How To Achieve The Original In-Camera Lightsaber Effect Used in STAR WARS
Shanks FX teamed up with PBS Digital Studios to bring us this interesting video called “The Original Star Wars Light Saber Effect.” It takes you through the process of how you can achieve the same in-camera effects that George Lucas used to create the lightsaber in the Star Wars films. It’s pretty fascinating to see how easy it is to pull this effect off. Here’s a note from the creator:
The lightsaber from Star Wars is arguably the most famous weapon in the history of cinema.
Go back in time to 1977 and learn how the lightsaber was first captured with the help of the highly reflective material "Scotchlite" & a compact motor at the hilt.
If you want to try this out yourself, "Scotchlite" tape rolls can be found at local hardware store for around $10.
I also went in search of a Graflex flashgun handle and was lucky enough to find one but it was one from the 60s and not the sleek silver version that Luke uses in Episode IV & V.
Enjoy guys, and I'm not seeing Star Wars till Sunday morning, so it's going be tough reading comments till then.
The opening of this episode is a little scene I've always wanted in a Star Wars movie... acquiring a Kyber crystal and constructing a lightsaber.
I know there is that deleted scene from Return of the Jedi of Luke adjusting his lightsaber settings, but I want a little more in depth account.
Enjoy the video!