BACK COVER SYNOPSIS: It is a dark time for the Rebellion. After a devastating attack on their ice base on the frozen planet of Hoth, the rebels are scattered by Imperial pursuit. Luke Skywalker seeks out the mysterious Jedi Master Yoda in the swamps of Dagobah, while Han Solo and Princess Leia outrun the Imperial fleet to the beautiful cloud city of Bespin. In an attempt to convert Luke to the dark side, the evil Darth Vader lures young Skywalker into a trap. In the midst of a fierce lightsaber duel with the Sith Lord, Luke faces a terrible truth about the Skywalker legacy.

FILM REVIEW: "The Empire Strikes Back" is nothing if not pure gold. Performing the seemingly impossible task of bettering its illustrious predecessor, 'Empire' adds layers of texture, complexity and darkness to the Star Wars universe which suit to enhance and build upon the rock solid foundation laid by the first film. Whereas "Star Wars" was a coming of age tale told with a youthful, innocent energy, 'Empire' is much more adult, with complex issues and major challenges put to the main characters. It still has the same action, fun and entertainment of its predecessor but 'Empire' manages to give you an added layer of depth that makes the storytelling more compelling this time around.

The rebellion are held up on the ice planet of Hoth, but Darth Vader and the Empire are closing in on them. After an intense opening battle sequence, our favourite characters, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia split up, going in their own directions. For Luke, he visits Jedi Master Yoda to learn how to become a Jedi. Han and Leia end up barely escaping from Darth Vader's grasp but are ultimately pursued through space. The two stories are ultimately brought together when Han and Leia are betrayed by Han's friend Lando to Darth Vader who uses them as bait to lure Luke over to the dark side. This framework offers more opportunities for a richer and deeper storyline, making it much more character driven. It culminates in probably one of the biggest surprises of an ending in cinema history. It would have been a joy going in to the cinema and watching that ending without knowing its coming, especially then when in the pre-internet age plot details of films were easier to keep secret without having someone blast them all over the internet months in advance.

The character of Yoda is a joy to behold. He really shouldn't work at all given he's a puppet but the script is so well written and directed that you totally believe in him and his strength as the ultimate Jedi. He's wise, knows most all, and offers some timely advice to Luke who is at a dangerous place in his life where he must choose between what he knows is right and the temptation to give in to anger at the treatment of his friends by Darth Vader (which leads to the dark side). Again, very strong stuff and makes for compelling viewing.

Although Lucas wrote the story, he handed out the script writing and directing duties to others and as a result, we get an injection of fresh themes and ideas from two different perspectives. The dialogue is quite clever and intelligent in places (eg offering layers of humour but not comedy). Again in keeping with the story, there are many layers at work in this film that make you appreciate the effort that has been put in by all involved.

The special effects are of course first rate, even for today's standards. There's something about REAL models, and everything having to be done in camera which gives it a realism that today's CGI work just can't match. The visuals in this film, along with the effects, are better executed from a technical standpoint, and as a result, much like the story, we are given a very rich visual journey throughout the film. All the sequences set in Cloud City are nothing short of breathtaking. And of course, one cannot go past John Williams' classic score, which now includes the new Darth Vader theme.

A perfect sci-fi film and a wonderful piece of drama and entertainment which somehow manages to surpass the lofty heights of its predecessor.

TECHNICAL REVIEW: You'd expect the best from George Lucas and at least for the special edition of the film, that's exactly what you get. The first disc containing the special edition is absolutely spectacular. Given the age of the film, it has been remarkable remastered and reproduced for the DVD format. The images are nothing short of breathtaking, and the sound will transport you to another galaxy. It is a shame in this respect that on the bonus disc, we have the original theatrical cut of the film which is not even 16x9 enhanced, forcing to utilise the zoom feature to make the picture take up the whole screen on flat panels, giving you less than a spectacular experience. Perhaps George only wanted to grudgingly gives us the original versions but it is a major disappointment.

EXTRAS REVIEW: The way this disc is designed, you would think the original theatrical cut on the bonus disc was considered an extra and thus in the end, the only notable extra on this DVD is the audio commentary featuring Lucas, director Irvin Kershner, sound designer Ben Burtt, visual effects supervisor Dennis Muren and Carrier Fisher. In this respect, this version is not worth having, particularly when a trilogy box-set which also contains a mammoth documentary and other featurettes had already been released separately in addition to the films. I guess if you want to see the films as they were before George tinkered with them again, then this would be your release.

BOTTOM LINE: Worth having in the collection, but buy it when it goes on sale.