Return of the Jedi (1983)


Let's take a look at the final film of the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi.

The Movie:

 Return of the Jedi is the third Star Wars movie, listed as Episode VI in the storyline.  It was directed by Richard Marquand with a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas.  Return of the Jedi received mostly positive reviews and was yet another box-office hit.  The movie was nominated for five Oscars and received a special award for visual effects.

Return of the Jedi opens with the Empire continuing construction on a new Death Star, orbiting the forest moon of Endor.  Meanwhile, Luke, Leia, Chewbacca, Lando, and the droids devise an elaborate plan to rescue Han, still frozen in carbonite, from the gangster Jabba the Hutt.  The heroes' success on this mission is vital to their continued roll as leaders of the Rebel Alliance.

When I was younger, this was my favorite of the original trilogy.  I know a lot of people don't like it because of the Ewoks, but personally I find Return of the Jedi to be the most exciting of the three.  The opening act at Jabba's palace has some of the more unique set pieces, and the final showdown between Luke and Vader is well done.  A while the movie does have yet another Death Star run, it is a whole lot of fun.  Iconic moments in this movie are Leia's gold bikini, the speeder bike chase, and "It's a Trap!"

Return of the Jedi features more great music from John Williams.  This movie's most new theme is Luke and Leia, though most recordings actually present it in a concert suite setting that isn't identical to the movie.  Parade of the Ewoks is another highlight.  This movie got the most musical changes in the Special Edition.  In Jabba's palace, the musical number "Lapti Nek" was replaced by a tune by Jerry Hey called "Jedi Rocks."  Personally, I strongly dislike this change, and the awful special effects in the new version don't help.  The other change is "Victory Celebration" replacing "Ewok Celebration" at the end, and personally, I like the new one better.

Presence in the Parks:

 We've about covered it all, but notably Return of the Jedi was the biggest inspiration for the exterior of the Hollywood Studios version of Star Tours.  Plus, there is a speeder bike from the movie that you can use for pictures.


Speeder bike, MGM Studios, July 2000

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