so you've basically got 3 different models of the death star for 3 different distances from it... the last render works really well, but i think you'd be able to see SOME of that detail on the far off death star model. not nearly as easy to see, but the even the ever-so-slight subtlety of shadows showing depth would make it appear all the more realistic.

oh and the close-up for the actual run is just insanely awesome.