CLASSIC IMAGE: THE BUILD-UP TO WAR!

On the green grass plains of Naboo, two enemy forces - one of Trade Federation metal, the other of humanoid Gungan flesh and bone- square up to one another, as the battle for control of the planet and its freedom reaches its zenith point, in this great shot of expectant action from EPISODE I. 

A 'War and Peace' moment that George Lucas would describe to an enthused Steven Spielberg during the film's pre-production in London, 1997.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: THE WAR MACHINES!

Stage two of the Trade Federation attack on the Gungans begins as thousands of Battle Droids are released from cocoon belts to stride forward and break through the enemy shields. Conflict is soon joined between Gungan and machine, as George Lucas showcases the heroism of the primitive over faceless, cold-hearted technology, an idea also shown with Return of the Jedi with the Ewoks and the Empire, and before that with his fascination with the Vietnam War, in his original vision for Apocalypse Now.

"There's nothing like four thousand Gungans fighting four thousand Battle Droids. It's neat."

Dennis Muren - 2001

The Gungan army stands ready...

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: OUT FROM THE SWAMPS!

With the Naboo human's own plans prepared - the Queen and her forces will take their Throne Room back and capture the Trade Federation viceroy whilst pilots begin a disruptive space attack, the Gungans begin their own diversionary battle, luring the enemy forces out en masse to the plains, their many brave warriors and shield generator strapped beasts of burden leaving the swamps, as captured in this great production art by Doug Chiang.

Two unused animatics of 'Bombad General' Jar Jar leading the forces out from the swamp.

"With EPISODE I, it was the first time I was able to use computerized animatics to previsualize the entire film before I started shooting."

George Lucas - 1999

Atmospheric shot also importantly used in the first teaser trailer for EPISODE I.

The massed Gungan forces in a spectacular CGI shot.

EPISODE I AT FIFTEEN: WHEN ARMIES COLLIDE!

Out on the grassland plains of Naboo, two mighty armies-one mechanical and one Gungan- meet for a decisive conflict, as the side for good ultimately buys time for its human allies to win the war for Naboo.

Some early but great CGI effects from the industry revolution that was EPISODE I.