“Star Wars” Bloopers Land Online

They may come from a galaxy far, far away and were recorded 36 years ago, but recently unearthed bloopers from the original "Star Wars" movie are making even the most jaded Jedi aficionados smile.

Uploaded by YouTuber Neil Bowyer, the reel was originally shown to attendees at this year's Comic-Con in San Diego after being discovered by J.W. Rinzler. Rinzler, an editor and author for Lucasfilm's book division, made the humorous find while researching the archives for a "making of" series that chronicled the franchise's journey from idea to screen.

While much of the footage is sound-free, viewers get to see Stormtroopers slip and slide, actor Harrison Ford (as Han Solo) flub his lines, a creature from the Mos Eisley cantina have a finger malfunction, and C-3PO face-plant as he attempts to traverse a sand dune.

Never expected to be made widely available, the reel has already attracted over 1.5 million views since being uploaded on Sunday. The rare footage was released thanks Rinzler's book, "The Making of Star Wars" being re-released as a digital e-book that features "videos and audio excerpts newly discovered from the Lucasfilm archives." On his YouTube page Bowyer urges those who enjoyed the bloopers to buy Rinzler's book.

The blooper reel arrives in the wake of news that "Star Wars VII" screenwriter Michael Arndt has exited the franchise, with director J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan assuming scripting duties.

LucasFilm made the unexpected announcement Thursday on the StarWars.com website. Arndt was also said to be working on treatments for the other two planned new "Star Wars" films. No reason was given for his departure.

Kasdan is a well-respected name in the "Star Wars" universe. He co-wrote "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi," and also wrote the screenplay for "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

Shooting for "Star Wars: Episode VII" is to start in the spring at Pinewood Studios in the U.K., with the film due out in 2015.

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