A “Return of the Jedi at 40” section in now up on the official website: www.starwars.com/jedi-40th
There is nothing new on there yet, apart from a quiz.
So far it is just old interviews with Denis Muren, or George & Leonard Maltin, clips from the film, old deleted scenes from the blu ray, ROTJ themed recipes, and old ROTJ articles.
There still isn’t much in the way of new content. Even the 3 “new interviews”
Ben Burtt and Randy Thom: https://www.starwars.com/news/jedi-at-40-ben-burtt-randy-thom
Dennis Muren & Phil Tippett: https://www.starwars.com/news/jedi-at-40-dennis-muren-phil-tippett
Thomas G. Smith: https://www.starwars.com/news/jedi-at-40-thomas-g-smith
appeared to be the same familiar stories and quotes
There doesn’t appear to be much effort put into them making anything new and worthwhile for ROTJ’s 40th anniversary. Also, a 3 minute “Celebrating 40 Years of Return of the Jedi - Star Wars Show” video which basically tells us to go on social media to find more about a “40th Reunion” party? Meh. 😦
I learnt to stop anticipating much effort or quality from Lucasfilm many years ago, it save me from being too disappointed. With a few obvious exceptions with the likes of Andor, Visions, early Mandalorian, and Bad Batch.
Watched Despecialzied 2.5 on the actual anniversary, and had a blast.
I did find these more interesting photos and articles too. The photos:
from https://twitter.com/ILMVFX/status/1661811470055911425
“Last weekend we celebrated George Lucas’ picture #ReturnoftheJedi at the 40th reunion. Photographed by ILM modelmaker Don Bies, these photos represent the crew, cast, friends, and families of ILM and Sprocket Systems on both Return of the Jedi and the Special Edition.”
Last time I checked it was a Richard Marquand movie. The photos are cool, ILM’s claim it was “George Lucas’ picture” is not.
and the three articles:
OPTICAL DOGS, DAILIES AND THE ORIGINS OF ‘CBB’: 40 YEARS OF ‘JEDI’ - at Before and Afters
A Bunch Of Muppets: The Monsters Of RETURN OF THE JEDI - at Fangoria
‘Return of the Jedi’ at 40: How ‘Star Wars’ legend Phil Tippett crafted special effects magic - at Space