Star Wars Episode I: Production Notes

With the Star Wars films, George Lucas has always been intent on using state-of- the-art sound. "I'm very much into sound and soundtracks," he comments, noting that the two work together in telling his stories.

The first Star Wars was instrumental in popularizing the Dolby noise-reduction stereo sound system, as did the two subsequent Episodes in the original trilogy. Motion picture audio technology has since made significant improvements with the introduction of digital sound and Lucasfilm's THX program. So, for The Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition, Lucas created a digitally-remixed soundtrack, which surpassed even the original's showcase 70mm prints that used magnetic tracks.

Given Lucas' views on the subject, it comes as no surprise, then, that Episode I breaks new ground in motion picture sound, as it does with digital effects and editing. The film is the first to feature Dolby Digital-Surround EX, which employs 6.1 channel sound, adding an additional channel to the digital format currently in theatrical use. Lucasfilm THX and Dolby Laboratories jointly developed the new theatrical surround sound system, which was overseen by Oscar-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom, director of creative operations at Skywalker Sound.

The new sound system showcases the talents of two artists whose work has been acclaimed worldwide. Once again making their unique contributions to the Star Wars universe are five-time Academy Award-winning composer John Williams and sound designer Ben Burtt.

The importance of John Williams' contributions to the Star Wars saga can not be overstated. His music underscores the films' characters, emotions and action. "I've always said these are like silent movies," says Lucas, "and I'm very fortunate that John understands this."

For Episode I, Williams composed nearly two hours of music, creating material that is fresh and new, but also has some textural and thematic connection to the music from the original trilogy. Thus, while almost all the music in Episode I is new, there are some familiar themes and music quotes from the first three films. With Anakin's theme, for example, audiences will hear hints of what's to become of him in his later incarnation.

"However, my main opportunity and challenge," says Williams, "was to create new material that offers melodic identification to the new characters, just like we had done with the earlier films." So there is entirely new material for Jar Jar, Darth Maul, and the Queen, among others. "This sort of musical theme book of Star Wars seems to grow as George continues to introduce new creatures to the menagerie," adds Williams.

Burtt, whose ingenious sound designs played a key role in the Star Wars films and their Special Editions, created over 1,000 new sounds for Episode I. He collected these sounds from far-off lands, and even his own back yard. The digital revolution also played an important part in Burtt's work, making the manipulation of sound mixes much easier than it was twenty years ago.

While creating the new innovative aural atmospheres, Burtt took great care to stay true to the original Star Wars aural ambiance. "We have so many signature effects that reoccur in Episode I that I think it's only appropriate to touch on those because they're familiar to the fans," Burtt explains. With some of the lightsaber sounds, the old was mixed with the new, with Burtt re-working them to fit the faster fighting sequences that take place in the new movie.

The film's rich and varied soundtrack and groundbreaking effects provided the finishing touches on what began as a dream for George Lucas. Now, thanks to the innovative and hard work of thousands of people working together, the dream is a reality. A fantastic new world that still remains true to its beloved predecessors is ready for the millions of fans who have waited years for its arrival. The beginning is here.