Star Wars Episode VI: The Return Of The Jedi

The Return Of The Jedi marks the conclusion of the original Star Wars trilogy with emotional rather than technological themes to the forefront.

Whilst in most respects a fitting and exciting end to the fantasy, the film shows signs of slippage that would continue to an even greater degree in the subsequent trilogy of prequels. The screenplay itself was not created until late in pre-production, special effects began to overshadow story elements, and cute, merchandisable, characters (the furry little Ewoks) took a more prominent role. The film was more obviously (and unnecessarily, given the preceding films’ popularity with children) aimed at a younger audience.

Set one year after The Empire Strikes Back, Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance must first rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, before dealing with the Empire’s second Death Star. Luke then confronts Darth Vader and the evil Emperor in the climactic final moments.

Like the rest of the original trilogy, Jedi was later re-released with remastered effects, and minor story and dialogue edits for continuity with the prequel trilogy.

 

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