Making Star Wars: Webdocs

Director George Lucas finalizes the script and develops the look of Episode III with his team at Skywalker Ranch. Meanwhile, Producer Rick McCallum leads his crew at Fox Studios in Sydney in preparation for Lucas' arrival and the start of principal photography. The latest in telecommunications link the two teams working in tandem, putting all the pieces in place for the last chapter of the Star Wars saga.

Among the challenges to be juggled by the various departments are cementing the connections between this film and the rest of the saga. Episode III is two movies in many ways. It has its own identity and story, but must also bridge the generational gap to Episode IV. From props to costumes to makeup and more, this production is the missing puzzle piece of the entire saga.

Special Effects are different than Visual Effects. Though both are illusions, Special Effects (SFX) happen in front of the camera, in real time during production, while Visual Effects (VFX) are done by ILM during postproduction, after shooting has wrapped.

The introduction of this new villain in Episode III accompanies the closing battles of the Clone Wars, when both Republic and the Separatist forces have a chance to stab at the very heart of their enemy. While Count Dooku acts as the political leader of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, it is General Grievous who commands the endless ranks of soulless droid soldiers.

Prop Master Ty Teiger returns to make real the carried weapons seen in the final film. This documentary explores the design of new weapons, some from familiar cultures, and some from totally alien worlds. Also, see the development of new and returning laser swords and a new device that can counter the elegant weapon of the Jedi order.

While digital cameras have helped the amateur photographer, they've radically upended the guesswork of modern moviemaking. Gone is the alchemy and photochemical uncertainties of shooting film that would not be developed for hours -- or even days. Thanks to the precision HD cameras and their big-screen plasma feeds, the director and everyone on the crew could see Episode III as it happened.

See how the span between Episodes II and III have transformed Padmé Amidala, how stately Bail Organa addresses the Senate, how Chancellor Palpatine starts to show his true hue -- all told wordlessly through costume design. And see the first look at the mysterious alien species represented by Tion Meddon in this new installment of Making Episode III.

The cables that snake along the stage floor of Episode III's shooting environment form an intricate web connecting key players of the production. George Lucas directs the actors on stage, but behind the curtain of blue and greenscreen is an entire world literally working behind-the-scenes. From the tent that contains the vital HD recording gear, to the soundboard that gathers production dialogue -- this documentary peeks behind the curtain to see just who lurks in the shadows.

C-3PO has been an integral part of Star Wars since the earliest concept sketches, and has lent considerable humor and humanity to the saga for twenty-seven years. As filming completes on the final big-screen Star Wars adventure, the familiar protocol droid enters his role in the darkest chapter outfitted in his shiniest body.

Pick-up photography has become an increasingly common tool in filmmaking. It is a way to add to and refine the growing story during a very organic production process. Here's a look at what it means to Episode III, and how the edit shapes production and vice-versa in the very malleable world of Star Wars filmmaking.

With the prequel trilogy, Ewan McGregor stepped in to fill the role of a younger Kenobi. In Episodes I through III, audiences have watched Obi-Wan mature from a fresh-faced Padawan learner to a seasoned General in the Clone Wars. With Revenge of the Sith, McGregor comes closest to the Kenobi that Guinness portrayed. In doing, McGregor -- a life-long Star Wars fan -- completes his journey as the greatest Jedi Knight of the saga.

As glimpsed in the Episode III teaser trailer, the mighty Wookiees of Kashyyyk return to the silver screen in force. Not only is Peter Mayhew once again donning the shaggy costume of Chewbacca, but he'll be joined by a fierce Wookiee army defending the shores of a lagoon village on their arboreal homeworld.

To capture the enormous trees of Kashyyyk, the sinkhole cities of Utapau, or the lava rivers of Mustafar on HD, George Lucas could not rely on exotic locales on this planet. Instead, he tasked the Model Shop at Industrial Light & Magic to create these new worlds for Episode III. The results are some of the largest, most intricate miniatures ever constructed for a Star Wars film. Here's a tour of these new planets-in-the-making, featuring exclusive test footage of Mustafar's lava flows in action.

Not bound to the limitations and time-intensive processes associated with traditional film, the all-digital Episode III still has an elaborate production process spanning continents and disciplines. Follow the life of "tape B-107" as it begins its Sith journey on a soundstage in Sydney and ultimately delivers a big-screen battle that once again pits Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker against the evil Count Dooku.

There's a galaxy full of fascinating life-forms filling out the frames of Revenge of the Sith. Some will be realized digitally, while others major beings and species will be brought to life on the screen by the Creature Shop. The art of practical creature crafting is also an advanced one, benefiting from the latest innovations. In this video, visit the Creature Shop and have a glimpse of what went into the creation of Utapauns, Neimoidians and more to be seen in Episode III.

When Anakin Skywalker first stood before the Jedi Council as a nine-year old boy, Yoda laid out his future in a progression that began with fear and ended with suffering. The final steps of that journey will take place in Revenge of the Sith, with Hayden Christensen playing Anakin at the most important juncture in his life. George Lucas selected Christensen for his ability to play dark, and in this episode, the darkness will consume Skywalker as he becomes Darth Vader. Hear from Christensen as he undertakes this journey, with insights from crew and co-stars.

One of only a few to contribute to all six Star Wars films, famous composer John Williams returns for Revenge of the Sith. Combining and twisting the established melodic phrases with all new tunes, the music in the final chapter serves to propel the audience through an emotional ride toward the dark side.

pisode III is the story of Darth Vader and the emergence of the classic villain from a fallen hero. But the mastermind of this dark plot also finally comes to the forefront, as Darth Sidious reveals his ultimate plan to rule the galaxy. Critics and filmgoers alike have been universal in their praise of Ian McDiarmid's performance in Episode III -- some contend that he steals the show. In this webdoc, witness the transformation of McDiarmid into Palpatine, and the transformation from seemingly humble politician to the ultimate face of evil.