Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire is a 1996 multimedia project created by Lucasfilm. The idea was to create a story set between the films The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and to explore all commercial possibilities of a full motion picture release without actually making a film. The venture was intended to reinvigorate interest in the franchise ahead of the theatrical Special Editions of the Star Wars trilogy released the following year.
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Cover of Shadows of the Empire: Evolution
Changes in Star Wars re-releases
Many of the films in the Star Wars franchise have been re-released, both theatrically and on home media formats. Franchise creator George Lucas often altered the films for the re-releases. These alterations range from minor refinements to major changes. The original trilogy was altered the most, although revisions were also made to the prequels. According to Lucas, some changes brought the films closer to his original vision, while others were attempts to create continuity with later films.
The original theatrical release of Return of the Jedi features Sebastian Shaw as Anakin Skywalker (above left). The 2004 DVD release replaced his appearance as a Force spirit with Hayden Christensen (below left), who played the character in the prequels.