“The Empire Strikes Back” Original Trailer

A long time ago (May 21st, 1980), George Lucas’ space opera Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back was unleashed onto the cinema-going world and became the highest grossing film of that year. Seen by many fans as the most compelling episode in the Star Wars saga, Lucasfilm intend on celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back by holding a one-night-only digital screening of the film, followed by an on-stage Q&A with Harrison Ford.

Speaking of Harrison Ford, did you know that he narrated the original trailer to the film using his best 1930s-style radio voice? Seriously. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6bvuhPyq8Q

According to Star Wars.com article, the trailer contains a few scenes that didn’t make it into the final cut.

…the trailer contains a few noteworthy gems, such as the famously cut “Threepio ripping the sign off the door” shot. Originally, the invading Imperials were to enter the door, sans warning sign, to be subsequently attacked by a pack of angry wampas. The sequence was ultimately cut from the film, but not before this small hint of its existence was forever immortalized by the trailer.

Also noteworthy is the lack of any mention of Yoda (his appearance was still top secret) as well as the stylized Empire logo we’re all familiar with. Since the logo had not yet been finalized, an early, somewhat clumsy-looking title closes the trailer, promising Empire’s much-anticipated release “next summer.”

Incidentally, did you know that an original “one sheet” film poster such as this could cost as much as USD 495.00? Holy sith!

[via Pixelated Geek]