Once again, StarWars lit up theaters with the 20th anniversary re-release of “Revenge of the Sith.” Originally released on May 19, 2005, the film returned to the big screen in April 2025 to celebrate the milestone. Directed by George Lucas, this re-release marks two decades since the dramatic conclusion of the prequel trilogy, and it still holds up as one of the most emotional and action-packed entries in the saga.
“Revenge of the Sith” is the third film in the prequel series and tells the story of a Jedi Knight caused by a storm of war, politics, and personal conflict. Watching it during its anniversary screening was a powerful experience. Seeing the story unfold again with enhanced visuals and sound made it feel fresh, even 20 years later. The film shows how pressure, fear, and manipulation can lead even a hero down a dark path. It’s a major turning point in the Star Wars universe and connects directly to the original trilogy.
There’s a lot to love about this movie. The action scenes, especially the lightsaber duels, are fast-paced and intense. The music by John Williams is a highlight as well, as it adds so much emotion, tension, and energy to every scene. The performances by Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor stood out to me even more this time around. Their final scenes together were incredibly moving and showed the deep bond and betrayal between their characters. Additionally, the updated visual effects in the re-release also made the space battles and planets look stunning.
However, there are a few things that could be improved. Some of the dialogue still feels stiff or unnatural, and a few story points progress a little too quickly. If you haven’t seen the first two prequels, you might find some of the politics confusing, but these issues don’t take away much from the experience.
In the end, I think Revenge of the Sith is definitely worth seeing, especially during this limited re-release window. It’s emotional, dramatic, and full of unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the saga, it’s a film that still hits hard and delivers on every level. You can catch the 20th anniversary showing in select theaters, some being AMC, Fandango, and Cinemark, through the end of May 2025, with tickets averaging around $12. Don’t miss the chance to see one of the most important Star Wars films back on the big screen where it belongs.
The fall that changed the galaxy: Revenge of the Sith turns 20
Patrycja Skoczylas, Photo Editor
May 21, 2025
Star Wars returns to theaters for the film’s 20th anniversary this past April. published under fair use
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