Star Wars Chronicles: The Prequels

by Stephen J. Sansweet, Pablo Hidalgo

For the true Star Wars fan, it doesn't get much better than this mammoth compendium in its evocative die-cut slipcase: a companion to the volume that covered the original trilogy and a visual tour through the final three Star Wars films. Photographs, behind-the-scenes production stills, early sketches, computer renderings, outtakes, and more from Lucasfilm's archives deconstruct Episodes I, II, and IIIevery vehicle, character, planet, and plot line is examined. Featuring more than 3,000 out-of-this-world color images, an insider's-perspective text, and production specifications, this is a gorgeous tribute to the most successful movie saga of all time. 2005 by Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Genres: Star Wars, Reference, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

Published November 17, 2005

About the author

Sansweet was born and educated in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He studied at Temple University from 1962 to 1966, majoring in journalism. Three years after graduating, in 1969, he began work as a reporter at the Wall Street Journal in both Philadelphia and Montreal. He was promoted to deputy bureau chief in 1984, and later the chief of Wall Street Journal's Los Angeles bureau in 1987. In February 1996, he joined Lucasfilm as director of specialty marketing. He is currently director of content management and in charge of fan relations.

Sansweet's collection has also been featured on the History Channel's Boy's Toys special "Private Collections".

Reviews

[Parka]

(Picture source: parkablogs.com)

This is an enormous hardcover book. There are 344 pages instead of the 320 listed on Amazon. The book is encased in a sturdy cardboard casing with a cut out of Darth Vadar — of course! It is very well bind, and the paper stock is great.

This mammoth book is a compilation of all the materials used in the movies. These materials include — huge breath in — hundreds of behind the scenes photos, film stills, models of ships, character designs, miniatures, character models, robots, creatures, props, costumes — another long breath in — vehicles, planets, plot lines and anything you can think of.

Only Episode I, II and III are included in this book. Also included is the expanded universe, which are the novels, comics and Clone Wars animation.

The photos included show a lot of detail on the subject. Multiple shots are often taken from each side, especially so for vehicles. Every photo is captioned and explained. There is very little concept art, but for that you have to get the art-of series of books.

It's the most comprehensive book detailing everything about everything in a movie.

The price might be hefty, but it is well worth it for any Star Wars fan.

This review was first published on parkablogs.com. There are more pictures and videos on my blog.

[C]

Not quite as good as the original in terms of how much information that it presents, but again, quite an interesting book with amazing photos.

[Brian]

After I buy and read the classic trilogy Chronicles, I want this one!