KOOL TV REVIEW: 'STAR WARS - THE CLONE WARS' EPISODE GUIDE BOOK

Force-ful friends and foes gather for the supreme STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS - EPISODE GUIDE book. Images: DORLING KINDERSLEY.

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS - EPISODE GUIDE BOOK

Written by Jason Fry

Published by DORLING KINDERSLEY

Reviewed by Scott Weller

You never truly really appreciate what you've got until its gone-we took the highly successful STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS animated series for granted, that it would run for a few more years yet- “for as long as viewers want to see it”, I remember its creator George Lucas’s words passed down to fans a few years back- as the storytelling started to intriguingly make its way towards the epic events of EPISODE III. Well, with the sad retirement of Lucas and the selling of the STAR WARS franchise to DISNEY last year, the cancellation of the series with the completion of its fifth season was a creative decision that truly ripped the hearts out of the shows worldwide fans with the unexpected quickness of one of Mola Ram's hand thrusts, as millions mourned the passing of such a high quality series, especially one that had captured the dedication of so many younger viewers and families – surely the kind of target audience that DISNEY’s top shows have always aimed for.

 

Obi-Wan Kenobi faces off his against his lethal cyborg enemy, General Grievous, in Destroy Malevolence.

Regardless of its unexpected cancellation and loss, though, we can at least be consoled by the fact that the series did last an impressive five seasons and a very overall satisfying 108 episodes-a figure worthy of much celebration, courtesy of Jason Fry’s brand spanking new, beautifully designed EPISODE GUIDE book, from those marvels at DORLING KINDERSLEY, and which proves just the tonic to cheer us all up and remember the many good times we’ve spent watching Anakin and co.’s spectacular adventures, during an anxious but exciting time where we all await news on the next animated incarnation of the saga to come, set within a different era of STAR WARS history, and expected to arrive in TV households and Blu-ray/DVD in at least two or three years time.

Richly illustrated with hundreds of photos, the EPISODE GUIDE is the most comprehensive guide to the series yet, and, for the first time, presents them in the definite authorized story order chronicling our heroic Jedi and vicious Sith – form the blockade battle over the besieged world of Christophsis to the bombing of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Each half-hour adventure/mini-film is given an excellent spread with a terrific main image capturing its mood, accompanied by plot synopsis, highlights on the main characters, memorable dialogue and key scenes, plus a look at the planets, weapons and technology. Behind the scenes we also get first US transmission dates, production orders, some fun trivia about the way the various episodes were scripted and made, and the in-jokes/inspirations/homages, used in them, lifted either from other aspects of the STAR WARS saga or beyond, or from other pop culture forms of movies, TV series and entertainment.

 

The Clone Cadets begin their intense training on Kamino.

Despite early criticisms from fans towards its original feature length pilot (released in cinemas in 2008), the series that followed it ultimately exceeded fans eventual expectations in the way it deftly merged old and new characters from the Prequel and Classic STAR WARS universe so effectively, and filled in the incredible blanks of fantasy history during the tumoltuous three-year period in which the galactic civil war between Republic and Separatists was waged.There was also the bigger and bolder ambitions of the continuing series in its storytelling and visual ambition- clear to see and admire as you follow the book through.  Introducing such memorable new characters as Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano, cruel baddie Savage Opress, bounty hunter Cad Bane and comedy pirate Hondo Ohnaka, whilst providing such diverse and epic scenarios like the epic liberation of Ryloth, to the Zillo beast monster rampage across Coruscant, from the Mon Calamari water war epic, to the return of Darth Maul from the grave, to the emerging threat of the Mandalorian Death Watch, THE CLONE WARS gave fans the additional weight and drama to the Prequel Saga and its characters that we always wanted to see-the book reminding us just how much had been accomplished by such a talented and dedicated group of people (most notably Animation Director Dave Filoni and Visual Effects Artist Joel Aron)- all true STAR WARS fans like you and I, over eight years and five on-screen seasons of production in the US and Singapore.

Intriguingly, taking in the fact that the book was presumably completed four to five months ago, there’s very definitely a sense that, unlike the fans (who had no clue that the series was coming to a definite end), Fry and the book’s designers likely had some inkling about its ultimate destiny as being only five seasons, well enough to prepare and end the book with its last spread- literally the final scene of Ahsoka leaving the Jedi Temple- a design choice that is surely no accident. The only major disappointment with the book is that it doesn’t factor in the events of that other CLONE WARS animated series previous shown on CARTOON NETWORK from 2003-2005, made in equally stunning 2D by Genndy Tartakovsky, and which itself was deemed an official part of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS cannon. So popular it inspired George Lucas and led to the series we’ve been watching now. It would have been interesting to see how they could have factored in the continuity of both series into the book-I’m assuming it’s absence is a deliberate choice by LUCASFILM in wanting to maintain the overall visual continuity of the book and this particular animated series in general. A wasted opportunity, though…

Aimed primarily at the intelligent 8 -12 year olds, there is nonetheless something for every age group of STAR WARS fan to enjoy with this title. One day I hope we also get to see a more detailed, adult book on the shows overall behind the scenes making and evolution, but this colourful and visually exciting title is a must-have that's more than worthy of the existing high caliber STAR WARS and DORLING KINDERSLEY name.

Goodbye and thank-you, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. We will miss you…

KOOL TV RATING: Relive the greatest animated moments of that galaxy a long time ago, far, far away… 4.5 out of 5

Get hold of the book here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Clone-Episode-Guide/dp/1465408738/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366816191&sr=8-1&keywords=the+clone+wars+episode+guide

UNFINISHED BUSINESS. 'STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS' - THE FINAL SEASON ON UK TV

An uncertain future for our Jedi heroes, and the animated saga that is STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. Images: LUCASFILM ANIMATION.

Sadly cut off in its creative prime-the result of LUCASFILM now under ownership to a scythe swinging Mickey Mouse at DISNEY- and abruptly three seasons short of bringing its full story and evolving character arcs to a close in the build-up to the defining live-action events of EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS final twenty episode fifth season (reduced from the normal twenty-two) makes its eventual debut on UK shores via the CARTOON NETWORK, starting in daily weekday strips from Monday 8th April.

Artoo Detoo and co. go out on a bold new adventure.

Lightsaber clashes galore in the season opener, Revival.

With more complex and involving multi-episode length adventures than ever before, this last bow mostly focuses on the popular character created specifically for the animated series, Ahsoka Tano-Padawan Jedi in training to the universe known Anakin Skywalker, as we see her personal arc come to an overall satisfying ending, but with the door far from fully closed. Against her partaking in the rebellion of the popular STAR WARS Expanded Universe realm of Onderon against the evil Separatist threat- its world full of colourful flying dragons capable of giving GAME OF THRONES Daenerys Targaryen's little pups a flying run for their money- there's also growing resentment building towards the Jedi Knights in their forced participation of the long waging conflict, leading to sabotage and murder, of which our plucky heroine is soon caught up in its complications as an investigator. Meanwhile, venerable Obi-Wan Kenobi faces off against the evil Sith renegades Darth Maul and Savage Opress for control of the important neutral world of Mandalore (leading to the first proper appearance of the evil Sith Lord mastermind Darth Sidious, wielding his lightsabers in spectacular style for one exhilarating action set piece), and, for the prime benefit of younger viewers, two lengthy arcs which see diminutive frog alien Yoda and Ahsoka training a group of various species Padawans into a destiny that soon has them partaking in a dangerous mission beyond the safety confines of the Jedi Temple, whilst heroic Astro Droid and all-round favourite of the entire STAR WARS saga, Artoo Detoo, becomes part of an elite cadre going into enemy territory in order to retrieve a vitally needed piece of code encryption technology.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 5 Trailer - YouTube

Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Season 5 Finale Trailer - IGN Video

Out of the shadows, Darth Sidious emerges. Fight!

Filled to a Gundark's nest with epic battles, old and new characters galore (including the first on-screen appearance of the reptilian space Cosa Nostra- The Black Sun crime cartel), spectacular planetary vistas and fun for all the family, though younger viewers may find things getting a little intense towards the end of the run (especially with the demise of certain characters), THE CLONE WARS ends on a generally strong and successful note, well handled by the series overall animation supervisor Dave Filoni, but its axing-to make way for all-new animated and live-action STAR WARS content, some of it non George Lucas created (starting up in a few years time)- has left a decidedly, and understandably sour and frustrated taste in the mouths of many die-hard fans who have loved this supreme space saga for so long... 

Plans to release the remaining completed but unaired episodes of THE CLONE WARS Season Six will be announced shortly. In the meantime, there is a loyal fan campaign beginning its sterling action in trying to persuade DISNEY to change their mind about the hit series. Check it out here: Save The Clone Wars

Get hold of the complete Seasons One to Four of THE CLONE WARS, here: Star Wars: The Clone Wars - The Complete Seasons 1-4 Blu-ray Region Free: Amazon.co.uk: Film & TV

KOOL TV REVIEW: 'STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS' - THE COMPLETE SEASON FOUR BLU-RAY BOX SET

Back from the dead, Darth Maul returns to cause havoc within the STAR WARS universe, in THE CLONE WARS Season Four, out now on Blu-ray and DVD. Images: LUCASFILM ANIMATION/WARNER BROTHERS.

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS – THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON

Created and Executive Produced by George Lucas

Available on Blu-ray (3 disc set) and DVD (5 disc set) from LUCASFILM ANIMATION/WARNER BROTHERS

Reviewed by Scott Weller

After a previous creatively uneven year, the fourth season of THE CLONE WARS, now available on stunning high definition Blu-ray and DVD from LUCASFILM ANIMATION/WARNER BROTHERS, is a more dramatic, more adult and more animation sophisticated confection than we’ve seen before. It may not be as much fun as its genesis years of 2008-2010, as the series shifts into high-gear darkness more akin to the Vader-is-born finale of the live-action Prequels, but it’s a 22 episode evolving and refined trip that’s well worth taking. The sturdy and zippy single episodes of the past are mostly abandoned this time around in order to tell bigger, longer running stories (that also make more out of the shows modest production budget) within five main arcs that really stretch out and diversify the established characters and diverse environs: the spectacular, action-packed epic water war set on the planet of Mon Cala, as Anakin, Padme Amidala and classic series veteran Admiral (“It’s a Trap!”) Ackbar, trying to stop the Separatist armies from gaining a foothold, or should that be flipper?, over the strategically important world’s new young King, the Umbara arc-some of the most dramatic and atmospheric war storytelling yet as the Clone Troopers of the 501^st, later Darth Vader’s prime execution squad, led by Captain Rex, take on a deranged Jedi General- the fierce multi-limbed General Pong Krell, the Zygerrian slavers arc, where Anakin must confront the dark nature of his troubled past in order to defeat the return of a once vast slavers empire, and the fun and diverse planet-hopping, Obi-Wan/Bounty Hunters arc, where our noble Jedi with a disdain for the uncivilised must infiltrate an elite and lethal cadre of hired talents, including the nefarious Cad Bane, to stop an assassination plot on Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Last but not least, probably the least successful of the arcs in my honest opinion, is the re-emergence of Darth Maul, which sees the legendary Sith Lord, a fan favourite last seen decapitated in the live-action EPISODE I, now very much alive, totally insane and spider-legged limbed, wanting revenge against both the Jedi and his once Sith Master who seemingly abandoned him: Darth Sidious (voiced by the late Ian Abercrombie, doing double duties with Palpatine). Of all the storylines this year Maul’s was the only one that seemed the most forced and commercialistic, with Filoni and his team successfully, if implausibly, bringing the horny little devil back on Uncle George’s orders, but with no proper, rational explanation given of how he survived being cut in half and how he ended up at the bottom of a junk yard on a far-off world. Overall, fans worldwide have embraced Maul’s return, and now that’s he established back in the show his personal arc will surely get better, but I personally think the series didn’t need him back at all- that it would have gotten along fine enough with just Maul’s lethal and equally powerful and threatening force brother-the Frankenstein’s Monster-esque Savage Opress.

Padme Amidala and Anakin Skywalker fight the Separatists in Shadow Warrior.

Blu-ray/ DVD trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtxuAre5qLI

Check out STAR WARS AFICIONADO’s Top Five Season Four episodes here: http://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/THE CLONE WARS SEASON FOUR?updated-max=2012-10-23T12:17:00%2B01:00&max-results=20&start=4&by-date=false

Spectacular underwater action ensues in the epic Water War saga which opens the season. 

Not totally extinct from the series, the single episode stories of Season Four are a mixed bag, with the return of the outlawed Mandalorian Death Watch (and their first female warrior, Bo Katan, voiced by sexy BATTLESTAR GALACTICA veteran Katee Sackhoff) in A Friend in Need, causing Genghis Khan and his hordes type havoc against Ahsoka and her fugitive boyfriend, Lux Bonteri, cyborg general General Grievous gets his ass kicked by the floppy eared Jar Jar Binks and the Gungans in early and controversial episode Shadow Warrior, Asajj Ventress, now an outcast bounty hunter with the death of her people in the creepy and enjoyable Massacre, gets some fun action in and out of  a speeding underground bullet train in Bounty(featuring an ill-conceived and truly hypocritical voice performance from Prequel hater Simon Pegg as classic villain Dengar), whilst lovable icon droids Artoo Detoo and See-Threepio partake in some bizarre but enjoyably harmless fantasy in two offbeat episodes clearly designed for the youngsters to delight in, between bouts of intense drama and death. On a sour note, though, still no individual stories for Mace Windu or Yoda. What’s going on???

A ruthless Jedi General makes life hell for the Clone Troopers in the four-part Umbara arc.

Four key episodes of the season (The Carnage of Krell, Escape from Kadavo, Massacre andBounty) come in director’s cuts (but watching them its difficult to see what exactly has been added/deleted to them-they come in at pretty much the same running times as the original episodes IMO), though the Maul episodes director’s cuts are noticeable by their absence-saved for the recent US only single disc release of the story as a feature-length entity.

A group of Bounty Hunters undergo the ultimate test inside The Box.

Best watched in the Blu-ray format, where the hard work of the animation team is really showcased, there’s the kind of classic and inventive fast paced storytelling and action you expect from STAR WARS with the high calibre of its behind the scenes team, led by Supervising Director Dave Filoni and George Lucas as Executive Producer, plus its aforementioned incredible locales (new stands outs like Umbara and Zygerria, as well as return visits to worlds like Naboo, Coruscant and Nal Hutta) beautifully realised with some of the most gorgeous state of the art animation yet seen on TV. Let’s also not forget the great voice acting from a fine series of regulars who have made the famous character roles their own in this specialised medium, particularly the core Jedi trio of Matt Lanter as Anakin Skywalker, James Arnold Taylor as Obi-Wan and Ashley Eckstein as Padawan Ahsoka Tano.

Lovable duo See-Threepio and Artoo Detoo are unwittingly caught up in the action once again in Nomad Droids.

As always the special features accompanying these season sets are still not as comprehensible as fans would like them to be, but there’s enough to enjoy and discover. The Blu-ray and DVDs contain five great behind the scenes video commentaries on the story arcs, from Filoni, a perfect host, enthusiastic STAR WARS fan and splendid choice of overall animation leader for the series, with a core group of behind the scenes veterans including Joel Aron, Killian Plunkett and Keith Kellogg. As well as showing their own personal friendships and humorous banter, the teaming’s provide a wealth of interesting information on how the shows and storylines/characters were developed, what things were planned for but dropped, key things/little Easter eggs to watch out for in the episodes and a verbal sneak peek from a teasing Filoni of things to come in later CLONE WARS episodes (like a desert planet environment involving Captain Wolf and his Clone Troopers).

Jar Jar Binks (right) goes undercover in Shadow Warrior.

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaaTo4EoBuY&feature=plcp

On the Zygerrian story, there’s the welcome presence on the viewing couch of writer Henry Gilroy, back on the series to adapt his popular THE CLONE WARS comic from DARK HORSE to animated reality, providing some intriguing anecdotes. For Maul’s return, the flavor is a little different, as the behind the scenes give way to Filoni with writer Katie Lucas, Maul vocal actor Sam Witwer and Obi-Wan actor James Arnold Taylor. Things feel a but less fun here, but some interesting material from Lucas and Witwer is revealed nonetheless about writing for Asajj Ventress and the playing of the new Maul. Fan favourite Taylor clearly enjoys his work on the show and the return of Obi-Wan’s greatest antagonist.

Jedi Padawan's Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee gets some space battle action in Darkness on Umbara.

Not on the DVD, the Blu-ray has further noteworthy material in it’s Jedi Holocron area, delving deep into the behind the scenes canvas of the series, with lots of deleted scene (mostly of the animatic kind (check out a sequence here: http://www.sfx.co.uk/2012/10/18/clone-wars-season-4-deleted-scene/), including a different ending to the episode Escape from Kadavo, plus a few completed animation pieces), animatic and final episode comparisons, 3-D character turnarounds, occasional snippets from the voice cast who talk about their involvement in selected episodes (notably Dee Bradley Baker, who voices the many Clone Troopers) and lots of great conceptual artwork.

Evenly matched? Obi-Wan and Asajj Ventress fight Darth Maul and Savage Opress in Revenge.

A minor complaint to the Blu-ray release is that the box sets seem to be getting cheaper looking and produced each year. The inside plastic disc holders will prove breakable over time, and should have been in more sturdy, attractive packaging. Apart from an inside sleeve wrap, there’s also no deserving booklet/guide to the series and no Bounty Hunter poster with the UK release. What happened there, LUCASFILM/WARNERS?

STAR WARS AFICIONADO RATING: A solid and spectacular animated hit once more worthy of the STAR WARS reputation. Season Four overall storytelling: 3.5 out of 5. Disc extras 3.5 out of 5

Get STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS – THE COMPLETE SEASON FOUR on Blu-ray here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0093PKBMA/ref=s9_simh_gw_p74_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0XSRCMP6NCT2080YVE8Z&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=317828027&pf_rd_i=468294

On DVD: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Clone-Season-DVD/dp/B0093PKJZ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1351348266&sr=8-2

THE COMPLETE SEASONS ONE TO FOUR available on Blu-ray here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Clone-Season-Blu-ray/dp/B005YYCLHW/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1351348277&sr=8-8

On DVD here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Clone-Season-1-4/dp/B005YYCLEK/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1351348298&sr=8-18

KOOL TV BABE OF THE WEEK: 'THE CLONE WARS' CATHERINE TABER

First Lady of animated STAR WARS: the lovely Catherine Taber. Image: Catherine Taber.

Making a fine addition to the growing pantheon of feisty and female icons born in the STAR WARS universe, first started off and defined by quirky and charming Carrie Fisher as dedicated, blaster firing Rebel Leader Princess Leia Organa in the original Classic Trilogy, followed by beautiful Natalie Portman as Queen turned senator turned child bearer to the Skywalker dynasty, Padme Amidala, in the later under-rated Prequel Trilogy, we now have the lovely American actress Catherine Taber continuing the worthy tradition in her popular voice role of Senator Amidala in the hit STAR WARS animated series set between the cataclysmic events of EPISODEs II and III: THE CLONE WARS, returning to the US CARTOON NETWORK channel for a new fifth season run of 22 epic looking episodes starting from tomorrow morning.

Taber adds sincerity and determination to the continuing role of Padme Amidala in THE CLONE WARS. Images: LUCASFILM ANIMATION.

At first it must have been a little daunting taking over the acting reins of a character so popular as Padme, and an actress on the rise as Portman has been in the last five years, but Miss Taber, a rising talent herself, who jumped to early recognition from industry critics in the coming of age drama THE GIRL'S ROOM, and a successful and noteworthy voice artist on numerous States-side animated series,  would quickly bring her own unique qualities and interpretation to the role, building, sometimes improving, on what was previously established by Portman in the live action realm, backed up with strong and memorable story lines from a core group of LUCASFILM productions writers that have often given the character lots of scope in and out of the political arena of which her character thrives on the Republic centre world of Coruscant. In her relationship to her work and trying to saving the galaxy from the continued civil war, and with her secret and forbidden marriage to Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker often beleaguered, Padme Amidala truly is both a fighter and a lover in equal measure and a strong role model for female fans of George Lucas's hit saga...

Amidala with comedy veterans See-Threepio and Jar Jar Binks in the episode Jedi Bombad.

And fighting alongside her husband, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker.

A dedicated STAR WARS fan since childhood, of which she has contributed to several other projects beyond THE CLONE WARS (including video games and the upcoming children's STAR WARS comedy series from Seth Green: DETOURS), as well as a warm and welcome figure at numerous official LUCASFILM organised conventions, Georgia born Miss Taber certainly has a bright future beyond a Galaxy Far, Far, Away...

The lovely Catherine Taber. Image: Catherine Taber.

Check out Miss Taber's FACEBOOK page and the good causes she supports: Catherine Taber Fan Page

Follow her on TWITTER: catherine taber (cattaber) on Twitter

Check out the STAR WARS AFICIONADO website's massive coverage of the new Season Five of THE CLONE WARS here: STAR WARS AFICIONADO MAGAZINE: THE CLONE WARS SEASON FIVE

Season Four of THE CLONE WARS is coming to Blu-ray and DVD from October from LUCASFILM/WARNER BROTHERS. Get it here:
Star Wars Clone Wars - Season 4 Blu-ray Region Free: Amazon.co.uk: Film & TV

KOOL TV REVIEW: 'REMEMBERING RALPH McQUARRIE: DREAMER AND VISIONARY'

The man who brought George Lucas's STAR WARS universe to visual reality. Ralph McQuarrie, remembered in the new DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS book: REMEMBERING RALPH McQUARRIE: DREAMER AND VISIONARY.

REMEMBERING RALPH McQUARRIE: DREAMER AND VISIONARY


Published by DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS


Reviewed by Scott Weller




The recent passing of STAR WARS legendary visual founder, that humble man of such incredible talent, Ralph McQuarrie, is still being keenly felt within the worldwide fan community of George Lucas's beloved space fantasy series, but his friends and devoted partners at the DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS company have produced a wonderful and beautifully nostalgic tribute to the kind- hearted, dedicated and stunningly inventive man- a true pioneer whose brushstrokes changed the face of the film and TV industry forever, and cast such a positive, enchanting- thoroughly spellbinding- visual potion on all us-and proving himself as a true Wizard of Oz in the process!- in creating such stuff that once only dreams were made of. A man whose rich abilities let the child inside all of us finally escape and soar to new heights of artistic wonder and enjoyment, within a time of beauty, fantasy and imagination now fully restored to us through a universe set "A Long Time Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away..."

One of McQuarrie's classic conceptual paintings for THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, as Luke and Darth Vader clash. The new book goes beyond the artist's recognised STAR WARS work and includes some true rarities that fans will adore.

REMEMBERING RALPH McQUARRIE: DREAMER AND VISIONARY is a lovely work. A 48 page treasure trove taking us into the wonderfully rich life and career of this much admired and loved man, in an overview with numerous and often very touching contributions from his family, friends and work colleagues (including such greats as Phil Tippett, Harrison Ellenshaw, and, in a personal highlight, a contribution from George Lucas himself), as well as the artists whose lives were indelibly changed forever by his talents (like Prequel Trilogy veteran Doug Chiang). It's all finely crafted against a backdrop of some of the rarest of McQuarrie's pieces, including lots of material never before published in DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS's prior and ambitious celebratory book projects, alongside some new discoveries, too. STAR WARS fans will be delighted with the selection of rare materials here, including conceptual work and storyboards on the films and material linked to spin-offs, alongside behind the scenes photos, that have been beautifully gathered and laid out. Lovers of all of the late artists work in general will be equally satisfied, including rare book cover art and film projects that sadly never got off the ground. (Like the stunning work he did for EMPIRE director Irvin Kershner's aborted, but very bold, re-make plans for the classic sci-fi movie FORBIDDEN PLANET in the early 90's.) There's also a look back to McQuarrie's pre-WARS work that would influence George Lucas into hiring him in 1975, like his lovely and equally important cells and paint work for CBS in their world-changing coverage of the 1969 Apollo 7 moon landing, and the Hal Barwood and Matthew Robbins unmade and fascinating STAR DANCING sci-fi project. Beyond the fantasy and reality of space, McQuarrie's love of aviation, technology and humanity in general also shine through in a charming and evocative way.

Making its debut at the upcoming STAR WARS: CELEBRATION VI convention in Florida this August 24th, REMEMBERING RALPH McQUARRIE is a true celebration and dedication to the much missed man and his talent, and a warm and emotional tribute. It's a beautifully assembled endeavour that no STAR WARS fan should be without.

KOOL TV RATING: 5 out of 5

For more on the book, and how to get it, head over to the DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS site: Dreams and Visions Press and their FACEBOOK page: Dreams and Visions Press

With thanks to John Scoleri at DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS