I had the luck to assist to an exhibition of original Star Wars props in San Diego, CA in 1999.
After seeing them, you can only react two ways. Either disappointment of how cheap many of those things were, or in awe of how creative they were.
My reaction was the latter. How genius it was to create an awesome fantasy world with such simple things!
The best known example are lightsabers, made off old photo camera flash handles.
But let me tell you the two (well, three) things that really blew my mind:
The medals in the Imperial Officer’s chests. Have you ever seen a blister of pills? Those plastic sheets, with bubbles, pills inside and an aluminum cover? Ok, they grabbed some of those and staples onto the uniform’s chests. In fact, they look more like Addam’s Chicklets…
- The Star Destroyer. Oh, that was awesome! Made off white cardboard, the model looks so simple, and most of the details on the sides are drawn in pencil. Tell me about camera magic and how awesome they look when approaching the Corellian Corvette… My mind was blown away.
- The third was the probe with the needle in the scene when princess Leia is captive inside the Death Star. Really, it was a standard syringe glued to a ball with some ornaments.
So, it’s impressive how the magic was done. I hope you enjoy this.
EDIT AFTER POST:
I’m overwhelmed by the positive reactions, and the even more awesome comments. I’ve learned a lot. Thanks everyone! This is so cool!
SECOND EDIT AFTER POST
I can’t believe some people on Facebook are pirating my post, but anyhow….
Regarding my second part referring to the Star Destroyer, I got so much stuff in the comments (from “how cool” to “you are a liar, and you are stupid”). So, let’s settle the record straight right now. See this picture?
See those lines? That’s pencil over white model cardboard. Here’s a closeup:
Yes. PENCIL over white CARDBOARD. To all of you that liked my remark, I, again, thank you. To those Star Wars faux-experts who dare to insult me, all I can say is SUCK IT!
Regarding interrogation droids, there was a great post in the comments, especially about the syringe. Not my picture….