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Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition) | 
 enlarge | Director: Irvin Kershner
Actors: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Category: DVD
List Price: $19.98
Buy New: $12.91
You Save: $7.07 (35%)
New (33) Used (17) Collectible (1) from $11.87
Avg. Customer Rating:  425 reviews
Sales Rank: 1151
Format: Ac-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Dvd-video, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), French (Subtitled), English (Dubbed), French (Dubbed), Spanish (Dubbed)
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 129
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.3
MPN: 2236383
UPC: 024543263838
EAN: 0024543263838
ASIN: B000FQJAJG
Theatrical Release Date: May 21, 1980
Release Date: September 12, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New and Factory Sealed Item Fast Shipping
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Amazon.com
The 2006 limited-edition two-disc release of The Empire Strikes Back is not only the first time the movie has been officially available by itself on DVD. It marks the first-ever DVD release of Empire as it originally played in theaters in 1980. What does that mean exactly? The film is without the various "improvements" and enhancements George Lucas added for the theatrical rerelease in 1997 as well as the DVD premiere in 2004. So no more of Ian McDiarmid (the Emperor) replacing Clive Revill with slightly revised lines, or Temuera Morrison rerecording of Boba Fett's minimal dialogue. What do you lose by watching the 1980 version? Dolby Digital 5.1 EX sound, for one thing (only 2.0 Surround here), and digital cleanup. But for home-theater owners, the biggest frustration will be from the non-anamorphic picture. On a widescreen TV, an anamorphically enhanced (16x9) picture at a 2.35:1 aspect ratio will fill the screen with the exception of small black bars on the top and bottom. The original edition of Empire, however, on a widescreen TV will have large black bars on the top, the bottom, and the sides unless you stretch the picture (and distort it in the process, especially considering the substandard picture quality). If you're watching on a standard square-shaped (4:3) TV, though, you won't notice a difference. Yes, it's true that serious home-theater lovers who want spectacular sound and anamorphically enhanced picture can always watch the 2004 version of the movie also included in this set. But chances are good that they already picked up the trilogy edition of all three films, so their decision to buy the 2006 two-disc edition depends on how much they want the original film. The official LucasFilm stance is that this is an individual release of the 2004 version of The Empire Strikes Back, and the 1980 version of the film is merely a "bonus feature." Common speculation is that the only reason the original versions are seeing the official light of day at all is to undercut the booming black market for the laserdisc version. Star Wars fans will have to decide for themselves if that's worth the purchase. --David Horiuchi
Product Description
For the first time ever and for a limited time only the enhanced versions of the Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi will be available individually on DVD. Plus these 2-Disc DVD's will feature a bonus disc that includes for the first time ever on DVD the original films as seen in theaters in 1977 1980 and 1983.System Requirements:Running Time: 127 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY Rating: PG UPC: 024543263838 Manufacturer No: 2236383
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| Customer Reviews: Read 420 more reviews...
 This one a long time have I watched August 25, 2008
I remember going to see THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK for the first time in 1980. I was 5 years old. I remember hearing the voice of Yoda and exclaiming, "That's Grover!" (i.e. Sesame Street). And it was (Frank Oz).
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK has always been my favorite of the original trilogy. I think it must be because the movie slows down alot. I love the action and excitement as much as the next STAR WARS fan, but it creates a wonderful balance to have a middle film where we can stop, catch our breath and gear up for the big finale.
I'm very glad Lucasfilm has finally released the original trilogy onto DVD. I've seen many complaints about the lack of quality in the transfer. I guess I've gotten so used to those "Special Editions" that I have failed to see the difference.
But on that subject, it seems like THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK is the only film in the series which wasn't meaninglessly altered or marred by the Special Edition. No scenes were messed with to the extent that would change the story's context, and no ridiculous special effects were thrown in with effects 30 years their seniors. There was simply a more life-like Wampa (I could take it or leave it), a bustling Cloud City (the way it should be), and Darth Vader announcing his arrival to his Star Destroyer (I could take or leave that one too). All this to say that they left well enough alone on this one, and I'm glad they did.
The Greatest Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film of All Time August 25, 2008
The Empire Strikes Back has always been a gem in my book. It was always my favorite of the series because I think its the best achievement of a second act that I've seen thus far in all the science fiction and fantasy I've read or seen portrayed in film, including The Two Towers from The Lord of The Rings. Empire focused its attention on the one character that binds the whole series together in the first place: Darth Vader. You see his ruthlessness, his inhumanity and inner turmoil. Empire reflects perfectly what I believe the entire series should have portrayed throughout all six. Star Wars is above all its aspects the story of a man who loses his sanity and tries to regain it in order to redeem himself and make peace with what family and humanity he has left. Everything else is or should have been secondary and was not the case for episodes II and III. Ultimately what makes The Empire Strikes Back so perfect are the simplar things: lack of slap-stick humor, meaningless one-liners or incredibly overdone cartoonish animation. Basically everything that ruined the latest trilogy because George Lucas abandoned the adult and young adult group that made up the overwhelming majority of his fanbase. Ever since episode I, George Lucas has appealed to the children of his fanbase and as a result the series has suffered greatly because it softened so much in tone and was no where near as dark as it should have been, not to mention Lucas's disconcern for continuity, attention to detail and disrespect for his own rules in the Star Wars universe. Overall George Lucas remains among the story tellers and film makers I most admire because he has made masterpieces like The Empire Strikes Back. Also anyone who's a fan of the Star Wars series and Lucasfilm in general should definitely see his first film THX-1138 if they haven't already, its just as brilliant as Empire in my opinion and a must see sci-fi classic.
The best Star Wars has to offer August 24, 2008
The best of the original Star Wars Trilogy (and not even in the same conversation as the prequels--which should be on a list of 'most disappointing science fiction films of all time') The Empire Strikes Back is everything that makes Star Wars great. The brooding Lord Vader and his menacing strength, the over matched but immensely likable Luke Skywalker, the imaginative sets and beautiful planets, and the greatest revelation or 'twist' in science fiction film (and maybe all other genres!) of all time. At this point the film has become a legged, an icon and a cultural touchstone, and it deserves to be regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, regardless of genre.
The force is strong with this one . . . August 8, 2008
As far as the letterbox format, just pop the ZOOM function of your remote for instant full screen. It won't be the first dvd Ive had to do this for. Many times I buy dvds off the shelf so quick, I overlook the format until I get home. So what. My fault, but Im not going to crucify Lucas productions for what it clearly states. And alot of people expect way, way too much from Lucas productions in the first place. Remember, it is only a movie, not a Matisse. Anyway, Lucas is already getting ready for his next step, with television, and animated CLONE WARS August 15th. Later he plans to reissue STAR WARS saga in 3D. That should be something, and perhaps it will heal the hurt of these fallen fans who want so much, for less than twenty bucks. So, fasten your seat belt, it's going to be a bumpy space ride!
As for The Empire Strikes Back, it is the Bach of the Star Wars saga, with little Yoda at his ultimate best, friendliest, and wisest. The effects are nothing short of dazzling, and who knows how many times I have purchased and listened to the full soundtrack, from beginning to end. A feat not accomplised by any other Star Wars movie to my ears. For all the pitifully claimed downfalls, I can only wish more producers would get off thier chairs and come to grips with what cinema is all about, pure entertainment, and music.
I only find amusement at the new touch ups and editions, and if you were a real hardcore Star Wars fan, you would have never let go the true first editions in the first place.
The best of the six. June 18, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm finding it kind of hard to review the best Star Wars film.
What do I say? Where do I begin?
It's bigger, better and superior to A New Hope in every way.
Vader, who barely had a small presence in A New Hope, truly takes over in this installment.
Vader........gotta love him. The red lightsaber, the black outfit, the eternal voice of James Earl Jones.
Am I a fanboy?
Yup.
I can't believe there are people out there that haven't seen this movie.
Non stop action from start to finish, and the lightsaber battle between Luke and Vader still amazes.
I didn't care for some of the changes Lucas made to the original three. But, it is his creation and he is free to do with it as he pleases. It doesn't mean he should.
This is easily the best of the six and no home should be without a copy.
I'll review each one but here's my order and why.
Empire Strikes Back - The best.
Revenge of the Sith - The best of the new three.
Return of the Jedi - Loved the movie, hated the teddy bears.
Phantom Menace - Darth Maul, need I say more?
A New Hope - Ground Breaking but dragged in too many places.
Attack of the Clones - UUGH!!!!!!
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