Customer Reviews

Star Wars Chronicles

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I think that I now have all of the truly `big' Star Wars books - I have all of the `Art Of' and `Makings Of' books there are, and the two Industrial Light and Magic hard covers. And now, thanks to the most wonderful woman in the world, I have the Star Wars Chronicles. The enormity of the book is overwhelming, and the fact that it comes in its own black and gold box with a magnetic clasp seems to spotlight the quality representative in its contents.

In other words:

WOW!

This book does not disappoint in any way, mostly though it's an expansive overview of models, vehicles, props and sets used in the three movies, the forgettable Ewok TV show abominations, and the Star Tours attraction at the Team Rodent theme parks in California and Florida. The book really shines especially in the rarity of a lot of the photos, about half of which have never been seen all that much, whereas several books in a similar vein simply reprint the same pictures over and over. Chronicles instead goes for originality by showcasing the more rare pictures. It has wonderful gate fold pages and ship scale comparison sheets, and it takes the reader from the design stage of a particular ship right on through to the finished model.

The Star Wars movies have always been the best there is as far as special effects go, (well, the best there is as far as anything is concerned, but I'm biased). From model makers to set and prop designers, few films approach that level of detail, and if they do it's because their effects were also done by ILM. Even though the Phantom Menace wasn't as worthy of the Star Wars name as the other films, no one can argue the quality of the production. The Phantom Menace isn't featured in the Star Wars Chronicles, and I hope they don't add it to a later edition, because this book is big enough as it is.

Is it worth the money? Take it from me, if you love Star Wars on as primal a level as I do, and are as fascinated by what goes on behind the camera as in front of it, it is. It may have been a gift, but I would have bought it eventually. The fact it was a gift just makes it even more special. Like the lady who sent it to me, it is now priceless.

No doubt, this is a great book and worth its price. But don't be fooled by the amazon description: this is not the 1997 first edition that is sold for many hundred dollars in the marketplace, but the 2005 Reissue. Just a note...

What can I say -- this one's reeeeeeeally cool. Packed with tons of rare photos that I've never seen, chock full of excellent reference material on vehicles and costumes. A bit light on real meaty info, although I did find out a few things that -- gasp! -- I didn't know before (which is saying quite a bit since I'm kind of a sponge for useless Star Wars info...my friends refuse to play SW Trivial Pursuit with me anymore ^_^). The book's real strength is the behind-the-scenes shots: for example, there are five pages dedicated to the building of the prototype Star Destroyers *alone*, and seven pages packed with tons of photos of the development of Boba Fett and his costume. And if the contents of the book alone aren't worth the hefty price tag (which they are), the book itself as an artifact definitely is. Beautifully huge and heavy, very high-quality paper, well-made, excellent construction and layout, complete with a nice sturdy slipcase which is equally well-designed with a large flap that opens and closes with a metal clasp. If you wanna take the plunge on just about the ultimate pre-Special Edition Star Wars tome, I definitely recommend this one to my fellow hardcore SW fans.

This book is the top of the line Star Wars book. If you are a true fan, then get it. Amazon's price is cheaper than I've seen anywhere else.Be careful though, the snap on the cover was ripped off when I opened it, that sort of thing shouldn't happen on a 100 dollar book! Still the pictures and behind the scenes info will keep you reading all night. Every alien in the Cantina and Jabba's palace are covered with pictures and a quick bio. Every model is shown in detail. Deleated scenes are described. It even has scenes from the 1977 holiday special. This edition doesn't cover the Episode One or the Special Edition versions of the movies, but still it's a terrific read. Timelines cover the novels and their place in the Star Wars universe. My personal favorite is the side by side comparason charts of all the ships in relation to each other. The book is like a deluxe version of the "Art Of" books. Where they end, this book delves deeper. GET THIS BOOK!

...and more. Goodness, not only is this a beautiful book (large, hardcover with flap for safe storage, thick pages, etc.) but it is chock full of detailed information and pictures from the original trilogy. There are many drawings of aliens, ships, and anything else you've ever seen in the films. Its impressive presentation only adds to the worth of this book. A definite delight for the Star Wars fan.

Wow! This book is spectacular! It is full of great color photos from all three Original films, and I especially loved the behind the scenes shots. There's also a few pages dedicated to the Holiday Special, something that many fans never saw. As if that wasn't enough, there's tons of information, making it a great reference guide. An extremely attractive book, it is well made--very high-quality. ANY die-hard SW fan will LOVE this book. (great gift-idea!) It is well worth the price.

An ultimate must have for your Star Wars libary.The Star Wars Chronicles is a big,beautiful and interesting book that comes in a very nice black and gold box.These exciting chronicles covers the beloved Trilogy in thousands of behind the scenes and upclose photographs,many of which have never before been seen.This book will look very stylish on your dresser or coffee table as you enjoy hours of fascinating and detailed pictures each lovely presented for the appreciation of the serious fan.You will go from A to Z in this rarely seen creation of these classic films.

I collect most of the ERTL Star Wars models. And this book is a bible for us modelers when assembling a Star Wars models.

A STAR WARS FANtastic book!! I'm pretty curious about things, how things work, how to do this and that, and how movies are made. If you are like me and love Star Wars, you will love this book! A little pricey, but worth it! This is a definite must have for all Star Wars fans!! It has alot of rare and exclusive photos, and information on the making of the movies. It is all together a beautiful book to be displayed, and is great for any fan who is curious about the movies!

If you want to read in depth articles, skip it.
But if you want superior photos of all things Star Wars, this is the best! Prop builders, costumers, and model builders should all own at least one copy of this book. Well worth the price!