Average 4k video quality
The HDR color palette does bring a nice bit of tonal upgrade to the film, though it's more of a reinforcement rather than a recreation. Viewers will note fantastic white elements on Hoth, even seen from orbit for the first time as the probe droid enters the atmosphere. The snow is crisp, more brilliant and pure than ever before. The same can be said of Echo Base's snowy dugout interiors and, of course, storm trooper uniforms. Lightsabers enjoy amplified intensity in the final act when Vader and Luke square off in some lower-light areas within the city's bowels. Yoda's green skin and the murky Dagobaah sequences present with firmer depth while more naturally illuminated Cloud City locations spring to life with newfound vibrance. Black levels are superior here, ... MoreThe HDR color palette does bring a nice bit of tonal upgrade to the film, though it's more of a reinforcement rather than a recreation. Viewers will note fantastic white elements on Hoth, even seen from orbit for the first time as the probe droid enters the atmosphere. The snow is crisp, more brilliant and pure than ever before. The same can be said of Echo Base's snowy dugout interiors and, of course, storm trooper uniforms. Lightsabers enjoy amplified intensity in the final act when Vader and Luke square off in some lower-light areas within the city's bowels. Yoda's green skin and the murky Dagobaah sequences present with firmer depth while more naturally illuminated Cloud City locations spring to life with newfound vibrance. Black levels are superior here, whether outer space, shadowy corners, or Vader's costume. Skin tones appear nicely accurate as well. Overall, though, the UHD is a disappointment but at the same time the best the film has ever looked for home viewing.... Show more
BOBBY
originally posted on bestbuy.com
Bad surround sound mixing.
The video quality is good, but the sound mixing is terrible. The overall volume of the movie is too weak. The center dialog channel is particularly anemic. The surround channels are also weak. There are moments in the movie where TIE fighters don't create sound on the rear speakers despite flying past the viewer.... Show more
Selfius
originally posted on bestbuy.com
Blu ray strikes back
Star wars 4k? Is it any better than blu ray or DVD? Yes and no. It's better than DVD hands down. But it varies with blu ray. Some scenes are better on 4k HDR some are better on blu ray. If you want to build your 4k collection this one is not going to let you down as it also comes with blu ray. But if you just want better picture quality, this won't be that much better overall.... Show more
AuziFox
originally posted on bestbuy.com
Great movie, so so transfer.
The Empire Strikes Back is by far the best entry in the Star Wars saga, and one of my favorite flicks of all time. This film holds a special place in the Sci-fi universe and my childhood in particular. I would like to give it a perfect score like it deserves, but the 4K transfer is slightly lackluster. Don't get me wrong the 4K image is sharp and detailed but little too desaturated for my taste. I don't remember it looking this devoid of color in the theaters back in the day, but I could be wrong. The sound could use a little boost too. It seems a bit soft. You can barely here the dialogue at times. If you switch the sound from ATMOS to DTS, it actually sounds better. Well, take a look at it. You may or may not like it.... Show more
Tomsreview12
originally posted on bestbuy.com
Great Upgrade to 4K-HD
Star Wars V: ESB looks fantastic in 4K! These are the Special Editions from 1997, but Episode 5 is one of the best in the original three movie series because it's had the fewest changes (unlike the first or third films). The original Star Wars movies from George Lucas and still, far and away, the best of the Star Wars saga. If you're going to pick up a Star Wars movie on 4K, I recommend this one, but all three original episodes in 4K are worth the upgrade costs.... Show more
BobN
originally posted on bestbuy.com
Great visual and audio presentation
The movie in UHD/4K is an excellent presentation of the "Special Edition" version of the Empire Strikes Back, probably the best that this has ever looked on home video. And the sound mix is outstanding. You really couldn't ask for more when it comes to this version of the film. However, it should have included the theatrical version which many fans have been hoping for in a modern format for years.... Show more
AnonMovieFan
originally posted on bestbuy.com
The Best in The Franchise
I think most will agree that Empire Strikes Back is hands down the greatest film in the Star Wars franchise to date. Filled with great special effects, a beautiful score that first introduced the now famous Imperial March, and character arcs that still shake audiences to their core as this was the first time we ever saw heroes lose.With that said, the 4K transfer of this film is gorgeous and presents the film in the greatest format it’s ever seen. While the special features of this release are identical to past releases, the 4K Upgrade makes this with the investment.My only complaint is that I wish they’d also included the original, unaltered version of the movie as it was originally released in theaters before George Lucas did the special edition version with ... MoreI think most will agree that Empire Strikes Back is hands down the greatest film in the Star Wars franchise to date. Filled with great special effects, a beautiful score that first introduced the now famous Imperial March, and character arcs that still shake audiences to their core as this was the first time we ever saw heroes lose.With that said, the 4K transfer of this film is gorgeous and presents the film in the greatest format it’s ever seen. While the special features of this release are identical to past releases, the 4K Upgrade makes this with the investment.My only complaint is that I wish they’d also included the original, unaltered version of the movie as it was originally released in theaters before George Lucas did the special edition version with the added cgi and digital effects.... Show more
RedBlue2687
originally posted on bestbuy.com
This is fine.
But the Mandalorian was better. Obi Wan is disappointingly predictable, with the feel of fan-fiction in that there is something box-ticking about it and out of kilter with that which has gone before. I should stress MacGregor is not the problem, at least not as an actor, but he is also an executive producer, so who knows? Money has clearly been spent. We did not hate it. We were not bored. But there is nothing new here, and it has all been done better before. We all objected strongly to the fact that two characters were run-through with light sabres - the blade sticking out of their backs by 3 feet - and yet survived. Just a flesh wound. Apparently.... Show more
kyl_296
originally posted on ebay.com
Worth Owning, but No Original Cut
Much like A New Hope, this version does not include the original cut. Rewatched this when it was in theaters last year, and was a bit disappointed with the transfer - which I assume is the same as what's on disc. It seems strange Disney would not put a little more care in the restoration of such an important trilogy. With that being said, based on reviews I've read, this is still the best quality it is currently available in. It also appears to include a decent amount of extras.Perhaps somewhere down the line there will be a perfect release, with each version and proper restoration, but for now this 4k blu-ray release will have to do. For anyone interested, my copy did not include a slipcase.... Show more
ADoepker
originally posted on bestbuy.com
Worth the 4K upgrade
The online reviews for the newest 4K disc were mixed and I have no idea why. This movie looks stunning! A superior color grade and glorious, velvety Dolby Atmos sound mix. By the time Han and Leia were jumping into the falcon I was swooning with glee that one of my favorite movies looked and sound better than it may ever have.... Show more
madking24
originally posted on bestbuy.com