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Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

1997 • 127 minutes
4.8
856 reviews
95%
Tomatometer
G
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

Discover the conflict between good and evil in the electrifying Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. After the destruction of the Death Star, Imperial forces continue to pursue the Rebels. After the Rebellion's defeat on the ice planet Hoth, Luke journeys to the planet Dagobah to train with Jedi Master Yoda, who has lived in hiding since the fall of the Republic. In an attempt to convert Luke to the dark side, Darth Vader lures young Skywalker into a trap in the Cloud City of Bespin.
Rating
G

Extras

Available only with purchase
Deleted Scene: Alternate Han and Leia kiss
1 minute
In this cut of Han and Leia's first kiss, it's important to note that their second kiss happens immediately thereafter, and is initiated by Leia, before the scene is interrupted by C-3PO.
A Conversation With The Masters (2010)
25 minutes
George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Lawrence Kasdan and John Williams look back on the making of The Empire Strikes Back in this in-depth retrospective from Lucasfilm created to help commemorate the 30th anniversary of one of the most beloved films of all time.
Deleted Scene: Yoda's Test
1 minute
As a test of Luke's Jedi reflexes, Yoda floats a silver bar before the young apprentice. Luke ignites his blade and cuts the bar into pieces, an effect never completed.
Deleted Scene: Hiding in the Asteroid
1 minute
The Falcon hides inside an asteroid cave, and the lessening thumps of enemy bombardment (realized by simply shaking the camera) lead Han and Leia to believe the Imperials are moving on.
Dennis Muren: How Walkers Walk
1 minute
Legend Dennis Muren describes the techniques he used to create the motion of the Imperial walkers during the Battle of Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back.
Deleted Scene: Lobot's Capture
1 minute
The fate of Lando's aide is never revealed in the finished movie, but this footage makes it clear that his role in freeing the Rebel prisoners did not go unnoticed.
Deleted Scenes: Wampa Attacks
2 minutes
The wampa threat was bigger in the script. After hints that the Rebels are not alone, a beast attacks. The Rebels then trap wampas in specially marked pens, which C-3PO uses to escape Imperial troopers. Unsatisfactory creature effects cut this subplot from the film.
George Lucas On Editing The Empire Strikes Back 1979
3 minutes
In this 1979 interview, George Lucas talks about his views on editing as well as exploring specific editing techniques used in The Empire Strikes Back.
Discoveries From Inside: Matte Paintings Unveiled
4 minutes
Esteemed artist and matte painter Harrison Ellenshaw discusses the nearly lost art of matte painting – an element crucial to the look of Star Wars and so many other classic films – plus, he shares a big find of pint-sized proportions from A New Hope.
Conversations: The Lost Interviews
9 minutes
Listen to never-before-heard interviews with the cast and crew of Star Wars: A New Hope accompanied by rare, behind-the-scenes footage and pictures. Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and others reveal the thrills and challenges of their early days on set.
Deleted Scene: Han and Leia: Extended Echo Base Argument
1 minute
Though "You could use a good kiss!" proved to be a strong and unforgettable exit line, this first argument between Han and Leia lasted longer.
George Lucas on the Force: 2010
5 minutes
George Lucas explores the greater meaning behind the Force, describing in full detail the contrast between the light side and the dark side of the Force.

Ratings and reviews

4.8
856 reviews
Ceejay Julien
March 11, 2020
Just like The Last Jedi, this film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences who in time came to realise how truly misunderstood they were. It was not a bright and hopeful or uplifting movie like its predecessor. Its characters went on separate journeys of discovery, suffered failure, pursuit and ultimately escaped with the seat of their pants. It remains simply the greatest Star Wars movie ever made for all its bold vision, artistic presentation and stunning musical score. 👍🏾😎
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Everton Porter (GodsAirforce2031)
January 29, 2016
It's so hard to believe this movie received mixed reviews on its initial cinematic release in 1980, especially a rather withering critique in the British sci-fi magazine Starburst. But over the years it has rightfully become a true classic and one of those rare gems, a sequel that's actually better than the first Star Wars movie! If you haven't seen it yet, invest some of your time and watch this movie. You won't be disappointed, I promise you that.
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Darren Walker
August 3, 2018
considered by many to be the greatest movie of all time the empire after their losses decide to pay the rebellion a visit as well as Luke Skywalker's need to visit a remote planet believed to be the home of the dark-side the eternal power that energies the emperor to learn more of himself and discovers a little green Jedi master whom begins to teach Luke how to tap in-to his inner strength and so begins Luke journey to attempt to become a Jedi Master. EPIC AWESOME SPELLBINDING.
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