The Birth of the Lightsaber

Star Wars creator George Lucas, actor Mark Hamill, and sound designer Ben Burtt discuss the concept and creation of the lightsaber. George Lucas recalls that Star Wars was influenced by pirate and swashbuckling films of the '40s, which showcased the romantic side of fighting, illustrated in characters like Errol Flynn's Robin Hood.

StarWars.com has released a fantastic bonus feature from one of the 1997 DVD releases on their YouTube page. This 15-minute featurette produced by Gary Leva focuses on the creation and concept behind the iconic lightsaber and is well worth a look. The only thing it leaves out is why the laser emitter only extends to four or five feet and stops mysteriously... and don't tell us "it's the Force."