible life and career, head over to his official website: Home - News
See Ralph's terrific work on BATTLESTAR GALACTICA 1978 here: Ralph McQuarrie Concept Paintings | Battlestar Galactica


With thanks to Chris Baker for the screen grab image of Ralph.

YEAR OF HELL! 'THE CLONE WARS' SEASON FOUR CONCLUDES...

Back from the dead? The evil Darth Maul returns in STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. Images: LUCASFILM/CARTOON NETWORK.

The curtain of darkness begins to pull itself ever tighter around our freedom fighting Jedi and Clone Trooper heroes as the fourth series of the hit George Lucas produced, US CARTOON NETWORK showing THE CLONE WARS series approaches the home straight for its final collection of episodes. And a stunning batch they surely look, too. We've already had incredible strides in animation and storytelling this year with some superbly ambitious and thoroughly entertaining multi-part storylines, made in the best STAR WARS tradition by Animation Director Dave Filoni and his team, including the Kadavo Slaves arc, which saw Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano suffer badly against the whips of the Zyggerian Trade Slavers and their Queen in their bold mission to free captured slaves from Kiros, and the Battle for Umbara, which saw the Clint Eastwood-esque Captain Rex and his men going down a dark path as they take on a corrupted Jedi Master on a planet swathed in darkness. In this final eventful batch, getting ever closer to the final evil witnessed in the movie EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH, the stakes are raised to the Nth Degree, with STAR WARS meeting PRISON BREAK for four daring adventurous episodes, as Obi-Wan goes undercover, and becomes bald in the process!, to infiltrate a massive prisoner escape of bounty hunters orchestrated behind the scenes by the evil Sith Lord Count Dooku. There's also a new plot to kidnap galactic leader Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (voiced by the late British actor Ian Abercrombie, who sadly passed away this week) on his home plane of Naboo-the lush fairy-tale like world of palaces and hills seen in EPISODE ONE: THE PHANTOM MENACE (now back in cinemas for the next generation of families to experience, and in 3D!), plus the return of the Prequel Trilogy's most popular and thoroughly aggressive baddie from Dathomir, the horned devil-like Darth Maul, who seemingly escaped prior decapitated death at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi's lightsaber in PHANTOM (we can't wait to see how that happened!) and has returned to wreak his own personal brand of havoc on the Jedi, alongside his newly re-united brother, the equally fierce and battle bloodthirsty Savage Opress (once more voiced by Clancy Brown).

Check out the ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY video preview of Maul's return:'Star Wars: The Clone Wars': Darth Maul | Inside TV | EW.com

A bald Obi-Wan, undercover against the evil Cad Bane, in Friends & Enemies.

Pariah Sith assassin Asajj Ventress takes on the fearsome General Grievous.

In enemy sights: Obi-Wan is the target of an assassin in Deception.

Jedi hero Anakin Skywalker mourns the death of a mentor in Deception.

Along the way, watch out for returning old favourites like the crafty bounty hunter Cad Bane, evil droid General Grievous, the pariah Sith apprentice Asajj Ventress, who continues her quest for lightsaber-wielding justice against Count Dooku for betraying her, and her all-female family: the witchcraft/mystical energy using Nightsisters, led by the mysterious, future predicting Mother Talzin. Oh, and there's gonna be a big army of the undead, too!

More dark side villainy comes in the form of the menacing Savage Opress.

Frustratingly, SKY MOVIES in the UK has abandoned THE CLONE WARS this year, and from now on (presumably to save money whilst they buy up pretty much every other major current American series known to mankind!), though it's hoped that, prior to an eventual DVD and Blu-ray release by WARNER BROTHERS later in the year, it may at least appear on the British CARTOON NETWORK by Easter-time.

Seasons One to Three of THE CLONE WARS are available on Blu-ray and DVD from WARNER BROTHERS.

KOOL TV REVIEW: "OEUVRE - DREW STRUZAN"

Creating movie poster magic is his speciality: Drew Struzan. Image: TITAN BOOKS

OEUVRE - DREW STRUZAN

By Drew and Dylan Struzan

Published by TITAN BOOKS

Reviewed by Scott Weller

The power of the written word should never be underestimated, nor that of the intrinsic value of the artistic form, especially in the intriguing and diverse world of commercial entertainment. Within that realm one man reigns supreme in his artistic career as a top illustrator of movie posters and commercial art: Drew Struzan. 

It's rare that people can achieve personal, professional, artistic and commercial success all in one go within their continuing lifetime and experiences, but then Struzan is no ordinary talent, clearly enjoying the best of all worlds in the perfect job, and perfect life, he was meant to have, as shown in his latest compendium of iconic artwork- OEUVRE – DREW STRUZAN- written and compiled by both the artist and his wife Dylan, and which proves a fine and fitting testament to his incredible and well deserved achievements so far in the commercial illustration business, and whose beautiful and impressive work

past, present and future, before Photoshop sadly killed the fine art of movie conception and realisation, would create an important visual channel into the hearts and minds, young and old, of the general movie going public, especially in the all dominant American cinema-going market.

Struzan's iconic art for STAR WARS - EPISODE VI: REVENGE, later renamed RETURN, OF THE JEDI in 1982/83. Image: LUCASFILM.

Some readers may not necessarily know Struzan’s name but they will certainly recognise his incredible artistic skills as being amongst the forefront of some of the most evocative and beautiful movie poster art ever seen for some of the world and for some of Hollywood’s greatest films over the last forty years. From STAR WARS to INDIANA JONES, and other enduring cinematic masterpieces like BLADE RUNNER, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION and E.T.: THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL, as well as populist hits like the early HARRY POTTER movies, etc., to right up to the present day, including promotional art for ambitious hit television series like the atmospheric new classic THE WALKING DEAD, Struzan’s work spans all genres and is much beloved and trusted by actors and film-makers: beloved by fellow visualists including pioneers like Frank Darabont, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and iconic actors like Harrison Ford-of whom Struzan is the only artist the film star likes handling his movie poster art, especially when it concerns the adventures of the legendary Indiana Jones. Struzan is certainly one of the most collectible artists of his generation, too; Darabont regards Struzan as one of the top three greatest movie illustrators of all time, whose gorgeous and involving work has in some places proved better than the film’s they’ve promoted!

The superb rendering of Harrison Ford and the cast of INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM. Image: LUCASFILM/PARAMOUNT.

From undeserved impoverished conditions and regular isolation as a child, Drew Struzan found his love of illustration a natural way of garnering life skills and worked hard to make ends meet. Soon finding his independent feet within the music industry at the right time and place, his career rainbow quickly blossomed into his love and natural flair for movie poster illustration, coming to the fore in the mid to late seventies, of which an artistic legend and integrity fuelled personality was born...

Eddie Murphy's grin captures New York in COMING TO AMERICA. Image: PARAMOUNT.

With the previous THE ART OF DREW STRUZAN collection having been such a critical and commercial success, this new selection contains his most defined and beloved work yet, OEUVRE shows us a wonderful world of love, colour, and excitement, youthful spirited innocence, mystery and danger, as you explore the books vast thematic range and cross a wide variety of genres: from comedy, to drama, to action and adventure. There’s a beautiful style and epic quality to Struzan’s work that captures the films so well and resonates strongly with the eye.

The fun and inventive poster art for the BACK TO THE FUTURE Trilogy. Image: UNIVERSAL.

Beyond the incredible poster work-containing many items/projects I wasn’t previously aware of his association to- there’s also a look at other areas of Struzan’s prolific and sumptuous artistic career: his work in books, trading cards, special comic book covers, stamps and plates devoted to classic inspirational heroes of celluloid music and real life, from film stars to royalty, alongside an intriguing look at the artists life and career so far, his thought processes and how he handles and enjoys his craft as an artist, alongside his loyal wife Dylan.

One of Struzan's commercial illustrations, featuring the immense movie career of the TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX film corporation.

There's also a personal look at the artist beyond the movies: his imagery and interpretation of the beauty of a life in all its facets. From the joy of being with his wife and family, to friends and children, and to the mystery and fulfilment of the human body, and the incredible wildlife of planet Earth. All of this proudly and justifiably part of the overall rich tapestry of a true one/off talent at the very top of his game...

The fun poster art for John Carpenter's comedy/action epic BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA. Image: UNIVERSAL.

The creative joy of all these pieces coming together will be shared by the reader as they peruse its nostalgic and celebratory image selections, where Struzan’s spirit, imagination and Joie de Vivre will continue to resonate wherever good art is appreciated…

Gruesome zombies on the loose in Struzan's TV poster work for the recent THE WALKING DEAD. Image: AMC.

The book may be called Oeuvre but Struzan is not saying goodbye with this volume. Think of it as the most ambitious of his collected works so far. The visual language of his stunning work, alongside his integrity, depth of humanity and emotional resonance, will continue to make its mark and flourish long after we’re gone…

Beautifully published by the UK’s TITAN BOOKS, OEUVRE – DREW STRUZAN is truly a coffee table book/portfolio to savour, as well as one that friends and family will surely be fighting over to look at and admire during the holiday season.

Drew Struzan: a self portrait.

KOOL TV RATING: 4 out of 5

Check out a gallery of classic Struzan work here: STAR WARS AFICIONADO MAGAZINE: DREW STRUZAN

Get hold of your copy of OEUVRE - DREW STRUZAN here: Drew Struzan: Oeuvre: Amazon.co.uk: Drew Struzan, Dylan Struzan: Books