The Making of Return of the Jedi: The Definitive Story Behind the Film

A gloriously illustrated celebration of one of the most cherished movies ever made, this painstakingly researched tribute to a truly spectacular movie invites you to return to a galaxy … far, far away.  Get up close to the action and feel like a studio insider with this exclusive behind the scenes look at one of the best-loved movies in history - a must-have for Star Wars fans and serious cinephiles alike. Brimming with previously unpublished photos, concept artwork, script excerpts, storyboards, on-set interviews and present-day commentary, The Making of Return of the Jedi chronicles how 'George Lucas and his crew of extroverted artists, misfits and expert craftspeople roused themselves to great heights for a third time' to create the next unforgettable chapter in one of the most beloved stories in movie history. Just as Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi completed the most successful cinematic trilogy of its generation, perhaps of all time, this splendid thirtieth-anniversary tribute concludes New York Times bestselling author J. W. Rinzler’s trio of breathtaking books celebrating George Lucas’s classic saga. Once again, the author’s unprecedented access to the Lucasfilm Archives has yielded a mother lode of fascinating and often unexpected revelations from behind the scenes of a blockbuster in the making. Star Wars luminaries from both sides of the camera, including Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, Alec Guinness, director Richard Marquand, producer Howard Kazanjian, Ralph McQuarrie, Joe Johnston, Dennis Muren, Phil Tippett and mastermind George Lucas, all weigh in with candid insights on everything from technical crises and character design, to the Ewoks and the ultimate challenge of bringing this phenomenal space fantasy to a dramatic close.

About the Author :
J.W. Rinzler, executive editor at Lucasfilm Ltd., is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Making of Star Wars and The Making of The Empire Strikes Back, as well as The Times bestseller The Complete Making of Indiana Jones. He also directed the animated short Riddle of the Black Cat and is presently working on a children's book.

Review :
‘The last of the original Star Wars trilogy ‘Making Of’s’ is every bit as good as its predecessors. It’s a rich, lovingly assembled book with enough treats to keep you occupied through a stay in the Sarlacc’s belly. It’s so packed with rare behind-the-scenes photos and gorgeous concept art that it would be worth buying for the visuals alone. But it’s in the words that the real treasure lies. Even the most obsessive Star Wars fan will learn something here.’ ‘Bursting with unparalleled access, previously unseen photos, exclusive interviews and on-set tales from the cast and Lucas’s crack team of craftsmen, crew and jaunty model makers, Rinzler constructs a unique view of one of history’s best-loved sequels.’ ‘Concluding Rinzler’s trio of books celebrating George Lucas’ “Star Wars” films is this “mother lode” of revelations about the making of “The Return of the Jedi” which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2013.’ ‘ The real treat, however is the film’ s dazzling concept art. The Force is certainly strong with this one.’ ‘ Bursting with unparalleled access, previously unseen photos, exclusive interviews and on-set tales from the cast and Lucas’ s crack team of craftsmen, crew and jaunty model makers, Rinzler constructs a unique view of one of history’ s best-loved sequels.’ ‘ Concluding Rinzler’ s trio of books celebrating George Lucas’ “ Star Wars” films is this “ mother lode” of revelations about the making of “ The Return of the Jedi” which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2013.’ ‘ Another cracking book.’ ‘ The last of the original Star Wars trilogy ‘ Making Of’ s’ is every bit as good as its predecessors. It’ s a rich, lovingly assembled book with enough treats to keep you occupied through a stay in the Sarlacc’ s belly. It’ s so packed with rare behind-the-scenes photos and gorgeous concept art that it would be worth buying for the visuals alone. But it’ s in the words that the real treasure lies. Even the most obsessive Star Wars fan will learn something here.’ ‘ The book charts every step of the way, and chronologically we end up with not just the release and various poster camaigns, but also the aftermath of the film.’ ‘ One that you will keep on your coffee table with pride. This book is in honour of the 30th anniversary and is the wonderful creation of bestselling author J. W. Rinzler. Rinzler was given access to the Lucasfilm archives and found the most fascinating revelations from behind the scenes of the film. Great to have such an in depth insider look at one of the most famous sci-fi films of all time (and personally my favourite Star Wars film). Now all I need to do is get the back catalogue and clear some bookshelf space… ’