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The Star Wars trilogy had the rare distinction of becoming more than just a series of movies, but a cultural phenomenon, a life-defining event for its generation. On its surface, George Lucas's original 1977 film is a rollicking and humorous space fantasy that owes debts to more influences than one can count on two hands, but filmgoers became entranced by its basic struggle of good vs. evil "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," its dazzling special effects, and a mythology of Jedi Knights, the Force, and droids.

In the first film, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) gets to live out every boy's dream: ditch the farm and rescue a princess (Carrie Fisher). Accompanied by the roguish Han Solo (Harrison Ford, the only principal who was able to cross over into stardom) and trained by Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), Luke finds himself involved in a galactic war against the Empire and the menacing Darth Vader (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones). The following film, The Empire Strikes Back (1980), takes a darker turn as the tiny rebellion faces an overwhelming onslaught. Directed by Irvin Kershner instead of Lucas, Empire is on the short list of Best Sequels Ever, marked by fantastic settings (the ice planet, the cloud city), the teachings of Yoda, a dash of grown-up romance, and a now-classic "revelation" ending. The final film of the trilogy, Return of the Jedi (1983, directed by Richard Marquand), is the most uneven. While the visual effects had taken quantum leaps over the years, resulting in thrilling speeder chases and space dogfights, the story is an uneasy mix of serious themes (Luke's maturation as a Jedi, the end of the Empire-rebellion showdown) and the cuddly teddy bears known as the Ewoks.

Years later, George Lucas transformed his films into "special editions" by adding new scenes and special effects, which were greeted mostly by shrugs from fans. They were perfectly happy with the films they had grown up with (who cares if Greedo shot first?), and thus disappointed by Lucas's decision to make the special editions the only versions available on DVD. Still, the Star Wars trilogy was one of the last remaining DVD Holy Grails, and only the most stubborn critics won't welcome its release. --David Horiuchi

DVD details
Includes:
Episode IV, A New Hope
Commentary by George Lucas, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren, and Carrie Fisher
Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back
Commentary by George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Lawrence Kasdan, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren, and Carrie Fisher
Episode VI, Return of the Jedi
Commentary by George Lucas, Lawrence Kasdan, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren, and Carrie Fisher

"Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy," the most comprehensive feature-length documentary ever produced on the Star Wars saga, and never-before-seen footage from the making of all three films
Featurettes: The Legendary Creatures of Star Wars, The Birth of the Lightsabre, The Legacy of Star Wars
Teasers, trailers, TV spots, still galleries
Playable Xbox demo of the new Lucasarts game Star Wars Battlefront
The making of the Episode III videogame
Exclusive preview of Star Wars: Episode III

Star Wars Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI)  

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Release Date: September 20, 2004
Classification:
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, et al.
Director: George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, 
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 1

Edition Details:
• Region 2 encoding (Europe, Japan, South Africa and the Middle East including Egypt).
• Box set, PAL
• Number of discs: 4
• ASIN: B0001ZE1OU
• Catalogue Number: 27233DVD

Bonus Disc: Find detailed information on the bonus disc included in this box set.

DVD Features:

•	Special Feature Information:
	°	Audio Commentary By George Lucas And Cast And Crew Members On Each Film
	°	Empire Of Dreams Documentary
	°	Behind The Scenes Preview Of The Return Of Darth Vader
	°	The Birth Of The Lightsaber
	°	The Charcters Of Star Wars
	°	The Legacy Of Star Wars
	°	Trailer For Video Games
	°	The Making Of The Games
•	Aspect Ratio: Wide Screen
•	Available Audio Tracks: Dolby Digital 5.1
•	Main Language: English

Star Wars Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI): Special Features

The original Star Wars Trilogy--episodes IV-VI--will be released on DVD for the first time on September 20, 2004. Available in widescreen, the three films in the Star Wars Trilogy--Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi--have been newly restored and remastered by renowned Lowry Digital Images and are presented with 5.1 THX sound. Each film also includes new commentaries by George Lucas and cast and crew members, including director Irvin Kershner, actress Carrie Fisher, sound designer Ben Burtt and Industrial Light & Magic's Dennis Muren.

A fourth disc in the collection includes an additional four hours of added-value material that brings remarkable new depth and insight into the making of the three films and the broader Star Wars saga. Find out more about the bonus features below...

Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy

The cornerstone of the fourth disc is Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy, a two-and-a-half hour documentary that traces the evolution of Star Wars from a low-budget, labour-of-love space saga to a movie phenomenon that defied the odds and reinvented the rules. At its core, Empire of Dreams tells the story of an independent filmmaker who had to innovate and invent an entirely new way of creating motion pictures. Featuring all-new interviews with George Lucas and more than 40 members of the cast and crew from all three films, Empire of Dreams also includes appearances by a host of filmmakers and media personalities, along with never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the three films. This new documentary brings viewers the most comprehensive look at a pioneer who triumphed against the odds to create an enduring modern fairy tale that has captivated the world.

Episode III Behind the Scenes Preview: The Return of Darth Vader

No other villain is as iconic as Darth Vader, a symbol of doom since his first appearance on movie screens in 1977 who remains a permanent part of popular culture. Finally, Star Wars: Episode III will reveal just how Anakin Skywalker became the feared Sith Lord. In this exclusive preview, George Lucas discusses Anakin's descent, while viewers will get a first look at the new Vader costume forged for Episode III and will experience first-hand how Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor have prepared for the epic lightsaber battle that has been anticipated more than two decades: the climactic showdown between Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The Birth of the Lightsaber

Its unforgettable hum and scintillating glow are instantly recognizable around the world, and now viewers will discover the origins of this elegant weapon from a more civilized age. This documentary, devoted to the lightsaber, features insight from George Lucas, cast and crew into the history of the iconic laser sword. It showcases the genesis of the lightsaber stunt and special-effects work and illustrates how each film in the Star Wars saga has surpassed the previous one with spectacular action set pieces featuring the Jedi's most trusted weapon.

The Characters of Star Wars

An in-depth look at how favourite characters came to be, featuring rare concept art, behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with George Lucas and the cast and crew who shaped the screen's favorite heroes--Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO--and the greatest villain of all, Darth Vader.

The Force Is With Them: The Legacy of Star Wars

Star Wars opened up a galaxy of possibilities to a generation of filmmakers and creative talents. Viewers will hear first-hand from some of the most notable filmmakers of our time about how influential the Star Wars movies have been to their lives.

Star Wars: Battlefront Trailer and Playable Demo

Now that the greatest Star Wars battles are on DVD, video game players can live them like never before in the new video game Star Wars: Battlefront from LucasArts, available for PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC. The Star Wars Trilogy DVD will offer a trailer featuring an exciting look at the video game, along with a special demo for Xbox users that lets users fight the Battle of Endor as a Rebel or Imperial soldier and drive AT-STs, ride speeder bikes and use different weapons to lead their side to victory.

Star Wars: Episode III Making the Game Preview

Video-game players will be able to experience the stunning Jedi action of Episode III themselves in the new Star Wars: Episode III game. This special feature shows how game developers at LucasArts worked behind-the-scenes and on the set to create the most authentic Jedi experience ever. The Star Wars: Episode III game will be available in Spring 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

Original Trailers and TV Spots

The original theatrical teaser, launch and re-release trailers for each film, plus TV spots, are featured on the DVD.

Never-Before-Seen Production Gallery

DVD owners will delve into an unseen corner of the Lucasfilm Archives with exclusive photos from the making of the Star Wars Trilogy, travelling from Tunisia to England, Norway, Arizona and back to California.

Posters and Print Campaigns

The original releases of the Star Wars Trilogy films came at a time when international campaigns produced a wealth of intriguing, alternative poster art. Viewers can explore a collection of theatrical posters from around the world.

Exclusive DVD-ROM Content

TheStar Wars Trilogy DVDs are keys that unlock exclusive content available only through a special DVD-ROM website. In addition, the DVD offers a link to the official Star Wars website, which provides daily features and updates on the continuing Star Wars saga.

STAR WARS XBOX GAMES
Available from Amazon.co.uk

Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter

Star Wars: Republic Commando

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