8. Ending Celebrations
The original ending for Return Of The Jedi is, for lack of a better phrase, an Ewok Glastonbury, headlined by the Blue Ghost Group. It does work, although only if viewing Episode VI in isolation. As the end of the original trilogy it feels a little downplayed, silly against the elation or desperation of the previous two. And as the end of the whole saga its just laughable; why are we ending with some fluffy aliens we only met a short time ago. Lucas addressed this in 1997 by getting rid of Yub Nub in favour of a catchier tune and adding in shots of Coruscant, Bespin and Tatoonie celebrating the Emperors fall (which is admittedly odd - the Empire doesn't exist on the latter and surely the former would still be under the control of the Remnant). The DVD then added in Naboo, meaning the three major planets from the prequels now get a chance to celebrate. Its controversial to cut Yub Nub, but essential to make the ending work. Now were to expect at least another trilogy, this is less of an important change, but its far from a bad one.