Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition)

This is by far the best of all the Star Wars movies.
It's darker and full of excitment. I would recommend this to
all sci/fi fans.

Just wow. This is one of the best films ever, better than the first, and that's saying a mouthfull.

If you are any kind of Star Wars fan, this DVD is a must for your collection. I've heard that George Lucas did not want to produce a DVD of the original theatric version of The Empire Strikes Back but felt compelled by fan demand. Even though the 1980 version is a mediocre-quality dub of the original film, it is wonderful to see it much the same way as I did when it was in the theater. Get it while it's still at a decent price, & still available!

I remember going to see THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK for the first time in 1980. I was 5 years old. I remember hearing the voice of Yoda and exclaiming, "That's Grover!" (i.e. Sesame Street). And it was (Frank Oz).

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK has always been my favorite of the original trilogy. I think it must be because the movie slows down alot. I love the action and excitement as much as the next STAR WARS fan, but it creates a wonderful balance to have a middle film where we can stop, catch our breath and gear up for the big finale.

I'm very glad Lucasfilm has finally released the original trilogy onto DVD. I've seen many complaints about the lack of quality in the transfer. I guess I've gotten so used to those "Special Editions" that I have failed to see the difference.

But on that subject, it seems like THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK is the only film in the series which wasn't meaninglessly altered or marred by the Special Edition. No scenes were messed with to the extent that would change the story's context, and no ridiculous special effects were thrown in with effects 30 years their seniors. There was simply a more life-like Wampa (I could take it or leave it), a bustling Cloud City (the way it should be), and Darth Vader announcing his arrival to his Star Destroyer (I could take or leave that one too). All this to say that they left well enough alone on this one, and I'm glad they did.

The best of the original Star Wars Trilogy (and not even in the same conversation as the prequels--which should be on a list of 'most disappointing science fiction films of all time') The Empire Strikes Back is everything that makes Star Wars great. The brooding Lord Vader and his menacing strength, the over matched but immensely likable Luke Skywalker, the imaginative sets and beautiful planets, and the greatest revelation or 'twist' in science fiction film (and maybe all other genres!) of all time. At this point the film has become a legged, an icon and a cultural touchstone, and it deserves to be regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, regardless of genre.