P2 C- Form, P2 D- Style

P2 C- Form

P2 D- Style

It is clear how the Star Wars trilogy has kept many aspects of its films the same, which can be found through various areas such as in the locations, technology, costumes and props.

For instance, it is clearly noted how in the Star Wars films released before The Force Awakens, many props such as the design of the spaceships are very similar to the latest film. The overall design of the spaceship is pretty much the same, although the atmosphere is portrayed quite differently, with The Force Awakens having a slightly more sinister atmosphere. This is illustrated below:

Along with this, a well known aspect from the Star Wars films is the weaponry used and presented throughout each film. This
includes the most well known weapon- the Light Sabre, which is presented also in The Force Awakens, along with the previous Star Wars films. They are frequently shown throughout the star wars films, with the Red beams portraying 'The Dark Side' and the Blue Beams portraying 'The Light Side'. These are demonstrated below through screenshots to show how these have also developed throughout the ageing of the Star Wars films. We can see from the screenshots presented, how there has been a significant development in the props being used- which here are the light sabres. The development for this may have been done in several ways; for example through the new advancement in technology and editing techniques or the development in the actual props to help them look more effective on screen. As opposed to the previous Star Wars films, the Light Sabres used in 'The Force Awakens' are considerably brighter; being a lot more effective when on screen and proving a much more professional image.

It is clear throughout each of the Star Wars Films, how the credits during the beginning of the films have remained the same throughout the film's developments. This is done so that the old fan base is not alienated, as Disney clearly did not wish to change must of the saga's traits, clearly as a way of keeping the existing fan base members. When such text is presented, this will get viewers excited and allow them to familiarise themselves with the films content, drawing back memories of what they have witnessed in the previous scenes of the saga. The running credits can be found presented in the screenshots below:

In Star Wars: The Force Awakens we are met with various new character's including Rey- who along with Luke Skywalker, wear clothing that is very similar- (each wear a belt over their clothing). It is also clear throughout the film how coloured clothing can be used to portray or connotate a certain meaning or personality of the character wearing it. For instance, Darth Vader is often seen wearing clothing that is black- which could clearly signify him being on 'the dark side' and hosting connotations of evil or sinful behaviour. In contrast to this, if we were to view characters such as the Storm Troopers, we can clearly see they are constantly dressed in white armour- having connotations of purity, innocence and therefore implying they are on 'the light side'. We can therefore conclude how characters portrayed as villains throughout the film are often dressed in darker clothing than those who are more innocent or less sinful.

When comparing the logos from 'Star Wars: A New Hope' and Star Wars: The Force Awakens', it is clear how the image as a whole has generally stayed the same. This means that no colours have been added and the font is the same. We notice how the traditional title of 'Star Wars' has the same yellow outline which is featured around the capital letters to appear more eye-catching. This such text has been used again since the original trilogy, despite the fact that Disney are the new owners of the franchise as opposed to Lucas Film.

It was also noted by Mark Hamill, that  “The most interesting aspect from my point of view is that [‘Star Wars’] is now in the hands of the generation who were fans. It’s the next generation of filmmakers who were sort of weaned on these pictures.” The film still features an element of space opera and action within it.

The music and sound which is used throughout each of the re release films in the Star Wars Saga has developed considerably. This means that several alterations have been made to the audio and visuals in order to make them look more effective on-screen. With Disney and Lucas Film becoming dissatisfied with the original theatrical and home video releases of the Star Wars sequels, the series creator was made to alter certain scenes which could not be fully achieved originally, due to the limitations of visual effects which could be carried out. Each of the first three films in the Star Wars Saga was re-released, as the production company at Lucas Film digitally preserved and restored some of the scenes they were unhappy with originally. This included adding special effects shots, additions to existing shots, new scenes and changed musical pieces being added. Such alterations were controversial across the Star Wars fan base, using the phrase "Han Shot First", which is a reference to one of the more contentious changes made to the original film.

Aside is a small clip to demonstrate The 1997 "Special Edition" of Star Wars, where we view Greedo firing a shot at Han Solo, shortly before Han responds in kind. In the original 1977 release, Han is the only one to fire. This clip shows the 2004 version.