15-Minute ‘Star Wars’ Featurette Gives an In-Depth Look at How the Lightsaber Was Created

In this 15-minute Star Wars featurette, creator George Lucas, actor Mark Hamill, and sound designer Ben Burtt give us an in-depth look at how the fascinating lightsaber was created.

George Lucas recalls that Star Wars was influenced by pirate and swashbuckling films of the ’40s, which showcased the romantic side of fighting, illustrated in characters like Errol Flynn‘s ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood.’ With Jedi, who were heroes in this tradition, the director needed a weapon that would match their ideals. In a clip from ‘Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope,’ the lightsaber is introduced by Obi-Wan Kenobi, who says it’s “not as clumsy or random as a blaster. An elegant weapon for a more civilized age.” (read more)

via Boing Boing