So I finally figured out how to get the 4K77 version of ANH (I’ve been using the GOUT version for ages), and I’ve never before noticed that this little spot between the cantina entrance and the Dewback has been added in post.
The strangest thing is that in the shot were they enter the cantina there’s no effect added (of course that wouldn’t have been possible in the 70’s anyway as the camera moves), and even thought he angle is a bit different it features be the same few steps and domed building in the background (though the antennae-thing is not present in the first shot). So why was this section added in later at all?
It’s explained in the Rinzler “making of” book
“They never got shot a good establishing point of view of the cantina” Ellenshaw explains “The only time they did, Alec Guinness and Mark Hamill were coming down the side, but of course it’s impossible to have their point of view with them in the shot (…) So an assistant editor came rushing over one day, with a piece of negative in his hand and said 'Here, George wants to know if you can paint out those people.”
They used footage from the scene where Obi-Wan and Luke are leaving the cantina (“you’ll have to sell your ship”). They way it was originally filmed, they left the cantina from the rear entrance and emerge walking down the steps next to the Dewback. In the final film they cut out the beginning of the scene to make it look like they left the cantina from the main entrance. Here’s a shot from the original where they are at the bottom of the steps.
Are you sure it’s not simply that the sun has moved in the time between when the two shots were filmed?
And I’ve never noticed the small Bantha(?) to the left of the Dewback before!
It’s hard to see unless you’re looking at it on a bigger screen or zoom in, but the steps and the building are clearly a painted element added in post.
And yes, that furry thing with skinny legs has weirded me out for a while now. I don’t even know if it has an EU name. I don’t think most people notice it as it kinda blends in with the scenery.
It’s a Jerba.
I always remember, as a kid, seeing that promo shot of Carrie sitting on it and always thought it was Parsley the Lion from the kids program “The Herbs” 😉
