The original trilogy represents the initial set of motion pictures within the broader Star Wars saga. These films were initially distributed between 1977 and 1983. Their narrative primarily centers on the efforts of the Rebel Alliance as they fight to liberate the galaxy from the oppressive rule of the Galactic Empire. Furthermore, it chronicles Luke Skywalker's journey to become a Jedi knight and his confrontations with the Sith Lord Darth Vader and his supreme commander, the Emperor Palpatine.
In contrast to the prequel trilogy, the original trilogy is frequently referred to as the classic trilogy. The events of the sequel trilogy unfold three decades following Return of the Jedi.
This cinematic work introduces Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, while also showcasing the tyrannical authority of the Galactic Empire. On his home planet of Tatooine, Luke is secretly watched over by the exiled Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi, who lives under the guise of the elderly hermit Ben Kenobi. Realizing his potential as a Jedi, Luke joins forces with Han Solo, aligns himself with the Rebels, successfully destroys the Death Star, and rescues Leia from Darth Vader. However, this victory hinges on Obi-Wan's ultimate sacrifice during his final battle with Vader aboard the Death Star.
Following a significant defeat at the hands of the Empire on the ice planet of Hoth, Luke Skywalker undertakes Jedi training with Master Yoda, guided by the Force spirit of Obi-Wan. When Princess Leia and Han Solo are captured by the Empire on Bespin, Luke attempts a rescue, leading to a confrontation with Darth Vader. The battle culminates in Luke's defeat and the shocking revelation that Darth Vader is, in fact, Anakin Skywalker, his father. Leia, aided by Han's friend Lando Calrissian, manages to escape, but Han is captured.
After rescuing Han Solo from the clutches of the crime boss Jabba the Hutt, Luke visits Yoda as he nears death. Yoda confirms Vader's revelation and reveals that another Skywalker lives before passing away. The spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi appears, offering further explanation, and Luke realizes that Leia is his sister. As the Alliance battles the Empire near the second Death Star above Endor, Luke faces Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, the Sith mastermind behind the Empire's creation and Anakin Skywalker's downfall. After a fierce duel where Luke shows him mercy, Vader rejects the dark side of the Force, reverting to Anakin Skywalker. He destroys Sidious, saving Luke's life but sacrificing his own.
With the Death Star destroyed and the Emperor dead, the Empire falls. As the Rebels celebrate, Luke witnesses the spirits of Obi-Wan, Yoda, and his father smiling upon him.
George Lucas has consistently reworked the original trilogy films. Episodes IV, V, and VI have been remastered and re-released:
- As Special Editions (in theaters, as well as on VHS and LaserDisc) in early 1997,
- On DVD during September 2004, and
- On Blu-ray during September 2011.
The films were subject to extensive restoration and cleaning, and Lucas used this as an opportunity to make a number of changes and add new effects. In a September 2004 interview with CNN, he provided explanations for these alterations:
These alterations have caused disagreement with some fans, who feel that the quality of the films is reduced. Some fans have pointed out that Lucas' testimony before the U.S. Congress opposing the colorization of black-and-white films (a position he reiterated in August 2004) is hypocritical, but the types of alterations Lucas opposes are done by studios without the consent of the artists involved in the original production, as opposed to changes he made to his own films.
On May 4, 2006, StarWars.com announced that the original trilogy would be released in its original form on DVD on September 12, 2006.