Empire Magazine – July 2007 – Issue 217 – Star Wars Exclusive Subscribers Cover

Original UK edition of Empire Magazine, July 2007, Issue 217, featuring an exclusive Star Wars subscribers' cover celebrating 30 years of the legendary science-fiction franchise.

This special cover features four of the original trilogy's most recognisable characters: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo and Chewbacca.

A fantastic piece of 2000s cinema memorabilia, particularly appealing to collectors of Star Wars, Empire Magazine and original trilogy film memorabilia.

Magazine Details

Publication: Empire Magazine
Issue Date: July 2007
Issue Number: 217
Cover Edition: Exclusive Subscribers Cover
Cover Theme: Star Wars – 30th Anniversary
Featured Characters: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo and Chewbacca
Original UK Price: £3.70
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Condition: Pre-owned
SKU: 1567

Exclusive Star Wars Subscribers Cover

The magazine features a distinctive, predominantly cream and silver cover design, produced as an exclusive subscribers' edition.

Across the top is the wording:

"STAR WARS – EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIBERS' COVER"

The cover celebrates the original Star Wars film, released in 1977, with a special 30th-anniversary design.

The artwork features four iconic characters arranged together against a pale studio-style background.

Luke Skywalker – Mark Hamill

Positioned on the left, Luke Skywalker is shown wearing his familiar light-coloured tunic, trousers and boots.

He holds a blaster across his chest, with his utility belt and equipment visible.

The photograph captures Luke's original trilogy appearance and the distinctive costume styling associated with the earliest Star Wars films.

Princess Leia – Carrie Fisher

Princess Leia appears in the centre of the composition, wearing her classic white dress and recognisable side-bun hairstyle.

She is positioned in front of Chewbacca, with her arms raised towards him.

Her costume and hairstyle are among the most recognisable visual elements of the original 1977 film.

Chewbacca – Peter Mayhew

Standing behind Princess Leia is Chewbacca, the towering Wookiee character.

His long brown fur and distinctive bandolier are clearly visible.

Chewbacca occupies the central upper portion of the composition, creating an impressive backdrop to the other characters.

Han Solo – Harrison Ford

On the right is Harrison Ford as Han Solo.

He wears his familiar black waistcoat, cream shirt, dark trousers and tall boots.

Han Solo is posed holding a blaster towards the viewer, with his other arm extended behind him.

The dynamic pose provides a strong contrast to the more traditional group portrait arrangement.

Additional Cover Details

The lower-right corner features:

1977 – Star Wars

Alongside the Rebel Alliance insignia and the wording:

"SUBSCRIBERS' ALLIANCE"

At the bottom is the famous Star Wars quotation:

"May the Force be with you."

The cover's restrained colour palette and retro presentation give it the appearance of a commemorative cinema print.

Unlike a standard newsstand cover filled with headlines, this subscribers' edition places the emphasis almost entirely on the Star Wars characters and anniversary artwork.

Main Feature – 30 Years of Star Wars

Page 84 – 30 Years of Star Wars

One of the main features advertised in the contents is a special celebration of three decades of George Lucas's Star Wars universe.

The magazine includes several Star Wars-related sections.

The 30 Greatest Characters

A retrospective celebrating memorable characters from the Star Wars films.

The contents preview refers to a countdown including characters such as:

• Captain Rex

• Bossk

• Ugnaughts

• Rick McCallum

The feature reflects Empire's retrospective approach to the franchise and its many memorable personalities.

The Lost George Lucas Interview

The issue advertises a previously unpublished or rediscovered interview with George Lucas.

The contents describe it as a significant interview feature, offering readers another perspective on the filmmaker behind Star Wars.

The Toys That Never Were

A feature exploring unrealised Star Wars toys and collectable concepts.

The contents specifically reference an unusual Grand Moff Tarkin-related toy idea.

This section may be especially interesting to collectors of vintage Star Wars action figures and merchandising.

Real-Life Leias

An unusual feature examining real-world connections with Princess Leia and the wider Star Wars phenomenon.

The Future of Star Wars

A retrospective look at the future of the franchise as discussed in 2007.

The magazine was published after the completion of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, making its predictions and contemporary commentary particularly interesting from a historical perspective.

Empire's 40th Anniversary Special

The contents also advertise an Empire retrospective feature associated with the Star Wars celebration.

The accompanying photographs show Empire staff discussing a selection of 30 Star Wars cover designs, with an editorial meeting and numerous framed or displayed magazine covers.

This offers an interesting behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation and selection of Empire's Star Wars anniversary covers.

Additional Features and Interviews

Although Star Wars dominates the subscribers' cover, the magazine also contains a substantial selection of other cinema features.

Atonement – Page 66

A first look at the 2007 romantic war drama based on Ian McEwan's novel.

The contents highlight the film's cast, including James McAvoy and Keira Knightley.

The accompanying preview image shows James McAvoy in military costume.

The Simpsons – Page 72

A feature discussing The Simpsons ahead of its 2007 cinema release.

The contents page features a colourful cartoon illustration involving Homer Simpson and a team of sled dogs.

An interesting contemporary feature from the period when The Simpsons Movie was released.

Jessica Alba – Page 80

A feature focusing on actress Jessica Alba.

The contents page includes a photograph of Alba and a preview of the article.

Horror Remakes – Page 118

A feature examining the possibility of remaking established horror films.

The contents specifically reference Déjà Vu.

Bruce Willis – Page 122

A feature focusing on Bruce Willis and his return to the role of John McClane.

The contents illustration shows Willis holding a firearm in character.

This coverage coincides with the release period of Live Free or Die Hard, known in the UK as Die Hard 4.0.

Lost Performances – Page 126

An examination of performances and films that might have been.

Harry Potter 5 – Page 128

Coverage of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

The contents page includes a behind-the-scenes photograph featuring Daniel Radcliffe in costume as Harry Potter, alongside members of the production.

This is particularly interesting for collectors of Harry Potter cinema memorabilia.

The Empire Interview – Page 135

An interview with comedian and actor Mike Myers.

The contents refer to his work and comedy career.

Film Reviews and Regular Sections

The magazine also contains the usual Empire editorial sections, providing an interesting snapshot of cinema during summer 2007.

In Cinemas

The contents include listings and reviews for films such as:

• Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

• Zodiac

• Vacancy

• The Flying Scotsman

• Shrek the Third

• The Hitcher

• La Vie En Rose

• Lucky You

These listings provide a contemporary record of films being released and reviewed during the summer of 2007.

At Home

The home entertainment section includes:

Page 142 – New to DVD

Coverage of contemporary DVD releases, including The Good German, Hot Fuzz and other films.

Page 156 – Reissues

A look at older films receiving new home entertainment releases.

Page 160 – Masterpiece

A retrospective film feature.

Page 163 – Television

Coverage of television advertising and entertainment.

Page 164 – Games

A feature discussing Spider-Man 3 and its video game adaptation.

Page 168 – Top Ten Movie Parties

A humorous feature examining memorable parties in cinema.

Page 178 – Classic Scene

A retrospective on a memorable scene from The Bridge on the River Kwai.

The issue also includes letters, news and a crossword.

Collector Appeal

This magazine is particularly suitable for collectors interested in:

• Star Wars 30th-anniversary memorabilia.

• Exclusive Empire subscribers' editions.

• Original trilogy Star Wars characters.

• Harrison Ford and Han Solo.

• Mark Hamill and Luke Skywalker.

• Carrie Fisher and Princess Leia.

• Peter Mayhew and Chewbacca.

• George Lucas and Lucasfilm.

• Star Wars cinema history.

• Vintage and modern Star Wars collectables.

• Empire Magazine back issues.

• Harry Potter film memorabilia.

• British film journalism and cinema history.

The subscribers' cover is especially attractive because of its uncluttered design, prominent original trilogy characters and anniversary presentation.

Condition Report – Please Read Carefully

Condition: Pre-owned, with visible signs of age, handling and storage.

The photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

The cream-coloured Star Wars cover remains attractive and the main artwork is clearly visible.

Visible condition points include:

• Light surface marks and general handling wear.

• Slight discolouration and minor age-related marks on the pale cover background.

• Minor edge wear along the upper and lower edges.

• Light rubbing around the corners.

• Slight waviness and curling of the cover, particularly towards the outer edge.

• Minor wear along the spine.

• Small marks and light creasing consistent with previous reading and storage.

The Star Wars character artwork remains clearly displayed, with the principal design, lettering and anniversary details intact.

Spine and Binding

The magazine appears to retain its original binding.

There is some visible wear and slight curvature around the spine area, consistent with a previously read magazine.

No major separation is apparent in the photographed sections.

Interior Pages

The photographed contents pages remain legible and retain their original colour printing.

The pages show some natural curvature and handling wear.

The magazine opens sufficiently to display its contents, although every page has not been individually inspected or photographed.

Overall Condition

A presentable pre-owned example with light to moderate cosmetic wear.

The magazine is not being described as mint or unread.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.

Original Additional Items

This listing is for the original Empire Magazine shown in the photographs only.

Any original free gifts, promotional items, loose supplements, cards or additional items that may originally have accompanied the magazine are no longer included.

Only the magazine pictured will be supplied.

Packaging and Delivery

UK Orders: Carefully packaged and dispatched in a protective hardback envelope to help minimise bending and damage during transit.

International Orders: Carefully packaged in a sturdy cardboard mailing-size box for additional protection during international shipping.

The photographs show the actual item being sold.

Please review the images carefully before purchasing, particularly the cover, spine, corners, edges and visible signs of previous handling.

SKU: 1567