Episode 755: Return of the Jedi (1983)

Special Guest: Jim Bloom
Guest Co-Hosts: Jamie Benning, Stephen Scarlata

Sci-Fi July wraps up with Return of the Jedi (1983), the final installment of the original Star Wars trilogy—directed by Richard Marquand, guided by George Lucas, and packed with new creatures, recycled plot beats, and merchandising gold. Joining Mike to explore the film's legacy and limitations are Jamie Benning (Filmumentaries) and Stephen Scarlata (Best Movies Never Made), along with special guest Jim Bloom, associate producer on Empire and Jedi.

From Jabba's palace to yet another Death Star, Jedi tries to close the saga with spectacle and sentiment—but not without creative compromises. We dig into the behind-the-scenes drama, the tonal whiplash between Ewoks and existential stakes, and how Jedi served as both a climax and a commercial pivot point for the franchise. Was it a fitting finale or just a soft landing pad for action figures? Strap into your speeder bike, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

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Listen to "Episode 755: Return of the Jedi (1983)" on Spreaker.

Links:
Become a supporter of The Projection Booth
Buy Return of the Jedi on Blu-Ray
Buy The Making of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi by J.W. Rinzler

Music:
Original Soundtrack - John Williams

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Episode 153: Hit! (1973)

Special Guest: Sidney J. Furie
Guest Co-Host: Daniel Kremer

We're looking at the 1973 action film HIT! from director Sidney J. Furie. The film stars Billy Dee Williams as federal agent Nick Allen. When Nick's sister takes a hot shot, he goes on the warpath for the people that put the smack on the streets. Rather than dealing with two bit hustlers and thugs, Nick takes it all the way to the source, making a real French Connection with a group of drug kingpins in Marseilles.

We're joined by filmmaker Daniel Kremer who's writing Furie's biography.

Links:
Buy Hit! on DVD
Read about Daniel's quest to save A Cool Sound from Hell
Follow Daniel Kremer's Confluence Film Blog
Read Martin Scorsese's 11 Scariest Horror Movies

Listen/Download Now:

Listen to "Episode 153: Hit! (1973)" on Spreaker.

Watch:

Working the Angles: The Films of Sidney J. Furie from Daniel Kremer on Vimeo.