Home Media Magazine - Agent DVD - July 2008 - (Page DVD25) *SCI-FI/FANTASYFILES GREATEST SCI-FI/FANTASY FRANCHISE STAR WARS STAR TREK 22.6% THE LORD OF THE RINGS 14.8% HARRY POTTER 7.6% Source: AgentDVD.com 44.8% Time Travel THE TERMINATOR 36.6% DOCTOR WHO 22.8% N FATE VO EDITOR’S CHOICE: STAR WARS the BACK TO THE FUTURE 39% Creatures & Aliens ALIEN VS. PREDATOR 35.8% (includes all ‘Alien’ and ‘Predator’ movies) PLANET OF THE APES 26% JURASSIC PARK 23.6% W ith domestic box office receipts of more than $2 billion, and a merchandising line-up to match, how can one not think “Star Wars” has the popularity, longevity and influence to be considered the greatest franchise in sci-fi history? Upon its debut in 1977, “Star Wars” changed the landscape not only of science-fiction, but also of film in general. Even “Star Trek” likely wouldn’t have thrived in the 1980s and 1990s had not the original Star Wars spurred Paramount to make Star Trek: The Motion Picture in 1979. Many criticized the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy for failing to live up to the standards of the first three films. But how could it? The truth is, all the films are remarkably entertaining, and all are layered with rich details that can be appreciated independently of the films, or the series, as a whole. And who can forget John Williams’ wonderful music? Another mark of a good franchise is the strength of the parodies it inspires. From Hardware Wars to Spaceballs, “Star Wars” has fueled countless spoofs, including loving tributes last year from “Family Guy” and “Robot Chicken” (see page 38). Between the films, books, cartoons and upcoming TV series, including the new theatrical release of the CG-animated Clone Wars movie, “Star Wars” remains as strong as ever. – JOHN LATCHEM AgentDVD.com 24 AGENTDVD JULY 2008 http://AgentDVD.com http://agentdvd.com
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