Star Wars Movie Week

Las Vegas Warehouse has a vault of treasures and finds and we hope to showcase some of the cool items that cross our storage floor. We had some amazing Star Wars originals find their way through our doors recently including these one of a kind original movie props that were used in filming.

We pack, ship, store, and deliver a lot of unique items but these ultimate collectors dreams were too amazing not to showcase.

Thankfully we have a team of professionals that handle these items which came from The Movie Prop Experience here in Las Vegas, Nevada. Our warehouse storage facility is located right near The Strip so there is always exciting events happening all around us.

The history of Star Wars movie props is a fascinating journey through innovation, craftsmanship, and cultural impact. Here’s a detailed overview of some iconic props and their development over the years:

1970s - The Original Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI)

Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

• Lightsabers: The iconic lightsabers were initially made using old camera flash handles from Graflex cameras. The hilts were modified with rubber grips, and other detailing came from various found objects.
• Blasters: Han Solo's blaster, the DL-44, was based on the German Mauser C96 pistol. It was modified with additional parts to give it a futuristic look.
• Stormtrooper Armor: The stormtrooper armor was created using vacuum-formed plastic. The design was intended to look both menacing and utilitarian.
• Millennium Falcon: The model of the Millennium Falcon was a detailed miniature used for special effects shots. The interior sets were meticulously detailed to give a lived-in feel.

Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

• Yoda Puppet: Yoda was a groundbreaking puppet created by Stuart Freeborn and voiced by Frank Oz. The puppet had sophisticated mechanisms to allow for detailed facial expressions.
• AT-AT Walkers: The stop-motion animation technique was used to bring the AT-AT walkers to life. Miniature models were painstakingly detailed for the Hoth battle scenes.

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

• Jabba the Hutt: The massive Jabba the Hutt puppet required multiple puppeteers to operate different parts of his body. It was a complex and ambitious practical effect.
• Boba Fett's Armor: Boba Fett's distinctive armor was designed to look both functional and intimidating, with various gadgets and a unique helmet design.

1990s - The Prequel Trilogy (Episodes I-III)

Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

• Droid Army: Many of the droid army units were created using CGI, but practical models were also used for close-up shots.
• Podracers: The podracer models combined practical miniatures with CGI to create the fast-paced racing scenes.

Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

• Clonetroopers: Unlike the stormtroopers from the original trilogy, the clonetroopers were mostly CGI, though practical armor was also made for certain scenes.
• Jango Fett's Armor: Jango Fett's armor was an updated version of Boba Fett's, with a sleeker design and more vibrant colors.

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

• Anakin’s Lightsaber: This prop was designed to transition between the prequel and original trilogies, eventually becoming Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber.
• Wookiee Costumes: New Wookiee costumes were created for the battle scenes on Kashyyyk, showcasing a variety of designs and details.

2010s - The Sequel Trilogy (Episodes VII-IX)

Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

• Kylo Ren’s Lightsaber: Kylo Ren's crossguard lightsaber was designed to look unstable and unique, reflecting his volatile character.
• BB-8: The BB-8 droid was a combination of practical effects and puppetry, with a remote-controlled mechanism for movement.

Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)

• Throne Room: Supreme Leader Snoke’s throne room was a striking set piece with detailed design elements and lavish props.
• Porgs: The Porg creatures were practical puppets with some CGI enhancements, adding to the film's charm.

Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

• Sith Trooper Armor: The Sith trooper armor was a striking red, designed to look more advanced and menacing compared to traditional stormtroopers.
• Legacy Lightsaber: Rey’s lightsaber, crafted from her staff, was a symbolic prop connecting the character's past with her future as a Jedi.

Spin-offs and Anthology Films

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

• Death Troopers: The Death Trooper armor was sleek and black, designed to look more elite and menacing.
• K-2SO: The K-2SO droid was a combination of motion capture and practical effects, creating a lifelike and expressive character.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

• Millennium Falcon (New): The film showcased an earlier, pristine version of the Millennium Falcon, before Han Solo's modifications.

Innovations and Legacy

The Star Wars franchise has always been at the forefront of special effects innovation. From the groundbreaking use of CGI in the prequels to the combination of practical and digital effects in the sequels, the series has continuously pushed the boundaries of movie prop design and special effects. Many props have become iconic cultural artifacts, influencing countless other films and media.

Cultural Impact

Star Wars props have become highly collectible items, with many original pieces fetching high prices at auctions. Fans and collectors often create detailed replicas, and the designs have influenced countless other works of science fiction.

The enduring popularity of Star Wars props highlights their significance not just as tools of storytelling, but as pieces of art that continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.