Episode II
• Lucas’s passionate drive to bring his story to life has lead to him becoming a pioneer in the world of special effects and digital technology. We look at the pros and cons of making Attack of the Clones the first digital film.

Episode III
• We reveal a tantalizing scene involving the ‘birth’ of Darth Vader, explore why Revenge of the Sith will be at least as dark as this movie. All this, and the biggest lightsabre and Space battles ever…

Episode IV
• Star Wars was such a risky venture that Lucas excised large amounts of material, and kept other elements aside, so that he could serialise the rest of the story in cheaper forms if the film failed. We look at what was removed and how it was used later on.

Episode V
• The Empire Strikes Back is held up as one of the greatest sequels of all time. We get to the bottom of what makes it such an exceptional film, compare it with other sequels that succeeded in outdoing their predecessors and assess why Return of the Jedi failed to repeat the trick.

Episode VI
• Screenwriter Peter Briggs reveals how he snuck onto the set of Return of the Jedi as a young fan and discovered the semi-constructed Death Star, among other gems. He gives us an exclusive look at the photos he took and talks us through his adventure.

The Lost Episode
• Many wish they hadn’t seen it, we shame-facedly admit we have. If you haven’t heard of the horrible TV special that Lucas disowned then let us enlighten you. And then try to forget what you’ve seen. A Wookie ‘2.4 children’ family and some dubious musical interludes are just a few of its crimes.

Fanatic
• With the advent of cheap new computer technology Star Wars fans are now able to create their own extensions to their favourite Sci-Fi world. We look at how the phenomenon got started, hear why some of the original actors got involved and reveal some of the most imaginative offerings.

The Curse of Star Wars
• From Mark Hamill onwards the series has put an end to many a career. We look at what happened to all these unfortunate actors, discover whether they’re happy now with their lot and consider how the latest batch of stars are likely to fare.

And that’s not all you get in the Special. We take a look at some of the big upcoming films and talk to promising new film-makers and enduring screen experts alike…

Constantine
• Director Francis Lawrence on his approach to storytelling, the thinking behind his visual presentation of the otherworldly elements and working with Keanu Reeves and Rachel Weisz.

Thelma Schoonmaker
• The Oscar-winning editor reminds us why the work of her late husband, director Michael Powell (The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, The Red Shoes), should not be forgotten.

100 years after his birth she reflects on the films and individuals who influenced him, and on the influence he had over others, including her long-time collaborator Martin Scorsese.

Robots
• Director Chris Wedge tells us why the company he co-founded, Blue Sky, has been able to compete with the likes of Pixar. Their first feature film, Ice Age, established the east coast outfit as another animation stable to be reckoned with, and Wedge explains why Robots is equally imaginative and distinct.

Plus!

The Film Review Directory
• Two months’ worth of films all in one place!

Trailer Park
• Our take on six of the latest Trailers, from the dark and brooding Sin City to the explosive action comedy Mr and Mrs Smith to the mystery thriller The Jacket, with Robots, Fantastic Four and Batman Begins