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Space
Space
Science
Jeff Spry

'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back' at 45: Stop-motion master Phil Tippett on creating the iconic Battle of Hoth (exclusive)

Phil Tippett George Lucas Dennis Muren ILM Lucasfilm Joe Johnston
A man adjusts sci-fi miniatures on a snowy backdrop.

Today marks the 45th anniversary of "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back," which was released in theaters by 20th Century Fox on May 21, 1980, and has been aptly christened by adoring fans and sagacious critics as one of the greatest sci-fi sequels ever made.

Directed by Irvin Kershner and executive produced by George Lucas and Gary Kurtz, "The Empire Strikes Back" has achieved legendary Hollywood status for its potent entertainment value, compelling drama, exhilaration John Williams musical score, and ingenious special effects that together push the Skywalker Saga into darker territory and advance the sprawling space opera in myriad ways.

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