Today is the release day for Star Wars on Blu-ray!
I've been anticipating the release with my Star Wars ABC's...and we're now up to the letter "R."
R is for Rancor.
Childhood memories are funny, fuzzy things, but I distinctly remember going to see Return of the Jedi with my parents and brother.
I also distinctly remember how large the Rancor looked on the big screen. A fearsome, loathsome, scary, and mistreated beast, the Rancor is Jabba's favorite way to dispose of those who disappoint or betray him.
With the press of a button, they go into the Rancor Pit, where the starved behemoth is ready to catch its quarry and have a much-needed snack, all while Jabba and his demented court watch and place bets on how long the poor victim will last before the Rancor grabs it in its clutches.
Luke Skywalker finally puts the monstrosity out of its misery by crushing it with a gigantic gate. In proof that everyone has a friend, the Rancor's keeper is deeply upset by the creature's death, prompting one of the most touching images in all of Star Wars:
MONDAY: Let's call it the Humvee of the Imperial fleet.
Q is for Qui-Gon Jinn
P is for Probe Droid
O is for Owen
N is for Needa
M is for Mon Mothma
L is for Lightsaber
K is for Kenobi
J is for Jabba
I is for "I know"
H is for Hoth
G is for Galactic Empire
F is for Falcon
E is for Emperor
D is for Death Star
C is for Chewie
B is for Bespin
A is for Ackbar
