Characters --

The characters in Episode I are broken into three categories: Main, Groups and Aliens. The Main character section highlights each of the central characters, from Darth Sidious to R2-D2. Each profile contains a biography (I now know how it is that a fourteen-year-old girl can be elected Queen) behind the scenes photos, costume details - including a fashion show of all of Amidala's wardrobe, and video clips. I could easily spend hours replaying the video clip of the final lightsaber duel that is included in Darth Maul's profile…

The other categories, Groups and Aliens, help us get to know the characters that were members of the Galactic Senate, who frequented Mos Espa and so on. A humorous addition was a mock advertisement from Bib Fortuna and Associates recruiting Twi'lek dancing girls.

Technology --

Here we're presented with details on the weapons, devices and
droids of Episode I. The section on weapons covers all the blasters,
electro-shock poles, lightsabers and more. Devices highlights the various
items used by the characters, including macrobinoculars and viewscreens.
Droids shows us the various models, from the battle droid to the droideka to
the pit droid.

This section covers everything from the Trade Federation's
battleship to Anakin's pod racer. I really liked the scale map, a section
that shows the comparative scale of all the various vehicles. Also great
were the individual profiles of each vehicle, using the drawings that are
from the Episode I Incredible Cross Sections book. There is much detail to
be found here for those who are interested in the ships and may even want to
construct models. Humor can be found here, too - be sure to check out the
advertisement for Watto's Junkyard! Eat your heart out, Crazy Eddie…

The Phantom Menace --

Included here are the posters and trailers from Episode I. Also included is the final draft of the screenplay, complete with screen shots that match each scene. This is great to look through after seeing the film to compare it with what eventually became the final working script.

The Saga --

Need to know how each episode ties in with the overall concept? Then this is where you would go. Plot synopses are included for each of the completed films (Episode I, IV-VI) and rough guesses for Episodes II and III.

Also included is a video clip of George Lucas describing what is is like to write the stories and screeplays for the Star Wars universe.

Behind the Scenes --

This is one of the biggest sections of the set and is on the second of the discs. Here one finds information about all the aspects of making Episode I, including special effects, creature construction, costume design, casting and so on. Lots of potential trivia questions can be found by sifting through all this material!

Naturally, the coolest sections are the Costume Design and Creature Shop. Video clips of the creative processes involved are included here.

Expanded Universe --

Can't remember the name of that children's coloring book about Anakin? Then here's your resource. Most of the books, guides and such are referenced here for Episode I.

For those fans who are into the comics, this is a great place to keep track of all those titles. There is a print feature available, so you can print out a list of books and then pick them up at your local bookstore or online through Echo Station [shameless plug].

Glossary --

So just what is an eopie? Plug that into the Glossary's search engine and it'll take you right to the entry for these flatulent, but lovable, creatures from Tatooine.

You can look up any character, creature, planet or droid. A very handy reference, indeed!