Video Trivia: 'The Empire Strikes Back' trailer
Posted Monday, August 17, 2009 at 1:08 PM Central
by Tim Briscoe
The Empire Strikes Back is one of the most beloved films of all-time. Many fans, myself included, rank this second film higher than the one which started it all.
On Aug. 15, 1979, theater-goers got their first glimpse of the movie with this early trailer -- nearly a year before the film's release on May 21, 1980. According to StarWars.com, there was an earlier teaser but it featured only concept art and still photos. This was the first with live-action footage.
To celebrate the 30 year anniversary of the trailer's release, we present the video along with three trivia questions below. They are basic enough that even the more casual Star Wars fans can probably crack. Then again, as a George Lucas apologist, I was stumped on the final one.
Trivia Questions
- What Star Wars character introduced in the film is not shown in the trailer?
- Which scene in the trailer was cut from the final film?
- What actor provides the '30s-style narration for the trailer?
Trivia Answers (Rollover to View)
- This trailer doesn't show nor mention the diminutive Jedi Master Yoda. He would make brief appearances in trailers that followed. Another fan favorite introduced in Empire was Boba Fett. He's only scarcely seen and not even mentioned. Interestingly, the giant Imperial AT-AT walkers are not shown in the teaser. Also, thanks to reader Jason for pointing out that the Emperor is not shown in the trailer. He made his first appearance in Empire.
- The scene where C-3PO rips a sign off a door in the Rebels' frozen Hoth base was cut from the final movie. This is the only place this filmed scene has surfaced. The caution sign was supposedly to warn of the Wampa snow monsters inside. C-3PO rips the sign off as the stormtroopers invade the base only to have them enter the secure area to meet their doom.
- This one really shocked it. It's none other than Harrison Ford, a.k.a. Han Solo, providing the voice for this trailer. He really hams it up so you can barely recognize his voice.
So, how did you do? Did you know the answers to all three?
Also, what do you think of this video trivia concept? Would you like to see more of these in the future? We are considering doing more so please give us your feedback.
Different kiss?
A note from reader Kim...
I actually like the trivia! I have to say that I thought, in addition to C-3PO ripping of the sign off the door, that the scene where Leia and Luke kiss was removed. In the movie, Leia grabbed Luke's head and kissed him. The trailer showed both of them leaning in for a passionate kiss.
I do believe Kim is right here. Empire is my favorite film of all-time but I haven't watched it in a while. Can anyone confirm or deny that the scene in this trailer is a different shot than the final film? Let us know!