'Star Wars' Vintage Collection Now On Disney+!
Fans of Star Wars know of TV shows like The Clone Wars and Rebels. But not as many current fans know that, before all the new shows, there were some Star Wars movies and shows that were done in the time after the original trilogy came out. Furthermore, perhaps many still have yet to experience what came out just a few years before the 3D animated content. These Star Wars classics were not as easily accessible all in one place on a legitimate streaming service in an officially licensed capacity until now.
The Star Wars Vintage Collection has arrived on Disney+. As of April 2, 2021, Star Wars fans can watch the long out of print and previously unavailable movies and series on Disney+. Most of these stories focus on the special creatures we are introduced to in Star Wars, including the lovable and mysterious Ewoks and the Wookiees.
1. Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure was released November 25, 1984 with a runtime of 97 minutes. It is live-action. The film was given a limited international theatrical run. It was released in the United States on ABC. George Lucas wrote the story, with John Korty directing. It stars Warwick Davis as Wicket, the ever lovable Ewok who befriends Princess Leia in Return of the Jedi, as well as Aubree Miller as Cindel Towani, Eric Walker as Mace Towani, and others. Burl Ives narrates the story. The story takes place on the forest moon of Endor, where two human siblings are separated from their parents after landing on the moon. The Ewoks, led by Wicket, have to help them find their parents. Its sequel, also on Disney+, is Ewoks: The Battle for Endor.
2. Ewoks: The Battle of Endor
Ewoks: The Battle of Endor was released November 24, 1985 with a runtime of 94 minutes. It is also live-action. It was also released on ABC with the story by George Lucas and the film itself directed by Ken and Jim Wheats. The story follows Cindel Towani from the first film as she navigates joining the Ewoks to help them protect their home from marauders who try to take control of the Endor moon.
3. The Story of the Faithful Wookiee
The Story of the Faithful Wookiee is an animated story that aired as a part of the infamous 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special. Produced by Nelvana, the segment is notable for being the first appearance of the beloved character of Boba Fett, eighteen months before his live-action debut in The Empire Strikes Back. Most of the main original Star Wars cast also voice their respective characters. In the original special, the Wookiee Lumpawarrump watches a cartoon of a mysterious figure (Boba Fett) who befriends Luke Skywalker and his friends. Of course, Boba Fett is revealed to be working for Darth Vader and the Empire.
4. Ewoks
Ewoks is an animated ABC series that was released in 1985 and takes place prior to not only Return of the Jedi, but also the two live-action Ewok films. It was created by Bob Carrau and Paul Dini and revolves around the adventures of Wicket and his friends on Endor. It ran for two seasons.
5. Clone Wars 2D Micro Series – Volume 1 and 2
The Clone Wars 2D Micro-Series is the newest of the Star Wars Vintage Collection and was developed by Genndy Tartakovsky. Originally airing from November 2003 to March 2005, it is set between the events of Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. It chronicles of the events of the Clone Wars following such characters as Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Mace Windu. It was later replaced by the 3D animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars in the official Star Wars canon. However, the 2D series is significant in that it marks the first onscreen appearance of Count Dooku’s Sith apprentice Asajj Ventress, who of course, goes on to be a major character in Clone Wars. Plus, it includes the first ever appearance of General Grievous in any media.
Later this year, the Star Wars: Droids animated series is slated to join the others on Disney+ in the Star Wars Vintage collection.
These movies and series are available now on Disney+. If you are an avid Star Wars fan, you should definitely check them out.
Source(s): StarWars.com