10 Things Learned From Re-Watching Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

As noted, George Lucas evidently isn't a director known for pulling masterful performances out of each and every one of his stars. However, if you're looking for a bold and inspired world to be built, then this legendary filmmaker is your man. And that much was clear throughout The Phantom Menace back in '99 and is still true all these years later.

Some of the costumes, technology, and world design on show here were decades before their time, with the planets of Coruscant and Naboo in particular ageing like a fine wine. Lucas and his team of VFX wizards seamlessly combined practical and digital effects to successfully transport you to entire-planet cities and utterly gorgeous palaces.

Also, it really sinks in during a rewatch just how big a job Lucas and design director Doug Chiang had on their hands when it came to riskily taking the franchise in a completely different direction visually for a time pre-Galactic Civil War.

Throwing out everything from an entirely CGI race like the Gungans, to the cold and deadly Trade Federation droids, all complete with their own distinct technology, looks, and mannerisms, for example, is no small feat. 

But the fact these aliens, droids, worlds, outrageous costumes (Amidala's wardrobe is still just as iconic), and landmarks (like Theed palace and the Senate Rotunda) are still largely breathtaking to this day - and are also generally taken for granted when discussing the universe as we know it today - tells you all you need to know about how great a job Lucas and co. did when crafting this bold new prequel aesthetic.