FilmQuest Review: A DISTURBANCE IN THE FORCE is an Insightful and Fun Doc About The STAR WARS Holiday Special
A Disturbance in The Force is a fascinating and insightful Star Wars documentary that takes a deep dive into the creation and legacy of the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. The doc takes fans on a nostalgic journey back to 1978, a year after “Star Wars” had taken the world by storm, and a curious two-hour television event graced screens during Thanksgiving week, and 13 million viewers tuned in to watch! After that, the special disappeared and it was never intended to be screened again.
The Star Wars Holiday Special still hasn’t been officially released and the only place to watch it is from bootleg copies on YouTube. The doc sheds some light on Star Wars history, and while many fans of the franchise might be aware of the existence of the “Holiday Special,” very few truly understand how and why it was brought into existence. A Disturbance in The Force unravels this mystery, providing fans with an insider’s look at the motivations, challenges, and creative decisions that led to the creation of this one-of-a-kind piece of Star Wars lore.
One of the most intriguing aspects that this documentary explores is the idea that the Star Wars Holiday Special was essentially a bold marketing experiment. It was a unique attempt to directly connect with the passionate fan base that had already fallen in love with the galaxy far, far away. It was also used as a way to help promote the Star Wars action figures that were released between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.
As we journey through the film, it becomes clear that the special’s creators had an audacious vision, aiming to infuse the Star Wars universe with the spirit of the holidays, a challenge that was easier said than done and the result is, well… if you’ve seen it you know.
The documentary also features interviews with various actors, writers, specialists, and more. It also includes past interviews with the actors who had to do the project because they were contractually obligated. There are also quotes from George Lucas himself who doesn’t even want to acknowledge the special’s existence.
It’s interesting watching all of these people people talk about the special and they reveal some things about it that I never even knew before, which was fun because I thought I knew everything there was to know about the Holiday Special! But A Disturbance in The Force isn’t just about revealing the hidden history of the Holiday Special. It also captures the spirit of that era and the cultural significance of Star Wars.
In 1977, the original film revolutionized the film industry, and it changed not only how films were made but also how they were marketed. It was a turning point for both the film industry and this documentary effectively conveys that pivotal moment in entertainment history and how it took a step backward with the Holiday special.
The doc is also funny and the humor from the stories being told and thoughts being shared on the doc keeps the film engaging and light-hearted, making it accessible even to those who may not be die-hard Star Wars fans.
A Disturbance in The Force is a fun little gem for Star Wars fans and it offers an in-depth exploration of a hidden corner of the Star Wars galaxy while also celebrating the cultural impact of the franchise. It’s a journey back in time and and a heartfelt tribute to the enduring magic of Star Wars. The documentary promises an enjoyable and enlightening experience that you won’t want to miss.