A Satisfying Conclusion

Rating: 10/10 (17 March 2012)

How do you conclude a story that has been embraced so soundly and manage to satiate everyone's expectations? it is a nigh on impossible task and upon its release in 1983, 'Return of the Jedi' felt a bit lacking in its colossal task. The film has aged reasonably well, however. The tone here is again different from either of the first two instalments of the trilogy, becoming a shade more like 'Star Wars' then the darker nuances of 'The Empire Strikes Back.' The wondrous imagination that has been a hallmark of the series remains, as does the beautiful score. There is much here to enjoy.
The resolution of the film may not be to everyone's taste, but for the most part, the characters do appear to come to their fates in an organic way that feels emotionally true. It would be a miraculous fate to have satisfied all fans, but 'Return of the Jedi' plays out well and the story begun in 'Star Wars' is finally and ultimately completed - all of the plot threads that had been weaving through the films feel as though they have been resolved, for better or for worse.
The original (1983) version remains the superior vision. Much has been done to the film in its various re-issues and little of it has improved the viewing experience. As with 'Star Wars' before it, some of the digital eye candy is pretty, but the cost of seeing the film suffer from stilted pacing and burdened by unnecessary revisions does not outweigh the benefits of its enhanced visuals. 'Return of the Jedi' is a triumphant conclusion to a great cinematic trilogy and rightfully the last film in the series.