Darth Vader helmet - The Empire Strikes Back Comparison

Looking at Darth Vader's helmet from The Empire Strikes back and comparing it with the A New Hope helmet to see what changed between the two movies.

[@rhinograph]

The A New Hope version had the most aggressive look. The widow's peak and the helmet obscuring the eyebrows a bit just gives it a meaner and more intimidating (IMO) expression, which is why it's my personal favorite of all of the Vader helmets.

[@cesarmedina7080]

I agree 100%. Something about the gun metal gray makes it look good in my opinion as well. New Hope is definitely a meaner looking mask/helmet.

[@coledakers6127]

1:01

[@hunterkiller1440]

I prefer ESB helmet more. It feels more dominating and bombastic, ANH helmet feels more stealth like.

[@chibang492]

Of all the versions of D.V helmits and masks, i like the Empire Strikes Back version the best. I also like the Empire Strikes Back suit and chest plate the best as well.

[@skylx0812]

The Empire Strikes Back helmet seems made to suit the lighting in the film especially the moody setting of the cave on Degoba and the Cloud City interiors. There's a lot of lighting through grillwork from above and below and it reflected very nicely off of the shinier helmet. I think it gave the sets a grander scale. And whereas the rest of the cast were always in motion in action scenes Vader just had to stand there and exhude a presance.

[@peppermillers8361]

exactly. The scene with him looking out from his Star Destroyer wouldn't have been the same if he didn't have shiny reflections all over his helmet in my opinion.

[@steveempire4625]

ESB helmet is shinier and more artistic as a way of showing Vader's promotion and standing within the Empire. It's more ceremonial than the more combat-helmet of ANH.

[@aardwolfweb]

I always wished they had used the McQuarrie concept design for the RotS Vader reveal.

[@rastanz]

I personally prefer the slightly matte look of the new hope version, it has more of a weathered used aesthetic look to it. Both awesome looking versions with the shiny empire helmet but the new hope looks more menacing to me because of the lower brim line of the helmet. The chin grill looks bigger and the helmet thinner on the empire version too. MTFBWY.

[@coltseavers6298]

Agreed. I so much prefer A New Hope helmet. The duller finish helps give it a more evil and mysterious feel than the shinier, ceremonial, parade ground helmet.

[@jb0078887]

R1/ANH every time. I love the refinements in R1 that add to the ANH. ANH just looks so much more menacing.

[@stevenclubb7718]

The case I'd make for the shinier helmet is you can use lighting and reflections to convey emotion, as the helmet isn't completely static.

[@tperson8347]

The STAR WARS (77) helmet is my favorite out of all three. I love the original face mask better also, I think it looks angrier than the others.

[@Tar-Numendil]

I also prefer the ANH version because of how low the dome sits.

[@chasemiles2166]

I really like how Rogue One, and Kenobi modernized the A New Hope design. So yes, I prefer the A New Hope design.

[@sarlaccbreath7701]

New hope - no shiny car crap. Just all business haha Great video

[@michaelhoward142]

Exactly! Shiny and polished has too much of a "look at me!" pomposity to it. I MUCH prefer the "form follows function" look.

[@commandercaptain4664]

Empire’s looks more slim and sleek, whereas New Hope’s is more brawny and imposing. I can’t decide which is better. I want both!

[@H3RM1T_CR4B]

Vaders first appearance on screen with the matte finish and amber hue of Vaders lenses make ANH the iconic helmet it will always be. Although could you imagine if Vader looked 100 percent what Ralph Macquarie had drawn on paper.

[@JJohnston4Life]

His "first" appearance was in ROT, technically.

[@H3RM1T_CR4B]

@@JJohnston4Life My comment was regarding the first time Darth Vader was ever seen in a film. The first time moviegoers saw Vader on screen was in Episode IV: A New Hope. I'm not talking about the first time Darth Vader was placed in the suit in Episode III.

[@joshlee7935]

⁠@@JJohnston4Lifelast I checked 1977 came before 2005

[@HayK47]

@@joshlee7935hence the “first”

[@taldynamo8298]

I could watch these videos all day. Thanks for everything you guys do for the Vader community!

[@spockboy]

Agreed, the NEW HOPE helmet is far more intimidating.

[@dazthedarklord774]

Totally agree with you mate. It's always been the ANH lid for me. Looks more sinister and mean.

[@bgiles26]

Being a fan of Darth Vader, I have always liked his look, however, the look of Darth Vader changed because of.....Darth Vader. When ANH was released, Vader was more of a henchman serving Tarkin. Being a henchman, Vader didn't need a shiny uniform so the dull helmet, the red lens and the robes over the chest plate worked for the one doing the dirty work. After the release of ANH, Vader was quoting John Lennon, "bigger than Jesus" and he could not be a "henchman" in the next movie so they had to clean up his suit. The robe was now behind the chest plate, the lens were darker and the helmet was shine up because Vader was now of high importance. (of course this was because Lucas had to fix his flaws and Vader was his biggest flaw)

[@DrFranklynAnderson]

I remember, as a kid, recognizing the glass that they made ANH Vader’s eyes from. We had an old TV remote control where the front plastic bit covering the infrared diode was cracked a bit, and it had that exact same “very very dark but actually brownish red when the light hit it from certain angles” look. It bugged me in Rogue One how they went full-on X-Men Cyclops Sunglasses red with the lenses.

[@dan_hitchman007]

I believe they were using Ray Ban type sunglass material, which often had that more dark amber color in the lenses.

[@AnadracOrganWorks]

The first way is always the right/best way. The New Hope version is what I grew up with and I'm glad it was brought back for Rouge.

[@Zakklovesfilms]

I think people either forget or don’t think that the Darth Vader helmets are all different in every movie because they have to recreate it

[@lander77477]

I'm buying one, I have to. The ESB version for me. What an amazing replica, worthy of having a 35mm panavision movie camera pointed at it

[@stephenburns429]

i've noticed these differences for a long time. i've always appreciated the rough and dull appearance of the mask and helmet in "a new hope". the subsequent glossiness didn't fit the character, in my opinion.

[@DeadAbeVigoda]

I like the more exposed eyebrows of the ESB model. It gives the helmet more of a human expression. By that same token, I suppose, it does make the ANH helmet look comparatively more battle-hardened as you said.

[@gpgpgpgp1000]

I would like the New Hope version, but with the shine of the Empire version.

[@connorsimpson503]

The ANH helmet is better, looks more intimidating!

[@shhtha]

Totally agree. Always preferred the 'a new hope' helmet

[@Alzrad]

Your “new hope” Vader needs more handprints

[@elzibiel]

I liked ANH's helmet more than the later ones. The overall helmet design is a winner in all incarnations, it's just that good. But the subtle differences in ANH result in a helmet that makes Vader just look meaner, more aggressive, more angry, more blunt than the other variations. Add to that how he just seems to act more aggressive in ANH than any other of the orig trig, and you've got one scary villain there.

[@crxmdx9199]

'The Empire Strikes Back' Vader helmet! His appearance, along with everyone elses, folks, is ANOTHER reason 'the Empire Strikes Back' is the GREATEST Star Wars movie EVER!! Remember, this movie raised the bar in terms of quality and expectations across the board! You know this to be true! 😉

[@AlexandreOliveira1974]

Nice!! I've noticed, almost unawarely, some differences here and there (lenses, 'eyebrows') in the many times I watched the movies, but it's interesting to see you pointing them out in such a technical way, let's say. Greetings from São Paulo, Brazil.

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

The skirting was trimmed up on Jedi. I gathered Vader had a collection of his helmets stored in his rooms, and he changed em out for the occasion.

[@justinhaynes1085]

ANH. Like you said and a more menacing true Vader vibe. Of course the first to impact me in 77

[@jezzalexander]

This was a really cool watch. I always knew there were differences between the various helmet designs in the films but being lazily unobservant never really paid attention to the details of what they actually were, I could just tell which one was which from each film (original trilogy at least) so was really good to get a point by point.

[@schnubbel76]

A new hope is a bit more bulky and aggressive, straight forward, you know this guy means business. I was about to say it looks more menacing. But then again the empire helmet is more sleaky and devious, the "expression" leaves more room for interpretation what is going on behind the mask wich makes me feel very uncomfortable. I can not really decide, both are great in their own way.

[@Llkc60]

I always preferred Vader's look including the helmet in the empire strikes back. It might have to do with how they are going for a more demonic image of him, also showing his merciless cruelty and machine like dedication to further the empire's goals. We also get more shots from below especially in the iconic "I'm your father" scene, where the new helmet looks better and more intimidating. Another thing i noticed is that in empire strikes back the helmet just send to fit the actor better, this applies to the mask in rogue one, where it almost seems to wobble on the actor's head

[@michaelhoward142]

In the "I'm your father" scene of TESB, the back piece (neck guard) of the helmet definitely wobbles in the wind. I can't help but notice it every time I watch the film.

[@Llkc60]

@@michaelhoward142 hm, you are completely right, I stand corrected. I never noticed the actual wobbling and I have seen that scene countless times... (is it intentional though?) I watched the rogue one scene again, and there is no 'wobbling', It's hard for me to put my finger on it: somehow some of the movements of the helmet feels off, like it was too big, but maybe it's just me. Don't get me wrong, I was really happy to see him back on the big screen.

[@PickleRick65]

I like the original

[@melchiah_]

Are these both manufactured by EFX?

[@SkunkworksProps]

No, we make these.

[@melchiah_]

​@@SkunkworksPropsoh my bad I was half asleep when watching this earlier 😔, they look great!

[@Ro6entX]

Think the lenses in ANH is more of a dark amber color; I can’t remember the exact scene but when Vader is chasing Luke in the Death Star trench, the lightening shows the lens are more red than black, and you can see the actors real eye too.

[@VirtualSG]

The helmet differences coincidentally reflect the overall difference between "A New Hope" and the rest of the franchise. The original Star Wars is a masterpiece action/adventure movie. There just isn't any wiggle-room for improvement 😁 kzbin.info/aero/PLwfxx_7ZXUJgnss333QGbhsLwrxW6L5C0&si=TJY2DMdP33JFh1Ps

[@BrendanYoungMusic]

One other thing to note, the ESB has a SLIGHTLY shorter dome height overall, with the bottom edge not extending quite as far as the ANH version

[@skyrider4789]

I love both helmets equally, as they're both masterpieces representing different times of Vader's life. One question: the mesh patter behind the lenses of the ESB helmet, is that a Skunkworks interpretation or did the actual screen-used prop have them? I have two Don Post Deluxe Vaders (which are cast from screen used helmet) and that's a detail which wasn't included, so I'm curious. Thanks!

[@SkunkworksProps]

The mesh behind the lenses is something that's used by costumers as it helps prevent people from seeing their eyes through the mask. We add it to all helmets that will be used as part of a costume. It's not present on the original prop though so we leave it out if someone wants a helmet as a display piece.

[@skyrider4789]

@@SkunkworksProps That's cool. Thanks for the reply & good work! 🙏

[@DarkStar-wu9nq]

It’s like you are completely unaware the differences were real and done for a reason 😂😂😂 The lens are different and shinier Not mentioning why Have you watched Star Wars and Empire ?

[@cloverfield911]

ESB mask looks more menacing! Def prefer ESB. I get it that Vader probably had many masks as back-ups.

[@worldwideinterests1]

The A New Hope helmet does look tougher. If you do another it might be nice to actually show the details you're talking about, while you're talking about them.

[@jamesn7156]

Cool stuff. I think I prefer the Empire Strikes Back look, but probably only because I love that movie much better. They’re both very cool.

[@maulekuul]

No one is going to mention that there is at least one scene in Star Wars where you can clearly see David Prowse's eyes? They seemed to have fixed that in Empire. Also, pet peeve of mine, but I hate the name "A New Hope". It's just "Star Wars", thank you very much.

[@Jawazplebs]

I will watch any Vid of Vader helmet from you skunkworks props ..

[@michaelangelioliebers7601]

I'm a very big collector of star wars and met characters at San Diego Comic Con and won a star wars figurines its the Original 1977 New Hope Of Darth Vader helmet and I own a Imperial Stoormtropper helmet.

[@okradiohead7430]

There are cinematic qualities to the ESB version that convey character better. I think that's appropriate for the film. The shiny aspect is used to great effect, and it's something that had to be carefully taken into account when lighting and shooting. But yeah, the ANH version is more intimidating and I love it. Personally, I think the respective designs fit the arc of the story in a way for each film. We go into ESB thinking he's no more than a big scary thug not realizing there is way more to this guy than what we've been told. I think the change pays off when the Falcon goes to light speed at the end and Vader gives a conflicted double take at the sea of stars his son just disappeared into.

[@genebaker511]

In Empire, the look also gives a more contrast comparison to Luke Skywalker's worn-out and tattered clothing throughout the film, where Vader is all clean and imposing.

[@lake_cooper]

The Samurai structure is better, but I always like the shinier reflection of the latter version. So I'd prefer the 1st version with the polished color. I understand the conflict in "theory", but the shine of Vader's image always appeals to me in scenes, especially with all the light and dark contrasts on set.

[@j-prins61]

I really like the shiny Empire one but I wish the dark red lenses wouldve stayed cause they look very intimidating

[@evilzzzability]

IMO ESB is the best looking SW film and the ESB helmet well embodies that - it's sleeker, darker and the subtle redesign gives it more character.

[@therealknapster]

The original ' Star Wars ' no new hope B.S. being that he was never making a sequel let alone a trilogy ! The look being more superior and the lower to blend in with the material neck clothing and if course the fact everything is supposed to be old a worn in Star Wars . As I don't think he polished his helmet

[@TheAgentAssassin]

STAR WARS 1977 THAT IS THE NAME I SAW IN 1977 WHEN I WAS 8 YRS THIS "NEW HOPE" NAMING GETS UNDER MY SKIN.

[@SmallGreenPlanetoid]

I prefer the mean look of the ANH version. I love the gloss on the ESB but I dislike how it doesn't look as intimidating unless it's from a very low angle.

[@faisalmemon285]

Look, there’s more than which looks better. The actor who had to wear the helmet could breathe and see better in the ESB helmet. And the ESB helmet does look better. The shininess is better than the dull look of Star Wars (1977) and the over all costume is better in ESB, not just the helmet.

[@ibidesign]

TESB all the way, baby. They also modified the helmet's flare a touch and increased the 'dome' of the TESB helmet.

[@wadejacobs2011]

I like the ANH version. Got the first Black Series helmet. There is no neck on it. I much prefer the New Hope/Kenobi look.

[@rabbitandcrow]

Definitely ANH for me because it does look more like a helmet designed for battle.

[@josh1045]

Great video! I remember the first time as a kid I noticed the helmets were different, I felt so betrayed!!! Haha. Hopefully one day we can see every iteration of his helmet all in one lineup! Cheers friend!

[@Frankie5Angels150]

I never thought of it as samurai inspired. I thought the whole concept was of a Nazi SS helmet. Still do.

[@Morpheus0000]

The content seems fine, but the filming of the this is really frustrating. You don't see the comparative side by sides you should.

[@StephenKershaw1]

a new hope helmet was still the best... it looked more out of this world and less death star floor polish.... it looked battle worn

[@6gunn13]

ANH will ALWAYS be the iconic and definitive Darth Vader. OG all day!

[@harlanabraham7772]

The one that wasn't from A New Hope was my favorite. Larger area so Mr. Prowse could see his marks better helps the actor.

[@TruthnautBegins]

A New Hope looked more like real life. Everything in Empire was fancied up.

[@BlackAdder1970]

I like the New Hope version but with a bit more shine to it and the bigger grill under the chin from TESB version

[@thibaud1832]

There was a shortage of Woodoo Hide around 0 BBY. Vader couldn’t get his hands on any due to budgetary restraints.

[@steveleeart]

What differences exist between say end of episode 3, Obi Kenobi series, end of rogue one and a new hope?

[@bryanbishop2377]

I have the Master Replica Ep III, and the Anovos Ep IV Vader helmets. I too prefer Ep IV.

[@DH-bw2rx]

Great video! I have your ESB helmet and love it. Building a 501st ESB Vader suit and I started with the thing that would keep me motivated for the process, your helmet and chest armor. Looking forward to the ROTJ helmet video! 😎

[@sgttau977]

It would be interesting to see Darth Vader using that new super dark black they now have.

[@ianfrancke9010]

A new Hope Helmet looks more menacing which is what Vader instilled in his underlings Fear

[@Sam_T2000]

Vader was obviously running low on woodoo hyde around the time of _A New Hope._

[@thunkjunk]

I don't care which helmet he wears as long as he doesn't have a temper tantrum and bash his helmet on a wall like some other crybaby sith.

[@TANKTREAD]

The helmet in "Empire" is just like the movie, superior in every way.

[@E-H-Company]

I disagree. I think the ESB helmet is the best vader helmet ever made.

[@paulhugo1623]

New Hope... the later ones look like Vader is a bit 'surprised'.

[@ROOKTABULA]

ANH was far less symmetrical (I've seen it in person) than ESB (which I have a copy of that I bought back in 2002, made from the ESB mould), which also wasn't totally symmetrical due to how it was fab'd. I still LAUGH when I see fanboys painting their helmets with silver or silver-blue accents on the face of the helmet so that it "is movie accurate" when in fact Vader's helmet was fully black. The only reason they painted those accents was because the dailies showed that, due to the lighting and film stock being used, Vader's face had no definition or contrast.

[@stevedickson5853]

Then it wasn't fully black , not when the film was released anyway, a fully black Vader helmet wouldn't look right in person nevermind on film

[@OriginalHologram]

NEW HOPE 77 = OG GOAT

[@colinmoore5991]

The ESB version is better in literally every way.

[@TheNerdDAD]

Definitely need to add one of these to the collection!

[@stratsteveo106]

Plus all the times he had that joint cut apart. He has to of had spares sitting around

[@charliefedde3261]

Great, great video. Love it ✨👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@KONAmustang50]

ANH is #1 for me. Then ESB. Then ROTJ.

[@joshuamurray9403]

A new hope as well

[@SmokeShow1971]

I respectfully disagree. I love the look of both, but having watched the Star Wars movies dozens of times, Darth Vader looked the most terrifying, especially while sitting in his chamber pod, in "The Empire Strikes Back", which was also clearly the best Star Wars film of all time. "You have failed me for the last time, Admiral" is still iconic scene.

[@SkunkworksProps]

Respectful? On the internet? Are you new? Just kidding man, totally get why ESB is king for some folk, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@batheavy2834]

New Hope helmet has more of a gritty vibe👌

[@Otenphotography]

Empire….New Hope looks like his helmet has slipped lol

[@sandorpazonyi8449]

The most shiny helmet it's in the Return of the Jedi.

[@MrDogfish83]

Can somebody do a parody of this comparing star wars helmet vs spaceballs helmet

[@SkunkworksProps]

If I had one I would absolutely do this.

[@BarronVonSchnoot]

I can hear the dry spit in the corners of your mouth

[@joshoshea3194]

"A deep wet look"? It's called gloss.

[@alfredooliva5175]

If anything George Lucas should have digiatlly shined up the New Hope helmet the very least of adding his digital "enhancments" would have made sense

[@SkunkworksProps]

Oh, don't start down the path of little touches he could have done that would have actually improved the movies...only madness will you find there.

[@cesarmedina7080]

Im actually more curious about tbe differences between RTOJ and ESB Vader helmets.

[@SkunkworksProps]

We have that comparison too...you should take a look!

[@christianhoffman7407]

You didnt allow enough time (or get a clear shot) for a thorough comparison.