Phil Tippett puts the finishing touches on a Mon Calamari.

ILM matte artist Frank Ordaz works on a matte painting of the Death Star II hangar.

The cast films the "sandstorm" scene -- which would be deleted from the final cut -- on the first day of shooting, January 11, 1982.

In another deleted scene, Darth Vader Force chokes a Death Star commander, while Imperial Guards raise their staffs toward the Sith Lord.

Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill on-set.

Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford rehearsing the trip-to-the-Sarlacc scene.

Dennis Muren shoots a test for the rancor creature, which was originally to feature an actor in a suit. The results are disappointing, and the technique is abandoned for a rod puppet.

Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher sit atop a speeder bike prop, with backgrounds to be added later via blue screen.

Four Ewoks take a break -- and get some air.

Director Richard Marquand discusses the Emperor's entrance with actor Ian McDiarmid.

Alec Guinness, Mark Hamill, and Richard Marquand go over a pivotal scene in which Luke and Obi-Wan discuss a final confrontation with Darth Vader.

Mark Hamill finds the last visitor to the rancor pit.

Sound designer Ben Burtt on the Ewok village set.

Modelmaker Paul Huston shows off AT-STs under construction in the model shop.

Richard Marquand and Mark Hamill prepare for Luke's encounter with Jabba the Hutt.

Shooting a biker scout puppet for the speeder bike chase sequence.