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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 Used: $8.30
You Save: $11.68 (58%)
New (35) Used (28) Collectible (1) from $8.30
Avg. Customer Rating:  423 reviews
Sales Rank: 2323
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
Condition: **Movie Disc Only. No Bonus Disc. No Artwork. New Clear Case.** 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
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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
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
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| Customer Reviews: Read 418 more reviews...
 Move along. These aren't the DVDs you're looking for. June 27, 2006
174 out of 224 found this review helpful
If you love the original Star Wars trilogy as much as me, it is time to send a loud and clear message to Lucas that you will not endorse a subpar, inferior product. Do not get too excited when you pop this DVD into your player to watch on a widescreen TV. The 1980 version will appear as a tiny, low-resolution image. It is a non-anamorphic transfer (which in 2006 is NOT an industry standard), so it is NOT enhanced for 16x9 viewing. Get ready to enjoy Star Wars like you never have before - as if you were watching it through a mail slot!!!
Boycott this DVD until Lucasfilm acknowledges and corrects this. This trilogy's most loyal fans deserve better.
Thanks for nothing, George May 25, 2006
161 out of 244 found this review helpful
One, you are making any fan who really wants the original theatrical releases buy yet ANOTHER version of your "SPECIAL EDITION" versions which the most fans already own.
Two, For a compnay that prides itself on the best audio and video presentations, you are delivering a VERY substandard product for 2006.
Three, Have some pride in your work. Sure, these weren't finished to your liking when they came out. Technology will ALWAYS improve and you could tweak your art until the end of your life but at some point, let it go and move on. But allow these "unfinished" versions at least to be experienced in the best way possible.
d
 This release is not worth owning, even if you're a die hard June 15, 2006
44 out of 65 found this review helpful
I love the original Star Wars movies. I owned them on the original VHS release. When Lucasfilms released the trilogy on VHS in the `special' THX format I was more than happy to oblige, and bought the entire trilogy. Then came the special extended versions of the movies-great! I saw those in theaters and rushed to buy them when they came out on VHS. I missed the Laserdisc version and didn't buy anything else on VHS, but then came the DVD release of the trilogy (the extended versions of the film). Hey, I thought, I already own these movies in 3, yes 3, versions. But what the heck-Lucas and co. are saying they'll never release the original versions of the film on DVD anyway, so why not make it 4?
Now we're looking at yet another release of the films. This is promised to be a "Limited Edition," which probably means it will only be out until demand subsides and they can release another version. If this were a new Dolby or Hi Def release of the original movies I may consider them, but its not. It's a rehashed release of the Laserdisc version of the films from 13 or so years ago, hideously outdated and ignorant of the technological advantages of DVD. I'm not going to bite on this release-I've had enough for the time being.
When (and to me it's a question of when, not if) Lucas finally decides to put forth a bit of effort and release Episodes IV-VI in a format that's not 15 years outdated I'll buy, though by this point I feel I shouldn't. But I see no reason to buy this release. Before the first DVD version came out Lucas said he wouldn't release the original films on DVD until after Episode 3-that turned out to be a lie. Then he said he'd never release the original theatricals on DVD-that, too has proved untrue. I'm fairly certain that we'll get a new version of the theatrical releases soon, maybe one that will be worth owning. Until then I can be patient-Lucas is apparently so willing to bleed his die-hard fans dry that the only true "definitive" release of the films will be the one Lucas does right before he, himself, passes on. Only then will these poor, tired classics get a rest.
 "It Is A Dark Time For The Rebel Alliance..." "Empire" At 25 May 21, 2005
28 out of 31 found this review helpful
"I love you."
"I know."
"Do. Or do not. There is no try."
"Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father..."
- Princess Leia confesses to a psychic Han Solo, while, Yoda tells Luke Skywalker to get his "Force" together, but, Darth Vader is about to shake the Skywalker family tree, as the hits keep on coming, in "The Empire Strikes Back"
The "Star Wars" saga rages on as "The Empire Strikes Back", the Vth episode in the saga & the best sci-fi sequel in cinema history.
After the Battle of Yavin & the destruction of The Death Star, The Rebels relocate their base of operations on the remote ice world of Hoth. Darth Vader obsessed with finding Luke Skywalker, the Rebel pilot responsible for the destruction of The Death Star, dispatches thousands of remote probes throughout the galaxy.
Its every princess, man, wookie & droid for themselves when the Empire kicks down the front door to the Rebel Base, as The Empire ousts them from hiding.
After recieving a message from the spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi earlier in "Empire", Luke, with R2-D2, travels to the swamp planet of Dagobah in search of the Jedi Master, Yoda, the one who instructed a younger Obi-Wan in the ways of "The Force". Through some convincing from both Luke & the elder, specteral Obi-Wan, Yoda agrees to train the boy, & guide him down the path to Jedi Knighthood.
Things aren't going so hot for Han Solo with co-pilot Chewbacca, & their passengers Princess Leia, & C3-PO. Relentlessly hounded by Imperial Forces, Solo & his crew outfly The Empire in Solo's hyperdriveless ship, The Millenium Falcon, with a sweaty chase through an asteroid field, a near death experience with a space slug, with a game of chicken with one of The Empire's huge spaceship's called a Star Destroyer.
Darth Vader, tired of the space games, hires the most ruthless bounty hunters in the galaxy (among them Boba Fett, Jango's clone son from "Attack Of The Clones" who has continued on with the family business, & has Han Solo in his crosshairs).
Captain Solo narrowly escapes with his crew to Cloud City where he meets up with his old friend, Lando Calrissian. So old in fact, that Calrissian has no choice but to hand over Solo & company to Darth Vader, after a tip off from Boba Fett. In return, Cloud City will be left in Calrissian's hands & safe from Imperial control. But, when the deal goes sour, Lando helps his friends escape.
Meanwhile on Dagobah, Luke, through the usage of "The Force" sees dark fates for everyone concerned on Cloud City, & through the stern objections of Yoda & Obi-Wan, rockets off to save his friends.
Darth Vader senses Skywalkers's approach & lays in wait with a dark secret that will change Luke Skywalker..., forever.
After 25 years & six episodes, "Empire" is still the best "Star Wars" film, hands down. The film is darker in tone than "Star Wars" & the viewer finds out how ruthless Vader can truly be ("The Force" choke is used a lot by Vader in this film). One can argue that he is pretty evil in "Revenge Of The Sith", but, he is more powerful here than in the third episode (his growing impatience, & obessesion with finding Luke makes Darth one dangerous Sith Lord).
Boba Fett makes his first official appearance in "Empire" (screw The Holiday Special!) & is one bad, mysterious bounty hunter. When Vader orders him that there is to be no disintegrations in the capture of Solo & his crew, you know that Boba Fett is up to no good. Although, some of the mystery has been taken away, thanks, to "Episode II" most people agree they wouldn't want to end up on Fett's wanted list.
Differences over the past 25 years:
In the 1997 Special Edition:
The Wampa creature that attacks Luke is shown here in all his glory. Due to budget constraints & time, this monster just couldn't completely see the light of day back in 1980. Overall, cool effect, but, I like the less is more style of the original.
The battle on Hoth gets an upgrade. There is no new CGI, but, a lot of overlapping effect lines get trimmed out, making the battle look sharper. Overall, this was needed, badly.
There is a CGI shot of The Millenium Falcon leaving the garbage refuse with Boba Fett & his ship following sneakly behind. Overall, not really needed, but, it is a cool shot of both ships.
An extended look of Cloud City as The Millenium Falcon is escorted to platform 327. Overall, o.k., but, kills the timing of the movie.
While Lando, Leia, & Chewie break out of Cloud City we see them running past balconies & outdoor alcoves that look out toward the city. As Lando warns his citizens to evacuate, there is a quick shot of Cloud City & its people. These effects were actually needed. It opens up the City more and is very reminiscent to the offices, apartments & overall atmosphere of Coruscant from the prequels.
After Luke decides his fate & plunges to his death, he screams. This wasn't needed at all! If you decide your own fate, shouldn't you at least live with it?
As Darth Vader leaves Cloud City & The Bespin System, a line Vader speaks is changed and a CGI effect of him aproaching his shuttle with interspersed cuts of him arriving on his ship are edited into the original cut of the film. Overall, this is the most damning edition to "Empire". It slows the pacing & action of the film to a literal stand still! If there is evidence that there should be no tinkering with classic films this is it!
A new CGI a shot of The Falcon leaving the medical frigate is used to help close out the film. Whatever.
For the 2004 DVD release:
Darth Vader's conference call with The Emperor is changed. Gone is the monkey face with the hood with Clive Revell as the voice of The Emperor. Instead, Ian McDirmad as the real Emperor is replaced. Overall, awesome! this new addition gives weight, & overall eerieness to the entire scene.
"The Empire Strikes Back" is the best of the "Star Wars" saga & is best presented in the widescreen format, with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround & is THX certified to make you feel the Dark Side of The Force in your own living room. Bring on the pain, Vader hater.
Old School "Empire" May 21, 2006
27 out of 45 found this review helpful
"I love you."
"I know."
"Do. Or do not. There is no try."
"Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father..."
- Princess Leia confesses to a psychic Han Solo, while, Yoda tells Luke Skywalker to get his "Force" together, but, Darth Vader is about to shake the Skywalker family tree, as the hits keep on coming, in "The Empire Strikes Back"
The "Star Wars" saga rages on as "The Empire Strikes Back", the Vth episode in the saga & the best sci-fi sequel in cinema history.
After the Battle of Yavin & the destruction of The Death Star, The Rebels relocate their base of operations on the remote ice world of Hoth. Darth Vader obsessed with finding Luke Skywalker, the Rebel pilot responsible for the destruction of The Death Star, dispatches thousands of remote probes throughout the galaxy.
Its every princess, man, wookie & droid for themselves when the Empire kicks down the front door to the Rebel Base, as The Empire ousts them from hiding.
After recieving a message from the spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi earlier in "Empire", Luke, with R2-D2, travels to the swamp planet of Dagobah in search of the Jedi Master, Yoda, the one who instructed a younger Obi-Wan in the ways of "The Force". Through some convincing from both Luke & the elder, specteral Obi-Wan, Yoda agrees to train the boy, & guide him down the path to Jedi Knighthood.
Things aren't going so hot for Han Solo with co-pilot Chewbacca, & their passengers Princess Leia, & C3-PO. Relentlessly hounded by Imperial Forces, Solo & his crew outfly The Empire in Solo's hyperdriveless ship, The Millenium Falcon, with a sweaty chase through an asteroid field, a near death experience with a space slug, with a game of chicken with one of The Empire's huge spaceship's called a Star Destroyer.
Darth Vader, tired of the space games, hires the most ruthless bounty hunters in the galaxy (among them Boba Fett, Jango's clone son from "Attack Of The Clones" who has continued on with the family business, & has Han Solo in his crosshairs).
Captain Solo narrowly escapes with his crew to Cloud City where he meets up with his old friend, Lando Calrissian. So old in fact, that Calrissian has no choice but to hand over Solo & company to Darth Vader, after a tip off from Boba Fett. In return, Cloud City will be left in Calrissian's hands & safe from Imperial control. But, when the deal goes sour, Lando helps his friends escape.
Meanwhile on Dagobah, Luke, through the usage of "The Force" sees dark fates for everyone concerned on Cloud City, & through the stern objections of Yoda & Obi-Wan, rockets off to save his friends.
Darth Vader senses Skywalkers's approach & lays in wait with a dark secret that will change Luke Skywalker..., forever.
After 26 years & six episodes, "Empire" is still the best "Star Wars" film, hands down. The film is darker in tone than "Star Wars" & the viewer finds out how ruthless Vader can truly be ("The Force" choke is used a lot by Vader in this film). One can argue that he is pretty evil in "Revenge Of The Sith", but, he is more powerful here than in the third episode (his growing impatience, & obessesion with finding Luke makes Darth one dangerous Sith Lord).
Boba Fett makes his first official appearance in "Empire" (screw The Holiday Special!) & is one bad, mysterious bounty hunter. When Vader orders him that there is to be no disintegrations in the capture of Solo & his crew, you know that Boba Fett is up to no good. Although, some of the mystery has been taken away, thanks, to "Episode II" most people agree they wouldn't want to end up on Fett's wanted list.
Differences over the past 25 years:
In the 1997 Special Edition:
The Wampa creature that attacks Luke is shown here in all his glory. Due to budget constraints & time, this monster just couldn't completely see the light of day back in 1980. Overall, cool effect, but, I like the less is more style of the original.
The battle on Hoth gets an upgrade. There is no new CGI, but, a lot of overlapping effect lines get trimmed out, making the battle look sharper. Overall, this was needed, badly.
There is a CGI shot of The Millenium Falcon leaving the garbage refuse with Boba Fett & his ship following sneakly behind. Overall, not really needed, but, it is a cool shot of both ships.
An extended look of Cloud City as The Millenium Falcon is escorted to platform 327. Overall, o.k., but, kills the timing of the movie.
While Lando, Leia, & Chewie break out of Cloud City we see them running past balconies & outdoor alcoves that look out toward the city. As Lando warns his citizens to evacuate, there is a quick shot of Cloud City & its people. These effects were actually needed. It opens up the City more and is very reminiscent to the offices, apartments & overall atmosphere of Coruscant from the prequels.
After Luke decides his fate & plunges to his death, he screams. This wasn't needed at all! If you decide your own fate, shouldn't you at least live with it?
As Darth Vader leaves Cloud City & The Bespin System, a line Vader speaks is changed and a CGI effect of him aproaching his shuttle with interspersed cuts of him arriving on his ship are edited into the original cut of the film. Overall, this is the most damning edition to "Empire". It slows the pacing & action of the film to a literal stand still! If there is evidence that there should be no tinkering with classic films this is it!
A new CGI a shot of The Falcon leaving the medical frigate is used to help close out the film. Whatever.
For the 2004 DVD release:
Darth Vader's conference call with The Emperor is changed. Gone is the monkey face with the hood with Clive Revell as the voice of The Emperor. Instead, Ian McDirmad as the real Emperor is replaced. Overall, awesome! this new addition gives weight, & overall eerieness to the entire scene.
"The Empire Strikes Back" is the best of the "Star Wars" saga & will be released, once again, on DVD from September 12 to December 31, 2006. The new 2 disc set will feature the 2004 "Enhanced" DVD version on disc 1 with the original 1980 release of "Empire" in Dolby Digital 2.0, non-anamorphic widescreen. Bring on the pain, Vader hater.
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