Unseen Jedi

published 24 September 2013

New book celebrates Return Of The Jedi’s big 3-0

While we wait with bated breath for JJ Abrams’ new slice of Star Wars action, what better way to occupy rebel minds than by doing a jazzy, Jabba-mesmerising dance to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Return Of The Jedi?

Having delved deep into the Lucasfilm archives for previous heavy-duty books on the birth of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, author JW Rinzler is testing the strength of our coffee table, once again, with The Making Of Return Of The Jedi.

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. The hand-drawn concept art, storyboards and scripts aside, though, it’s the behind-the-scenes stills that really steal the show.

You’ll see sweaty, headless Ewoks relaxing amid shrubbery, Carrie Fisher in that bikini lounging about between takes and Harrison Ford apparently mocking Mark Hamill’s scarf selection ahead of a day’s filming (right). Plus much, much more. It’s like the oddest, and greatest, family album of all time.

The Making Of Return Of The Jedi: The Definitive Story Behind The Film by JW Rinzler is published by Aurum Press, £40