I meant to post this back at the end of 2008 and yet it got delayed due to my 31 days of film project. Listed below is the original review in its entirety.

In November of 1978 Star Wars fever was still running hot. The film had come out the previous year and merchandise was still selling well and The Empire Strikes back was already in the mind of George Lucas. Seeking a way to get in on the Star Wars money making action further expand the story of the Star Wars universe. CBS looked to make a two hour special using the Star Wars characters along with musical acts, comedy and action to sell a lot of ad time. Lucas agreed although had little to no involvement and it was left to some variety TV show people. What they produced was one of the worst moments in television history.

There really is nothing that I can say about this that hasn't been said hundreds of times before. Han Solo and Chewbacca are rushing back to Chewy's home planet for some holiday known as Life Day. What this involves is never fully made clear but storm troopers show up at the Bacca household looking for the man of the house.

Most of the special is either grunts and groans from the Wookies or strange segments by guest stars such as Harvey Korman, Bea Arthur and Art Carney. For one who is a die hard Star Wars fan there is probably a lot to find sacrilegious but since I'm not a fan I merely found myself staring silent at the screen.

After its original airing it was never shown again. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your take) someone recorded it and started making bootleg copies which can be found at conventions and Bit Torrents alike. George Lucas is reported as saying that if he had a hammer and enough time he would smash every copy of this film. George, you can have mine ...

If you must watch this crap, do yourselves a favor and get the Rifftrax commentary.

Labels: Crap, sci-fi