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Star Wars-themed doc ELSTREE 1976 documents the lives of actors and extras behind the most celebrated Sci-Fi film in history
Coming to DVD on June 28th via MVD Entertainment Group
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ELSTREE 1976 explores the lives of the actors and extras behind one of the most celebrated Science Fiction films in cinematic history, Star Wars.
From the man behind film’s most iconic villain, to the actor whose character was completely cut from the final film, the documentary delves into the eccentric community these individuals have formed and how the Star Wars franchise – which spans five decades from A New Hope to The Force Awakens – continues to impact their lives decades later.
Many of the minor characters were merely part of the set design, but eventually gained recognition as the Star Wars universe expanded into books, comics, etc. Fans learned the history of masked characters like Boba Fett and Greedo, but the sci-fi blockbuster also had a lasting impact on the people inside the costumes.
Not all of the interviewees had minor roles in the series however. For example, David Prowse, whose six-foot-eight bulk filled out Darth Vader’s suit and provided the menacing movements of film’s most iconic villain, wouldn’t be recognized on the street by all but the most ardent Star Wars fans. In the final cut of the movie, his face and voice were replaced by Sebastian Shaw and James Earl Jones, respectively. Others got to work on what would become the biggest movie of all time, but saw their characters cut entirely from the finished film.
The movie will start a US theatrical run on May 6th in select cities including Los Angeles and New York City. For the full list of theaters and ticket information, check http://filmrise.com/elstree-1976
“An affectionate tribute to the individuals who played minor, supporting and background parts in the original STAR WARS movie, Elstree 1976 entertainingly explores the world of the character actor and bit-part player…a slice of enjoyable nostalgia, capturing a sense of life as silly, surprising, regretful and all too fleeting.” – Screen Daily
“Entertaining…this is a genial, humane project with obvious fan appeal.” –The Hollywood Reporter
“Without patronizing or condescending, it’s an examination of how fame can change us and haunt us… In that, it finds a way of proving valuable not just to fans, but to Force agnostics as well.”
– IndieWire
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