The Projection Booth Podcast: Jim Bloom

Showing posts with label Jim Bloom. Show all posts

July 28, 2025

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.

Listen/Download Now:

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

Watch:

June 23, 2021

Episode 525: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Special Guests: Joe Alves, Matthew Robbins, Jim Bloom, Douglas Trumbull
Guest Co-Hosts: Suzen Tekla Kruglnska, El Goro

Sci-Fi Month continues with a look at Steven Spielberg's 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It’s really three stories in one. In the first it’s former cartographer David Laughlin (Bob Balaban) who’s been recruited to help French scientist Claude Lacombe (Francois Truffaut) investigate a strange series of alien visitations. The second concerns Julian Guiler (Melinda Dillon) whose little boy, Barry, is kidnapped by aliens. And, the third follows Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss), a man who’s disillusioned with his life until he witnesses a group of alien ships which plant an image in his head as kind of an invitation to join them.

Suzen Tekla Kruglnska and El Goro join Mike to discuss this landmark film. Interviews include production designer Joe Alves, screenwriter Matthew Robbins, second assistant director Jim Bloom, and special effects supervisor Douglas Trumbull.

Listen/Download Now:

Listen to "Episode 525: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)" on Spreaker.

Links:
Become a supporter of The Projection Booth
Buy Close Encounters of the Third Kind Blu-Ray
Buy the Close Encounters of the Third Kind novelization
Buy Close Encounters of the Third Kind: The Ultimate Visual History by Michael Klastorin
Buy Close Encounters of the Third Kind Diary by Bob Balaban
Buy Close Encounters of the Third Kind: The Making of Steven Spielberg's Classic Film by Ray Morton
Buy Close Encounters of the Third Kind by Jon Towlson

Music:
"Theme from 'Close Encounters'" - Meco
"Main Title And Mountain Visions" - The Electric Moog Orchestra
"Close Encounters of the Third Kind" - The Ventures

Watch:

June 2, 2021

Episode 522: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Special Guests: Peter Suschitzky, Paul Hirsch, Jim Bloom, Rebecca Harrison, J.W. Rinzler
Guest Co-Hosts: Jamie Benning, Chris Bricklemyer

#Sci-FiMonth kicks off with a look at possibly the best sequel of all times, The Empire Strikes Back (1980). It's the second -- or fifth -- chapter in the Star Wars saga which truly tests our heroes: Luke Skywalker gets mangled, Han Solo gets tortured, and Leia Organa gets a good kiss... from her brother.

Chris Bricklemyer (Outside the Cinema) and Jamie Benning (The Filmumentaries Podcast) join Mike to discuss Irvin Kershner's first and only foray into the Star Wars universe.

Interviews include cinematographer Peter Suschitzky, editor Paul Hirsch, associate producer Jim Bloom, author Rebecca Harrison, and author J.W. Rinzler.

Listen/Download Now:

Listen to "Episode 522: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)" on Spreaker.

Listen to Justing Berger discuss he Empire Strikes Back Unauthorized Timeline:

Listen to "Special Report: Justin Berger on The Empire Strikes Back" on Spreaker.

Listen to More Jim Bloom:

Listen to "Bonus Interview: Jim Bloom" on Spreaker.

Listen to our Star Wars episode:

Listen to "Episode 219: Star Wars (1977)" on Spreaker.