From 'Star Wars' to 'Jedi': The Making of a Saga

Originally airing on pbs and then released on video this 65 minute documentary tells how star wars a new hope, empire, and jedi were made and became the biggest sci fi original trilogy of all time that not only sold movie tickets but merchandise.

Narrated by Mark Hamill, this documentary reveals most of the major secrets behind the scenes of the Original Trilogy. With additional comments from George Lucas and others who were involved, this documentary from 1983 is a must see for any fan of "Star Wars." My only problem is that it's not officially available on DVD or Blu-Ray. Here's hoping that we'll get it when the entire Saga is released in a special Blu-Ray collector's set, as well as the original theatrical versions of the Original Trilogy. I believe that the official website released it in chunks on YouTube, so we're still able to see it. I just wish that they had posted it as one video. Regardless, the Force is strong with this one.

I feel bad for those people who put all that effort into puppeteering the singer at Jabba's palace, only for Lucas to cover it up with that cgi monstrosity in the special editions.

I loved all the behind the scenes footage, and the segments that covered how certain special effects were pulled off. Lucas isn't super charismatic as an interviewee, but he is interesting, and the decent bit surface level analysis of sequences from the trilogy is helped immensely by Mark Hamill's surprisingly good narration.

Overall, an easy to recommend documentary for Star Wars fans, and it's free to watch on YouTube, too.

This is an excellent documentary, which contains highlights of the other behind-the-scenes films on the making of the saga, and some newer (for 1983 anyway) footage from ROTJ. George Lucas gives us his insight into what he was trying to achieve, and his frustration at the limitations of the special effects at that time. He also, interestingly, hints that he would like to return one day and make further instalments to the saga...Mmmmmm. Was that wise George?

Anyway, it's a must see for any SW fan, and an essential purchase if you can find a copy. I've got mine.

Entertaining and concise in the things it covers. This 1 hour documentary is perfect for someone who wants to see a short section about pretty much every aspect of Star Wars, from on set direction, to monster design, to sound. Also there's lots of George Lucas explaining his ideas and philosophies which is fantastic to watch and hear.

Even if you don't like Star Wars its show a lot of aspects of movie making / prop making / etc, which is really interesting.