Light & Magic

I can finally begin my filmmaking journey. This docu-series taught me so much about how visual effects and cinematography can shape a viewers prespective. And how one scene can be shot at different angles and themes for it feel different or how you want to make audience feel about a certain scene. Even if you're not into directing or flimmaking, this series can provide you an insight on how things atually work or worked back then.

Wish Disney understood Star Wars like George Lucas did, but I guess that ship has sailed.

Since the time I was 16 when Star Wars premiered, I have waited for this. In 1977, I absorbed everything I could get my hands on regarding this movie, from Starlog to every other trade journal available. I followed these artists and ILM from their inception. In 1986 I bought the 10 year anniversary history of ILM hardbound book, which I still own, in pristine condition. Between that and every copy of Cinefex, the history of ILM is at my fingertips. But I always longed to actually hear from the magicians, to see some of their home movies. It is so fun listening to the struggles these early inventors experienced. I often pooh-pooh modern CGI, because it doesn't have the feel of blood, sweat and tears of the old school. The love that comes through the creative process. Only early Pixar comes close.

It's really well done, it's super fun...and it just provides a great nostalgic look back at a group of people that changed everything. Let's face it, all of us have seen and enjoyed the work of ILM over the years. I remember seeing Star Wars as a kid and being amazed. I remember T2, I remember The Abyss, and I remember the final evolution being fully realized with Jurassic Park.

It's a great group of people, and a great time in film history! It's a Geek's Delight!

Loved this documentary series!

One of the best shows made in last decade. I'd like to see this job for 10 seasons more. The story of those talented people and their work is inspiring.

Light and Magic is a good docu-series to watch, especially if you have ever dreamed of making movies. You can venture behind the scenes of movies created by Lucasfilm, the legendary company founded by George Lucas, which makes all of their Star Wars films and more. Discover how movie magic, or the creation of special effects, is made in each of the six 1-hour episodes.

This series showcases the filmmakers from Industrial Light and Magic, which is the special effects division of Lucasfilm. Light and Magic delivers a deep understanding about the background of some very popular movies, including Star Wars, Transformers and Indiana Jones. It shows how the filmmakers persevere even when things are hard and seem almost impossible. The filmmakers have faith in their vision and share how they follow their dreams when other people say it's not going to work out. It's inspiring for anyone who wants to work in film or other ambitious creative endeavors. Light and Magic mostly focuses on George Lucas' vision, Star Wars, since he's the founder of both Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic, and it is directed by Lawrence Kasden.

In a series that is all about making great movies, of course the production value is great. The music enhances the mood, captivates the audience, builds tension, and makes the resolution more clear. Dramatic music plays as the filmmakers explain how their project wasn't working out, but energetic music plays when the problem works itself out in the end. These episodes feature over 13 people, including George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Dennis Muren, Ron Howard and many more. These are industry experts that any aspiring filmmaker should know about as they begin their own journey in making movies. Light and Magic also shares many clips from movies as examples to help bring their points to life for the audience.

The message of this docu-series is to persevere even when you are doubtful. This message is something that anyone can relate to, but especially artists who must have faith in their vision. Even people who created great hit movies have once doubted themselves, and new filmmakers can relate to that idea.

I give Light and Magic 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. All six episodes are available on Disney+ beginning July 27, 2022. By Samantha P., KIDS FIRST!