Anomaly of Return of the Jedi

Hey, Jen and Angela! Really enjoyed your discussion of “Jedi.” I was 11 years old when ROTJ hit theaters, and saw it twice during its original run. My second viewing was my first experience of how having a “good” audience can sometimes make or break the movie-going experience: the first time, everyone applauded and cheered when the Death Star blew up; the second time — nada! Crickets! Everyone sat on their hands! I was so disappointed.

ROTJ hasn’t fared all that well in my sight these last 30 years. I still really enjoy the first 20 minutes or so on Tatooine – it’s a great rescue caper, and I love all the crazy creatures in Jabba’s lair. I also still appreciate Luke’s final confrontation with Vader and the Emperor, although it’s a little over-the-top — but then again, very few bad guys chew the scenery as well as Ian McDiarmid’s Palpatine! But the Ewoks, whom I never really enjoyed, are really insufferable; and I still can’t quite forgive Lucas for rehashing so much of Episode IV’s plot. *Another* Death Star? Really, George, that’s the best you could do?

I think the best thing to come out of the ’97 Special Edition was the release of John Wililams’ full score. I bought the original LP soundtrack album with birthday money back in 1983. I loved having the 2-LP sets of Star Wars and Empire, and I was anticipating enjoying Jedi’s album just as much. But it was only one record! Bummer! (Still, it had a lot of cool photos in the jacket.)

Anyway, another fun episode – thanks for it!