Synopsis

After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, Luke Skywalker rejoins the Rebel Alliance for a final assault on the Empire's new Death Star. While the fleet battles above Endor, Luke confronts Darth Vader and the Emperor, hoping to redeem his father rather than destroy him. This Special Edition expands the 1983 finale with revised effects, added creatures, new music, and a broader celebration of the Empire's defeat.

Factoids & Trivia

• Released theatrically in the United States on March 14, 1997, the Special Edition was part of Lucasfilm's 20th-anniversary re-release of the original Star Wars trilogy.

• The Special Edition runs approximately five minutes longer than the original theatrical cut.

• Jabba's palace received one of the most substantial revisions. The musical number "Lapti Nek" was replaced by the computer-generated performance "Jedi Rocks," with additional digital creatures and performers added to the scene.

• The Sarlacc was redesigned with a visible beak and additional tentacles, giving the creature a more active presence during the escape from the pit.

• The original "Yub Nub" ending song was replaced by "Victory Celebration." The revised finale also adds shots of celebrations on several worlds across the galaxy.

• The film was produced under the working title "Revenge of the Jedi." The title was changed because the word "revenge" was considered inappropriate for a Jedi.

• Sound designer Ben Burtt developed Ewokese from a mixture of languages and vocal performances, including recordings of an elderly Kalmuck-speaking woman.

• The rancor's sound combines slowed-down recordings of a snarling dog with elephant vocalizations recorded at the Oakland Zoo.

• The 1983 film received four Academy Award nominations and won a Special Achievement Award for its visual effects.