This documentary first aired on TV on September 16, 1977. I was only four years old at the time, but I can clearly recall watching it with my brother... it was THAT fascinating. It wasn't until 2000 that I saw this charming documentary again.
Hosted by C-3PO and R2-D2, aboard a generic starship set, this film allows the viewer a sneak peak behind the curtains. We are privy to models before a blue screen, to the then-revolutionary motion control camera system, to the early character sketches for all of the main characters, as well as interesting behind the scenes clips that will NEVER be seen anywhere else. We even get to see and hear George Lucas talk about his creation, long before it had sunk in just what a massive phenomenon he had on his hands. Gary Kurtz, producer of the first two Star Wars films, also makes a brief, rare appearance. The short interviews with Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford are also very quaint and amusing, in light of just how big they were all in the process of becoming.
As indicated in other reviews, if you have a chance to buy this documentary on Ebay or elsewhere, by all means do so. Since this film refers to the original version of the film,it is highly unlikely that it will ever be released on DVD-- consider how that the original version of Star Wars will not be available in September when the original trilogy is finally released on DVD. Sadly, only the "Special Editions" are the versions now recognized by Lucasfilm. All Star Wars fans will love this one!
