Best Lightsaber Duels - Homemade Light Saber Battles

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More than one generation of kids have grown up wanting to be Jedis. And now, with the widespread availability of digital video cameras, editing software and powerful home computers, almost anyone with a little patience can turn their dreams into pixelated reality.

If you can't fly to distant planets to battle the Sith, at least you can look like you are doing it, thanks to Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects and a little PVC pipe.

Of course, just because you can add in some glowing light doesn't mean you can choreograph a compelling action sequence, let alone tell an engaging story. The clips below come close.

Symphony of Sabers

While most of us were writing papers or studying for exams, Emin Bassavand was making a Star Wars movie for one of his high school assignments. This short is the result of his senior project in cinematography at the Clark Magnet High School. (The classes kids take these days!) Young Emin put in the effects with Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects. We're guessing he got an A.

School Duel: Revenge of the Student

"A few minutes ago in a galaxy not so far away ..." a Star Wars fan film was made for another video production class (how come all we remember from high school are economics and calculus?). Filmed in the hallowed halls of a school, the short showcases student talents in Sony Vegas Movie Studio, Photoshop, Adobe After Effects and Discreet 3D Studio Max.

Rescue at Mos Koesta

Like several other e-famous lightsaber fan videos, 'Rescue at Mos Koesta' features geeks in normal street clothing whacking away at each other with blades illuminated via computer after effects. In this video, we see no less than two actors resembling demented versions of Harry Potter.

Stupid Mario Brothers

This fan-made faux trailer doesn't have the best-looking lightsabers around, but it does have Mario and Luigi. If you've ever wanted to see your favorite video game characters duke it out Jedi style, this is your chance. Of course, with a soundtrack this epic, watching paint dry would probably seem riveting.

Star Wars Kids

Kids driving you crazy with their petty disputes? Give them each a lightsaber, and let them work their own problems out. These ankle-biters certainly seems to be enjoying themselves! Believe it or not, this is part of a larger film.

Duel of Death

Watch these kids fight for neighborhood supremacy. Yes, several of them are killed by a girl. But wait for the surprise ending. It's almost something out of Indiana Jones.

Ryan vs. Dorkman

Star Wars fans and amateur special effects enthusiasts Ryan Wieber and Michael 'Dorkman' Scott produced an epic lightsaber battle in 2003. They shot the action over three weekends, then spent about four months adding in the glowing beams, using Adobe After Effects. If you're impressed, check out the remastered version on their website.

Duel of the Invincibles

Made in front of a spectacular mountain backdrop, this 'duel' features some fancy footwork, along with technical wizardry. The action-packed clip was submitted to the Randomsabers Choreography Competition, where it no doubt impressed the top geeks.

Concrete Hustle

Who knew a lightsaber battle in a parking lot could be so ... beautiful? The short film 'Concrete Hustle' starts out like a blockbuster, with impressive type treatment and a stirring soundtrack. Still, the filmmakers say they didn't want to use costumes or dialog, "because that would have taken it to an extreme dorky level." Instead, they used lightsabers fashioned from sink parts and PVC, and added the effects after.

Ryan vs. Dorkman 2

If you're fans of their first effort, like us, you will likely enjoy Ryan and Dorkman's rematch. This time it is presented in HD, "the way the film was meant to be seen," according to the amateur effects wizards. As expected, the second skirmish is bigger, bolder and more cinematic. It leaves no doubt: Ryan and Dorkman are the reigning lightsaber geeks.