With Star Wars: The Complete Saga arriving on Blu-ray this month, Gary Collinson counts down his most memorable Star Wars moments (check out the previous entry here)…
STAR WARS: EPISODE IV – A NEW HOPE
Although the Battle of Yavin doesn’t quite match up to the ground-based warfare of The Empire Strikes Back (see here), it culminates with one of the greatest moments in cinema history as Luke Skywalker destroys the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the DEATH STAR.
As the Death Star approaches the Rebel base on Yavin IV, Imperial forces cut through Red and Gold Squadrons, leaving the fate of the Rebellion resting on the shoulders of Luke Skywalker, Wedge Antilles and Biggs Darklighter. Entering the Death Star’s trench, the three X-Wing pilots find themselves pursued by Darth Vader and his TIE Fighter wingmen, with the Sith Lord forcing Wedge out of the attack before sending Biggs to the afterlife.
Now the Rebellion’s only hope for survival, Luke turns off his targeting computer as Obi Wan speaks to him from beyond the grave, urging him to trust his instincts and rely on the Force. With Vader bearing down on the X-Wing, Han Solo returns in the Millennium Falcon, clearing the way for Luke to deliver his payload and complete his journey from young farmboy to hero of the Rebellion…
Luke destroys the Death Star…
Proceed to the most memorable Star Wars moment here.
Originally published September 10, 2011. Updated April 12, 2018.
