John Williams at Studios

[Horizons]

thanks for the update; I know it ain't the best place to hang out unless your a Star Wars die hard!

You know, I am not a die hard Star Wars fan. In fact, I've never seen Episodes I-III and I feel asleep watching Episode IV when it was originally released. I've watched bits and pieces of Episodes IV-VI over the years but I couldn't tell you what the story line is. I've been to Star Wars Weekend in the past when I wasn't living in Orlando. However, I didn't spend that much time observing what was going on, since it was always a mad dash back then to do everything that was on our list to do.

The past two years, I've spent a lot more time just hanging out and watching the various Star Wars Weekend events. I have no idea who most of the characters walking around the park, or featured in the parade, are, other than the obvious ones. But I have to say that I really enjoy watching the events, including watching the "superfans" who dress up and really get into the festivities. I am convinced Jay is one of those superfans walking around, but I haven't determined which character he would go with.

Long story short, I think it's a great place to hang out even if your not a big fan of the movies. Plus, the scores to the movies are awesome and I'm really enjoying helping thx99 put the playlists together.

 

[thx99]

Long story short, I think it's a great place to hang out even if your not a big fan of the movies. Plus, the scores to the movies are awesome and I'm really enjoying helping thx99 put the playlists together.

Agreed on the scores, and the feeling is mutual, Horizons! (what a love-fest...)

"My name is Doug and I am a die hard Star Wars fan." ("Hi Doug!") But I wouldn't consider myself a "superfan" and have never dressed up as a character (as an adult), though I do own a Boba Fett helmet and I still have all of my old school toys. Should I be divulging all of this here? I'm comfortable with my level of Star Wars fandom. Despite having a parent who has worked at WDW since mid-1971, I have never attended a Star Wars Weekend. I guess I should rectify that one of these years.

Williams' scores for the original trilogy, along with his late 70s/early 80s scores, were seminal in the development of my appreciation (some might say obsession) with film music. One of the earliest memories I have of Williams' music, and ironically of Lake Buena Vista ("The Village"), is seeing Darth Vader strutting around on a lakeside stage to the strains of "The Throne Room" from Episode IV. This was some time between 1977 and 1980, before The Empire Strikes Back was released; hence, the reason that "Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)" didn't underscore his appearance. It must have been some sort of promotional event, possibly for the upcoming release of Empire, and I don't remember if other characters were there (possibly C3PO and R2-D2). But I remember being scared out of my wits by the menacing, towering figure of Vader, and the music sent my fear to a new level. Never mind that the Throne Room actually underscores a celebration of the Rebels' "victory" over Vader, it gel'ed as an indelible memory that I will never forget.

 

[Horizons]

But I wouldn't consider myself a "superfan" and have never dressed up as a character (as an adult), though I do own a Boba Fett helmet and I still have all of my old school toys.

Sure you're not a superfan. I found a picture on thx99's facebook page that shows how he likes to dress on weekends. :angry:

I admit, I had no idea who or what "Boba Fett" was until I did a search. But I have seen this character walking around DHS.

Despite having a parent who has worked at WDW since mid-1971, I have never attended a Star Wars Weekend. I guess I should rectify that one of these years.

There's still three weekends left. Don't miss out!

But I remember being scared out of my wits by the menacing, towering figure of Vader, and the music sent my fear to a new level.

The Darth Vader meet and greet is great. In addition to playing the appropriate music (e.g., the Imperial March), when he's there signing autographs, the (loud) "breathing" sound effect is looped at the same time the music loop is playing. When he leaves, the breathing track stops. It's a great effect, even though it may not sound like it from my description.

 

[thx99]

Sure you're not a superfan. I found a picture on thx99's facebook page that shows how he likes to dress on weekends. :angry:

LOL! It that were truly a picture of me in Fett garb, my belly would be hanging over the utility belt. Which would probably be true of a large number of the "superfans" dressing up as Boba Fett.

 

[Horizons]

LOL! It that were truly a picture of me in Fett garb, my belly would be hanging over the utility belt. Which would probably be true of a large number of the "superfans" dressing up as Boba Fett.

If you cut back your consumption of Bantha fodder, you may be able to fit into your space suit again.

[I think only a superfan would know what Bantha fodder is. I couldn't find a reference to any other type of food that was eaten in the films. :angry: ]

 

[freedomnoise13]

But I have to say that I really enjoy watching the events, including watching the "superfans" who dress up and really get into the festivities.

When I work at Tower we get the occasional drifter that find their way over to sunset blvd, dress to the nines in the cloak with the lightsaber and everything, they do stick out!

Plus, the scores to the movies are awesome and I'm really enjoying helping thx99 put the playlists together.

Probably the best part about living in chicago is we have the chicago symphony orchestra and John Williams comes about once a year to conduct his music. He's a cool guy and in my opinion one of the greatest.

 

[thx99]

Probably the best part about living in chicago is we have the chicago symphony orchestra and John Williams comes about once a year to conduct his music. He's a cool guy and in my opinion one of the greatest.

Living in the DC area, I've had the fortune of seeing him conduct the National Symphony Orchestra twice and "The President's Own" United States Marine Band once. The latter was a free concert that took place last July. For those on Facebook, I uploaded 15 photos from the event: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=636141570&aid=44134. Admittedly, they're not the greatest pics as we were sitting in one of the side tiers, but at least they give a sense of what I witnessed. And for those interested, I wrote an informal review of the concert over at jwfan.com (it's the first one listed).

 

[gmeader]

Anyone know if there's any music played before the Indiana Jones stunt show? Im thinking after the show they play the Raider's March.

Also, does anyone know whats played outside of Star Tours? I'd like to get a current list before the attraction changes.

-thanks!

If it's the original music loop that was used back when the attraction first opened I can tell you that it was all taken from commercially available CD's. Unfortunately I don't remember which CD's or tracks I used for the edit but none of it was re-recorded. If you are speaking of the EWOK FX/Drum track that plays up in the trees well that was all original stuff we created at WDI.

Hope this helps,
Greg

 

[Magic Music]

If you are speaking of the EWOK FX/Drum track that plays up in the trees well that was all original stuff we created at WDI.

What? No Mickey Hart? I would have gladly loaned you my copy of The Apocalypse Now Sessions.

 

[freedomnoise13]

If you are speaking of the EWOK FX/Drum track that plays up in the trees well that was all original stuff we created at WDI.

I forgot about that... would be a nice piece to add to the collection