Title: Star Wars Tech
Produced By: Lucasfilm
Length: Approximately 60 minutes
DVD, 2007
Available exclusively at ShopStarWars.com
Not Rated
Reviewed by lazypadawan.
Star Wars Tech is a special produced in 2007 for The History Channel (now just "History") that explores whether the technology shown in the Star Wars films is possible in our own world, based on current scientific knowledge. Much has been made of how a lot of what is in the films is scientifically inaccurate or impossible. For instance, big fiery explosions are not possible in space because there's no oxygen. Ships cannot go "kaboom" in space because there's nothing to carry sound.
However, Star Wars Tech is far from being about debunking fantasy. Fans and casual viewers alike might be surprised at how much of the technological advances from the galaxy far, far away can be reproduced right here on Earth.
Experts from a variety of scientific fields discuss such burning questions as, how can a lightsaber contain enough power to generate laser light without the blade going on forever? Would it work if it was plasma instead of laser light? How can a weapon like the Death Star pack enough punch to destroy a planet? How would Luke's landspeeder be able to float or how would Darth Vader's life support systems might be able to work? One man suggests that "waste products" could be used to recharge the batteries running everything else in Vader's suit. Ewww! No wonder nobody wanted to be near him.
Clips from the films are interspersed with interviews and with clips of real-world technology mirroring what we see in the movies. We all know for instance, that while prosthetic limbs used for amputees in real life are not quite as sophisticated as the ones we see in the movies, there's no reason why one day soon they won't be. Far from dull, this educational look at science, popular culture, and Star Wars will entertain viewers of all ages.
The DVD itself is bare bones with no bonus material or even a menu. However, it is presented uncut and commercial-free.
