MisterWhiplash Maybe slightly too long (yeah, even at 100 minutes), but there's a lot of wonderful anecdotes from all of these 'walk-on' players and actors and people-behind-masks, and it's not completely about the making of Star Wars either. I think that was what pleasantly surprised me the most; not only that, the people talk about where they came from and their personal lives to an extent - all of them, from what I could tell, came from working class backgrounds, had sometimes sick/dead family members, and it was not necessarily always a 'I'm going to be this kind of actor' let alone any kind of recognizable entity - and, after Star Wars, how their lives fared.Some kept on working in movies (there's one guy who went on to be in a number of films as the sort of 'oh, hey, background guy' in films like Living Daylights and Last Crusade), some didn't (the one actress, who barely considers herself that, found that she was more keen on getting her walk-on roles and not really seeking anything more), and some went on to being other iconic figures (Dave Prowse as... cross-walk guy?) There's also a good deal of time spent talking about fans and conventions, and the reactions to how these cons go isn't anything too out of this world (as one of them says, 95% of the people are terrific, the rest are... weird), but it adds another level on to the proceedings.Most interesting is the bit about how there is a sort of tier system as far as people going to these conventions, with one man being interviewed (I forget his name but he's the guy that gets blown up in the X-Wing after shouting "Loosen up!" and recalls not remembering his lines out of order) saying that at one con a guy came trying to make himself into a thing when he wasn't even credited... and then this same guy, one presumes - or someone like him- is interviewed, and I mean, hey, that briefing scene on the Death Star on Yavin had a LOT of guys, you know. And meanwhile a guy like Prowse says with only a bit of bitterness that he isn't asked to conventions anymore, certainly not the official SW ones, but it doesn't seem as anything sad, like he knows he's made some bad blood along the way ...(the context, in case anyone's curious, Prowse used to be really terrible when it came to leaking info about the sequels when they were in production, to the point where he wasn't given the pivotal line in 'Empire' due to his loose lips, so that may be a reason he neglects to mention, but I digress)...The key thing with Elstree is that you don't have to be a major Star Wars fan to see it. I'm sure it helps, and having listened recently to the 'I Was There Too' podcast with Anthony Forrest (the 'Mind-Trick' Stormtrooper, and another character cut from the final version), there's some extra things to find out about these people that make them interesting all within this context. Stylistically it's talking heads and a sprinkling of film clips, stills, (mostly from SW, and sometimes, to emphasize a character as the one neat trick, the film does a kind of back and forth loop like one might see on, of all places, Instagram, but it works as a 'here's this guy or woman').What it comes down to is that these people would be great fun to talk to in sum, and that's the important thing. While the fandom is nice for these people, it's not everything (not even for Prowse, not anymore, or Jeremy Bulloch, the one actor interviewed here that wasn't there in 76), so in a way this is more like a series of human interest stories that happens to have as the connecting thread of 'Oh yeah, that sci-fi movie that the quiet bearded guy was directing). It works for both crowds, even as it's special up to a point, a 'good for one watch' thing.

Mark Turner Those are the famous lines spouted by actors for decades. They always want to thank "the little people", those inconsequential actors, extras and crew members who make the star shine. But rarely do we ever hear about them and they never receive the accolades that the stars do. No one even makes movies about them. Until now.STAR WARS is perhaps the biggest cultural event film made in the last 50 years. It was released, sequels were made, all were re-released, prequels followed, we got an all-new movie last year, a movie tie-in is coming as well as a sequel to the new movie. And while all had a handful of stars in major roles what most don't consider is the number of bit players and costumed actors that are found running around in each of these movies.ELSTREE 1976 takes a look at those actors. If you were in a mask or played a small role in the original film you were there watching it all happen at Elstree Studios in 1976. The film makers here have gone back to those actors now and discussed with them the experiences they had in making that first movie. Matched with their appearances in that film we see them as they are now, masks off or a little aged for those who didn't have to wear masks. Each of them talks about their time and it makes for a nice backstage look at movie making.Not only do we get to hear them talk about the making of the film we get to find out how it influenced their lives moving forward as well. Various cast members went on to roles in other films or TV projects, some of them recognizable when it is pointed out. For them you'll be watching and saying "Oh yeah! I didn't realize that was him/her!" We see where they are today and what they're doing as well as those no longer with us.I've read some reviews of this film that take its makers to task for focusing on the minor bit players while ignoring some of the bigger name stars that were made who also wore masks. I find it difficult to side with those complaints seeing as how many of those stars have had programs made about them already as well as their appearing at numerous conventions to sign autographs to this day. The focus of the cast members here were those who aren't as recognizable, who didn't jump onto other major projects in starring roles, who haven't gotten the recognition that those others did. For me that makes the movie even better, giving them a chance for the recognition they deserve as well.Understand going in that this is not an action packed film. We don't see tons of clips from the original movie. We get glimpses of these people in their roles, see them now and get the chance to listen to them talk about their experience. It is a documentary not a narrative film. And yet it is still interesting to watch. Fans of STAR WARS will find themselves listening to these tales with rapt attention. Others might find it interesting as well. For me it was a treat and worth watching.

ironhorse_iv There have been countless documentaries on the "Star Wars" movies over the years & most of the films, are pretty good. However, this kick-starter documentary directed by Jon Spira is not one of them. While, I'm a huge 'Star Wars' fanatic; I have to say, this documentary was very disappointing. It was a mess. While, the title of this film, refers to the studio, just outside London where director George Lucas shot the original 1977's masterpiece film, 'Star Wars'. The documentary does not really focus on, the actual production of that seminal space opera. Instead, the movie tells the mostly boring life-story of the bit actors and extras that were hired for the film. Talk about grasping for straws. The only sequence and interview that seem, somewhat interesting, was English bodybuilder, weightlifter and actor, David Prowse whom played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, though the character's voice was provided by James Earl Jones. That man, had a great life-story of fighting childhood illnesses, working with director Stanley Kubrick as well as being a role-model for children as a crossing guard superhero. What a character! The others actor's life story were highly bland, even the man that create a derivative martial arts form. Look, I get that, they probably couldn't get, any of the main cast to be, part of this film, but there were hardly any interesting colorful supporting actors, here. Where is the interviews of Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Anthony Daniels (C3PO) or Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca)? Is this, really the best, this film can often? Its sucks, that most of the interesting actors were long-past dead. It's get kinda worst, as some of the people that were being interview, weren't even credited in the film. God knows, if anything, they're talking about is honestly, true or not. Truly, as much, as I like, hearing about people talk about the production of 'Star Wars', this is pretty low on the entertainment chasm. What's next, a documentary about the jaintors who clean the studios toilets, where 'Star Wars' was filmed at!? Come on! They using the least desirable parts of the film. Another problem with this film, is how the title, doesn't relate to the subject, they're presenting. A good example of this, is how the film talks about actor Anthony Forrest, when in truth, he mostly filmed all of his scenes at Tunisia as both, the Stormtrooper and Laze 'Fixer' Loneozner. He barely step, foot at Elstree Studios at all. Another good example of an actor, not really being there was actor, Jeremy Bulloch, whom wasn't even in the original film, but in its 1980's sequel 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back'. The reason, why is pretty simple, when you think, deep about it. He couldn't be at Elstree Studios in 1976, because at that time, he was in Pinewood Studios, filming the James Bond movies in a minor role as Q's assistant. So, why is he in this film at all? It's probably, because he played one of the most popular, minor 'Star Wars' character of all-time, Boba Fett, the Bounty Hunter and fans wanted to see him. It's like the filmmakers, said to themselves, screw the premise of this film. Just add him in, so the movie would have, somewhat of an appeal. Yes, it somewhat work, but he seem like an out of place addition, comparing to the other people, being interview. In my opinion, I think the movie would had been more interesting, if they focus the spotlight on the film crew, rather than the extras and lesser supporting actors. After all, the costumes, the props, the locations and special effects of 'Star Wars' outshines the acting, big time! Sadly, this film doesn't do that, as it shows. It was very lackluster. Another problem of this film to me, is how it was made. The visuals of this documentary were really, below average. The weird badly grainy reenactment footage really, don't match well, with the behind-the-scenes footage of the actual 1977 film. It looks so fake. Also, the idea of having all of the bit part player's names, being shown on the screen alongside their 'Star Wars' action figure might sound cool, but it was delivered, really bad. It comes across, as confusing, as the film doesn't bother, showing their faces, screen presence or last names, until later. The editing for this film, was really, really horrible. There were plenty of botch interviews in the film, that should had been cut out from the final film. A good example is the actor, Angus MacInnes (Gold Leader) calling for his dog to stay still, while he talks. Honestly, did we really need to see that!? Another scene is when another actor, Derek Lyons was showing his 'Zen Swim' martial-arts moves, only to be distracted by the disappearing of people walking in the background, between shots. The way, the movie jump around, from person to person also felt a bit incomplete. It's pretty bad, for the film to start talking about somebody, only to have it, wait until another person finish talking, a little about his life. It was highly annoying. The director also unfortunately opts for this depressing ambient music throughout most of the film that makes everything seem really melancholy and bleak, even when it's not. It's less of a celebration of these actors and more of a show of bitterness. Overall: I have to say, this isn't the documentary, I was looking for. It barely gave any real insight of both 'Star Wars' and the background actors that starred in it. I really can't recommended, watching, not at all. Even if you're forced to watch it.

bazmitch23 Everybody in the world has a story to tell. It is cool that the lesser known people involved with Star Wars get their moment to shine. We already know who David Prowse is. He played one of cinema's greatest villains. We have interviews with the actors who played the X-Wing fighters, Greedo, the Stormtrooper who hit his head and of course Jeremy as Boba Fett (even though "The Empire Strikes Back" was shot in 1979, which is out of place for a documentary called "Elstree 1976").The doc opens with the actors explaining who there are and their growing up tales, Prowse became a body builder due to problems with his muscles. He also explained that he almost got in trouble on A Clockwork Orange by asking Kubrick "Are you 'One Take Stanley'?" Fortunatley, Stan just laughed.They all explain how they were cast in Star Wars and their parts. Greedo had acid put on his back for the burning effect, and no he does not talk about "Who shot first".The X-Wing fighters said that they had to queue for their scenes in the X-Wing cockpits as if they were queuing for a ride.The Stormtrooper who banged his head said he couldn't see out of the helmet, which explains Luke's line "I can't see a thing in this helmet."Then they talk about conventions and how the lesser known actors were annoyed that Vader and Fett were getting all the glory and they weren't.Then we have the "What are you doing now" act in the documentary and this is where the doc gets quite dull for me. Most of them haven't really anything interesting to say, other than "I don't act any more" and "I just do parts in TV." After the Star Wars tale, you just don't care about their stories anymore, but then all actors go through the "Where are they now" part in the lives. Even the big names quit. One actor said he had bit parts in movies such as Indiana Jones and Superman, and he was depressed that he wasn't getting any big parts.The female extra who has a "blink and you miss it cameo" in the Cantina scene went out with Christopher Reeve whilst filming Superman.Another actor said he is now a teacher and has created a series called "Johnny Spacerocket."It's an okay doc, Star Wars fans might be interested in the first 45 minutes, but afterwards the doc gets slow and dull.