Dramatically poor, but re-mastered this is visually exciting

Rating: 8/10 (8 June 2008)

The closer in the central trilogy (episodes IV, V, VI of IX) was widely regarded as the weakest of the three "Star Wars" films, and it's fairly obvious why. Being highly melodramatic, weakly plotted and poorly acted means "Jedi" fails to inspire at crucial times where "Empire" succeeded. Especially disappointing is Luke's confrontation with the Emperor, who in truth is a rather drab villain.
On the up side is the fact that this digitally remastered version from ILM and Lucasfilm is a real treat when viewed on a widescreen in a theatre equipped for THX or Dolby/Sony Digital Sound. "Jedi" features fantastic sound effects and some exciting action sequences. Highlights include the escape from the clutches of Jabba, the excellent speeder chase on Endor (sight and sound both brilliant) and the clashes between the all too cute Ewoks and the new, two legged Imperial Walkers. Even the assault on the new Death Star isn't bad, though the original "Star Wars" trench run was much more thrilling.
Certainly all these pluses made for me an enjoyable evening, especially in light of my lesser expectations. John Williams again provides the rousing score. A shame we see so little of the trilogy's real stars on this occasion. Of course I refer to R2D2 and C3PO.
Saturday, May 3, 1997 - Knox District Centre