A Disturbance in the Force, a new documentary detailing the production of 1978’s Star Wars Holiday Special, is releasing this December.
Per Variety, A Disturbance in the Force will be released on digital and Blu-ray on December 5, 2023. Prior to that, the movie will also play in selected theaters in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Theatrical screening information is available on the film’s website, which can be viewed by clicking here.
The documentary originally premiered at South by Southwest in March 2023, where it was met with positive reviews.
What is A Disturbance in the Force about?
“Travel back to a galaxy far, far away — the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special,” the synopsis reads. “This documentary dives into the mystery of how it happened and why 45 years later it has become, much to the chagrin of George Lucas, the ultimate cult classic among Star Wars fans. Featuring interviews with Seth Green, Kevin Smith, Patton Oswalt, Paul Scheer, Weird Al Yankovic, Donny Osmond, Bruce Vilanch, and many more.”
A Disturbance in the Force is directed by Jeremy Coon and Steve Kozak, who also produce the documentary alongside Kyle Newman. Adam F. Goldberg serves as an executive director.
Released a little over a year after the original Star Wars film, the Star Wars Holiday Special aired on CBS on November 17, 1978. The special was received poorly by fans and critics, to the point where it was never rebroadcast or officially distributed on physical media. An animated segment that features the introduction of Boba Fett, however, is available to stream on Disney+.
Directed by Steve Binder, the Star Wars Holiday Special features stars much of the cast of the original film, including Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca, and James Earl Jones as Darth Vader’s voice.
The special also introduces Chewbacca’s wife, Malla (Mickey Morton); father, Itchy (Paul Gale); and son, Lumpy (Patty Maloney), as well as the Wookiee holiday known as Life Day.
