Return of the Jedi (1983) Retrospective / Review

/ oliverharper
www.olivers-retrospectives.com
/ ollieh82
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/ oliverharper1982
Return of the Jedi (1983) Retrospective / Review
Get the Star Wars series on Blu-ray here goo.gl/59j2CH
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[@aggytheslob7778]

Years later after episode 9 has come out, we’re still waiting for the unaltered original trilogy to be re-released

[@gibbo1977]

Just get the De-specialised edition, it’s the goods! All the good stuff without the rubbish

[@GerryMcGarry]

Years after your comment, still waiting

[@dylanbottom4669]

​@@GerryMcGarry2 weeks after your comment I'm still waiting

[@jasrust]

The added 'Noooooo!!!!' dubbed over Vader at the end really pisses me off. What was great about that scene was Vader looking from Luke to Emperor, Luke to Emperor, Luke to Emperor, then wordlessly hoiking up and throwing the mad old fuck down the shaft. It annoys me more than it should.

[@RS-do1of]

Totally agree. It was actually a brilliant moment untouched which I would have thought the director was keen to get right and did get right. It was so powerful without that crap ‘nooooooo’

[@diddymelone2265]

yeah, also they had absolutely nothing to gain from this, it doesnt improve the scene at all and it didnt need any improvements anyway, so best case people wouldnt mind it, worst case people would hate it, they could only lose out by adding it in and they did it anyway, because they weren´t thinking ... so stupid really. as seen in the prequels also and the strange additions in new hope, george really is the master of throwing lots of useless bullshit your way, in hopes that you are dazzled enough to love it. "its so dense, every single image has so much going on"

[@nickm8874]

jasrust you’re correct to be annoyed. Don’t feel the need to justify it

[@charlieburrows7490]

Agreed! It's always bothered me more than the FX bullshit they threw in. This was a poignant scene, emotionally powerful and those silent looks back and forth, the music etc. perfection which anyone would find powerful, not just for sci fi but any genre.....and they ruined it by chucking that stupid "nooooooo" in all just so that it matches up with the prequels.....we all get it, they are linked but they were desperate to connect the two trilogies, like we wouldn't understand if they didn't do this... it's the same thing with the Anakin swap out at the end...I prefer the reasoning of him being the age he was when he died in the suit, and this is the "pure" him now, as he would be now he's let go of the dark side... another powerful moment shafted, because someone let George into the Computer room.

[@nickm8874]

Charlie Burrows matches up with a scene in the prequels that everyone ridiculed anyway

[@Chablar89]

The choral score with the strings that kicks in when Luke loses his temper at Vader gives me painful goosebumps every single time I hear it. Utterly breathtaking.

[@Linklex7]

I'm not ashamed to admit Return of the Jedi has and always will be my favorite of the Star Wars saga.

[@ArcadeMusicTribute]

my personal favorite also

[@landochabod7]

It used to be mine as well, when I was a kid. As a grown-up, I recognize its flaws, not the Ewoks as much as those mentioned in the video: Han and Leia having basically nothing to do (blowing up a shield generator somewhere? it sounds like a forgettable level from a Rogue Squadron game), no new location except an unremarkable "forest planet", the derivativeness of a second Death Star. The Luke vs Vader duel in front of the Emperor, and in a way the Luke vs Emperor duel for the soul of Anakin-Vader, used to be the part I skipped as a kid, as the battle of Endor was much more exciting, but it's actually the emotional core of the movie and the moral core of the franchise. Also, I never really understood what was Luke's (and Leia's, the droids', Lando's...) plan to rescue Han. Other than the final duel, the Tatooine sequence is probably the best part of the movie, but the more one thinks about it the less sense it makes. There are even articles on the internet with theories about what the plan was, if any. Overall, it's a well-made movie technically, but the plot is just uninspired and ungainly.

[@dgallagher6956]

I like all of them equally.

[@johnjamele]

As long as your top three are all OT films, I personally have no problem with you. Star Wars (not "A New Hope") will always be my favorite because I was 13 and still remember how amazing it all was.

[@coastaku1954]

@@johnjamele Revenge of the Sith is the best Star Wars film, then Return of the Jedi, I just love Anakin and I love watching his downfall and his redemption

[@Brandywine53]

Ian mcdiarmid is an absolute boss. Arguably the best cast character in the entire star wars trilogy.

[@woahslowdown]

Best in the trilogy of trilogys

[@DelightLovesMovies]

I always cry when i see the final confrontation between Luke and Vader. Its so tragic and combined with the score makes it such an emotional experience. Its the first thing I think of when ever I think of Star Wars.

[@wattsnottaken1]

“If you won’t turn, then perhaps she will” “Ahhhhh” 😏

[@fluorosco]

​@@wattsnottaken1 Brilliant ! Awesome scene. Mix of action and dialogue, like all the first 3. IV, V & VI. ❤

[@bassreeves630]

I've just watched all of these Star Wars retrospectives back to back and have been blown away by the execution. This guy deserves more views and more subscribers.

[@derekswartzl5123]

If they had replaced Ewoks with Wookies I think people wouldn't have minded them taking down all of the Imperials.

[@thejusticeavengers1]

The original plan was wookies but Lucas didn't think they were primitive enough.

[@Derke73]

derek swartzl Lucas should have added some Ewoks jumping out of trees with spears and running around with speed and dexterity to the "Special" Editions. The main problem with the ewoks was that they looked cheap (some didn't even have eyes, but just holes in their costumes). They look like midgets waddling around wearing rugs, which is exactly what they are.

[@mikeseaquest9246]

+Derke73 good call

[@emmanuelmondesir1314]

thejusticeavengers1 he wanted to sell more toys

[@avisco01]

That would have been incredible, nicely done.

[@KaiHaaland]

0:12 Harper's Trailer 2:18 Retrospective/History 9:32 Synopsis 12:11 Visual Effects 13:35 Soundtrack 15:16 Video Games 17:32 Review 22:25 Ending Trailer

[@Cafeman_2D]

I remember going to the theater with a friend to see this, in 1983. We were not disappointed in any way. When the Emperor was frying Luke, and Vader kept looking back and forth, it seemed like an eternity. When he saved Luke, and also when the Falcon burst out of the flames of the Death Star with Lando's yee-haw cry ... great moments. I think when I see those moments I am still recalling how I felt seeing it for the first time. Thanks for the retrospective.

[@brovold72]

Age eleven, I still recall the thrill of that green lightsaber blasting into action the first time. The long, dark Jabba's palace scene set everybody up for it perfectly.

[@woocha79]

"You can see an Ewok smoking Endor weed" Oh my god hilarious!!

[@pleasehelpmegod2103]

Thats how ewoks party bro

[@CianODonnell]

That was before their devastating crack epidemic.

[@diggerdog9205]

Long bottom leaf

[@NickMichalak]

This video brought a heartwarming smile to my face all over again. You did such beautiful justice to this film. It's strength is truly the emotion. Many seem content to criticize Mark Hamill for some reason, but his work in this trilogy, especially when taken as a whole arc, truly impresses me. I'll sing his praises and defend his work as Luke Skywalker to the ends of the Earth. If I had one, my hat would be off to you, Oliver. I live for the day some studio hires you to produce a full-on documentary or featurette for a movie.

[@elizagaskell7957]

23:37 The original ending with Anakin, Yoda and Obi Wan played by the original actors (Sebastian Shaw, Frank Oz voiced Yoda and Sir Alec Guinnness)...a perfect ending to a great trilogy,

[@mikespearwood3914]

I was fucking livid when I saw that scene with Lucas changing Anakin to the prequels actor.

[@jimbyrdiii1503]

"I'm a Jedi, like my father before me!" --If u don't get choked up hearing that line, I guess you're not a STAR WARS fan.

[@monsieurmitosis]

True. Although as a kid it it always struck me as arbitrary that Luke was obliged to face Vader a second time before he could consider himself a Jedi. Seemed like a rule Yoda just made up LMAO.

[@JonahNelson7]

@@monsieurmitosis off the top of my head I'm guessing Yoda's character might've done that (besides just advancing the plot) because a Jedi can't have fear, so Luke has to face his fear, which is Vader

[@derajnitram1882]

I hate how Lucas swapped out old Vader at the end of Jedi with Hayden from the prequels, as Olivier pointed out it makes absolutely no sense. I get George wanted (for whatever reason) to tie the original films with the prequels, but switching old Vader for Anikan is just plain dumb.

[@jasrust]

+deraj nitram I agree with you and with Oliver, but I suppose what Lucas would say is that is how Anakin looked when he died, when he 'became' Darth Vader in spirit. It's a weak argument, as I say they should have left it alone.

[@kthx1138]

I think Luke was just delighted his father was saved.

[@r3d5ive87]

Luke was like; cool, Obi-wan, Yoda, and who’s that other douchebag?

[@thegoodreylo4749]

deraj nitram no. The original version makes no sense. He NEVER looked like that.

[@toddgarver5397]

Luke has no idea what young Vader looked like lol I was expecting Luke to be like "Who the fuck is that guy!?" Lol

[@ZyxthePest]

"And you can see an Ewok smoking Endor weed!" 5/25 BLAZE IT

[@Welther47]

It's tobacco. Why does everyone just assume it's weed?

[@GisherJohn24]

Jedi had the least interesting story, but had the best action, I thought the last battle in space on the Death Star made it all worthwhile. I was in shock how awesome that was.

[@bentramer682]

I thought it had a great story, i love the escape scene in the beginning but i think there's too much of a leap from Tatooine to Endor

[@WhiteChocolate74]

Can't hate the forest speeder chase either

[@altraferne]

Watching this movie is actually one of my earliest childhood memories. I remember a number of my first nightmares involved running from the Rancor and I can't think I'm alone in that. The whole finale on the Death Star is burned into my brain as one of the most intense moments I've ever seen. From Luke defeating Vader, to the Emperor zapping the bejeezus out of Luke, to Vader just up and chucking the Emperor down the shaft, holy cow was all that awesome. But the real moment that stuck in my head and evoked the most intense emotions was that moment when Vader finally dies and all we hear is that soft, somber reprise of the Imperial March on a harp. That remains my all time favorite piece of music from the franchise. The difference in tone from the usual pompous menace of the song to being utterly tragic is amazing and it accented Vader's passing perfectly.

[@Rendell001]

"But the real moment that stuck in my head and evoked the most intense emotions was that moment when Vader finally dies and all we hear is that soft, somber reprise of the Imperial March on a harp. That remains my all time favorite piece of music from the franchise." You and me both - I'll probably have that played at my funeral.

[@RetrocadePodcast]

21:24 you make a fitting, touching explanation of why these movies are the most popular series of films ever made. It really is true; when you sit down and watch the originals, you instantly fall in love with them again.

[@rubeng370]

9:00 episode 9 is about to come and Disney hasn't done this or re-release them in 4K

[@antitoastthe2nd]

I KNOW, its so stupid, why promise this to us, if your not even going to bother?

[@ireallylovepie]

THX = The audience is now deaf. Also this is my favorite film in the SW trilogy.

[@kieranholmes8086]

ROTJ is actually my fav of the OT, although I can understand why people think it's the weakest.

[@philipdonmichaeljohnsontho4184]

It's actually my second favorite after 'Empire' - no shame man, ROTJ has its fans, I'm with ya!

[@squinteastwood4637]

ROTJ is damn good, my favorite!

[@collegeman1988]

I saw ROTJ in 1983 when I was 15 years old, and I was really disappointed in it, mainly because I had discovered GL wasn’t planning on making any more Star Wars movies in the near future. After seeing Revenge Of The Sith, it made perfect sense why Vader turned on the Emperor in ROTJ. He didn’t do it on a whim. This was his son the Emperor was killing and he couldn’t let that happen, not after the Emperor lied to him about being able to save Padme. The Emperor was able to see into the future, but he completely missed how Anakin felt about his family.

[@coastaku1954]

@@collegeman1988 That's why I love Revenge of the Sith and Return of the Jedi, Anakin Skywalker is a great tragedy of a character and I like that they put Hayden Christensen in Jedi, it nicely ties everything together, especially for those who watch the series I through VI which was as intended by George Lucas

[@Fork1]

What's important to keep in mind is that the Expanded Universe, which sort reached its high point with "Heir to Empire", is what kept the fandom alive!

[@TedShatner10]

George Lucas' last try at "fixing" Star Wars reminds me of Father Ted when he was trying to fix that slightly dented car with a tiny hammer (and then smashing it up completely). I think it would be a great idea to get the Original Cut Trilogy or even the 1997 Special Edition Trilogy out on Blu Ray. I can remember liking most of the Special Edition when it was released in cinemas when I was very young, so I didn't get the controversy until many years later when I went on the interwebs.

[@tomashize]

TedShatner10 you shouldda just stayed off the interweb. It ruined all of us humans. Ruined us good.

[@evertonporter7887]

@Analyzing Male Slavery The Special Editions led to the first fan backlash against George Lucas, The Fandom Menace I.

[@postersandstuff]

Met Baker and Mayhew I did. Grumpy they were.

[@thedethrocker8858]

Amazing

[@JonahNelson7]

Yeah I mean most of the choices when you go back and see what they are were definitely good choices. I downloaded an original version of A New Hope and it was very jank looking compared to the version out now

[@OliverHarper]

If you enjoyed the video please don't forget to click the 'Like' button and share it with your friends. ORDER YOUR POSTER TO CELEBRATE 100 REVIEWS HERE! www.etsy.com/uk/listing/184990493/

[@TheY2JMc]

Your videos are pure quality! keep up the good work, would love for you to do a review on my favorite film Alien 3, that poor thing gets an awful doing!

[@MagusMarquillin]

TheY2JMc Way to stand apart from the crowd. That's usually my favorite Alien movie, but I thought I was the only one who accepts it for what it is.

[@LUCKO2022]

TheY2JMc Alien 3 Sucks. It's broken right before the movie starts with the Eggs on the Sulaco. There has 2 be 2 Eggs to start with as Ripley gets infected and then the dog/ox (depending on which cut of the film you watch) gets infected. But the problem is that there is ZERO way for those eggs to be on the Sulaco after the ending of Aliens. The Queens Egg sack is GONE and she didn't have any eggs with her when she came from the dropship. Also the Queen never leaves the shuttle/cargo bay thus there is no way for those eggs to be upside down near the cryopods. So Alien 3 is completely broken and that is why I despise that movie.

[@TheY2JMc]

snake2006 Awww, poor Alien 3, gets a bad doing so it does! still my favourite movie, even if you hate it you must admit its stunningly shot, and has a fantastic soundtrack, i dont claim it to be a great movie, just my favourite. I never took issue with the eggs on the Sulaco, as far as im concerned they are there because they needed to be for a movie to be made.

[@LUCKO2022]

TheY2JMc Well I am about the story. If they had a plausible way for those eggs to be there I would accept it since it's not bad outside of that. But since there isn't it breaks the entire film so I can't be bothered to watch it. The eggs are there just because excuse doesn't work for me.

[@bayratfilms4922]

I am a Jedi...like my father before me....that line always punches me in the feels...

[@Glennstevenson822]

The editing of this intro segment is incredibly slick. Makes me excited about a movie I've probably literally seen 100 times. Most impressive.

[@pascalt4372]

I appreciate that you chose to end on the original ending shot, and included the original Ewok celebration in there as well. My main gripe with the special editions is the way the ending to Jedi has been altered, from the visuals to the music (especially the music!). My favorite moment, as well, is when Lando comes shooting out of the Death Star.

[@nuller87]

Can we all agree, that it is AMAZING how much emotion they make Vader show throughout this movie under a mask covering any expression! Still to this day, the characters are so well written, and the actors do such a good performance. Every time I sit down to watch this, I forget I'm watching a movie, cause I'm so invested in the heroes, that I'm glued to the screen. But having a character completely covered in a very dark suit and helmet, show the emotion so well to us, that is one of the things I love about this movie. The spacebattle in the last part of the movie was superb, and I love Wedge playing such a bit role despite him not having much screentime at all, we know who he is, we know he's an amazing pilot, and we trust him as Luke does. The rebels show how much they're willing to sacrifice and that everyone know this is it. They have to make it, or the empire will crush them. The switch between the spacebattle and the emperor forcing Luke to watch his friends die out there is so well done and written. And ofc Vader throwing the emperor to his death (yes death screw Disney), must have made everyone go crazy with happiness in the cinema back then.

[@darthnegrus9255]

I could watch your reviews all freaking day. Very consistent production effort to give insight on these long forgotten films. Thank you!

[@MYTMIC]

Jedi was always my favorite, #1 it looked the best, the effects and sharpness of the picture where high quality, #2 The Emperor, this character raised the stakes, was scary, engaging, and his dialogue and interplay with Luke and Vader was the best, #3 never had a problem with the Ewoks, I always saw the big battles of star wars as WWII, I saw the endor battle as Vietnam, I also don't see the Ewoks as winning the battle but as a diversion, only goal is to destroy the shield generator. #4 the music, I could just listen to Jedi without the picture, it sounds that good John Williams outdid himself, #5 it's the best trilogy finale, the ending felt perfect and worth during through 3 films for!!

[@brockcash877]

I remember watching that dance number when I was 9 in the theaters and being so confused. Upon growing up I must say that having a catching dance number before Jabba kills a woman really sets the tone.

[@AdamJohnPestridge]

This is my favourite Star Wars Episode with number 3 coming in to close second. I remember having the lunchbox in America when I was young and many of the figures.

[@anthonystiger]

I was in third grade when Jedi came out, and my family and I spent the night in front of the local theater to see the first showing. It was an unforgettable night capped off with what would become my favorite of all the Star wars movies. In fact, it is of my opinion, that while it's become quite trendy to say that Empire is your favorite, most people of my age range thought empire was kind of boring and preferred Jedi. I know as a kid I loved the Ewoks.

[@sashizakura9124]

Return of the Jedi was my first Star Wars theater experience. As a 9 year old, I LOVED the Ewoks, and took to drawing and painting them all the time afterwards. :D Wonderfully informative review, thanks!!!

[@BrendanPramjee]

ROTJ is my first Star Wars movie experience and it's still my fave to this day! As much as I love empire. Don't understand the hate towards the Ewoks. Think they add a sense of fun and lightness to the end sequence. Jaba's palace scene is beyond a awesome. Good review though Oliver

[@LUCKO2022]

I hated the Ewoks as a kid and I STILL hate them to this day. Teddy Bears beating the most elite fighting force in the universe with STICKS AND STONES. That was such a insult. I wish all the Ewoks would just die in a fire along with the Gungans.

[@LUCKO2022]

***** Gungans are fucking annoying as shit.

[@LUCKO2022]

***** When did they beat Grievous? That is not in any of the prequels at all. If it is not on screen, it didn't happen,

[@LUCKO2022]

***** Doesn't count. Not on screen, doesn't count.

[@LUCKO2022]

***** It's not in the 6 films, so it's not canon. Episode 7 isn't canon either just big budget fan film. Only the Lucas movies count.

[@Gallifrey1991]

As a fellow filmmaker/youtuber I am in awe of your videos Oliver and they are my favourite film reviews on KZbin. You include a mixture of things I know and things I don't know. Especially about the games and music etc. Please keep going! Regards

[@theolocalloner9404]

You should check out SF Debris on BlipTV. He is probably the best online movie reviewer.

[@OliverHarper]

Thats great to hear Lawrence!. Really appreciate your feedback and its fantastic you've learnt new things from my reviews. There is loads more to look forward to this year.

[@jstephenj]

Oliver Harper A great review as always. Do you plan on doing the other five films in time for Force Awakens?

[@666deadman1988]

This was the perfect thing to watch on the run-up to Star Wars Day. It's got me well in the mood to watch the original trilogy this weekend. Cheers, Olly.

[@samuelstephens6163]

Great review - it never made sense to me that Marquand was passed over in discussion. The fact his dialogue scenes are great rings true. RotJ's emotional moments are the best in the trilogy.

[@WalesintheMovies]

Hey Oliver, I'm looking at all the big onlne reviewers and your channel is such a refreshing change to the rest of them. Don't get me wrong I like all the biggies but your restrained style and thorough content makes for a much more academic and interesting experience. I came to this video as I'm researching director Richard Marquand, from Cardiff, and appreciate your references to him here. Unsurprisingly you are one of the few reviewers to mention him Da iawn, boy bach. You've given me great encouragement to grow my channel here.

[@OliverHarper]

+Wales in the Movies Thank you very much for your feedback. My goal is to educate my viewers and provide material that is equal to something you'd seen on TV and not just another VLOG video approach which require little effort to do.

[@Mathadar]

+Oliver Harper Absolutely amazing. I used to listen to Siskel and Ebert, and later just Ebert. For years I watched Nostalgic Critic for my review/retrospective fix. You however you a much better job of education and excellent quality. I am very very glad I found your review on one of my favorite vampire film, Bram Stroker's Dracula (1992). I learned far more about how it was made, then I found in any behind the scenes.

[@patrickshields5251]

I love Siskel and Ebert but i hated the Nostalgia Critic. So i came across Oliver Harper and his research about the making of these films is incredible. Regardless of what some KZbinrs think of Siskel and Ebert, they and Oliver Harper have one thing in common, they love movies.

[@ryanfanclub]

Ollie, I recently watched the unaltered trilogy for the first time since they were on VHS in the early 90s, and it felt like I was a kid again. Somehow, when you strip away all the extra goo on the effects and add-ins, it becomes Star Wars again - that great adventure story full of wonder and imagination.

[@acsexpress5109]

I loved the ROTJ space battles as a kid. They looked incredible and the effects hold up remarkably well, much better than many later efforts rendered in CGI. The drama & score permeating the final encounter between Luke, Vader and Palpatine formed a stirring climacteric sequence whose twist still comes as a surprise.

[@GopherBaroque61]

The thing that really impresses me is the edit you do at the end of all these Retrospectives. They are truly phenomenal. It's like the best you will ever see for the movie.

[@PimpDragon108]

I can safely say as a child of the late 70s/80s that Jedi was the one film of the trilogy I saw the most in the theater and had the most merchandise from. As a kid, it was easily my favorite. Like you, Ollie, age and wisdom allows us to see Empire as the definitive film of the series. But, I will say this - if someone were to tell me today that Jedi is their favorite, I'd totally understand and not even question it. Jedi does have the amazing sequence with Jabba's palace/Skiff Barge, the touching send-off for Yoda, the JAW-DROPPING final assault on the Death Star II and, of course, the epic standoff between Luke, Vader and the Emperor. People tend to give a lot of grief to the Ewoks but, you know, after Jar-Jar they are practically as cool as John Shaft (Shut your mouth! I'm just talkin' about Wicket). Jedi isn't perfect, but what it is is a perfectly entertaining film that truly gives a proper send-off to the Star Wars saga. As a kid, I didn't cry at movies (not even E.T.), but I bawled at the end of Jedi because I knew it was the end of my favorite series of films. As a child of that era, the films had a profound impact on me. As an adult, they still do. Thank God I never truly grew up. ;) And yes, I still have my Jedi bedsheets and sleeping bag. :)

[@jediknightgeo]

I always thought that Richard Marquand never got the recognition he deserved directing Jedi. I love Episode 4, 5 and 6 equally for different reasons. Great review.

[@LUCKO2022]

Because he didn't really direct much. Lucas stepped in about midway through shooting and did most of the filming himself. This is mentioned in the documentary Empire of Dreams.

[@jediknightgeo]

snake2006 Oh yeah? I heard Lucas just directed a lot of the special effects stuff.

[@LUCKO2022]

***** He did allot more than that. Again watch Empire of Dreams the making of the Star Wars trilogy.

[@LinkMarioSamus]

CF_105 Arrow It's almost like Lucas just can't hack it without the help of others. His former wife Marcia played a huge part behind-the-scenes in the original trilogy, but they divorced soon after. To say nothing about others like Lawrence Kasdan, Irvin Kershner, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola (who produced his pre-Star Wars stuff)...man.

[@LUCKO2022]

LinkMarioSamus Pretty much. Hell Star Wars would have flopped if not for the editing by Richard Chew. According to Empire of Dreams the original cut of Star Wars was terrible but Richard Chew came in before the film was released and fixed it and thus made it a big hit. I would like to see that original edit of the film, Lucas must have it in the Lucasfilm vaults, just to see the difference between that cut and the finished cut that was released in 1977.

[@WalesintheMovies]

Messing with that Endor weeeeeed!

[@AkaiAkumu]

"It's hard to imagine Star Wars not being popular" Oh boy... welcome to 2020 :D

[@desertmav8632]

AkaiAkumu (sigh)right?? What an utter catastrophe!!

[@AkaiAkumu]

@@desertmav8632 It's funny in the perspective of time though. I think everyone had this mindset before the sequel trilogy.

[@metalbrainmextrememetalent6810]

It’s still massively popular. I don’t like Star Wars that much. I liked the first 3 movies fine enough, but I was never really into it like a lot of fans.

[@501ststudiolegion6]

I’d disagree sure the movies aren’t popular now but other aspects are. The Mandalorion proves to be a massive success and Clone Wars finished on an okay run with an amazing final 4 episodes. Jedi Fallen Order was a fun and engaging story with fun mechanics. Plus Battlefront 2 had the biggest comeback in gaming history. I think there is a future for Star Wars is outside of movies for now.

[@AkaiAkumu]

@@501ststudiolegion6 I agree that the other content besides the main moviesis still striving still. However i feel that it is nowhere the level of the hype surrounding the movies in the 90s and early 2000s. Indeed the love for the franchise did not die entirely. But i feel it's going through some hard times. I'm trying to gage though if the prequels or sequels were more hated. However in my personal opinions the sequels created a new low for the main franchise movies.

[@KarstensCreationsKC]

Gotta say, Mr. Harper, my favorite parts of your reviews are the montages you feature at the end of each review...your choice of sequences, music and editing skills are unmatched, making your finales absolutely fantastic.... Oh, the reviews (this one here as a fine example) are always SPOT...ON.

[@Larry]

But why does Anakin get to be a young ghost? Wwwhhhyyyyyyyyyy? I'm surprised you never mentioned much about Kurtz in the movie though. He was originally supposed to be involved again. But the whole Ewoks thing pushed him away.

[@MagusMarquillin]

At least it wasn't Jake Lloyd going: "I get to be ONE with the FORcE?! YIPPIEEE! Eternal Youth, right master Obi-One? Oh. Maybe that's just for the dark side.

[@shockz16]

Magus Marquillin I actually find Jake Lloyd more annoying in the Phantom Menace than Jar-jar Binks. We just didn't need to see Anakin as a kid, teenage years - young adult - brink of turning to the darkside is allwe needed, his childhood could've been breezed over with some well placed dialog for all I care lol.

[@Larry]

It would have been a lot darker and far less of a muppet movie.

[@LinkMarioSamus]

shockz16 They were both horribly annoying.

[@shockz16]

LinkMarioSamus Yeah no doubt but in a scenario where I have to pick the lesser of two annoyances I'd take Jar Jar over Jake Lloyds Anakin lol.

[@MyBeatleBoy60]

You tell the movies so good! Your retrospectives are so entertaining to watch, they make me go back and make me wanna see the movie again. I love this Star Wars trilogy so much.

[@DayAntilles]

Great review. You totally nailed it with the emotionel ending. I've never been shy to admit that Jedi is my favorite Star Wars movie. :)

[@kurtemeigh]

I love how he says just pick up the laserdisc like it's readily available, cheap, and/or has a laserdisc player...lol. It's probably easier to just download the Despecialized editions than get the good laserdisc versions, and a laserdisc player.

[@tysongames2750]

This is my favorite Star Wars movie and my second favorite movie of all time!

[@dennisvance4004]

Return of the Jedi was, for those of us who saw the Star Wars movies in theaters the first time, the completion of a journey with characters who have become our friends. It was a story six years in the telling that took us to places we’d never imagined with heroes that were new and fresh and yet timeless. The Force exists only on the screen but the memories will be with us always.

[@foley15136]

Recently found your reviews and have been binge watching them. They’re thoroughly entertaining!

[@aaronluna4779]

Best Star Wars trivia fact: this is the only film in the saga to NOT feature a blue lightsaber!

[@oscarjohnson2130]

Return of the Jedi will always be my favorite

[@lesserknwnyoubytubeyr4071]

My all-time favorite film.

[@roguebuddha]

Fabulous editing on this one. Thanks for making my day.

[@speedracer1945]

I just want to say thanks for the good posting Mr Harper. You put a lot of effort and facts in all Your videos and wish I found them earlier .

[@bobbypaycheque]

The changes are unforgivable. The version of ROTJ available on bluray is not the film that won the Oscar for special effects. The original theatrical versions of the original trilogy must be restored and released on bluray. It's the right thing to do and hopefully Disney will realize they can make a boatload of cash if they make it available.

[@jasonvoorheesthethird]

Do like me and many other fans did, and download the despecialised editions..problem solved! I have never been able to watch the special editions, they are not the movies i know and that i grew up with, i hate them with passion. So as soon as i discovered the despecialised editions a few years ago, i threw the special editions to garbages, where they belong! Do yourself a favor and get them, they are really worth it. Dont count on Disney and George to release them, because they wont. George is an asshole now, he doesnt care about the people who have made him a billionaire, he doesnt care about anyone but himself. He just want to force his shitty special editions down our throats instead of doing the right thing and make both versions available for everyone, like Steven Spielberg did with E.T. Edit: i just realised that its a very old message, so i hope you found out about the despcialised editions since :)

[@GlitteringToothpaste]

Why does no one acknowledge the existence of the special box set from 2006 that has the original films in hd on the second disc??? I have it sitting 3 feet away from me...

[@jasonvoorheesthethird]

GlitteringToothpaste No one talks about it because that set is pure shit! And by the way its not in HD at all, not even close...the 3 movies are not even anamorphic on this set ffs! No one talks about the GOUT because the quality is so incredibly bad that its not worth mentioning it. That set is an insult to the fans (like me) who were asking for the unaltered versions of the movies back in the days! I highly doubt that you ever watched it if you believe its in HD...

[@jasonvoorheesthethird]

Trey Stephens Im telling you, go get the despecialized editions, they are by far the best versions you can get, the only versions that could match the despecialized editions would be the original release by Disney, but we all know it wont happen, so get it...and by the way, they are free

[@jasonvoorheesthethird]

Jeff Carlin thats really funny that you're asking me this while im watching it as we speak! Lol And yes they are available on bluray, they are in high definition (720p) so they would not fit on a dvd. I think theres also a version for dvd, but i never got them on dvd so im not 100% sure. And by the way, they are currently working on the 4k version of the trilogy if you're interested, i personally cant wait to get my hands on the 4k trilogy, the 720p version is absolutely amazing, so i can only imagine how insane the 4k version will be! And im not joking at all when i say that the 3 movies are the exact same versions as they were when they came out in theatres in 1977, 1980 and 1983. This unaltered trilogy is not some cheap fan made project that we often see, its a very high quality product, it has the same level of quality that you would get in an officially released by Disney. Go get them, i can guarantee that you wont watch the shitty special editions ever again after that!

[@Shadowrulzalways]

This was confirmed the second best Star Wars film out of the original series. My favorite of all time.

[@Nerfherder1426]

I enjoyed the great reviews and retrospectives of my favorite movies and appreciate you sharing your personal experiences.

[@OliverHarper]

Thanks, Rob!

[@brycevo]

This was truly the Return of this classic series. Thank you

[@richdeal9795]

Return of the Jedi is my favorite of the Star Wars trilogy

[@chrono2959]

Mine is "Empire strikes back".

[@richdeal9795]

That’s awesome and that’s my second favorite Star Wars film.

[@Pez1979]

Oliver @21:28 - we now know they're doing another three films! Han - I have a bad feeling about this! Obi-Wan - I feel a disturbance in the force! C3P0 - Oh no! Chewie - Grrrrrrrwwwwh! Luke Skywalker - You want the impossible! Yoda - The greatest teacher, failure is! Leia - I'd just as soon kiss a wookie Darth Vader - I find your lack of faith disturbing! R2D2 - Beep Beep Beep Beep!

[@anna-elizabeth]

TESB is my favorite of the series, but the moment in "Jedi" that Luke throws away his lightsaber and tells Palpatine that "I am a Jedi, like my father before me" is my favorite moment from any of them. "Jedi" has the best fleet/space battle as well.

[@smokydogy]

You put a lot of work into these. I cant believe you make them so often. Very well done, thanks for upload

[@Rockyrambo369]

Great review Oliver. And may the force be with you.

[@wrek1ent]

Your review videos are amazing sir. Well done!! I'm glad I found your channel.

[@cyberpunkholiday]

I'm always going to love this channel and its content. Thanks for all the hard work Oliver. Its superb work.

[@OliverHarper]

Thanks Stefan!

[@ravissary79]

first movie I ever saw in the theater... Return will always have a special place in my heart despite some of its aging effects (speeders fight doesn't look as good now, it looked better in my memory).

[@Harri927]

I have the Return of the Jedi soundtrack myself on my Ipod and I love listening to it.

[@rjg7112]

I've been a big fan of "Return Of The Jedi" from its opening day 37 years ago. It delivers not just a satisfying conclusion to the cliff hanger ending of its predecessor, it is also the best visually of the original trilogy. The best experience I have ever at the movie theater. Ian McDiarmid's giant performance as the Emperor and the redemption and death of Annakin Skywalker are what stand out in this one.

[@kommissar.murphy]

Question, why is Vader being burned the "traditional" funeral for Jedi's when most of the ones we see die disappear?

[@spi2derman]

@Kommissar before Qui Gon and Yoda, there were no force ghosts, so the traditional funeral was them being cremated.

[@spi2derman]

Watch the prequels, and most importantly the Clone Wars show.

[@ethanstarbuck3124]

Anakin disappeared, his suit remained

[@johnhenry6797]

Hes not a jedi

[@Philo-ul2uq]

@@johnhenry6797 he is a Jedi, not a master.

[@iost5459]

Though I admit Empire was the best, I love this film the most by far. I even like the Viet Cong-esque ewoks. My personal graDing: Jedi - A+ Empire - A+ Star Wars - A+ Awakens - B Sith - C+ Menace - D Clones - D-

[@Nemoticon]

RotJ was always my favourite... but tbh, I love them all (Original Trilogy) equally. I also remember the Star Wars Arcade game with green lines, but I played it on some Commadore Amiga (with the big Function buttons)... you flew the the X-Wing with the mouse - flying through the asteroids, all you had to do was go to the extreme bottom right and only one asteroid would hit you, lol. But I could never succeed on the isometric scroller, I just really sucked at it. Awesome review and a brilliant presentation, good work xD

[@oakie007]

Amazing Oliver, I'm looking forward to watching all of your uploads.

[@jeffrokraus5483]

Great review. You've really summarized a lot of important things well

[@JohnnyBeane]

Excellent video and review!

[@skywalking3293]

Just subscribed. Your videos are fantastic and very educational! Keep up the good work!

[@OliverHarper]

+Skywalking Thank you very much!

[@gigg11c]

Oliver Harper

[@mrblobby7864]

I love the montages that you do at the beginings and ends of your reviews! You even make crappy movies like Superman 4 look good. You are very talented and if I were a filmmaker, I would definately hire you to make trailers for every one of my films.

[@LateBloomer_42o]

My Star Wars favorite film of all time! Thank you for doing this! This was a very emotional experience 💯😭💖

[@stevetrop]

Another great review. So many memories brought back. I for one would love to see a Conan The Barbarian review done by you Oliver.

[@TheMarcuscamby13]

Fantastic work! I really enjoyed the editing and the depth that you take into the backstory of the film. I definitely agree with you that as a kid ROTJ was my favorite film. Empire is most certainly the superior film and in my opinion one of the top 10 films ever made. Anyway keep up the great work, if I ever get into producing KZbin videos i could learn a heat deal from your work.

[@josemontano9210]

Thank you I love to sit home Sundays and watch all your videos

[@Broyale26]

Me, too. I love his style of reviewing-no useless humor and snark, no childish skits, no annoying cynicism. Just good quality analysis and commentary-even when I disagree with him (which is rare).

[@leskrapps7021]

I love your videos Oliver, I may have seen them all. you are very talented and have a great voice for this. thank you for all your work.

[@jediarco]

This is, BY FAR, my favorite of the OT Star Wars films. I have always, and will always, pick this as my favorite Star Wars film. Luke has always been my favorite character in this series, and he finally shines in this film, becoming a Jedi. Great film, and a great review. Keep up the awesome work sir.

[@therealKINDLE]

Such a Flawless review Oliver. You really are a damn genius!

[@jhl5093]

You deserve far more than just 5,000 views. Keep up the excellent work!

[@Dd8505]

Wow Oliver....I had 'goosebumps' and wonderful shivers at this presentation...so much detail, hard work and sheer excellence...yes I love Return of the Jedi so biased perhaps you may think but I just LOVE your style...never experienced a review the way you do it PLEASE keep going....LOVE it...Dan.

[@squamish4244]

I have been reading the huge 'Making of Return of the Jedi' book and it shows George Lucas just beginning to lose his shit. He still had a lot of creative mojo. He wrote or polished some of the best dialogue in the film, such as Yoda's death and the Emperor's Throne Room. He shot Vader's funeral pyre himself. But then he fixated on the idea of "my Ewoks", as he called them. Lawrence Kasdan wanted to get rid of them. Lucas insisted the second half of the film be written around them instead of vice-versa. The concept artists protested, and the FX guys hated them. But Lucas wouldn't budge. Yet this being 1981-82 George Lucas, he had not yet gone insane and still produced a great movie. Sixteen years later, however...

[@ClassicalMusicOnline]

Nice review. Thanks.

[@edcastillo5191]

This 43 year old has always loved ROTJ. It will always be my favorite movie of ALL TIME. I still remember that Sunday evening in 1983, when my aunt hustled us out of the Kingdom Hall, that was cclose to AU, the second we heard the final prayer's "AMEN", to try to get to the movie theater on Wisconsin Avenue here in DC. I never had seen ANH nor ESB in theaters yet. Only ANH on CBS once in a blue moon. But to now see a new and 3rd installment in person. I was so elated. Beyond excited. We sadly arrived when R2 and 3PO met Bib Fortuna. But... I ATE ROTJ!!! I still can't get enough. I watch it twice a year. I make a big deal of it. I make the anticipation grow.

[@JuanRodriguez-bk8om]

Even thou I love all the star wars movies this one is my favorite. Also I still have the original trilogy on VHS that came in the mid 90s. They include interviews with George Lucas.

[@azuresaiyan9005]

Empire Strikes Back is still my favorite, but you're right, the ending to ROJ is magnificient, the feels are strong with this one. Side note, would have been perfect if you released this vid on May 4th. lol

[@OliverHarper]

Yeah I was thinking leave it till this Sunday but I thought fuck it, its done and its going online!. lol

[@ViceCityVacation]

Oliver Harper Hey Ollie, can you please review the following: Point Break, Best of the Best & Little Shop of Horrors Thanks :)

[@kayokango]

Am I the only person on this planet that actually loved all of the Ewok spinoffs? Both the cartoon and the films have always appealed to me for some reason.

[@curatedgarments1088]

Great video, very thorough and enjoyable.

[@BenignViewer]

_Return of the King_ is still my favourite end to a trilogy personally, but _Return of the Jedi_, (the unaltered original version) ends on an incredible note as well, despite sagging in the middle with the Ewoks, the pacing coming to an almost dead halt (and a bit in the Jabba rescue as well). There is sadly nothing much for Han and Leia to do as characters in this film, and I think it's greatest missed opportunities was not in any exploring the drama surrounding Leia, a Rebel Alliance Leader, going off to rescue Han somewhat in violation of her duties to the rebellion, and having Darth Vader revealed as her father. Han, too, becoming a General (or at least a commissioned officer in the alliance, that high of a rank always bugged me about him and Lando, but that's a nitpick) offered an opportunity for some interesting character development, if only we were shown how he came to accept the Rebels ideals after essentially suffering a period of 'living death'. I'd have loved a scene of him either discussing with Leia or some other Alliance commanders committing to their cause, but still flippantly shooting down all their ideals with his trademark cynicism (like an organized democracy actually functioning). One other thought would be of course to have Boba Fett live, and perhaps have even been hired by Leia to help in their rescue of Han, but Han is motivated heavily to get revenge on him. And of course for there to be some unease between him and Lando in the wake of Bespin, before Lando does him a good turn and they make amends. _RotJ_ is all about redemption after all, and I think as a sub plot juxtaposing Lando's redemption against Boba Fett being a bad-ass but grade-A asshole would have added a lot of depth to Han's role in the film. He then has a choice between fighting with the Rebels (giving the Falcon to Lando) and going chasing after Boba and taking him down. Have Fett and Lando be the thematic bridge between the film's first act and second, which I felt was somewhat missing. Which then allows for the Luke and Yoda sequence on Dagobah to open the film (which makes more logical sense following up from _ESB_, Luke then redeems his failed attempt to rescue his friends on Bespin by doing so, fully trained, from Jabba). The Ewoks are entirely superfluous to the main theme of the film (we don't need to dedicate 40 minutes to primitives over coming the Empire, that is an over arching theme represented in the Rebllion's struggle itself across the trilogy) which is about redemption, and they really don't add anything except some cute and fuzzy spectacle. You could have cut them from the film entirely, and it wouldn't have made a difference. But those are just my thoughts, to reiterate what I said at the start: _Return of the Jedi_ is still an incredibly fun and heart-filled film on its own merits; Hamill, McDiarmid and Prowse/Jones/Shaw truly elevate it with their performances; the effects and score are top notch. It just wants for story I feel in the middle (where the Ewoks come in), and the pacing is a bit overburdened by plot. The ending still moves me every time. P.S. FUCK THE SPECIAL EDITIONS AND JAJA BINKS IN THAT NABOO SCENE. FUCK HIM.