Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back
Director: Irvin Kershner
Screenplay: Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasden
Story: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Peter Mayhew
Released: 1980
Production: Lucasfilm
The Empire Strikes Back is the second installment in the classic Star Wars saga. It is widely regarded as the best of the entire series in which I completely agree... In the hands of director for hire Kershner, a more satisfying character study of the relationships between the lead actors is achieved. Although credit should be given to Lucas for setting up these interesting characters and assembling a great cast to begin with.
The story arc takes a downward turn from the celebratory climax of Star Wars where the Empire's ultimate grip on the galaxy has been weakened by a small rebel armies valiant uprising. Here we find the rebels in a completely hostile environment, hiding out on a remote ice planet where the terrain is almost uninhabitable. It does not take long to establish that the fight for freedom is far from over and the might of the Empire is closing in on the hidden rebel base. Following a devastating attack, the rebels are disbanded and relentlessly pursued by the Imperial Fleet lead by Darth Vader who is hell bent on capturing Luke Skywalker by any means necessary, much to the detriment of the Millennium Falcon's Captain Solo, co-pilot Chewbacca and passengers Princess Leia and C3PO.
The outcome is a dramatic, magical, mysterious, sweeping action extravaganza that end's with complete uncertainty for many of the character's plights.
The saga is available as a box set or can be purchased individually on DVD... Blu-ray is scheduled for release in September as special edition re-release format's, discarding the original 1980 print which is disappointing for enthusiasts.
Update Oct 2011
The Star Wars trilogy has been released on Blu-ray to a strong backlash from original fans due to the reworking of major scenes and effects sequences. In view of the disappointing public response, it has still gone on to become the best selling Blu-ray to date.
The Empire Strikes Back
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