40 Films in Robotech: THX 1138 (1971)

 

George Lucas’ first sci-fi feature film often gets referenced in Star Wars and other movies. But did you also know it makes a cameo in Robotech?

 ROBOTECH MENTION:  

Although THX 1138 does not appear in the Robotech TV Episode #43 entitled Prelude to Battle, it does appear in the Comico comic book adaptation of that episode, Robotech Masters #6. Look at the name of the cell block in the lower panel of page 18 of that issue:

 SYNOPSIS:  

This is how the synopsis of THX 1138 is written in The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Science Fiction (1996): “In a future society that is completely contained in colourless underground chambers, a man persecuted for loving a woman seeks the world he knows must be outside…” (pages 90-91).

 AWARDS & KUDOS:  

THX 1138 won the 1972 Grand Remi Award for “Best of Show – Feature Film” at WorldFest Houston Film Festival. TCM writer Sloan De Forest listed THX 1138 as one of 50 Must-See Sci-Fi movies. THX 1138 is also on Digging Star Wars writer Phil Congleton’s “Film366 List for May” on Letterboxd.

 OTHER COOL FACTS:  

Lucas’ trademark sound system for both movie theaters and home entertainment systems called “THX” is a reference to this first feature film of his, THX 1138.

 ROBOTECH REASON:  

“…Cell Block 1138” is part of Star Wars dialogue as Han Solo and Luke Skywalker impersonate stormtroopers in their attempt to free Princess Leia from the Death Star’s detention area. Clearly, it's a nod to Lucas’ earlier science fiction film. Every Star Wars film that involved George Lucas, Episodes 1 through 6, has a “1138” reference. For the Comico staff, including 1138 in this science-fiction prison sequence was most likely simply irresistible. I give them extra points for including the whole name of the film in the art, too.

Self-portrait in the style of the THX 1138 DVD cover design.
The Director's Version of the DVD came with a THX 1138 ear tag (like in the movie).
I grabbed this shot by the industrial AC units at work and, if you recall, #IWorkAtQVC

To read my ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐(out of a possible 5 star) rating for THX 1138 on Letterboxd, click here.