Back in the early 1950s, a new wave of film was breeding in the underbelly of Hollywood. The science fiction motion picture. After Metropolis astounded audiences in the late 20s, it seemed anything was possible. And then was unleashed unto the people a new breed of science fantasy unlike anything the world had ever seen: A trilogy of films known as Star Wars. The second chapter in that trilogy, The Empire Stirkes Back had significant impact on many writers and directors of the time and we can still see that influence today; mostly from prolific directors such as Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.

Recently the trailer for this chapter of the “Star Wars Saga”, as it’s been dubbed, was uncovered relatively unscathed in a cave in the desert of Tunisia. The good folks over at the Tubes of You were able to salvage it and get it posted for all the world to see. Wookees and robots, laser fights and stormtroopers, a beautiful princess and evil dark lord; who could ever dream up something this rich? Take a look at the trailer below and wonder why a remake of something this epic has never been done before.

Thanks to themovieblog for uncovering this hidden gem. Now if only I could find it in the Netflix library…

Under the seats is the full listing of films, shorts and audio clips from which this trailer was made. It’s actually rather impressive.

Flash Gordon (Deadline at Noon, Conquers the Universe), The Phantom Planet, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Invasion of the Animal People, Man Beast, Lunar Walker, Golden Bat (Ogon Batto), The Mysterians, Captain Midnight, First Spaceship on Venus, The Flying Saucer, The Fighting Devil Dogs, The Outer Limits (Second Chance, Soldier, I Robot, The Sixth Finger), Things to Come, Space Patrol, Atragon, Terror in the Midnight Sun, Forbidden Planet, Rocketship X-M, Latitude Zero, Space Flight, Metropolis, The Jetsons, Devil Girl From Mars, Tobor the Great, The Alligator People, The Return of the Fly, Abominable Snowman of the Himalayas, Starman (Attack from Space), Marvel Super Heroes (Iron Man), The Cyclops, The Sea Hawk, Kings Row, Mahler Symphony No. 6, Gustav Hoists The Planets (Mars), and The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama