Wednesday 1 June 2016

ILM CLASSIC IMAGE: THE IMPERIAL WALKERS DEBUT!

Classic ILM model reference shots of the AT-AT Walker.

After the fast paced space fighter conflict that dramatically ended the original STAR WARS in 1977, what kind of epic clash between Rebels and Empire would George Lucas and his imagineers bring us next? The answer, three years later, would be the stunning ground battle to end all ground battles, as the intimidating, bulky and firepower-launching All Terrain Armoured Transports (or "Walkers", as they're best known) made their epic debut with THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, pounding away at the ill-equipped but determined Rebel forces on the ice planet Hoth with ruthless efficiency, in a stop- motion sequence that must surely have made the process's main icon Ray Harryhausen extremely proud.

Star Wars: the surprising origins of the AT-AT | Den of Geek

Behind the scenes feature article (2016): At the AT-AT’s birth: the improvising of a ‘Star Wars’ icon - San Francisco Chronicle



The idea and ultimate conceptual realisation/execution of the Walkers was far removed from the original idea of hovercraft tank battles on the plains of Norway, and quickly proved more inventive and pushing the envelope creatively. Now, younger fans aged 7+ can finally build their own 14cm compact and detailed toy version of this Imperial favourite, whilst additionally enjoying lots of supplementary games, puzzles and teasers featuring classic action scenes and characters from across EPISODE V and the Classic Trilogy- the new EGMONT/DISNEY BOOKS release from 2nd June, 2016: Battle Stations Activity Book and Model.


Get it here: Star Wars: Battle Stations: Activity Book and Model (Star Wars Construction Books): Amazon.co.uk: Egmont Publishing UK: 9781405282611: Books

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