The Star Wars trilogy had the rare distinction of becoming more than just a series of movies, but a cultural phenomenon, a life-defining event for its generation. On its surface, George Lucas's original 1977 film is a rollicking and humorous space fantasy that owes debts to more influences than one can count on two hands, but filmgoers became entranced by its basic struggle of good vs. evil "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," its dazzling special effects, and a mythology of Jedi Knights, the Force, and droids.

In the first film, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) gets to live out every boy's dream: ditch the farm and rescue a princess (Carrie Fisher). Accompanied by the roguish Han Solo (Harrison Ford, the only principal who was able to cross over into stardom) and trained by Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), Luke finds himself involved in a galactic war against the Empire and the menacing Darth Vader (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones). The following film, The Empire Strikes Back (1980), takes a darker turn as the tiny rebellion faces an overwhelming onslaught. Directed by Irvin Kershner instead of Lucas, Empire is on the short list of Best Sequels Ever, marked by fantastic settings (the ice planet, the cloud city), the teachings of Yoda, a dash of grown-up romance, and a now-classic "revelation" ending. The final film of the trilogy, Return of the Jedi (1983, directed by Richard Marquand), is the most uneven. While the visual effects had taken quantum leaps over the years, resulting in thrilling speeder chases and space dogfights, the story is an uneasy mix of serious themes (Luke's maturation as a Jedi, the end of the Empire-rebellion showdown) and the cuddly teddy bears known as the Ewoks.

One of the Best Sci-fi Epics of All Time!

I say one of the best because there are other sci-fi franchises, such as Star Trek, that have made their indelible impression upon the genre as well. Yes, the first Star Trek movies would never have been as "cool" without effects that were created by Industrial Light and Magic, but the characters had been around longer than Luke, Solo and Leia. To argue which is the best is, shall we say, futile...suffice to say that the first three Star Wars films (IV, V, VI) are a must have for any sci-fi DVD collection and if you haven't seen them yet, well...you must not be breathing!

Best Trilogy of all time! Why couldn't Lucas leave it alone?

Lucas had to tinker with the best sci fi series ever made. Sure it is his right and privilege because they are his movies, but i think his piddling made them a bit worse. Some of the new graphical changes were good but some just look out of place such as the young Anakin Skywalker at the End of Return of the Jedi. Great Series if only it had been left alone! However, its now on dvd and that is something to be thankful for.

Best Trilogy of all time.

I grew up watching these movies when they were in the theaters. I'm not a fan of the "new" scenes, but they do not take away from the movie and those that didn't see them in the 70's and 80's probably wouldn't know the difference anyway. I would've liked a feature that allowed you to view the DVD in original form. But I can't give this trilogy anything other than 5 stars!