ABC To Provide Sneak Peek At 'Galaxy's Edge' On Christmas Day

By: Benjamin Hart

Let's face it; not having a new Star Wars film in theaters this Christmas sucks. While the next holiday season will bring back the "Star Wars Christmas" tradition with the release of Star Wars: Episode IX, we've still got year-long wait until the saga returns to theaters. Thankfully we've got many, many things to look forward to in the meantime.

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Hallmark Reveals 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' Ornaments & More

By: Benjamin Hart

While we won't be getting a new Star Wars film this Christmas, you can still add a bit of Star Wars to your Holidays thanks to Hallmark. Just recently the company revealed a new slate of products themed for Solo: A Star Wars Story, which is out in theaters later this month.

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Rare 'Revenge Of The Jedi' Teaser Trailer Unearthed

By: Benjamin Hart

Yesterday we celebrated the 33rd anniversary of the release of Star Wars: Episode - Return Of The Jedi on May 25th, 1983. To coincide with the milestone, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled an incredible rare piece of Star Wars history in the form of a teaser trailer. The 30 second long trailer announces the then upcoming arrival of "Star Wars: Revenge Of The Jedi" in theaters at Christmas of 1983 with flashes of several still images from the film on the screen.

Now, obviously, Revenge Of The Jedi was an initial title that was rejected late in production due to the filmmakers coming to the conclusion that Jedi do not take revenge. But that wasn't before Revenge made it into much of the marketing material for the film, such as this trailer.



The trailer itself was attached to a double feature of A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back that was screened in U.K. theaters from May through December in 1982. The teaser was the result of negotiations between Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox about a possible Christmas 1983 release for Jedi. It was thought to be a way to get families out of the house during Winter and would provide a wealth of merchandising and promotional opportunities. Additionally, it was considered that props and costumes from the film were to be free by then to use in department store window displays in the U.K. The plan was ultimately scrapped in favor of releasing Return Of The Jedi in the Summer on June 2nd, 1983, one week after the U.S release.

This is all especially interested considering that its sequel, The Force Awakens, would go on to be released during the Holidays more than 30 years later. Fans in the U.K. almost had a Star Wars Christmas back in 1983.

Be sure to visit the Academy's website to read more and see other rare promotional artifacts.

Source: Oscars.org

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Review: Star Wars Ugly Christmas Sweaters

By: Dominic Jones

With Star Wars: The Force Awakens opening this month, you'd be forgiven for forgetting that Christmas is just seven days after opening day.  Once the movie has opened, you'll want to keep the Star Wars excitement going and combine it with holiday spirit.  A Star Wars themed ugly Christmas Sweater can do just that.  The tradition of ugly Christmas sweaters has been stood the test of time and has been seeing a resurgence thanks to Holiday nostalgia in recent years.  The good folks at UglyChristmasSweater.com have a wide selection of Star Wars sweaters and I've highlighted a couple of my favorites below,

Santa Hat Darth Vader Sweater

What's more festive than a Dark lord of the Sith?  Well, maybe not, but put a Santa hat on him and at the very least it's a great conversation starter!  The sweater is funny and iconic (you don't get more iconic than Darth Vader) so everyone will be in on the joke.  The more hard core fans will notice that the traditional snowflake pattern is replaced with TIE fighters and AT-ATs.  The sweater is unisex and made from 100% Acrylic fiber, so it is very comfortable.  It's also lightweight enough you won't find yourself sweating at parties (or in the theater for you 5th screening of The Force Awakens).  This sweater is simple and fun, perfect for Sith-mas!  The Santa Hat Darth Vader Sweater is available for $49.95 US.  You can order yours here.

Star Wars Boba Fett Ugly Green Sweater

With the iconic helmet of Boba Fett front and center, with the iconic Mythosaur skulls on the upper arm and Boba's Mandalorian insignia on the forearm this one's for all the Fandalorians out there!  It also depicts planets and battlestations in the form of 8-bit graphics.  Whether or not Boba survived the Sarlacc Pit is still to be determined, but with whispers of a Boba Fett film coming out in a few years this sweater could serve as excellent premiere attire.  The sweater is available in both men's and women's sizes and, like the Darth Vader sweater, it's made from 100% Acrylic fiber, so it's very comfortable.  Intricately designed, with lots of cool details for fans this sweater is ideal for Holiday parties and Star Wars events alike!  The Boba Fett Ugly Green Sweater is available for $59.99 US.  You can order yours here.

If Darth Vader and Boba Fett aren't your speed, UglyChristmasSweater.com have a wide selection of other Star Wars characters including Yoda, Chewbacca and R2-D2.  Let us know in the comments which one is your favorite!

You can view the whole selection here!

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Hallmark 'The Force Awakens' Keepsake Ornaments Revealed

By: Dominic Jones

With Star Wars: The Force Awakens hitting in less than two weeks, it can be easy to forget that Christmas is also just around the corner.  And nothing say Christmas like a Star Wars ornament.  StarWars.com revealed images of three new Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments (as well as a few we've seen) before.  The new reveals are BB-8, Han Solo, and Poe Dameron’s T-70 X-wing (all pictured below).  Captain Phasma and Kylo Ren (also pictured below) ornaments had been previously announced.  Check out the images below,

Unfortunately, these ornaments won't be available until 2016.  According to StarWars.com,

"Han Solo and the X-wing as well as others inspired by the Star Wars saga will go on sale at Hallmark’s Keepsake Ornament Premiere event in July, while BB-8 will become available at Keepsake Ornament Debut in October."

Will you be picking up any The Force Awakens Keepsake Ornaments?  Let us know in the comments.

Source: StarWars.com

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Hallmark Unveils 'The Force Awakens' Products

By: Benjamin Hart

It seems for as long as we can remember Hallmark has been making products based on the Star Wars saga, from greeting cards to their ever collectible keepsake ornaments. Now, with Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens just a few short months away, the company is getting in on the action with a new line of merchandise to tie into the upcoming film. Yesterday, on Force Friday, Hallmark revealed two keepsake ornaments; one for Kylo Ren, which will be available on October 3rd, and another for Captain Phasma, which is scheduled to be released on November 6th in conjunction with Hallmark's open house event. You can see both of them above.

In addition, a Kylo Ren and Rey Itty Bittys plush dolls will be released at the end of November, and a special edition version of one of the characters will be available some time in December:

Also, a collection Hallmark's metal Cubeez boxes will be available in mid-September. The four piece set will include BB-8, Rey, Captain Phasma and Kylo Ren:

And lastly, a coaster set featuring Chewbacca, BB-8, Kylo Ren and Captain Phasma will also be released in September:

Hallmark also teases that an assortment of other The Force Awakens products will be available, including additional ornaments, mugs and more. Your local Hallmark Gold Crown store will surely be the place to be this holiday season!

Source: Hallmark

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Lucasfilm Sends Holiday Greetings Via Animated Short

By: Benjamin Hart

After working all year to bring us new Star Wars, the good folks at Lucasfilm have set aside some time to send us all some Christmas cheer in the form of a 2D animated short. The minute long film features R2-D2 and Chopper from Star Wars Rebels using paper cut outs to create various Star Wars ships & characters, as well as Snowflakes.

Click here to watch it!

Happy holidays to everyone at Lucasfilm and special thanks for all their hard work, past, present and future! I think the only thing this short was missing was a cameo by BB-8 from The Force Awakens.

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Video: A Most Impressive Star Wars Themed Christmas Light Show

By: Benjamin Hart

The Holidays are upon us, and that means more opportunities for Christmas light enthusiasts to do more crazy/awesome things with their decorations. This year, one of the latest stand outs comes from Tom BetGeorge in Newark, California. His display was featured on a recent episode of ABC's Great Christmas Light Fight and features hand built props such as a giant Guitar, Piano and drum set lit up with 100,000 lights. BetGeorge's YouTube channel hosts several videos showing the lights blinking and changing colors in tune with different songs, but by far the most impressive show is one that features a fantastic medley of Star Wars music with tracks from all six films. From The Phantom Menace's Duel Of The Fates" to Return Of The Jedi's "Victory Celebration", it's a thrilling tribute to the Saga. You can check it out below:



You can also watch this video to get a look behind the scenes of the production:


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at the SWU!

Source: YouTube

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The SWU Podcast LIVE | Boxing Day 2013

On this episode Chris and Dominic are joined by Dave Gremillion, host of the Get Your Geek On Podcast for the annual Boxing Day (day after Christmas) special!  They share memories from Holidays past and present and wrap up the year in review for 2013.  What did they get for Christmas?  How do they feel about the writing change for Episode VII now?  What about Ian McDiarmid being in Episode VII?  And just what are those Darth Vader TV Specials?  Plus, Clone Wars Bonus Content updates, Disney Star Wars Weekends dates, the latest on #Cumberwatch, and Star Wars gets Mythbusted!  All this and much, much more!

Right click here and select save link as to Download MP3.  
Website:  www.starwarsunderworld.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/swunderworld
Twitter: @TheSWU
Email: swunderworld@gmail.com
Voicemail: 1-410-989-1138
Subscribe on iTunes!
RSS Feed: starwarsunderworld.libsyn.com/rss
Listen live Thursdays at 9pm EST on Channel 1138   

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Top Ten Best (Last Minute) Star Wars Gift Ideas

By: Benjamin Hart

Christmas is only a few days away, have you gotten all of your Christmas shopping done? No..? Well, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find my list of ten top ten best Star Wars gifts money can buy! Check it out and finish your shopping while there's still time...

#10: R2-D2 USB Car Charger

Who wouldn't want to have Artoo as their co-pilot? This awesome little Astromech fits in a cup holder and provides two USB ports for charging phones, Tablets and other devices. And even better, he beeps and boops when you plug your devices into him!

• Buy on Think Geek!

#9: Star Wars Pet Bed

Whether you've got a Cat, Dog or a Wampug, we all want our furry friends to have a comfortable place to relax. And what could be better than this Star Wars pet bed? Choose between an all black Darth Vader themed bed or much brighter colored Yoda themed bed(above).

• Buy on Petco.com!

• Buy on Amazon!

#8: Lego Star Wars Ewok Village

Admit it. No matter how young or old you are, we all love Legos! And who wouldn't love to have this amazing 1990 piece set, which allows you to create a portion of the Ewok village from Endor. It includes 16 minifigures including Han, Leia, Chewie, Luke and several Ewoks & Imperial Troopers. It's easy to recreate almost all of the iconic Endor scenes from Return Of The Jedi. Check out a detailed overview of the set on From Bricks To Bothans.

• Buy on Lego.com!

• Buy on Amazon!

#7: High Adventure: The Trails Of Obi-Wan

Give your loved one some of the best geek music to rock out to! Our awesome friends at High Adventure have just released a new album titled "The Trials Of Obi-Wan" featuring awesome Star Wars tunes along with music inspired by Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica and even Minecraft.

• Buy it on iTunes!

#6: Star Wars Black Series figures

You don't have to be a collector, or a kid, to appreciate the incredible detail and articulation of Hasbro's new "Black Series" line of action figures feature. From Greedo to Darth Plagiues, a wide selection of characters are available to choose from. Availability is sporadic so check your local retailers as well as online outlets.

• Buy on Hasbro Toy Shop!

• Buy on Big Bad Toy Store!

#5: Star Wars: Kenobi

Obi-Wan Kenobi's exile on Tatooine during the nineteen year period between Revenge Of The Sith and A New Hope is an intriguing, and relatively unexplored aspect of the Saga. Kenobi, written by John Jackson Miller, follows Obi-Wan as he struggles to adapt to Tatooine living, as well as interacting with the locals, both Moisture farmers and Tusken raiders alike. Given it's close ties to the Star Wars films, this story is great for both new readers and veteran Expanded Universe fans. You can find it your local book store, or online.

• Buy on Amazon!

• Buy on RandomHouse.com!

#4: The Making Of Return Of The Jedi

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi which means this is the perfect time to give this behind the scenes look at the film by author J.W Rinzler to that certain someone. Arguably the most interesting aspects of the Star Wars films is their production and Rinzler does an amazing job of delivering an in depth examination of Jedi. Find it at your local book store, or online.

• Buy on Amazon!

#3:  Apparel From Her Universe

Now, this one obviously is a ladies only idea, but it certainly deserves a spot on this list. Since actress Ashley Eckstein founded Her Universe only a few years ago, her and her crew having been creating an amazing assortment of clothing and jewelry just for geeky ladies. Perhaps your Wife or girlfriend is a Leia fan, or your daughter is an Ahsoka fan, Her Universe has you covered. And if you don't have a clue as to what to choose, get her a Her Universe E-gift card!

• Go to their site now!

• Get an E-Gift car here!

#2: The Clone Wars Seasons 1-5 Blu-ray/DVD Collector's Edition

While we await the final episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars to be revealed, now is the time grab all seasons thus far in one great set! This is the perfect gift for a Clone Wars fan, and a great way to introduce the series to someone who's never seen it before. Every episode along with bonus features from all previous season sets are packed onto 19 discs(14 for the DVD)  with a 54-page Art of The Clone Wars booklet. Find it anywhere DVDs and Blu-rays are sold, or:

• Buy on Amazon!

#1: Tickets To Star Wars Celebration Anahiem

C'mon now, this one's a no-brainer. Give that special Star Wars fan, or fans, in your life the experience of a lifetime. The biggest party in the Galaxy is coming to Anaheim, California April 16th - 19th, 2015 and now is the time to get tickets. Artists, entertainers, and most importantly, cast and crew from all three trilogies and more are expected to appear in force. This will no doubt be the biggest and best Celebration yet! Make sure you, or your friends and family, don't miss it!

• Get tickets here!

So, do you agree with my list? What would you add or take away, and where you place them? Let us know in the comments below, or on Facebook!

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Caption Contest Results | 12/20/13

By: Benjamin Hart

Here we are once again with another batch of captions! This week we keep the holiday theme going with this photo of Darth Vader in Santa's sleigh. This one generated a ton of captions on our Facebook page, check out the best ones below...

1st Place | By: Rob Fossey

2nd Place

Luke, I've felt your presents!

By: Mark Donaldson

"Now this is podracing."

By: James Dilley

I find your lack of Christmas spirit disturbing.

By: Michael Harris

Darth Sleighder.

By: Chris Panuzzo

3rd Place

"Join me, and we shall rule the elves together."

By: Gene McCarthy

I find your lack of Reindeer disturbing.

By: John Bounds

"I want every part of this sleigh checked! I sense something...a jolly old presence I have not felt since..."

By: Fifty Shades Of Lightsaber

I sense presents, presents I have not felt since...

By: Jordan Bishop

What is thy Christmas wish, my master?

By: Aaron Imgonnaeatyourface Dennis

Luke, join me and together we can celebrate 12 days of Sithmas.

By: Will Rickard

I find your lack of being on the naughty list disturbing.

By: Matt Sweitzer

Merry sithmas.

By: Chris Britcher

The hell with Empire, I'm going to be Santa Claus.

By: Alejandro Cesar Sanchez

I find your lack of cheer disturbing.

By: Rob J Lopez

Congrats to the winners and big thanks to everyone who participated! 'Like' our Facebook page and keep an eye out for future caption contests.

Original image credit: AttractionsMagazine.com

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Caption Contest Winners | 12/13/13

By: Benjamin Hart

The Christmas season is upon us and that means a holiday themed edition of the caption contest! This week our Facebook fans captioned this photo an AT-AT with Antlers and a red nose. The hilarious results are below!

1st Place | By: Benjamin Faucher & John Jordan

2nd Place

"....Then one snowy Hothmas Eve, Vader came to say..."

By: Andrea Kristina

"Happy Hoth-idays from us here at the Empire!"

By: Alec Walberg

Then one day on the Battle of Hoth's Eve... Vader came and said..... This AT-AT with it's nose so bright.... will Transport me to my Lightsaber fight.

By: Nicholas Louis Onorato

Sir, I understand that you're into the whole holiday spirit thing, but all the other AT-AT crews are laughing and calling us names.

By: Brett Marlar

Luke got run over by a Walker

Coming home from Hoth on Christmas Eve

Now you can say there's no such thing as the Empire 

But as for me and the Rebels we believe

By: Zac Sharkbait Arnold

3rd Place

You cant harpoon that 12 point AT-AT, they're endangered.

By:Toni Shelton

"Won't let me play in your Rebel games, will ya?"

By: Phillip Mark Williams

Inform the Commander that Lord Vader's reindeer have arrived.

By: Brandon McGowan

"Target the shield generator. Maximum nosepower!"

By: Mick O'Donoghue

Hey rebel scum, remember all those names you used to call me?

By: Jordan Green

Red Nosed Five... standing by.

By: Jeff Caffrey

Grandma got run over by an AT-AT, running back to Echo Base trying to flee...

By: John Stegmaier

Used to laugh and call him names......USED TO!

By: Adam Johnson

Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who participated! Be sure to 'Like' us on Facebook to get a heads up on future caption contests! Merry Christmas and may the Force be with you!

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The SWU Podcast 64 | Boxing Day Special

In this special episode of the SWU Podcast recorded on Boxing Day (some Canadian thing, ask Dominic), the gang sits down with long time SWU contributor Dave Bouressa, and talks about their Star Wars Christmases, the highlights of 2012, and what they are looking forward to in 2013. Plus listen for instructions on how to win some awesome Lego sets from us!

 

» Right click here and select save link as to Download MP3.

» Dave's Youtube Channel

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Caption Contest Winners | 12/20/12

By: Benjamin Hart

Yesterday we asked our Facebook fans to caption this picture and vote for their favorites! Here are the results:

1st Place | Submitted by: James Morrone

2nd Place

"Put Captain Solo's toys in the cargo hold" 
Submitted by: Dave Hughes


They're no good to me naughty.
Submitted by: Roberto Velez Jr.


If you're on the naughty list, all you get is a lump of carbonite.
Anthony Serena


The Sant'alor 
Submitted by: Vordis Korrupto Starkiller


3rd Place

Maybe trading slave ship for these reindeer wasn't my best move... 
Submitted by: Jaster Mereel


The Fett who stole Christmas.
Submitted by: Silas Lee


"....he's no good for my sled."
Submitted by:Michael P. McLain


Jingle fett
Submitted by: Flaire Bear Decoda


He's no good to me red.
Submitted by: Kyle Womble


Santa Fett
If your on his list your dead
Submitted by: Alex Yazie Duskfall


Making a list, checking it twice, gonna decide if your head's worth the price. Boba Fett is coming to town. He'll take you if you're sleeping, He'll take you if you're awake, He'll take you if you're in carbonite, So pay your debts for goodness sake.
Submitted by: Brett Marlar

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My Star Wars Christmas Tree

By Chris Seekell

Here is a look at my Star Wars Christmas tree ornaments that I have acquired over the years!

Happy Holidays everyone!

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The SWU Podcast Episode 16 | 12/26/2011

In this episode of the SWU Podcast, starwarsunderworld.com writer Dominic joins Chris and Jordan in a discussion about Star Wars Christmas memories. They look back on 2011, read your comments, announce the results of the fan poll, and give you this week's news headlines.



» Right click here and select save link as to Download MP3.

» Secrets of the Force

» EmpireFails on Youtube

» Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.

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