The Star Wars Archives. 1977–1983

The Star Wars Archives offers a definitive dive into the original trilogy that transformed cinema forever. Released in 1977, Star Wars captivated audiences worldwide, introducing the vibrant universe that contrasted starkly with the more somber films of the early '70s. Fans were drawn to the story of Luke Skywalker, a humble moisture farmer thrust into a cosmic adventure, encountering unforgettable figures like the enigmatic Obi-Wan Kenobi, the roguish Han Solo and his loyal co-pilot Chewbacca, and the determined Princess Leia. They also faced the menacing Darth Vader, the dark agent of a tyrannical Emperor. George Lucas, the mind behind this intergalactic epic, crafted a modern myth that connects deeply with the inner child within us all. To bring his vision to life, he founded Industrial Light & Magic, pushing the boundaries of special effects and merging these with innovative editing and immersive sound design to create an unprecedented cinematic experience. In this first volume, created in close collaboration with Lucasfilm, Lucas shares his personal account of bringing the original trilogy—Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi—to life, offering new perspectives on the formation of this iconic universe. Laden with script pages, production documents, concept art, storyboards, and on-set photography, this book serves as an authoritative account of the creation of the seminal saga, narrated by its visionary creator.