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STAR WARS 40th Anniversary Vinyl Set Features a 3D Death Star

In 1977, the original Star Wars changed the face of movies forever. While it was George Lucas‘ vision that gave birth to the saga, John Williams‘ thrilling score of A New Hope was also instantly iconic and his musical themes have remained popular four decades later. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the franchise, Walt Disney Records is re-releasing Williams’ music from A New Hope as a new 3LP box set.

Via StarWars.com, the Star Wars: A New Hope 40th Anniversary soundtrack will include rarely seen pictures from the production of the movie and Williams’ scoring sessions. There will also be a 48-page book with essays by film music experts Jeff Bond and Jeff Eldridge. Bond’s essay is entitled “Tuning Up a Galaxy,” while Eldridge will follow Williams’ early film work in “John Williams’ Journey to Star Wars.”

It’s kind of amazing that in the four decades since Star Wars was released, LPs not only fell from favor, they managed to have a major comeback with the last few years. As you can see in the picture above, the A side of the third LP will feature a 3D hologram experience of the Death Star. The B side of the LP will include the Star Wars 40th anniversary logo.

This box set is currently available for pre-order at the Disney Music Shop, with a retail price of $150.

Are you excited about the chance to listen to Williams’ epic score on vinyl once again? Let us know in the comment section below!

Images: Walt Disney Records

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STRANGER THINGS’ Eleven Almost Didn’t Survive Season One

The character of Eleven on Stranger Things, played brilliantly by actress Millie Bobby Brown, is key to what makes that show work so well, it’s almost impossible to imagine the series without her. And yet, if series creators the Duffer Brothers had kept to their original ideas for the show, it’s possible that season two of Stranger Things wouldn’t even have the character of Eleven in it at all.

In their original pitch, which we learned about via CinemaBlend, the show was supposed to be a one season “one and done” mini-series, and it would have apparently ended with Eleven sacrificing herself to save the lives of her friends Mike, Dustin and Lucas. here’s what the Duffers had to say about Eleven’s original fate:

“Maybe I shouldn’t say this because I like to pretend that it was all planned out, but it was originally pitched as a limited series. So it was like, Eleven was gonna sacrifice herself and save the world and then that was gonna be it, because there was a moment where limited series were a big deal.”

Of course, just because Eleven originally died doesn’t mean she couldn’t have come back anyway. One of the many influences on Stranger Things is the 1980s run of Chris Claremont on The Uncanny X-Men, specifically the story of telekinetic Jean Grey. The psionic powerhouse shares more than a few similar traits to Eleven, chiefly her enormous psychic potential. Jean died many times in the pages of the comics, only to return.

Given the immense popularity of this particular ensemble, I can’t imagine Eleven will be going anywhere anytime soon, although who knows? Maybe the Duffers are saving Elle’s heroic self sacrifice for the end of the series now. Pun absolutely intended, but stranger things have happened.

What do you think about the first season’s original ending? Are you happy with what we got, or would you have preferred the more downbeat finale? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Images: Netflix

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How THOR: RAGNAROK Sets Up AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR

Warning: There are major spoilers ahead for the conclusion of Thor: Ragnarok. You should see the movie before watching this video! 

Last weekend, Thor: Ragnarok proved to be a god-like hit at the box office, but it may just be the calm before the storm. Next year, Avengers: Infinity War will begin wrapping up Marvel’s Phase 3 films as Thanos finally comes after the Infinity Stones himself. Surprisingly, Ragnarok was pretty light on Infinity War teasers, but there were more hints beyond that post-credits scene. Today’s Nerdist News is all about how Ragnarok sets the stage for Infinity War.

Jessica Chobot is out hiding the Soul Stone from Thanos, so Steve Zaragoza has picked up the gauntlet to serve as the guest host of this installment. You may recall that we previously theorized that Hela would use the Soul Stone to bring Asgard to its knees. It turns out that she didn’t really need the help, and Hela didn’t even bother to pick up the Tesseract after outing Odin’s Infinity Gauntlet as a fake. This means that the Soul Stone is still missing, and its hiding place will probably be a key part of the next Avengers movie.

While we didn’t see Loki pocket the Tesseract in Odin’s vault, the implication was that he reclaimed it before Asgard was destroyed. Thanos didn’t even show his face in Ragnarok, but Marvel boss Kevin Feige has confirmed that the huge ship that appears in front of Thor and Loki in the mid-credits scene is the Sanctuary II, Thanos’ flagship. And thanks to the reveal at D-23, we know that the Black Order (a.k.a. the children of Thanos) are probably also on board the ship.

The children of Thanos are probably the key to the “heist” aspects of Infinity War. The Russo brothers have said that Thanos will spend most of that movie assembling the Infinity Stones, and we suspect that means that Corvis Glaive, Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw, and Cull Obsidian (formerly known as Black Dwarf) will each have a specialized role to play in keeping the Avengers at bay while allowing Thanos to steal the Infinity Stones.

The Infinity War teaser from San Diego Comic-Con also featured Thor with both of his eyes, which was probably intended to keep fans from wondering about his now missing right eye. The early word out of Marvel is that Thor will still be rockin’ an eye patch when Infinity War hits in about six months. And perhaps his increased powers will help the heroes turn the tide against Thanos’ forces.

Where do you think the Soul Stone is hiding in the MCU? Share your theories in the comment section below!

Images: Marvel

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Do the Dance of Joy! STRANGER THINGS Gets a “Perfect” ’80s Sitcom Crossover

Some pop culture mashups are so perfect they feel destined to happen, but it’s hard to believe it took as long as it did for someone to put these two obvious titles together. How is it we need a second season of a show called Stranger Things, which is obsessed with a very specific bygone era, for anyone to realize it was begging for the ultimate ’80s homage. Fortunately fate has finally intervened and given us one of the best crossovers yet, Perfect Stranger Things. And it even features cast members from both shows.

On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Bronson Pinchot and Mark Linn-Baker reunited for a very different kind of Perfect Strangers reboot, this one featuring a third roommate—who, like Balki, is also from a very strange land—the Demogorgon. Could such an arrangement really work? Don’t be ridiculous! Of course it can—kinda. Especially when like any great sitcom it features some very special cameos. And it’s only fitting the boys from Hawkins showed up for the Halloween episode.

Classic Will! Always getting into trouble with a creature from another dimension. You might say he needs his luck to turn….Upside Down!

:insert laugh track:

Of course, this is missing one element that would make this truly perfect: the original theme song from the show, one of the best theme songs ever.

Seriously though, Perfect Strangers/Stranger Things was right there. What took us so long?

But now that we finally have it, this does give us an even better idea. We know the Duffer Brothers love casting ’80s icons like Matthew Modine, Paul Reiser, Sean Astin, and Winonna Ryder on the show. So how about giving us Cousin Larry and Balki Bartokomous in season three?

That would definitely make us do the Dance of Joy.

Can you think of something else that would mashup with Stranger Things as well? Tell us in the comments below.

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Images: ABC

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Gets a Scooby Gang of Funko Pop!s

All of you Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans out there who have felt their Buffy Funko Pop! collections have been missing some very key characters from Joss Whedon’s beloved cult classic series, well, worry no more. The good folks at Funko have listened to our pleas, and have announced many of the rest of the main core “Scooby Gang” will be joining Buffy Summers, Willow Rosenberg, Angel and Spike on your shelves this coming January.

Among the new offerings are Buffy in her prom dress from the season one finale “Prophecy Girl,” (with her crossbow of course), sidekick Xander Harris wearing an eyepatch, Watcher Rupert Giles, season three’s rogue slayer Faith, and season six’s Dark Willow.

Hopefully soon, the main Buffy cast will be rounded out, and we’ll get a wave that also features Cordelia Chase, Oz, Anya, Dawn, and Tara. Hey, maybe even a Drusilla to go along with Spike. I’ll even take Buffy’s mom Joyce Summers as a figure (we don’t need a Riley Finn figure. We’re good on that one Funko). You can see images of all of the latest Buffy the Vampire Slayer Pop! vinyl figures down below in our gallery.

Are you excited to add more Scooby Gang members to your shelf? Be sure to let us know down below in the comments.

Images: Funko / Twentieth Century Fox

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Painting Transforms Into Vibrant Portrait When Centuries Old Varnish Removed in Seconds

We don’t know if the art world has the movie equivalent of a director’s cut, but after watching centuries-old varnish removed from a painting in seconds it just might. Because this restoration unveiling a much more vibrant, beautiful portrait is like watching the artist’s cut of his work.

Art dealer Philip Mould shared videos on Twitter of a simple-looking, but highly sophisticated varnish removal from a 17th century painting. This is the piece in question–a portrait of a 36-year-old woman that was done in 1618–before any of the centuries old protective covering was removed. It had a muddied, yellowed look, like an old newspaper you left in your damp basement for 30 years.

In response to those wanting sight of the uncleaned image of the #womaninred. All we know is she is 36 and it was painted 1618 (inscription) pic.twitter.com/3k8GYxvyJK

— Philip Mould (@philipmould) November 7, 2017

But when the restoration begins, it takes only a few seconds to see the original, colorful painting that was hidden underneath all that old dirty varnish. Cleaning this might look like it’s just a matter of using a cotton swab and some goop, but this type of work is a combination of advanced chemistry and master handiwork.

A remarkable Jacobean re-emergence after 200 years of yellowing varnish 1/2 pic.twitter.com/yBGNGDcNd7

— Philip Mould (@philipmould) November 6, 2017

2/2 ….still a way to go, but what a transformation! pic.twitter.com/nyGx3qdhOZ

— Philip Mould (@philipmould) November 6, 2017

It’s easy to notice the drastic change in the portrait’s skin tone, but it’s also incredible to see the details from the suddenly bright white part of her dress. Also, make sure to compare the intricacies of her earring to the formless mass it was before.

A last smear from the chin removed. I will post an image of the completed picture as soon as it is ready. pic.twitter.com/K7TSl2XdqE

— Philip Mould (@philipmould) November 6, 2017

Mould said he will share a photo from the entire restored painting when it’s done, but it promises to get even better based on the original colors in the dress she was wearing, which takes up most of the painting.

Small area of her astonishingly elaborate dress revealed. We dont know identity yet but certain iconographic clues are staring to emerge…. pic.twitter.com/2p1VqN79na

— Philip Mould (@philipmould) November 6, 2017

Some artists use varnish for aesthetics reasons, and some use it to protect their paintings from the very dust and dirt that transformed this painting into a muted, flat piece. No matter the reason varnish was ever put on this one, the artist wouldn’t have wanted his portrait to end up as a lifeless form of dull reds and yellows.

Fortunately it just needed a little editing to let us see it the way he meant.

What’s your favorite art restoration? Share your vision with us in the comments below.

Image: Philip Mould

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Listen to MOANA’s Soundtrack in the Māori Language

If you’re unaware of just how awesome Disney‘s 2016 movie Moana is, then find it right now, watch it, and come back to us. We’ll wait the 107 minute run time. OK, welcome back. What a movie, right?! Such great animation, voice acting, some of the best music in Disney film history. And while we feel it may have been robbed of the two Academy Awards it was nominated for, a version translated into Māori is doing more important things.

This equally catchy version of “Shiny” sung by Jemaine Clement in New Zealand’s Māori language (Te Reo) was brought to our attention via Mashable. The song, called “Piata Mai Nei,” along with the entire film translated into Māori, is bringing new attention to the language for a younger generation.

According to another post on Mashable, Thor: Ragnarok director (and proud New Zealander) Taika Waititi approached Disney with his sister to translate the film. The movie already appealed to kids so the translated version, Moana Reo Māori, only furthers the possibility of kids becoming invested in learning more about Polynesian culture and the Māori language itself.

Screenings of Moana Reo Māori were shown for free at theaters around New Zealand in September and were reportedly packed. Though screenings won’t likely make it stateside, we can still enjoy the music since the soundtrack is available on Spotify according to a very excited tweet from Waititi.

E te iwi!!! The Moana Reo Māori soundtrack is now available on Spotify! Mauri ora! @Lin_Manuel @DisneyStudios #Moana https://t.co/oUeDA1bBqA

— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) November 3, 2017

What do you think of the music of Moana Reo Māori? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

Image: Disney

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SUPERGIRL’s Katie McGrath Talks Paving the Way for Female Heroes in Film

It’s been a standout year for badass women in film. From Wonder Woman‘s Amazons to Tessa Thompson’s scene-stealing turn as Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok, it’s clear that women are finally getting their recognition in the big screen world of superheroes. Fans of Supergirl and The Flash might’ve seen  this one coming as both shows have some seriously strong female characters, one of whom—Katie McGrath’s Lena Luthor—sat down to chat with us when we visited Supergirl’s Vancouver set.

McGrath’s character is a vital part of Supergirl’s core cast of female characters. Trying to live beyond the legacy of her evil family, Lena is an intelligent, capable, and complex figure. During our set visit, McGrath opened up about how she sees the landscape of film changing and how powerful women on TV have influenced that. “I feel like there’s a lot of very strong female characters on TV at the moment,” McGrath said. “Especially in the DC world, we’ve got great women. I think that helps people open up to the idea that a woman can be more than the sidekick or the love interest. People are willing and excited to see female-led superhero [movies] and dramas. I think TV has helped that. I think we’re in a new age where TV is leading movies and not the other way around. I think that’s good for all of us.”

When it comes to whether Katie’s Luthor has any idea about her BFF’s super secret Katie has a definite answer “No. Flat out no. I get asked this a lot and my answer is still the same. There are a couple of things, one if you can believe a show about aliens and a girl can fly, then you can accept that I don’t know they’re the same person. And if everybody knows her secret, she has to be Supergirl all the time. The great thing about the show is she’s both, and she can be vulnerable and human with me, she doesn’t always have to be the hero, for the story that’s the most compelling thing to watch, to see someone be vulnerable.” McGrath explained.

As for when we would see Lena spending some time with the other strong women of Supergirl, well fans won’t have to wait too long as an upcoming episode sees the girls get together for some serious leisure time. “It was really great actually because it was very rare. We all know each other outside of the show, but it’s very rare that we get to interact, especially me after last season when I was very separate. That was the one thing that I wanted this season, was to interact with the different members of cast, and that was really the first time, without discussing, like, the world ending. What’s nice is you’re getting to see bits of normality. And you get to see a bit of me, Sam, and Kara in the episode.” McGrath recalled fondly.

Supergirl has definitely brought the goods when it comes to rad women on screen, but who are some of your favorite examples of badass chicks? Excited to see where season three sends our heroines? Let us know in the comments!

Images: CW, DC

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Meet the Fastest Street-Legal Car in the World

Exceeding the speed in which we can move naturally on our own power is something humanity has been doing for, well, probably longer than recorded history. There were probably prehistoric daredevils jumping off cliffs, riding river currents, or trying to jump on any manner of animal just for the thrill of it. Our methods have changed over the years but the endless quest to go faster remains. And should you have a decent chunk of money and a long enough straight stretch of paved road, you can drive over 270mph in the Koenigsegg Agera RS.

This video, recently shared via CNET, shows the new speed record for street-legal vehicles set with a Koenigsegg Agera RS. It achieved an average speed of 277.9 mph that beats out the previous record held by the Bugatti Chiron average of 267.81 mph.

The record was set on a stretch of road between Las Vegas and Pahrump, Nevada, which–if we had to guess–was somewhere along that roughly 17 mile straight shot in the picture above. Whether you’re frightened of high speeds or you love them, the video’s two runs will get your blood pumping.

A Koenigsegg Agera RS driven by factory driver Niklas Lilja has recorded a 2-way avg speed of 444.6 km/h (277.9 mph). A new world record! pic.twitter.com/FXUjKpTW1q

— Koenigsegg Official (@koenigsegg) November 4, 2017

It’s hard for us to wrap our heads around just how fast 277mph is so let’s break it down a bit. Football fields per second? 1.12. A quick trip around the Death Star? A 68 minute trip. Driving through it? 21 minutes. Supposing you could sustain that speed through the whole trip and had straight road to travel, a trip from Boston to NYC would take 40 minutes and Los Angeles to San Francisco would take an hour and fifteen minutes.

Would you ever want to drive a Koenigsegg Agera RS? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

Images: Shmee150, Google

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The Writers Panel #359: Stephen Chbosky

Stephen Chbosky, the writer/director of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and the forthcoming Wonder chats about the line between honesty and sentimentality, the similarities between novel writing and film directing, why and how he writes, and gives a valuable four-point piece of advice to writers.

Follow @BenBlacker and Like the show on Facebook!