The fact he points out the number of dots in the opening credits. 😂 Your the best kind of Star Wars nerd man! 👍

13:34 The Death Star II has never been an issue for me. As a kid, I found it strange that TV villains would come up with a new evil scheme week after week, instead of having a second go at one that nearly worked, so this felt very subversive. I loved that the Emperor had clearly decided _"Well, it worked perfectly well until it was blown up! Let's just do it again, and THIS TIME I'll win!"_

I love Vader saying "You already have." to Luke after he says "I need to save you."

Hearing that John Williams' son is the lead singer of Toto blew my mind...

One part I'd like to add is Mon Mothma. Even before they decided to make her character important in the background lore, it was obvious she was a very important person in the rebellion - and I don't just mean because she's giving a briefing. She appears as a sort of anti-Palpatine in her appearance and mannerisms, wearing white and being more gently spoken but the part where she pauses to reflect on the lives lost to get them their information always sticks out. I remember, as a kid, not knowing anything about her and knowing instinctively she was the political leader of the Rebel Alliance and, when I heard about the New Republic in the EU, automatically knew she'd be Head of State - even before I learned her name.

I love the eerie music that plays when Luke is beating the crap out of Vader. It's so different than what we usually think of when it comes to music in lightsaber fights. It's not fist-pumping like Duel of the Fates, it's lamenting the fact that father and son have come to blows. It really sucks that most soundtracks for the film tend to leave it out.

It was incredible seeing this in theaters for the 40th anniversary. The crowd I was with really loved all the humor and laughed hard at Han Solo's dumb face at the end when Leia is like "yeah Luke's my brother and I totally made out with him"

Watched the 40th anniversary in theaters and every time Luke activated his lightsaber a guy in the audience activated his and the whole theater glowed green. Normally stuff like this would urk me, but honestly it was pretty lit.

"You have failed your highness, I am a Jedi, like my father before me". Sends shivers down my spine every time, even just remembering the lines gives me goosebumps

My forever favorite funny moment in this film, is Han tapping that one Scout Trooper on the shoulder and speed walking away. Its just… its so funny to me. Its shot from a pretty flat angle, which makes the speed walk across frame just look really funny, the simplicity of the ploy is hilarious. The look on Han’s face while he does it is hilarious. The way the Scout Trooper shouts “Hey!” as if he just realized someone put a kick me sign on his back, and he isn’t charging after what is, in his view, a dangerous terrorist General. And then to top it off having Rex be retconned to be the old man improves it even further for me. It’s just a perfect little simple beat that I don’t even know is *supposed* to be as funny as it is to me, but it is, and I love it.

I actually like the Jabba arc. I think it was a good break to have an enemy for the rebel heroes besides the Empire.

Three other things worth mentioning are moments enhanced/recontextualized by the Obi-Wan Kenobi series: 1. Obi-Wan's lie feels more understandable/less of a jerk move now that we know that Anakin/Vader gave that idea, not Obi-Wan. 2. Luke telling Vader on Endor that his father is dead. For Anakin/Vader, hearing a similar phrase from Obi-Wan is one thing, but to hear it from his own son must have hurt more. 3. Leia's Endor outfit and holster could now be interpreted as a way for Leia to pay homage to her adventure in the series that helped to set her on the path to Rebel leader. Plus, honoring Tala of course!

Getting to finally see this film in a theater full of people, with a big screen and surround sound was an emotional experience.

It's so weird for me to think that once upon a time, Return of the Jedi was considered "the worst one". Partaking in that recent 40th anniversary limited big-screen showing, yeah I could see some of the seams in the film or things that are weak, rushed or not well thought out like the revelation of Luke's sister, a repeat of blowing up a Death Star, and Ewoks. But gosh darn it there is just so much damn freaking good about ROTJ like the special effects, the debut of the green lightsaber, Jabba, Palpatine, the whole space portion of the Battle of Endor, and the emotional conflict between Luke and Vader.

I saw ROTJ in theaters a few weeks ago. I loved how many people, particularly kids, were in the audience. When Leia as Boushh drags out Chewie in chains a small child yelled "NO! CHEWIE!" in such a distressed voice. It really made me appreciate the passing onto the next generation of Star Wars fandom.

I love how Yoda pretty much has the most realistic death of any Star Wars character. I Love how this film was not afraid to show Luke's elder's having morally gray character flaws. I love how this film was an action movie where the hero decides the solution is to stop taking action.

It genuinely changed my life forever. A Young boy who dreamed of flying among the stars who had no idea what adventure fate would take him on.

Oola's nipslip, Luke's Force kick, Yoda warning Luke not to underestimate Palpatine, first use of Force Lightning, Imperial March's softer rendition for Vader's unmasking, Han saying he won't get in the way.

Ugh. Thank you so much for making positive videos here on KZfaq! In the age where everyone wants to watch "everything wrong with" or "why this is bad" or "why you shouldn't buy this" videos, it's SO SO refreshing to see someone making positive videos of what you like about something instead.

I'm tickled by the thought of Alex endlessly re-watching A New Hope as a kid thinking "this is great! Wouldn't it be cool if there was another one?!"

My favorite little moments of this moments are all from Han's quips. I know Harrison Ford wasn't excited about reprising his role, but his little jokes in Return of the Jedi are my favorite. "You're gonna die here, you know? Convenient.", "Hey, it's me.", "I don't know! Fly casual!" Also the final battle is my favorite final battle in the entire saga. The stop-motion AT-STs are incredible, the well-paced duel between Luke and Vader, and the chaotic space battle live in my head rent free.

I'm not sure anything will ever dethrone "I am a Jedi, like my father before me" as my favorite moment in the whole GFFA.

This is probably one of my favorite videos you've ever done, Alex. As someone who grew up with Star Wars, but didn't actually fall in love with it/watch it until being dragged to the Force Awakens by my ex, I can remember exactly how I felt watching this for the first time (cuz it wasn't that long ago lol). But you summed up all the great moments so perfectly, and it's heartwarming ❤❤❤

Jabba the Hutt and his palace has been my favorite for so long

One moment I’ve always loved is after Chewie takes out an AT-ST one of the Ewoks is seen brushing his hair. Such a small moment always makes me laugh

One of my earliest memories is watching Return of the Jedi in a theater in '83. Hooked for life!

I glad you mentioned Luke and Wedge hugging it was always my favourite bit of the ending.

Can you do an ‘everything I love about’ series for the Indiana Jones series

Something that should have been mentioned was Han and Leia's reversed "I love you. I know." dialogue on Endor is a nice callback to The Empire Strikes Back.

Return of the Jedi was my favorite too for a long time. I watched the Ewok movies my mom recorded off the TV for years before I even knew about Star Wars. It was a shock and delight when I saw them in Return of the Jedi for the first time.

Was there opening day with my Dad and my sister. Parmatown Mall’s theater was packed. And, as a Star Wars cosplayer, getting a hug from a Wookiee is just as warm as you’d expect.

I've always loved the wedge hug too. The ending really had a real feeling to it

I love when Leia gets shot at the bunker door and Han, seeing she's hiding her blaster to go out shooting says, "I love you," and SHE says, "I know." I only recently realized this scene was a mirror of their good bye in Empire.

I love the subtlety of the title being "Return of the Jedi". Most would assume that's in reference to Luke or the Order itself but in reality this is referencing the return of Anakin from the shadow of Vader

2:34 fun fact about Jedi Rocks: the horn arrangement was done by the same guy who did most of the Michael Jackson and Earth, Wind & Fire horn parts!! Jerry Hey. An absolute icon in music 🤓

My thoughts: 1. When Vader says "The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am", of course that is foreshadowing of his ultimate redemption. But at the time it absolutely chilled me. All i could think of was how utterly merciless Vader had been up until then, and especially in ESB. Now they were saying that there is someone even worse? I shuddered. 2. I too love the Ewoks. Up to this point in the Star Wars saga it was fairly humanocentric, with the exception of Chewbacca and the droids. Now they introduce a whole race of beings that have been so mistreated by the empire that they nearly destroy their only hope. It highlights the fact that there are other sentient species in the galaxy. Up to this point yes we had seen them, but they were in the background. This brings them front and center. I thought it was a nice touch.

I know you mentioned Luke spring boarding back onto the skiff., but for me it's also hearing the epic hero music., catching the light saber and then swinging away! Chills everytime.

Thank you for the video. My favorite part was when Luke lost it, but it was more for the choral background that gave the following saber duel an epic feel.

I was 10 when RotJ was released and I and other kids loved the ewoks, or at least all the kids I knew. Probably adults didn't like them, just like it's adults now who often complain about certain aspects of Star Wars forgetting they are meant to be "kid friendly". I also remember being so excited to get a Leia Boushh Disguise figure - my cousin and I walked to the Toys R Us next to the Showbiz Pizza that one of us just had our birthday party at and each bought that figure. Finally, the Vader "No!" has grown on me, and now I like it.

Thanks for your positivity.

Vader staring off is one of my favorite parts of the original trilogy. No dialogue. It’s the definition of “show, don’t tell”. up to this point, we have never seen the character consider his own thoughts and actions. He’s just been a machine. He doesn’t stop to think. But here he is questioning himself. It’s such amazing visual storytelling.

My favorite little moment is still that one tree on Endor that explodes in the most satisfying way. You know the one.

The small sad remix of the imperial march theme when removing vaders helmet is iconic

i think my favourite little interpretation from this movie is that vader ignited his lightsaber in the throne room to stop luke from killing palpatine because he didn't want luke to fall to the dark side, at least not on someone else's terms. i know it's a little contradictory given he spends most of the fight goading luke into joining him but it's always bothered me why vader protects the emperor when he also wants to kill him and take his place, so this kind of explains it in my mind

I love Lando clapping cheerfully in the final shot of the movie

It was great to see this on the big screen again the end of April even if it was the SE version. I would love to have seen the OG version again since 1983.

Lapti Nek was written by Joseph Williams AND Ernie Fosselius, who made the parody Hardware Wars. Fosselius also did the sobs of the Rancor keeper. Fosselius came back for Attack of the Clones to voice Poggle the Lesser.

The whole fight on Jabba's Barge is so good. I love all of it

Been waiting for this one. Rotj might be my favorite of the OT but it's tough to decide I love each one for specific reasons

I always hoped that Kallus was just a codename and that his real name was Crix Madine. They kind of look similar so him defecting the ISB and then doing similar job for the rebellion would make sense. Making them two different people was a bummer.

Mon Calamari cruisers. They are my favorite ships in Star Wars. They're simultaneously weird and lumpy, and sleek, scrappy, and solid looking. And they are visually so distinct from ISDs. Great design.

Luke wearing all black has lived rent free in my mind for 30 years. My parents had Return of the Jedi on vhs. I still don’t know if they are fans but I watched that tape until it wore out. I miss the original version but adding Hayden at the end is a nice touch.

Love ROTJ, always have. A little part that I like is Luke saying you won't destroy me, you won't bring me to the Emperor with his back turned to Vader. Vader ignites Luke's saber being like "Oh yeah?" While I don't think Harrison's heart was fully in it, has some great comedic moments like his looks & the "it's me" "then we'll do it real quiet like" "I don't think the Empire had Wookies in mind when they designed her Chewie." And the Luke giving his Vader but more importantly his father a funeral with just him is an emotional beat that hits me harder the older I get.

The Battle of Endor was great! Starfighters, lasers, explosions, everything! And the rematch with Luke and Vader was also great. Luke cutting off Vader's hand was a great parallel to Dooku cutting off Anakin's hand.

Finally! ROTJ has been my favorite for so long, and getting to see it in theaters finally was great. There is so much to love about EP 6

this is probably going to be wildly unpopular but while the jedi rocks scene is a visual nightmare, i think the song itself is actually not half bad

I LOVE all the aliens in Jabba's palace!

Man. You know you're a fan when you're watching someone describe the end of ROTJ and you start crying.

Saw it in cinemas with my friends recently for the 40th anniversary, was great! The sound design and big moments rly hit harder - even ghe controversial "no" boomed and echoed nicely

It's always so interesting hearing that something you assumed was universally hated, others consider universally loved. My parents *hate* Nien Nunb's voice, and I grew up assuming that was universal, so to hear folks say that they don't know anyone who doesn't like him is very funny.

I am glad i am not the only one who tried ridiculous shenanigans with pool diving boards as a kid. 🤣😂

Return of the Jedi is my all-time favorite Star Wars movie. One of the things I love most is that during the Battle of Endor, I'm always fully invested in all the storylines. That is not the case for me in the final act of some other Star Wars movies.

I always assumed that the four dots at the end of the crawl in the other movies was a period and then an elispses, not a four dot elispses. . . .

it's low-brow, admittedly, but the Sarlacc burping is a great touch. some levity in the chaos

One of my favorite things: getting the Emperor as a mailaway figure! It was so exciting when it finally showed up.

Only thing I can think of that I loved that you didn't mention was the Emperor's theme song.

I am often in awe and somewhat confused by the fact NO ONE talks about the TIE fighters appearing out of thin air in front of the fleet right as the trap is sprung and the Battle of Endor begins. Having seen both the original version or RotJ and the Special Edition in the theatres, I always wondered why no one talks about this.

i love when leia told han luke was her brother and his face just turns into to absolute disarray as i assume he remember her kissing him on hoth

I rewatched the original trilogy recently. And honestly, this became my favorite film of the trilogy after rewatching it. There's just so much to love about this film and I easily had the most fun rewatching this again over the other two films.

I've always loved the pacing. It's perfect. This is also my oldest son's favorite Star Wars movie so that's another point with me.

boushh or leia boushh I think is the top 5 design for me, it' so cool, and how speak , wow

I know it was argued for a while, but that rebel who puts on the scout trooper armour was confirmed to be Rex in one of the galaxy of adventure shorts

Paul Brooke and Denis Lawson were in a sitcom together, called The Kit Curran Radio Show.

Any Star Wars fan who’s ever been near a diving board can relate to you sir😂

I love this movie, the redemption of Darth Vader is so brilliant and emotional, the death of Emperor Palpatine and the final scene with the ghost force of Anakin, Obi Wan and Yoda is fantastic

I know it's not canon, but reading the rogue squadron series makes you appreciate wedge so much more. Such a good series that I hope gets adapted to canon in some form, maybe with Poe in Wedge's place

I love these videos so much!

at 3:01, it's blindingly obvious that the "cones" on Oola's head are not her ears and are just part of her headdress. This radical misunderstanding has saddled female Twi'leks with conical ears for decades now, even though THAT WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL INTENT! Bib Fortuna has human-style ears, so of course now Twi'leks have different ears depending on their gender, which is so, so dumb. But I guess it's too late to put that genie back in the bottle.

This was the first SW film I saw in the cinema (was only a few weeks old when Episode IV came out) so was a big deal for us. We always thought that Luke's clothing was just what Jedi wore (never thought it was Dark Side related, though I was just 6), indeed I wore black to see the Special Editions and Episode I. Then we discovered that they all dressed like Obi Wan and that wasn't just standard Tatooine garb (as it seems in Ep IV).

My favorite background thing in this movie is Luke's force kick

my favorite star wars

Went to Leicester Square in London back in April to see this on the big screen! Return wasn’t my favourite before.. but after seeing it on the big screen I can safely say.. it hits so much harder! Return is amazing 🤩 definitely shed a tear when Anakin returned and saved his son

My favorite SW movie ❤

I wish Disney would release a version that stripped out the Special Edition stuff. An “Original Collectors Edition” or whatever; there’s definitely a market for it. I know that there a technical SFX and film quality upgrades that were done, but none of the additional content in the SE added to my enjoyment and most I actively dislike

Happy 40 Years to the film was basically my gateway into a galaxy far,far away....

To anyone that says ewoks arent badass: how would you like to be hunted and swarmed by dozens of waist high grizzly bears who want to cook you alive and eat you?

When I was a kid, Palpatine was the Devil incarnate.

4:12 I have never noticed Dengar before

I'm really sad I missed the 40th Anniversary Theatrical Rerelease. I don't know how I missed the news of it because it would have been so good to see. Guess I'll have to wait another 10 years.

He actually said Glup Shitto. I love it

My earliest discrete memory is watching RotJ in the theater; I have literally been a Star Wars fan as long as I can remember. I love every second but my favorite moment is probably Vader's unmasking. I got so annoyed when I saw how Al Williamson (maybe the BEST Star Wars comics artist) depicted it in the Marvel adaptation.

The first act of ROTJ is still my favorite isolated piece of a Star Wars movie. Do you guys think we will ever see Jabba again in a live action setting? I really hope so.

Surprised u didnt mention anything from Yoda and Kenobi's convos on Dagobah, important stuff imo. As for the SE/Bluray changes - the songs (Jabba's palace and celebration) idm much (apart from "weesa free" 😂), "no" isnt too bad after hearing it boom in the cinema, but Hayden replacing Sebastian has always been rly weird... no one else reverted like 20yrs upon becoming a ghost

I would LOVE to see a reboot of X-Wing Alliance!!!

I can't believe jedi is now 40 years old

I'm on board with an X-Wing Alliance Lore play

My first favorite scene of the movie is the iconic Rescue that Luke skywalker does to save his friends with that awesome green light saber number to the amazing party on Endor. I really enjoy that scene at the end because it’s a celebration of victory over the empire and we get to see Anakin redeemed Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda force ghosts.

Funny enough, I finished Empire From a Certain Point of View last weekend, binged the trilogy during the week and just started listening to "The Princess and the Scoundrel" for my work listening today so I am definitely celebrating

Happy 40 years of Return of the Jedi.

Return of the Jedi is my favorite movie