the PT had models, its just the models were drowned out by the CGI. one example is actually one of my favorite fx shots - in the AOTC Geonosis battle - when the camera tracks that missle all the way to that AT-ST and blows it up. I dont know if there is an animated GIF of it, but you guys know what im referring to. That was a model - but everything around it was cg. I've said enough about the cgi clone troopers.
maybe the correct preference is:
appropriate and meaningful use of cgi where practical effects do not suffice;
properly detailed and lighted models;
and sets that can function as actual environments and not just greenscreen plates that force actors to just slowly and deliberately walk and talk;
and all of these elements have to be composed properly and in a manner that adds dramatic weight. and you need to choreograph action sequences in a way that engages the viewer so that it stands the test of time after the intial rush. The action in the OT is like a classic world series pitchers dual. So much of the action in the PT was like a exhibition home run contest.
The 'chase' sequence on utapau between obi-wan and grevious in ROTS - for me it sucked because things were moving so fast, you couldnt see anything. If you're gonna have a sequence move so fast it becomes all a blur, you need to have some knowledge beforehand of what the environment looks like. so if we dont know where this chase is taking place or even the basic layout, how are we supposed to have any sense of danger? i guess it doesn' matter because apologists just say "look!! its a homage to temple of doom!!" at least for the pod race, you got a first lap so the next 2 gave you an idea of what obstacles anakin needed to be careful of.
anyway, bakc on topic - afaik, everything in ROTS was filmed on sound-stage, including that scene with obi-wan and beru. i thought the scene looked fine - except beru running up to owen on top of that ledge like she is holding a bag of groceries and not a baby:( but based on how ewan described lucas' direction of that scene, I am not surprised.
its funny posters here talk about how lucas mispronounces the names of the characters - i remember one clip of footage that shows pernilla august during a script review asking lucas "is it SHMEE or SHMEYE - did we ever decide?"
Someone mentioned John Carter - its too bad this movie is bombing. I was kinda excited about seeing it. i hope its still playing in my theatre.
Surely its better than the crap green lantern and transformers 3 movies.
right??????