A Retrospective Look Back
I was lucky enough— and just old enough— to see Return of the Jedi at the cinema in 1983. At eleven years old, I was the perfect age. Already a huge Star Wars fan thanks to the first two films, I was completely swept up in the hype surrounding the third.The promotional buzz was everywhere. Cast members appeared on TV more frequently (on our four UK channels), and I recorded as many of these appearances as I could on my prized VHS tape. The trailer seemed to air constantly, and newspapers featured pull-out specials dedicated to the film. Every bit of my pocket money went toward Return of the Jedi merchandise, especially the sticker album (which I never managed to complete) and Kenner action figures and vehicles.
It’s safe to say I was ready for this movie.
The Big Day
The day finally came, and a friend and I queued for two hours at our local cinema, which boasted two whole screens. The atmosphere was electric—except on my right, where the smokers were lighting up. It’s wild to think there was once a time when cinemas were divided into smoking and non-smoking sections, as if that made a difference!
When Return of the Jedi hit the screen, it felt like Star Wars was truly back. I still vividly remember the opening scene: the Imperial shuttle emerging from the Star Destroyer, accompanied by those iconic Lucasfilm sound effects. It was pure bliss, like the first sip of morning coffee or, if you’re a smoker, your first cigarette of the day.
But then came a hiccup.
My friend, who’d already seen the movie, decided to share a spoiler. As Boushh appeared in Jabba’s palace, he leaned over and whispered, “That’s Princess Leia in disguise, here to rescue Solo.” Thanks a lot! One glare from me shut him up for the rest of the film, though.
The day finally came, and a friend and I queued for two hours at our local cinema, which boasted two whole screens. The atmosphere was electric—except on my right, where the smokers were lighting up. It’s wild to think there was once a time when cinemas were divided into smoking and non-smoking sections, as if that made a difference!
When Return of the Jedi hit the screen, it felt like Star Wars was truly back. I still vividly remember the opening scene: the Imperial shuttle emerging from the Star Destroyer, accompanied by those iconic Lucasfilm sound effects. It was pure bliss, like the first sip of morning coffee or, if you’re a smoker, your first cigarette of the day.
But then came a hiccup.
My friend, who’d already seen the movie, decided to share a spoiler. As Boushh appeared in Jabba’s palace, he leaned over and whispered, “That’s Princess Leia in disguise, here to rescue Solo.” Thanks a lot! One glare from me shut him up for the rest of the film, though.
Movie Magic
Despite that moment, I was utterly enthralled. The speeder bike chase through the Endor forest was pure magic. I remember thinking, I hope they put this in a video game someday.
As an eleven-year-old, my interpretations of certain scenes were amusingly off. For example, when I saw the second Death Star, I thought it was the same one from A New Hope, just not fully destroyed. Later, when Luke cut off Vader’s hand and looked at his own robotic one, I was convinced he was literally becoming Vader—like if he chopped off Vader’s leg, it would somehow attach to him. Ah, the imagination of a child!
And then came the Ewoks
Let’s get this out of the way: I loved—and still love—those little furry warriors. The sight of these tiny, unassuming creatures defeating the mighty Empire was inspiring. I’m not sure the same magic would’ve worked with Wookiees.
Despite that moment, I was utterly enthralled. The speeder bike chase through the Endor forest was pure magic. I remember thinking, I hope they put this in a video game someday.
As an eleven-year-old, my interpretations of certain scenes were amusingly off. For example, when I saw the second Death Star, I thought it was the same one from A New Hope, just not fully destroyed. Later, when Luke cut off Vader’s hand and looked at his own robotic one, I was convinced he was literally becoming Vader—like if he chopped off Vader’s leg, it would somehow attach to him. Ah, the imagination of a child!
And then came the Ewoks
Let’s get this out of the way: I loved—and still love—those little furry warriors. The sight of these tiny, unassuming creatures defeating the mighty Empire was inspiring. I’m not sure the same magic would’ve worked with Wookiees.
A Timeless Favorite
When the credits rolled, I left the cinema buzzing with excitement. My love for Star Wars had grown even stronger (if that was possible).
To this day, every time I watch Return of the Jedi, it takes me back to that happy place. I’m eleven years old again, sitting in a smoky cinema, filled with awe and wonder. For that reason, Return of the Jedi will always be my favorite Star Wars movie.
Rob Wainfur
The Bearded Trio
@welshslider
3D Deathchase on the Sinclair Spectrum. This game was cutting edge at the time and was an obvious take on the speeder bike scene. I thought it was incredible and so did the magazines at the time. Your Sinclair and Crash both awarding the game high marks, especially for graphics.
One of my all time favourite John Williams piecces.
1984 Return Of The Jedi Arcade Game
Watch 11 minutes of vintage Kenner Return Of The Jedi commercials here.
http://www.thebeardedtrio.com/2013/05/14-minutes-of-vintage-kenner-return-of.html
The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, John Williams and a whole lot more.
Great post, Rob! Took me back to the Exeter Odeon with middle school friends! We brought our action figures, too!
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