Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace effort after a 22-year hiatus following "Star Wars" in 1977. "The Phantom Menace" was released in theaters on May 19, 1999, almost 16 years after the premiere of the previous "Star Wars" film, "Return of the Jedi". The film's premiere was extensively covered by media and was greatly anticipated because of the large cultural following the "Star Wars" saga had cultivated. It received mixed reviews; critics praised the visuals, action sequences, John Williams' musical score and some of the performances, but criticized the screenplay, characterization, and Ahmed Best and Jake Lloyd's performances (as Jar Jar Binks and Anakin Skywalker respectively).
Star Wars (radio) two special sets of Topps trading cards were released called "Star Wars Illustrated", which featured illustrations of scenes from the first "Star Wars" radio drama. The Topps artwork was also used to illustrate two collectors' editions of the Original Radio Drama released at the same time by HighBridge Audiobooks. In July 1981, the "Star Wars" radio adaptation was broadcast by BBC Radio 1. Star Wars (radio) An expanded radio dramatization of the original "Star Wars" trilogy was produced in 1981, 1983, and 1996. The first two radio series, based on "Star Wars" and "The Empire Strikes Back", were produced and