The original trilogy represents the initial set of motion pictures produced within the broader scope of the Star Wars saga. These films were initially distributed between 1977 and 1983. The narrative is centered around the Rebel Alliance's efforts to liberate the galaxy from the oppressive rule of the Galactic Empire, alongside Luke Skywalker's journey to master the ways of the Jedi and confront the Sith Lord Darth Vader and his superior, the Emperor Palpatine.
Often, the original trilogy is referred to as the classic trilogy, particularly when distinguishing it from the prequel trilogy. The events of the sequel trilogy unfold 30 years after the conclusion of Return of the Jedi.
This movie introduces us to Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, and the authoritarian Galactic Empire. Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Jedi in exile, lives on Tatooine, Luke's home planet, disguised as Ben Kenobi, a hermit, keeping watch over him. Luke discovers his Jedi abilities, allies with Han Solo, joins the Rebels, destroys the Death Star, and saves Leia from Darth Vader. Obi-Wan's sacrifice during his final fight with Vader on the Death Star made this possible.
Following a major defeat at the hands of the Empire on Hoth, Luke Skywalker seeks out Jedi Master Yoda for training, shortly after a visit from Obi-Wan's Force spirit. 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 results in Luke's loss, and he learns the shocking truth that Darth Vader is actually Anakin Skywalker, his father. Leia, aided by Han's friend, Lando Calrissian, escapes, but Han is captured.
After rescuing Han Solo from the gangster Jabba the Hutt, Luke visits Yoda, who is dying. Yoda confirms Vader's revelation and reveals that another Skywalker lives before he dies. Obi-Wan Kenobi's spirit appears and explains further, leading Luke to realize that Leia is his sister. While the Alliance fights the Empire near the second Death Star above Endor, Luke faces Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, the Sith who orchestrated the Galactic Empire and Anakin Skywalker's downfall. After a fierce battle with Luke, Vader, defeated and shown mercy, rejects the dark side of the Force, becoming Anakin Skywalker again, destroying Sidious and saving Luke's life at the cost of his own.
With the destruction of the Death Star and the death of the Emperor, the Empire falls. As the Rebels celebrate their victory, Luke sees the spirits of Obi-Wan, Yoda, and his father smiling.
George Lucas has continuously modified the original trilogy. Episodes IV, V, and VI were remastered and re-released
- as Special Editions (in theaters, and on VHS and LaserDisc) in early 1997 ,
- on DVD in September 2004 , and
- on Blu-ray in September 2011 .
These films were extensively cleaned up and restored, and Lucas used this chance to implement several changes and add effects. In a CNN interview from September 2004, he discusses his reasons for these alterations:
The modifications made for the re-releases have sparked controversy among some fans, who argue that they diminish the movies' quality. Some fans view Lucas's testimony before the U.S. Congress against colorizing black-and-white films (a stance he reaffirmed in August 2004) as inconsistent, but Lucas opposes alterations made by studios without the original artists' consent, unlike the changes he made to his own films.
On May 4, 2006, StarWars.com announced that the original trilogy would be released in its original, unaltered form on DVD on September 12, 2006.