The Empire Strikes Back Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary!

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30 years ago today (May 21), The Empire Strikes Back was released in theaters. It was the follow-up to Star Wars, the most successful and groundbreaking film of its time. Series creator George Lucas did not helm the picture. Instead, he chose Irvin Kershner, a filmmaker whose resume consisted of smaller movies that focused on character development. And that was what the middle chapter in the original trilogy needed.

The original film was a space opera -  a throwback to the movie serials of the `30s, `40s, and `50s. It was the type of entertainment that Lucas grew up on. This installment went in a different route. It featured an emotional core that allowed audiences to be invested in the characters. When the movie ends with the defeat of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) it left audiences on the edge of their seat for the final chapter.

When released in 1980 it received mixed reactions. Many considered it too dark and lacking the fun of the original. Nowadays it is considered the best installment in the trilogy and overall series. Most feel that way because of the dramatic events, the interaction between characters, and Kershner's direction. Financially, the film was a major success. It was the highest grossing movie of the year with $209.3 million. A re-issue in 1982 added $13.2 million to its box office and the 1997 special edition grossed $67.5 million which raised the total to $290.4 million. At the 53rd Annual Academy Awards it won two Oscars; Best Special Effects and Best Sound. The score (by John Williams) and Art Direction were nominated.