Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

An original storyboard binder used in the production of the 1983 science fiction picture Return of the Jedi, the third instalment of the original Star Wars trilogy directed by Richard Marquand.

This binder contains a quantity of early storyboard copies distributed to various crew members during the production, these represent the first issue of storyboards handed out on Return of the Jedi in January 1982. The binder contains three full sequences of the film and is accompanied by a Lucasfilm headed memo from production coordinator Patricia Blau stating that other boards are awaiting approval from George (Lucas) and will be issued at a later date. These storyboards feature artwork by visual effects art director Joe Johnston and Industrial Light & Magic production illustrator and veteran storyboard artist George Jenson.

The storyboards are bound in a binder of burgundy cardboard and cover three scenes of the film as follows

• Rancor pit sequence consisting of 63 storyboards spanning 16 pages illustrated by George Jenson

• Sail barge and skiff sequence consisting of 165 storyboards spanning 47 pages illustrated by George Jenson.

• Speeder bike chase sequence consisting of 106 storyboards spanning 28 pages illustrated by Joe Johnston.

Each of the sequences is preceded by a colour page bearing a relevant graphic (Rancor, Barge & Speeder) and a further four colour pages which note the sequences missing from the binder which had either not been drawn or were still waiting approval at the time of issue. The binder totals 98 pages with 91 of these being storyboard art in addition to the aforementioned production memo.

The storyboard binder remains in excellent production used condition throughout with some minor edge wear, very fine.

A rare, interesting and comprehensive production artefact from one of the most influential and highly regarded franchises in cinematic history.