YouTube/Vimeo/etc. finds for Original Trilogy making-ofs, documentaries, promos, etc. — Page 5

This quality 15 minute youtube video by SG10 Film Archive (OT•com member Benjamin K.), in November 2024, explains some of the early history of laserdisc-based preservations for the Original Trilogy… on some dodgy old site…

How Fans Saved Star Wars - Laserdisc Bootlegs (Part I) - by the SG10 Film Archive youtube channel.

The blurb:-

‘Over the years, the original Star Wars films have been subject to many changes and additions.
According to Lucas, the original cuts have been lost to time.
Well, sorry George. We the fans cannot let that happen.
This is the story of how the fans saved Star Wars.’

Very much looking forward to Part 2 (and perhaps more in the series?)…
 

Many of the Laserdisc-based preservations featured can be found in the ‘VHS / Videotape, CED, & Laserdisc’ category of…

An Index Of Projects & Help Thread for Star Wars Preservations

SG10 Film Archive’s ‘A Brief Review of all major Star Wars releases and Fan Preservations’ video from 2020 is also well worth a watch.
 

A short-form documentary series - from a certain point of view - chronicling Star Wars Home Video releases by year of release…

‘Star Wars Home Video: Year by Year’ - by the Nathan P Butler youtube channel:-

www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjlPnivr6wGhiNIvHV8iwL5GUr87u_5L2 (a youtube playlist; one video per year)
 

The blurb: ‘In this (somewhat) shortform video series, Nathan P. Butler (author of “A Saga on Home Video” and host of “From the Star Wars Home Video Library”) takes a brief look at Star Wars home video, primarily focused on U.S. releases, in a “year by year” format of one year per episode, released in chronological order.’
 

^ The series does include releases from Canada, UK & mainland Europe, Japan and far east Asia, as well as Australia too.

Many of us are familiar with Nathan Butler’s comprehensive ‘From the Star Wars Home Video Library’ youtube series which details the many various and obscure releases (across many formats) for the Original Trilogy and other Star Wars material over the years. As well as his informative and encyclopedic ‘A Saga on Home Video’ books (both 1st and 2nd edition) on the subject…

Nathan is now undertaking a most informative short-form youtube series of Star Wars home video releases ‘by the year’ - from the 1970’s through to today - which will likely form one of the more definitive series chronicling the many oft-forgot formats and variant releases for the Original Trilogy and the GFFA. Definitely something for both older fans of the OT - and newer / younger members, as well.

digitalfreaknyc said:

This is insane:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxzl5k79Z1c
The Lee Phillip Show - “Star Wars Cast Interview” (6/17/1977)

Loved watching that - those old interviews are always well worth watching; from a time before PR and media training polish!

Original Trilogy Talk - www.youtube.com/@OriginalTrilogyTalk

‘Original Trilogy Talk Intro’ - www.youtube.com/watch?v=83l-FbXPEHM (a 45 second video)

The blurb: ‘Welcome to Original Trilogy Talk! On this channel, we examine concepts, characters, themes, and ideas in the original Star Wars trilogy in order to enrich our understanding and hopefully find value we can apply to our every day lives. Enjoy and join the discussion! May the Force be with you!’

Some good insights and engaging interpretations in these ‘Original Trilogy Talk’ videos (only 6 videos so far - with an additional 4 ‘shorts’). Certainly a welcome and refreshing change from the type of clickbait / toxic / politicised / TFM youtube channel that the algorithm loves to endlessly promote.

An ‘old skool’ Original Trilogy video channel… from a more civilised time. 👍
 

digitalfreaknyc said:

Good Morning America just posted an interview with Carrie and Harrison that I’ve never seen before.
https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/video/carrie-fisher-doubted-star-wars-work-1977-120921688

Does the picture corrupt for anyone else at the very end of this video? Seems to also be corrupted on the YouTube stream.

Blast it Biggs Where Are You?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe2iHAqczGo - a 17 minute video from the The Filmumentaries Podcast youtube channel.
 

The blurb: ‘Explore the untold story of Garrick Hagon, the actor behind Luke Skywalker’s deleted friend, Biggs Darklighter, in this revealing short documentary. Using archival interview audio, the film delves into Hagon’s original audition for George Lucas, his on-set experiences filming in Tunisia with Mark Hamill, and the camaraderie among the cast. Discover why the crucial Anchorhead scene, which established Luke’s motivation and Biggs’ influence, was cut from the final film and the lasting impact of its absence. This documentary provides a unique look into a lost piece of Star Wars history and an actor’s perspective on a role that was almost lost entirely.

The Filmumentaries Podcast - Exploring the Unsung Heroes of Cinema. Go beyond the credits and uncover the untold stories of the filmmakers, artists, and craftspeople who bring your favorite movies to life.

Hosted by filmmaker, author, and film historian Jamie Benning, The Filmumentaries Podcast offers in-depth conversations with the behind-the-scenes legends of Hollywood and beyond. Each episode features exclusive interviews with art directors, production designers, VFX artists and supervisors, editors, sound designers, animators, and other key creatives who shaped iconic films like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Blade Runner, Ghostbusters, and more.

Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile, an aspiring filmmaker, or simply curious about the hidden artistry of moviemaking, this podcast is your all-access pass to film history.

What You’ll Discover:
Rare insights into filmmaking from the people who were there
Deep dives into classic and modern movie-making techniques
Stories of innovation from Industrial Light & Magic, Lucasfilm, and beyond
Exclusive discussions on practical effects, CGI, set design, and film scoring
A celebration of cinema’s hidden heroes New episodes twice a month.

Subscribe now and follow Jamie Benning on social media: @filmumentaries on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook, and @jamieswb on X.

Visit Filmumentaries.com for more exclusive content and behind-the-scenes insights!’

More here: The Filmumentaries Podcast - by Jamie Benning (aka Jambe Davdar)
 

Slimy Piece of Worm-Ridden Filth - Life Inside Jabba the Hutt

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK4coAJDkyg - a 20 minute video from the The Filmumentaries Podcast youtube channel.
 

The blurb: 'Slimy Piece of Worm-Ridden Filth – Life Inside Jabba the Hutt

Step inside the galaxy’s most infamous gangster. In this exclusive behind-the-scenes story, puppeteer Toby Philpottl reveals what it was really like to bring Star Wars’ Jabba the Hutt to life in Return of the Jedi. From operating his massive arms and grotesque tongue, to syncing his dialogue and slime, discover the unbelievable teamwork it took to control one of cinema’s largest, most complex puppets.

Hear how Jabba was designed by Phil Tippett, built by Stuart Freeborn’s team, and performed by multiple hidden puppeteers including David Barclay and Mike Edmonds. Learn the secrets behind Jabba’s slimy drool, the infamous Leia scene, and even how a live frog became part of his revolting diet.

If you’ve ever wondered:

How many people were inside Jabba the Hutt?

What tricks made him look so alive on screen?

Why George Lucas was skeptical of the puppet?
This video has the answers.

This is Star Wars history told from inside Jabba’s belly.’
 

Do or Do Not. There Is No Try - The Dave Barclay Story

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iebf3ppIGKc - a 30 minute video from the The Filmumentaries Podcast youtube channel.
 

The blurb: 'Do or Do Not. There Is No Try | The Dave Barclay Story

In this in-depth short documentary (from 2016), master puppeteer Dave Barclay recounts his incredible journey from a childhood surrounded by puppetry to co-performing one of cinema’s most beloved characters: Yoda. At just 19 years old, Barclay stepped in alongside Frank Oz to bring the Jedi Master to life in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, ultimately becoming Yoda’s lead puppeteer for key sequences — including moments filmed after Oz had left the set.

Barclay shares how a chance meeting with Mark Hamill led to his introduction to legendary make-up artist Stuart Freeborn, and how his very first task on Empire was sculpting Yoda’s top lip so the puppet could speak convincingly. From there, he takes us inside the complex craftsmanship behind Yoda’s construction — from foam latex skin and cable-controlled facial expressions to the delicate choreography of four puppeteers working in perfect sync.

You’ll hear first-hand stories of:

The challenge of performing a fully animatronic puppet in long, physically demanding shoots.

Behind-the-scenes camaraderie with Mark Hamill, Frank Oz, Kathy Mullen, and Wendy Midener.

The secret on-set appearance of Jim Henson with Kermit and Miss Piggy.

Taking over as chief puppeteer for Jabba the Hutt in Return of the Jedi.

Collaborating on The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Little Shop of Horrors, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and more.

From Dagobah’s swamp to Jabba’s throne room, Barclay’s career is a testament to craftsmanship, collaboration, and creative problem-solving at the highest level. Whether you’re a Star Wars fan, a puppetry enthusiast, or simply fascinated by movie magic, this is a rare insight into the artistry that brought Yoda — and countless other creatures — to life.’
 

129 – The Star Wars Influence: Live at the BFI’s Film on Film Festival

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLfpC8e1OD4 - a 55 minute podcast from the The Filmumentaries Podcast youtube channel.
 

The blurb: 'Episode 129 – The Star Wars Influence: Live at the BFI’s Film on Film Festival In this special live episode, I join Doug Weir—Remastering Lead at the BFI—and post-production veteran Paul Collard on stage for a panel titled The Star Wars Influence, recorded at the BFI’s Film on Film Festival. Curated and hosted by Doug, the panel explores how George Lucas’s frustrations with the Hollywood studio system led to a wave of technological innovation that forever changed the filmmaking landscape. From the creation of ILM to the invention of motion control, EditDroid, SoundDroid, and digital cinema tools, we look at how Lucas empowered a generation of problem-solvers and helped pioneer the digital workflow we now take for granted. This conversation took place just before a rare screening of Star Wars from a 35mm Technicolor dye-transfer print—an experience I’ll be covering in more detail in a bonus episode coming soon. Topics include:

• Lucas’s break from the traditional studio system
• The founding of ILM and the Dykstraflex motion control rig
• VistaVision, optical printers, and visual effects R&D
• The origins of EditDroid and non-linear editing
• The value of Technicolor dye-transfer prints
• Lucasfilm’s wider influence on Pixar, Avid, and beyondThanks again to Doug and Paul—and to the BFI for hosting such a thoughtful and inspiring event.

Joe Alves Doco GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/0c6924bf)
All my links (https://linktr.ee/filmumentaries)

This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: jamiebenning