Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace designed to be as "out of this world" as possibleis computer-generated. As with previous "Star Wars" films, "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace"s score was composed and conducted by John Williams. He started composing the score in October 1998 and began recording the music with the London Voices and London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios on February 10, 1999. Williams decided to use electronic instruments such as synthesizers to enhance the sound and choral pieces to "capture the magical, mystical force that a regular orchestra might not have been able to provide", and create an atmosphere that was
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace facial designs found in depictions of Japanese demons". King and Krzywinska say that "Qui-Gon's pony tail and Obi-Wan's position of apprentice further encourage a reading in terms of the Samurai tradition". They also say "Amidala, in keeping with her status and character, has a number of highly formal outfits ... to go with hair sculpted into a curve that frames make-up of a Japanese cast". The release on May 19, 1999 of the first new "Star Wars" film in 16 years was accompanied by a considerable amount of attention. Few film studios released films during the same week: DreamWorks and