Star Wars: 20 Things You Didn't Know About Return Of The Jedi
11. The First Test Screening Was A Disaster
In fairness, none of the three original Star Wars movies have enjoyed a smooth post-production process, with A New Hope in particular basically being whipped into shape by editor Marcia Lucas.
But a lot naturally hinged on Lucas and company sticking the landing with Return of the Jedi, and the first test screening of the film was...not good, to be kind.
Dubbed a "disaster" by those in attendance, George Lucas was said to be highly critical of the film's editing, and generally felt that it didn't feel like a Star Wars movie.
The day was saved, however, when one of the film's three editors, Sean Barton, undertook his own cut of the film which Lucas was far more favourable to, and which served as the blueprint for the final theatrical cut.