Are You Now, Or Have You Ever Been?
When George Lucas began working on Star Wars, he probably had no idea it would overshadow everything else he'd ever done. Today, many young fans discovering the Lucasfilm pantheon are familiar with the Star Wars trilogy, Willow and the Indiana Jones movies, but they may have never seen American Graffiti, and even fewer have heard of THX 1138. THX 1138 was George Lucas' first feature film and first crack at science fiction. Thirty-three years after its 1971 release, THX 1138 has been obscured by the success of subsequent Lucasfilm projects, but it's not forgotten. THX 1138 was a unique filmmaking achievement that remains compelling and relevant to today's audience, and should be of interest to Star Wars fans.
This fall is the time to revisit THX 1138, on DVD and -- in select cities -- in the movie theater. You'll be surprised at the similarities with other Lucas projects, like the great sound and breathtaking imagery, as well as the differences, such as the sexual, political and austere themes. Lucas still looks back at THX 1138 as one of the films he enjoyed making the most, even though it was the least successful commercially. All directors should be so lucky as to get to direct their own personal vision as their first feature film.
On September 14, 2004, Lucasfilm and Warner Bros. Home Video will make available THX 1138: The George Lucas Director's Cut in a two-disc DVD set.
But before that, starting September 10, the film will screen theatrically in select cities. Here is the current city list; the list may undergo updates in the coming weeks. For the latest list, previews and more information, keep checking the new official THX 1138 website here.
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