The Art Of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge from author Amy Ratcliffe and Abrams Books is a true behind the inspiration look at the Galaxy’s Edge Star Wars themed lands millions have enjoyed at both Disney World and Disneyland. While the book may not mean much yet to the millions more who have not been able to see the real-life attractions, it adds new layers of immersion for those that have.
The Art Of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
Author: Amy Ratcliffe
Published By: Abrams Books
I never appreciated just how special a feat the Galaxy’s Edge is in the grand scheme of Star Wars. As this book opens with a foreword by Scott Trowbridge of Walt Disney Imagineering, his insight into the decision making process by the multiple gates Disney has is astounding. While the teams could have simply adapted existing films, the decision to create new canonical undertakings for guests reads like assembling Rome in the time of Cesar.
The major point of this collection is splash after splash of lavish art from concept to finish of Galaxy’s Edge. It details broad strokes about how the Imagineers tried to authentically replicate the vibe of Star Wars while still creating something that felt completely new. It meant digging into the Lucasfilm archives to check out various props, models, costumes, and creatures from over the years and the real-world location inspirations that would eventually become the sands of Tatooine or the Forrests of Endor.
Considering Amy Ratcliffe’s background as a journalist it’s puzzling that some of the art raises more questions than it gives answers. Particularly when it comes to the unused in the park pieces that were cut. In most cases, no explanation is actually given as to why. There’s likely a convoluted corporate explanation that would have eaten too much real estate in these pages. One of those concepts was The Kalikori Club, which would have been a table service restaurant designed as a Twi’lek nightclub and spice den. Another being the expansion of the Droid building workshop and how much more interactive it was planned to be.
When the book has the goods, it over-delivers. One of the more interesting behind-the-scenes details comes from the making of the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run attraction. Disney Imagineers were forced to figure out how to turn the original kit mash model of the iconic ship (meaning it was made from assorted pieces from a variety of model kits) into a life-sized staple within Galaxy’s Edge that thousands of people now have photos in front of adorning their social medias.
Amy does an incredible job of lining up the pieces and getting the right insights from the team behind the book. From cover to cover, it’s an easy flowing road map that details most of the story behind one of the most ambitious attractions ever created. If you’ve been lucky enough to see this part of the Disney parks in person, it’s a must-have souvenir.
The Art Of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is available now wherever books are sold and online.
