National Film Vault

FILM NOTES

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace was released by Lucasfilm through 20th Century Fox in May 1999, marking George Lucas's return to directing after more than two decades. The film launched a prequel trilogy that expanded the mythology of the original saga and introduced a new generation to that universe. Shot on a combination of 35mm and early digital formats, it remains a significant production in the history of blockbuster filmmaking.

This cell, titled Obi-Wan Kenobi Duels Darth Maul, captures consecutive frames from the climactic lightsaber sequence set within the Theed Generator Complex. Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ray Park as Darth Maul are visible in combat across the first two frames, with Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn appearing in the third, placing all three combatants within this pivotal confrontation.