Roku Blog Feed: “7 films and TV shows inspired by Star Wars” plus 2 more

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• 7 films and TV shows inspired by Star Wars
• How to live stream Canelo vs. Jacobs on Roku devices
• Acorn TV and more coming to Premium Subscriptions on The Roku Channel

7 films and TV shows inspired by Star Wars Posted: 03 May 2019 06:30 AM PDT Ever watch a film so revolutionary it deserved a national day?George Lucas' Star Wars trilogy forever changed the way filmmakers approached storytelling and filmgoers measured cinematic experiences. In honor of National Star Wars Day, we salute the films and television shows that were inspired (maybe even a little too much) by Star Wars. So grab a cup of bantha milk, activate your Roku device, and check out the TV shows/movies that are strong with the fourth. Alien (1979) | Redbox, Google Play, FandangoNOW, Vudu In a distant future, a commercial spaceship answers a distress call from a distant moon. After exploring the moon, the crew unknowingly brings a vicious creature into their spaceship. The Fourth Factor: It is no secret Alien's renowned director, Ridley Scott, was inspired by Star Wars. Scott has often credited Star Wars for his creative approach towards Alien, noting he drew inspiration from Star Wars' unique visuals, stunning audio effects, and groundbreaking vision of a grungy science fiction world. Even the success of Star Wars helped greenlight Alien since Star Wars' massive earnings sparked Hollywood's rush to produce more sci-fi films. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) | Redbox, Google Play, FandangoNOW, Vudu, Prime Video After eight years in exile, Batman must come back to save Gotham City from a fearsome guerrilla terrorist named Bane. The Fourth Factor: The Dark Knight Rises' famed director, Christopher Nolan, drew inspiration from Star Wars' main villain, Darth Vader, to craft Bruce Wayne's primary foe, Bane. In an interview, Christopher Nolan discussed Bane's similarities to Darth Vader, such as their signature mask, raspy breathing, imposing physique, and impatience towards failure. Nolan's interest in Star Wars doesn't end at character development. The Dark Knight trilogy's structure is similar to the original Star Wars trilogy too, as both follow an origin first chapter, a dark second chapter, and a massive showdown third chapter. Toy Story (1995) | Google Play, FandangoNOW, Vudu, Sling, Prime Video, Freeform, Spectrum Two toys, Buzz Lightyear and Woody, must find a way to get back to their owner, Andy, before he moves without them. The Fourth Factor: Pixar Animation Studios used to be a division of Lucasfilm, so it comes as no surprise that the studio's first movie, Toy Story, drew inspiration from the Star Wars saga. In Toy Story, Buzz Lightyear features many elements from the Star Wars universe, such as his "from a galaxy, far, far away" backstory and his pursuit to stop a planet-destroying weapon. Even Buzz Lightyear's sound effects, such as his blaster and his breathing, were the same sound effects used in Star Wars. To this day, Pixar Studios sprinkles their feature films with Star Wars references, including Wall-E and The Incredibles. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) | Vudu, Google Play, FandangoNOW, Prime Video, Sling TV A group of intergalactic mavericks, known as The Guardians of the Galaxy, must come together and save the universe from the genocidal Ronan the Accuser. The Fourth Factor: To say Guardians of the Galaxy drew inspiration from Star Wars is an understatement. Guardians of the Galaxy is practically a smörgåsbord of Star Wars tropes. Let's start with the plot: an unlikely hero leads a rebel misfit group against an evil, planet-destroying force. Look closer and more signature Star Wars tropes appear. The complicated mentoring relationships (Gamora and Thanos? Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine… anyone?) The prison break. The pursuit of self-discovery. The force fields. The intense spaceship battles. Even the main protagonist, Peter Quill, could be described as a mixture of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker (a charming space outlaw yet an orphan chosen one). The list goes on, and on, and on. Star Trek (2009) | Via subscription to EPIX on The Roku Channel, Redbox, Google Play, FandangoNOW, Vudu, Prime Video, Spectrum The USS Enterprise's novice crew must stop the vengeful Nero from destroying Earth. The Fourth Factor: This entry may anger diehard Star Trek fans, but Star Wars’ influence in the 2009 Star Trek reboot is evident. Some of Star Trek’s notable staff admitted the Star Wars trilogy influenced their work on the reboot. For example, J. J. Abrams, the director of the 2009 Star Trek film (and Star Wars: The Force Awakens), stated he drew inspiration from Star War's rhythm, pacing, and comedy. Writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci also looked to the original Star Wars story to help them structure Star Trek's character development and battle sequences. As for what science fiction saga is better… you can be the judge. Battlestar Galactica (1978) | FandangoNOW, Vudu, Prime Video After the annihilation of the Twelve Colonies of Mankind, the Battlestar Galactica leads the way to the lost thirteenth colony, also known as Earth. The Fourth Factor: Where does inspiration end and plagiarism begin? When it comes to 1978's Battlestar Galactica, the low-budget television show might have crossed that line. Battlestar Galactica's grungy aesthetics, special effects, plot points, title card, and even a Han Solo-like character named Starbuck, left 20th Century Fox no choice but to sue Universal Studios for stealing 34 distinct Star Wars ideas. Message from Space (1978) | Via subscription to EPIX on The Roku Channel, Prime Video In an attempt to save the peaceful planet Jillucia, the denizens send out magical seeds throughout the galaxy to find the protectors of their world. The Fourth Factor: After Star Wars' blockbuster success, studios had their own race to space, hoping to produce the next science fiction hit. Although Toei Studios' Message from Space did not become a hit, the film became a cult classic. There are numerous ways Star Wars influenced this film, such as the planet-destroying space station, the Darth Vader-like character, and the Mos Eisley Cantina scene. However, Message from Space has a unique spin to it —a 1960s psychedelic Japanese aesthetic. Although most cult classics have mixed reviews, Message from Space stands out from the other copycat Star Wars films of that era. Happy Streaming! The post 7 films and TV shows inspired by Star Wars appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

How to live stream Canelo vs. Jacobs on Roku devices Posted: 02 May 2019 12:56 PM PDT Live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday night, boxing superstars Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs go head-to-head in the battle for the Middleweight World Championship. It's a champion vs champion fight. With three world titles on the line – who's gonna take it all? Here's how to live stream Canelo vs. Jacobs Add DAZN to your Roku device Sign up for a subscription (monthly or annual plan) The main card starts at 9pm ET While you're gearing up for the bout, there's plenty of pre-fight entertainment on DAZN including: Friday, 1:30pm PT: Canelo vs. Jacobs weigh-in 40 Days: Canelo vs. Jacobs, an all-access series documenting the fighters in camp leading up to fight night Interviews with Canelo, Jacobs, Eddie Hearn and more The post How to live stream Canelo vs. Jacobs on Roku devices appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

Acorn TV and more coming to Premium Subscriptions on The Roku Channel Posted: 02 May 2019 10:00 AM PDT Hey everyone! As you already know, Premium Subscriptions on The Roku Channel offers one click sign-up, easy subscription management and a single monthly bill. We’re continuing to expand the services available via Premium Subscriptions to make it even easier for you to access your favorite entertainment. Starting this week, you’ll be able to enjoy a few more notable subscription services. And don’t forget, all Premium Subscriptions on The Roku Channel offer at least a 7-day free trial to new users! Check out the latest additions below. New Premium Subscriptions services on The Roku Channel: Acorn TV ($4.99/month): Stream acclaimed originals, addictive dramas, arresting mysteries and more from Britain and Beyond, including fan favorites such as Doc Martin, A Place to Call Home, Murdoch Mysteries, Brokenwood Mysteries, Midsomer Murders, and Line of Duty, as well as Acorn TV Originals you can't stream anywhere else, including Agatha Raisin, Loch Ness, Manhunt, and Mystery Road. New customers are eligible for a 30-day free trial for a limited time. PANTAYA ($5.99/month): PELICULAS + SERIES EN ESPAÑOL. Pantaya is the first-ever premium streaming destination for world-class movies in Spanish offering the largest selection of current and classic, commercial-free blockbusters and critically acclaimed titles from Latin America and the U.S. You can enjoy box office releases of today such as "Ya Veremos" starring Mexico's sweetheart Fernanda Castillo, "Perfectos Desconocidos" directed by Manolo Caro, "No Manches Frida" with Omar Chaparro and "Instructions Not Included" with superstar Eugenio Derbez, among many others. New customers are eligible for a 7-day free trial. UMC ($4.99/month): UMC is the go-to streaming destination for Black TV and film displaying fresh original series, feature films, documentaries, stage plays and other popular Black entertainment. Catch Brian White, Vanessa Simmons and Jill Marie Jones in "Craig Ross Jr.'s Monogamy," Megan Good and DeVon Franklin in "Black Love," Duane Martin, Elise Neal, and LisaRaye McCoy in the classic sitcom, "All of Us" and more. New customers are eligible for a 7-day free trial. We’re now bringing you more than 30 Premium Subscriptions services through The Roku Channel, as well as offering 10,000+ free, ad-supported movies and TV episodes, and more than two dozen live and linear streaming services like ABC News, TMZ and more. Have you checked out the new free movies on The Roku Channel lately? Happy Streaming! Cancel before free trial ends or subscription renews at full price until canceled. Visit https://go.roku.com/therokuchanneltc for full terms. The post Acorn TV and more coming to Premium Subscriptions on The Roku Channel appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

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