You are buying a pre-viewed, ORIGINAL VHS video, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, written and directed by George Lucas, writer/director of the "original" Star Wars Trilogy (now known as Episodes IV-VI, "A New Hope", "The Empire Strikes Back", and "The Return of the Jedi") is part one of a three-part prequel to the original Star Wars trilogy and is Lucas' first directororial effort since the first Star Wars series and his fourth overall.
Star Wars veterans Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker as C-3PO & R2-D2, respectively. They are the only actors to appear in all six Star Wars films. Composer/conducter John Williams returned to provide the musical score, as well. He would also be involved in all six films, as well. Ian McDiarmid also returns as Senator (later Emporer) Palpatine.
The genesis of the film began during the writing process of the original Star Wars films, when director George Lucas had realised the story he was telling would be too large for a single film, so he began writing sequels that could easily expand upon ideas from the first film, should it be successful. Although Lucas claimed to be burned out on Star Wars after "The Return of the Jedi", the rise in popularity of the Star Wars franchise, partly due to Dark Horse Comics series and the Star Wars novels had Lucas reconsider, especially since part of the backstory that would become The Phantom Menace had been previously written. With the rise of computer generated images being used to create settings and characters not previously thought possible along with the renewed popularity of the original trilogy was enough to convince Lucas to return to the franchise.
The prequel trilogy would focus on Darth Vader, or rather, Anakin Skywalker, who was revealed as Luke's father in "The Empire Strikes Back", and who died at the end of "Return of the Jedi", examining Anakin's descent to the Dark Side of the Force and how he became Darth Vader.
The film boasts an all-star cast of Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Samuel L. Jackson, comedian Greg Proops and Natalie Portman as Queen Padme Amidala and holds highest gross income of the series, as well as the 15th highest gross-income film of all time, and the highest-income film of 1999. It is also the seventh highest-income film of all time at the American box office.
The story of The Phantom Menace is that The Galactic Republic is in a period of decline, its bureaucracy, similar to the American government, prevents the Galactic Senate from truly representing the people. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) are tasked to escort and protect Queen Amidala (Portman) while travelling from the planet Naboo to the planet Coruscant in the hope of finding a peaceful end to a large-scale interplanetary trade dispute. When their starship must stop for repairs, it lands on the planet Tatooine, where the Jedis encounter Anakin Skywalker, a young slave boy who seems to be unusually strong with nascent powers of The Force, whom the Jedis take with them to be trained in the ways of the Force. They must also contend with the return of the Sith, as the Trade Federation has partnered with evil Sith Lord Darth Sidious (McDiarmid) to kill the Jedis and invade Naboo.
Returning to Naboo with the Jedi, the Queen convinces the people of Gungan to form an alliance against the Trade Federation. While Jar Jar Binks, who joined the group when he was saved from being trampled earlier, leads his people in a battle against the droid army sent by the Sith. However, the Jedis encounter Darth Maul (Ray Park, who also played Toad in the X-Men films) and engage him in a two-on-one lightsaber duel in which Maul mortally wounds Qui-Gon before being killed by Obi-Wan, who insists Obi-Wan train Anakin as a Jedi. Meanwhile, Senator Palpatine is elected as the new Supreme Chancellor, gaining more power as the traitors are sent to stand trial for their crimes while Obi-Wan is bestowed the rank of Jedi Knight, and the Jedi Council reluctantly allows Anakin to become Obi-Wan's apprentice.
Although the film was critcially and financially successful, there was some controversey over the introduction of midi-chlorians, which are microscopic organisms that allow communication with the Force, as some fans felt the concept of living organisms negates any spiritual quality the Force represents. Film historian Daniel Dinello noted that, "Anathema to Star Wars fanatics who thought they reduced the Force to a kind of viral infection, midi- chlorians provide a biological interface, the link between physical bodies and spiritual energy." and Religious expert John D. Caputo added, "In the 'Gospel according to Lucas' a world is conjured up in which the intractable oppositions that have tormented religious thinkers for centuries are reconciled. ... The gifts that the Jedi masters enjoy have a perfectly plausible scientific basis, even if its ways are mysterious: their bodily cells have a heavier than usual concentration of 'midi-chlorians.'"
To promote the film, Lucasfilm spent $20 million and made licensing deals with Hasbro, Lego, and PepsiCo, to name some of the most well-known companies. Tie-ins adaptations of the film included a LucasArts PlayStation and PC video game, a pinball machine by Williams, a Dark Horse Comics adaptation, a junior novelisation by Scholastic as well as an official novelisation of the film, written by noted sci-fi author Terry Brooks, who was guided in his work by Lucas himself. Lucasfilm also helped the Star Wars fan club to organise a special event, Star Wars Celebration, which was held in Denver, Colorado between April 30 and May 2, 1999.
Box and tape in excellent condition from private collection.
Check our other listings for more movies, or join our Yahoo group, SFPmusicmoviesnmore.
Check our other listings for more cool stuff, or ask us about our mailing lists for comics, movies and music, wrestling, clothes and Playboy!
Shadow Fire Promotions is the largest distributor of all-original pro wrestling media and memorabilia. Not satisfied to just bring you WWF/WCW/ECW, we also work to bring to you the finest in independent wrestling. Currently affiliated with wrestlers such as The Soul Shooters, Michael Modest and more, plus custom made wrestling masks, as well. If we don't have it, we can find it through our special search service.
Payment must be made within 10 days after sale close, unless other prior arrangements are made. Payment may be made via credit card over the phone (additional charges apply). Contact us for details; Money orders - ESTABLISHED CUSTOMERS ONLY!; Personal cheque - ESTABLISHED CUSTOMERS ONLY! (made out to Shadow Fire Promotions, Inc., please allow 10 business days for cheque to clear.)
We also accept online payments through AlertPay. (Contact us for information). (WE DO NOT ACCEPT PAYPAL DUE TO NUMEROUS LAWSUITS FILED AGAINST THE COMPANY FOR MISMANAGEMENT OF MEMBER FUNDS!). We are now accepting most major currencies. Ask about it. We prefer you not send cash, as we are NOT responsible for cash payments lost in the mail.
Shipping rate is $4 domestic. International buyers, please contact us for postal rates. Illinois residents, please add 10% sales tax. Other mailing methods available at additional costs.
Contact us for any questions you may have. Guaranteed 24 hour turnaround on e-mail requests.
Contact us for the addresses of our web ring and message board!
Subscribe to our online updates list! Ask us how!
- UPC 024543000921
