This year saw the release of the entire Star Wars Saga on 4K, (well most anyways). It’s a joyous occasion for us fans. So, I am going to not review the technical aspects of every release but instead I will invite controversary on my ranking of the Star Wars films. I will give each film a score for the 4K but give my reason why I like the films and why they are in that spot on the ranking. Know that the films for the most part look and sound really great, but for some reason The Phantom Menace gets the short end of the stick. It looks a little bland on 4K not taking advantage of the format. A bright spot is older films do get some new bonus material and all, even the lesser films are worth owning on UHD.

A long time ago, in a Galaxy far, far away…

11. Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace

1999. The year I graduated high school. I learned a lot. Most importantly, that a Star Wars film can let me down. I can remember going with my friend Joe to the first morning screening of The Phantom Menace. It was 8am and his girlfriend at the time worked at United Artist Theaters. I was so lucky because she worked there, she bought or tickets for us, and when we were waiting in line the theater needed help. Joe’s girlfriend found us outside and said if we helped get the theater ready, we could pick our seats first. We did and I will never forget the first fans that walked in after waiting outside overnight (no joke), seeing us in the best seats and pissed.

Then the movie started…

The Phantom Menace suffers from stilted dialogue, unfunny comedy moments and boring direction. To this day I watch the film every couple years hoping that I will change my opinion about it.

I have softened a little on the film. I remember watching it for the first time after the theaters and thinking, “if you take away the unbelievable hype that is associated with the film, it is fun.”

The podrace scene is a winner. Darth Maul is a great antagonist. And I do like Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn and Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi. The “duel of the fates” is a classic Star Wars moment.

Those cannot outweigh the negatives though. Jake Lloyd is awful as Anakin Skywalker. It’s not all his fault as George Lucas has said that he doesn’t truly direct actors, and it shows in spades in the Prequel Trilogy. Jar Jar Binks is perhaps the biggest blunder. Meant to be a funny sidekick, he comes across as offensive and not even remotely funny. Add in the midichlorians nonsense and a lame Trade Federation political backdrop and you have a middling affair.

UHD Score

Film: C-

Video: C

Audio: A

Extras: A+

Overall: C+

10. Star Wars: Episode II-Attack of the Clones

After the financial success of The Phantom Menace, Lucas brings us the next chapter in the Prequel Trilogy, the only slightly better, Attack of the Clones. We meet the older Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) who is now learning to use his Force powers under the guidance of Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor). The Galaxy is on the brink of war and Senator Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman). Skywalker is given the task of protecting Padme which leads to a forbidden love. Obi-Wan makes his way to the rain-soaked planet of Kamino, where he learns of a clone army, being constructed in the likeness of the fearsome bounty hunter, Jango Fett.

Some people think this to be the worst of Star Wars films, I disagree only slightly. The “romance” between Padme and Anakin is cringeworthy, with the actors showing little to no chemistry. They are not helped by the dialogue which is just awful. Lucas seems to have heard the complaints of the first film as he ups the action and sprinkles in a lot of fan service throughout the film (kid Boba Fett, anyone?).

What elevates the film slightly for me is the action is better and some of the scenes look incredible. Obi-Wan’s fight with Jango Fett in the pouring rain is spectacular. The score is first class.

At the end of the film however, I was wanting more. I feel like most people would have rather seen Anakin become Darth Vader by now, not sharing an apple with Padme.

Film: B

Video: A

Audio: A+

Extras: A

Overall: A

9. Solo: A Star Wars Story (UHD released in 2018)

Rogue One proved that there are many stories you can tell in the Star Wars universe (The Mandalorian is the best example), so why not take everyone’s favorite smuggler Han Solo and follow him on an adventure.

Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were the original directors on the film. During production Kathleen Kennedy was unhappy with what she saw, fired them, and brought in Ron Howard. I am not sure what if anything Howard changed in the script or the film, I haven’t researched it, I will say that Solo is a good time. Alden Ehrenreich steps into the famous role of Han and delivers.

Solo brings the goods when we meet Chewbacca and learn how Lando Calrission lost the Millennium Falcon.

The ending, not the reveal cameo from a long dead villain, but the showdown between Solo and Beckett is speechless-ing great.

An entertaining film from beginning to end.

Film: A-

Video: A

Audio: A

Extras: A

Overall: A

8. Star Wars: Episode III-Revenge of the Sith

Anakin completes his turn to the darkside, which finds him at odds with not only Obi-Wan Kenobi but also his wife, Padme, who is pregnant. Troubled by dreams that she will die, Anakin learns from Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) that the darkside of The Force can even bring people you love back to life. This is the push that Anakin needs to embrace the Sith Lord, Sidious and become Darth Vader.

Revenge of the Sith is the movie I wanted all the prequels to be. Thrilling, heartbreaking and an absolute blast.

After two slight missteps, Lucas finally finds his groove in the third film. There is an aura of dread throughout Revenge of the Sith. This adds extra drama to the film that does not need to be conveyed through wooden dialogue and acting. And although some of the script is awful, (“from my point of view the Jedi are evil!”) other parts are rippling with tension and heartbreak (“only a Sith deals in absolutes”).

The music again soars and the final battle between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader (see what I did there, Anakin is gone!) is incredible.

I love this movie.

Film: A

Video: A+

Audio: A+

Extras: A+

Overall: A

7. Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker

The final film of the Skywalker Saga finds Rey (Daisy Ridley) looking to end the reign of The First Order and their leader Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).

The last two Star Wars films are incredibly divisive. The biggest mistake (my opinion) that Rise of Skywalker makes is trying to course correct The Last Jedi. The Last Jedi really pushed Star Wars outside its comfort zone and Rise brings it right back.

That’s not to say The Rise of Skywalker is not fun or a good film, it’s both of those. The film looks stunning and the actors are all on top of their game. I do love Rey as she is one of the best characters in Star Wars, the reveal of her grandfather being Darth Sidious is eye rolling, but her taking the moniker of Skywalker is awesome.

I am not sure what would be the best way to end one of the greatest movie Sagas of all time, but Rise of Skywalker comes close.

UHD score

Film: A-

Video: A+

Audio: A+

Extras: A

Overall: A

6. Star Wars: Episode IV: Return of the Jedi

Everyone is out to save Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from the evil clutches of Jabba the Hutt. Leia (Carrie Fisher), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) and R2-D2 all get caught. Enter Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) who not only rescues Han but takes down Jabba in the process. But, that’s not all. A second Death Star has appeared over the planet Endor. Now, it’s up to the Rebels and a bunch of furry monsters known as Ewoks to destroy the Empire for good.

Return of the Jedi is a really fun movie. The dramatic climax between Luke and Darth Vader is awesome. The prophecy that was made of Anakin Skywalker making “the circle complete” and bringing balance to The Force finally happens as he turns on the Emperor and finds what little humanity he has left in his dying breath.

This is my brothers favorite Star Wars film. I watched Return of the Jedi the most growing up. It’s just too silly for me to be the best. The action, creatures are all great. Seeing Luke Skywalker become the most powerful Jedi is a treat. The scene at Jabba’s is fun but too silly at points (add in that the UHD is the Special Edition and it is peppered with unnecessary CGI and tomfoolery). The Ewoks are fine, but again it seems that Return of the Jedi in a way tried to soften the shocking and heartbreaking end of The Empire Strikes Back.

Nevertheless, Return of the Jedi is a fun movie that delivers the goods.

UHD Score

Film: A

Video: B+

Audio: A+

Extras: A-

Overall: A-

5. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) a rebel who is the daughter of the man who built the Death Star, Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelson). Upon learning this, Jyn also learns that her father also wanted nothing to do with helping the Empire and built in its design a fatal flaw. Jyn and a group of Rebels who must transmit the plans to the Alliance and hopefully bring an end to the Empire’s reign of terror.

Rogue One is an example of a prequel film done right. Yes we know where it is going and how it will most likely end, but Rogue One delivers stellar action, cool characters and moments that will have you cheering.

There are moments in films that will stick with me forever. Rogue One has one of those moments. And my experience with the final moments of the film are some of my favorite moments seeing a movie with a large crowd.

****Spoilers*****

Having successfully uploaded the Death Star plans, the Alliance now must get it to Leia. An eerie silence falls over the film as there is a bang outside the Rebels ship. The movie and the audience get quiet. The camera slowly moves down a darkened hallway. Then the familiar sound and red light appears. Darth Vader has boarded the ship and unleashes his full power on hapless rebel scum.

The audience I saw this with went crazy. It still gives me chills.

Rogue One succeeds on all levels, As a heist film, as a war film and as a Star Wars film.

UHD Score

Film: A

Video: A+

Audio: A+

Extras: A

Overall: A

4. Star Wars: Episode VII-The Force Awakens

Years after the Empire’s defeat at the hands of Luke Skywalker (Hamill) and company, a new threat appears, The First Order. They are led by a Sith Lord named Kylo Ren (Driver). We also meet a scavenger named Rey (Ridley) and a defected Stormtropper, Finn (John Boyega). Han Solo (Ford), Leia (Fisher) return to help stop The First Order and find a missing Skywalker.

Disney and Lucasfilm had a tall order, to relaunch the Star Wars Saga after 10 years and help cleanse the palate of fans who felt burned by the prequels. The first step they did right was hire J.J. Abrams to write and direct the first of a planned sequel trilogy. Second, by introducing new compelling characters (Rey and Kylo Ren are some of the best in Star Wars period) with old favorites, The Force Awakens had something for everyone.

I adore this movie. It was and still in my favorite film from 2015. The feeling of seeing a new Star Wars film will always be special and Abrams and company delivered. The film is funny, touching and the reveal of who Kylo Ren truly is breaks your heart as he has lost his way.

Top notch directing, acting, special effects make The Force Awakens a great film.

UHD Score

Film: A+

Video: A+

Audio: A+

Extras: A

Overall: A+

Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope

A young farm boy, Luke Skywalker is thrust into a war between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire, led by the fearsome Darth Vader. Luke meets the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and after receiving a message from the captured Princess Leia, he embarks on a mission to save her, destroy the Death Star and perhaps the Rebel cause.

Some movies have a life changing immediate impact on you growing up. My dad loves Star Wars. I will never forget watching A New Hope with him the first time. I was young but I remember our TV was “big” and my dad put in the VHS of A New Hope. I remember lying on the floor next to my dad as he explained who the characters were. His enthusiasm rubbed off on me and I have loved the films since.

As far as A New Hope goes, it is almost the perfect movie. Heroes and villains against the backdrop of a world I never wanted to leave. I wanted to be as virtuous as Luke and as cool as Han Solo.

Everything works in this film and I will watch it with the same wonder as I did over 30 years ago.

UHD Score

Film: A+

Video: A

Audio: A

Extras: A

Overall: A

Star Wars: Episode VIII-The Last Jedi (UHD released in 2018)

Rey finds Luke Skywalker on a distant planet. Skywalker wants to be left alone. Rey continues to push him to train her. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Snoke dispatched Kylo Ren to end and crush The Resistance.

Luke soon unlocks Rey’s potential and sets up a climactic battle with Ren and the First Order.

The Force Awakens brought the world of Star Wars roaring back. The Last Jedi is the boldest, riskiest movie in the franchise. Writer/Director pulls the rug out from under you, not giving you what you want or expect and in turn makes one unforgettable film. It is the prettiest and coolest looking Star Wars film, with iconic shots of ships racing across a planets surface kicking up a brilliant red dust.

In not giving most fans what they want, Johnson and company really pissed people off. I think that’s what makes The Last Jedi the most compelling of all the Star Wars films. You think Snoke is the big bad? Sorry, it has to be Kylo Ren. My favorite scene hands down is after Kylo and Rey team up to not only kill Snoke but lay waste to his guards, Kylo reaches his hand out. He asks Rey to rule the Galaxy with him, they would be unstoppable. Rey in a tour-de-force performance by Daisy Ridley, is shocked and heartbroken, she realizes that Kylo Ren is truly evil and any remnants of Ben Solo are gone. I love this scene because most people watching would expect Kylo Ren to denounce the darkside and join the fight against the First Order. But Johnson plays with our emotions and deals a bitter blow. He sets this up perfectly at the beginning by having Ren choose not to kill his mom, Leia and for him to completely turn his back on being a good person sets up his fall from grace.

Shocking, heartbreaking, The Last Jedi is a brutal reminder that not everyone can be redeemed.

UHD Score

Film: A+

Video: A+

Audio: A+

Extras: A+

Overall: A+

1.Star Wars: Episode V- The Empire Strikes Back

The destruction of the Death Star gives the Rebels hope, but the Empire crushes the Rebels on the planet Hoth. Leia and Han escape in the Millennium Falcon, Luke decides to go to Dagobah to search for the Jedi Master Yoda. Luke however is fighting an urge to join the Darkside of the Force, which sets up a climatic battle with Darth Vader.

The best Star Wars film is also one of the best films period. In A New Hope, it seemed that everything went the Rebels way. In The Empire Strikes Back, take what you know and throw it out the window. The Empire proves itself too powerful for the ragtag group of rebels and outsmarts them at every turn. From Han getting captured by the bounty hunter Bobba Fett, to the shocking reveal of Darth Vader being Luke’s father, no one is safe in this film. Even people you like sellout. Lando Calrisson gives Solo to Fett so Vader will not destroy his City.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The introduction of Yoda and his treatment of Luke is laugh out loud funny.

The best film in the Saga is also one of the best films period. Thrilling, shocking, and most of all fun, The Empire Strikes Back is in a league of its own.

UHD Score

Film: A+

Video: A

Audio: A+

Extras: A

Overall: A