Star Tours Last Tour to Endor Fireworks Celebration

The Last Tour to Endor went out with a bang!




For official Star Wars costumes, visit AnniesCostumes.com Star Wars Costume Department!

More from Star Wars V Celebration in Orlando

The Star Wars Celebration in Orlando looks like a really fun time! I am already making plans now to be there next year, I am sure since this year's convention marked the "Last Tour to Endor", next year's celebration will hopefully mark the first flights of the new and improved Star Wars attraction at Disney Hollywood Studios!





For the best in authentic and official Star Wars Costumes, visit AnniesCostumes.com!

Star Wars Celebration V and The Last Tour to Endor

This past weekend marked the 5th Annual Star Wars convention known as Star Wars Celebration V and it also marked "The Last Tour to Endor" as Disney Hollywood Studios is shutting down the attraction for a much needed renovation and upgrade!

HollywoodNews.com reports about the current Tour to Endor attraction:

It’s an adequate diversion, and it’s air-conditioned. But it’s also inexcusably outdated. My six-year-old son doesn’t care, of course. He sees C3PO, R2D2 and a few lightsabers, so his day is made. But a close friend who’d also recently vacationed at Disney couldn’t stop ripping on “Star Tours,” and Lucas, for ignoring the ride for so many years. There are no references to Lucas’s three prequel films, all of which came out after “Star Tours” opened. The videos shown to patrons as they wait haven’t changed in decades. In general, the ride isn’t a fair representation of the “Star Wars” world.

At least, it wasn’t. Until now.

“Star Tours” in Orlando is shutting down for renovations, but not before “Star Wars” fans send it off with a stellar party. “Last Tour to Endor” will be held on Saturday, Aug. 14, at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.

Starwars.com announced last month in their special invitation to be "First Among the Last".

With a heaping helping of Disney magic, the Star Wars galaxy will descend upon Walt Disney World Resort from 8pm - 1am on Aug. 14, 2010 for an exclusive party to let fans of the sci-fi saga provide a special send-off to Star Tours before the popular attraction "powers down" in preparation for a new, 3-D Star Wars adventure that will open in 2011 at Disneyland park in California and Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida.

But before the blaster doors on the attraction close temporarily, Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park will host "Last Tour to Endor," an after-hours, private event that will feature live entertainment, Disney characters in their favorite Star Wars attire, a special Star Wars-themed fireworks spectacular, the "Death Star Disco," Jedi Training Academy, Star Wars trivia challenges and more.

And yes, Darth Vader may even moonwalk.

Stay tuned to http://www.starwarscelebration.com/ for more news on next year's Star Wars Celebration Convention 2011. You can follow them on Twitter to keep up to date: http://twitter.com/sw_celebration

For the best in authentic and official Star Wars Costumes, visit AnniesCostumes.com!

Star Wars the Musical Coming Soon to UK and US

I know that most Star Wars fans will heave a disappointed sigh at the title of this post. However, many reviews and descriptions of this musical make it sound like it will be a hit!

I09.com reports:

Sure, you may think that Star Wars: A Musical Journey sounds like a cheesy cash-in on the classic films of your youth, but the organizers are promising something epic... as well as no R2-D2 cameo.

The show - due to premiere in London this April before heading to the States - features the scores from the six movies, rearranged by John Williams himself and performed by an orchestra in front of a backdrop of re-edited footage from the movies, creating a 90 minute visual narrative accompanying the music. But that's not all that you'll see, click here for their full story.

And good reviews from Broadway.com:

There’s a new musical on the horizon: Star Wars. Adapted from the epic blockbuster movies, Star Wars: A Musical Journey will open London’s O2 arena in April and then head to the United States, according to Rolling Stone. This is not your mother’s musical, as one organizer told the rock ‘n’ roll magazine, you won’t see “"R2-D2 rolling across the stage.”

The show, which debuts on April 10 in London, is a multimedia event featuring a 90-minute re-edit of the six films’ classic scenes on a 100-foot LED screen as well as new arrangements of John Williams’ iconic score by the maestro himself. The 86-piece Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir will perform live at the event.

"This'll be the biggest, baddest sounding orchestra that anybody's ever heard," said Spencer Churchill, tour producer for Another Planet, the Berkeley-based company producing the show. Churchill added that vintage costumes from the films will be displayed at the venue. So will the musical event resemble a Star Wars convention? Don’t worry. "You do have to walk that fine line," Churchill explained. "Certainly you want it to be entertaining without it being kitschy, and I think we are doing that completely. It's not a bunch of shtick."

Dates in Europe and America are still to be announced.

I just had to post this update. Since the idea of a Star Wars musical conjures this, for most of us:

Special Clone Wars Announcement Today on Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network made the special announcement today that Star Wars The Clone Wars Animated Weekly Series will begin on October 3, 2008. The weekly series will tell the continuing story from The Clone Wars movie how in theaters of the battle between the Jedi and the Sith.

With Star Wars The Clone Wars both in theaters and on the television screen, Star Wars costumes will be in high demand this Halloween!

The Dark Knight Dominates the Top 10 Halloween Costumes List

Our Top 10 Halloween Costumes List is now available at ExtremeHalloween.com. On that list, the Dark Knight costumes are the most popular choice for boys and men this Halloween.

The Batman costumes aren't the only Dark Knight costumes flying off the shelves. Because of Heath Ledger's amazing portrayal of the Joker, Joker costumes are also high in demand.

Annie's Costumes also has Batgirl costumes for girls who want to dress up like the Dark Knight.

If you're not into the Dark Knight, there are plenty of other Halloween costume ideas to choose from. Star Wars costumes and Hannah Montana are still popular favorites for this Halloween.

All 6 Star Wars Movies on Spike TV

The Epic Star Wars Saga begins tomorrow on Spike TV. Airing in chronological order with The Phantom Menace - Episode 1 first on April 4th at 8pm. Episode 2 - Attack of the Clones will air Saturday night and The World Broadcast premiere of Revenge of the Sith - Episode 3 will air Sunday night. Then, next week, the original Star Wars Trilogy: Episode IV - A New Hope Friday, April 11th, The Empire Strikes Back Saturday April 12th and Return of the Jedi airing Sunday, April 14th.

It's appointment television, for sure! (Can you tell I'm a huge Star Wars fan!) And Spike promises to throw in plenty of extras so that Star Wars fans can learn even more about the force! Spike will also be airing a Star Wars movies every Sunday in May.

Don't forget that May 25th is Universal Day of the Jedi, so make sure to get your Jedi cloaks and light sabers ready to celebrate the anniversary of the release of the original Star Wars movie.

If you are in need of any Jedi costumes or supplies, www.AnniesCostumes.com has got you covered with Star Wars costumes in all sizes for adults, children, even babies and pets! Plus Star Wars costume accessories, light sabers, masks, helmets, and more! All Star Wars merchandise we carry is officially licensed and approved by LucasFilms.

Universal Day of the Jedi

The holiday for Star Wars fans is Universal Day of the Jedi: May 25th!

The official website for Universal Day of the Jedi: http://www.dayofthejedi.com

After over 30 years of being part of and witnessing the rise and fall of Sith Lords and Jedi Knights, it is time for Star Wars fans to rise to the occasion; and celebrate May 25 as the Universal Day of the Jedi - a celebration of Star Wars by fans for fans.

The first Universal Day of the Jedi was celebrated on May 25, 2007, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of when George Lucas released Star Wars in 1977. The choice of this date made sense for fans across the world to celebrate the saga Lucas had delivered.

The Star Wars galaxy is an ongoing and ever-changing place. With Lucas always making constant changes to subsequent DVD releases of the movies, there is also the Expanded Universe: a world of Star Wars that literally expands upon what Lucas has created - a whole line of books and comics that stretch the continuity even further than before; to which there appears to be no end point for their upcoming publications.

Not to mention the fact that in the very near future, we are also going to see the launch of two new Star Wars television series. The first, The Clone Wars, begins in 2008; and starts with a movie feature to be released in theaters. The second is the live-action television show, said to be hitting the screens sometime in 2009.

Later in 2008 we will see the release of new Star Wars costumes. The new costumes will be both from the classic movie trilogy as well as new Star Wars costumes from The Clone Wars, plus a few new concept designs of sexy costumes for women. Stay tuned to the Extreme Halloween Blog for details on all these new Star Wars Costumes and Accessories.

So, how exactly does a Star Wars fan celebrate Universal Day of the Jedi? Simple ways could be watching the entire saga with friends and families... for those of us who are geekier and extreme, dress as a Jedi and attack your co-workers with your Force FX Lightsabers! Better yet, film it happening!

Join us in celebrating Universal Day of the Jedi on May 25. May the Force be with you!

Star Wars Movie and TV Show in 2008!

For someone like me, who grew up determined to get my blond hair into braided buns on the side of my head, the news of not only the Star Wars TV Series but a NEW STAR WARS MOVIE is exhilarating!

The costume license department at Rubies Costume Co. just sent out an email last week updating us that not only will there be a Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV Series out this October, (we knew this already); but they just announced a movie to be released in theaters August 15, 2008. Also titled Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Both the movie and television series are CGI animation and both focus on a time period between Star Wars Episode II and Episode III. For a run down on The Clone Wars movie, check out the video featuring director Dave Filoni on StarWars.com. (Check out his Indiana Jones hat!) You can also catch The Clone Wars Movie Trailer there as well.



So for this generation, I believe that mastering Ahsoka's hair do will be even more difficult!

From StarWars.com:

A new era of Star Wars entertainment begins in 2008 when Star Wars: The Clone Wars, from creator George Lucas, premieres as an all-new feature film in August, followed by the television series debut in the fall, in a partnership announced today between Lucasfilm Ltd., Warner Bros. Pictures and Turner Broadcasting System Inc. Produced by Lucasfilm Animation, Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes audiences on incredible new Star Wars adventures, combining the legendary storytelling of Lucasfilm with an eye-popping, signature animation style. Star Wars: The Clone Wars will open in North American theaters Friday, August 15.

As for th costumes, not to worry, AnniesCostumes.com will carry a full selection of Star Wars costumes for children and adults alike. We will have not only the classic styles, but also the brand new character costumes as well. For a preview of the 2008 Star Wars costume lineup checkout my Halloween Costume Preview Post.

The Parade of Unfortunate Star Wars Costumes

The Parade of Unfortunate Star Wars Costumes is Hilarious!
The tag Line is "When Good Costumes Go Bad"

You must visit CapnWacky's Parade of Unfortunate Star Wars Costumes. It is a laugh riot! Not only are the pictures funny, but his comments are even funnier! All quotes here are from Cap'n Wacky.

A few of my favorites:



My name is C-3P0. I am fluent in over 6 million forms of communication and I do a fantastic Al Jolson impersonation.












Oh, Royal Guard. That's the last time we let you guard a box of doughnuts!















Looks like Kenny Baker is finally getting too big for the part.









Ladies and gentlemen, the Parade of Unforuntate Star Wars Costumes is proud to present, Daryl Hallwalker and John Oatsolo's Greatest hits.

1.Sith On My List
3. Sarlacc Smile
5. I Cantina Go For That
6. Did It In a Minoch
7. Private Jedis (Are Watching You)

Ladies and gentlemen: MC Darth Hammer.

Can't touch this, or won't touch this?







I love these guys. Because of them, the rest of us will always be able to say, "Sure, I may be kind of a nerd, but at least I didn't have all the groomsmen at my wedding dress as stormtroopers in formal wear.

Thanks for lowering the bar, gentlemen.



To see the entire Star Wars funny costume parade, visit CapnWacky's Site!

For your own Star Wars costume, visit AnniesCostumes.com, maybe you want to take a silly photo to send to Capn Wacky, or maybe you want to use his list as a guideline of what NOT to do with your Star Wars Costume!

Star Wars Costume Pageant

CE Report: Star Wars Costume Pageant

Posted By Curto on TheForce.net on July 18, 2007

The costume pageant was a great showcase of fans' dedication and creativity. Warwick Davis presented this event, which was divided in two categories: under 16 and over 16. The judges were creature shop supervisors from Ep. III, Dave and Lou Elsey and costume designer John Mollo.

In the under 16 category there was a great clone trooper outfit and a parade of cute little Jedi, princesses and bounty hunters. While some had definite star quality - there was an Obi-Wan Kenobi who even perfected the Jedi Master's fighting stance -, some nearly ran off the stage, making it a little difficult to take good photos!

This category's prizes were given out by Ray Park and the winners were:

3rd: Yoda - this toddler in a Yoda outfit stole the show. If the huge smile on his little face is anything to go by, Star Wars will still be going strong another 30 years from now!

2nd: Boba Fett - This was a good costume, almost entirely handmade. The judging panel definitely gave points for care and effort.

1st: Lego Darth Vader - Yes, you read it right. This young boy's costume was Darth Vader as a Lego figurine! A definite win for creativity.


The adult category (over 16) had some amazing costumes ranging from Jedi Knights to Expanded Universe characters. There were many women in the pageant, and I don't mean just Amidalas: there was Aayla Secura, Shaak Ti, a slave girl from Jabba's palace, Mon Mothma and a very realistic Asajj Ventress.

There were some great moments of unexpected humor in the pageant: somehow Warwick Davis' cue cards got mixed and all the costume descriptions started coming out wrong. There would be a Jedi on stage, in somber brown robes, and Warwick was describing flower embroidery… Everybody was laughing, including the contestants, and Warwick just made it the pageant's running gag!

The awards were given out by Jeremy Bulloch, who was very nice and took the time to speak to each winner about his/her costume. The winners were:

3rd: Hoth Han Solo with Tauntaun - This outfit must be seen to be believed, check out the photos! A brilliant idea, very well executed.

2nd: Amidala Senate Gown (Episode II) - This was indeed the most accurate of the Amidalas, up to the flawless hairdo. The costume was well tailored and showed great craftsmanship. Also, her serene regal pose rivalled Natalie Portman's!

1st: Wookiee - Upon taking the stage, this Wookie turned out to be bald… He also revealed that he'd nearly fainted from heat exhaustion earlier that day! That's what you get for impersonating a walking carpet.

Star Wars Anniversary Costumes Tribute

Celebrate Star Wars 30th Anniversary with Star Wars Costumes

Annies Costumes is in the news this week with our tribute to George Lucas' masterpieces in Sci-Fi movie history. See our full story here.

Star Wars costumes have evolved along side the series of movies over the past 30 years. The pioneering Star Wars costumes were plastic with flimsy plastic masks. As the Star Wars films continued and they built up a larger fan base, the next lines of Star Wars costumes closer to what we see today but they were plain and the tunics or jumpsuits were made with inexpensive polyester fabrics without finished seams. Shortly after, Star Wars costumes were reinvented with screen printed details on the tunics and jumpsuits.

Now, as the George Lucas classic celebrates its 30th Anniversary, hot Star Wars costumes entice Star Wars fanatics everywhere. The fabrics are better quality, more like clothing textiles with finished seams and molded features instead of screen printing. The more prominent Star Wars costumes include latex or vinyl belts, gloves, boot covers, latex or sturdy PVC plastic marks and even light sabers.

"Along with the development of better costumes have come new additions for each movie release in the form of new characters, new sizes and new accessories," said Shari McConahay, Vice President of Annie's Costumes. "We now carry Star Wars costumes for children, adults, babies and even pets. And the masks and accessories help fans get that polished, authentic look of each of the movies."

Star Wars Costumes for Adults

Star Wars Costumes for Children

Star Wars Costume Accessories

Star Wars Masks Star Wars Pet Costumes

Celebrating 30 Years of Star Wars

Its hard to believe that it has been 30 years since I saw Star Wars at the drive in. My little brother had just been born, but my parents, die hard sci fi fans, would not miss the premiere. I was only 4, but I remember it vividly. Star Wars - now renamed Star Wars Episode IV - A new Hope was first released on May 25, 1977.

That was just the beginning of the Star Wars memories. My brother and I were always playing games as Luke and Leia. And growing up in this industry, we always had a supply of costumes and props to play with! I don't know how many countless hours I spent trying to make "Princess Leia" braids in my hair. The costumes available now are much better and more elaborate than they were back in the day.

Thirty years ago no one had a clue of the saga to come and the staying power of this story and these characters. “We’re really planning the next 30 years of Star Wars,” said Tom Warner, senior director of marketing for Lucasfilm Ltd. “Star Wars is one of the most popular and enduring entertainment franchises in the world, and there’s no better time than the 30th anniversary to look ahead to the future of that galaxy far, far away.”

Star Wars Costumes for Adults

Star Wars Costumes for Children

Star Wars Costume Accessories

Star Wars Masks

Star Wars Pet Costumes

Among Star Wars fans, it is very common to hear their recalls of the first time they saw Star Wars. The Blogger News Network reporter calls that the day that adults and children alike fell in love with a galaxy far, far away. Over the years, Star Wars fans have been delighted by the phenomenon and have celebrated its wonderful characters in many forms. From Halloween Costumes to are favorite lines, how many times have you said “Luke, I am your father”?

To commemorate the anniversary, the U.S. Postal Service has released a set of 15 Star Wars stamps. The stamps are issued as a single sheet resembling a movie poster, and feature both main characters and space ships like the Millennium Falcon — arguably a character in its own right.

The LAist web site features a Star Wars 30th Anniversary Celebration: Wrap-Up with pictures of fans dressed in some of the best and most creative Star Wars costumes I have seen.

Original Obi Wan Robe and Other Costumes to be Auctioned

The original Obi Wan Kenobi costume worn in the 1977 production of Star Wars by Sir Alec Guinness is among many other costumes and props set to go under the hammer.

The Angel Star Collection - Dubbed as the largest UK auction of costumes from TV and film will take place at Bonhams in Knightsbridge, London on Tuesday, March 6, 2007.

This will, no doubt, be a very exciting event for the world of costuming. Never before have so many costumes from film and tv been auctioned at one time. The Obi Wan Kenobi Jedi Robe is estimated to be one of the most expensive at £50,000-60,000 ($97,500 - $117,000 US). The BBC News reports this to be "one of cinema's most famous". Of course, you can find licensed Star Wars costumes and costume accessories in child and adult sizes for sale at AnniesCostumes for much less of an investment. (Full costumes starting at $19.95.)

If you are short on funds or just not inclined to drop such a big load on these entertainment industry treasures, Bohnams Auction House will open viewing to the public for 3 days prior to the auction so that interested customers can get a close up view.

The Easier Lifestyle website reports:

In recognition of the popular appeal of the items, and a world first in terms of a viewing experience, Bonhams’ saleroom will be turned into a star’s dressing room – allowing interested customers the opportunity to try on selected costumes.

Tim Angel, Chairman of Angels, and fifth generation of the family firm comments, “The joy of being in this business is that you know you are creating something that will help an audience immerse itself in a different world. Our costumes are famous for fulfilling the exact requirements and needs of the film, and are researched and tailored to the highest standard.

Whether it is the cloak of a Jedi knight from a galaxy far, far away, or the most elegant suit worn by Her Majesty’s best secret agent, our job is done if the audience are convinced by the authenticity and effectiveness of the costumes shown on the screen.

The flip-side of creating such iconic costumes, that become so very famous and so firmly associated with key movies, is that they can never be used in other films or productions, nor can they be made available from our fancy dress shop…for obvious reasons! With over a century and a half’s worth of costumes on the racks, each with ever increasing insurance requirements, and space at a premium, it seemed the right time for us to allow collectors and fans the chance to take home a piece of the movie magic.”

The famous jedi costume is only one of many iconic costumes going up for auction in this collection.

Also up for auction among the 350 lots are costumes from the Dr. Who TV series, which featured several different actors in the title role over the years. Here are the details from Bohnam's press release:

Costumes representing Dr Who include the original Tom Baker coat, Patrick Troughton trousers and Christopher Eccleston’s leather jacket all worn in the series. The remaining outfits were worn by the actors for promotional reasons but not worn on set.

The complete outfit made for Tom Baker [the fourth Dr. Who] includes a maroon wool topcoat, three pairs of trousers (tweed, grey wool and dark grey cotton), striped waistcoat, three felt hats and a striped scarf, and is estimated at £1,200-1,500. A wine coloured 3/4 length coat, complete with two large added pockets for the Doctor’s jelly beans and sonic screwdriver used by Baker in various episodes of Dr. Who (including some Dalek Episodes), is estimated at £8,000-10,000.

A Patrick Troughton outfit (the second Dr. Who) comprises full-length fur coat, tailcoat, checked trousers, shirt, tie, handkerchief and bandanas. Known for his scruffy appearance, Troughton played a much quirkier Doctor. The producers and writers behind the programme wanted the Doctor's second incarnation to be a contrast to first Doctor, William Hartnell's 'Victorian Headmaster' mode of attire. Therefore, Troughton was unveiled as, in his words, the "Cosmic Hobo," an eccentric exemplified by his unusual combination of garments, and in particular his long hair coat.

The third Doctor Who, John Pertwee, is represented through the promotional outfit consisting of black cape coat, burgundy velvet jacket, black cravat, and sonic screwdriver.

A promotional outfit for the fifth Doctor, Peter Davidson, is represented with a beige and orange-edged single breasted top coat, stripe trousers, cricket jumper, white shirt and straw hat, estimated at £1,200-1,500.

An promotional outfit worn by Sylvester McCoy – the seventh Doctor Who – including a cream linen jacket, grey pinstripe trousers, shirt, tie, pullover, scarf, shoes, cravat and hat, is estimated at £1,200-1,500.

After a 16-year absence of the series, Christopher Eccleston returned as the Doctor. In the sale is the original black leatherette jacket estimated at £3,000-4,000.

James Bond fans will be able to bid on a piece of their favorite secret agent. The auction will feature different oufits donned by both Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan; as well as several pieces worn by some infamous Bond villians, according to the Pocket-Lint website.

Some other costumes of interest in this auction include a grey linen overcoat, from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), as worn by Gary Oldman as Sirius Black is estimated at £3,000-4,000 and several outfits worn by Madonna in the Eva Peron film biography Evita (1997), are on auction including: a stone coloured coat, blouse and skirt (£500-700), a black silk patterned dress with a mint coloured and peach coloured slip (£400-500), a green coloured dressing gown, white satin and peach satin slip (£300-400) and a navy blue wool suit and blouse (£400-500).

Note: To convert all British pound prices to US dollars, multiply by 1.95.