Film sequence whose first instalment appeared in 1977. To the end of 2006, there have been six Star Wars films. For convenience and (retrospective) consistency we list them in this encyclopedia using titles in the form "Star Wars: Episode . . .", though upon their original release the first three films did not use this format. Thus the original Star Wars appears here as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977). In 1997, before the release of the second, "prequel" trilogy, George Lucas re-released the original films into cinemas with updated special effects and minor story changes as "Special Editions". These changes were controversial among fans at the time, as they were perceived by some to soften the movies. Further changes were made for the release of the Star Wars DVDs in 2004, with the stated aim of improving continuity between the original three films and the prequels (such as Hayden Christensen's Anakin being digitally inserted as a ghost in Return of the Jedi). [JN/PN]
The six Star Wars films
Related made-for-tv productions include The
Ewok Adventure (1984) and its sequel Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985).
Star Wars ties
A great deal of authorized spinoff fiction has been set in the Star Wars universe. The official novelizations of the six films are Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace * (1999) by Terry {BROOKS}, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones * (2002) by R A {SALVATORE}, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith * (2005) by Matthew {STOVER}, Star Wars * (1976) by Alan Dean Foster (though credited to George Lucas), The Empire Strikes Back * (1980) by Donald F Glut and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi * (1983) by James Kahn.
Further authors of Star Wars Ties who have entries in this encyclopedia include Roger McBride Allen, Aaron Allston, Kevin J Anderson, Mike Baron (with Graphic Novels), Steven Barnes, Greg Bear, Terry Bisson, A C Crispin, Brian C Daley, Hollace Davids, Paul Davids, Troy Denning, William C Dietz, Shane Dix, Vonda N McIntyre, L Neil Smith, Kathy Tyers, Joan D Vinge, Dave Wolverton and Timothy Zahn. There are also unofficial Parodies by Steve Barlow, Adam Roberts and others. [DRL]
see also: Psi Powers; Star Wars Games.
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