From Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide

Empire Strikes Back, The: Smashing sequel to STAR WARS manages to top the original in its embellishment of leading characters' personalities, truly dazzling special effects (which earned a special Oscar) and nonstop spirit of adventure and excitement. (It does assume you've seen the first film. ) Story threads include a blossoming romance between Han Solo and Princess Leia, the cosmic education of Luke Skywalker (by the mystical Yoda), an uneasy alliance with opportunistic Lando Calrissian, and a startling revelation from Darth Vader. 1997 theatrical reissue included 3 minutes of additional footage. Full title onscreen is STAR WARS EPISODE V: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Sequel: RETURN OF THE JEDI. Panavision.

Return of the Jedi: Third installment in the STAR WARS saga is a sheer delight, following the destiny of Luke Skywalker as his comrades reunite to combat a powerful Death Star. Some routine performances are compensated for by ingenious new characters and Oscar-winning special effects. More sentimental and episodic than its predecessors (and probably incomprehensible if you haven't seen them both) --but carried out in the best tradition of Saturday matinee serials, from which it draws its inspiration. Full title onscreen is: STAR WARS EPISODE VI: RETURN OF THE JEDI. Followed by two Ewok adventures for TV. Special Edition released in 1997 features enhanced effects and 4m. of additional footage. J-D-C Scope.

Star Wars: Elaborate, imaginative update of Flash Gordon incredibly became one of the most popular films of all time. It's a hip homage to B-movie ethics and heroism in the space age, as a callow youth (Hamill) becomes an interplanetary hero with the help of some human and robot friends. R2D2 and C-3P0 steal the show. Won seven Oscars for various technical achievements and John Williams' rousing score. Full title onscreen (on re-release prints) is STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE. Followed by THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and RETURN OF THE JEDI. Special Edition released in 1997 features souped-up special effects and about 4m. of new footage. Panavision.
Copyright© Leonard Maltin, 1998, used by arrangement with Signet, a division of Penguin Putnam, Inc.