10 Things You Didn't Know About EmpireStrikesBack

[@catjudo1]

My grandfather was never a big science fiction fan, but he really liked Star Wars. I asked him why one day, and he replied that it was a western in space. There was the young idealistic kid, the headstrong woman whose livelihood was threatened, the villain who sought to control everything and grind the protagonists under foot, and the myriad of other characters who rounded out the story, which itself was relatively linear and moralistic in tone. He said that Star Wars was like a Louis L'Amour story where the setting was changed from Arizona to galactic space. Years later I still think that is one of the most amazing observations I've heard.

[@rpc717]

Another major cinema channel named Star Wars one of the best westerns of all time.

[@rpc717]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXKwqKCcoL9plZo

[@brandonthorpe9905]

Lucas was really influenced by Akira Kurosawa who basically made Westerns set in Japan. Many of his movies were adapted to Westerns too. The Magnificent 7 is just a retelling of The Seven Samurai, A Fistfull of Dollars is just an adaptation of Yojimbo, and probably the "greatest western of all time" Star Wars borrowed heavily from The Hidden Fortress.

[@freakbaby6981]

Yes! Exactly! And that's why I really enjoyed The Mandalorian.

[@jmmartin7766]

@ Christopher Crockett - 💯 I've always thought Star Wars was more of a western than Star Trek, which was sold to the studios that way by Gene Roddenberry

[@aliensoup2420]

"Roboears" is Lobot. For some reason I liked this character even though he had little screen time or involvement. He was just cool, efficient, and got things done. Apparently he had more involvement in the script but was left out of the cut. I wanted to see more of him as he seemed like an interesting character with some mystery.

[@danielbauer9027]

Yes, he was intriguing... looking like he was running some major operations with precision in that magnificent city. I was hoping we'd get to "meet" him and learn what he was up to as well.

[@scottbubb2946]

I was 11 when this was released. I remember begging my mom and dad to take me. Because it was a limited release, we had to drive three hours to a theater that was showing it. I think I had every scene memorized. This was basically my whole life at that time. The first three Star Wars films were so important to me that they are a big part of who I am today.

[@JusNoBS420]

What town did you grow up in that you had to drive 3 hours to get to a theater?

[@scottbubb2946]

@@JusNoBS420 It's actually about a 20 minute drive to a theater, but I wanted to see it right when it came out. It was a limited release so the closest theater at the time was 3 hours away. Later it was shown a lot closer to where I live. I'm really surprised my parents took me. But I guess they knew how important to me it was.

[@thatonedudeoverhere]

You’re folks sounds awesome taking you on a pilgrimage to watch this movie

[@JP_IN_TX]

Love this story.

[@adamtondowsky6953]

According to Wiki, the film was released on Memorial Day weekend in just 126 theatres in the United States. More generally, if you didn't know, a 'wide release' film was at that time about 800 theatres because the films were physical prints, and they were fairly expensive to make. Then, after playing in the major cities for about (or at least) one month, the prints would be physically cleaned and the film would open in secondary markets.

[@robfinlay8058]

The Empire Strikes Back is the reason the Star Wars franchise still exists today.

[@richpunk77]

That's right, the glue that has held the entire franchise together until this very day.

[@bonghunezhou5051]

Correct; had TESB flopped there would have been no 'third film/Episode 6', and the Mouse House would not have forked over US$4B to George Lucas.

[@Viking_Luchador]

How hilarious is it that Gary Kurtz left the franchise because he thought it was becoming too much about the toys?

[@MAGGOT_VOMIT]

@ 17:05 LOL!! Hoth Samsquatch fall down!! 🥶🤣 Director: "Check his suit for Hooch!!" Crew: "We found lots of Hooch in there along with.........Lloyd the Bartender."😳🤣

[@philippealain-art]

No the reason is the succes of the Star Wars franchise is the success of the first film that established everything. Without that first film there would have been nothing after. QED.

[@Jman417]

Rest in peace Carrie Fisher. My favorite Star Wars movie

[@EmperorNerox]

She lost weight cuz she was coked out the entire fliming. I liked her only after i heard that lol

[@Cafeman_2D]

I saw Empire first at the theater, as a kid about 6th grade. Instant Star Wars fan. Had lots of action figures, home made my own ships out of old toys and cardboard, paint and glue. Listened to the soundtrack every night on cassette tape deck. Thanks Minty!

[@wstine79]

I remember seeing the props and costumes at the STAR WARS exhibit at the Smithsonian in 1998. The Hoth miniature set was awesome to see.

[@casaagogo2573]

I was there too. It was fantastic! And of course bought a t-shirt, which I’ve had all these years…

[@joshhall8530]

Me too. It was ace. I remember the super Star destroyer model. Wow!

[@Grigsy]

I was 12 and was there. It was my first trip on a plane and my grandma took me there. I remember being in awe of the original lightsaber props, the Vader costume, and red imperial guard.

[@dtdimeflicks6708]

I saw that exhibit in 2001 when it came to my city. That was quite an experience. I went through it five times.

[@ba2724]

My mom took me and my siblings to watch Star Wars AND The Empire Strikes Back as part of a double header in San Angelo, TX in 1980. I was 10. I was already collecting SW figures from 1978-1979, as well as the bubble gum trading cards, but had never actually seen SW until that point. And my goodness, did it change my life forever. I had never seen such amazing things and brilliant stories. Darth Vader's Super Star Destroyer was the most badass thing I'd ever seen.

[@ianbyron7464]

I remember seeing this with my family in the theater, and had lots of fun afterwards playing with my Star Wars action figures on snowy days in my yard. Very good memories.

[@thedys70]

Kenner Star Wars action figures ruled our worlds

[@byrdiegrow7991]

Minty, I love your talent at telling great stories about our beloved Great Stories. You are a man ahead in your field of story teller. Thank You!

[@tgh965]

I was literally raise on this trilogy. In its day, it was so original yet familiar, so ground breaking in its use of special effects...now in my mid fifties....I am still that fascinated, giddy preteen in love with this story. Thank you Minty, wonderful content as always.

[@TheRadioAteMyTV]

When I teach classes on SW, I have to show the students a bunch of examples of science fiction and fantasy from 1970-1977, so they can see (outside of Logan's Run), what a giant leap SW was. The context for how it changed the universe has to be set by those other examples to get anywhere close to seeing what it did for movies and the culture. The same is true of Jaws and Superman, but on a much smaller scale culturally speaking, because Jaws and Superman were gigantic influences on movies and culture, but SW was really that much bigger.

[@tgh965]

@@TheRadioAteMyTV ....I can still remember how breathtaking that first scene with the Imperial Destroyer was...it totally blew me away.

[@TheRadioAteMyTV]

@@tgh965 If you watch Light & Magic the new documentary of Industrial Light and Magic, where they talk about that shot, it's so cool how and why it was born. Yes, the movie was a game changer for sure. The sparkles as the escape pod took off, the music like a little kid like me had never heard before, all gobbled me up. It was the fight scenes with x-wings and tie-fighters that stuck with me most for the first few years. Oh and the landspeeder was what everybody wanted to drive.

[@PoopaChallupa]

How is someone Literally rasied on a trilogy? I'm genuinely curious what you mean when you use that word.

[@tgh965]

...'literally' was a cheeky attempt to illustrate how the trilogy as a whole, as it was playing out, left a lasting impression which help to shape the person I was to become.

[@HiRevzMedia]

Little clarification, Boba Fett was originally all white, because his suit was supposed to be for some kind of elite stormtrooper. They planned to make a hundred of them, but didn't have the budget to make more. So instead they used the one custom suit and made him into the bounty hunter, Boba Fett.

[@EddiePedalo]

Watching Empire at the cinema is one of my best childhood memories. I was too young to have seen or even heard of Star Wars. My dad wanted to see it, despite not having seen Star Wars either, because he was curious, as he had been working at Elstree dismantling the film's sets.

[@JusNoBS420]

That’s pretty cool. Was he able to take anything from the sets?

[@EddiePedalo]

@@JusNoBS420 No. My dad has never nicked anything in his life. Me... I would have been stopped by security with a wompa up my jumper.

[@jessicashannon4178]

My dad was both a Star Trek and Star Wars fan. My dad loves Star Trek so much that he could site the opening of Star Trek word for word and before he passed away two years ago I asked him if you could live in any universe would it be Star Trek or Star Wars and he got me completely by surprise by saying Star Wars and I asked him why Star Wars and he basically said because of the light sabers which caused me to burst out laughing. Why that surprised me was because I figured my dad was more of a star tracks and Star Wars but I was absolutely happy when he said Star Wars I am such a Star Wars fan I just cannot get enough of it

[@kingneutron1]

Watch the latest SW stuff on Disney+, when Vader is battling the female Grand Inquisitor he doesnt even NEED a lightsaber. He's such a powerful Force user, the lightsaber becomes just a convenient cutting tool for him!

[@garinsparks7041]

OUTSTANDING! I was friends with Kersh up until his death and he had the greatest voice-mail Ever! GREAT JOB ON THIS ONE!!!!

[@thedys70]

Vale Kersh

[@scottbarber9374]

As much credit as Ben Burtt and John Williams are given, I still think their contribution to Star Wars is underrated. I put about 1/3 of the success of these films on the sound effects and music.

[@MrSmiley1964]

Never underrate the music. When Luke stands on the edge of his uncle's house watching the sunset wanting to be anywhere but there and the Music swells up, I knew right there, right then that was who I was. Never had a moment in cinema spoken to me like that one, I will never forget it.

[@AudieHolland]

John Williams extensively used other composers' material, which everybody in the music world knew. For instance, the original Star Wars soundtrack was produced by George Korngold, son of Hollywood composer Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Check his main theme for the film 'King's Row (1942)' or check out *Film Music that Copied Classical Music*

[@scottbarber9374]

@@AudieHolland Yes. And?

[@AudieHolland]

@@scottbarber9374 He's no genius. Everybody in the music world knew they were using mostly Korngold's work, that's why his grandson produced the Star Wars soundtrack.

[@scottbarber9374]

@@AudieHolland I disagree, but let's say you're 100% right. .... Aaaannnnd??? No one said Williams is a genius. What is your point?

[@VoiceUnder]

Me: "I already know everything about Star Wars" Minty: "Hold my blue milk"

[@TheRadioAteMyTV]

NO KIDDING! His research is amazing. Rolling Stones, Eric Idle, all nighter's - how did I miss that? HOW? How did he find that?

[@metallinguist]

Except for the "I know" line

[@danielbauer9027]

I added some blue food coloring to my milk after seeing Star Wars for the first time. Good times.

[@Eastsid3]

The great thing about ESB is that it's a "has to get bad before things get better". Leia's captured, Han may be dead, Luke takes a heavy lose after a bad revelation, the rebels are on the ropes. You're wondering how they are gonna pull out of this! It's a great executed downward arch. I had no idea there were so many troubles during shooting and filming. I'm glad the OG cast came back for additional appearances. Also lol at Ice cream man.

[@grapeshot]

I remember that Simpsons episode when it showed Homer and Marge coming out of the theater and Homer was like who would ever thought that Darth Vader was Luke's father. And everybody standing in line to go see the movie was like real nice jackazz. Nice way to spoil the movie.

[@JeremiahEcks777]

Oh I remember that. The sad thing is real people act like that nowadays. And so do KZbin thumbnails. I HATE spoilers on thumbnails.

[@willjenkins4195]

When 7 came out, while waiting for it to start my Jackass of a friend posted on Facebook that Han dies, just as a joke. We have not let him live that down to this day

[@JeremiahEcks777]

@@willjenkins4195 Aside from the fact that Harrison had been saying for many many years that he'd only come back if they killed off Han, that is still a dick move of the highest order.

[@willjenkins4195]

@@JeremiahEcks777 in fairness he wanted to be killed in Jedi, for 7 he never asked they just kinda did it 🤣 Ford wasn’t against doing 7, but Mark has said Ford only did it to get back at him for the dearth Vader thing since Mark had said he’d only do it if fire and Fisher would do it (thinking ford would say no for sure 🤣)

[@beece16]

I remember a video some edgelord teen walked out after 7 and loudly and purposely said "I can't believe Han Solo dies". It was one of those opening nights, and the fans in line used the force and pummeled the dumb kid.

[@RichardVassie]

Love The Empire Strike Back, had dinner with Dave Prowse and Kenny Baker, met Anthony Daniels and Peter Mayhew and Jeremy Bulloch.

[@hunterolaughlin]

Ooh, lucky you!

[@grapeshot]

The I am your father reveal. I remember sitting in the movie theater watching this when I was a little kid and there were people literally standing up in the movie theater shouting Luke don't believe him he's trying to psych you out.

[@PoopaChallupa]

The Dutch: oh, he's Luke's father. Now i get it.

[@tomrutledge3294]

Dark Father

[@mrfrisky6501]

I was still thinking about the ATATs at that point.... 7 year old kid mesmerised

[@atavious2491]

Like Zurg in Buzz Lightyear. Zurg was never really the father to Buzz. He even admits it in the star command cartoon. Some people still don't get that to this day.

[@CsykKrit]

@@tomrutledge3294 right?!

[@gmb858]

Excellent video. All the effort, the meticulous planning and the pacing of your dialogue and the film cuts are great. "A" for content, "A" for production, "A" for hosting. I've watched several of your videos and the consistency is top notch!

[@Malryth]

Another 10 Things You Didn't Know video about my favourite Star Wars movie to date!!! Thanks so much Minty!! Oh and about "Roboears"...if my memory serves me correctly he was called Lobot as far as the action figure was named, described as Lando's right hand man with that cybernetic brain thing to assist him with keeping schedules and running Cloud City. The emotional maturity you talked about went perfectly with the children audiences ages growing up. I was only 12 years old in 1980 and my parents still would not allow me to see a movie by myself. That fateful night I saw The Empire Strikes Back that Star Wars Poster on my Bedroom door of Darth Vader flanked by 2 Stormtroopers. Vader scared me so much as he was portrayed in Empire and how the movie ended for the Rebels. I slept with my door closed so I couldn't see the poster. As an adult I appreciate the movie as it told a realistic story at the sheer power and resources of The Galactic Empire and that they would have won a few battles against the Rebels.

[@kakarot5832]

You are correct Lobot is his name 🤙

[@pambronson4467]

The "robears" were from Thundercats.

[@Malryth]

@@pambronson4467 I know that. I spelt it as Minty pronounced it...robo-ears...

[@realsciencerhythm]

Lobot from planet Bespin

[@vandalorianvandalorian4769]

Lobot, like “lobotomy”

[@Powherkrangunch]

This movie is truly a masterpiece. Incidentally I actually like the love triangle concept for the characters. I fully understand that it doesn't fit everyone's perspective. I also really like Han and Leia together but in addition I sorta dig the secretly implied character drama. I liked a lot of the other secrets you revealed too. Great job on the video. I also really like the close-up Lando pictures. He's a very cool character to me.

[@wtf1185]

I really like your take on this Minty, Empire is my favorite of all of them. The one thing that puzzles me is everyone's reaction to Leia kissing Luke. They say, eww, she's his sister but people only started saying this *_after_* it was revealed in ROTJ. What no one seems to realize is, *_neither one of them knew that when she kissed him._*

[@25Erix]

I think the reveal in ROTJ predictably recontextualizes the previous two movies because now we know what we didn't know back then. Back when Empire first released, Luke and Leia had no blood ties at all because that connection didn't exist, even as an idea. So yeah, the sum of the parts here can make that kiss in Empire a bit uncomfortable because the audience knows something the characters don't.

[@rael7298]

What's crazy is that lucas changed heaps of things (like greedo shooting first, anakin's force ghost etc), but decided to keep this

[@mikeadams7904]

I always thought leia n luke being siblings was an afterthought. I must be wrong

[@25Erix]

@@mikeadams7904 it kind of was. Luke's twin was supposed to be a different character altogether

[@PhantomJM]

Empire is the first movie I can remember watching in the theater with my dad. I was only four years old at the time, yet it still stands out prominently in my memory to this day.

[@PhantomJM]

@Bongles I'm impressed you can determine what memories I have in my own head. You really should do something with that skill. Jackass.

[@jimmythebold589]

i saw brave new hope with my estranged dad when i was around 7 years old, in a cineplex in san jose

[@SydneyDrums]

I saw this at the Grafton drive-in, northern NSW Australia.. when it came out in 1980

[@thedys70]

Which would now be a shopping centre or housing estate i'd presume?

[@billlonee9470]

I remember being bummed that there wasn't a climatic space battle, and that the film just sort of ended. Now, of course, I've come to realize the film's brilliance. It literally is the Empire Strikes Back of the Star Wars films.

[@voicevitality7197]

No clarification needed. Also, learn English.

[@jessisanchez8150]

I've worked in film production since 2012 and trust me, these types of issues happen all the time, its crazy how films even get finished. Ego's, creative control, budget, etc. these issues occur all the time.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Yes, I've been on a few film, streaming series, ads, digital media sets. Some producers are complete $÷× holes. Actors can seem completely unglued, insane. Or have obvious substance abuse drinking problems. Film & TV work is not all glitz, fun.

[@pattimcintosh7274]

The production of your videos is so top notch!! From the opening sequence to the very end. You've been a favorite of mine from the first video I watched. Love your work!!

[@savethezombies]

In his autobiography, Eric Idle gives more detail to the partying that went on the night before (and apparently, right up to when the cars came to pick the actors up for the shoot) the Cloud City landing scene was shot. He also gives a formal apology to Star Wars fans, which was unnecessary.

[@bnelso2833]

Benny Hill considered funnier than Monty Python by two TV stations--WOR and WLVI.

[@georgepatten9119]

This breakdown stirs up alot of great memories. Saw this, along with Star Wars and Return (Revenge) of The Jedi, with my dad, in the theater. Being a child during this period was sensory overload, with many companies and manufacturers heavily marketing any relevant products to cash in with the original fandom. Even years later, thanks to games like The Shadows of The Empire (N64), and shows like Family Guy, the second chapter of the original trilogy still connects with the youth of today.

[@markireland1162]

I personally don't see the ending as depressing. The good guys got beat up pretty bad, but escaped to regroup and fight another day. I see a glimmer of hope at the end.That's why I love this movie, yes it is dark, but it's not depressing.

[@jordanstuteville9154]

It really gets the viewers begging for another sequel.

[@mondenkindqueen]

When you’ve hit rock bottom, Nowhere to go but up.

[@MonteLeeMyPOV]

Infinity Gauntlet anyone??

[@alanshand829]

I get no closure from the ending of Empire. I have always felt that this is the first part of the movie and Jedi the 2nd (Its the same for the matrix reloaded and revolutions, as well as Avengers infinity war and endgame). As this trilogy was completd in the 80's you know that there is another movie coming behind, but look at the divergent series where the final movie was canned. Each movie (generally beyond the first) is building to a conclusion that never comes, lessening their overall effect and disuading people for watching any of them.

[@garrett8707]

It’s a loss, but as George always wants in his story, there is hope

[@seantlewis376]

I was 14 when Empire came out. I remember leaving the cinema with my dad, and saying that it seemed like a pretty good "bridge movie" to connect the first and third installments. Turns out that not only was I right, but after Return of Jedi came out, Empire was quickly hailed by fans as the best of the trilogy.

[@WarhavenSC]

26:50 -- I don't know if there will ever be a movie experience like this ever again. Last time I waited in line, surrounded by other fans, joking, playing games, BBQing, and genuinely filled with excitement, anticipation, and joy was Episode I. I enjoyed the wait more than the movie itself, but I can't think of a franchise that'd draw a line people the night before release like that again. Those were the days...

[@billyd530111]

In the 80's Empire was always my favorite. I guess most people liked Return of the Jedi back then. I did too. But the scenery and props in Empire are just next level. The AT-ATs, cloud city and Dagobah just stick in your mind forever.

[@nickh5081]

And even at 13 years old in 1983 I felt that Return (and the Ewoks) were childish and they were dumbing down the series for a new generation of "children". The greatest thing about the Harry Potter series is that it grew up with it's original audience. Lucas just went right back to the 5-8 year old with ROTJ knowing the real money was in the toy lines and that age range was his cash cow. I still like Jedi, but it doesn't compare to Empire.

[@mikehagmaier3949]

ROTJ just felt more like a Muppet movie to me between all the critters at Jabba’s palace and the Ewoks. Ralph McQuarrie and Joe Johnston apparently didn’t think the Ewoks fit into the story - George should have listened to them!

[@hunterolaughlin]

I agree. I feel like Empire’s set pieces have had more impact than the film that won the Academy Award for Best Production Design, Tess. I’m sure the set designers and art directors did a good job on Tess, but Empire Strikes Back is the TRUE winner.

[@davidbauer4355]

Still remember seeing the preview for Empire when they re-released Star Wars to cinemas right before Empire. Most of the people in the cinema left as soon as the movie ended, but I was convinced the scenes would be shown post credits, so my folks stuck with their crazy 11 year old and viola, they showed the scenes. Empire was such a great movie and that awesome cliffhanger certainly helped lead to the cinemas running multiple screens of Jedi with the lines wrapped around buildings and snaked through parking lots just to buy the tickets. Ah, those were the days...

[@thedys70]

before the dark times... before home video....

[@FWDSUXARSE]

That was in the late 90s right? Or maybe very early aughts

[@davidbauer4355]

More like previous century...late 1979 I am pretty sure for the Star Wars re-release along with the Empire preview. It could have been very early 1980, but I think it was done around the beginning of 1979's holiday season for the free toy advertising to help remind the parents what we kids didn't have yet.

[@FWDSUXARSE]

@@davidbauer4355 I'm probably thinking of the home video re-release aka The Special Edition. I personally didn't like The Special Edition due to the unnecessary changes.

[@davidbauer4355]

@@FWDSUXARSE @Lou Seinas There definitely was the big theatrical release of the Special Editions in the 1997 range. I specifically remember that as I was living together with a ballet dancer in Chicago and she graciously came with me to the midnight showings at the three screen cinema right across the street from our building for each release. (Plus, it was fracking cold out during the entry line waits, so it was definitely winter-ish...it was our first northern winter for her a couple years, for me for a decade plus.)

[@domonek07251967]

Thank you... life long Star Wars fan... very informative. Brought back memories and feelings of being 13 and going opening night with mom, dad and family ...

[@grapeshot]

This is still my favorite Star Wars movie out of all of them in large part because basically the bad guys win.

[@robd1329]

Yes...it changed movie history forever with the Empire winning!

[@christiandusina2087]

@@robd1329 your so right there it’s the best of any Star Wars I have rewatched it more than any movie of the franchises

[@robd1329]

@@christiandusina2087 ive watched this one more than any other movie ever made...along with Terminator 1. They sure done make movies like this anymore

[@jeffpatton2866]

Evil will always triumph because good is dumb.

[@powerbad696]

So true.There medals given out in the first film,in the 2nd film:MISERY. LOL.Even your heroes have to suffer and over-come obstacles to succeed,it makes victory all so SWEET.Hence the title:Empire Strikes Back.

[@jaymilligan9628]

In fact, Minty, if you can get your hands on the 2004 DvD collection I highly recommend it. You have commentary from George, Krtz, Carrie Fisher, Kershner, and the theatrical releases. Furthermore, according to Carrie Fisher, her party time was with Eric Idle of Monty Python fame, and not particularly with the Rolling Stones. But apparently, all of the Bespin scenes were filmed after a night of partying with the cast of Monty Python and that was why they all seemed so happy. Carrie is dangerously candid in her stories LOL

[@ferox965]

When Star Wars movies didn't look like video games.

[@Kr0n1kTh3Kl0wn]

literally this movie has more video games made about it than any other star wars movie...

[@Tk5869]

The movie that shows how the empire really was. Threatening, serious, good looking and of course very very very cool in every aspect☺

[@jimmythebold589]

i'm looking at my stormtrooper of the month sex poster right now as you say this...

[@beaupierrebondurant5651]

The greatest star wars movie.

[@stephenrichnafsky897]

agree

[@boris1387]

Agreed👌

[@Giambijuice]

Yep

[@criscase6632]

No doubt about it

[@HerbertWestward]

Yup!

[@alankeith7866]

And let's not forget about John Williams' musical score. Battle in the Snow and The Asteroid Field are epic!!

[@hunterolaughlin]

My favorite Star Wars film and one of my top 5 all time favorite films. No other Star Wars film can top the scope, drama and stakes of The Empire Strikes Back.

[@mikeadams7904]

amen. I took My then 5yr old to this during covid at the cinema. he was silent and captivated for 2hrs. that said it all, even as old as that film is. :)

[@bjw4859]

I saw this one at a drive inn, now that was the way to see movies, especially ones like this, I think I was in my last year of primary school in a fairly small town & literally the whole town went to see it, I can still remember the awe at seeing it & I've just turned 54.

[@CarbiesChronicles]

when i was a boy my mom took me to the theater to see this movie 17 times... of course back then tickets cost $2.50... imagine that

[@kennethmalone4689]

Accounting for inflation $2.50 is right at $9.00 today.

[@keithaustinragsdale8182]

Best retrospective in a while, not saying that they're always not top notch, cuz you always kill it! But, I actually learned some new lore, and am impressed. Killer job my dude, keep em coming...🤘

[@criscase6632]

I saw this in theaters as a kid and when Vader said I am your father you could have punched me in the face and I wouldn't have noticed from the shock of hearing that.

[@Rich-hm9ux]

Love your documentaries! Yeah, this was my favorite Star Wars movie.

[@BondFreek]

The famous "I know" was discussed, not argued with, kirschner and Lucas and Ford. Originally they actually shot Han Solo saying "I love you too" but both Kushner and Ford were uncomfortable with it. It did not feel like Han Solo. After discussing the scene with George Lucas the three agreed to use whatever Harrison Ford felt like saying. That's how it really went down. This was reported in many behind the scenes books of The Empire Strikes Back and in the commentary track on the DVD.

[@homelesshannah50]

I'm glad Harrison wanted to change it, him saying it back would have been sappy

[@davincent98]

"I love you." "I know." "LUNCH!"

[@mikeadams7904]

hell yeah

[@thedys70]

@@davincent98 Carrie - "coke"!

[@nicholasbullock1709]

I know.

[@mikeadams7904]

a masterpiece and one of my favourite films ever.

[@wstine79]

"Impressive. Most Impressive. But, you're not a Minty yet."

[@BrianWF34]

This came out when I was 11 years old. I was already a die hard Star Wars fan, but this movie cemented my love for the franchise. While the movie itself is amazing, I personally think the soundtrack made this 100 times better. This might be John Williams greatest soundtrack. I can actually listen to it and pick out EXACTLY where in the movie all the cues took place. Easily my favorite movie of all time.

[@grapeshot]

Billy Dee Williams oh boy did my mom and aunts love him.

[@davidjoe3368]

This is by far the best of the first three Movies, and yes, one of the best Movies ever made! Definitely darker, but a much deeper look into the Star Wars Universe, with technology that was very advanced, scratched and worn looking! Like the first Movie, Empire is about Friendship, loyalty, and Good and Evil! Empire Strikes Back is a classic and timeless Movie, that never get's old!

[@BatmanBoss]

Among the greatest Sequel movies ever with Godfather 2, Aliens and T2!

[@harvillex4284]

Top gun mavrick

[@MrSleepy677]

Mad Max Fury Road and Mad Max 2.

[@Z-Mikes00]

Blade runner 2049 Dark knight Bride of Frankenstein Split Spiderman 2

[@blackbirdtech3368]

ESB was the first Star Wars movie I saw in the theaters. It was larger than life and a movie that I could re-watch over and over again! Definitely my favorite of the original trilogy!

[@crowkiller0668]

Lobot. That is the character's name. The guy you have lovingly re-named "Robo-Ears."

[@F13fan]

My favorite SW film. My favorite version of course is the dvd/Blu-ray one with the added effects and scenes and I’m almost 40. I wish the wampas attacking the base and lukes extra training scenes had been put back in. Fett is my favorite character as well

[@CozumelTy]

This was the best of all the SW movies so far. Great.

[@mrmaxaxl]

CRUSHES all of the PC sequals!

[@jaymilligan9628]

George also denies that the wampa was because of Mark's accident. But George has changed his story on so many things that I don't trust most of what he ways

[@OzzyMandias]

Everyone knows that The Empire banned Ice Cream due to the Emperor choking on a Screwball, Ice Cream Makers were banned under penalty of DEATH!

[@MrFnkyJoe]

Brilliant work here! And quite a bit of detail i didn't know myself which surprised me being a fairly huge Star Wars geek. Thanks!!

[@nathanherren6708]

The “Mandalorian” people should take notice about Vader stopping blasters with his robotic hand and the force....it’s something I always wanted Luke to use as he progressed!!!

[@bruhbutton4520]

I remember hearing parts of his suit actually can reflect/absorb blaster bolts. I assumed that was what that was about

[@nathanherren6708]

@@bruhbutton4520 I never heard that before, but I took it as Luke proved he was stronger in the duel and could do things Vader could do and more. I always wanted to see Luke being more powerful than Vader and causing the same kind of fear/respect, like the Mandalorian episode when he walked through the Dark troopers like they were chumps.

[@kemikemi756]

27:40 I love that due to a f* up the giant cruiser is upside down still in the final cut of the movie 😁

[@delaunfifield3490]

I stood in line at my local theater for better than 9 hours to be the FIRST IN LINE to see this film there! I was even interviewed by the local news. That was a HUGE deal for the 14 year old version of me! EASILY my favorite film of the STAR WARS saga if not my favorite film of all time! This was STAR WARS at its zenith which is why I say Disney has SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO missed the mark, spirit and standard that "Empire" set!

[@thedys70]

Disney and Kennedy wouldn't know if their arses were on fire...

[@EmperorNerox]

I started to wait in line then said fk it I wanna see Scarface. I was stoked. Snuck back nto empire afterwards I was 13 or 14

[@ianoag]

Splinter of the Mind's eye is an awesome book! Oh and by the way Minty, the minor Character you referred to as "Robo-Ears" was actually a Cyborg called "Lobot"

[@andrewwilliams8736]

“Hamill had to take time off due to a hand injury.” So did Luke lol

[@squireaz4984]

HOW DID YOU KNOW!! This is our favorite "Star Wars" movie. The others are quite nice, but you are right, this is our favorite movie too. The newer sequels are nice but this is our favorite. Thanks Minty, keep up the good work! Can't wait until your next episode.

[@robd1329]

One thing always talked about was Mark Hamils face after his car accident. Besides the Wampa scene...i Never noticed anything wrong or different with his face.

[@Z-Mikes00]

It looks noticably different tho

[@IanSowers]

Thanks for the video. That print ad at 26:38 is from my hometown, Seattle, and that's the theater I saw it in. Also saw the first film there.

[@AustinKloud]

Empire is still my favorite- but I’m 50 years old and faded.

[@thedys70]

More faded at 52, with natural platinum tips in my hair...

[@johntuttle2825]

I like all the Star Wars movies. Empire Strikes back being one of my favorite. Good and interesting video, Minty. I collected the Star Wars figures too. I had a huge comic book dedicated to the Empire Strikes back. It added a few things that was not in the movie. I was also the first kid who received Bubba Fette action figure in the mail. I had heard that the first release had the rocket that really launched. They thought it was too dangerous for kids. They redone Bubba Fette because of it. To make it safer. I was in the movie theater when Darth said, "No, Luke. I am your Father!" Why it changed over the years is a mystery to me. Empire Strikes back is an amazing movie! Thank you! Take care.

[@wstine79]

It's a good thing Mark Hamill and the Star Wars crew came to the Muppet Show. It led to the creation of the great Yoda.

[@LadyOnikara]

I love that episode! Funny as heck!

[@paulshri8609]

Empire was perfect. Its a shame the people behind the last three efforts learned nothing from watching it...IF they ever watched it. Great presentation as always 👏

[@jamesredman462]

This film really made me interested in Star Wars. I only remembered parts of it, due to being only 5 years old when it was first released, but I did have memories, but the end of film gave a demand to see Return of the Jedi. The effects were amazing. It wasn't until it was released on video tape that I had really saw the whole thing. It's a have to watch film.

[@kingneutron1]

I was less than 10 y/o when ESB came out, and remember getting in trouble for drawing TIE fighter battles in pencil on my school desk surface (without using paper). Personally I thought the artwork attempt was pretty good but they made me clean off the desk

[@LeadSurge3000]

@11:20 *Harrison Ford swiped the line "I know" from a Burt Reynolds movie.*

[@cadeevans4623]

My favorite star wars movie love this film

[@tricivenola8164]

Excellent video! I was lucky enough to see Empire Strikes Back after its initial release, at the Nuart Theater in LA, with Irwin Kershner himself present and answering questions afterwards. I don't know if you've ever said that Star Wars, the first movir, was about Vietnam, but it was, and geared to a 14-year-old boy. Of course his father was always Vader. Luke Skywalker is an incarnation of The Hero With A Thousand Faces, from the book by Joseph Campbell. One continuous thread in the thousands of mythological heroes is that he must fight and kill his father. In the 1980s, there was a laser-disk set of talking-head interviews with Joseph Campbell, all shot at Skywalker Ranch. Minty, I am glad you are preserving these, our own legends, about our own myths.

[@karlsmith2570]

Hey Minty, the character whom you've said you couldn't remember his name and referred to as "Robo Ears" That character's name is Lobot

[@jmmartin7766]

Well done, Minty! I was a huge Star Wars fan from the git-go, as a young child in 1977, and thought I knew nearly everything about them. You have demonstrated for me that I didn't, which is a pleasant surprise! I think it's safe to say my childhood would've been very different without this well-made franchise, and the literal years of anticipation between each movie. Now, movies aren't made that way and, imho, they have suffered greatly for it! Regarding angst an a movie set: I hate to say it for the cast's and crew's sake, but some of THE best movies (i.e. Empire, Casablanca, and Bladerunner) turned out as great as they did *precisely* because, in addition to excellent direction and writing, there was a huge amount of *stress* intertwined with their shoots. Fwiw Btw, "Robo Ears'" real name was "Lobot" -- which I might never have known had I not avidly collected the "classic" SW Figures... lol!

[@dearanaprincipe]

Leigh Brackett is one of my favorite writers. She also worked on The Big Sleep (1946). Treasured memories.

[@TheRadioAteMyTV]

Is it Lee or Lay?

[@robs7229]

I absolutely Love the Empire Strikes Back!!!! It is Favorite Star Wars movie and one of my top 3 Favorite movies of all time!!!! It is an Absolutely perfect Star Wars movie!!!! And the Absolute best in the Franchise!!!! Im loving rhe content!!! Keep up the great work!!!!!

[@slake9727]

Please do Eyes of Laura Mars, a forgotten classic.

[@tomioka_giyuu_isnot_depres9597]

Never watched a movie soo many times. One of the best movies ever.

[@razumtazum3246]

It's actually a common behind-the-scenes myth that the Wampa attack scene in ESB was intended to explain Hamill's facial scarring from the car accident he was in before shooting. In reality, the scene was always intended to be in the final script before the accident occurred and Hamill's injuries were much less severe than is publicly believed. (He just broke his nose and the production didn't feel it was a big issue.)

[@RoaryUK]

He didn't just "break his nose" he went through the windscreen of a car and had his face smashed in. While reports varied on the extent of Hamill's injuries, it's also well documented he had plastic surgery to reconstruct his face, which is also why he looks so different from the first film.

[@thedragonlee76]

He purposely crashed his car and wanted to claim he was injured to get out of his contract with the show Eight is Enough.

[@purefoldnz3070]

well that's not really true if you compare how Mark looked during the filming of Star Wars to how he looked in Empire. His face looks completely different.

[@purefoldnz3070]

@@RoaryUK exactly right. And if you look at the Holiday Special (filmed after the crash) he is covered in makeup to hide the accident.

[@JustinSevenTwo]

@@RoaryUK If any of that was true, he'd have been scarred up in both Corvette Summer, and the numerous appearances he made around Star Wars' release, both happening after the accident, and before shooting Empire. It's a tantalizing myth, but it's just not true.

[@richardray5805]

Minty, the audience did not cheer when Han Solo said, “I know.” No, they did not cheer. The audience lost its damn mind! It was so great. My wife and I love your show and you as well. Keep ‘em coming.

[@tcb7098]

This my favorite of the original trilogy. The first is more special because it was the first but the Empire was the best overall movie

[@peterkirby1753]

Cheers Minty. This puts T.E.S.B. on my (*re)watch list for the weekend. *I was 10 when it came out and saw it in a cinema which was still the main (only?) way to watch movies back in the day.

[@matteagle6914]

Yoda wasn't modeled after Einstein. He was unconsciously modeled after Stuart Freeborn himself.

[@mickadams1905]

Yeah, not sure where he got that from.

[@chriskay1449]

Yes, but Minty is still right. Stuart Freeborn himself stated in the documentary "Empire of Dreams" that he did use Albert Einstein in addition to his own face.

[@chriskay1449]

@@mickadams1905 The documentary "Empire of Dreams" and it comes from Stuart Freeborn himself.He literally says he used Einstein's wrinkles.

[@darthsneaky]

Minty, I have to hand it to you, mate. I have been a huge fan all of my life and you still found things that I didn't know about ESB!

[@donpaul9576]

Are you going to do all of the Star Wars movies? That would be interesting. Your comments that this was "darker" or something like that compared to the original, curious what you would think of Rouge One. I may be out numbered here, but for me, that turned out to be one of the best. It was darker and introduced good characters, along with explaining how the Death Star plans did get exposed for "A New Hope".

[@thedys70]

Rouge One will gain cult status in the next decade; it is indeed one of the best.

[@renaissancepoet]

I got to see TESB before it was officially released to the public. Three other friends and I cut High School and spent the night in my car to see the first showing at Noon the next day, but at Midnight, the theater did a special showing for the Press, and the manager let us sit in and watch it with them. When we arrived at the Century Theaters in San Jose California USA the day before TESB was released, it was 4pm and we were the first in line, but when we came out of the theater after 2am, there was around 5 cars behind us in line, and all the people completely lost their minds when they saw us walk out of the theater telling them we had just seen the film. (they first thought they had let us in to use the bathrooms lol) The next day when there were hundreds of people in line, once they found out about us they all treated us like rock stars. Even the news reporters that showed up on opening day interviewed us and we ended up on the news and in the local newspaper. What a great memory!

[@thereisnosanctuary6184]

Which paper?

[@renaissancepoet]

@@thereisnosanctuary6184 I don't remember. There were several of them there. One was probably The San Jose Mercury News. I lost my copy years ago. At least I think I did. I could just have it kept safe somewhere and have forgotten where. lol

[@josephbrown9685]

Irvin Kershner is the unsung hero of Star Wars. How he managed to pull off arguably the greatest movie sequel of all time while not even caring that much about the property is beyond me.

[@danieltallon5087]

Drugs.

[@danpetitpas]

Actually, Irvin had a reputation for directing successful sequels, which is why Lucas hired him. He directed The Return of a Man Called Horse which was one of the first sequels to earn MORE than its original film. That's also why they hired him for Never Say Never Again (both a remake and a sequel) and Robocop 2. He brought a different perspective to sequels and he was a good director. But Lucas also thought he directed too slowly. Lucas wanted him to direct no more than a couple of takes and move on, but Kershner would do take after take until he felt he got what he was looking for.

[@philippealain-art]

On the contrary, Irvin Kershner is the one who gets too much credit for the film's success, and allows the anti-Lucas haters to try to denigrate the latter. Of course Kershner is a good director, but the major reasons for the success of this sequel is Lucas' story and his willingness to take risks and bring depth. It's also because of Lucas' total artistic control and the editing changes he demanded. A director, no matter how talented he is, cannot make a good movie if the story is bad, the Disney sequels proved it. Apart from the fact that the directors of those horrors were not nearly as talented as Kershner (and Lucas), even someone as talented as Kershner could not have made a good movie with the stupid stories written for those sequels.

[@whydahell3816]

Minty man, you deserve many more subscribers. You do a great job, and probably should be the voice of Australia as a serious movie critic..

[@grapeshot]

I remember the part when Spider-Man made reference to this movie on Marvel Civil War.

[@1armronindad748]

This has to be one of the best movie ever made. The good guys lose and Vader telling Luke the truth hits everyone watching the movie for 1st time hards hard.

[@Dragon-Lady]

Splinter of the Mind's Eye was in my high school library in the late 80s. I loved it. Also, yes, Empire was the best SW movie because it was darker. And...I'm surprised that you didn't mention that the actor who grabbed Carrie Fisher by the elbows when she screamed, "Luke, it's a trap!" Is the same actor who played Boba Fett.

[@thedys70]

Jeremy Bulloch; have you see his 1970's British cinema catalogue?

[@susanscott8653]

That would be Jeremy Bulloch.

[@susanscott8653]

@@thedys70 I know he was in Robin of Sherwood in the 80s.

[@thedys70]

@@susanscott8653 He also featured in some films similar to the "Carry On..." genre, where he plays a tradesman going from job to job seducing lonely housewives

[@CharlieHepp]

My grandfather was never a big science fiction fan, but he really liked Star Wars. I asked him why one day, and he replied that it was a Western in space. There was the young idealistic kid, the headstrong woman whose livelihood was threatened, the villain who sought to control everything and grind the protagonists underfoot, and the myriad of other characters who rounded out the story, which itself was relatively linear and moralistic in tone. He said that Star Wars was like a Louis L'Amour story where the setting was changed from Arizona to galactic space. Years later I still think that is one of the most amazing observations I've heard. Rest in peace, Carrie Fisher. My favorite Star Wars movie Little Clarification, Boba Fett was originally all white because his suit was supposed to be for some kind of elite stormtrooper. They planned to make a hundred of them but didn't have the budget to make more. So instead they used the one custom suit and made him into the bounty hunter, Boba Fett. "Roboears" is Lobot. For some reason, I liked this character even though he had little screen time or involvement. He was just cool, efficient, and got things done. Apparently, he had more involvement in the script but was left out of the cut. I wanted to see more of him as he seemed like an interesting character with some mystery. I remember seeing the props and costumes at the STAR WARS exhibit at the Smithsonian in 1998. The Hoth miniature set was awesome to see. When Star Wars movies didn't look like video games. The Empire Strikes Back is the reason the Star Wars franchise still exists today. As much credit as Ben Burtt and John Williams are given, I still think their contribution to Star Wars is underrated. I put about 1/3 of the success of these films on the sound effects and music. I was 11 when this was released. I remember begging my mom and dad to take me. Because it was a limited release, we had to drive three hours to a theater that was showing it. I think I had every scene memorized. This was basically my whole life at that time. The first three Star Wars films were so important to me that they are a big part of who I am today.89 I saw Empire first at the theater, as a kid about 6th grade. Instant Star Wars fan. Had lots of action figures, homemade my own ships out of old toys and cardboard, paint, and Clue. Listened to the soundtrack every night on the cassette tape deck. Thanks, Minty! The great thing about ESB is that it's a "has to get bad before things get better". Leia's captured, Han may be dead, Luke takes a heavy loss after a bad revelation, and the rebels are on the ropes. You're wondering how they are gonna pull out of this! It's a great executed downward arch. I had no idea there were so many troubles during shooting and filming. I'm glad the OG cast came back for additional appearances. Also lol at Ice Cream Man. Me: "I already know everything about Star Wars" Minty: "Hold my blue milk" The greatest Star Wars movie. My mom took me and my siblings to watch Star Wars AND The Empire Strikes Back as part of a doubleheader in San Angelo, TX in 1980. I was 10. I was already collecting SW figures from 1978-1979, as well as the bubble gum trading cards, but had never actually seen SW until that point. And my goodness, did it change my life forever. I had never seen such amazing things and brilliant stories. Darth Vader's Super Star Destroyer was the most badass thing I'd ever seen. The movie shows how the empire really was. Threatening, serious, good-looking, and of course very very very cool in every aspect of The I Am Your Father reveals. I remember sitting in the movie theater watching this when I was a little kid and there were people literally standing up in the movie theater shouting Luke don't believe him he's trying to psych you out. I remember seeing this with my own family in the theater and having lots of fun afterward playing with my Star Wars action figures on snowy days in my yard. Very good memories. My dad was both a Star Trek and Star Wars fan. My dad loves Star Trek so much that he could site the opening of Star Trek word for word and before he passed away two years ago I asked him if you could live in any universe would it be Star Trek or Star Wars and he got me completely by surprise by saying Star Wars and I asked him why Star Wars and he basically said because of the light sabers which caused me to burst out laughing. Why that surprised me was because I figured my dad was more of a star tracks and Star Wars but I was absolutely happy when he said Star Wars I am such a Star Wars fan I just cannot get enough of it Empire is the first movie I can remember watching in the theater with my dad. I was only four years old at the time, yet it still stands out prominently in my memory to this day. Watching Empire at the cinema was one of my best childhood my own bother turned in the dark side of memories. I was too young to have seen or even heard of Star Wars. My dad wanted to see it, despite not having seen Star Wars either, because he was curious, as he had been working dismantling the film's sets. I was literally raised on this trilogy. In its day, it was so original yet familiar, so groundbreaking in its use of special effects...now in my mid-fifties...I am still that fascinated, in love with this story. I love your talent for telling great stories about our beloved Great Stories. You are a man ahead in your field of storyteller. Thank You! on live-action bothering you on live-action check it out and take a first look teaser from last time okay I had another with me bro thanks. Now Playing on the new podcast Top 20 Epic Movie Entrances WatchMojo.com. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 20 years later on StarWarsOnly storyteller Return of the Jedi - The Most Frequently Asked Questions ANSWERED Star Wars Explained.