Yes, it was 42 years ago yesterday (sorry about being a day late on this one) that The Empire Strikes Back was released in theaters.
Obviously, after the first Star Wars Movie had shocked many people by turning into a historic blockbuster, there was considerable anticipation for this movie. And if anything, it mostly exceeded expectations. Even today, many people - arguably most bigtime Star Wars fans - still consider this the best of the Star Wars movies. It was innovative, as it went farther than the first film did in terms of special effects. Also, it was the first movie of it's kind to be brave enough to have everything go to hell and remain unresolved at the end of the movie, clearly insinuating that there will be a third movie to wrap everything up. Finally, there was real drama with the characters, and it was gripped. The budding romance between leia and Han, as well as the big reveal of Darth Vader as Luke Skywalker's father (hopefully I do not have to warn anyone about spoilers in that regard, as better than half a century has passed since this movie was released).
In short, The Empire Strikes Back (often abbreviated to ESB by Star Wars fans) came to be known as one of the greatest movies of all time, and is still considered a true classic these days. Deservedly so, I think. It was one of the rare sequels that not only did not disappoint fans, but actually, if anything, exceeded the lofty billing. That is not easy to do, but that is exactly what this movie did.
And it did it 42 years ago!
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