Star Wars Episode III

A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far, Far Away… and with those words something special happened, being a product of the 80’s like most of us on this site are I grew up on Lucas’ crowning achievement. Having missed the inital theatrical runs for both the original and The Empire Strikes Back, I was able to see Return of the Jedi when it first came out in theaters (though I dont remember it). But between the countless versions released since (home video and theatrical) Ive been hooked.

Then in 1999 Lucas returned to his Galaxy Far, Far Away to tell the story of the man who would become the most evil badass in the universe Darth Vader with Star Wars - Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones in 2002, with each one getting better in quality in the eyes of critics and the fans in 2005 Lucas put out the final chapter in his Star Wars film franchise with Revenge of the Sith, finally showing the world how Anakin Skywalker became to wear the mask!

Movie
It has been three long years since the Clone Wars have first begun, and Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) have fought as hard as they possibly could. When the capital planet of Coruscant becomes under attack by the Separatist droid armies and Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) is kidnapped by the army leader, General Grievous (voiced by Matthew Wood), Anakin personal problems begin to develop, including his anger at the Jedi Council for not giving him the rank of Master, though he is on the council, and his plagued visions of his secret wife, Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman), dying in childbirth. He is determined to do anything to save her, no matter the cost. While Obi-Wan is sent to kill General Grievous on Utapau, Anakin is taken under Palpatine’s wing, being subtly seduced by the Dark Side of the Force and convince that the Dark Side is power than can save his wife from death. Soon enough, a new, darker, ominous figure that would eventually be feared by the entire galaxy is formed: Lord Darth Vader. Obi-Wan, discovering Anakin’s betrayal, sees no choice but to face his own apprentice in an attempt to bring back the young, loyal Jedi that had been like his own son, brother, and friend.

What else can be said its Star Wars for christ sake! Not always the best acted series of movies, the acting always kinda takes a backseat to the overlying story: The tragic fall from grace of a once great man whose foretold to save the Galaxy from an unspeakable evil.
Rating: 8 out of 10

Transfer
One word…Perfection! This 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer was created from the original digital source materials, giving you the best possible viewing expierence the colors are equally balanced no compression artifacts or edge enhancement can be found. It is quite possibly one of the best DVD video transfers along with the previous Star Wars DVDs and The Lord of the Rings are must haves in any geeks collection.
Rating: 10 out of 10

Audio
Not to be outdone the THX certified English Dolby Digital 5.1EX soundmix is equally incredible every little sound can be heard in all directions. The bass reflex is all encompassing giving you the sensation that your in a top notch theater with out having a high end sound system.

In addition to the outstanding English mix you also get both English and French 2.0 tracks for those who cant get enough of that old school stereo sound (you know who you are Eclipse). And English subtitles for those who like to read what they hear, or for those who cant hear.
Rating: 10 out of 10

Extras
Always one of the leaders in the DVD market Lucas has packed this 2-Disc set with everything you could possibly think of, as son as you put in the first disc you are treated to 1 of 4 random menus based on different planets featured in the film. Also on Disc 1 you get an audio commentary with Director George Lucas, Producer Rick McCallum, Animation Director Rob Coleman and ILM animators John Knoll and Roger Guyett. These guys talk about EVERY DETAIL that went into making this movie from the detail of the debris in the many space battles in the film, its definately worth a listen for anyone interested in what it takes to make a movie on this scale. But thats not it, theres a still another disc full of features starting with the full length documentary feature “Within a Minute” which documents the work that goes into making a single minute of Episode III from the shooting of the scene to the final screening it covers everything inbetween. Also included are the featurettes “The Chosen One” which takes a look inside at the tragedy of Anakin Skywalker as he transforms into Darth Vader; and a look at the stunts in the featurette “It’s All For Real”. In addition to the documentaries there are also 6 deleted scenes specially created for the DVD release are presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen with full 5.1 surround sound that covers everything from the creation of the Rebel Alliance to Yoda’s arrival into exile on Degobah. Also included are the 15-part internet webumentaries that were on starwars.com, the “A Hero Falls” music video, an ass load of trailers & posters , a photo gallery, and a 2 level playable demo of Star Wars: Battlefront II.
Rating: 10 out of 10

Overall
One of the Summers biggest blockbusters finally comes home and finally the saga is complete, every 35 year old living in his mothers basement will have to add this to his collection, so why dont you do the same!
Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Movie:8
Transfer:10
Audio:10
Extras:10
Overall:9.5
Director:George Lucas
Format:2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Sound:English 5.1 Dolby DigitalEX, English & French 2.0
Rated:PG-13
Genre:Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Studio:20th Centry Fox/Lucasfilm
Buy Episode III on DVD

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