I don't know why, but even after 46 years, this scene gives me chills. I'm certain I've seen it hundreds, if not thousands of times, yet it is always so good.
well, I was 7 years old in 1977 and now I can say : this is a real movie and every time i watch it makes me beautiful memories and emotions, nothing about the latest series of star wars! They're just cartoons. bye from Italy
@@MrBubu1370 In 1977 when Star Wars came out, I had just graduated from high school - I went to see it in summer at the cineplex in the east side of Sacramento - it was hot out side but cool in the theater . That fall I bought the first Star Wars spinoff book Splinter in the Minds Eye and an R2D2 kit model.
Han Solo’s best moment is so often forgotten. And it’s so well-done too, because by the time you get to the trench run you figure Han is long gone with his money.
@@herrmajor2310 : In Legends, there was a book that described Han and Chewbacca flying away from Yavin in the Falcon, almost ready to go to hyperspace. Chewie was clearly feeling very miserable, and moaning softly, and Han was struggling between his powerful instinct for self preservation, and guilt for leaving Luke and Leia behind to die in a hopeless (as Han saw it) battle. Eventually Han gives in, snarls "Alright, kark it - let's go fight!" and swings the Falcon around... Years later, married to Leia and sleeping beside her in their bed, Han often wakes up in a cold sweat after reliving that flight in a dream, and remembering just how very close he had come to throwing the hyperspace lever and leaving Leia and Luke behind forever.
@@herrmajor2310 A lot of people we think of as “scoundrels” have a good heart, but the world they’ve lived in is all they know until a critical point comes. And vice-versa, a lot of bad people end up in high positions and they’re genuinely evil people. Han Solo is such a unique character. You wouldn’t give him a loan of even $100 because you know you won’t get it back, but if he thinks you’re his friend he’d sacrifice his life for you.
The short scene where Tarkin is informed that they know what the rebels are trying to do and he brushes the risk away for the chance to finish the war once and for all is a brilliant addition by Lucas to up the stakes for all involved.
@@jaykay7932Great way of contrasting Tarkin and Leia. Leia stays to show strength and solidarity whereas Tarkin only cares about glory. Never even considered that war was a game of life and death.
But it's not about "winning the war," the Death Star can fire whether a desk general's fancy uniform is onboard or not. He stays because he's an arrogant prick and he assumes he's invincible.
Han wasn't lying when he said the shot was one in a million. So many stars had to align for this miracle to actually happen: suicide squad of unlikely heroes extracting the plans from heavily guarded secret facility, receivers surviving Vader, R2D2 making his way from Tatooine to Yavin IV safe, general Dodonna catching an insight in his sleep that helped him to decipher the data hours before the battle... and, finally, Han deciding to break his character. This movie is a requiem for a hope!
@@Asmo_Lay, Han Solo was known to be arrogant and selfish, an individualistic person. His return to help Luke (and, by extension, the Rebel cause) was the beginning of his path toward realizing that he was indeed a good person, and the start of his love story with Leia. Yes, Han shot first, but it was justifiable.
@@Richtofen-gy9cj You're talking about the Infinities Comic series, right? Yeah I love those alternate reality editions. I think Infinities is also what introduced everyone to the concept of Darth Maul surviving (complete with the robot legs) which unltimately ended up being made canon.
Palpatine: "Well where are you?! ...Wait a second, you've been flying around for two weeks trying to get a signal? Ugh, you must smell like feet wrapped in leathery burnt bacon."
I was six years old in 1977. I had no idea what to expect on that Saturday afternoon with my parents. My brother was four, and for those two hours, we escaped our ordinary lives, absolutely engrossed in nothing we had ever seen before. Then this... our mouths agape in a mix of awe, trepidation and fear. The sound, the action... and then THAT music. The entire theatre was silent, it was only 30 years after WW2, and many of our parents remembered that time. Everything seems lost; there were thirty of them, and now there is only Luke. At 4:57 everything comes together in a moment of sublime beauty, the whole film makes complete sense. Faith in hope. When it went up, there was no cheering, we all sat there absolutely stunned and elated. I looked to my Mum and Dad, and they were as completely amazed as I was. Cinema and my life changed at that point, my imagination was fired in a way that nothing had reached so far. I developed a love of science fiction, science, technology and the stars. For me, it is still the greatest moment in cinema history, and I have seen thousands of the greatest films. Showing it to our children a few years, we got them too, a magical moment to share and witness what my parents did all those years ago.
Movies can be timeless... but their release in cinema is a point in time. The culture, the vibe, the times.... it all matters. And I’m here to say that if you were a kid in 1977 when this came out and saw it at the theater in America, you had one of the most unique, amazing, engrossing and surreal experiences of ANY human beings ever born. It is literally impossible to impart to others who saw it 30 years later on DVD what that was like to have been there. What a remarkable privilege of time and place we had to have been in those seats when it first dropped.
You nailed it. I remember this movie was one of the last I watched with my father, ´cause I was getting mature, and that feeling is unique. Also, FX seems almost funny 30 years later, but in 1977 were amazing.
This first SW outing was iconic In so many ways. But this final scene, with the ever mounting tension, urgency, consequence of failure, etc. was what elevated this story to another place. Movie magic
"And why did we use the lumbering slow Death Star when we had an entire fleet with hyperdrive capability? Why didn't we just use that to destroy the rebel base again?"
I know the video you were referring to. To me, this is the funniest robot chicken video ever made. I mean seriously. Can you imagine the emperor being like that? Totally hilarious.
"And where are you? You've been flying around for 2 weeks trying to get a signal?! My God, you must smell like feet wrapped in leathery, burnt bacon!!"
“Oh I’m sorry. I thought my Sith Lord could protect a small thermal exhaust port that’s only two meters wide. The thing wasn’t even paid off yet. Do you have any idea what this is gonna do to my credit?”
Red Leader calls Gold 5 “Gold Leader” a moment before he dies. These are small nuances you don’t pick up without watching several times that really add to a great film.
It’s been 46 years and this scene still gives me chills. I will never forget watching this as a kid and being BLOWN AWAY when I saw the Millennium Falcon swoop in to save the day. One of the greatest moments in movie history! What an epic ending!
As an 8 year old watching this in 1977, no movie since has shaped my life for engaging and being apart of something bigger than yourself. Spectacular film .
I read about that. His name was Tenn Graneet. He had remorse about those lives lost on the planets Despayre and Alderaan and hesitated this time. When they gave him the go ahead, he hesitated by ordering "stand by".
I’m here for Han Solo’s epic line of “You’re all clear kid, now let’s blow this thing and go home”. Talk about a supportive friend. Now imagine Chewbacca’s response, probably along the lines of “Rrrrrrggggghhhhh!!!!!”
I watched this on the big screen at 5 years old and I loved it so much, and now, the fact that I can watch this anytime I want, on a little rectangle in my pocket, never fails to amaze me. Just wild.
John Williams has had an incredible career. He was already established as a top composer by the time Star Wars came out. He's now over 90 and according to imdb he is still composing original music.
Perfectly paced, outstandingly scored, superbly scripted, wonderfully acted... Probably the best climactic action scene in cinema history. A genuine, unambiguous thrill.
Nah Empire is better but this one is a close second and miles better than the next best one. I'm not even someone who hates the other films but ESB and ANH are in a different league.
I'd argue that _The Empire strikes back_ is technically the *better* movie. In nearly all aspects, its an improvement over its predecessor. But _A New Hope_ is simply more *fun,* more rewatchable.
It's STILL difficult for me to believe that this film was almost a disaster in the editing room. But the pacing, innovative EFX, shots, brilliant music, sound, and perfect cues with everything made it all work. Even the Deus Ex Machina with Solo's sneaky, surprise return is a fantastic addition (even though it's implausible that NO ONE NOTICED that giant discus flying in). 💪😎✌️
It wasn't a dissaster at all, while the original editor Lucas contracted for the early edits did a more than awfull job, he soon fired him and recruited the trio that would edit the film into a final print under Lucas' supervision. I think the falacy of this film being a complete dissaster till that trio came in is still alive despite all the evidence showing the contrary. The real problems were at the Tunisia filmin location, storms and the equippment failing constantly teared appart everyone involved to the point that it was a war of atrittion that they barely won just at the time when they were goin beyond overbudget. Then again "the people VS George Lucas" and "How Star Wars was saved in the edit" came from complete and self-entitled assholes who were sooo burned out (in a child like way) about Lucas' expanded universe (not to confuse with the EU [RIP]) and prompt to simply share absurd lies across the board just to get people to hate the man as they hated him.
@@troyandrew6154 That's another can of worms, while the studio did manage to complete the work required they had many setbacks, from the miniatures composite failing (during the first trench attack run in the original print, one of the A-Wings poofs out of existence out of a sudden) to the robots burning out components (due to the desert heat) or simply failing to work properly.
The moment where Luke switches off his targeting computer always gets me choked up. The moment where he stops trusting the "known" and puts his faith in the Force.
With how tense this scene is on first viewing, I can see that happening. Especially when it first came out and no one had any idea of the impact it would have on
Star Wars is a masterpiece of a film!! I don't believe anything will ever rival this in motion picture for it's powerful moral story and special effects, especially the music !!
I remember when I had seen it at first time many years ago. I was a little boy because of caught cold was sitting at home. I watched all SW series. And this scene... It was really exciting experience. So tensed and thrilling. And even now it's so atmospheric. Yes, it's cinematic and theatrics but in a good meaning. You emphathise with the characters. And it is a marker of a good old school movie. Perfect!
There's a lot about this whole sequence that's really unique to this film only. Never again would a single space battle be the climax of a Star War. Individual dogfights turned into massive battles with hundreds of fighters. Here when the X-Wings make a slight bank the engines roar. In the next film the Falcon is casually zipping through asteroids. The military jargon goes away. There's long periods of time here where John Williams is completely absent. When he does appear, he gives these long tense buildups like 3:50 getting our hearts racing until the Force theme comes in and gives release. For the most part you're watching normal people take on the largest Empire. The Rebels have no Jedi masters, no 10-year old prodigies, no Resistance flying aces. They get picked off one by one and each death is focused on just to make you feel how much lower the chance of success is with each loss. Luke finally using the Force _is the climax of the entire movie_ and not a superpower we're just used to everyone having. Frankly Dunkirk is closer to this than even Return of the Jedi. And I love that almost 50 years later and billions into this universe this still feels special (even if it is only Dambusters in Space).
I 100% agree. The dogfighting reminds me of the dogfighting scenes from Midway which just came out a year before Star Wars. As a major fighter plane nerd, the original Star Wars will always be my favourite for having dogfighting scenes mimick some of the old school squadron based WWII Era dogfights.
@@christophergrant472 The Return of the Jedi battle is a masterpiece of special effects (the Revenge of the Sith one too for CGI) but I always preferred this one because of the close personal combat. The other ones are so massive you lose the luxury of that closeness.
I've never thought of this as Dambusters in space, but you're right and that hasn't diminished my love of 'The Dambusters'. They're both among my list of favourite movies! I'd never seen anything like Star Wars, it was drama on a grand scale and before CGI, the special effects were pretty amazing! Prior to this, my favourite sci-fi film was 'Forbidden Planet' and, even though some of the special effects are a bit clunky, they manage to achieve some scary moments. ❤
@@Coolbardie There's some compilation videos out there that show it more. There's shots and dialogue ripped directly from Dambusters here. It tracks. Star Wars is like a film of films. WW2 films, samurai films, fantasy films, the ship designs from Space Odyssey. Set it all on Arrakis (inspired by Lawrence of Arabia). I don't mean any of that negatively either. It's awesome.
@@kueller917Thanks for that info. I'll check them out. I'll have to watch The Dambusters again to see if I can pick up which dialogue. 😊 Star Wars is awesome, isn't it. I'll never forget seeing the star destroyer gradually appearing on the screen. It looked so real and there were so many more amazing scenes. George Lucas is a genius!
Man, I remember I went to theaters to watch this remastered version with my dad. It was a great experience for me. At the moment as Darth Vader was about to blow up Luke, I remember my dad gripping my hand really tight. We both have seen the original release already multiple times, but at that moment, that was the first time I really connected with my father. And after this, we went to see other two sequels, also. We had a great time together. Thank you, George. You made me connect with my father
Star Wars changed the movie industry. It was unlike anything we had ever seen before. Watching it on opening night in 1977 is a historical experience. The scene of the Millennium Falcon swooping in when no one expected it is one of the greatest uses of dues ex machina (God in the machine) in cinematic history. At this point, you think Han is long gone with his reward and that Luke is going to be killed. Until you see blaster fire come out of nowhere and see Han Solo of all people come back to save the day. To this day, it is still one of the greatest movies ever!
I love how this is the first time in the movie where Luke is finally in his element and gets to display his talent. He had a rough go for a while adjusting to space combat, but it’s clear that he is the man to lead the final run. Luke finally gets to do something he’s really good at, at the very end of the movie. This is simply one of the best movies ever created.
Tarkin's last thought was "If only I'd listened to that General when he warned me of danger." The general's last thought likely was: "I should've gotten the hell off this ship myself and let Tarkin die."
My mom saw it with my dad when she was carrying me, so I like to say that I was there. Lol, anyway, she said that when the Falcon swooped in, the place went insane!
I need someone to make this video: start A New Hope at a specific time on New Years Eve, that way the Death Star will explode at exactly midnight. BTW, the Death Star explodes at 6:39 in this video. I've been inspired by those videos of people watching Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, timing them so the Snap occurs at midnight. I see tons of potential for that with Star Wars. In addition to A New Hope, I propose other things like: - Empire Strikes Back timed so Vader says: "I am your father!" at midnight. - Return of the Jedi timed so the second Death Star explodes at midnight.
I saw this in 1977 when I was 9 - when Han swoops in just in time to save Luke, the crowd went bananas - that was our generation's "Captain America grabs Thor's hammer" moment.
@@stevenmorrison4692Dumbest editing choice they could've made with this film. When he shows up later, there's zero context to be able to empathise with Luke in his reunion.
@@ZenMonkeyGod It didn't work for the movie, but did work for _Star Wars: The Radio Drama_ on NPR, when there was a whole episode devoted to Luke and his peers.
Fake wedge is right in the briefing when he says the shot is impossible, even for a computer. That's what Red Leader's run is meant to show. The Exhaust Port is too well guarded and at too steep an angle for the computer to calculate the perfect shot. Luke turns off his computer, trusts his instincts and subconsciously guides the torpedoes into the exhaust port. The only two people in the galaxy who could have made that shot are there. Luke himself of course, and the man trying to kill him, Darth Vader. Also, something that I think some people still don't realise is that Luke making the shot is a confirmation of Vader's retort about the Death Star - the ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.
I don't know what's more amazing: that he filmed Darth Vader flying away from the Death Star to reappear in the sequel, or that he forgot about that when he allowed Darth Maul to be cut in two in _The Phantom Menace?_
Lately I always get baffled by this decision! Maul would've been a great recurring villain in the prequels, as a kid I was not invested in Count Dooku whereas I absolutely loved Maul! His death scene as he just stands there bamboozled by Obi Wan jumping up is quite underwhelming for someone so hyped up during the rest of the movie as a deadly and skilled foe.
I always thought they had only a small area to breach the trench from static defenses. The small task force they had couldn't disable a moon's worth of AA guns and such with a legion of Tie fighters and only like a 30-45 minute time span. Blow a hole in the defensive net, get in the trench, pray you make it to the exhaust port
The actor who played the commander of Red Squadron said he walked onto the hanger set and everything looked dirty, dust and the X-wings all had battle damage. This is when he knew someone knew what they were doing. This was not some sterile sci fi picture like 2001, this was a war movie set in space.
Also, I wonder if Darth Vadar recognized R2 on Luke's X-wing, considering he's been R2's partner for almost 2 decades before he got turned into a cyborg.
Love how there is so much tension without the music and then at 2:50 when the music kicks in that's how your know that things just got real, their chances are dwindling. Most films would've done the reverse, a truly great choice of the editing and design.
The greatest movie of all time unmatched. This particular climax has so many aspects of it. The detail of it everything works so perfectly impossible, never repeated.
Even after watching this clip and movie at least 100 times..since I saw it on opening day in 1977…I still get chills!!!! I remember when Han comes out of nowhere at blew those fighters and Vader away…everyone cheered! And when that Death Star blow up…1500 people in that movie theater..went INSANE!!!! Absolutely spectacular movie…I’m am so blessed to had been able to be a part of that and the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s…the three decades of the SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS!!!! Blew me out of my seat!!!!💙
Fun fact- You hear the death star operator saying 'Stand by' twice before it is destroyed. That guy has a name, Ten Graneet, and he saved the galaxy. When all was said and done, when the calculations were complete and when all nessecary checks were made, it was his job to pull the final lever that actually fired the Death Star. His dream was to fire the biggest gun in the gaaxy and when he joined the imperial millitary he worked hard for his position on the death star. He himself was convinced that the entire station was purely for show, a work of magnificence in order to show the galaxy the true strength of the Empire, he never truly believed it would be used. When he was ordered to destory Alderaan it utterly broke him, he couldn;'t believe it would be used at all, let alone on a planet of artists,philosophers and pacificts. He wanted to quit right there on the spot, but he knew he would just be replaced if he did, so remained at his post. When the rebels attacked the Death star in the battle of Yavin, the order came through again, and whenever he was ordered to fire it, he just repeated 'stand by.stand by.' which is what we hear in the movie. He was unable to find the will to pull the lever again. He wanted to buy the rebels as much time as he possibly could to destroy the station and put off firing the laser, attempting to stall it in whatever way he could find before he would be forced to fire it. Those few seconds saved the galaxy as it bought luke the time he needed to destroy it.
This scene is so influentially important and politically important, it defined not only cinema here after but cultural receptions here after, Thank you for uploading
“Just like back home,” there are certain moments in the trilogy where Luke will reveal something about himself, specifically about growing up on Tattooine, that make you realize just how strong of a person he is. Tattooine is largely known to be one of the most unforgiving, crime-ridden, deadliest and lawless planets in the entire galaxy. But Luke grew up there racing speeders with his friends, having to deal with the desert and Raiders and Jawas and everything else. Even before he learned about the Force, he was already so incredibly strong. The rest of his unit is getting taken out around him, and he doesn’t let it take away his focus, his resolve to get the mission done. You can tell he’s affected, but he doesn’t lose his head. Makes you wonder exactly what kind of things he was exposed to, growing up on Tattooine, even before his Aunt and Uncle were killed. (In case you couldn’t tell, I really love Luke Skywalker lolol)
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I don't know why, but even after 46 years, this scene gives me chills. I'm certain I've seen it hundreds, if not thousands of times, yet it is always so good.
it is
Absolutely.
This movie never gets old
well, I was 7 years old in 1977 and now I can say : this is a real movie and every time i watch it makes me beautiful memories and emotions, nothing about the latest series of star wars! They're just cartoons. bye from Italy
@@MrBubu1370 In 1977 when Star Wars came out, I had just graduated from high school - I went to see it in summer at the cineplex in the east side of Sacramento - it was hot out side but cool in the theater . That fall I bought the first Star Wars spinoff book Splinter in the Minds Eye and an R2D2 kit model.
Everything is soo perfect in this one scene..
The scene of the Millennium Falcon swooping in will always be iconic.
or "Beware of the the Han in the sun!"
Palpatine: What the hell is an Aluminum Falcon?!
I still remember after 40 years being shocked when Han showed up... I was 7 when I saw it in the movie theater as a double header with Empire😮
I saw this about maybe a week after opening, and I remember the crowd cheering when Han arrived.
The sound of those engines, man.
Epic ending. When Luke hears Obi Wan in his head, you get chills down your spine.
Obi Wan
when your gut takes over and you ignore tech.....so awesome.
Es verdad… hermoso y épico momento… en un segundo mi fui de vuelta a mi niñez 🙌🏻🥹
remember, the force will be with you, always.
To this day!!
Even though Han wasn’t a “bad guy” his return to save Luke is one of the best “face turns” in movie history.
Deus Ex Machina
come right out of the sun
It paid for the whole freaking show.
VADER will even the score with HAN in the sequel.
YAHOO!
Han Solo’s best moment is so often forgotten. And it’s so well-done too, because by the time you get to the trench run you figure Han is long gone with his money.
My mom was carrying me when her and my dad saw it in Alhambra, CA. back in the day. She said the theater went insane when the Falcon swooped in.
But that's his character. He's like a thief with a heart of gold.
@@herrmajor2310 : In Legends, there was a book that described Han and Chewbacca flying away from Yavin in the Falcon, almost ready to go to hyperspace. Chewie was clearly feeling very miserable, and moaning softly, and Han was struggling between his powerful instinct for self preservation, and guilt for leaving Luke and Leia behind to die in a hopeless (as Han saw it) battle. Eventually Han gives in, snarls "Alright, kark it - let's go fight!" and swings the Falcon around...
Years later, married to Leia and sleeping beside her in their bed, Han often wakes up in a cold sweat after reliving that flight in a dream, and remembering just how very close he had come to throwing the hyperspace lever and leaving Leia and Luke behind forever.
@@herrmajor2310 A lot of people we think of as “scoundrels” have a good heart, but the world they’ve lived in is all they know until a critical point comes. And vice-versa, a lot of bad people end up in high positions and they’re genuinely evil people.
Han Solo is such a unique character. You wouldn’t give him a loan of even $100 because you know you won’t get it back, but if he thinks you’re his friend he’d sacrifice his life for you.
I remember the audience going wild when the Death Star blew up@@GC0077
The short scene where Tarkin is informed that they know what the rebels are trying to do and he brushes the risk away for the chance to finish the war once and for all is a brilliant addition by Lucas to up the stakes for all involved.
That must have came after the first torpedo... I'm going to watch it again.
Il never forget that scene and the way Peter Cushing delivered that line. Perfect
@@jaykay7932Great way of contrasting Tarkin and Leia. Leia stays to show strength and solidarity whereas Tarkin only cares about glory. Never even considered that war was a game of life and death.
and if it hadn't been for one man stalling at his post the Alliance might not have survived the battle of Yaven.
But it's not about "winning the war," the Death Star can fire whether a desk general's fancy uniform is onboard or not. He stays because he's an arrogant prick and he assumes he's invincible.
"Remember, the force will be with you...always" ✨
😌
@@cgore4its just a quote bruhh😑
Thats one of the most "hard as fuck" movie quotes of all time....
@brandtmanning1084 hahahahaha!!!! 🍻
Obi wan to luke Skywalker after the battle.
Obi Wan is now with Anakin and Qui Gon Jin
Han wasn't lying when he said the shot was one in a million. So many stars had to align for this miracle to actually happen: suicide squad of unlikely heroes extracting the plans from heavily guarded secret facility, receivers surviving Vader, R2D2 making his way from Tatooine to Yavin IV safe, general Dodonna catching an insight in his sleep that helped him to decipher the data hours before the battle... and, finally, Han deciding to break his character. This movie is a requiem for a hope!
When Han break his character? He shooted first. 😂😂😂
@@Asmo_Lay, Han Solo was known to be arrogant and selfish, an individualistic person. His return to help Luke (and, by extension, the Rebel cause) was the beginning of his path toward realizing that he was indeed a good person, and the start of his love story with Leia. Yes, Han shot first, but it was justifiable.
Or will of the force restoring balance to the universe.
@@JWBabaYaga In a comic where Luke chose to use the targeting computer instead of the force, the Death Star wasn't destroyed
@@Richtofen-gy9cj You're talking about the Infinities Comic series, right? Yeah I love those alternate reality editions. I think Infinities is also what introduced everyone to the concept of Darth Maul surviving (complete with the robot legs) which unltimately ended up being made canon.
Man, Vader had one LONG flight back home.
Palpatine: "Well where are you?! ...Wait a second, you've been flying around for two weeks trying to get a signal? Ugh, you must smell like feet wrapped in leathery burnt bacon."
Who's they!🤣
Lmao
The tie advanced had a hyperdrive so he was alright 😂
@@tgtterrorizor3407 "I understood that reference" 🤣
One of the Most iconic scenes in movie History. It still shivers.
My dad, who never much of a fan, he loved "what?" and used to giggle about it.
Wedge was a coward after he got hit by Darth Vader.
I was six years old in 1977. I had no idea what to expect on that Saturday afternoon with my parents. My brother was four, and for those two hours, we escaped our ordinary lives, absolutely engrossed in nothing we had ever seen before. Then this... our mouths agape in a mix of awe, trepidation and fear. The sound, the action... and then THAT music. The entire theatre was silent, it was only 30 years after WW2, and many of our parents remembered that time. Everything seems lost; there were thirty of them, and now there is only Luke. At 4:57 everything comes together in a moment of sublime beauty, the whole film makes complete sense. Faith in hope. When it went up, there was no cheering, we all sat there absolutely stunned and elated. I looked to my Mum and Dad, and they were as completely amazed as I was. Cinema and my life changed at that point, my imagination was fired in a way that nothing had reached so far. I developed a love of science fiction, science, technology and the stars. For me, it is still the greatest moment in cinema history, and I have seen thousands of the greatest films. Showing it to our children a few years, we got them too, a magical moment to share and witness what my parents did all those years ago.
damn you old
What is blud yapping about?
@@triplus198fr
It was just like that. We are blessed.
Same for me man!
The TIE pilot in 6:16 who actually crashed with Vader's TIE Advanced to protect him. A great sacrifice.
Or the A-Wing pilot in Jedi return who crashed to the super star destroyer
@@Dr.Chaquetas69 Yea, Arvel Crynyd, unforgettable
He didn't protect him. He panicked tried to get away and accidentally disabled vader lol
Movies can be timeless... but their release in cinema is a point in time. The culture, the vibe, the times.... it all matters. And I’m here to say that if you were a kid in 1977 when this came out and saw it at the theater in America, you had one of the most unique, amazing, engrossing and surreal experiences of ANY human beings ever born. It is literally impossible to impart to others who saw it 30 years later on DVD what that was like to have been there. What a remarkable privilege of time and place we had to have been in those seats when it first dropped.
Well said. When this movie came out, it was absolutely a unique film
I feel the same about the Avengers Infinity war and Endgame.
You nailed it. I remember this movie was one of the last I watched with my father, ´cause I was getting mature, and that feeling is unique. Also, FX seems almost funny 30 years later, but in 1977 were amazing.
I was 11.Still today I want to be an interstellar pilot thanks to saw Star Wars at the theater.Since that day I'm a sci-fi guy.Thank you Lucas.
Being a kid in Australia in the 70's was a close second😎
This first SW outing was iconic In so many ways. But this final scene, with the ever mounting tension, urgency, consequence of failure, etc. was what elevated this story to another place. Movie magic
"What do you mean they blew up the Death Star?!?! ...WHO'S THEY??? ...What the hell is an Aluminum Falcon?!?"
"And why did we use the lumbering slow Death Star when we had an entire fleet with hyperdrive capability? Why didn't we just use that to destroy the rebel base again?"
I know the video you were referring to. To me, this is the funniest robot chicken video ever made. I mean seriously. Can you imagine the emperor being like that? Totally hilarious.
"And where are you? You've been flying around for 2 weeks trying to get a signal?! My God, you must smell like feet wrapped in leathery, burnt bacon!!"
“Oh I’m sorry. I thought my Sith Lord could protect a small thermal exhaust port that’s only two meters wide. The thing wasn’t even paid off yet. Do you have any idea what this is gonna do to my credit?”
@@daveatkins3796
*Phone rings*
“ARGH! Hang on, I got another call! WHAT?! I’m very busy right now!”
This has to be one of THE greatest movies ever made.
The first three minutes with no music....brilliant. Adds so much to the atmosphere.
Good call!
But can we give a shout out to John Williams for his score.....using Mars Bringer of War as a base
Especially when Luke realizes that he must now command the final assault on the Death Star after the Red Leader's death.
Red Leader calls Gold 5 “Gold Leader” a moment before he dies. These are small nuances you don’t pick up without watching several times that really add to a great film.
I always took it as the title of gold leader went to him after the death of the other two… well for the 5 seconds he held it anyway lol.
At what time marker in the clip was this?
@@420van01 it’s at .24
@@420van01 It is on the previous clip
It’s been 46 years and this scene still gives me chills. I will never forget watching this as a kid and being BLOWN AWAY when I saw the Millennium Falcon swoop in to save the day. One of the greatest moments in movie history! What an epic ending!
At 6:28, for a split second you can see the scorch mark where the Red Squad leader's targeting computer missed.
Best little detail there. You notice Luke break check Vader?
@@pjfloyd99 I was wondering what he was doing there! But he lost R2-D2 in the process...
His targeting computer… was a little off.
I always thought that was a nice touch
@@SwordHMX0:23 I know. Lol
As an 8 year old watching this in 1977, no movie since has shaped my life for engaging and being apart of something bigger than yourself. Spectacular film .
You do realize this is the post 1997 version, right?
yes the original didnt have a giant gurt ring around the Death Star when it blew@@ChristianFrates1997
Fun fact the guy preparing the Death Star ignition was actually stalling and taking his time so the Rebels could blow up the Death Star.
I read about that. His name was Tenn Graneet. He had remorse about those lives lost on the planets Despayre and Alderaan and hesitated this time. When they gave him the go ahead, he hesitated by ordering "stand by".
I was actually at the meeting where several of us popped out of the room “for a coffee”, and made the decision. He wasn’t working on his own.
Traitor.
Star Wars remains unmatched to this day.
5:37 imagine getting shot and killed by your former boss this guy sure doesn't
Alternative title: Disabled war veteren almost stops group of terrorists destroying the state's security mechanisms
6:11
I love Darth Vader’s: “wHaT?”
😂😂😂
I love when he says “I have you now”
Sounds like Skeletor
Then the Imperial pilot sacrificed himself to save Darth Vader from being shot by Han Solo in his Millennium Falcon.
6:12
Mace Windu "WHAT AIN'T NO COUNTRY I EVER HEARD OF! DO THEY SPEAK ENGLISH IN WHAT???"
The little gasp Mark Hamill gives after the shot goes in: probably my favorite acting ever to take place in half a second.
Great ending George, that was one in a million !
I’m here for Han Solo’s epic line of “You’re all clear kid, now let’s blow this thing and go home”. Talk about a supportive friend.
Now imagine Chewbacca’s response, probably along the lines of “Rrrrrrggggghhhhh!!!!!”
I watched this on the big screen at 5 years old and I loved it so much, and now, the fact that I can watch this anytime I want, on a little rectangle in my pocket, never fails to amaze me. Just wild.
I saw this in the theater when new. There was nothing ever like before or after!
@@gittes98 Same here. Saw it opening week in 1977. CHANGED MY LIFE, forever.
@@Jedizen07 Likewise - you stole my words!
Tru dat, as the kids say
6:49 Han Solo: great shot that was one in a million
Airbus a320
on
Shout out to John Williams, greatest composer since Beethoven. A century from now people will be studying him as one of the all time greats.
John Williams has had an incredible career. He was already established as a top composer by the time Star Wars came out. He's now over 90 and according to imdb he is still composing original music.
Perfectly paced, outstandingly scored, superbly scripted, wonderfully acted...
Probably the best climactic action scene in cinema history.
A genuine, unambiguous thrill.
17 movie & tv film sequels later & yet A New Hope is still the best Star Wars film.
and Empire strikes back and Return of the Jedi.
@@notforrestbono3100 this looks so bad lmao worse than rots best is rogue one
Nah Empire is better but this one is a close second and miles better than the next best one. I'm not even someone who hates the other films but ESB and ANH are in a different league.
I'm with you Jesse mate. The first one is still the best. It's just perfect. 😀 Rogue One is my fave of the newer ones.
I'd argue that _The Empire strikes back_ is technically the *better* movie. In nearly all aspects, its an improvement over its predecessor.
But _A New Hope_ is simply more *fun,* more rewatchable.
It's STILL difficult for me to believe that this film was almost a disaster in the editing room. But the pacing, innovative EFX, shots, brilliant music, sound, and perfect cues with everything made it all work. Even the Deus Ex Machina with Solo's sneaky, surprise return is a fantastic addition (even though it's implausible that NO ONE NOTICED that giant discus flying in). 💪😎✌️
It wasn't a dissaster at all, while the original editor Lucas contracted for the early edits did a more than awfull job, he soon fired him and recruited the trio that would edit the film into a final print under Lucas' supervision. I think the falacy of this film being a complete dissaster till that trio came in is still alive despite all the evidence showing the contrary. The real problems were at the Tunisia filmin location, storms and the equippment failing constantly teared appart everyone involved to the point that it was a war of atrittion that they barely won just at the time when they were goin beyond overbudget.
Then again "the people VS George Lucas" and "How Star Wars was saved in the edit" came from complete and self-entitled assholes who were sooo burned out (in a child like way) about Lucas' expanded universe (not to confuse with the EU [RIP]) and prompt to simply share absurd lies across the board just to get people to hate the man as they hated him.
@@PointReflex Thanks for the insight.
What about the problems george had with ILM while making the film?@@PointReflex
@@troyandrew6154 That's another can of worms, while the studio did manage to complete the work required they had many setbacks, from the miniatures composite failing (during the first trench attack run in the original print, one of the A-Wings poofs out of existence out of a sudden) to the robots burning out components (due to the desert heat) or simply failing to work properly.
The moment where Luke switches off his targeting computer always gets me choked up. The moment where he stops trusting the "known" and puts his faith in the Force.
I remember in 1977, when the death star exploded, the audience sprang to its feet and cheered at the tops of their lungs
With how tense this scene is on first viewing, I can see that happening. Especially when it first came out and no one had any idea of the impact it would have on
Star Wars is a masterpiece of a film!! I don't believe anything will ever rival this in motion picture for it's powerful moral story and special effects, especially the music !!
“I have you now.”
Loved Vader in this movie, and James Earl Jones made him an icon. May the force be with him.
“Now this is Podracing!”
-Anakin Skywalker after blowing up the Death Star
"Great shot kid, that was one in a million!" That line takes me back to when I was a kid first watching this film
I remember when I had seen it at first time many years ago. I was a little boy because of caught cold was sitting at home. I watched all SW series. And this scene... It was really exciting experience. So tensed and thrilling. And even now it's so atmospheric. Yes, it's cinematic and theatrics but in a good meaning. You emphathise with the characters. And it is a marker of a good old school movie. Perfect!
There's a lot about this whole sequence that's really unique to this film only. Never again would a single space battle be the climax of a Star War. Individual dogfights turned into massive battles with hundreds of fighters. Here when the X-Wings make a slight bank the engines roar. In the next film the Falcon is casually zipping through asteroids. The military jargon goes away. There's long periods of time here where John Williams is completely absent. When he does appear, he gives these long tense buildups like 3:50 getting our hearts racing until the Force theme comes in and gives release.
For the most part you're watching normal people take on the largest Empire. The Rebels have no Jedi masters, no 10-year old prodigies, no Resistance flying aces. They get picked off one by one and each death is focused on just to make you feel how much lower the chance of success is with each loss. Luke finally using the Force _is the climax of the entire movie_ and not a superpower we're just used to everyone having.
Frankly Dunkirk is closer to this than even Return of the Jedi. And I love that almost 50 years later and billions into this universe this still feels special (even if it is only Dambusters in Space).
I 100% agree. The dogfighting reminds me of the dogfighting scenes from Midway which just came out a year before Star Wars. As a major fighter plane nerd, the original Star Wars will always be my favourite for having dogfighting scenes mimick some of the old school squadron based WWII Era dogfights.
@@christophergrant472 The Return of the Jedi battle is a masterpiece of special effects (the Revenge of the Sith one too for CGI) but I always preferred this one because of the close personal combat. The other ones are so massive you lose the luxury of that closeness.
I've never thought of this as Dambusters in space, but you're right and that hasn't diminished my love of 'The Dambusters'. They're both among my list of favourite movies! I'd never seen anything like Star Wars, it was drama on a grand scale and before CGI, the special effects were pretty amazing! Prior to this, my favourite sci-fi film was 'Forbidden Planet' and, even though some of the special effects are a bit clunky, they manage to achieve some scary moments. ❤
@@Coolbardie There's some compilation videos out there that show it more. There's shots and dialogue ripped directly from Dambusters here.
It tracks. Star Wars is like a film of films. WW2 films, samurai films, fantasy films, the ship designs from Space Odyssey. Set it all on Arrakis (inspired by Lawrence of Arabia). I don't mean any of that negatively either. It's awesome.
@@kueller917Thanks for that info. I'll check them out. I'll have to watch The Dambusters again to see if I can pick up which dialogue. 😊 Star Wars is awesome, isn't it. I'll never forget seeing the star destroyer gradually appearing on the screen. It looked so real and there were so many more amazing scenes. George Lucas is a genius!
“Use the Force, Luke”
"Let go, Luke"
“Luke, trust me.”
Remenber use The force jejeje
Amen
5:52 Never Forget Tenn Graneet, he felt guilty for Aldeeran and did buy a little more time doing everything slowly.
The first Star Wars is a freaking masterpiece. And the music from 2:45 onward. It's a true space opera.
Man, I remember I went to theaters to watch this remastered version with my dad. It was a great experience for me. At the moment as Darth Vader was about to blow up Luke, I remember my dad gripping my hand really tight. We both have seen the original release already multiple times, but at that moment, that was the first time I really connected with my father. And after this, we went to see other two sequels, also. We had a great time together. Thank you, George. You made me connect with my father
Back when Star Wars was pure.
Star Wars changed the movie industry. It was unlike anything we had ever seen before. Watching it on opening night in 1977 is a historical experience. The scene of the Millennium Falcon swooping in when no one expected it is one of the greatest uses of dues ex machina (God in the machine) in cinematic history. At this point, you think Han is long gone with his reward and that Luke is going to be killed. Until you see blaster fire come out of nowhere and see Han Solo of all people come back to save the day. To this day, it is still one of the greatest movies ever!
I love how this is the first time in the movie where Luke is finally in his element and gets to display his talent. He had a rough go for a while adjusting to space combat, but it’s clear that he is the man to lead the final run. Luke finally gets to do something he’s really good at, at the very end of the movie. This is simply one of the best movies ever created.
I can't believe Anakin blew up the Death Star and framed his son
Tarkin's last thought was "If only I'd listened to that General when he warned me of danger."
The general's last thought likely was: "I should've gotten the hell off this ship myself and let Tarkin die."
Tarkin was overconfident in the Death Star.
@@alifwibisono1000Tarkin was screwed either way. If he left, and they ended up winning, The Emperor would have killed him during their next meeting.
The officer who warned Tarkin did actually survive. He turns up in the Christmas Special, so presumably he just took his own advice and left.
His last thought was, "What the f$&k was tha--
The last thing to go through Tarkin’s mind was a piece of the Death Star.
Remember, the force will be with you always
6:23 Han Solo: you're all clear kid now let's blow this thing and go home
First saw this at age 7. Now I'm almost 30, but I feel like it hits even harder nowadays. My favorite movie of all time.
Crazy that Anakin killed the whole Death Star!
No matter how many Star War movies they make....not one of them will ever be as good as this one. Believe it!
To this very day, give me goosebumps…still such a very powerful scene in all of cinema
There was standing applause in every theater where people saw it for the first time.
My mom saw it with my dad when she was carrying me, so I like to say that I was there. Lol, anyway, she said that when the Falcon swooped in, the place went insane!
@@GC0077 It's like playing classical music through a speaker into mama's tummy. Heck yes you experienced it.
I need someone to make this video: start A New Hope at a specific time on New Years Eve, that way the Death Star will explode at exactly midnight. BTW, the Death Star explodes at 6:39 in this video.
I've been inspired by those videos of people watching Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, timing them so the Snap occurs at midnight. I see tons of potential for that with Star Wars. In addition to A New Hope, I propose other things like:
- Empire Strikes Back timed so Vader says: "I am your father!" at midnight.
- Return of the Jedi timed so the second Death Star explodes at midnight.
I saw this in 1977 when I was 9 - when Han swoops in just in time to save Luke, the crowd went bananas - that was our generation's "Captain America grabs Thor's hammer" moment.
What a profound description. I am 32 years old and that comment of yours is the first that made me *feel* what it must’ve been like.
Fun fact: it was actually Anakin who blew up the Death Star.
What? How?
Lmao
XD
No some actor from the acolyte show told the cast that Anakin blew up the death star lol
@gapfmmadeirasome adult pretender from the cast of Acolyte said so.
But let’s remember: Disney Star Wars is not Star Wars.
«Great shot kid, that was one in a million!»
Dank ferrik i love han solo
I dont know why but every since I was little I always liked how Vader stated "Let him go! Stay on the leader!"
Why would ANAKIN do this?
Just in case anyone doesn’t understand this one of the actors for the acolyte in a interview said Anakin blew up the Death Star
@@smartbrick4458thx for explaining
@@smartbrick4458 Was it the actor who said it or the interviewer?
@@irishtom30 the actor,if you want you can search the clip up
JAJAAJAJJA
You did it, Luke!
By god, you did it!!
Kids today grew up with Harry Potter, but I grew up with Star Wars!
Harry Potter came around the Star Wars prequels.
I grew up on the Lord of the the rings
I grew up with all of them.
I just wish they had done more with Biggs! He was my favorite of the rebel pilots.
They did earlier in the movie but they deleted those scenes.
I forgot which book series it was, but Biggs' Brother, Gavin Darklighter joined the Rebels.
@@stevenmorrison4692Dumbest editing choice they could've made with this film. When he shows up later, there's zero context to be able to empathise with Luke in his reunion.
@@ZenMonkeyGod It didn't work for the movie, but did work for _Star Wars: The Radio Drama_ on NPR, when there was a whole episode devoted to Luke and his peers.
There is rough cuts of Biggs on film ......type it in on YT
6:13 Han Solo: YEE-HOO
*MITHEL:* Look out!
@@lancecurry7538TIE:ROOOAAAAR 💥
*HAN SOLO:* You're all clear, kid! Now let's blow this thing and go home!
@@lancecurry7538
(EPIC MUSIC)
Luke:shoot torpedo
_(Torpedoes flow into the exhaust port!)_
*LUKE:* _(exhale...!)_
6:33 I was thinking this is someone on the PA noticing the reactor failing and the laser not working but apparently this guy was just stalling
6:39
AWESOME! THE NEW STAR WARS MOVIES, DONT EVEN COME CLOSE!
Fake wedge is right in the briefing when he says the shot is impossible, even for a computer. That's what Red Leader's run is meant to show. The Exhaust Port is too well guarded and at too steep an angle for the computer to calculate the perfect shot. Luke turns off his computer, trusts his instincts and subconsciously guides the torpedoes into the exhaust port. The only two people in the galaxy who could have made that shot are there. Luke himself of course, and the man trying to kill him, Darth Vader.
Also, something that I think some people still don't realise is that Luke making the shot is a confirmation of Vader's retort about the Death Star - the ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.
I don't know what's more amazing: that he filmed Darth Vader flying away from the Death Star to reappear in the sequel, or that he forgot about that when he allowed Darth Maul to be cut in two in _The Phantom Menace?_
Lately I always get baffled by this decision! Maul would've been a great recurring villain in the prequels, as a kid I was not invested in Count Dooku whereas I absolutely loved Maul! His death scene as he just stands there bamboozled by Obi Wan jumping up is quite underwhelming for someone so hyped up during the rest of the movie as a deadly and skilled foe.
I always wondered y they didn't go in nearer the target rather than start miles away
Someone's got a sense of humour whoever liked this respect
You gotta give it some distance to ready up the targeting computer to align the trajectory. Not everyone has the force like luke
I always thought they had only a small area to breach the trench from static defenses. The small task force they had couldn't disable a moon's worth of AA guns and such with a legion of Tie fighters and only like a 30-45 minute time span. Blow a hole in the defensive net, get in the trench, pray you make it to the exhaust port
The Y Wings need cover escort
The actor who played the commander of Red Squadron said he walked onto the hanger set and everything looked dirty, dust and the X-wings all had battle damage. This is when he knew someone knew what they were doing. This was not some sterile sci fi picture like 2001, this was a war movie set in space.
It was incredible when Anakin blew it up!!!
In all seriousness though. This scene is phenomenal. Masterpiece of a movie :)
0:06 R.I.P Angus MacInnes (Gold Leader) 1947-2025
Also, I wonder if Darth Vadar recognized R2 on Luke's X-wing, considering he's been R2's partner for almost 2 decades before he got turned into a cyborg.
Doesn't matter if you like sci-fi or not (I generally don't); this is peak cinema.
6:11 best delivery in film history
5:01 when the music kicks in, and Alec Guinness' voiceover fades in... goddamn. Such a classic, infinitely rewatchable!
The cherry on top for me is when Darth Vader says "The Force is strong with this one.", almost as if he's somewhat impressed.
6:18 "i'll try spinning that's a good trick!"
This never gets old!
The force is strong with this one.
I’m crying, it’s feels like I’m a kid again
Han: “You’re all clear, kid! Now let’s blow this thing and go home!”
Love how there is so much tension without the music and then at 2:50 when the music kicks in that's how your know that things just got real, their chances are dwindling. Most films would've done the reverse, a truly great choice of the editing and design.
RIP Gold Leader, stay on target
The greatest movie of all time unmatched. This particular climax has so many aspects of it. The detail of it everything works so perfectly impossible, never repeated.
2023 and still getting goosebumps
Even after watching this clip and movie at least 100 times..since I saw it on opening day in 1977…I still get chills!!!! I remember when Han comes out of nowhere at blew those fighters and Vader away…everyone cheered! And when that Death Star blow up…1500 people in that movie theater..went INSANE!!!! Absolutely spectacular movie…I’m am so blessed to had been able to be a part of that and the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s…the three decades of the SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS!!!! Blew me out of my seat!!!!💙
I was 10 years when we watched this in the cinemas. I still remember the whole cinema exploding into cheers when the Death Star blew up.
Fun fact- You hear the death star operator saying 'Stand by' twice before it is destroyed. That guy has a name, Ten Graneet, and he saved the galaxy.
When all was said and done, when the calculations were complete and when all nessecary checks were made, it was his job to pull the final lever that actually fired the Death Star. His dream was to fire the biggest gun in the gaaxy and when he joined the imperial millitary he worked hard for his position on the death star. He himself was convinced that the entire station was purely for show, a work of magnificence in order to show the galaxy the true strength of the Empire, he never truly believed it would be used.
When he was ordered to destory Alderaan it utterly broke him, he couldn;'t believe it would be used at all, let alone on a planet of artists,philosophers and pacificts. He wanted to quit right there on the spot, but he knew he would just be replaced if he did, so remained at his post.
When the rebels attacked the Death star in the battle of Yavin, the order came through again, and whenever he was ordered to fire it, he just repeated 'stand by.stand by.' which is what we hear in the movie. He was unable to find the will to pull the lever again. He wanted to buy the rebels as much time as he possibly could to destroy the station and put off firing the laser, attempting to stall it in whatever way he could find before he would be forced to fire it.
Those few seconds saved the galaxy as it bought luke the time he needed to destroy it.
IMHO he noticed the two proton torpedo hits started to take effect...
How despicable for Anakin blowing up the Death Star.
The music cue at 6:00 is so laden with threat and possibility. Great stuff.
Wow Anakin killed the whole death star
2:44 YEAHHHHHHH XDDDDDD, he looks like he is cheering lmfao XD
This scene is so influentially important and politically important, it defined not only cinema here after but cultural receptions here after, Thank you for uploading
“Just like back home,” there are certain moments in the trilogy where Luke will reveal something about himself, specifically about growing up on Tattooine, that make you realize just how strong of a person he is. Tattooine is largely known to be one of the most unforgiving, crime-ridden, deadliest and lawless planets in the entire galaxy. But Luke grew up there racing speeders with his friends, having to deal with the desert and Raiders and Jawas and everything else. Even before he learned about the Force, he was already so incredibly strong.
The rest of his unit is getting taken out around him, and he doesn’t let it take away his focus, his resolve to get the mission done. You can tell he’s affected, but he doesn’t lose his head. Makes you wonder exactly what kind of things he was exposed to, growing up on Tattooine, even before his Aunt and Uncle were killed.
(In case you couldn’t tell, I really love Luke Skywalker lolol)