I got myself a little Christmas Present:
Four film cels from the 1970s pitch reel for George Pal’s proposed War of the Worlds TV series. These are from the close-up of Matt Jeffries’s sketch of an alien weapon system:
For comparison, here’s a screenshot from the DVD transfer I reviewed back in ’15:
Unfortunately, the acrylic stand got scuffed up a bit in the mail, and I damaged the sticker a bit, but the film cels are intact, and it’s pretty damn cool to have an actual piece of physical history. Plus it was considerably cheaper than what I’ve paid for way less cool War of the Worlds things like the audio tapes. Since even I have more sense than to pay what it would likely cost me to get one of those 1988 Press Kit globes, this is likely to be the best bit of swag I ever get my hands on.
The seller also threw in this neat War of the Worlds sticker neat from Grand Rapids Comi-Con:
Depending on when you’re reading this, the seller might still have a few if you’re interested.
Merry Christmas.
Bah Humbug!
god this feels like a lifetime ago when it’s only been 6 months
ps were’s your scrooge sets up foundation of the science of ghost short fic?