 
|
|
              
|
 'That '70s Show' relives that 'Star Wars' frenzy March 13, 1999 By Rob Owen, Post-Gazette TV Editor MEMO: "Star Wars" blasts back into theaters with the first of three prequels this May. Why wait till then? We're counting down to the premiere of "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" (a.k.a. "Episode 1") with a weekly update. The teens on Fox's "That '70s Show" journey to a galaxy far, far away in their season finale tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. on WPGH. The series is set in 1977 when "Star Wars" fever first reached epidemic proportions. "And he takes out his Lightsaber and he goes woosh and he chops the guard's right arm off 'cause it's a saber that's made of light," Eric Foreman (Topher Grace) excitedly explains to his disbelieving mom (Debra Jo Rupp). Later Eric dreams about his adolescent turmoil in a "Star Wars" context. It's a clever episode, cheekily titled "A New Hope," with several small touches "Star Wars" fans will appreciate. MORE 'MENACE': The second trailer for the new "Star Wars" film premiered in theaters yesterday, playing with a variety of films, not just Fox's "Wing Commander" as had been speculated. The new trailer aired Thursday on TV's entertainment newsmagazines and will be broadcast again on the weekend editions of "Entertainment Tonight" (midnight Sunday on WTAE) and "E! News" (noon and 5 p.m. today, 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. tomorrow). It's also available online at www.starwars.com. Fans will get to see the completed movie two days sooner than expected. Lucas announced it will open May 19 instead of May 21.
|