The Matte Painting Magic Behind the Original Star Wars Trilogy

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John Summers • Contributor
Oct 18, 2023 11:00 PM EDT

In a galaxy not so far away (in fact, right here), the original "Star Wars" trilogy made hyper-speed leaps in the realm of special effects. But hold onto your lightsabers, young padawans, because the Force was especially strong with one old-school technique: matte paintings. While many credit the Millennium Falcon and Death Star trench runs for the trilogy's visual splendor, a lot of the expansive and breathtaking vistas of a galaxy far, far away were hand-painted marvels. 

Before the rise of the CG empire, these intricate masterpieces were the unsung heroes, seamlessly integrated into live-action footage. It's akin to Yoda's wise teachings - subtle, yet deeply impactful. So, let's hyperspace jump into a visual tour of these beautifully crafted backdrops and appreciate the artists who wielded paintbrushes, not blasters, to bring the universe to life!

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    Automotive design - CO Below: The original live action plate shot on the Star Wars set in London. Right: When combined with Ellenshaw's painting, the effect of a vertiginous power shaft is achieved that would otherwise be too costly and nearly impossible to build in a studio. TIKS SAN R PICTOR STARLOG PRESENTS 38 1977 20 Century Fox
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