Sources: Wikidata · OpenAlex · Library of Congress. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace arrived from Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox in 1999, the long-awaited return to the saga after sixteen years away from theaters. Directed by George Lucas, it introduced a new generation to the Jedi Order through the prequel era, pairing groundbreaking digital effects with practical sets and stunts. Its Naboo storyline set the stage for Anakin Skywalker's fall, and the film's premiere remains a landmark moment in blockbuster history and fandom culture alike.
This cell centers on the duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul, two figures whose clash became one of the saga's defining rivalries. Qui-Gon Jinn's presence places the moment within the larger three-way lightsaber battle that closes the film. Ewan McGregor, Ray Park, and Liam Neeson each brought distinct physicality to their roles, making this sequence a favorite among collectors drawn to the prequel trilogy's action highlights and its early glimpse of Kenobi's growth as a Jedi.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.
Gauge
35mm, four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds three frames.
Perforations
Four per frame on each edge, evenly spaced; punched edges appear clean with no visible tearing.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track is visible along one edge, with what appears to be a Dolby Digital data-block strip in the inter-perforation gaps on the same edge, and a DTS timecode line also present, consistent with a tri-format release print.
Edge print
Not clearly legible in this capture; faint markings are present along the edges but cannot be quoted with certainty.
Base & colour
Base appears neutral to very slightly warm; dye image shows good colour saturation with no visible fading or red shift.
Projection history
Light horizontal scratching is visible across the frame area, consistent with a print that has passed through a projector gate.
Picture
Positive colour image; all three frames appear to be consecutive frames from a single shot and the visual content is consistent with a theatrical release print of the film on record.
Era check
The combination of variable-area optical, Dolby Digital data blocks, and DTS timecode is consistent with a late-1990s major studio release print, matching the 1999 release of the film on record.
Read from the original intake capture shown below. Observations only — film is authenticated, not graded.
This original motion picture film element has been examined and authenticated by Crown Grading in partnership with National Film Vault, and encapsulated for archival preservation.
Why so little survivesRelease prints were leased to theaters, not sold. When the run ended they went back to the distributor to be destroyed, and most were. What collectors hold today came from the prints that escaped that order, and no new 35mm prints of these films are being struck.
CROWN SERIAL 000064080
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
