The People Vs George Lucas US Release Dates – VOD and DVD

It’s been a long journey, but we’re very happy to announce that The People Vs George Lucas is coming out in the US for Video On Demand (VOD) and DVD.

Available NOW on XBOX Live/Zune

Yeap – you may watch TPVGL on your XBOX or rent it from Zune using this link here.

If you have already watched it on Live, go ahead and leave your comments on that page. Feedback is always appreciated.

Available on 9/27 on Video On Demand

Almost a month prior to the DVD release, you’ll be able to watch uncle George via On Demand in your favorite network.

This gives you a chance of watching the film, loving it, and then buying the DVD.

US DVD Release On 10/25/2011

the-people-vs-george-lucas-dvd

Bam! It’s less than a month away!

Some DVD-only goodies:

  • SW Poetry Slams selections
  • Music Video for “George Lucas Raped Our Childhood” from the Hot Waffles
  • An exclusive Featurette – “The People vs. Star Wars 3D” – shot with San Diego Comic Con attendees earlier this year.

MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is set for $27.98

Pre-Orders Available NOW!

Pre-order The People Vs George Lucas for $18.93

What Star Wars Teaches Us

Star Wars is a space opera, and on a scale of literary genius, it kind of falls short. I’m not knocking it; it’s just not exactly Gone With the Wind. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not without merit. Star Wars has several examples the studious observer can learn from. Well, maybe some of them are a bit obvious, but still, they’re lessons worth learning.

Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover

Star Wars is full of people who are not what they seem. Old Ben Kenobi turns out to not just be related to Obi Wan Kenobi, but is in fact the famous Jedi Master. Though he does kind of die like an old man. Han Solo, who DEFINITELY shot first, is really a space pirate and doesn’t hesitate to shoot his way out of a jam. But he ends up being a major hero of the rebellion. Even Darth Vader redeems himself at the end. People aren’t always what they seem at first glance.

Might Does Not Make Right

The Empire had all the cool toys: AT-ATs, landspeeders, a small moon that wasn’t really a moon and could destroy entire planets, Darth Vader (yeah, when you’re more machine than man, you’re a toy), and those chicken walker things too. And what happens? The rebels (who did have the admittedly cool TIE X-Wing fighters but not much else) took them down. Oh, and they were helped by primitive teddy bears. Sometimes determination can overcome a lot of obstacles.

Beware of Strangers

People who bring you gifts without warning are often duplicitous. Jabba thought he was getting a Wookie from a bounty hunter, and oops, the bounty hunter turned out to be Leia in disguise. Luke was kissing Leia, and it turned out to be his sister. Be careful of new people in your life. Sometimes they aren’t what they seem. Especially women, judging by Star Wars. Maybe George has a nerdy fear of girls.

Sometimes, All You Need is Faith

Faith in the Force is a big help to Luke. It’s how he destroyed the Death Star. It saved his ass in the Wampa cave. And it helped him defeat the Empire. Plus, his faith in his father saved him too. While I’m not advocating a religious faith, sometimes you just need to trust that things will work out in the end.

Those are just a few of the things I’ve learned from Star Wars. There are other lessons too, like how easy it is to control weak minded people, but that’s a little beyond the scope of this article. Tell us the life lessons you’ve learned from Star Wars in the comments, or post it to our Facebook page. Maybe you learned something we totally missed.

**UPDATE: Thanks to all of our friends for pointing out the Rebels DO NOT have TIE Fighters, they in fact have X-Wings.

The Future is in the Past

Back when the Sony Playstation 2 reigned as king of the consoles, Microsoft threw their hat into the ring with the Xbox. It wasn’t overly popular, but I bought one at launch, because their flagship title, a little game called Halo, looked like it might be pretty good.

It was.

But Halo wasn’t the only gem in the Xbox lineup. Computer game maker BioWare decided to come to the Xbox party with a game that was completely unlike anything I’d ever played on a console: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. And it was only on Xbox and PC.

Ha! Eat it Sony!

KOTOR is one of the best action RPGs ever. Period. I don’t care how much you hate Star Wars or Xbox, if you like RPGs, you like KOTOR. It’s better than whipped cream and chocolate sauce poured over a bowl full of rainbows. I’m known for not beating games, but I’ve beaten KOTOR at least three times.

Then you can imagine my elation when I heard about Star Wars: The Old Republic. It’s an MMORPG being developed by Bioware and is a sequel to KOTOR and KOTOR II (which really wasn’t as good as the original. Good try though, Obsidian.) I’m not a MMORPG fan, but I’ll get this one. The chance to be in an extremely expanded version of the KOTOR universe as a character that I completely made on my own? Yes, please!

The game features multiple races, classes, and sub-classes. How awesome is that? I already plan to be a Sith Inquisitor named Darth Tor’Que-mada. It seems appropriate. There will be numerous planets to visit that we all know and love from the movies. And for me, the best part is it takes place like 3,000 years before TPM. Meaning, ZERO references to the shitty prequels.

BioWare is known for making high quality games, especially RPGs. Their Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises are both excellent and very popular. I have no doubts the TOR will be yet another sparkly diamond for them, if not the crown jewel itself. The game is slated for the second part of this year, and it seems to be on track.

My only issue is, in the trailers, they show Revan as a male.

Stupid BioWare, Revan is a girl!

Or at least she was in my game. Speaking of which, I think I’m going to go dust off my old Xbox and relive some fond memories.

If you’re a KOTOR fan, tell us what your favorite part of the game was in the comments or on Facebook!

 

If George Lucas Ruled the World

What would our planet be like if George Lucas was in charge? Would he be benevolent as ruler, or would he perhaps fall victim to the absolute corruption of absolute power?

I have no idea, but I bet the world would be a much more interesting place. So here’s what I imagine would change if we had Emperor Lucas.


1) That’s No Moon…

Come on, this one was too easy! How could you NOT want to build an orbital weapons platform?

2) NASA Gets a Blank Check

We’d be on Mars in the next year, not the next decade

3) There’d Be One Religion

Hope your blood is full of Midichlorians. Whatever the hell they are.

4) History of the World, Part 2

George would rewrite history books to meet HIS version of the past, and figure that all old history books would have disintegrated within the next century.

5) Cloning Humans Made Legal

How else would he build his army?

6) Robotics: The Next BIG Thing

Hey, I want my own R2 unit!

7) Eventually, We’d All Be Bald

That’s right, a THX joke. And just like the movie, not a very good one. But just think how the hat industry would flourish!

8) Plastic Politicians

If you get a job with the new Galactic Government, they’ll make an action figure of you. No matter how minor your role is.

9) C-SPAN Becomes CGI-SPAN

Every senator is replaced by a CGI alien. As long as there are no Gungans, that might not be too bad.

10) The World WILL End in 2012

According to Seth Rogen, George actually believes that the world will end in 2012. So come what may, he’ll make sure it happens. See #1.

So there you have it; the top 10 things that George would do if he ever became emperor of the world. I have to admit, it’s not a terrible future. Tons of money would get dropped into research and science, we’d all be using lightsaber letter openers, and Harley-Davidson could make a REALLY cool speeder bike. I can certainly think of worse futures.

What do YOU think would change? Tell us in the comments, or hit us up on Facebook and let us know!

Unique Q&A Sessions With TPVGL Team In Denver on 6/18

If you’re yet to decide whether you should come watch The People Vs George Lucas in Denver, we’ve just gotten some exciting news that you wont want to miss.

On 2 special screenings this upcoming Saturday, both Director Alexandre Philippe and Producer Robert Muratore will host a Q & A session right after the film. The Q&A happens right after the 7:15 and 9:45pm screenings.

TPVGL Goes Mile High

The People Vs George Lucas will premiere in Denver at the Denver FilmCenter this Friday, June 17th, and is scheduled to run until 6/23. The FilmCenter will have 4 daily TPVGL sessions: 2:00, 4:30, 7:15, 9:45 daily from Friday, June 17th through Thursday June 23rd (no 7:15 show on 7/23)

Dont Miss It:

  • TPVGL in Denver at the Denver FilmCenter
  • Starting on 6/17
  • 4 daily sessions: 2:00, 4:30, 7:15 and 9:45pm
  • Q&A with Director Alexandre Philippe and Producer Robert Muratore on 6/18 after the 7:15 and 9:45pm sessions

Tickets available at The Denver FilmCenter website

Top 5 Most Awesome Pieces of Star Wars Merchandise

George Lucas has all of the merchandising rights for star Wars, and he pimps that license out like a dedicated street hustler, with little regard for anything other than profit. You can get almost anything with Star Wars on it. They even make Lightsaber Chopsticks. Perfect for when your sushi isn’t small enough, but makes the actual task of eating difficult. However, for every idea like chopsticks, someone comes up with something really inspired.

5)Darth Vader Toaster

It’s a toaster that chars the likeness of Darth Vader on your toast. This is just brilliant. Think of all the wonderful jokes you can make at breakfast! “I find your lack of butter disturbing.” Or “We would be honored if you would join us. For breakfast.”

4) Darth Tater

This is amazing. Hey, let’s take a beloved children’s potato toy and make him resemble a genocidal super villain! Yes, Darth Vader is one of the coolest bad guys out there, but he’s also really, really evil. This is kind of like making a Mr. Potato Hitler if you think about it.

3) Jar Jar Carbonite Shirt

Finally, a way to shut that thing up! Somehow I doubt Leia and Luke would have gone to such extreme measures to rescue Jar Jar. I wouldn’t rescue him at all.

2) Taun-Taun Sleeping Bag

Originally an April fools joke by ThinkGeek, fan clamor quickly brought this farce to life. It’s amazing no one thought of it before. But every time I got in it, I’d have to comment on the smell.

1) LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector’s Millennium Falcon

This is the pinnacle of the Lego Star Wars Universe. Three feet long, and several thousand pieces, it’s not for the faint of heart. And as the most expensive Lego Star Wars set, at $1,899.99, it’s not for the light of wallet either. I still want one though.

So those are my favorite Star Wars collectibles. I’m sure most of you have your own.

Feel free to share them in the comments, or look us up on Facebook and Twitter and let us know there!

Top 3 Reasons to Elect George Lucas For President In 2012

Next year is the 2012 Presidential race, and candidates are already getting ready for what’s sure to be another action packed, political slugfest. And while there’s little doubt we’ll end up with a Republican or a Democrat for President, I suggest we nominate George Lucas on the Rebel Alliance ticket. No, really. George Lucas would be a great candidate! And instead of a donkey or an elephant, his party animal could be a Tauntaun!

GeorgeWhiteHouse

1) Slip of the Tongue? No Problem!

A common problem with nominees seems to be their mouths. They can’t stop running them, and eventually, something stupid falls out. Both VP candidates fell victim to this last time around, and lets face it, no one wants to vote for an idiot.

But with George Lucas, that’s no longer a problem! After he does his interviews and debates, he can go back and digitally alter the originals to make himself sound like JFK and his opponent sound like a Fascist. And if anyone objects? Too bad! The originals will be sealed in a vault on the Fox lot!

2) He Could Sweep the Minorities

Every election, there’s always debate on whether so-and-so will get the African-American vote or the Latin-American vote. These groups comprise significant voting power, and even if it does seem kinda dumb (coughracistcough) to think all people of one ethnicity will vote the same way, well, that’s the media for you.

But with George as our Presidential Candidate, we’ll get a much larger percentage of the population than just ethnic minorities. We can wrap up the entire geek, nerd, and over-aged virgin communities without a problem!

3) HE CAN’T LOSE

But most importantly, no matter what, we can’t lose. Why?

“These Are Not The Candidates You Are Searching For”

And a whole country of weak minded voters says “Move along.”
Check us out on Facebook and tell us why YOU think George would be a great candidate for the 2012 Presidential race!

Cell Block 1138 No More!

“Prisoner transfer from cell block 1138.” For many of us, that was the first reference to THX 1138 we’d heard. Now, everyone knows it’s a reference to George Lucas’ first full length film, but did you watch it? If so, I hope it was before 2004 when George decided to play with his computer and redo a number of scenes with CGI.

Long Ago, Before Star Wars

Many of George Lucas’ fans have seen THX 1138, and maybe a few of you even like it. It’s a tale of a dystopian future where everyone lives underground, has a name made up of letters and numbers, android cops rule the streets, and people are forced to consume mind altering drugs. And oh yeah, sex is forbidden. Until LUH 3417 makes THX 1138 stop drinking the community Kool-Aid and they try to find somewhere a little less big brother like to live.

The movie was a flop, to say the least, but after the success of Star Wars, George Lucas released it again. And it flopped again. Even Star Wars can’t perform miracles. But it lives on as a cult classic, and has a pretty loyal following, if a relatively small one. Compared to say, Star Wars.

But proving yet again that some things just can’t be left alone, George Lucas went back in and edited it for a DVD Director’s Cut in 2004. And as expected from the Ranch, it’s the only official version available.

Could Be Worse…

However, that being said, most of the edits were more or less minor. Most. It wouldn’t be George Lucas if he didn’t use his super-computer to redo entire scenes or add some new ones. To be fair, some of the changes aren’t bad. The scene where everything is going to hell in a hand basket looks a lot better than it did. And of course, some of the changes will just make your brain hurt trying to figure out his motivation until you get distracted by something easier to understand like “What is the answer to life, the universe and everything?” (Hint: It’s 42.)

What The…?

And really, it wouldn’t even be as bad a tragedy as his edits of the OT (shudder) if not for the fact he also rearranged a few things and it ALTERS THE STORY!
It’s not an overly drastic alteration. No more drastic than if, say, Chewbacca, Luke and Han all went to preschool together. Yeah, it’s like that. And even if that is a bad analogy (feel free to provide a better one in the comments), it still doesn’t change the fact that some things are sacrosanct. Like the plot.

If not for the plot changes, these edits don’t actually detract from the movie, like in the OT, and in some rare instances, actually add something to it. So maybe George is learning after all. He just isn’t a very quick student.

Decide For Yourself

THX1138 Director's Cut VS Original

If you’re a fan of THX 1138, tell us what you think of George’s decision to not leave well enough alone. Also tell us WHY you like it. We’re curious.

And don’t forget to hit us up on Facebook and Twitter for all the stuff that doesn’t make it to the blog!

Top 5 Reasons Why Being A Stormtrooper Blows (Literally)

Are you fresh out of school and looking for an illustrious career path? Want to see unknown galaxies, meet new species and blow their planet up? Think serving in the Imperial militia is just the ticket to fame, fortune and hot green chicks with tentacles instead of hair? Do you want to be a Stormtrooper!?

Paper Troopers

Maybe you should think again…

Being a Stormtrooper may sound like a great idea, but in reality, there is no worse career path available. Why, you ask? Let’s take a look!

1) Your Training Will Be Subpar

Clearly, no one’s teaching these guys how to hold a weapon or aim, because unless you were one of the handful of crack shots that helped Lord Vader take Princess Leia’s ship, you will never hurt anything but walls. You might get a few glancing shots off a droid here and there, but every time you pull your blaster out, you better be ready for disappointment. Nothing is going to fall before you except over-sized teddy bears. Which brings us to point number two…

2) Your Army? Not So Powerful

Yeah, you’ll get awesome, cool weapons like blasters and AT-ATs, but in the end, it’s all useless without proper training. Your whole army is gonna get their asses handed to them by Ewoks. Ewoks, the cute, cuddly looking rejects from the Teddy Ruxspin factory. Almost as embarrassing as Oompa-Loompas bringing down the British Empire.

3) The Armor

Clearly, the Stormtrooper armor is useless. Primitive, flint-tipped spears go through it like a hot knife through warm butter. It’s not like the Empire doesn’t have any money. They built two Death Stars! But none of that money is being spent on the little guy doing the grunt work. Where do they get this stuff, Ord Mantell?

4) Your Death

Your death will suck. You will fall victim to giant tentacle desert monsters where the aforementioned third-rate armor won’t protect you much from being digested over the next two-thousand years.. Yay. You will also be mowed down en masse by guys in robes with really sharp flashlights. So much for a noble death.
Oh, and did I mention the teddy bears?

5) Your Boss

That’s right, your boss. He’s a seven foot tall asthmatic cyborg who lives in a black Easter egg. He makes you call him “Lord” and he’s a control freak in need of anger management. Do they not have Prozac on the Death Star?

He’s also one of only three to five people (depending on the movie) who believes in some mystic religion that lets him choke people without touching them. Great. If you’re ever late to work, your cult leader can drag you out of bed with his mind. Actually, he’s such a temperamental perfectionist, he’ll probably just choke you out for being late.

Oh, and his armor is WAAAAY cooler than yours. Because it works!

There are five reasons being a Stormtrooper blows. If you thought being a Stromtrooper sounded like the better career move, try something less dangerous. Like being Dick Cheney’s hunting guide.

Can you think of any other reasons? Or maybe why being a Stormtrooper ISN’T such a bad idea?

Tell us in the comments, or even better, shout it out on our Facebook page!

About The Oh-So-Awaited Star Wars Blu-Ray Edition….

As you all are probably aware, George Lucas plans to release all three of the good Star Wars movies and the prequels on Blu-ray in September. Taking a page from LotR, the Star Wars Saga collection also contains three discs full of over 30 hours of bonus materials and never before seen footage. This sounds great, right? Well, not so much.

Blu-Ray? Stop motion is cooler!

While it will undoubtedly look fantastic on Blu-ray, good ol’ Uncle George yet again leaves his most devoted long term fans in the cold. Is it going to have a remastered un-edited version of the original trilogy? Hell no.

No, we are yet again forced to buy George’s “visionary masterpiece” that pretty much does nothing except aggravate people who know how the movie is supposed to be. WTF? I already have this version! I bought it when they released the unedited version with it in 2008. A version which is possibly of worse quality than my VHS tapes.

On Amazon, there is a little war being waged in the reviews section, and it’s pretty clearly divided between 1 star and 5. The people giving it 5 stars can’t see what the problem is. So this next part is mainly for them.

The Problem

Here’s the issue. The people who want the unedited version remastered are the vanguard. We are the ones who came first. We are the ones who bought all of George’s toys, and models, and lunchboxes and now spend small fortunes for limited edition Millenium Falcon “Extraordinaire” promos from Toys “R”Us. If not for the original fans, Star Wars would not be here right now. We took Star Wars to heart and made it a part of us.

Then George Lucas came and changed what we loved so much. And it’s now not the same movie. No, you might not care if Han shot first or not, but that little detail speaks volumes about Han’s character. If he didn’t shoot first, then it was self-defense. But if he did, then it makes you realize that Han isn’t exactly a nice guy. He’s an outlaw. It shades his personality.

And that’s why it matters to us. If Leonardo Da Vinci came back to life and said “Hey, the Mona Lisa’s smile wasn’t supposed to be so demure” and then he gave her a big grin, that wouldn’t be okay with most people. And that’s what George Lucas did. He gave the Mona Lisa a big dopey smile.

George Lucas is ignoring the very people who made Star Wars famous and kept the spark alive between RotJ and TPM. We are his most faithful and loyal devotees, and how does he reward our belief and trust in him?

By refusing to give us the movie we actually love.

A Simple Solution

Here’s an idea, George. Instead of 30 hours of garbage I’ve probably already seen, how about giving us the uncut trilogy. You had to have it remastered before you started messing with it. It’s sitting in a closet somewhere and you won’t let us have it? It’s 6 measly hours. You could fit them all on one Blu-ray disc!

I know it won’t happen. But I can hope. Maybe, just maybe, when he does the 3D versions, he’ll release the originals with them. I doubt it. But as long as we still remember the glory of the originals, they’ll never truly die.