Star Wars Episode 1: The Visual Dictionary Book

The Phantom Menace sets a new standard in visuals and props. Episode I was absolutely radiant with special effects, making use of some 2,000 of them, dwarfing that of previous Star Wars instalments and even the CGI-happy Titanic with its now- paltry 500. Even the low-tech effects, the physical props of Star Wars, have always been unbelievably detailed, from Luke's scuffed-up speeder to Vader's slightly dinged-up helmet (don't pretend you didn't notice). The Phantom Menace continues this tradition proudly, whether it's with Amidala's baroque headgear or the intricately machined (and deadly) armament on a droideka. A page-turning drool-fest, Episode I: The Visual Dictionary stops the film and zooms in on all this eye-candy. As he did with the first trilogy in Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary, author- archaeologist David West Reynolds once again elucidates and itemises with glee, combining witty, pseudo-scholarly prose with clear movie stills and excellent close-up photos of actual props and characters. Every personality and group of note gets its due in this well-labelled, picture- packed book, from the Jedi High Council to the Podrace crowd to the sea monsters of Naboo. Craving a closer look at Maul's double lightsabre? Wish you could tell a Neimoidian's rank by the hat on its head? Need some ideas for filling out your Podracer toolkit? This is the book for you. --Paul Hughes, Amazon.comRead More