Editor: J.W. Rinzler
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Abrams
Release Date: May 13, 2014
Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars
Last year when, “Star Wars Storyboards: The Prequel Trilogy” was released, click here for our review, I was first in line to get it but we all knew that “Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy” was the book that we were all waiting for. I “enjoy” the Prequel Trilogy film as much as the next hardcore “Star Wars” fan but nothing compares to the original. The original storyboards have also never been available in a book before and this is a first time. Fans are able to get inside “A New Hope”, ” The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” and see what it will be like to experience these films from their original ideas. Being a hardcore “Star Wars” fan, this book made my month!
Official Premise: For the first time, Lucasfilm has opened its Archives to present the complete storyboards for the original Star Wars trilogy—the world-changing A New Hope and its operatic sequels, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi—as well as never-before-published art from early conceptual and deleted scenes. From the opening chase above Tatooine in A New Hope to the Battle of Endor in Jedi, this book presents the visual inspiration behind now-iconic moments. Readers can finally see a full set of storyboards by legendary artist Joe Johnston, as well as early boards for Episode IV by Alex Tavoularis and for Episode V by Ivor Beddoes, rarely seen Episode VI boards by Roy Carnon, and Ralph McQuarrie’s never-before-seen storyboards for Episode V.
When I see that a “Star Wars” book has been edited by J.W. Rinzler, I always know it is going to be a winner. He is the executive editor at Lucasfilm, Ltd and is also the author of the bestseller “The Making of Star Wars”. There is a great kick off introduction from Nilo Rodis-Jamero, who was the assistant art director of visual effects for “The Empire Strikes Back” and the costume designer for “Return of the Jedi”. So it was great to have that experience send off the book. The colors are sharp and the book is just so well done, I can honestly say that this is yet another hit for Abrams. They have done some wonderful things for the “Star Wars” franchise and I can’t wait to see what they have planned next!