When Star Wars: Episode 1, The Phantom Menace was re-released in 3-D on February 10th, many die-hard fans came out to the once-in-a-lifetime viewing. Some were dressed in Jedi robes, had trooper helmets on their heads, carried lightsabers around, and even braved the cold winds and concrete while awaiting the midnight showing. These kinds of fans took the opportunity to exhibit their dedication and devotion to the series. It led this reporter to search for the biggest Star Wars fan on Colton High’s campus; and of course, it came down to English teacher Stacey Baker. Baker took time to expand on her much-known love of the epic saga; explaining how it all began, her personal experiences, and a Star Wars-themed wedding.
How did your interest in Star Wars begin?
When I was seven, I went to see the first Star Wars, Episode 4, and I just fell in love. Of course, the ones in ‘80 and ‘83, I saw them too. But when I really got into it, was in 1995. I had a student who was reading a novel called Shadow of the Empire; he wanted to use it for a book report. I read it myself and I was hooked. After that I started reading all the novels and went to see all of the movies again. I can’t tell you how excited I was that they were coming out with new movies! When I went to see Episode 4 on the opening day of the re-release, I stood up and started clapping at the end, people were telling me to sit down. That’s really when my fandom began.
Have you seen any of the movies on opening day?
I probably didn’t see any of the old ones on opening day; I was really little so I don’t remember. But I went to see the re-releases on opening day, and I saw Episode 1 three times on opening day. I saw that movie about seventeen times, total, (including) once at the Chinese Theater, once when I was in London. I also saw it in IMAX, and I did see it a few weeks back in 3D. So I’ve seen that one eighteen times total.
You saw it in London?
Yes! I was taking some students on a field trip over there, and somehow I managed to make the time to go see it. It was so great, because that’s where (the original) was made.
What is it that you like about the series?
What I like most is the characters, and how they have really just, come to life. Especially in the novels. They’ve just become like, my family.
Who is your favorite character? Why?
That’s such a hard question, because really, it’s changed over the years. R2-D2 was my favorite as a kid, of course, because I loved the spunkiness of him. But after reading the novels I’m really into Princess Leia. She is just, an amazing woman. She takes charge, she’s an amazing diplomat. And now that they’ve gotten more into the universe, she’s also a Jedi Knight. And she used to be the leader of the New Republic!
Which is your favorite movie? Why?
Empire Strikes Back is my favorite. The middle act of a series is always the most dramatic because it leaves the audience hanging and wanting more. I also love the development of the relationship between Han and Leia. The addition of characters like Yoda, Lando and Boba Fett also make it a treasure.
Have you ever been to a Star Wars convention?
Not really any conventions. I’ve been to four different exhibits though. One at the San Diego Museum of Art, one at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising; that one had costumes from the more recent films, mainly Episode 1. They were just gorgeous. And the other two were at the science center. They had models of spaceships and costumes. I want to go to a convention, but they’re just so expensive, and you have to get tickets really early to go to those, because they just sell out.
What’s the most radical thing you’ve done that was associated with Star Wars?
I had a Star Wars themed wedding. My bridesmaids walked in to Leia’s theme, my husband and I walked down the aisle to the song at the end of Episode 4, when they’re all getting their awards; and at the end of the ceremony, we walked out to the main theme of the movies. At the reception, the bridesmaids and groomsmen all came out with light sabers, and held them in an arch, and we walked through. The cutest part was, during the best man’s speech, my twin nephews, who were about 2 years old at the time, were having light saber duels on the dance floor.
What do you think of the new 3-D re-releases?
I thought it was beautifully done. The 3-D effect gave it lots of visual depth, you could really tell the difference. I think they’re much better than the Disney 3-D releases; I went to go see The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3-D and ended up feeling like, “okay, why did they even make that?” So the Star Wars one was really well done.
What would you say to recommend Star Wars to someone who never got particularly interested in the series?
Whenever any of my students say they’ve never seen Star Wars, obviously I’m initially offended. But I just tell them, try it. Most of the time the ones that have never seen them, they’ve usually just seen some bits and pieces on TV, so they don’t really have a full understanding of what’s going on. Once you’ve seen the movies and what the characters do, you’ll enjoy it. You might not get as into it as I am, but they’re good films in their own right.