Still Outstanding

Rating: 10/10 (3 November 2008)

I still recall the feelings I experienced when I saw this movie for the first time. The opening title sequence grabbed my attention. When the text began scrolling across the screen, I remembered how a number of older films used that technique to explain the setting and the situation at the beginning of the movie. But, this was very different. The older movies had the words moving slowly and evenly from the bottom of the screen to the top. This film moved the words from front to back, using perspective to make it appear that they were disappearing into space, like a space ship flying away. The opening scene appeared to be earth, but I soon realized that there were two suns, not one. Then, I heard laser firing sounds and a large spaceship came across the screen. I thought that was really cool. But, following that ship was another that dwarfed the first one. In fact, the second one completely filled the screen as it moved past. I was in awe, along with the rest of the audience. From that moment on, I was hooked.
This film set new standards for special effects in movies and for making a science fiction movie fun and interesting. It was the first movie I saw with Harrison Ford in a major role, and he became a favorite of mine. Using James Earl Jones for Darth Vader's voice was a stroke of genius.
I still get great enjoyment out of watching this film, as well as great emotional memories. I will watch it often.