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'Star Wars’ Franchise Continues To Drive Movie Special Effects

University Of Illinois

One of the many ways Star Wars has changed the movie industry since the first movie came out in 1977 is through special effects. 

Much of the industry standard in special effects even today has its roots in the original Star Wars trilogy of the late 1970’s and early 80’s.

That’s according to Julie Turnock, a professor of media and cinema studies at the University of Illinois Urbana campus. She spoke with Illinois Public Media's Brian Moline this week.

Turnock's latest book, "Plastic Reality," looks at the evolution of movie special effects, including the impact of the Star Wars franchise.