Logo
    Search

    SYSK Selects: The Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978

    enDecember 19, 2020

    Podcast Summary

    • Capital One Venture X Card and AT&T Offerings Compared to Star Wars' Life DayThe Capital One Venture X Card offers 2X miles on every purchase and premium travel perks, while AT&T provides phone deals and device trade-ins. In contrast, Star Wars' Life Day is a Wookiee tradition involving gift-giving and remembering the dead.

      The Capital One Venture X Card offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and premium travel benefits like airport lounge access and a travel credit, while AT&T provides smartphone deals and the option to trade-in old devices for new ones. Additionally, Star Wars fans celebrate Life Day every three years, which is a Wookiee tradition that involves celebrating the diversity of their ecosystem and remembering the dead, as well as giving gifts. However, some consider the Star Wars Holiday Special, which introduced Life Day, to be one of the worst things to ever happen to the Star Wars galaxy and television.

    • The Star Wars Holiday Special: A Cult Classic of AbsurdityDespite its notoriety for low quality and bizarre content, the Star Wars Holiday Special remains a cult classic and an object of fascination due to its production during Star Wars' peak popularity.

      The Star Wars Holiday Special, released in 1978, is infamous for being one of the worst television productions in history. Speakers in the discussion express their shock and amusement at its absurdity, with descriptions ranging from "mesmerizing" to "train wreck." Despite its notoriety, the special can be found in high quality on YouTube. Its poor reception is attributed to its production during the height of Star Wars' popularity, when affiliates were scrambling to capitalize on the franchise. The special's low quality and bizarre content, including a musical number with Darth Vader and a Wookiee life-debt subplot, have made it a cult classic and an object of fascination for fans and critics alike. The speakers reference various articles and sources that discuss the special's production and reception, including a Vanity Fair article and a Motherboard piece. Overall, the Star Wars Holiday Special serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of pop culture and the enduring appeal of the absurd.

    • Star Wars Holiday Special: A Hands-Off Attempt to Keep the Franchise AliveGeorge Lucas's initial hands-off approach to the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special led to its infamous quality, teaching him to be more involved in future projects.

      The Star Wars Holiday Special, which aired in 1978, was an attempt by George Lucas to keep the Star Wars franchise alive between the release of the first and second films. Lucas, who was initially hands-off about the project, wanted it to focus on Wookiees and their home planet. The special was produced by Gary Smith and Dwight Himion at CBS, and was intended to be broadcast during the holiday season when many people would be watching TV. Despite the involvement of well-known TV writers and producers, the special did not meet Lucas's expectations and is now infamous for its quality. The experience reportedly taught Lucas to be more hands-on in future projects. Notable writers involved in the special included Bruce Valanche and Lenny Rips.

    • Star Wars attempts to revive variety shows with a specialDespite Star Wars' popularity, a late 70s variety special failed due to the declining popularity of the genre and poor timing.

      The Star Wars holiday special in the late 1970s was an attempt to revive the dying variety show genre by incorporating the popular Star Wars franchise. The producers believed that everyone would love a Star Wars variety show due to the dominance of variety shows on television at the time, despite George Lucas' lack of experience with the medium. However, the timing was off as the variety show era was coming to an end and audiences were starting to prefer escapist television. Despite having a "dream team" of variety show professionals, the special failed to resonate with audiences and is now remembered as a misstep in Star Wars history. The discussion also touched upon the connection between folk music and the variety show scene, as well as the influence of country music on the special.

    • The Star Wars Holiday Special: Behind the ScenesDespite challenges during filming, Star Wars cast members couldn't refuse involvement. Zigazoo offers a safe social media platform for kids. Dell's anniversary sale offers tech upgrades with savings.

      The making of the Star Wars Holiday Special in 1978 was a challenging experience for many of the cast members, including Harrison Ford, who appeared visibly unhappy during filming. Van Morrison directed a few segments before leaving the project. On a lighter note, Zigazoo is a social media platform designed specifically for kids, offering a safe and fun environment for creating videos with moderated content and privacy protections. Dell Technologies is celebrating its 40th anniversary with savings on select tech products. Despite the difficulties faced during the filming of the Star Wars Holiday Special, the main cast members, including Ford, Hamill, and Fisher, had not yet achieved major stardom and did not have the power to refuse their involvement. Ford's apparent discontent is evident in the special, with his character Han Solo looking displeased in the opening credits sequence. Overall, the Star Wars Holiday Special was an unusual and somewhat forgettable chapter in the history of the Star Wars franchise. Meanwhile, Zigazoo offers a fun and safe alternative for kids to engage in social media activities. Dell's anniversary sale provides an excellent opportunity to upgrade tech devices with advanced features and savings.

    • Waiting on Kashyyyk with Han and ChewieGeorge Lucas intended to show the Star Wars universe from unique perspectives, but received criticism for the lack of comprehensible dialogue in a ten-minute Wookiee conversation scene. Inspired by variety shows and the cantina band, it adds to the Star Wars universe's richness.

      "Star Wars: A New Hope" includes a significant portion where Han Solo and Chewbacca's friends and family on Kashyyyk wait for their return, passing the time through conversation. This section, which lasts about ten minutes without subtitles, consists of incomprehensible Wookiee language. George Lucas initially wanted to include this segment as a way to show the universe from the perspective of these characters, but received criticism for the lack of comprehensible dialogue. This scene was inspired by Lucas' experience with variety shows and the success of the cantina band in "Star Wars." Despite the challenges, this section adds to the richness and uniqueness of the Star Wars universe.

    • The 1978 SNL John Belushi Memorial Show: A Disastrous Two-Hour ExtensionExtending a show without sufficient content can lead to poor ratings and viewer dissatisfaction.

      The production of the 1978 TV special "Saturday Night Live/John Belushi Memorial Show" was a series of problematic decisions leading to a disastrous outcome. Despite the popularity of variety shows at the time, the choice to extend an hour-long special to two hours due to advertiser demand resulted in a lackluster performance. The show, which aired on November 17, 1978, attracted 13 million viewers but lost the second hour to competing shows. The first hour's strong ratings dropped off significantly at the end, leaving CBS executives cringing. The show, which was never intended to be two hours long, was criticized for having insufficient content to fill the extended runtime. This example illustrates the risks of making hasty decisions without considering the potential consequences.

    • Enhance productivity and visual appeal with Del.com, Canva, and LinkedIn JobsDel.com offers tech-advanced online deals and free shipping, Canva creates visually impressive presentations and documents, and LinkedIn Jobs simplifies hiring for small businesses with a vast network of professionals.

      Both Del.com and Canva offer innovative solutions to enhance your productivity and visual appeal in different aspects of life and work. Del.com's online deals platform provides state-of-the-art technology and free shipping, while Canva offers visually impressive presentations and documents for various workplans. LinkedIn Jobs, on the other hand, simplifies the hiring process for small businesses by providing access to a vast network of professionals. Meanwhile, the Star Wars Holiday Special introduced unique and memorable performances by guest stars like Harvey Korman, who brought levity to the set with his versatile acting skills. Overall, these platforms and entertainment offerings aim to make our lives easier, more efficient, and visually appealing.

    • Introducing Unusual Characters and Plotlines in the Star Wars CantinaThe Star Wars Holiday Special showcases intriguing characters like Ma's Eisley and introduces unexpected plotlines, such as Art Carney's inappropriate gift to Chewbacca's father, alongside memorable moments like the hologram chess sequence.

      The Star Wars Holiday Special introduces several intriguing characters and plotlines in an unexpected setting, such as the Cantina on Tatooine. One of these characters is Ma's Eisley, the owner of the cantina, who calls last call during a lockdown by singing a song. Another character is Art Carney, a trader who befriends Chewbacca and gives him a virtual reality hairdryer as a gift, leading to an inappropriate scene with Chewbacca's elderly father, Grandpa Itchy. Despite the controversy surrounding this scene, the Holiday Special also includes other memorable moments, such as a hologram chess sequence. Overall, the Star Wars Holiday Special offers a unique and often bizarre take on the Star Wars universe.

    • The 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special: A Confusing Mix of Live-Action and AnimationDespite its disjointed nature, the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special introduced Boba Fett and influenced the development of animated Star Wars content.

      The 1978 "Star Wars Holiday Special" was a confusing and uneven mix of live-action and animated segments, with Art Carney's holographic Jefferson Starship performance and the introduction of Boba Fett in the animated segment being the highlights. The special was reportedly made with little input from George Lucas and featured a strange disconnect between the various segments. Despite its flaws, it is now regarded as a significant piece of Star Wars history due to the introduction of Boba Fett and its influence on the development of animated Star Wars content. The special's unusual nature and lack of cohesion made it a divisive and often forgotten part of the Star Wars canon, but its impact on the franchise cannot be denied.

    • A bizarre Star Wars celebrationThe Star Wars Holiday Special showcased unexpected moments and heartwarming unity despite its disjointed production and unconventional elements.

      The Star Wars Holiday Special, despite its bizarre and disjointed nature, ultimately brings the characters together in a heartwarming celebration of life day. The production, which reportedly involved a sentient bag of cocaine-like influence, resulted in unexpected elements such as Han Solo's protective stance over Chewbacca and Princess Leia's sudden singing performance. The special's low budget and hasty production led to comedic moments, like the stormtrooper's demise from a banana peel. Despite its quirks, the special's message of unity and love in the face of adversity remains a memorable aspect.

    • The 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special: A Campy Addition to the FranchiseDespite its production flaws and negative reception, the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special remains a beloved and unique addition to the Star Wars franchise for some fans, showcasing a mix of live-action and animated segments and appearances by beloved characters.

      The 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, despite being criticized and disliked by many involved, including George Lucas, has become a beloved and campy addition to the Star Wars franchise for some fans. Lucas and his team allowed the production of the special without much involvement, and it featured a mix of live-action and animated segments, as well as appearances by Star Wars characters. Although some footage was removed due to copyright issues, the special can still be found in its entirety online. Despite its production flaws and negative reception, many fans enjoy it for its unique charm and enrich the overall Star Wars experience.

    • The absence of a laugh track in the Star Wars Holiday Special adds to its oddityThe lack of a laugh track in the Star Wars Holiday Special enhances its bizarreness and leaves a lasting impression on viewers

      That the absence of a laugh track in the Star Wars Holiday Special adds to its oddity and agitates the mind, making the viewing experience more bizarre and memorable. The lack of a laugh track is not readily apparent but significantly impacts the overall tone and feel of the special. The discussion also touched upon the creative limitations of language and the influence of familiar structures on its development. Listeners shared their thoughts on the Voynich Manuscript, drawing parallels between the limitations of creating something new and the development of language. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of paying attention to seemingly insignificant details and the impact they can have on our perception of art and media. For more information on the Star Wars Holiday Special and other fascinating topics, tune in to Stuff You Should Know.

    • Introducing Kids to Social Media Safely with Zigazoo and Enhancing Customer Experiences with Nice CX1Parents can use Zigazoo to safely introduce kids to social media through moderated video sharing. Businesses can utilize Nice CX1 to deliver top-notch customer experiences at scale through self-service and agent-assisted interactions.

      Parents are discovering new ways to introduce their children to social media through platforms like Zigazoo, which prioritize safety and creativity. Zigazoo allows kids to share videos they've created with peers, all while being moderated by real people. This means no comments or messaging, eliminating the risk of social trolling. On the other hand, businesses can enhance their customer experience by utilizing Nice CX1, a comprehensive customer experience cloud platform. Nice CX1 enables organizations to deliver seamless self-service and top-notch digital and agent-assisted interactions at scale, thanks to cloud technology. In essence, Zigazoo offers a safe social media experience for kids, while Nice CX1 empowers businesses to provide exceptional customer experiences.

    Recent Episodes from Stuff You Should Know

    How Dopamine Works

    How Dopamine Works

    Dopamine is perhaps the most talked-about, most misunderstood biochemical in our bodies. It’s linked to not only addiction and depravity, but also focus, motivation, and living a productive life. How can one molecule be so many things to so many people?

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stuff You Should Know
    enJuly 02, 2024

    Selects: How Restaurant Health Inspections Work

    Selects: How Restaurant Health Inspections Work

    If you've ever worked in a restaurant, you know the feeling that occurs when the health inspector pays a visit. While nerve wracking, it's the best insurance patrons have that their food will be prepared and served in a proper environment. Learn all about how these inspections work, from their past history to current incarnation, in this classic episode.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stuff You Should Know
    enJune 29, 2024

    Whistling!

    Whistling!

    Whistling is pretty cool when you think about it because it can mean many things, from simple happy tunes to legit communication. Learn all about this ubiquitous skill today. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stuff You Should Know
    enJune 25, 2024

    The Big Episode on Wikipedia

    The Big Episode on Wikipedia

    Wikipedia changed the world. Before it came along, you had to go to the library to get the answers you sought. And you and your friends had to just agree to disagree on facts. And as the internet grew and commercialized, Wikipedia remains free and open.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stuff You Should Know
    enJune 20, 2024

    Related Episodes

    SYSK Selects: The Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978

    SYSK Selects: The Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978

    Long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, George Lucas allowed the Star Wars Holiday Special to be made. What happened on the night of November 17, 1978 can never be fully explained, but we make our best effort in a very special edition of SYSK. May the force be with us all.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 124: The Holiday Special

    Episode 124: The Holiday Special
    On this episode, Dave, Barry and Tod ring in the New Year with their long teased, highly anticipated, Star Wars Holiday Special commentary track.  Cue up your copy of this 1978 holiday classic, grab a cocktail and join the Regular Joes as they watch and comment on this Star Wars train wreck.  And, for those of you who like drinking games, take a sip every time the words Life Day are spoken…we promise you will be loaded by the end!  Happy Life Day, and thanks for listening!

    SYSK Selects: The Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978

    SYSK Selects: The Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978

    Long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, George Lucas allowed the Star Wars Holiday Special to be made. What happened on the night of November 17, 1978 can never be fully explained, but we make our best effort in a very special edition of SYSK. May the force be with us all.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Rolf Meyer: Kundenbegeisterung im Öffentlichen Verkehr

    Rolf Meyer: Kundenbegeisterung im Öffentlichen Verkehr
    Rolf Meyer im Gespräch mit Roger Schmid In der Schweiz hat der öffentliche Verkehr einen sehr guten Ruf. Pünktlichkeit und Zuverlässigkeit werden grossgeschrieben. Die Erwartungen an den ÖV sind entsprechend hoch und sie müssen zunächst erfüllt werden, damit die Kunden zufrieden sind. Die Einhaltung des Fahrplans ist oberstes Gebot für ein Verkehrsunternehmen. Übertreffen ist da nicht möglich oder würde gar zu einer Unzufriedenheit führen. Früher ankommen wäre ev. noch möglich, aber früher abfahren geht gar nicht. Da drängt sich die Frage auf, wie gelingt es dann überhaupt noch, die Kunden zu begeistern? In dieser Episode erfahren Sie von Rolf Meyer, Mediensprecher von Bernmobil, - die Antwort auf die einleitende Frage - einige Informationen zum Podcast von Bernmobil - was Bernmobil alles unternimmt, um neue Mitarbeitende zu gewinnen (sie sind durchaus kreativ dabei) - oder wie man sich in Krisensituation richtig verhält.