This day and age, 20th Century Fox, which is responsible for the Fox Network, Fox News, FX and numerous sports channels, was almost going bankrupt back in 1977, when a very odd film was released as a soapy western in space. That film, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, turned everything around for Fox. Their stock went from $6 a share to $25 and they were able to come out of their slump and look to the future. With new revenue coming in all the time from the various parts of the Star Wars marketing engine, they now are a major competitor in the media world. A far cry from barely scraping by 30+ years ago. ...

The big news, of course, this weekend is the announcement at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show that George Lucas has finally given the go ahead to release Star Wars on Blu-Ray. The bad news is that you’ll have to wait until September 2011 for the set. Now in pre-order at Amazon for a great price of $89.99, the nine disc set will feature all six films and 30 hours of extras, along with deleted scenes. This is a big savings from the suggested retail of $139.99. For those who really hate the prequels, or for those younger fans who think the originals are a bit outdated, can purchase the two trilogies separately for $44.99 for pre-order at Amazon. Oh, and by originals, we mean the special editions, not the original theatrical releases for Episodes IV, V and VI. ...

So many people grew up watching the movies, reading the books, visiting the theme park attractions, and it’s become such a legacy. But what does the story teach us and teach our kids? In this article, we’ll explore that question.

First off, riches are of no value if you don’t have friends to share it with. When Han wants to just leave with his promised loot, he feels that it’s in his best interest. But by the end of the film, he realizes that he’d become friends with Luke and Leia and they were more important than just the riches. Money isn’t everything. If it was, you wouldn’t see so many rich people doing drugs and alcohol. ...

Truly one of the most legendary villains in film history, Darth Vader is the epitome of evil. He is the character over the years we’ve all loved to hate. But from his early beginnings as Anakin Skywalker to his rise to become Darth Lord of the Sith, he’s had many actors play him.

Starting with the voice of Darth Vader in all the films, James Earl Jones is the most memorable. Even though he’s never physically seen in any of the films, his deep sinister tone has thrilled audiences for more than 30 years. Still working at 79, he most recently was seen on House on TV, is in the stage adaptation of Driving Miss Daisy. He also has a film coming out in 2012. ...

Every fan of the series has wanted one thing besides seeing more of Leia in her slave bikini or Jar Jar hung from the rafters and that is to wield a real life light saber. In this quest, people have tried to use various items as pseudo sabers including things like fluorescent overhead bulbs which are quite dangerous if they break and are not recommended. And of course there have been plenty of toy versions like those sold in the stores and at carnivals that have the plastic that lights up and extends out when you swing it. Those might be durable enough for battle, but they look really hokey. ...