Star Wars Fever: Top 10 Moments

So the first teaser trailer for the new Star Wars film has finally dropped, signalling the beginning of what will become the third trilogy in this long-running (and well loved) saga.  Now the trailer has divided opinion among some online, but I LOVED it – and can’t wait for the film to come out…I’ll be first in line at our local cinema on opening night!!

If you haven’t yet seen it, check out Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens here:

Just seeing the Millennium Falcon shooting across the screen being chased by Tie Fighters made me nostalgic for the originals and, to a far far lesser extent, the prequels.  On top of that it’s pretty obvious that costume parties and conventions are going to become Star Wars crazy again for the next 10 or so years!!

Because of this, just to wet the appetite a little more, I think it’s worth us…no, necessary for us to re-live some of the best moments from a Galaxy far, far away…

10.  The Darth Maul Lightsaber Battle 

Now don’t worry, this is one of only two prequel moments on this list.  There was no way I was going to leave this out though.  This scene has it all:  Two Jedi and a Sith fighting, a double-ended lightsaber, a kick-ass death sequence and no Jar Jar Binks in sight!

9.  The Cantina Scene

We first meet Han Solo and Chewbacca in this bar – so it’s place is well deserved on this list.  We hear the most catchy tune in the entire saga here and meet a band of thugs and outlaws that take an instant dislike to Luke and Obi-wan.  Who can forget the Han/Greedo stand-off?  We all know who shot first, right?

8.  The Final Battle on Mustafar

This was the moment we had waited 30 or so years to see…how did Vader become Vader?  Anakin and Obi-Wan go head-to-head on the fiery, volcanic mining planet in the culmination of the prequel trilogy.  It’s an emotionally charged fight, Anakin fighting to both prove a point to his former master and to continue exterminating the Jedi from the galaxy.  Obi-wan is desperately trying to bring Anakin to his senses, to convince him that he is on the wrong path….neither really achieve what they wanted unfortunately.

7.  Master V Apprentice round 2

Episode IV saw very little in the way of lightsaber duels up until this point where Obi-wan and Darth Vader come face to face for the first time since Mustafar.  The fight has far less flair than the battle before, but more than makes up for that with poignant speeches and foreshadowing.

6.  Lifting the X Wing

Luke has searched out Yoda in order to complete his training to become a Jedi master.  His journey leads him to the Dagobah system and unfortunately lands him in a bog where his ship swiftly sinks.  During his training with the diminutive Jedi Luke learns to face his inner demons and control the force but perhaps the coolest moment comes towards the end of his time here.  In order to leave the planet and come to his friends rescue Luke must get his ship back.  He is promptly shown just how powerful the force can be…

5.  Vader’s first appearance

When the rebel ship is infiltrated by stormtroopers and mayhem ensues a dark, mysterious figure emerges through the air lock.  On top of that we hear this incredibly dark and forboding music that has become synonymous with the franchise.  I know that I was immediately amazed by both the look, and sound of Darth Vader.

4.  The Battle of Hoth

Here we see the first real battle between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance.  A rebel outpost on the ice planet of Hoth has been discovered and the Empire attacks using one of the most iconic vehicles of the franchise; the AT-ATs.  These seemingly unstoppable forces are eventually taken down thanks to some ingenuity from the Rebel pilots – using rope to tie together the AT-ATs legs.

3.  I Love You…I Know

One of the saddest and emotionally-charged moments of the franchise.  Han is captured and encased in Carbonite to be delivered to Jabba the Hut.  Luke and Leia are held captive and all hope seems lost as Darth Vader has the upper hand.  In a touching moment between Leia and Han seconds before he is encased, Leia finally expresses her love for Han, to which he reciprocates fantastically wiith an improvised line from Harrison Ford that will live long in movie fan’s memories.

2.  Blowing up the Death Star

How cool was this scene?  It was just awesome!  X Wings being chased by Tie Fighters whilst a massive battle goes on overhead.  Luke flys through tight gaps around the edge of the death star as he is chased by Vader.  He’s got to hit that tiny target with those photon torpedo’s in one move…can he hold his nerve??? Spoiler:  Yes, yes he can!

1.  I am your Father

“No, that’s not true…that’s impossible!!!”  Luke wasn’t the only one shouting that line when they first heard the revelation at the end of The Empire Strikes Back.  How can this monstrous villain be Luke’s father??  And after he’s just chopped his hand off as well?  This scene has become so popuar it is regularly referenced and parodied – almost to the point where you can’t watch the original and not find it a bit funny…or at least recite the words along with James Earl Jones.

So there you have it….how did we do? What did we miss?  How excited are you for the new movie?  Tell us in the comments below.

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

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Elvis Presley at 80: 2015 Celebrations and Events in the UK

2015 is looking to be a big year for Elvis fans! January 8th 2015 would have been his 80th birthday and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate this fact in the UK this year. I am going to highlight 5 big events that are taking place over the next 6 months for Elvis fans across the country. Most of these are annual events but will take on extra significance this year because of the King’s upcoming birthday.

elvis fb

We at Alterego Fancydress have a lot of love for Elvis Presley and his fans – always making sure that we have a variety of costumes available. We are the only fancy dress retailer in the UK selling a plus size Elvis costume. So this is a reminder to those of you who might be attending one of these events – make sure you’re kitted out appropriately (or you might end up being the only rhinestone-free fan around!!)

European Elvis Championships, 2nd – 4th January 2015, Hilton Birmingham Metropole

This event is held annually on a weekend around the time of Elvis’ birthday. The weekend itself is recognised as the No. 1 European Elvis Tribute Artist Convention. Tribute acts travel from around the world to compete to become ‘European Champion’.

There is plenty here for both die-hard and casual fans alike: Live bands, Elvis showcases, rock n roll, Elvis Merchandise, Elvis Disco, Elvis Video, Elvis Gospel Contest, Elvis Novice Contest and of course the main event The European Elvis Championships.

More info at www.elviscontest.co.uk

Elvis Easter Spectacular, 4th & 5th April 2015, Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Another event now from the same company at the same location. However his time instead of the focus being around a competition the event will instead showcase some of the best Elvis performers from the UK and USA. The organisers promise 100% Elvis day & night, along with the Best Bank Holiday Elvis Event of the year…no pressure there!!

More info at www.elvisspectacular.com

Elvis Party Cruise 13th – 18th April, Harwich to Aarhus, Denmark

Celebrate Elvis’s 80th birthday year on the Elvis Party Cruise, featuring award-winning Elvis tributes Ben Portsmouth and Ben Thompson as well as Elvis discos, film shows and a great Elvis party at sea! Plus there’s an optional visit to Graceland Randers where you will see some amazing original Elvis related artefacts and there’s an American Diner for that authentic lunch.

There is an optional excursion available during the cruise to Graceland Randers, Denmark.  It is inspired by Elvis Presley’s Graceland home in Memphis and is the ultimate tribute to the King. Graceland Randers sees itself as helping to nurture the Elvis legacy, his life, music and memory. As well as the Elvis Museum and Elvis Shop, there’s also Highway 51 (an American Diner), Ballroom, and Mini Movie Theatre. The collection of original artefacts from Elvis’ life is truly amazing and worth a visit.  These include all the Sun records, the trousers that Elvis wore during the I Want You, I Need You, I Love You recording session, a jacket that Elvis wore in 1959, one of Elvis’ guitars from 1975, shoes, documents, letters, concert belt and so much more.

More info at www.arenatravel.com

Europe’s Tribute to Elvis 3rd – 5th July, Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Visit this for an amazing festival honoring the life, music and fans of Elvis Presley.  The third annual Europe’s Tribute to Elvis Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest preliminary will be held here.  The event will be hosted by Tees Events Ltd and will feature the Ultimate Elvis preliminary contest, the winner of which will represent Europe’s Tribute to Elvis in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest finals in Memphis in 2015.

The festival will also feature Elvis themed shows, including some of the world’s best Elvis tribute artists on stage in the The Empress Ballroom. Plus there are special guests, merchandise stalls, after-show private parties, raffles and much more.

More info at https://elvisfestival.co.uk

Porthcawl Elvis Festival 25th – 27th September, Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl, Wales

Claiming to be one of Europe’s biggest gathering of Elvis artistes and their fans, this event offers three days of fun and music all over the normally sleepy seaside town of Porthcawl, roughly halfway between Cardiff and Swansea, near to Bridgend.

The feature events are the Official Shows taking place in the Grand Pavilion. These include The Elvies the World’s premier event for Elvis Tribute Artists. In addition, The Hi Tide host over 100 shows over the weekend, many with free admission.  Additionally over 20 venues in and around the town form the fringe festival.

The O2 Arena, London is hosting an exhibition honouring the life and legacy of The King entitled ‘Elvis at the O2’ alongside these events and birthday celebrations.  Britain will get personal insight into the life of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, through the largest Elvis retrospective ever mounted in Europe.

The nine month exhibition will showcase over 300 artefacts direct from the Presley family’s treasured Graceland Archives, some of which have never been exhibited outside of Graceland in Memphis.  It runs from 12th December 2014 to 31st August 2015 and is a must-visit!!

So there you have it – plenty of Presley going on in 2015!

Oh, and if you were considering dressing up for them then check out our exclusive plus-size Elvis costume in action here when it was used in Emmerdale last year:

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

Enjoy this post? Follow our blog for more ideas and coverage of fancy dress events.  And please join our Social Media family on Facebook & Twitter.  Check out our pinterest page for more costume inspiration.