People are only just realising how Star Wars' lightsabers worked before CGI

The epic Star Wars saga, a global cultural phenomenon since its 1977 cinematic debut, has expanded to encompass twelve films and numerous spin-offs, all originating from George Lucas’s creative vision. This enduring franchise continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Lightsaber Origins: Practical Effects Before CGI

In the decades since the original movie – later known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope – technology has advanced significantly. This technological evolution led one dedicated fan and film enthusiast to explore the methods used to create the iconic Jedi weapon, the lightsaber, in the early Star Wars productions, when special effects were more basic.

Magnify Videos Unveils Lightsaber Secrets on TikTok

Christopher, known as Magnify Videos on social media, shared a revealing explanation on TikTok. “How did they achieve the lightsaber effect in Star Wars before computers?” he inquired. “Prior to CGI, they employed actual sticks, spun rapidly and covered with reflective tape.”

Christopher clarified that actors couldn’t strike each other forcefully due to the fragility of these sticks. Consequently, for the sequel, The Empire Strikes Back, they transitioned to animation. “They meticulously drew coloured lines over the plain sticks, frame by frame,” he explained. “Upon scanning, they applied gel to the camera lens to create a glowing appearance.”

The Digitally Remastered Trilogy and the Quest for Original Footage

Christopher further noted that he had to source footage from VHS tapes to illustrate the original technique, as the initial Star Wars trilogy has been remastered digitally, with lightsabers incorporated into each film via computer-generated imagery. “These digitally enhanced versions are now the only ones accessible for streaming,” he stated.

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Demand for Original Star Wars Film Versions

Concluding his explanation, Christopher encouraged his followers to “tag Disney” and request the release of the original film footage, including scenes without the CGI-rendered Jabba the Hutt, as a viewing option. “They could include it as a bonus feature,” he suggested.

“Perhaps for May the Fourth [a playful Star Wars reference to ‘May the Force’] this year.” In response to the video, a TikTok user speculated, “Maybe that’s why the original fight scenes appear slower and the lightsabers seem heavier, whereas newer films feature more elaborate tricks.”

Another commenter lauded, “Great video and an excellent idea to bring back the original Star Wars.” Conversely, a third expressed disapproval, “I dislike that they only offer the updated version. They’ve erased significant technicolor history from their older Disney movies as well.”

Early CGI in Star Wars Acknowledged

However, another individual countered, “Star Wars featured some of the earliest examples of CGI! It wasn’t ‘before’ CGI; it was just very nascent CGI, and lightsabers were beyond the capabilities of CGI at that time.”

Andor’s Return: Expanding the Star Wars Universe on Disney Plus

In related Star Wars news, after a three-year wait, Lucasfilm’s Emmy-nominated thriller, Andor, is set to return for its concluding season.

Andor Season 2: War and Rebellion Take Center Stage

As conflict intensifies in the Disney Plus spin-off series, Cassian Andor emerges as a crucial figure within the Rebel Alliance. This upcoming season will depict the political instability and betrayals that establish the narrative foundation for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.