My article on Star Wars (1977) and The Empire Strikes Back (1980) I n 1983 the conclusion to the Star Wars saga hit cinemas. Originally intended to be titled  Revenge of the Jedi  it was changed to be more appropriately titled  Return of the Jedi.  It was a year after E.T (1982) and science-fiction/fantasy was well and truly upon the kids and teenagers of the 1980s. In 1997, I was experiencing Return of the Jedi for the first time and seeing how the epic story concluded.  The title change was Lucas feeling it was inappropriate, as a Jedi shouldn't be following the path of revenge ( source ). The change directive came after promo material had already begun circulating. This would also become part of the belief from some that it was also to soften the film to being more child/family friendly a film, which was met (and still is) with criticism following the darker theme and delivery of The Empire Strikes Back. I can honestly say, I was aware of this even as a ch...

A fter seeing the cinematic sci-fi master piece Star Wars , I only had to wait 2 weeks to see the next instalment in the adventures of Luke Skywalker. The film was The Empire Strikes Back. Released in 1980 it is deemed the greatest of the Star Wars films and more so one of the best films of all time. And the best part for me was not only had I limited wait time versus those kids back in 1977 who had to hang in there for 3 years to see this film, but it was also the follow-up I didn't even know existed until I saw the poster after seeing Star Wars  with my mum. I walked out of Star Wars  feeling my world forever changed. Then I saw the posters on the exit ramp wall leaving the cinema grounds. In one of them it showcased a silhouette of a smaller man fighting a tall figure - who looked like Darth Vader. "Return of the Jedi" it read. Then my eyes narrowed in on the small font bordering the film title.  "Star Wars". On  the next poster it had Han Solo? Yes, Han Sol...