10 Things You Didn't Know About Return OfTheJedi

[@enzobambino]

I ditched school and waited four hours in line with my friends to see Jedi. The whole theater sat in silence as we watched all the credits, then burst out in cheers and applause. The trilogy is my childhood!

[@tperson8347]

I WISH I could've experienced this when it first came out! These are such great memories. I'm so jealous! :)

[@michaelsmith-ws2mb]

I was twelve when it came out and the line at the theater was around the block. Great times… miss those days.

[@RA10H56]

I was to young to ditch and the theater to far for a 6 year old. But man I had my daddy take me to that movie every weekend for a month!!!!

[@RA10H56]

My two older brothers did ditch school to see the movie. They claim they saw one of their teachers at the late mornings show and they just nodded at one another and pretended like they didn't see each other. Truly a magical time to be young

[@seantlewis376]

Me too! I was 17, and I skipped school with six of my friends to stand in line for hours on opening day. We sat down front where the forest chase scene filled my field of vision. We would shift and duck in our seats as that great scene played out.

[@nicomeklrowing5935]

I maintain that the lightsaber battle between Vader and Luke is the single best lightsaber fight in the Star Wars saga. It does not have the most dynamic choreography but it feels the most intense and the most "real". Additionally, when you look at how it relates to ep. 4 and 5, you fully see Lukes growth. He goes from barely being able to block the training droid blasts on the Falcon and watching Ben get killed by Vader, to facing Vader personally and getting his butt whupped, to finally meeting and beating him in battle. A great culmination of character growth.

[@Aceface007]

Losing a hand in the process.

[@arthurthomas44]

I 100% agree with everything you said

[@EVGMZ]

I agree however comparison between this fight and the one between anakin duku is so similar Vader was definitely holding back

[@Mextlatec]

The best one is Obi-Wan and Anakin in Episode 3

[@djansen73]

It definitely had to the best musical score. Captured the intensity of the scene

[@ProtectLifeAlways]

I may be biased as a former music teacher, but it's John Williams that has been the glue for ALL of the Star Wars Cinematic Universe! Pure genius. When this man passes, it'll hurt more than any celebrity death has in my lifetime.

[@jasonchappell5297]

Not just Star Wars!

[@ProtectLifeAlways]

@@jasonchappell5297 yes, I'm well-aware of this brilliant man's FULL composition resume...

[@jasonchappell5297]

I wasn't questioning your knowledge sir and I liked your comment. I was only emphazing how much his other scores moved me and made a lot of my childhood movies what they were!

[@zbdot73]

To play devils advocate, if that were true then his music would have made the prequels masterpieces, which they are not. Yes his music is amazing but it is the entire ensemble; story, actors, cinematography AND music which makes for lightening in a bottle. Any weak link brings the whole movie down, to attribute success to any one component is a furphy.

[@ProtectLifeAlways]

@@zbdot73 I think you missed my point... perhaps if I had said, "he is the main 'constant' in all of the films" it might have been more accurate. I'm very aware of all the "moving parts" of a movie, of course. But John Williams' music is, regardless, sheer genius. Nothing (including others' opinions) takes away from that.

[@williamwatts6463]

After nearly 40 years of this film, it still holds up. Palpatine was a great villain.

[@MAGGOT_VOMIT]

I always loved back in '83, Jabba's Palace Band or (Sy Snootles and Max Rebo Band) having "Lapti Nek" as a music video on Mtv. It was about 3min long. The YT channel "Hoth Iceplanet" posted the original Mtv vid.

[@schnubbel76]

He was a great villain. Until.... somehow.... he returned.

[@Mextlatec]

@@schnubbel76 fucking Disney Destroyed Star Wars for me

[@Oldag75]

And Ian McDiarmid is one of the luckiest actors in history.

[@bigredtlc1828]

The simple scene of Luke's father on the funeral pyre with Luke watching is really powerful. I always loved that scene as the true ending of the Vader character.

[@lesliedaubert1411]

That scene actually gives me tears.

[@Sonicz0]

The fight between Luke and Vader gives me goosebumps, I feel the emotion from Luke after Vader threaten to turn Leia. Not to mention the space battle was amazing given the technology at that time.

[@Sonicz0]

@SharrelWright it had more emotion than Obi-Wan vs Anikin in episode 3.

[@brettdulaney792]

Yeah the emotion in the fight scene where Vader says he will turn his sister,it does give me goosebumps every time and can even bring a tear to my eye, Jedi has always been my favorite of the original trilogy also revenge of the sith is my favorite of the prequel trilogy,last but not least episode 7 is the high light of the sequel trilogy, episode 8and9 though...... wow! Have the mighty fallen

[@optimusmonkeywrench]

Thats why saying a Jedi has zero attachments is ridiculous. Thats why Luke cared! Thats why Vader turned back. I hate how they changed the Jedi to be ..well supposed to be devoid of emotion or attachments. Love is the thing that causes them to protect and fight. Lame.

[@SJHFoto]

I think the space battle is still among the best I've seen

[@RA10H56]

For the time??? I defy you to tell me what movie/TV show has equaled the space battle in ROTJ???(scaling issues aside)...lmao. and my sister held my hand back in 83 when we saw jedi at the long gone mall theater. I was afraid luke and the rebels were going to all die. It was one of the greatest emotional rides ever.

[@jamaalmoses8821]

My favorite of this trilogy! I enjoyed Luke being all 'tough' in Jabba's Palace.

[@neoasura]

"You can either profit by this... or be destroyed. It's your choice. But I warn you not to underestimate my powers."

[@jamaalmoses8821]

@@neoasura Jabba and his guests:"😂😂😂😂😂😂."

[@skyden24195]

Did ya know: according to the lore of Star Wars, Boba Fett actually bets Jabba that Luke will defeat the rancor. (Boba having had engaged in battle against Luke prior to that moment.) Of course, Jabba takes the bet which adds to the gangster's fury when he loses the bet.

[@rgerber]

i must say this is probably the best aspect of this movie. Luke really being a all powerful Jedi, one with the force

[@mccleandazza4618]

This trilogy ?? The only trilogy Corrected it for you

[@TheDodger74]

Went to see this at Cinema when I was 9. Always thought the space battle at the end was Epic! Especially the special effects at the time that StarWars seemed to stand out from everything else at the time.

[@roguerifter9724]

IMO Endor is the most epic space fleet battle I've seen in a movie. Scariff wass good but not as good as Endor. Epsiode III really dropped the ball for Coruscant but not having any major characters who stayed in the space fighting once Anakin Obiwan and R2 landed for the rescue. The fleets in episode IX were IMO much more fitting for the scale of the battle but the battle itself wasn't as fun as Endor. Episode Ix's fleets were more on the scale of the Return of the Jedi novelization then what we out on screen and I always wished they would have expanded the fleets and battle for one of the special editions.

[@skyden24195]

Jedi's finale is brilliant as you have three significant types of battles occurring all at once: the ground battle on the surface of Endor, the ship-to-ship battle above Endor, and the lightsaber battle inside the Death Star. Of course, this kind of thing would happen again in later films, but Jedi did it first.

[@kriswelsh3844]

Me and my little bro and sis watched Jedi on VHS in the 80’s and 90’s till the tape wore out. That space battle was the dogs bollocks! Nothing came close until the BSG remake in the mid 2000’s, watching the Galactica and its Viper mk2’s slug it out with those Base Stars and Raiders made me think, yeah! They’ve finally did it!

[@roguerifter9724]

Yeah I don't think I've ever seen a space fleet battle in a live action movie I thought was better then Endor. On TV I think some of Babylon 5's fleet battles were close though and some of the Galactica reboot's battles

[@dragonsword7370]

That battle in the end, being juxtaposed by being pov'd by Luke on the D' star, the ground action on the "Sanctuary Moon below" Ewok-land and the biggest space battle in Star Wars made with mostly models. The fact that EChenry can still pick through all the ktbashed ships of the rebel AND imperial fleet and dig through for info and even make modern recreations of them today is testament to that craft at the time. Even if half the models were repurposed apollo saturn rocket kits and off shelf starwars model toy kits lol. I know it was great because even when there was episode one on tape I often watched Return of the Jedi than the rest as a younger lad! Also not because of the twilek dancer Oola although that 'may' have been a part.

[@thedragonlee76]

Saw this film a million times since the 80s.What was really unique was that this film had 3 major action sequences and climatic stories going on at the same time.Luke fighting Vader,Han and Leia on Endor and Lando destroying the DeathStar the second time.

[@marcelopaolillo9848]

The prequels later on followed this formula.

[@Solar_sigma_]

Undoubtedly, compared to the "modern" Star Wars movies this one is truly a masterpiece.

[@chuckselvage3157]

The fight between Darth Vader and Skywalker was outstanding.The music is exceptional as well. Saw it at the flicks when I was 10.

[@allanbard6048]

That haunting male chorus still resonates with me.

[@tperson8347]

@@allanbard6048 I absolutely love the "ghoulish", grim male chorus David Bowie used it alot in the early 70s :)

[@DrFunk-rk6yl]

The best duel in any of the star wars movies.

[@DeltaEcho303]

If Lando yelling "Yeehah!" when the Millennium Falcon escapes the exploding Death Star doesn't put a smile on you face, nothing will.

[@nickbrown7044]

same with han in a new hope yelling "yahhoo!!!" when saving luke

[@josh72456]

@T G a bit awkward with that alien laughing next to him.

[@captnwinkle]

@@josh72456 Nien Numb, and he's more awesome

[@josh72456]

@@captnwinkle Well Lando as a character is kinda dull.

[@zman890]

Works every time.

[@EntertainmentFan11]

Kasdan also came up with a darker ending for this film in which Luke kills his father, puts his mask on, and says, "Now I am Darth Vader." In short, Kasdan wanted Luke to turn, but Lucas rejected it, and I agree with him. As you said, Luke is trying to save his father, not kill him.

[@chichiboypumpi]

and then shizney made Luke want to kill his nephew.

[@MyklBlue69]

That's prob when they changed from revenge to return. 👍🏻

[@David-nq8cv]

@@MyklBlue69 yeah since it's basically the return of Anakin

[@grayden4138]

@@chichiboypumpi You mean they humanized Luke by having him tempted by the dark side? To show he was just as fallible? Thus reaching the realization that the dogmatic views of the Jedi and Sith were untenable? The Force simply is, being neither light nor dark. Those who use it are light and dark in nature. It's symbiotic, feeding on the energy of those sensitive to its influence. The galaxy was in an uneasy peace. Remnants of the Empire were still out there doing their Imperial thing. He had the weight of an entire Order on his shoulders. Fear got the better of him. Flawed Luke with the power of introspection is a better character by a country mile than OP, god-tier, infallible Luke.

[@chichiboypumpi]

@@David-nq8cv I’ve always thought it meant the return of the Jedi in general after being defeated by the Sith also with Anakin’s redemption.

[@timberwolf5211]

Another deleated scene that I remember, there's also a still from the scene in my RotJ picture storybook. In the scene when Luke visits Jabba, you see him go through the floor in to the Rancor pit. In the deleted scene, you see the Rancor come in and eats the "Piggy-guard." After witnessing this, Luke uses the Force and springs up above the Rancor, and grabs hold of the railings, of the floor he fell through. At this point, the Courtiers that are peering down into the pit, to watch Luke get eaten. Start stamping on Lukes fingers, coursing him to move his hands several times, to stop them stamping on his hand/fingers. This doesn't work, and eventually he drops down into the Rancor, and as he rolls away, to escape it's cluches. This is where the movie shows Luke coming up with the bone, to jam into the Rancor's mouth The stil image in the book shows Luke hanging under the bars, from waist up. And the text says something like, he "lept up, grabbing the bars above him. Seeing this the Courtiers stamped of his fingers, causing him to drip into the eye of the Rancour Monster, which screamed with pain..." I've never seen that clip since I saw it at the Cinema when I was 11.

[@thereisnosanctuary6184]

They showed that?

[@briansands9957]

I really enjoyed the novels written by Timothy Zahn that take place after the original trilogy. Heir to the Empire and the ones that followed. They were good closure to the story as a whole.

[@83638ischia]

So glad you’re entering into the original Star Wars trilogy! Literally said to a coworker just yesterday, “There is no Star Wars after ‘83” lol!

[@M2Mil7er]

There's been plenty since then. Some good some bad. You just happen to dislike most of what constitutes Star Wars.

[@karicastanza5216]

Agreed!

[@powerbad696]

And to think we got Star Wars because Lucas couldn't get the film rights to-FLASH GORDAN. LOL.

[@DYLANJJK94]

Disney knew what they were doing, make buy Star Wars and make an unofficial reboot and call it a continuation of the story and millions will pay to see it and buy everything else that has to do with star wars, like merch… sadly people won’t ever change. Lol

[@josh72456]

@@M2Mil7er I mean as much as The Return Of The Jedi is flawed the rest yeah underwhelming.

[@joshoshea3194]

I've been a fan of yours Minty since forever. Your videos have gotten me through some tough and dark times. When I haven't had many people to talk to, I've always had you to listen to. If you manage to read this comment amongst all the others it would mean the world to me.Thanks for all the great content over the years 😀

[@schadenfreude6274]

Gay. :)

[@jediknightjairinaiki560]

@@schadenfreude6274 🌈 I applaud your bravery. 🌈 But why announce your sexuality to the world, in the comment section of a video about a STAR WARS film? 🌈

[@joshoshea3194]

@@jediknightjairinaiki560 in fairness you both had funny replies. Lol

[@joshoshea3194]

@@schadenfreude6274 that actually made me chuckle ;)

[@splatter639]

I'm an fx artist and Ive loved this guy for awhile. He blows my mind cause he knows things that I didn't even know. Much respect to Mr. Bishop and his.... sponsers? Lol

[@RatedRKO269]

Empire will always be my favorite Star Wars film but the Luke and Vader duel in Jedi is my favorite lightsaber duel. Just such an emotional battle. Also the scene where Luke throws his lightsaber away and declares himself a Jedi to Palpatine is probably my favorite moment in all of Star Wars.

[@anthonycharles9241]

I'm a Jedi, like my father before me!

[@Usernamehear]

When Vader talks about his sister and Luke comes out of hiding so furious and the epic score kicks in. Absolutely epic.

[@thatonedudeoverhere]

That is such a great line I still use it to this day

[@CozumelTy]

EMPIRE!!

[@MemphisCorollaS]

Agreed. That duel’s theme music gets me every time

[@jonathanlee7355]

My 1st "new" star wars movie was episode 1. I will never forget going, opening day, right after school, with a group of friends. We stood in a crazy long line. Now I wasn't into it as much as I am now, but seeing the scroll at the beginning and hearing the music gave me chills.

[@joemurdoch4138]

Got to meet David Prowse once and he was not shy about saying how unhappy he was that he did not get to be in the suit when Luke takes the helmet off. They never told him that they had hired another actor for the role. Lucas also blamed Prowse for leaking the plot twist in Empire where it was revealed that Vader is Luke's father, which caused a huge rift between the two. Prowse insisted that he was not the leak, but Lucas didn't believe him. It turned out that it was someone else who leaked it to the press.

[@Primus54]

I once read he had a chip on his shoulder from the very beginning when Lucas dubbed his voice using James Earl Jones (a truly masterful decision… especially if you’ve ever heard Prowse’s voice).

[@joemurdoch4138]

@@Primus54 I've read that also. When they were filming Empire Prowse was supposed to say the Vader lines, even though they were going to dub them later, but instead he would sometimes start speaking gibberish and it would throw the other actors off. My feeling is that they should have just put him in the suit at the end of Jedi.

[@Primus54]

@@joemurdoch4138 I agree. He did bring his swagger and intimidating presence to the franchise… he deserved the recognition. 👍

[@adrianchannelle8651]

He did bring Vader to life onscreen, though if he was the body of Vader, James Earl Jones was the blood running through the veins. I feel Lucas should have let him be in the suit. He earned that.

[@joemurdoch4138]

@@adrianchannelle8651 The least Lucas should have done was tell Prowse face to face early on. According to Prowse, he didn't find out until very late in the filming.

[@Harri927]

I love Return of the Jedi. It's my favorite of the trilogy and I love the green lightsaber Luke has. It's my favorite lightsaber of all Star Wars.

[@MrDman21]

I'm cool with lightsabers being different colors. We already have seen in the prequel trilogy that lightsabers have different colors since those movies and the original trilogy are canon.

[@nsasupporter7557]

@@MrDman21 in the prequel trilogy Samuel L Jackson (Mace Windu) had a purple one. I think they should’ve made an orange one too lol

[@MrDman21]

@@nsasupporter7557 all the rainbow colors 😄

[@Jman417]

I love this one like the previous 2. Rest in peace Carrie Fisher, David Prowess, Peter Mayhew,Alex Guinness and Kenny Baker. If I forgot anyone please remind me.

[@nahumgardner]

Jeremy Bulloch!

[@Jman417]

@@nahumgardner who is that?

[@stevengraham6298]

@@Jman417 Bob Fett

[@nahumgardner]

@@Jman417 He was Boba Fett. His voice was dubbed out eventually.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Collin Caldwell the ILM effects dir, talent recently passed ⚰️. He helped engineer, create many ships, SFXs.

[@gusscharr]

Fully agree with you, Minty! The original SW Trilogy is one of what I consider to be the two best fantasy/adventure trilogies ever put on film. Just in case you’re curious…#2 in my list is Peter Jackson’s LOTR Trilogy. Much love and respect to you and my fellow Mintites!

[@insanelook]

Let's not forget Matrix trilogy aswell.

[@dperr338]

@@insanelookThere was a Matrix Trilogy? (Sarcasm)

[@mrtasty006]

My favorite detail in RotJ is that the final duel in the movie is not mainly a fight between Luke and Vader, because he senses what's left of Anakin in him, thus he does NOT want to fight him, but rather a metal battle between Luke and Palpatine. The emperor is constantly reminding him of the "imminent attack on the rebel fleet", the "end of the Rebellion", and trying to turn Luke to the dark side, while Luke refuses time and again. Even when he gives in a little to the dark side in the final phase of his duel with Vader, he still declines on Palpatine's proposal. And in the end, Luke wins this mental battle, with Vader turning back to the light and defeating Palpatine. The sheer determination Luke has is an inspiration to Star Wars fans everywhere.

[@itwsntme]

I was there for the theatrical release of all three originals, 9 years old in 1978. By Return of the Jedi I was hyped to no end. I had purchased the soundtrack (in vinyl of course) weeks before the premiere, and would listen to it over and over, eyes closed, imagining what that grand adventure was going to be. By premiere day, I knew it by heart and that day I could recognise many of the soundtrack pieces during the movie. The images finally completed the picture I had in my head, and it was beyond all I had dreamt of. It doesn't get any more magical.

[@bluediamonddirector]

Return of the Jedi has always been my favorite Star Wars movie since I first saw the films back in 1997. Glad to see you cover it

[@aaronacevedo8693]

My favorite as well. Everyone seems to say empire is the best but jedi has to be the best end to a trilogy out of all trilogies

[@josh72456]

@@aaronacevedo8693 Well it may be the most iconic one maybe.

[@jamesdenofantiquity]

I have always loved Return of the Jedi the most of any of the movies. It is a great ending and a great installment in its own right.

[@RataStuey]

For my childhood this film was beyond important… it was my world. It was so brilliant and by far my favourite Star Wars movie, in the same way that Temple of Doom was my favourite Indiana Jones movie when I was little. But as you mature and watch more films you come to realise how Empire Strikes Back is the best of the original Star Wars trilogy. It’s just on another level. And the same with Raiders of the Lost Ark, it’s a film that eclipses temple of doom in many ways. I will always love return of the Jedi though, that nostalgia in my heart will never go away.

[@travisneill704]

You must be exactly 46 years old ;-)

[@christermyrberg3661]

ROTJ & TTOD are still the best

[@Batman88878]

I'll say this: The Last Crusade is & always has been my favorite Indy movie. I think the character stuff is strongest & it boasts one of the best movie endings ever (IMO). Raiders is cool, though. And yes, Empire Strikes Back is on another level. EVERYTHING felt more refined & I think it has the best score of the entire Star Wars saga.

[@jesustovar2549]

@@Batman88878 Same, I love Indy Trilogy and I think The Last Crusade is my favorite, I love Indy's entire journey to search for the Holy Grail when the important thing this time was not to recuparete (or if anything steal) an historical artifact or keeping with the girl (who turned out to be bad at the middle of the movie), but to reconcile with his father, having Sean Connery as Indy's father is just ideal, the father of the most famous archaeologist adventurer is the world's most famous spy, R. I. P to the first 007.

[@jesustovar2549]

ROTJ is my favorite.

[@wannabe4668]

I guess I should have known number one because I lived it and went to the theaters with my mom. The viewing time we went to see was sold out so we had to get tickets for the next viewing. Probably the last time I ever sat in a theatre where all the seats were used and it was a big theatre. That experience was larger than life. You score a ninety percent this time as well. Good job for introducing topics not normally discussed in documentaries. Fun to relive memories. Take care

[@Lesley_RedRhody]

Thank you, Minty! As much as I love the first two _Star Wars_ films, I’ve personally always felt that _Return of the Jedi_ gets way more shit than it deserves: 1.) Because, to a lot of people, it wasn’t as good as _The EmpireStrikes Back,_ and 2.) The Ewoks. Personally I agree with what Warwick Davis (Wicket, of course) said years later in one of the DVD Featurettes: That the Ewoks were admirable, as a race of primitive creatures, for helping the Rebellion take on the much more technologically advanced Empire on their home Planet of Endor. By the time _Jedi_ hit theaters, I was nine and my Brother was ten. Being much older than our three and four year old selves when _A New Hope_ premiered in 1977, we were naturally able to go see _Episode VI_ more frequently than its predecessors. Did that sway my opinion slightly? Probably. But I don’t care! I’ll always love _Jedi_ just as much as I love _Empire!_

[@troyt6864]

I think its why fans where so hungry for the Luke that we all know and love after the Disney sequels. To see Master Jedi Luke destroying Android Dark Troopers was so epic in season 2 of The Mandalorian. Crying is for Star Wars Fans.

[@beinghappy1312]

As a kid I had frequent babysitting work where the only good movies to watch after the kids went to sleep was the original trilogy on vhs. Return of the Jedi was always my favourite of the three movies. I saw the 1997 special edition in theatres just to have have the experience of seeing one of my favourite movies in theatres, bad additions and all. Considering how small the rebel fleet was in the film the original ending with just a small celebration made sense. Seeing the 1997 ending with lots of other planets celebrating left me wondering where all those other planets were during the battle to stop the death star II

[@bryguysays2948]

I agree. It made the Rebels out to be much larger...Almost like another "Empire", instead of a small, ragtag bunch desperate for a final victory.

[@DYLANJJK94]

Both celebrations make sense, victims in war and bystanders who want their country’s dictator hone or the neighbouring country’s dictator gone, but they so nothing to stop them because their scared and or feel they cannot help stop a dictator, so they could have had a galaxy who hated the Empire but was too scared to stop them, plus who wouldn’t be scared of evil Sith like Vader who could choke you with the force from a video conference call lol or in person or kill you with force lightening like The Emperor.

[@wstine79]

Of the original trilogy, Return of the Jedi as my favorite. I'm a sucker for those alien puppets, the ewoks, and the emperor on the death star.

[@Malryth]

I was in Grade 8 and 14 on May 25th 1983. I remember that endless summer before in 1982 when they ran a double feature Star Wars and Empire for only $4 all summer long in anticipation for Return of the Jedi. My friend and I caught a bus right after school and were 5th in line at the theatre downtown playing the movie. Such fond memories from my youth. Thanks for this video. I tell you, I bet the people with those "Revenge of the Jedi" items are happy and they're still worth something for collectables. I forget off the top of my head but the lightsabre colour debacle with the action figures is well covered by a great collector YT channel...a guy and his wife team... Well worth a watch.

[@robcarter6599]

Excellent timing on this one bud! I spent the day at Galaxy’s Edge.

[@l.writer6180]

Special effects added to the cloud city in ESB were a big improvement in my opinion. Transparency issues for speeders in hoth battle removed were welcome as well. ROTJ was probably the one needing less fixing. When it was released I remember everyone talking about the amazing speeder bike scenes, and when I had the VHS copy, I remember watching the space battle at the end over and over and being amazed at how good it was.

[@n2cable]

2 environment scenes made it for ya? Movie making must be easy

[@l.writer6180]

@@n2cable super easy, bearly an inconvenience ;-)

[@savethezombies]

@@l.writer6180 Wow wow...wow.

[@skylined5534]

@@l.writer6180 The changes were unnecessary and spoilt things somewhat.

[@brianstrutter1501]

@@skylined5534- disagree

[@SarpsTube]

Having watched maybe a thousand videos about this subject, I can't believe there still are "things" that I didn't know that you've mentioned. Thanks Minty.

[@Cydonia2020]

Couple of notes I wanted to mention: Although the movie made over $475 million at the box office, Lucasfilm to this day still claims that it did not make a profit - of a movie that was made for $32 million! There is a cut scene with Luke and Yoda where Yoda admits that he had instructed Obi-Wan not to tell Luke who his father was. It’s not that he was boldface lied to, but more that he was given a white lie to protect him. One of the production drawings of Jabba the Hutt was eventually reused as the two headed monster (the Ebersisk) in the movie Willow (starring of course, Warwick Davis). This has become a common place thing in the last few years; reusing production drawings for other characters or settings in later projects such as The Mandalorian and Book of Boba Fett. I really like the idea - - - some of these art pieces are so good that you hate to see them simply wind up in a book on the making of the movie. You actually want to see them utilized.

[@MarkLewis...]

What you're not factoring is Lucas sunk all of his money (12 mill) into the movie with a 15-20 mill budget, that wound up costing 2x what it was supposed to... and Lucas was contracted only to receive so much of those profits. The other investors and banks got most of the 400+ mill profits. That's how movies get made. Lucas made his money in toys far more than the movie deals.

[@paulsparks771]

I can remember skipping school to go see this movie. A local news team was there reporting about how many people showed up. Well, the principal at my school saw this and recognized a bunch of kids who's parents called them in sick at the theater. We all got in trouble the next day when we showed up for class.

[@irishthump73]

Saw the movie on it's release when I was 10 years old. It was such a huge moment in popular culture, even the release of Avengers:Endgame could'nt top it.

[@montypeno1495]

There still hasn't been a space battle as epic in Stars Wars like the Battle of Endor! That and as you say "Luke's dilemma" make this a very enjoyable movie.

[@Don-ol8ze]

I agree. No other space battle I've seen in film has the same combination of direction, editing, music, and high-stakes setup and emotional payoff. Amazed that nothing has really seemed to come close to it in the forty years since its release.

[@roberthaynes8830]

Yes, agree with you guys. So much going on, yet you can understand the way things are going.

[@allanbard6048]

I remember the sinking feeling I had when I saw more than 4-6 TIE fighters show up.

[@RoverIAC]

THX original stood for "Tomlinson Holman's Crossover" after the guy who designed the speaker crossover network while working for Lucasfilm. The coincidence with Lucas's film title made it a good choice.

[@beerlover1081]

This movie ended on a high note and with the expectation that Luke will ascend to master and restart the Jedi Order. Instead we got the opposite...a regression of character and a hermit.

[@rburton76]

After his academy is destroyed and students are murdered by his most gifted apprentice, the most powerful Jedi alive runs off to isolation and reluctantly decides to train a kid that shows up on his doorstep.

[@robinrinsmith]

Who then returns and faces down Kylo Ren, allowing the Resistance to escape, sparking hope in the galaxy. And all while Force projecting himself from Act-too, ending his life in the most Jedi way with actually fighting, but allowing the fight for a peaceful life to continue. Then, he returns as a Force ghost, having gotten over his depression to encourage Rey to carry on.

[@rburton76]

@@robinrinsmith his Force projection was one of the most awesome uses of Force power we’ve ever seen.

[@nickm8874]

@@rburton76 you guys are part of the problem

[@rburton76]

@@nickm8874 ok

[@troyevitt2437]

The "Blue Harvest" working title was also used in Arizona, USA for the Tatooine scenes. They were prepared with a cover story that the plot centered around forests being reduced to desert, the "harvest" if you will, in case people had seen the Blue Harvest "crew" around both States; the public was told that both the Arizona desert and the California Redwood Forest represented the same fictional location, before and after. We didn't have internet, but Telex was used by many computer nerds of the era. You know us Yanks and guns....well the Endor filming location also saw them having to hire armed security to create a perimeter around the cast, Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) in particular. Mayhew/Chewie had to be protected from Bigfoot hunters because obviously Chewie is Space Sasquatch. The Redwood Forest in the USA is home to many Bigfoot/Sasquatch sightings, basically the North American Yeti, which the Native "Indian" Americans had legends of long before they ever saw a European. The United States, home of Bigfoot and lots and lots of guns.

[@allanbard6048]

Back in the day, there was a newspaper article w/ a picture of Jabba's sail barge and enough info on how to find the filming location. A couple intrepid fans went and since it was just the few, they got a semi-royal treatment/access. Look for candid ROTJ photos.

[@paulwoida8249]

Blue Harvest was the name of the Family Guy Star Wars spoof episode.

[@tricivenola8164]

Sometime in the '80s I got stuck in traffic on Sunset Boulevard in Brentwood. I was behind a perfectly huge expensive car with the license plate "R2D2." Guess who was driving. Thanks for another great video. Long after the trilogy wrapped, Carrie Fisher told a friend, "Nobody will ever know how hard those were to make,"

[@frankbob6664]

The sound and special effects where stunning on its release. I feel that if the ewoks were a bit harder, feral and vicious people would consider this to be a better movie than the 2nd.

[@andreperrault5393]

Minty, your knowledge and enthusiasm for movies, as well as your presentation is greatly appreciated. Even relating your youth experiences with the movies and encounters around them make the movies and yourself completely relatable. Keep on, keeping on.

[@thespicemelange.1]

I never saw any of the newer cuts of the movie even though everybody, at the time, was ranting and raving about them. I'll always prefer the originals as they were intended to be.

[@shoreknightseer3152]

The ewok fight never really bothered me. History has many instances of technologically inferior groups beating down superior forces thru cunning and home field advantage.

[@lethalwolf7455]

Mussolini trying to conquer Ethiopia is good example, the tribes killed off the Italians until he started begging Hitler for help. Sadly once the Germans were involved, they were destroyed because the Germans had the best military on earth at that time

[@jasonjones7461]

Even the current Ukraine Russia war is a decent example too. What should've been a swift victory for Russia has turned into an unbelievably heroic fight where the far weaker Ukraine is somehow unable to be defeated and is arguably winning....if there really could be any winner all in this

[@jasonjones7461]

I always imagine the ewoks have extreme gorilla like strength. If you imagine it that way, it makes a lot more sense

[@johndebrasio8797]

@@jasonjones7461 The US is no stranger to proxy wars with Russia by 'helping' smaller countries. #Afghanistan

[@kentrujillo9379]

As a young kid seeing this movie for the first time when it came out, I loved the Ewoks. I see now why many fans dislike there addition, but I can't echo their take. It's like how my nieces and nephews can love The Phantom Menace, and I can't rewatch it. Return of The Jedi was the first Star Wars movie I saw in a movie theater as I was too young when the pervious movies came out. I had spent a few years before this movie reading the Star Wars and Empire storybooks, ordered from those bookselling fliers we got in school back then. I read Star Wars comic books and played with the toys, so I was primed to see this movie when it came out, and one delighted kid in the theater seat. As an adult Empire is my favorite, but it's Return of The Jedi that makes me feel like a kid again, so I love it.

[@richpunk77]

As a true 80's kid my love for Return of The Jedi is unconditional and uncontested.

[@davidgeisler9885]

It hasn’t aged well for mine, I can’t sit through the middle part anymore. Nothing happens

[@LeeTheVet]

Do you own both posters for it? Just curious.

[@richpunk77]

@@LeeTheVet I'm just a regular Star Wars fan, haven't collected any posters yet but maybe one day I will.

[@richpunk77]

@@davidgeisler9885 I agree as an adult that the ewoks weren't the best idea George Lucas ever had. The rest of the plot however is spot on.

[@thelostone6981]

This was the first movie I saw in a theater!! I was 8 at the time and loved it so it holds a very special place in my heart. But I get the criticism and get why it’s bashed. But I unabashedly have watched this Star Wars movie more than any other Star Wars movie! Please do more Star Wars Minty!!

[@legionarybooks13]

I was the same age, with Jedi coming out right after my birthday. In later years I, too, have levelled a lot of criticism, though mostly towards the unnecessary (and often times stupid) changes in the special editions. I also hate that the rebel soldiers are completely cut from the ground battle on Endor, with it being nothing but inept stormtroopers facing Care Bears on crack. But for all that, Jedi will still forever hold a nostalgic place in my heart. My sister and I had most of the toys, which I wish we still had!

[@roberthaynes8830]

@@legionarybooks13 Care Bears on crack - that's priceless! Made me laugh.

[@211inprogress]

I Now need Lightbulb Man, to complete my vintage collection. 💡

[@JohnAdams-lg9ww]

Thank You, sir, for this awesome video about my favorite of the original Star Wars trilogy. I do enjoy all things Star Wars and loved your comments about agreeing to disagree. Growing up in the late 70s and early 80s, the originals will always be my favorite. Good work, Sir. God Bless.

[@iamthebiggs252]

I can appreciate the rare purist that is accepting and non-toxic. Well done, Minty.

[@MatthiasTheGreat]

Well done Minty! As a child, I always liked Return of the Jedi the most. It seems cliché to be a fan of Empire Striks Back these days. Also, I agree with you about every Star Wars post ROTJ. Aside from Rogue One. I love how that movie leads directly into A New Hope.

[@CinHotlanta]

Same, I grew up with the original trilogy, and Rogue One is far and away the most Star Wars thing to come out since Jedi, with the Mandalorian coming in a pretty close second.

[@ryanrobertson9744]

Prequels are great, you are just old

[@ryanrobertson9744]

@@CinHotlanta prequels are great. You're just old. Also rogue one sucks major donkey

[@sharkbaitoohhahha]

"You'll never get a blue ray of the star wars that you used to know!" That parody was amazing, and so on point - the old Star Wars are gone unless you have a VHS original...

[@Dr-Weird]

Somewhere deep in the dank dungeon known as "my old entertainment center". There lies a relic of old.

[@JoelEverettComposer]

Despecialized

[@BangBang-hk4rg]

@@JoelEverettComposer This is the way.

[@torque91]

Look into either Harmy's Despecialized or the Project 4k77 restorations.

[@mr.thegreat557]

I’ve got the original cinematic versions on DVD, they were limited edition releases in UK.

[@grapeshot]

When Luke Skywalker breaks out Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt's palace barge, that was Luke Skywalker's Clint Eastwood moment.

[@michaelmilburn4415]

And in The last Jedi, that was his Chuck Norris moment... 😂

[@cidfacetious3722]

Ok

[@grapeshot]

@@michaelmilburn4415 no that was his Poochie moment he had to return because his planet needed him😄

[@AdamFisher]

When Luke destroys the Death Star, that was his Osama Bin Laden moment

[@mccleandazza4618]

@@michaelmilburn4415 that film dosnt exist

[@FLAVCO]

It’s a brilliant film. Jabba was a great character and his palace was full of awesome colourful alien designs. The space battle was epic. The Ewoks were cute and funny and the climactic scenes with Vader, Luke & the Emperor were classic. A great conclusive end to a legendary trilogy!! Very good vid 👍

[@jedironin380]

When you were talking about Warwick Davis, I was hoping you would mention that Warwick has appeared in many of the other Star Wars films too! Mostly just as a background character or in a crowd scene, but if you look closely you can catch him!

[@dtdimeflicks6708]

Honestly, this lightsaber is my favorite one in Star Wars lore. It blew my mind when Luke first activated it. I was expecting a blue one but I ended up yelling "holy shit it's green" at eleven years old.

[@shaynekatchmark810]

Absolutely love watching your videos before work, you seem to have the exact same taste in movies as myself. Thanks minty, Cheers

[@Large23collectibles]

Saw this movie when it came out and I've always loved the Emperor.

[@cheddarcheese7928]

I’m actually in the picture standing in line in Philadelphia at 21:39 at an amazing Old school theater that sadly isn’t there anymore..But wow i some amazing memories from that theater

[@tonyfelder1206]

I agree Minty, ROTJ should get an equal amount of praise as the first 2 movies. The 1997 special edition of this film is only one in the trilogy I didn't care for.

[@cadeevans4623]

another great video love this movie thanks for sharing

[@snakeeyez8955]

Great video, Minty! I was not at all crazy about the changes in the Special Editions and found that they missed an opportunity in giving us a taste of what the B-Wings could do in a dogfight. Even though we got to see a taste of them on Rebels, it would've been great to have seen the B-Wings in action in the live adaptation of the movie.

[@ascensionindustries9631]

My mom took me to see this in the theater when it came out. I was six and she brought me cookies and Capri Suns. That day made me the nerd fanboy I am today. Edit: Also in the theatrical release there were more scenes of the B-Wing fighter including shots of its rotating cockpit which made its way into the toy. By the time it was released on VHS and shown on television, Lucas had cut out some of those scenes. I used to think I was going crazy because what I saw on television was not what I clearly remember seeing in the theater. It was years later I realized I wasn't the crazy one. It was Lucas continuously changing the final film. I would love to see that original uncut and unaltered version again.

[@jedironin380]

Yeah, I had the "Original" versions on VHS, but of course those tapes died a long time ago. :(

[@fantasyrosa]

You and me both!

[@florianbohren5886]

I found some torrents with the unaltered trilogy - just search for them

[@kennethwayne6857]

Honestly, I don't know what's with George that he feels the need to keep tinkering and can't leave well enough alone. Maybe some form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. I felt the original films were perfect as they were.

[@florianbohren5886]

@@kennethwayne6857 A textbook perfectionist...

[@DHTRS32]

Bravo on the sound track placement in this video. Gave me chills through out. The nostalgia runs deep haha.

[@wallyman292]

I remember getting my first DVD player complete with the full 5.1 surround sound system. When I first heard the THX trademark "dueling tones" play, (one tone descending from one side, the other rising from the opposite side, as both swing around you until you're completely swallowed up in the chord), it actually brought tears to my eyes. Yeah, I was a bit of a techno-geek back then!

[@h1ghju1ce]

Since the Simpsons parodied that logo swoosh, I can't not think of their version now

[@scottfitzpatrick1939]

There are a couple of movie logos that really settle me into watching a movie. THX, 20th century fox, tri star pegasus are a couple.

[@wallyman292]

@@scottfitzpatrick1939 I hear ya! Just didn't feel right when the first Disney made Star Wars movie kicked off with the iconic Williams SW theme, but minus the lead-in of the 20th Century Fox trumpets blaring out first!

[@chrisvandergriff504]

Another great video, Minty.

[@flipnap2112]

My Star Wars story. I was 9 when "New Hope" came out. A year or so later a toy arrived for Christmas and it was a small, hand held cartridge player from hasbro (I think). It was a small plastic cartridge with 4 mm film strip inside that you could hand crank and watch scenes from the movie, probably about 30 seconds or so. You could crank as slow or fast, and even backwards. I would stare into that thing for hours a day and study every frame. Remember, we had no VCRs, or anything to revisit the film with. The scene at the end, where Ben fights Darth Vader, was a shot where Alec Guiness foreshortened the saber toward camera and the effect glitched out. In 77', the effect was reflective tape on a spinning rod so the angle made it sparkle weakly. Of course they fixed this with the 100's of new versions and cleanups. But for all those years I thought the lightsaber was losing its strength because ben was getting weak. I thought the lightsaber was tied to a Jedi through the force and it was an ominous sign of his death. I miss being a kid.

[@dreadfulspiller8766]

The best times.

[@plissken2156]

The Fisher-Price Movie Viewer. I too had one. And I too watched the total two minutes of Star Wars footage on it (no soundtrack or music) over and over again.

[@JUVI9596]

I had the same toy. I’m same age as you. Mine were Disney and Bugs Bunny cartridges.

[@flipnap2112]

@@JUVI9596 thats awesome ha ha!! I actually still have it. nice to meet you! have an amazing weekend

[@flipnap2112]

@@plissken2156 ha ha hell yeaya!!!

[@GromMolotok]

I loved this movie when it first came out, and still do. Oddly, one thing that hit me during my first viewing and stuck through the years is the use of optical wipes. The scene transitions were just amazing, almost unprecedented, and yet suited the style so well.

[@originalAoitora]

RotJ is my favourite in the series. Luke was my hero growing up & the scene where Vader baits Luke and Luke rushes him in anger and realising the path he was about to go down having defeated Vader, then throwing his light Saber away declaring himself a Jedi; that's my favourite scene in all of SW or in any movie ever.

[@efnissien]

Ford really didn't like Han Solo. The 'General' who was ordered to blow up Endor was 'Moff Jerjerodd' and one scene that ended up on the cutting room floor (and you briefly show) has Jerjerrodd standing up to Vader, telling Vader he cannot enter a chamber - only for Vader to force choke him and Jerjerodd tells him his orders come directly from the Emperor and Vader backs down and sarcastically apologizes. Jerjerodd then equally sarcastically say's 'Very good' as he turns enters the chamber (his message seemingly being 'Don't think that you alone are privy to the Emperor's plans.') The new Special edition had a couple of changes in Jabba's palace - one scene has Boba Fett skulking through the palace throne room and then tickling one of the hand maidens under the chin. It doesn't keep with the idea of the cold, focused bounty hunter. I agree with the feeling that Return of the Jedi was the weakest of the trilogy. TESB was by far the best. But Starwars holds a special place in my life just for the opening shot of the Star destroyer and in the last few years the scene with a frustrated Luke on Tatooine against the sunset after being told he has to stay for another harvest genuinely pulls on the heartstrings and you can feel the recklessness of youth.

[@iankelsall25]

mark hamill was excellent in RTOJ, especially in the end fight with Big D, it was thrilling and brimming with convincing emotions. Screw the critics.

[@nsasupporter7557]

Most people are ignorant to the fact that Hamill actually did pretty well for himself after Star Wars. They think that just because he didn’t become a movie star like Harrison Ford did, that he vanished afterwards. Not true, he had a decent career as a voice actor. The voice of the Joker in the Batman animated series is what he’s best known for aside from the Luke Skywalker character. Plus he got some small roles in movies here and there. Carrie Fisher was the only 1 who got the shit end of it after Star Wars

[@nsasupporter7557]

@ImOnIt4272 absolutely… the only 1 of the sequels I saw was Force Awakens and I didn’t care for it. I know that the prequel trilogy was hated by most people, but I’d honestly rather watch the prequels than the sequels. In my opinion, the only 1 of the prequels that sucked was Episode 2 Attack of the Clones. Phantom Menace wasn’t bad at all, jar jar binks was the only thing bad about it. He pretty much ruined the movie. Had he not been in it it would’ve been alot better. But Revenge of the Sith was the best of the prequel trilogy to me

[@pa.encema2821]

Critics like it more than Empire. It was the fans that started to shjt on the movie yrs later

[@nsasupporter7557]

@@pa.encema2821 critics liked what more than Empire?

[@pa.encema2821]

@@nsasupporter7557 ROTJ when it first came out

[@johnwilson1851]

Love you Minty! Another great video!

[@Koiler8]

About time, we’ll done. Still waiting on The Good the Bad & the Ugly matey. Be a hit for you for sure!!!

[@JT-cp1pj]

So happy to see you in the feed again!!

[@jammy_rex3038]

Great video and I love to see appreciation for Return of the Jedi! Lots of fab little clips and nostalgia stitched into this video, my favourite being Harrison (well, Han Solo as he is in costume!) sat there reading a copy of Motor magazine - brilliant! I'd never seen that before!

[@RoverIAC]

member when they use to make good Star Wars movies? I've still got my copy of that Time Magazine.

[@thespicemelange.1]

I think that's what the critics missed is that this whole saga was about family and how important it is.

[@fifedogg511]

Exactly why do you think Disney is currently destroying everything about Star Wars!!

[@harbl99]

* happy Vin Diesel noises * Now look what you've done!

[@thespicemelange.1]

@@harbl99 😁🤪😜

[@bluegold1026]

@@fifedogg511 the sarcasm is strong with you

[@fifedogg511]

@@bluegold1026 thank you

[@joshblevins7609]

Keep em coming Minty...YOU ROCK!!!

[@nsasupporter7557]

It took him long enough to do Batman 1989! 😳😵‍💫

[@jayluck8047]

Ah, the magically disappearing/reappearing X-Wing ladder. Reminds me of Optimis Prime’ trailer.

[@SJHFoto]

A deleted scene that NO ONE MENTIONS is the fact that Lucas wasn't confident that the Admiral Ackbar suit would work, and he filmed the entire cruiser bridge sequence with General Madine and a human crew if the effects for the Mon Cals didn't look good on film. And another thing is that he had female Rebel pilots filmed (This was cut because if women soldiers died onscreen, the film might possibly receive an "R" rating in the US (there was no PG-13 back then) I guess this isn't well known among fans that aren't old enough to have seen this film in theatres. These two things don't seem to be mentioned much now

[@CwL-1984]

This is my favorite star wars movie.

[@marcelmoreau2733]

🎤Reunited and it feels so good Reunited like I knew we would🎤

[@dangr3957]

You just made me going to watch it tonight!

[@trevorhensley3185]

Minty, that's a very mature sentiment at the end. Personally, I just love Star Wars as a whole! Legends, Canon, it's all so rich and just makes me love this insane space opera more and more!

[@ianoag]

Okay. . . . This video really did have 10 things I didn't know about ROTJ. In fact, tie only thing "wrong" with ROTJ (in my opinion) was the fact that Boba Fett didn't get to do much. Also, in the deleted scene where Luke is holding a skull, you made a bit of a mistake as the comparison to Hamlet should have been "You're almost expecting him to say Alas Poor Yorrick, I knew him well". ROTJ was a great movie My 2 favourite scenes are 1: The awesome music when Luke duels with Vader (Incidentally I've been told "Vader" is Dutch for "Father" - what a giveaway! lol) and 2: The scene where the Superstar Destroyer crashes into the Death Star - Definitely prefer the original version of ROTJ Despite the fact I never noticed Luke's Lightsaber being blue in all the pre- release posters - Great Job Minty!

[@JenMistress]

With me, when I think of Return of the Jedi, I think of when I was a little girl watching it on dad's old VHS tape, something happened that would forever shape who I am today. Let's just say, the gold bikini made me realize that I liked other women in a different sort of way. 😉 Anyways, thank you, Minty.

[@NiamhCullen]

Everyone always forgets about Chewbacca. When you mentioned in the beginning, you didn't comment on how he helped save the day. In the beginning And I was in the Star Wars fan club so we received gifts. I received a patch that said said "Revenge of The Jedi" I still have it. I always felt it may be worth something someday.

[@pugwagie8060]

Excellent

[@dagokolloff7999]

Like always Minty, you knocked it out of the ball park with this video. I always learn something new about these great movies you so passionately do your homework on. 👍👍

[@WarhavenSC]

24:39 -- Agreed, but for me, I think Rogue One did a good job leading into Episode IV. My only gripe being the CGI Tarkin and Leia. They should have just cast Charles Dance in the role of Tarkin and Billie Lourd (Fisher's daughter) as Leia. Dance can act anything, and having Billie play Leia in the final scene would have been a lovely send up to Carry. Yeah, she doesn't look exactly like her mum, but that's okay -- it's all of two seconds. Personally, had they done that, I would have crying like a baby at the end seeing Carry's daughter carry the torch. :)

[@caeserromero3013]

Lynch didn't pass because he wasn't interested, he told Lucas to direct it himself because only he could fully realise his vision for the trilogy. Lynch was also busy with Dune at the time, so not exactly a Sci-Fi phobe 😂

[@rezsurfer2808]

wonder where you got this idea. Lynch himself in his OWN book said he was not into sci fi and if so it needs to be done with other genres mixed up. He in his own book said He had next door to Zero interest into producing the film . I never once heard him say he told Lucas to "produce it himself"

[@Q80Warlock]

Lynch was murdered by Dune that year just imagine a frustrated director doing another sci-fi flick.

[@melvert33]

Buddy, type David Lynch meets George Lucas into KZbin and you can see Lynch say he had no interest in doing the 3rd Star Wars film and what Lucas showed him gave him a headache!

[@mrg466]

Dune was so boring!

[@Scottocaster6668]

Ok, somebody help me out here, stupid question...What is the difference between a Director and a producer? I know the director does just that, but who has more influence in a movie (pace)? Thank you.

[@paulibarra5449]

the original, the unique, the real star wars ,

[@jamalvargas6146]

10 Things You Didn't Know About The Golden Girls the first big hit from Touchstone Television via Disney

[@alk3myst]

I will always remember when I saw the original Star Wars like on the second or third weekend it came out in 1977. A bunch of college or high school guys were in the row behind us. They donned popcorn bucket helmets with eye holes and a mouth hole for a straw they doubled or tripled up and would have their own 'straw' saber battles during the movie. As a 6 year old it was highly entertaining. :) There was like a half dozen or so of them.

[@insearthanamesaheera5712]

Man Minty, your vids are really great. I just enjoyed the one about the star wars xmas special and now this one. Its such a joy to have all this info and footage and stuff (as well as your own thoughts) presented in this great bundle (video/format).