The Star Wars Archives. 1999-2005

From the moment Star Wars burst onto the screen in 1977, audiences have been in equal parts fascinated and appalled by the half-man/half-machine hybrid Darth Vader. In 1999, creator George Lucas began the story of how Anakin Skywalker grew up to train as a Jedi under Obi-Wan Kenobi, found love with the Queen of Naboo, Padmé Amidala, before turning to the dark side of his nature and becoming more machine than man.

After driving the development of nascent digital technology, George Lucas perceived how he could create new creatures and new worlds on a grander scale than ever before. He created the first digital blockbuster, and met fierce resistance when he pushed for widespread digital cameras, sets, characters, and projection – all of which are now used throughout the industry. He essentially popularized the modern way of making movies.

Made with the full cooperation of George Lucas and Lucasfilm, this second volume covers the making of the prequel trilogy ― Episode I The Phantom Menace, Episode II Attack of the Clones, and Episode III Revenge of the Sith ― and features exclusive interviews with Lucas and his collaborators. The book is profusely illustrated with script pages, production documents, concept art, storyboards, on-set photography, stills, and posters.

Editorial Reviews

Review
„Something like Star Wars is at least 10 times as much work as any other movie because of the breadth of ideas that have to be put into creating an entire world at all levels―from cultural to physical, it’s very difficult.“ ― George Lucas

„The best work on the greatest saga in the world… For the Star Wars fan, this book is a revelation… the meticulousness with which Paul Duncan has put this gigantic puzzle together is compelling, almost scientific.“ ― Welt am Sonntag

„A celebration of remarkable design.“ ― The Chicago Tribune

„This book is without a doubt not only the best Star Wars product since the first Archives book from 2018 but also the best book about the prequels ever… it gets my highest recommendation.“ ― starwarsinterviews.com

„The Star Wars Archives pulls off the impossible: a fresh look at one of the most picked-off franchises ever.“ ― Chicago Tribune

„If you can pick one up, you should.“ ― wired.co.uk

About the Author
Paul Duncan is a film historian whose TASCHEN books include The Star Wars Archives, The James Bond Archives, The Charlie Chaplin Archives, The Godfather Family Album, Taxi Driver, Film Noir, and Horror Cinema, as well as publications on film directors, film genres, and movie stars.