See Rare Star Wars Polaroids from Return of the Jedi

1 minute read

Filming for Return of the Jedi lasted from Jan. 11, 1982 to May 20, 1982, with a budget of $32.5 million and a shooting schedule that ran six weeks shorter than The Empire Strikes Back; George Lucas wanted to keep the film within budget.

At the time, Polaroids were a crucial tool to prevent continuity errors during filming, before the advent of digital cameras. This technique allowed crew like costume designers, production designers and make-up artists to have instant images and check over the details of each production day. Decades later, the continuity Polaroids from Return of the Jedi provide a unique look for fans to see what it was really like to be on set.

 

Princess Leia hair test.
Princess Leia hair testLucasfilm Ltd.
Luke Skywalker in the grip of the rancor.
Luke Skywalker in the grip of the rancorLucasfilm Ltd.
Han Solo is freed from carbonite.
Han Solo is freed from carboniteLucasfilm Ltd.
R2-D2 and C-3PO in storage.
R2-D2 and C-3PO in storage Lucasfilm Ltd.
Boba Fett costume test.
Boba Fett costume testLucasfilm Ltd.
Bib Fortuna continuity shot.
Bib Fortuna continuity shotLucasfilm Ltd.
Stormtrooper on the set of Return of the Jedi.
Stormtrooper on the set of Return of the JediLucasfilm Ltd.
X-wing fighter continuity shot.
X-wing fighter continuity shotLucasfilm Ltd.
Rebel fighter costume test.
Rebel fighter costume testLucasfilm Ltd.
Oola in Jabba's Palace.
Oola in Jabba's PalaceLucasfilm Ltd.
R2-D2 and C-3PO in front of Jabba's Palace.
R2-D2 and C-3PO in front of Jabba's PalaceLucasfilm Ltd.
Gamorrean.
GamorreanLucasfilm Ltd.
Jabba's Palace.
Jabba's PalaceLucasfilm Ltd.
Nien Numb costume test.
Nien Numb costume testLucasfilm Ltd.
Rebel trooper on Endor.
Rebel trooper on EndorLucasfilm Ltd.
Logray in the Ewok Village.
Logray in the Ewok VillageLucasfilm Ltd.

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