For the Star Wars fans, this is packed with terrific titbits and explanations: more generally it's one of the best accounts I've read of how you actually go about making a blockbuster movie. Not just screenwriting and handling on-set tiffs, but the deep stuff like financing and licensing. The book drags a bit in places - mainly because the production it's describing was dragging - but overall it's a fascinating insight into the making of a cinematic colossus. A must for movie fans. ( )

Like "The Making of Star Wars", "The Making of The Empire Strikes Back" stands as the only single book to contain everything a person could ever desire to learn about the epic motion picture. After receiving a copy of the book from Del-Rey SWAT (http://fcrps.me/Revan97), I was not surprised to discover that this volume contains a greater amount of information than its predecessor, just as the film "The Empire Strikes Back" possesses a greater length than the first Star Wars movie. If you have been in search of all the details concerning the creation of episode five, you need look no farther. ( )

This book is for the film enthusiasts and Star Wars fanatics. I would stress the former. Being a Star Wars fan, I did enjoy it to a point but it was too much minutiae for me. The five stars is because I think it is a great book for its intended audience. ( )

Unquestionably the best of the Star Wars films, The Empire Strikes Back has always been among my two or three favorite films of all times. I was, therefore, quite pleased to find this massive history of the making of this film on the "new books" display at Bennett Martin Public Library. Rinzler's book goes into quite a bit of detail about the making of the original first Star Wars film, to set the stage for exhaustive background info about the making of TESB. This book is filled with hundreds of gorgeous photos and production artwork from the Lucasfilm archives. Rinzler interviewed (or had access to interviews with) dozens of behind-the-scenes personel associated with the production, and he peppers their comments throughout his narrative. The level of detail that is included in this book is astounding, and should satisfy the interests of all true Star Wars devotees and/or fans of motion picture production. I loved this book, and will be looking to acquire a copy for my own personal Star Wars collection!

Originally reviewed for my local library's website: http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/depts/bookguide/srec/staffrec11-06.htm ( )

This a truly outstanding and beautiful book that tells the story of the making of The Empire strikes back in all the detail that anyone can wish. The book offers multiple viewing and reading approaches. One can follow the progress of the script, the characters, the art, the storyboards, the technology and the sets as well as the interaction of the players involved. I really like how the book not only shows the final product but concept art and sketches that let one glimpse at the artistic process involved in the creation of this film.

Rinzler dramatizes Lucas' commercial risk a bit too much. In fact, the expected merchandise revenues more than covered any potential losses. Even if the film became nothing more than an extended commercial to sell toys (as did the sequels), George Lucas would have walked away a rich man. Some of the perceived commercial uncertainty provided the team with productive constraints that benefited the outcome. Highly recommended. ( )