Sci-Fi Storm

With the release of the Star Wars Trilogy on DVD this week, the AP is running an article about the toils of making the trilogy – such as props that don’t work, Carrie Fisher doing “Help me, Obi-Wan” over and over, and more. A humorous read. Update: CNN is also running an article on the changes on the DVD.

The first part of the second season of Lost in Space will be released Tuesday, containing 16 episodes on 4 discs – no special features as far as I can see. The second part will be released on 11/30.

SCI FI Wire has a report regarding the changes Lucas has made to the upcoming Star Wars Trilogy DVD set due out on the 21st, as well as Lucas’s feelings on making changes. I’ve already got both versions on laserdisc – now I’ve got to get another version…

Fans in Los Angeles bid Jimmy Doohan farewell at his last convention appearance. The beloved Scotty is retiring from the convention circuit after announcing he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Later today he will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Need a Scotty fix? The first season of the original Star Trek is out today.

JMS recently posted on what he’s up to, giving news on what comics are coming out when (including the last three issues of Rising Stars), when Jeremiah will finally air (starting Sept. 3rd on Showtime), two possible TV projects (neither named, neither Trek), something going on in London (G’Kar: The Musical? :), and the next-to-final draft of the Babylon 5: TMoS screenplay.

diablo-d3 writes “Elmer Bernstein has passed away.” Bernstein was the composer of over over 200 theme songs, including some classics (The Magnificent Seven), the comedic (Spies Like Us), and some you’d rather forget (Leonard Part 6)…

The Babylon 5 Movie Set is out today, which includes all 5 B5 TV movies, The Gathering (Special Edition), In the Beginning, Thirdspace, River of Souls, and A Call to Arms, completing the release of Babylon 5 to DVD. The Crusade series is still to be released, and no word yet on The Legend of the Rangers.

Wiley Saichek writes “Suzy McKee Charnas has written an essay about teaching at the Clarion (East) Workshop this past June. Her essay, “Clarion: Teaching the best fiction writers’ workshop for fantasy and science fiction” can be found on her website at: http://www.suzymckeecharnas.com/Esy_clarion-writer s-workshop.html

Charnas has also created a blog at
http://www.livejournal.com/users/suzych“

TVShowsOnDVD.com has posted the complete interview with TV/SF writer David Gerrold, where he talks about involvement – and non-involvement – with Star Trek, Land of the Lost, and more. Also, I’ve finally set up for the completed seasons of the original Star Trek on DVD over in the SciFi TV Store – you can now order Season 1, Season 2 (including the great Gerrold episode, “The Trouble with the Tribbles”), and Season 3, and even the Mega Set!!

Muggle Net has a couple of news items regarding the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban DVD release. It is to be released on November 23rd, retail at $22.95, and include lots of goodies including extra footage, tours of Honeydukes and Lupin’s classroom, games, and more.