Another official site article to add to Fated’s quality thread for the 40th anniversary of Empire…
‘Empire at 40 | The stories begind 5 amazing matte paintings from The Empire Strikes Back’:-
Industrial Light & Magic created worlds with just pain and glass.
‘Ralph McQuarrie: Tribute to a Master - part 1’
‘Ralph McQuarrie: Tribute to a Master - part 2’
were also included in the ‘40th Anniversary section’ for Empire - despite being made in 2012 - though great videos themselves.
There is also a 58 image gallery on Ralph McQuarrie’s art for Empire at https://www.starwars.com/empire-40th
‘Defining Moments: I know’ article - https://www.lucasfilm.com/news/defining-moments-i-know - though no mention of how George Lucas hated it - and Empire’s director Irvin Kershner apparently having to fight to keep it in the film.
‘George Lucas Apparently Went “Apeshit” Over Harrison Ford’s Classic Line “I Know” From Empire’ - https://geektyrant.com/news/george-lucas-apparently-went-apeshit-over-harrison-fords-classic-line-i-know-from-empire-strikes-back - with quotes from Irvin Kershner and Harrison Ford (with video interview of Ford, by Jon Favreau).
‘The Empire Strikes Back’ at 40: What the ‘Star Wars’ sequel’s iconic special effects owe to Ray Harryhausen:-
^ Decent interview, recollections and videos with Dennis Muren.