I just saw this thread and had to comment.
Just yesterday I went to the The Science of Star Wars exhibit at my local museum. It is touring the country right now, and I couldn't miss it. They had lots of props and costumes from the movie and give you examples of how real world science is is being applied in a similar direction. It is supposed to be educational, but for a SW fan it is simply kinda fun.
Check it out if you get the chance.
http://www.fortworthmuseum.com/starwars/index.html
On the movies..because I was going to the exhibit, last week started watching all of the movies in episodic order. I am still of the opinion that the newer films can't beat the originals. The originals just have such as sense of adventure and fun that somehow the newer films couldn't capture. It proves that special effects are not the most important thing in a film. In fact, I think I would personally rate them in this order.
1. The Empire Strikes Back
2. A New Hope
3. Return of the Jedi
4. Revenge of the Sith
5. The Phantom Menace
6. Attack of the Clones
I know a lot of people just slam Phantom Menace, and yes both Jake Loyd and Jar Jar are equally annoying...but Liam Neeson is unbeatable, the Pod race is such an intense scene, and it has in my opinion the best and grittiest light saber duel out of the whole saga (Ray Park really elevates that scene).
I am old enough to have seen all of the films in theater during the original run, although I was pretty young during Star Wars and think I slept through most of it. I definitely remember Empire and Jedi. In fact, I saw Jedi opening day and to this day, I can't watch the films without hearing the crowd cheer in the back of my mind.
These films changed movies forever and should hold a special place.
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