"It's the same story we all know but told in a different way," White says. "It's really by-the-book storytelling. It's both basic and complex too. A lot of its success had to do with Joe Johnston and the people behind the scenes who designed all the vehicles, as well as Ralph McQuarrie who brought George Lucas' characters to life. I don't think they get as much credit either. Those are the images that stuck out in my childhood."
"The characters are all interesting too," White adds. "I could identify with Han Solo. I know that's a popular answer, but he seems the most human to me. However, I'm probably most like Luke Skywalker. I think anybody, male or female, can identify with what he went through with the feeling of trying to find oneself and seeing what's out there. Being introduced to a whole other world can be relatable -- like for a kid going to high school for the first time, or getting your first job. I think that's why everyone really likes these movies -- it pretty much mirrors real life except instead of regular people there's giant Wookiees and green aliens."
When the Special Editions were released, White eagerly sat in the theater for new take of his favorite films. "The idea of the Special Editions was great because I could see a different version of the movie," White says. "As a fan, I'm not offended by that at all. I think it's cool, but the originals are better. I love seeing the rougher effects. It's almost like listening to a Beatles record and someone puts new guitar effects on it, or a brand new synth sound comes in on the song. It doesn't sound quite right because they didn't have that back then."
When Episode I debuted White was invited to see the film in style. "I got to see Episode I at a crew screening, because I made friends with some people at Industrial Light & Magic when I was coming through on tour playing for Marilyn Manson," White says. "So when it came time for the ILM digital crew premiere a friend invited me to the screening. There was some big rule about how no one is allowed to say hi to George Lucas. But I defied all of that and walked up to him and shook his hand. I had been up all night because I was really excited to see it and I had to say something."
Even with the rare chance to say hello to Lucas, White quickly discovered during the screening that he had a love-hate relationship with the story. "The first time I saw Episode I, I loved it, then I hated it, now I like it again," White laughs. "Watching it now, it seems the most like a Star Wars movie to me. Of course, there's a lot of Jar Jar Binks, but there's a sense of nostalgia to it now so it's like the other Star Wars movies. Something about it seems classic to me."
"However, out of the new trilogy I really think they should have developed Sebulba more as a character because he was the coolest looking one," White continues. "He was like the new Greedo or Boba Fett. He was the most interesting-looking villain with a cool outfit on. I also wish they would have gone off on Aurra Sing a little more mainly because I wanted to know more about the bounty hunters than just Jango Fett."
