| Star Wars Mania | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Introduction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The new Star Wars "prequel" Episode I The Phantom Menace takes audiences on a journey to the beginnings of the Star Wars saga. The original Star Wars trilogy (Episodes IV, V, and VI) told the story of Luke Skywalker, a young farmboy who became a hero in the struggle to overthrow an evil empire and had to confront one of the Empire's staunchest henchmen, Darth Vader, who held the terrible secret of his father's fate. The new Star Wars trilogy goes back in time a full generation to tell the story of Anakin Skywalker, the innocent boy who will one day become the dreaded Darth Vader. THE STORY In Episode I, Luke Skywalker's father is just a hopeful 9-year-old boy named Anakin, who knows nothing of his eventual fate as a Dark Lord in years to come. In this earlier time, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a determined young Jedi Knight. Qui-Gon Jinn is Obi-Wan's venerable Jedi master, trying to teach the Jedi way to his apprentice as their world begins to unravel in political turmoil. Episode I takes audiences through extraordinary realms and adventures, from the desert planet of Tatooine to the galactic capital world of Coruscant (with its Jedi Temple), the green world of Naboo, and beyond. Familiar Star Wars characters Yoda, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Jabba the Hutt are along for the ride. This first chapter in the Star Wars saga follows young Anakin Skywalker's journey as he pursues his dreams and confronts his fears in the midst of a galaxy in crisis. PRODUCTION Star Wars: Episode I is the fourth movie released in the Star Wars saga, but it is the very first chapter of the overall story. Episodes IV, V and VI are the films familiar as Star Wars: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. George Lucas returns as both writer and director for the first time since the original Star Wars movie over 20 years ago. Lucas and producer Rick McCallum have taken their production team to England, Italy and Tunisia in order to bring the Episode I script to life. The shooting schedule included just 65 days of principal photography. The Episode I Art Department, headed by Concept Designer Doug Chiang, has produced a new world of exotic designs which become film realities by a variety of technical means: models, mechanical creatures, and completely digital effects. John Williams returned to compose the score of Episode I, and the sound designs were once more created by Star Wars veteran Ben Burtt. EPISODE I was shot at Leavesden Studios in England in the summer of 1997. Post-production was completed at Skywalker Ranch and Industrial Light & Magic in Marin County, California. Episode I The Phantom Menace was released in the United States on May 19, 1999. CAST Episode I's cast features a mix of new and familiar faces. Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor play Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, noble Jedi Knights at the height of their powers. Natalie Portman plays a young queen, and Jake Lloyd brings to life an even younger Anakin Skywalker, whose mother Shmi is played by Pernilla August. Ian McDiarmid returns to his role as the mysterious Senator Palpatine, who will one day become the dreaded Emperor Palpatine. On the other side of the Force, Samuel L. Jackson puts on the robes of Mace Windu, an influential Jedi Master. Frank Oz also returns to perform once again as the venerable Jedi sage Yoda. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Darth Maul | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Completely embracing the dark side of the Force, Darth Maul is a fearsome Sith apprentice. His constant training, both in combat techniques and in the dark powers of the Force, makes him a formidable figure and a power to be reckoned with. His horned head, face tattoos and gleaming yellow eyes strike terror in the heart of all but the most focused opponents. Since his master has great confidence in the pupil's abilities, Darth Maul is often entrusted with delicate missions. In return, Maul is absolutely loyal to his master, and devotes his utmost efforts to achieving the objectives laid out by his mentor. Although he closely follows traditions and protocols, Darth Maul is never one to blend in: he has built a double-bladed lightsaber, and trained himself to wield the unusual weapon with deadly accuracy. Only through his complete dedication to the way of the Sith was Maul able to bring the dark side of the Force to his aid in mastering such a dangerous combat skill. On his own, Darth Maul represents a real threat to the delicate balance of the Galactic Republic, which the Jedi Council strives to preserve. But with the powers of the master and the apprentice combined, there is no telling what terrible conflict awaits the Jedi. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Anakin Skywalker | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
A disheveled nine-year-old with blue eyes, Anakin Skywalker is an earnest and hardworking boy who lives in the slave quarters of Mos Espa, on the planet Tatooine. A natural mechanic, he has a keen intuition with equipment and machinery. He can sense what makes an engine work. Leading a very humble life, Anakin dreams of becoming a starpilot and longs for a world of adventure. Good at heart, hopeful and optimistic, this young boy little suspects the destiny and fearful challenges that await him |
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