This is also the film that first introduced audiences to Yoda, the aging Jedi master whom trains Luke in the ways of the Force. Even with all the computer power in the world, absolutely nothing can ever replace the original. Easily the most expressive and believable puppet in the history of cinema, Yoda shows a wide range of emotions during his screen tenure. The fully CG Yoda in "Episode II" fails simply because he is just another character in a crowded film of computer generated creatures, seemingly tacked on without a purpose. Here, without him and the brilliant puppet work, the film wouldn't be the same.
Then of course we have what can only be called "the reveal." It's the one single moment where everyone who watches this movie for the first time just lets their jaws hang down in a stunned silence. It is a line that will likely be even more unbelievable when the new trilogy is finished and all six films can be watched in succession. Everyone has a different reaction to it, but you almost certainly went into a state of denial soon afterward. It still remains one of the best movie moments of all time.
It really baffles the mind that director Irvin Kershner would go on to make "Robocop 2," his only real notable film after this. But, this remains an epic; a film whose only flaw is that is really doesn't end, but must be finished by a somewhat lesser sequel. The lack of any real changes to the film by Lucas is obviously a testament by how well this sequel turned out. Even still, when "Episode III" is finished, "Empire Strikes Back" will likely remain the pinnacle of the beloved series, not a small claim by any means. (***** out of *****)
As good as "A New Hope" looks, "Empire" looks even better. Opening scenes on Hoth have never looked better and the usual round of DVD problems with brighter shades of white are not an issue here. The entrance flight of the Millennium Falcon into Cloud City looks even better than it has in previous editions thanks to the completely remastered color scheme. The flickering problem caused by the resolution of the format is prevalent, but does seem a little better than it did in the first film. If you didn't know better, there is no way to guess this film is 24-years old. (*****)
Article comments
1 - B Russ
Han pounding the ship after stalling is gone: I just watched the Empire Strikes Back DVD. Remember when, before escaping Hoth, the Millenium Falcon stalls, the lights go out? Han pounds the wall above the door, the ship restarts, and off they go. Wellll.... it's gone from the DVD. Was this gone from the recent special release too? Anyway, WHY would they cut that scene? It was funny, and really gave you a sense of how fragile the MF was. Damn it, its absence will always bug me. Just leaves me hoping for an eventual DVD release of these movies without all the new tampering.
2 - Matt Paprocki
You blinked, because it is there. I seen it. Still gets a chuckle out of me.
3 - Jim S
second that motion.. it's there. The film wouldn't be the same without that scene....
The HUGE difference that I noticed (and maybe I'm wrong) is that the conversation between Vader and the Emperor is different. I haven't gone back to my SE videos to see if it was changed there (I've only watched them twice... I mostly go back to the original editons if I'm VHSing...) but the conversation is totally different than in the original theatrical release.