Amazon.co.uk Review
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.com
Product Description
This new "Visual Dictionary" features annotated photographs and film stills from "The Phantom Menace". Along with stunning visual images it offers details of the "Star Wars" universe - the characters, equipment, costumes and armaments of the long-awaited prequel to the original "Star Wars" trilogy.