During the filming of the original Star Wars movie they attempted to create the lightsaber effect on camera with rotating blades covered in mylar tape. This crud experiment in creating the effect on camera greatly hampered the filming of the Obi-Wan/Darth Vader duel. The motors in the handles would stop moving causing the blades to disappear every time they struck each other. Adding to this was the inexperience of Vader suit actor David Prowse in swordplay and Alec Guinness' age. All these factors combined to make the least effective duel of the series and creator George Lucas going back to the drawing board on how to make lightsaber combat on screen for the next film.
Now more than 40 years later the duel has been reimagined with all the fire and fury one would expect from a rematch between the two combatants who last clashed in REVENGE OF THE SITH. Vader now attacks first with the same savagery we saw in his merciless slaughter of the rebels during the final moments of ROGUE ONE. Obi-Wan now utilizes a faster, more H.E.M.A based defense against Vader's savagery. The two now also use their Force powers, but in a subdued manner remaining consistent to the original trilogy. Props must also be given to the choreographer who has Vader switch between fighting one handed and two handed, staying consistent to his style in EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.
While the effect is not totally perfect, some shots of Alec Guinness' visage show that they are CGI'd to the stunt actor's face through the hood of his robe. This is still a remarkable achievement. Using what would probably be the equivalent of the catering budget on the recent Disney Star Wars films. This short has done a better job of recapturing the excitement of the original films than all of the Disney sequel films combined.
I wonder what George thinks of this short?
