Good Morning Youtinians.  Last week, we asked who had the best reveals at Cinemacon. Barely beating Universal Pictures and Focus Features, Paramount Pictures was crowned the winner. The big takeaway is that the movie theater-going experience is still here and ready for people to experience the best of cinema.

— Corey Helton & JG Carse

The LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series New Addition

We were given a new piece to the LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series this week in the form of the daunting but still incredibly sleek TIE Interceptor. This latest LEGO project will hit shelves on May 1st. It is a redesign of one of the first Ultimate Collector Series sets released almost 25 years ago in 2000.

What is the Ultimate Collector Series? The LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series is a limited series of LEGO sets aimed at older fans and builders. These sets are typically more detailed than your average LEGO set and often contain exclusive minifigures. UCS sets usually depict an iconic ship or vehicle and place that object within the context of the movies by providing specific minifigures to accompany your display. These sets are incredibly nifty, but they are also worth quite a pretty penny — UCS sets run from $229.99 up to $849.99 for the larger builds, such as the Millenium Falcon or an AT-AT Walker.

Ultimate Collector Series Sets: The LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series currently contains seven sets. In addition to the three mentioned above, the remaining sets are the Razor Crest, Luke's Landspeeder, a Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser, and an X-Wing. Many other sets have been released as part of the UCS, though, including a bust of Darth Maul. Outside of Star Wars, the UCS also contains sets from fandoms such as Batman, DC Comics, and Marvel.

We're all fine here now—how are you? As part of the LEGO Star Wars community, we understand the joy of collecting these iconic sets. Do you collect Star Wars LEGO? We'd love to hear about your favorite sets and your experiences in the Youtini Discord. Join us in celebrating our shared passion for LEGO Star Wars!

Sundance Film Festival Seeks Potential New Home

The Sundance Film Festival has been a cultural cornerstone of Park City, Utah, which it has called home for nearly 40 years. However, a new chapter may be on the horizon as the festival's organizers have initiated discussions about a potential relocation. These conversations, though discreet, mark a significant shift in the festival's history. Yet fans can rest assured that the Sundance Film Festival will continue to grace Park City with its rich legacy through at least 2025 and 2026. 

Some background. The Sundance Film Festival is one of the world's largest and most prestigious independent film festivals. Founded by actor Robert Redford in 1978, it occurs annually in Park City, Utah. The festival showcases a wide range of independent films from established and emerging filmmakers, including documentaries, dramas, and shorts. Sundance is known for its focus on innovation, creativity, and diverse storytelling. It has become a significant platform for independent filmmakers to premiere their work and attract attention from industry professionals, critics, and audiences alike. 

Remember when? The Sundance Film Festival is an incredible opportunity for independent filmmakers to showcase their films, build positive publicity, and hopefully find a distribution partner. The Blair Witch Project (1999), Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Get Out (2017), and CODA (2021) are some of the largest movies to debut at the Festival.  CODA would become the first Sundance Festival Film to win Best Picture at the Oscars. 

Looking ahead.  The Sundance Film Festival is a cornerstone of independent filmmaking, providing a crucial platform for diverse voices and innovative storytelling. It celebrates filmmakers who challenge conventions and explore themes outside the mainstream. Sundance's commitment to inclusivity and originality democratizes the filmmaking process, nurturing emerging talent and propelling promising filmmakers to international acclaim. Whether it remains in Park City or seeks a new home, Sundance's continued existence is vital for the future of independent cinema.

Naples Hosts US Open Pickleball Championships

Naples, Florida, hosted the 2024 Minto US Open Pickleball Championship over the weekend. Fans from every state and more than 25 countries gathered to compete for a piece of the $150,000+ prize pot. The event showcased the inclusivity of the sport, with competitors ranging from children to individuals well into their 80s. Named “ The Biggest Pickleball Party in the World,” the event draws competitors and spectators alike. 

Context: Pickleball, invented in 1965 in Washington state, has grown from a backyard children's game to a widely popular sport. It features unique rules, court dimensions, and equipment, with players using larger paddles to hit a plastic ball over a lower net. The sport's popularity surged between 2021 and 2023, with over 4.8 million players in the U.S., attributed to its easy learning curve, appeal to various ages and fitness levels, and relatively low costs. It has led to the establishment of numerous tournaments, including professional tours and leagues, both domestically and internationally.

Background: The U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, hosted annually since 2016 in Naples, Florida, attract significant crowds, drawing in 3,000 competitors and 40,000 spectators this year. Alongside five pro-level championships, including singles and doubles for both men and women, the tournament offers non-professional competitions organized by age and skill level, with participants selected via a lottery system. Terri Graham and Chris Evon, founders of Spirit Promotions, established the championships, which have garnered televised coverage on CBS Sports Network, particularly highlighting the men's and women's doubles finals since 2021. 

We're all fine here now — how are you? Are you into Pickleball or interested in getting into the sport? Let us know in the poll. Also check out the latest Youtini Show as they talk about exploring new hobbies including Pickleball. 

⏱️ Fallout 101

☢️ Amazon’s Fallout show has launched with praise from fans and critics. The show dropped all eight episodes, allowing viewers to binge-watch it. While viewers can watch the show without knowing anything about the video game franchise, there is some information that will add context to enhance the viewing experience.

☢️ The Fallout universe is set in a post-apocalyptic America following a devastating nuclear war between the United States and China. The Great War of 2077 decimated the world, leaving it a wasteland plagued by radiation, mutated creatures, and the struggle for survival. In this world, various factions vie for power, including the technologically advanced Brotherhood of Steel, the authoritarian Enclave, and the resourceful New California Republic.

☢️ The show takes place 219 years after the devastating Great War. Some fortunate survivors of pre-war America sought refuge in Vaults, expansive fallout shelters built by the Vault-Tec Corporation throughout the United States. Among them is Lucy MacLean, a resident of Vault 33 situated in the desolate remains of Los Angeles. After a lifetime spent underground, Lucy embarks on a perilous journey to the surface that will change her life forever.

🎬 Ethos in Action

Last week, we covered WWE Wrestlemania XL, recapping the significant moments from the event. At the Dispatch, we strive to bring you news and stories from various topics, even if they are something we need to become more familiar with. I (JG) knew it would be essential to cover this event despite having never been interested in the sport. That all changed last week.

As I wrote the article, I started to get drawn in by the storylines and drama; it was incredibly engaging. So, I put on WrestleMania XL until 4 AM, binging the event. Was I becoming a fan?

The next morning, I found myself craving more information and discovered that WWE Smackdown was scheduled for later that week in my city. In a moment of spontaneity, I decided to fully immerse myself and purchased a ticket. The content I had consumed after Wrestlemania had ignited a spark within me, and I was eager to see where it would lead.

The experience was a blast, and the fans were incredibly welcoming. It deepened my appreciation and love for WWE. I share this to inspire you to explore new hobbies and passions. Whether diving into your friend's interests or discovering what's happening in your community, take the plunge. Remember to share your journey with us in the Younited Discord. We're eager to celebrate and learn from your discoveries.

🚀 Ready for Dispatch

• The WNBA Draft took place, highlighting the entry of many collegiate stars into the professional realm. Caitlin Clark joins an Indiana team that struggled last year, going 13-27, but is trending upward with some young talent.

• Star Wars: Inquisitors was revealed, showcasing a new comic mini-series that dives deeper into the Inquisitors as they hunt a survivor of Order 66. The mini-series written by Rodney Barnes and art by Ramon Rosanas is scheduled to release its first issue on July 3.

• Three new original books were announced for Doctor Who. Each will contain a new adventure for The Doctor and Ruby Sunday, with the Ruby Red audiobook narrated by Millie Gibson herself.