Star Wars Insider is the go-to magazine for everything going on in a galaxy far, far away. For the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, the publisher is releasing a special edition issue out on October 29!
According to the official press release, "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace: The 25th Anniversary Special Edition recounts the behind-the-scenes story of the first chapter in the prequel trilogy from the unique vantage point of Star Wars Insider, as it followed the movie’s progress firsthand from pre-production to premiere.
With prequel updates from producer Rick McCallum, insights from writer and director George Lucas, and in-depth looks at the movie’s spectacular concept designs and visual effects, this official special edition takes you back in time to explore the making of the movie –as it happened.
Also included in this anniversary edition are on-set interviews with cast members Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ahmed Best, Ian McDiarmid, and Ray Park, plus outstanding production photography and captivating concept art."
Each article of this special edition covers a different aspect of The Phantom Menace. From pre-production to premiere, it will break down the film's lasting legacy. It's neat that the magazine is digging deep into its archives to pull out original interviews, concept photos, and a behind-the-scenes look at the movie's creation. As the press release states, "From the moment the movie was announced, Star Wars Insider was on hand to report on its progress through exclusive prequel updates from producer Rick McCallum and interviews with the cast and crew. This, then, is the story of the making of The Phantom Menace from the unique perspective of the long-running magazine."
The concept artwork is always exciting as much of artist Iain McCaig's work will be included in the issue, including his earliest designs for Queen Amidala and Darth Maul. As a huge fan of this film, this is a great special edition for any prequel series fan. As the big anniversaries will eventually roll around for both Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, I hope they each have their own issues of Star Wars Insider as well, getting this deep-diving treatment. If you're like me, where The Phantom Menace was my first Star Wars in a theater, then this issue is not one to miss! I can't wait to get my hands on this, especially to see the production from that time period.
You can order it on Forbidden Planet, Barnes & Noble, or wherever you get your magazines on October 29 in the U.S.