This mammoth presentation defied all expectations on initial release in 1981 and became a critical success. The STAR WARS saga never sounded better or richer for the telling than presented in this epic melodrama scripted by sci-fi author Brian Daley, based on George Lucas's story. Daley expanded the story for radio, and despite the limitations adapting such a visual spectacle into an aural event - the results are quite stunning, with space battles sounding extraordinarily stellar and dynamic (aided as they are by STAR WARS film sound-designer Ben Burtt's extraordinary effects.)

A reliance on special effects is not a possibility in radio, so disadvantages are turned to virtues, as it is left to the writing of the character parts and their interpersonal interactions that presents us with a STAR WARS full of greater humanity. Strikingly, this is one of the better aspects of this production, as there are many scenes written exclusively for the project, with wonderful expository material and back-stories that reveal far greater urgency than the two hour film.
Princess Leia is given a true justification to see the end of the evil Empire, as even torture cannot deter her from her mission. Luke Skywalker is revealed in new scenes which emphasize his desperate need to escape the confines of an uninspiring life on his home planet, and sets in motion his remarkable odyssey. On hand were STAR WARS veterans Anthony Daniels and Mark Hamill, repeating their original roles of droid and master, and the newer cast equip themselves very admirably too. John Williams glorious score braces and enhances the narrative and I cannot recall a dull moment in any of it.
Thirteen episodes of roughly 25 mins duration each make for radio drama that should appeal to both Star Wars fans and avid radio drama listeners.



(Posted on 11/29/11)