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IMDbPro

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

  • TV Movie
  • 1983
  • Unrated
  • 1h 5m
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
698
YOUR RATING
From 'Star Wars' to 'Jedi': The Making of a Saga (1983)
Documentary

A look at the making of the original Star Wars trilogy.A look at the making of the original Star Wars trilogy.A look at the making of the original Star Wars trilogy.

  • Writer
    • Richard Schickel
  • Stars
    • Mark Hamill
    • George Lucas
    • Anthony Daniels
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.7/10
    698
    YOUR RATING
    • Writer
      • Richard Schickel
    • Stars
      • Mark Hamill
      • George Lucas
      • Anthony Daniels
    • 5User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos3

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    Top cast21

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    Mark Hamill
    Mark Hamill
    • Narrator
    • (voice)
    George Lucas
    George Lucas
    • Self
    Anthony Daniels
    Anthony Daniels
    • Self as C-3PO
    Harrison Ford
    Harrison Ford
    • Self
    David Alan Barclay
    David Alan Barclay
    • Self…
    Ben Burtt
    Ben Burtt
    • Self
    Warwick Davis
    Warwick Davis
    • Self
    Mike Edmonds
    Mike Edmonds
    • Self…
    Carrie Fisher
    Carrie Fisher
    • Self
    Stuart Freeborn
    Stuart Freeborn
    • Self
    Joe Johnston
    Joe Johnston
    • Self
    Howard G. Kazanjian
    Howard G. Kazanjian
    • Self
    Irvin Kershner
    Irvin Kershner
    • Self
    Richard Marquand
    Richard Marquand
    • Self
    Dennis Muren
    Dennis Muren
    • Self
    Frank Oz
    Frank Oz
    • Self…
    Toby Philpott
    • Self…
    Tim Rose
    Tim Rose
    • Self…
    • Writer
      • Richard Schickel
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews5

    7.7698
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    Featured reviews

    10justin-fencsak

    Great documentary about the making of the best sci fi trilogy ever made.

    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.
    buckaroobanzai50

    Once Upon A Star Wars

    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.
    9mkurland23

    The Saga Behind the "Saga." Wish it was on DVD or Blu-Ray.

    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.
    8Jeremy_Urquhart

    Really enjoyable old documentary

    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.
    8FKDZ

    Concise.

    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.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The special includes footage of the "Han meets Jabba" scene from "Star Wars" as it was originally shot, with Declan Mulholland as Jabba the Hutt. When the scene was restored for the "Special Edition" release of the film, Mulholland had been replaced with a CGI-created Jabba.
    • Quotes

      George Lucas: Special effects are just a tool, a means of telling a story. People have a tendency to confuse them as an end to themselves. A Special effect without a story is a pretty boring thing.

    • Connections
      Edited from Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi (1983)
    • Soundtracks
      Working out
      (Original English version of Lapti Nek)

      Music by John Williams

      Lyrics by Joseph Williams

      Performed by Joseph Williams

      Arranged by John Williams, Joseph Williams and Ernie Fosselius

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • December 3, 1983 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • Buttercup Valley, California, USA
    • Production company
      • Lucasfilm
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 5 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 4:3

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