Blasting out of the new Clone Wars TV series, it's Anakin Skywalker's customized Jedi starfighter! Fight the forces of the Separatists and the Dark Side with flick-firing missiles, retractable landing gear and an ejection button for R2-D2. Includes R2-D2 and new Anakin Skywalker minifigures. 153 pieces.

Toy:  Blasting out of the new Clone Wars TV series, it's Anakin Skywalker's customized Jedi starfighter!, Fight the forces of the Separatists and the Dark Side with flick-firing missiles, retractable landing gear, and an ejection button for R2-D2, Includes R2-D2 and new Anakin Skywalker minifigures, Jedi Starfighter measures 10" (25cm) long!, 153 pieces
Company: LEGO  (2008-01-21)
List Price: $19.99
Amazon Price: $18.32

When the Jedi Knights need to travel across the galaxy fast, they attach their Jedi Starfighters to hyperdrive rings and blast off into hyperspace. Removable Jedi starfighter features retractable landing gear, multi-position wings and an opening cockpit that can seat Obi-Wan Kenobi or the first-ever Kit Fisto minifigure. Hyperdrive ring features flick-launching missiles and opening starfighter connection plates. Get ready to battle the Sith. 575 pieces. Measures 11.34"H x 18.92"W x 2.83"D.

Toy:  When the Jedi Knights need to travel across the galaxy fast, they attach their Jedi Starfighters to hyperdrive rings and blast off into hyperspace, Removable Jedi starfighter features retractable landing gear, multi-position wings and an opening cockpit that can seat Obi-Wan Kenobi™ or the first-ever Kit Fisto™ minifigure, Hyperdrive ring features flick-launching missiles and opening starfighter connection plates - Get ready to battle the Sith!, Featured in Episode III, 575 Pieces
Company: LEGO  (2007-06-01)
List Price: $49.99
Amazon Price: $37.46

When the Separatists attack, the Republic fights back with its legions of Clone Troopers. Build your army with an assortment of battle-ready troopers, complete with a blaster turret and speeder bike. Set includes Shock Trooper, Star Corps Trooper and two Clone Trooper mini-figures. 58 Pieces.

Toy:  Set includes 4 Battle Droid and 3 Super Battle Droid minifigures!, Build your own army and stage a battle against the #7655 Clone Troopers Battle Pack!
Company: LEGO  (2007-01-02)
List Price: $9.99
Amazon Price: $8.94

The Trade Federation is on the march! Send your Separatist forces into battle against the Republic with a droid transport carrier and "hovering" STAP vehicle, complete with a full squad of armed and combat-ready battle droids. Set includes four Battle Droid and three Super Battle Droid mini-figures. 102 pieces.

Toy:  Set includes Shock Trooper, Star Corps Trooper and 2 Clone Trooper minifigures., Build your own army and stage a battle against the #7654 Droids Battle Pack!
Company: LEGO  (2007-01-02)
List Price: $9.99
Amazon Price: $8.79

Get ready to defend the planet Naboo against the droid forces of the Trade Federation. The sleek Naboo starfighter includes an access ladder stand and Anakin Skywalker and Naboo pilot minifigures to fly it. Raise R2-D2 into the droid socket and fire the missile at the droid fighter. Enemy droid starfighter features flick-launching missiles and converts into flying, attack and walker modes. 279 pieces. Box measures 11.24"H x 15.12"W x 2.36"D.

Toy:  Get ready to defend the planet Naboo against the droid forces of the Trade Federation, The sleek Naboo starfighter includes an access ladder stand and Anakin Skywalker and Naboo pilot minifigures to fly it, Raise R2-D2™ into the droid socket and fire the missile at the droid fighter, Enemy droid starfighter features flick-launching missiles and converts into flying, attack and walker modes, Naboo N-1 Starfighter measures 15" (38 cm) long!
Company: LEGO  (2007-08-01)
List Price: $29.99
Amazon Price: $24.00

Includes Indiana Jones with hat, whip and shoulder bag, Spalko, Mutt, a soldier, four skeletons, and two warrior minifigures! Watch out for the traps hidden in the Temple of the Crystal Skull! Features and details include crystal skulls, creepy skeletons, ancient statues, and more! For ages 7 and up. 929 pieces!

Your goal is almost in sight, because you're in the temple of the Crystal Skull! Ancient warriors, living and dead, await you as your journey reachs its end. This set includes a giant temple which you put together as well as a nifty six-wheeled vehicle and tons of figures, each of which is armed to the teeth. Who will come out ahead? We're going to bet on Indy!

Toy:  Includes Indiana Jones, Mutt Williams¿, Irina Spalko¿, Russian Guard, 2 Ughs Warriors¿, Armored Skeleton and 3 Akator Skeleton¿ Minigiures, Numerous Features Including a Removable Archway, Firing Spears and Skull-dropping Booby Trap, Also Includes Fall-apart Steps, a Rotating Staircase, Spinning Skeletons and Opening Tower, Measures 15" (38cm) Long, 10" (25.5cm) Wide and 12" (30cm) High, 924 Pieces
Company: LEGO  (2008-05-01)
List Price: $79.99
Amazon Price: $79.99

The Separatist army is on the attack! Roll into battle with the giant-wheeled Hail-fire droid with eight flick-firing missiles. The heavily-armed and armored spider droid is close behind, backed up by a squad of battle droids. Includes folding Hail-fire droid, spider droid, super battle droid, battle droid commander and two battle droids. 249 pieces.

Toy:  The Separatist army is on the attack! Roll into battle with the giant-wheeled Hailfire droid with 8 flick-firing missiles., The heavily armed and armored spider droid is close behind, backed up by a squad of battle droids!, Includes folding Hailfire droid, spider droid, super battle droid, battle droid commander and 2 battle droids., Halfire droid has giant movable wheels and flick-fire missiles!, 249 pieces
Company: LEGO  (2008-01-21)
List Price: $19.99
Amazon Price: $18.33

Motorized action straight from the Star Wars movies!

Behold the power of the Empire! For the first time ever, the ultimate Motorized Walking AT-AT is ready to crush the Rebel Alliance at your command. Thanks to the new Power Functions System, the mighty All-Terrain Armored Transport really walks forward or backward into battle!

Features an opening cockpit and rotating laser cannons!

Motorized Walking AT-AT really walks and its head moves up and down!

Handle on top allows for easy transport!

Stands over 12" (30 cm) tall and over 14" (36 cm) long!

Includes AT-AT Pilot, General Veers, Snowtrooper and Luke Skywalker with grappling line and lightsaber!

Includes battery box and motor!

Requires 6 AA (1.5V) batteries, not included.



Toy:  Features an Opening Cockpit and Rotating Laser Cannons; Handle on Top Allows for Easy Transport, Motorized Walking AT-AT Really Walks and its Head Moves Up and Down; Includes Battery Box and Motor, Stands Over 12" (30 cm) Tall and Over 14" (36 cm) Long, Includes AT-AT Pilot, General Veers, Snowtrooper and Luke Skywalker with Grappling Line and Lightsaber, Requires 6 AA (1.5V) Batteries, Not Included; 1,137 Pieces
Company: LEGO  (2008-03-01)
List Price: $129.99
Amazon Price: $128.61

When the Empire is on the march, the Rebels fight back. The Rebel Scout Speeder is ready for action with a detachable rotating heavy blaster cannon and a crew of four Rebel troopers straight from the Star Wars movies. Blaster cannon detaches from vehicle and rotates in all directions! Rebel Scout Speeder measures 6" long. 82 pieces.

Toy:  The Rebel Scout Speeder is ready for action with a detachable rotating heavy blaster cannon and a crew of 4 new Rebel troopers straight from the Star Wars movies. Build your forces!, Includes 4 Rebel trooper minifigures!, Rebel Scout Speeder is 6" (15cm) long!, Blaster cannon detaches from vehicle and rotates in all directions!, 82 pieces
Company: LEGO  (2007-11-26)
List Price: $9.99
Amazon Price: $9.59

Send in the Imperial Dropship with its stormtrooper squad! Equipped with laser cannons and a detachable troop platform, this speedy space transport is ready to battle the Rebellion on any planet in the Empire. Includes three stormtroopers and a shadow stormtrooper pilot. Lift back up to drop the clone troop platform into battle. Imperial Dropship is 4" long. 81 pieces.

Toy:  Send in the Imperial Dropship with its stormtrooper squad!, Equipped with laser cannons and a detachable troop platform, this speedy space transport is ready to battle the Rebellion on any planet in the Empire., Includes 3 stormtroopers and shadow stormtrooper pilot!, Ship drops seat with 3 stormtroopers, 81 pieces
Company: LEGO  (2007-11-26)
List Price: $9.99
Amazon Price: $9.95

Building on the success of both Lego Star Wars videogames, Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga enables families to play through the events of all six Star Wars movies in one videogame for the first time ever. New high-resolution Lego models, environment graphics and special effects, create visuals unparalleled by any other Lego galaxy, while also adding new characters, new levels and new features. Additionally, premiere of online two-player co-op lets families play together from anywhere in the world for the first time. The upgraded Character Customizer includes all Prequel Trilogy characters for the first time, while also expanding its customization options well beyond those in Lego Star Wars II, for millions more possibilities. Create cross-Trilogy mash-up characters like Han Windu and Lando Amidala. New game features include enhanced Force powers, new power-ups, and a new Challenge Mode. Levels from the original Lego Star Wars are revamped to meet the gameplay evolutions of Lego Star Wars II. ESRB Rated E10 for gamers aged 10 and up.

Video Game:  1-2 Player, Solve puzzles that encourage creative thinking through the use of teamwork and unique building situations, Enhanced Force powers, new power-ups, and a new Challenge mode; revamped levels, New characters bring the total count to over 160; upgraded Character Customizer; online 2-player co-op gaming, PS3 version offers new high-resolution characters and environment graphics and special effects
Company: LucasArts Entertainment  (2007-09-27)
List Price: $49.99
Amazon Price: $45.95
Used Price: $37.99

Video Game:  Complete Your Gaming Arsenal, Includes Extra Controller, Xbox LIVE Headset, Xbox 360 Console, Ethernet Cable, Wireless Controller, Bundle Includes Xbox 360 Intelligent Remote Control, HD A/V Cable, Games Included: Lego Star Wars: Complete Saga, Madden 08 Football, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Forza Motorsport 2, Features 20GB Hard Drive
Company: Fillpoint 
List Price: $494.99
Amazon Price: $494.99

Building on the success of both Lego Star Wars videogames, Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga enables families to play through the events of all six Star Wars movies in one videogame for the first time ever. Developer Traveller's Tales has created an entirely new Nintendo DS version, developed brick by brick from the ground up, while also adding new characters, new levels and new features. The upgraded Character Customizer includes all Prequel Trilogy characters for the first time, while also expanding its customization options well beyond those in Lego Star Wars II, for millions more possibilities. Create cross-Trilogy mash-up characters like Han Windu and Lando Amidala. New game features include enhanced Force powers, new power-ups, and a new Challenge Mode. Levels from the original Lego Star Wars are revamped to meet the gameplay evolutions of Lego Star Wars II. ESRB Rated E10 for gamers aged 10 and up.

Video Game:  Play through the events of all 6 Star Wars movies in 1 videogame for the first time ever, Solve puzzles that encourage creative thinking through the use of teamwork and unique building situations, New characters bring the total count to over 160; upgraded Character Customizer, Enhanced Force powers; new power-ups; new Challenge mode; revamped levels, Nintendo DS version incorporates exclusive touch-screen action and challenges
Company: LucasArts Entertainment  (2007-11-06)
List Price: $34.99
Amazon Price: $33.09
Used Price: $27.99

Building on the success of both Lego Star Wars videogames, Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga enables families to play through the events of all six Star Warsmovies in one videogame for the first time ever. Developer Traveller's Tales has brought the action to the Nintendo Wii, with motion-sensitive inputs that give you exciting new ways to control your Lego Star Wars characters, while also adding new characters, new levels and new features. The upgraded Character Customizer includes all Prequel Trilogy characters for the first time, while also expanding its customization options well beyond those in Lego Star Wars II, for millions more possibilities. Create cross-Trilogy mash-up characters like Han Windu and Lando Amidala. New game features include enhanced Force powers, new power-ups, and a new Challenge Mode. Levels from the original Lego Star Wars are revamped to meet the gameplay evolutions of Lego Star Wars II. ESRB Rated E10 for gamers aged 10 and up.

Video Game:  Play through the events of all 6 Star Wars movies in 1 videogame for the first time ever, Solve puzzles that encourage creative thinking through the use of teamwork and unique building situations, New characters bring the total count to over 160; upgraded Character Customizer, Enhanced Force powers; new power-ups; new Challenge mode; revamped levels, Wii version provides motion-sensitive inputs for exciting new ways to control the LEGO Star Wars characters
Company: LucasArts Entertainment  (2007-11-06)
List Price: $49.99
Amazon Price: $46.99
Used Price: $39.95

Video Game:  Includes 3 Games, Remote Control, PlayStation 3 Console, Wireless Controller, Games Included: Need for Speed: Pro Street, Lego Star Wars: Complete Saga, NBA 2K7, Features 40GB Hard Drive, Also Functions as a Blu-Ray Disc Player to Enjoy Next-Generation HD Entertainment
Company: Fillpoint 
List Price: $599.99
Amazon Price: $599.99

Building on the success of both Lego Star Wars videogames, Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga enables families to play through the events of all six Star Wars movies in one videogame for the first time ever. New high-resolution Lego models, environment graphics and special effects, create visuals unparalleled by any other Lego galaxy, while also adding new characters, new levels and new features. Additionally, premiere of online two-player co-op lets families play together from anywhere in the world for the first time. The upgraded Character Customizer includes all Prequel Trilogy characters for the first time, while also expanding its customization options well beyond those in Lego Star Wars II, for millions more possibilities. Create cross-Trilogy mash-up characters like Han Windu and Lando Amidala. New game features include enhanced Force powers, new power-ups, and a new Challenge Mode. Levels from the original Lego Star Wars are revamped to meet the gameplay evolutions of Lego Star Wars II. ESRB Rated E10 for gamers aged 10 and up.

Video Game:  Play through the events of all 6 Star Wars movies in 1 videogame for the first time ever, Solve puzzles that encourage creative thinking through the use of teamwork and unique building situations, Enhanced Force powers, new power-ups, and a new Challenge mode; revamped levels, New characters bring the total count to over 160; upgraded Character Customizer; online 2-player co-op gaming, New high-resolution characters and environment graphics and special effects
Company: LucasArts Entertainment  (2007-11-06)
List Price: $49.99
Amazon Price: $43.99
Used Price: $35.08

This Star Wars Vintage Logo T-Shirt is 100% cotton black adult tee with distressed/vintage "Star Wars" logo text printed on the front.

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Affix this patch (either by ironing or sewing) to your favorite pair of jeans, backpack, bag, jacket, or luggage item to spruce it up and make it easier to identify!

Apparel:  2 5/8" x 2 3/8", Great Quality Embroidery!, Reasonable Shipping Costs!, Iron On or Sew On!, In Business since 1972 we have over 6,200 different patches, buttons & stickers!
Company:  
List Price: 
Amazon Price: $3.49

Dress as your Favorite Star Wars character this Halloween! Star Wars Deluxe Princess Leia Halloween Costume for Children. Includes Authentic Princess Leia Wig and Dress. Comes in Girls sizes Small, Medium, and Large. This product is officially liscensed and goes great with any Star Wars costume!

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100% cotton boys t-shirt. Shirt is charcoal gray with front print design that glows in the dark. Design is deliberately distressed and features Darth Vader from Star Wars.

Apparel:  Officially licensed Star Wars t-shirt, Large front print of Darth Vader, Print glows in the dark, Composed of 100% cotton
Company:  
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100% cotton navy blue t-shirt with distressed "Star Wars Empire" logo printed on the front.

Apparel:  Officially licensed Star Wars t-shirt, Features a distressed front print logo, Composed of 100% cotton
Company:  
List Price: 
Amazon Price: 

Design is white on a black short sleeve t-shirt. You will find our design features outstanding durability when it comes to resisting cracking, peeling and fading even after repeated washings. T-shirt is a 6.1 ounce pre-shrunk 100% cotton jersey. Ultra tight knit surface. Seamless collar. Taped neck and shoulders. Double-needle stitching. Available in youth and adult sizes.

Apparel:  White Design, Black T-Shirt, Durable Design, Premium Quality T-Shirt, Youth & Adult Sizes
Company: Cool Custom Design 
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Amazon Price: 

Includes: Brown hooded cloak.

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Apparel: 
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List Price: $12.83
Amazon Price: $9.58

A must have for any Jedi Knight, or Jedi Knight in training. Features a heavy weave full length hooded robe.***Robe only-costume sold separately***

Apparel: 
Company: Rubies Costume Company 
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Apparel:  100% Cotton
Company:  
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In the New York Times bestseller Darth Bane: Path of Destruction, Drew Karpyshyn painted a gripping portrait of a young man’s journey from innocence to evil. That man was Darth Bane, a twisted genius whose iron will, fierce ambition, and strength in the dark side of the Force made him a natural leader among the Sith–until his radical embrace of an all-but-forgotten wisdom drove him to destroy his own order . . . and create it anew from the ashes. As the last surviving Sith, Darth Bane promulgated a harsh new directive: the Rule of Two.

Two there should be; no more, no less.
One to embody the power, the other to crave it.

Now Darth Bane is ready to put his policy into action, and he thinks he has found the key element that will make his triumph complete: a student to train in the ways of the dark side. Though she is young, Zannah possesses an instinctive link to the dark side that rivals his own. With his guidance, she will become essential in his quest to destroy the Jedi and dominate the galaxy.

But there is one who is determined to stop Darth Bane: Johun Othone, Padawan to Jedi Master Lord Hoth, who died at Bane’s hands in the last great Sith War. Though the rest of the Jedi scoff at him, Joshua’s belief that there are surviving Sith on the loose is unshakeable.

As Johun continues his dogged pursuit of the man who killed his master, Zannah, faced unexpectedly with a figure from her past, begins to question her embrace of the dark side. And Darth Bane is led by Force-induced visions to a moon where he will acquire astonishing new knowledge and power–power that will alter him in ways he could never have imagined. . . .

Author: Drew Karpyshyn
Hardcover:  336 pages
Company: Del Rey  (2007-12-26) (2007-12-26)
ISBN: 0345477480
List Price: $25.95
Amazon Price: $15.44
Used Price: $15.45

Luke Skywalker wanted to unify the Jedi order and bring peace to the universe. Instead his wife Mara lies dead at the hands of an unknown assassin, his wayward nephew Jacen has seized control of the Galactic Alliance, and the galaxy has exploded in all-out civil war.

With Luke consumed by grief, Jacen Solo works quickly to consolidate his power and jumpstart his plan to take over the Jedi. Convinced he’s the only one who can save the galaxy, Jacen will do whatever it takes, even ambush his own parents.

With the Rebel confederacy driving deep into the Core to attack Coruscant and the Jedi under siege, Luke must reassert his position. Only he can lead the Jedi through this crisis, but it means solving the toughest problem Luke’s ever faced. Does he fight alongside his nephew Jacen, a tyrant who’s illegally taken over the GA, or does he join the rebels to smash the Galactic Alliance he helped create?

Author: Troy Denning
Mass Market Paperback:  336 pages
Company: Del Rey  (2007-08-28) (2007-08-28)
ISBN: 0345477553
List Price: $7.99
Amazon Price: $3.40
Used Price: $2.29

Provides a complete, comprehensive overview of the Prequel movies (Episodes I-III) and the Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI), this is the definitive photographic guide to the entire Star Wars saga.

Author: DK Publishing
Hardcover:  272 pages
Company: DK CHILDREN  (2006-09-25)
ISBN: 0756622387
List Price: $40.00
Amazon Price: $23.69
Used Price: $21.99

"[Betrayal] blasts off a new string of adventures starring beloved Star Wars familiars . . . this new installment should please Star Wars fans." -Publishers Weekly Honor and duty collide with friendship and blood ties as the Skywalker and Solo clans find themselves on opposing sides of an explosive conflict. When a mission to uncover an illegal missile factory on the planet Adumar ends in a violent ambush - from which Jedi Knight Jacen Solo and his protege and cousin, Ben Skywalker, narrowly escape with their lives - it's the most alarming evidence yet that political unrest is threatening to ignite into total rebellion. The specter of full-scale war looms between a growing cadre of defiant planets and the Galactic Alliance that some fear is becoming a new Empire. Determined to root out those behind the mayhem, Jacen follows a trail of cryptic clues to a rendezvous with the most shocking of revelations. Meanwhile Luke grapples with something even more troubling: dream visions of a shadowy figure whose Force power and ruthlessness remind him of Darth Vader. If Luke's visions come to pass, they will bring untold pain to the Jedi Master . . . and to the galaxy.

Author: Aaron Allston
Kindle Edition:  496 pages Kindle Book
Company: Del Rey  (2008-04-24) (2008-04-24)
List Price: $7.99
Amazon Price: $6.39

Civil war rages as the Galactic Alliance–led by Cal Omas and the Jedi forces of Luke Skywalker–battles a confederation of breakaway planets that rally to the side of rebellious Corellia. Suspected of involvement in an assassination plot against Queen Mother Tenel Ka of the Hapes Consortium, Han and Leia Solo are on the run, hunted by none other than their own son, Jacen, whose increasingly authoritarian tactics as head of GA security have led Luke and Mara Skywalker to fear that their nephew may be treading perilously close to the dark side.

But as his family sees in Jacen the chilling legacy of his Sith grandfather, Darth Vader, many of the frontline troops adore him, and countless citizens see him as a savior. The galaxy has been torn apart by too many wars. All Jacen wants is safety and stability for all–and he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.

To end the bloodshed and suffering, what sacrifice would be too great? That is the question tormenting Jacen. Already he has sacrificed much, embracing the pitiless teachings of Lumiya, the Dark Lady of the Sith, who has taught him that a strong will and noble purpose can hold the evil excesses of the dark side at bay, bringing peace and order to the galaxy–but at a price.

For there is one final test that Jacen must pass before he can gain the awesome power of a true Sith Lord: He must bring about the death of someone he values dearly. What troubles Jacen isn’t whether he has the strength to commit murder. He has steeled himself for that, and worse if necessary. No, the question that troubles Jacen is who the sacrifice should be.

As the strands of destiny draw ever more tightly together in a galaxy-spanning web, the shocking answer will shatter two families . . . and cast a grim shadow over the future.


From the Hardcover edition.

Author: Karen Traviss
Mass Market Paperback:  512 pages
Company: Del Rey  (2008-04-29) (2008-04-29)
ISBN: 0345477413
List Price: $7.99
Amazon Price: $4.14
Used Price: $4.50

No war can last forever. Now, in the long and punishing battle between the defiant champions of the New Jedi Order and the juggernaut that is the Galactic Alliance, the endgame is finally at hand. With so much lost–and nothing less than the course of the future still at stake–there can be no turning back. No matter the consequences.

The rebel cause is losing ground under the twin blows of Admiral Gilad Pellaeon’s assassination and the death of Mara Jade Skywalker. At the same time, having gained the support of the Imperial Remnant and its ruthlessly efficient forces, the Galactic Alliance, with the extraordinary power and dark brilliance of newly ascendant Sith Lord Darth Caedus at its helm, may be unstoppable. Tormented and torn between the call of duty and the thirst for vengeance, Luke has searched the Force and beheld an unspeakable vision of the galaxy enslaved under tyranny more monstrous than even Palpatine’s. Now it seems that the last, best hope lies in mobilizing the scattered Jedi for one decisive search-and-destroy mission. The objective: eliminate Darth Caedus.

It’s a plan that will be as difficult and dangerous to execute as it is daring. For Caedus is a scion of both the Skywalker and Solo bloodlines whose command of the Force surpasses even that of his grandfather

Darth Vader. There is only one who is bound by destiny to stand against him in what will surely be a duel to the death, only one with an outside chance of bringing down the dark lord who was once Jacen Solo.

Failure is not an option. The furious final moments between power and peace are here, and whoever confronts Darth Caedus will decide the outcome–and the fate of those left standing.

Author: Troy Denning
Hardcover:  320 pages
Company: Del Rey  (2008-05-13) (2008-05-13)
ISBN: 0345477464
List Price: $27.00
Amazon Price: $16.16
Used Price: $17.27

Author: Matthew Reinhart
Hardcover:  6 pages
Company: Orchard Books (NY)  (2007-10-15)
ISBN: 0439882826
List Price: $34.99
Amazon Price: $21.77
Used Price: $18.99

Fighting alongside the Corellian rebels, Han and Leia are locked in a war against their son Jacen, who grows more powerful and more dangerous with each passing day. Nothing can stop Jacen’s determination to bring peace with a glorious Galactic Alliance victory–whatever the price.

While Luke grieves the loss of his beloved wife and deals with his guilt over killing the wrong person in retaliation, Jaina, Jag, and Zekk hunt for the real assassin, unaware that the culprit commands Sith powers that can cloud their minds and misdirect their attacks–and even turn them back on themselves.

As Luke and Ben Skywalker struggle to find their place among the chaos, Jacen, shunned by friends and family, launches an invasion to rescue the only person still loyal to him. But with the battle raging on, and the galaxy growing more turbulent and riotous, there’s no question that it is Jacen who is most wanted: dead or alive.

Author: Aaron Allston
Mass Market Paperback:  384 pages
Company: Del Rey  (2007-11-27) (2007-11-27)
ISBN: 0345477561
List Price: $7.99
Amazon Price: $3.91
Used Price: $3.91

During this savage civil war, all efforts to end Jacen Solo’s tyranny of the Galactic Alliance have failed. Now with Jacen approaching the height of his dark powers, no one–not even the Solos and the Skywalkers–knows if anything can stop the Sith Lord before his plan to save the galaxy ends up destroying it.

Jacen Solo’s shadow of influence has threatened many, especially those closest to him. Jaina Solo is determined to bring her brother in, but in order to track him down, she must first learn unfamiliar skills from a man she finds ruthless, repellent, and dangerous. Meanwhile, Ben Skywalker, still haunted by suspicions that Jacen killed his mother, Mara, decides he must know the truth, even if it costs him his life. And as Luke Skywalker contemplates once unthinkable strategies to dethrone his nephew, the hour of reckoning for those on both sides draws near. The galaxy becomes a battlefield where all must face their true nature and darkest secrets, and live–or die–with the consequences.

Author: Karen Traviss
Mass Market Paperback:  448 pages
Company: Del Rey  (2008-02-26) (2008-02-26)
ISBN: 034547757X
List Price: $7.99
Amazon Price: $3.99
Used Price: $3.99

Former Jedi apprentice Ferus Olin must choose -- the way of the Jedi... or the dark side? The fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.



Author: Judy Blundell
Mass Market Paperback:  160 pages
Company: Scholastic Paperbacks  (2008-06-01)
ISBN: 043968143X
List Price: $5.99
Amazon Price: $5.99

Ending the most popular film epic in history, Star Wars: Episode III, Revenge of the Sith is an exciting, uneven, but ultimately satisfying journey. Picking up the action from Episode II, Attack of the Clones as well as the animated Clone Wars series, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), pursue General Grievous into space after the droid kidnapped Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid).

The Star Wars Family Tree (click for larger image)

It's just the latest maneuver in the ongoing Clone Wars between the Republic and the Separatist forces led by former Jedi turned Sith Lord Count Dooku (Christopher Lee). On another front, Master Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz) leads the Republic's clone troops against a droid attack on the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk. All this is in the first half of Episode III, which feels a lot like Episodes I and II. That means spectacular scenery, dazzling dogfights in space, a new fearsome villain (the CGI-created Grievous can't match up to either Darth Maul or the original Darth Vader, though), lightsaber duels, groan-worthy romantic dialogue, goofy humor (but at least it's left to the droids instead of Jar-Jar Binks), and hordes of faceless clone troopers fighting hordes of faceless battle droids.

But then it all changes.

Star Wars Time Line (click for larger image)

After setting up characters and situations for the first two and a half movies, Episode III finally comes to life. The Sith Lord in hiding unleashes his long-simmering plot to take over the Republic, and an integral part of that plan is to turn Anakin away from the Jedi and toward the Dark Side of the Force. Unless you've been living under a rock the last 10 years, you know that Anakin will transform into the dreaded Darth Vader and face an ultimate showdown with his mentor, but that doesn't matter. In fact, a great part of the fun is knowing where things will wind up but finding out how they'll get there. The end of this prequel trilogy also should inspire fans to want to see the original movies again, but this time not out of frustration at the new ones. Rather, because Episode III is a beginning as well as an end, it will trigger fond memories as it ties up threads to the originals in tidy little ways. But best of all, it seems like for the first time we actually care about what happens and who it happens to.

Episode III is easily the best of the new trilogy--OK, so that's not saying much, but it might even jockey for third place among the six Star Wars films. It's also the first one to be rated PG-13 for the intense battles and darker plot. It was probably impossible to live up to the decades' worth of pent-up hype George Lucas faced for the Star Wars prequel trilogy (and he tried to lower it with the first two movies), but Episode III makes us once again glad to be "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away." --David Horiuchi

DVD features
Say what you will about the new Star Wars films--and plenty has been said already--but the DVDs continue to set the standard for technical excellence. From the opening of the first scene, the Dolby 5.1 EX sound is thrilling, and the picture, transferred directly from the digital source, is fantastic. A commentary track is again provided by a combination of people, including George Lucas, producer Rick McCallum, animation director Rob Coleman, and ILM visual effects supervisors John Knoll and Roger Guyett. Lucas admits that the film is political and that he was influenced by Vietnam, but makes no mention of the Bush administration, as is widely speculated.

The main documentary on the second disc is probably the most granular DVD feature ever. "Within a Minute: The Making of Episode III" takes 67 minutes to deconstruct one minute of the film, an excerpt of the duel on Mustafar. The idea is to cover all the aspects that go into creating that minute, from writing to set construction to accounting. Fortunately, many of the concepts such as costumes apply to the movie as a whole, but having producer Rick McCallum tell us the importance of food seems a bit overkill. Two other featurettes are "It's All for Real: The Stunts of Episode III," an 11-minute discussion focusing mainly on the lightsaber duels, and "The Chosen One," a 14-minute examination of Darth Vader's evolution over the six films.

The six deleted scenes were no great loss from the film but are all worth watching. Natalie Portman in particular gets some much-needed screen time as one of the co-plotters of an anti-Palpatine movement, and an early action scene ties in to the Clone Wars animated series. There's also a 15-part series of 5 to 7 minute Web documentaries on topics such as the creation of General Grievous and Ewan McGregor, and an Xbox sampler of Battlefront II (if you're lucky, you can play as Obi-Wan Kenobi cutting through an army of droids) among other supplements. --David Horiuchi

The Complete Star Wars Saga

Episodes 4-6 Trilogy (widescreen)	Episode I: The Phantom Menace	Episde II: Attack of the Clones
Star Wars: Clone Wars Vol. 1	Star Wars: Clone Wars Vol. 2	The Star Wars Store

Stills from Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (click for larger images)

Anakin turning to the dark side	When Wookiees attack
Yoda, Jedi master	Mr. and Mrs. Vader
Saber training with Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen	The cast

DVD:  AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, NTSC
Company: 20th Century Fox  (2005-11-01)
List Price: $19.98
Amazon Price: $11.99
Used Price: $3.47

For the first time ever and for a limited time only the enhanced versions of the Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi will be available individually on DVD. Plus these 2-Disc DVD's will feature a bonus disc that includes for the first time ever on DVD the original films as seen in theaters in 1977 1980 and 1983.System Requirements:Running Time: 135 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY Rating: PG UPC: 024543263937 Manufacturer No: 2236393

Director:  Richard Marquand
DVD:  AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Company: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment  (2006-09-12)
List Price: $19.98
Amazon Price: $13.37
Used Price: $10.99

The 2006 limited-edition two-disc release of The Empire Strikes Back is not only the first time the movie has been officially available by itself on DVD. It marks the first-ever DVD release of Empire as it originally played in theaters in 1980. What does that mean exactly? The film is without the various "improvements" and enhancements George Lucas added for the theatrical rerelease in 1997 as well as the DVD premiere in 2004. So no more of Ian McDiarmid (the Emperor) replacing Clive Revill with slightly revised lines, or Temuera Morrison rerecording of Boba Fett's minimal dialogue.

What do you lose by watching the 1980 version? Dolby Digital 5.1 EX sound, for one thing (only 2.0 Surround here), and digital cleanup. But for home-theater owners, the biggest frustration will be from the non-anamorphic picture. On a widescreen TV, an anamorphically enhanced (16x9) picture at a 2.35:1 aspect ratio will fill the screen with the exception of small black bars on the top and bottom. The original edition of Empire, however, on a widescreen TV will have large black bars on the top, the bottom, and the sides unless you stretch the picture (and distort it in the process, especially considering the substandard picture quality). If you're watching on a standard square-shaped (4:3) TV, though, you won't notice a difference.

Yes, it's true that serious home-theater lovers who want spectacular sound and anamorphically enhanced picture can always watch the 2004 version of the movie also included in this set. But chances are good that they already picked up the trilogy edition of all three films, so their decision to buy the 2006 two-disc edition depends on how much they want the original film. The official LucasFilm stance is that this is an individual release of the 2004 version of The Empire Strikes Back, and the 1980 version of the film is merely a "bonus feature." Common speculation is that the only reason the original versions are seeing the official light of day at all is to undercut the booming black market for the laserdisc version. Star Wars fans will have to decide for themselves if that's worth the purchase. --David Horiuchi

Director:  Irvin Kershner
DVD:  AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Company: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment  (2006-09-12)
List Price: $19.98
Amazon Price: $13.36
Used Price: $10.30

Ending the most popular film epic in history, Star Wars: Episode III, Revenge of the Sith is an exciting, uneven, but ultimately satisfying journey. Picking up the action from Episode II, Attack of the Clones as well as the animated Clone Wars series, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), pursue General Grievous into space after the droid kidnapped Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid).

The Star Wars Family Tree (click for larger image)

It's just the latest maneuver in the ongoing Clone Wars between the Republic and the Separatist forces led by former Jedi turned Sith Lord Count Dooku (Christopher Lee). On another front, Master Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz) leads the Republic's clone troops against a droid attack on the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk. All this is in the first half of Episode III, which feels a lot like Episodes I and II. That means spectacular scenery, dazzling dogfights in space, a new fearsome villain (the CGI-created Grievous can't match up to either Darth Maul or the original Darth Vader, though), lightsaber duels, groan-worthy romantic dialogue, goofy humor (but at least it's left to the droids instead of Jar-Jar Binks), and hordes of faceless clone troopers fighting hordes of faceless battle droids.

But then it all changes.

Star Wars Time Line (click for larger image)

After setting up characters and situations for the first two and a half movies, Episode III finally comes to life. The Sith Lord in hiding unleashes his long-simmering plot to take over the Republic, and an integral part of that plan is to turn Anakin away from the Jedi and toward the Dark Side of the Force. Unless you've been living under a rock the last 10 years, you know that Anakin will transform into the dreaded Darth Vader and face an ultimate showdown with his mentor, but that doesn't matter. In fact, a great part of the fun is knowing where things will wind up but finding out how they'll get there. The end of this prequel trilogy also should inspire fans to want to see the original movies again, but this time not out of frustration at the new ones. Rather, because Episode III is a beginning as well as an end, it will trigger fond memories as it ties up threads to the originals in tidy little ways. But best of all, it seems like for the first time we actually care about what happens and who it happens to.

Episode III is easily the best of the new trilogy--OK, so that's not saying much, but it might even jockey for third place among the six Star Wars films. It's also the first one to be rated PG-13 for the intense battles and darker plot. It was probably impossible to live up to the decades' worth of pent-up hype George Lucas faced for the Star Wars prequel trilogy (and he tried to lower it with the first two movies), but Episode III makes us once again glad to be "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away." --David Horiuchi

The Complete Star Wars Saga

Episodes 4-6 Trilogy (widescreen)	Episode I: The Phantom Menace	Episde II: Attack of the Clones
Star Wars: Clone Wars Vol. 1	Star Wars: Clone Wars Vol. 2	The Star Wars Store

Stills from Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (click for larger images)

Anakin turning to the dark side	When Wookiees attack
Yoda, Jedi master	Mr. and Mrs. Vader
Saber training with Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen	The cast

Director:  George Lucas
DVD:  AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Company: 20th Century Fox  (2005-11-01)
List Price: $19.98
Amazon Price: $10.00
Used Price: $6.85

Make no mistake, Clone Wars is honest-to-goodness authentic Star Wars. The animated series takes place between Episode II, Attack of the Clones and Episode III, Revenge of the Sith. If the feature films covers the beginning and end of the war, Clone Wars depicts the actual battles and events that made heroes into legends. Don't expect too much character development, as the episodes tend to be driven more by flat-out action than by dialogue (which can be a good thing, considering some Star Wars dialogue). We see such familiar faces as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Mace Windu in combat, and we meet the elite ARC (Advanced Recon Commandos) clone troopers plus new Jedi--the amphibious Kit Fisto and two women, Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee. We also see a little more development of Anakin--showing off the best pilot skills in the army, defying Obi-Wan, and engaging in a deadly duel with Sith apprentice Asajj Ventress. But just when it's clear that the Separatist droid armies are no match for a Jedi, the tide begins to turn with the introduction of the menacing General Grievous, who plays a crucial part in Episode III. The cast mostly consists of veteran voice actors, but Anthony Daniels does appear as C-3PO.

Clone Wars was created by Genndy Tartakovsky, whose resume includes such stylish series as Samurai Jack, Dexter's Laboratory, and The Powerpuff Girls, and the program won a 2004 Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or More). These 20 episodes, which played on the Cartoon Network (and were originally designated seasons 1 and 2), can be viewed as a seamless 69-minute whole or as individual chapters. DVD features include two commentary tracks, a making-of featurette, video game and Episode III trailers, and an Xbox playable demo of the stealth game Republic Commando. If you're a fan who can't wait for Episode III, Clone Wars is essential viewing. --David Horiuchi

Director:  Genndy Tartakovsky, Tippy Bushkin
DVD:  Animated, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Extra tracks, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Company: 20th Century Fox  (2005-03-22)
List Price: $19.98
Amazon Price: $13.16
Used Price: $8.81

"I have a bad feeling about this," says the young Obi-Wan Kenobi (played by Ewan McGregor) in Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace as he steps off a spaceship and into the most anticipated cinematic event... well, ever. He might as well be speaking for the legions of fans of the original episodes in the Star Wars saga who can't help but secretly ask themselves: Sure, this is Star Wars, but is it my Star Wars? The original elevated moviegoers' expectations so high that it would have been impossible for any subsequent film to meet them. And as with all the Star Wars movies, The Phantom Menace features inexplicable plot twists, a fistful of loose threads, and some cheek-chewing dialogue. Han Solo's swagger is sorely missed, as is the pervading menace of heavy-breather Darth Vader. There is still way too much quasi-mystical mumbo jumbo, and some of what was fresh about Star Wars 22 years earlier feels formulaic. Yet there's much to admire. The special effects are stupendous; three worlds are populated with a mélange of creatures, flora, and horizons rendered in absolute detail. The action and battle scenes are breathtaking in their complexity. And one particular sequence of the film--the adrenaline-infused pod race through the Tatooine desert--makes the chariot race in Ben-Hur look like a Sunday stroll through the park.

Among the host of new characters, there are a few familiar walk-ons. We witness the first meeting between R2-D2 and C-3PO, Jabba the Hutt looks younger and slimmer (but not young and slim), and Yoda is as crabby as ever. Natalie Portman's stately Queen Amidala sports hairdos that make Princess Leia look dowdy and wields a mean laser. We never bond with Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), and Obi-Wan's day is yet to come. Jar Jar Binks, a cross between a Muppet, a frog, and a hippie, provides many of the movie's lighter moments, while Sith Lord Darth Maul is a formidable force. Baby-faced Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) looks too young and innocent to command the powers of the Force or wield a lightsaber (much less transmute into the future Darth Vader), but his boyish exuberance wins over skeptics.

Near the end of the movie, Palpatine, the new leader of the Republic, may be speaking for fans eagerly awaiting Episode II when he pats young Anakin on the head and says, "We will watch your career with great interest." Indeed! --Tod Nelson

DVD:  Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Widescreen, NTSC
Company: 20th Century Fox  (2005-03-22)
List Price: $19.98
Amazon Price: $13.37
Used Price: $8.70

Volume 2 of the stylish animated series Star Wars: Clone Wars picks up where volume 1 left off, with General Grievous threatening a group of Jedi. The war between the Republic and the Separatists continues to rage, and due to desperate need, Anakin Skywalker is bestowed the title of Jedi Knight, though he must undergo one final rite of passage by traveling to the frozen planet of Nelvan. The action is at its fiercest when the Separatists launch an overwhelming assault on Coruscant, and Masters Windu and Yoda get to show their stuff to defend the city. However, it's just a diversion from the main goal: Grievious's attempt to kidnap Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. In the series' most dramatic moment, Shaak Ti and other Jedi try to fend off the droid's attack. Clone Wars Volume 2 aired on the Cartoon Network in March 2005, and it's a bit more substantial than volume 1, taking place in five 12-minute chapters (nos. 21-25) rather than 3-minute chapters. And while volume 1 was mostly flat-out action, the developments in volume 2 lead directly to the opening of Episode III, Revenge of the Sith. And you even get small tidbits such as C-3PO (again voiced by Anthony Daniels) unveiling his new gold look, Padme sporting a cinnamon-bun hairdo, and the reason why General Grievous has difficulty breathing. Let casual fans content themselves with the feature films; Clone Wars remains essential viewing for the Star Wars aficionado. (Rated Y7 for cartoon action and violence) --David Horiuchi

DVD features
In both a commentary track and a featurette, Genndy Tartakovsky and his creative team discuss the making of Clone Wars and how it ties into Episode III, Revenge of the Sith. If you're not a fan of the Lego Star Wars, you might become one after you watch the amusing "Revenge of the Brick" trailer. There's also the same Xbox demo of Battlefront II that was on the Sith DVD, and the Dolby 5.1 sound is an improvement over volume 1's 2.0 Surround. --David Horiuchi

Director:  Genndy Tartakovsky
DVD:  Animated, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Company: 20th Century Fox  (2005-12-06)
List Price: $19.98
Amazon Price: $11.99
Used Price: $9.95

When political seperatists attempt to assasinate Senator Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi tries to find out why while Anakin acts as protector to Amidala and begins a forbidden affair with her.
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: PG
Release Date: 22-MAR-2005
Media Type: DVD

Director:  George Lucas
DVD:  Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Company: 20th Century Fox  (2005-03-22)
List Price: $19.98
Amazon Price: $12.50
Used Price: $5.90

The 2006 limited-edition two-disc release of George Lucas's epic space fantasy Star Wars is not only the first time the movie has been officially available by itself on DVD. It marks the first-ever DVD release of Star Wars as it originally played in theaters in 1977. What does that mean exactly? Well, for starters, the initial title crawl proclaims that this is just Star Wars, not Episode IV, A New Hope. Second, the film is without the various "improvements" and enhancements Lucas added for the theatrical rerelease in 1997 as well as the DVD premiere in 2004. So no more critters and droids scurrying around the port of Mos Eisley when Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi first arrive, no meetings between Han Solo and Jabba the Hut and between Luke and Biggs (extraneous scenes that were cut in 1977), no enhanced explosions during the final reel, and--most importantly to some fans--no more of Greedo shooting first in the bar. Instead Han is free to be the scoundrel and not even let Greedo squeeze off a shot.

What do you lose by watching the 1977 version? Dolby Digital 5.1 EX sound, for one thing (only 2.0 Surround here). Digital cleanup for another--Tatooine looks like it's been coated with an additional layer of sand cloud. But for home-theater owners, the biggest frustration will be from the non-anamorphic picture. On a widescreen TV, an anamorphically enhanced (16x9) picture at a 2.35:1 aspect ratio will fill the screen with the exception of small black bars on the top and bottom. The original edition of Star Wars, however, is not anamorphically enhanced (sometimes referred to as "4:3 letterbox"), so on a widescreen TV it will have large black bars on the top, the bottom, and the sides unless you stretch the picture (and distort it in the process, especially considering the substandard picture quality). If you're watching on a standard square-shaped (4:3) TV, though, you won't notice a difference.

Yes, it's true that serious home-theater lovers who want spectacular sound and anamorphically enhanced picture can always watch the 2004 version of the movie also included in this set. But chances are good that they already picked up the trilogy edition of all three films, so their decision to buy the 2006 two-disc edition depends on how much they want the original film. The official LucasFilm stance is that this is an individual release of the 2004 version of Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope, and the 1977 version of the film is merely a "bonus feature." Common speculation is that the only reason the original versions are seeing the official light of day at all is to undercut the booming black market for the laserdisc version. Star Wars fans will have to decide for themselves if that's worth the purchase. --David Horiuchi

Director:  George Lucas
DVD:  AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Company: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment  (2006-09-12)
List Price: $19.98
Amazon Price: $12.61
Used Price: $10.49

Was George Lucas's Star Wars Trilogy, the most anticipated DVD release ever, worth the wait? You bet. It's a must-have for any home theater, looking great, sounding great, and supplemented by generous bonus features.

The Movies
The Star Wars Trilogy had the rare distinction of becoming a cultural phenomenon, a defining event for its generation. On its surface, George Lucas's story is a rollicking and humorous space fantasy that owes debts to more influences than one can count on two hands, but filmgoers became entranced by its basic struggle of good vs. evil "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," its dazzling special effects, and a mythology of Jedi knights, the Force, and droids. Over the course of three films--A New Hope (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983)--Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and the roguish Han Solo (Harrison Ford) join the Rebel alliance in a galactic war against the Empire, the menacing Darth Vader (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones), and eventually the all-powerful Emperor (Ian McDiarmid). Empire is generally considered the best of the films and Jedi the most uneven, but all three are vastly superior to the more technologically impressive prequels that followed, Episode I, The Phantom Menace (1999) and Episode II, Attack of the Clones (2002).

How Are the Picture and Sound?

Thanks to a new digital transfer, you've never seen C-3PO glow so golden, and Darth Vader's helmet is as black as the Dark Side.

In a word, spectacular. Thanks to a new digital transfer, you've never seen C-3PO glow so golden, and Darth Vader's helmet is as black as the Dark Side. And at the climactic scene of A New Hope, see if the Dolby 5.1 EX sound doesn't knock you back in your chair. Other audio options are Dolby 2.0 Surround in English, Spanish, and French. (Sorry, DTS fans, but previous Star Wars DVDs didn't have DTS either.) There have been a few quibbles with the audio on A New Hope, however. A few seconds of Peter Cushing's dialogue ("Then name the system!") are distorted, and the music (but not the sound effects) is reversed in the rear channels. For example, in the final scene, the brass is in the front right channel but the back left channel (from the viewer's perspective), and the strings are in the left front and back right. The result feels like the instruments are crossing through the viewer.

What's Been Changed?
The rumors are true: Lucas made more changes to the films for their DVD debut. Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker) has been added to a scene in Jedi, Ian McDiarmid (the Emperor) replaces Clive Revill with slightly revised lines in Empire, Temuera Morrison has rerecorded Boba Fett's minimal dialogue, and some other small details have been altered. Yes, these changes mean that the Star Wars films are no longer the ones you saw 20 years ago, but these brief changes hardly affect the films, and they do make sense in the overall continuity of the two trilogies. It's not like a digitized Ewan McGregor has replaced Alec Guiness's scenes, and the infamous changes made for the 1997 special-edition versions were much more intrusive (of course, those are in the DVD versions as well).

How Are the Bonus Features?
Toplining is Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy, a 150-minute documentary incorporating not only the usual making-of nuts and bolts but also the political workings of the movie studios and the difficulties Lucas had getting his vision to the screen (for example, after resigning from the Directors' Guild, he lost his first choice for director of Jedi: Steven Spielberg). It's a little adulatory, but it has plenty to interest any fan. The three substantial featurettes are "The Characters of Star Wars" (19 min.), which discusses the development of the characters we all know and love, "The Birth of the Lightsaber" (15 min.), about the creation and evolution of a Jedi's ultimate weapon, and "The Force Is with Them: The Legacy of Star Wars" (15 min.), in which filmmakers such as Peter Jackson, Ridley Scott, and James Cameron talk about how they and the industry were affected by the films and Lucas's technological developments in visual effects, sound, and computer animation.

The bonus features are excellent and along the same lines as those created for The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. Each film has a commentary track, recorded by Lucas, Ben Burtt (sound design), Dennis Muren (visual effects), and Carrie Fisher, with Irvin Kershner joining in on the film he directed, The Empire Strikes Back. Recorded separately and skillfully edited together (with supertitles to identify who is speaking), the tracks lack the energy of group commentaries, but they're enjoyable and informative, with a nice mix of overall vision (Lucas), technical details (Burtt, Muren, Kershner), and actor's perspective (Fisher). Interestingly, they discuss some of the 1997 changes (Mos Eisley creatures, the new Jabba the Hutt scene) but not those made for the DVDs.

There's also a sampler of the Xbox game Star Wars: Battlefront, which lets the player reenact classic film scenarios (blast Ewoks in the battle of Endor!); trailers and TV spots from the films' many releases; and a nine-minute preview of the last film in the series, Episode III, Revenge of the Sith (here identified by an earlier working title, The Return of Darth Vader). Small extra touches include anamorphic widescreen motion menus with dialogue, original poster artwork on the discs, and a whopping 50 chapter stops for each film.

"The Force Is Strong with This One"
The Star Wars Trilogy is an outstanding DVD set that lives up to the anticipation. There will always be resentment that the original versions of the films are not available as well, but George Lucas maintains that these are the versions he always wanted to make. If fans are able to put this debate aside, they can enjoy the adventures of Luke, Leia, and Han for years to come. --David Horiuchi

Director:  George Lucas
DVD:  Anamorphic, Box set, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, THX, Widescreen, NTSC
Company: 20th Century Fox  (2004-09-21)
List Price: $69.98
Amazon Price: $39.48
Used Price: $29.59