…I sat in the Orange Cinedome theater awaiting the trumpeting fanfare of the Twentieth Century Fox monolith. Moments later, the audience was transported into the galaxy we all know as far, far away. I was hooked that day nearly 25 years ago. To say I was a geek is an understatement. To be honest I’m STILL a geek! I’ve enjoyed the films hundreds of times, mentally catalogued every image, attended conventions and, yes, even made the occasional Yoda impression – he is my muse after all.

So, what could make this fan’s appreciation even brighter? I am very proud to say that in the past 15 years, I’ve designed and redesigned the VHS and DVD packaging and brought the movie experience home to millions of fans all over the world. For those who know me – I MEAN really know me – you can understand how thrilled I am to share with you that my story didn’t end there.

Today, September 16, Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray arrives in stores, mailboxes and living rooms across the globe and I believe it’s the most ground-breaking packaging for the Star Wars films yet.

It’s no surprise to me why the final package became what lines shelves today. In the past decade, entertainment design has seen such an influx of overproduced, overdesigned over-marketed product design, that audiences have grown tired of it. They crave, smaller, sleeker, more thoughtful and compelling packages. If they’re going to invest in another box set to sit on their shelf, it better be worthy. The art must speak to their heart. We listened.

Star Wars is one of the most beloved stories of all time and beloved stories inspire beloved works of art. Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray is 100% illustrated. From the key art and back cover with its six moisture towers (fans will get the meaning), to the interior spreads and international disc labels, every image was lovingly painted in homage to the films and in appreciation of the fans. Among the artists featured are Cliff Cramp, Tony Hsu and Brian Rood. I even personally illustrated two paintings including one of my favorite and most emotional moments of Anakin turning to the dark side. Menagerie Creative continued the vision of the campaign by creating several character paintings which blanket store exteriors and home entertainment departments across the globe.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone at Lucasfilm and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment for allowing us to partner with them on this momentous release. Thank you for believing that the heart of entertainment lives and breathes through the power of art.

Cheryl