This book is outstanding. I've vigorously read through the first two thirds of my softcover version I picked up at Walmart during Midnight Madness, and though I am now hopelessly spoiled, I have such an appreciation for the movie's content, I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out on-screen even more.
I even like this book enough that I'm ordering the hardcover version off of Amazon.com to keep in pristine condition. Screw it, I ordered a signed copy from Star Wars Shop.
It's written as a journal, chronicling the development of the film from day to day, and reports what happens as it occurs, avoiding retroactive comments about changes coming down the line. It does not report on changes made to the story, locations, names, or design elements until the day it happens. You read and experience the evolution of the movie as it evolves. It leaves you with a perfect understanding of the process the crew goes through from start to finish with Lucas at the helm. Brilliant.
There’s also a lot of eye-opening presentation of the actual filming in Australia. After years of criticism - that the actors aren’t allowed to ad-lib, that Lucas is distant with his cast, and that green screen is detracting from performances - the book offers up excellent evidence to the contrary, and makes the reader look deeper into the problems embedded within the prequel trilogy.
Pretty pictures, too.