"Lucas’ ability to innovate within a budget is perhaps best exemplified by his use of practical effects in the Star Wars original trilogy. These techniques, while not as flashy as the CGI-heavy productions of today, allowed Lucas to create a visually stunning universe without breaking the bank. "

This imbecility really undermines the article's entire premise.

The writer is apparently unaware that practical effects were the *only* option, budget-regardless, for Sci-Fi features when the OT was O-ly produced. It wasn't a 'choice' Lucas made at all. CGI didn't *exist* as an option until - whaddaya know? - Lucas himself plowed some of his SW profits back into creating and developing it. The quality of the practical effects was a financial bet that he *won* - but the same budgetary risk was there. (Indeed, as soon as the craft of CGI was ready, he did the Special Editions, now the default versions.)