MUST WATCH PRIOR TO EPISODE 3.

A little (way) over the top, and I'm not sure if it is canon anymore (or if it ever was) now with the introduction of the Clone Wars animated series (that I haven't seen at this point). It's quite good however - from an animation and cinematography point of view. Much more interesting and enjoyable than the clusterfuck prequel movies themselves and quite possibly my favorite piece of Star Wars fiction so far.

This is not the Republic propoganda you are looking for. While, this series is no longer considered canon, I believe that it fits better with respect to continuity than the 2008 CGI animated series. Additionally, as is always the case, Genndy Tartakovsky's unique ar tstyle and animation is gorgeous.

Although it was initially meant as a simple promotional teaser for Revenge of the Sith, the 2003 animated series created by Genndy Tartakovsky became something much more: an essential narrative bridge for true Star Wars fans. With its distinctive visual style —rough, schematic, almost minimalist— and a storytelling approach that prioritized pure action and symbolism over dialogue, Tartakovsky pulled off something that seemed impossible: saying more with less. What began as a series of three-minute silent shorts evolved into a work with its own identity, one that not only explained key moments of the saga (like the origin of Grievous’s cough or Anakin’s scar) but also managed to stir emotions and captivate viewers. The most fascinating thing about Clone Wars is its ability to condense epic moments, mysticism, and character development in just a few strokes. Anakin, for example, doesn’t need long speeches to show us his descent into darkness: a brutal duel on Yavin IV and one final look say it all. And while the animation might seem crude or exaggerated to some, it fits perfectly with the heroic, almost mythical tone of the series. Mace Windu crushing armies with his bare fists, Kit Fisto gliding through the water with lethal elegance, or Grievous’s chilling debut as a mechanical nightmare… these are unforgettable moments. It may no longer be part of the official canon, but for many, this remains the true missing link between Episodes II and III. And honestly, it’s hard to argue with the heart on that.

Loved it. All of the characters are 100 times more badass. Even the clones have achieved maximum asskickery.