From the Rebels' defeat at the Battle of Hoth to the battle between Luke and Darth Vader, The Empire Strikes Back continues the story of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, and the others as they struggle to overthrow the evil Galactic Empire. This abridgment of the classic story is complemented by nearly 150 two-color illustrations--based on images from the film--drawn by Brandon McKinney in a style reminiscent of comic books from the 1950s. Star Wars fans of all ages will be delighted with this beautiful little gift book. --C.B. Delaney

Amazon.com Audiobook Review
Perhaps you think the Star Wars trilogy cannot be fully realized with audio alone. You think you'd miss the stunning visuals, the emotions of the actors, and the special effects. You think it would be a disappointment. As Yoda might say, "So impossible is it? So certain are you?" This production of The Empire Strikes Back was created by the same team that produced National Public Radio's amazingly successful presentation of Star Wars: The Original Radio Drama in 1981. Presented in 10 episodes, the longer format allows for a great expansion of the story and new scenes--though purists may be disappointed by the slight but significant change in the story line while the Rebels are on Hoth. Once again, Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels are on hand to reprise their roles as Luke Skywalker and C-3PO, and this time they are joined by Billy Dee Williams reprising his part as Lando Calrissian. A fine cast performs the rest of the roles, notably John Lithgow as Yoda and the very compelling Perry King as the "slimy, double-crossing, no good swindler" Han Solo. Sound effects and John Williams's score from the movie have been remixed to help create a convincing soundscape--so good, you can really "see" the movie by listening to it. The Empire Strikes Back: The Original Radio Drama will thrill all Star Wars fans, whether or not they enjoy audiobooks. (Running time: 5 hours, 5 cassettes) --C.B. Delaney

From AudioFile
In a remote part of the galaxy, far far away, rebel forces led by Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia battle Darth Vader and the evil Empire. For those old enough to remember console radios, this exciting adaptation of the film The Empire Strikes Back ushers in the kind of drama, adventure and good humor that is often missing from contemporary media. Those too young to have known the magic of radio in its heyday will be awed by the energy of this small cast and the memorable sound effects. E.E.L. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Baby Boomer Collectibles, August 1994
Empire Strikes Back [brought to you by HighBridge Audio] was recorded in 1983 for National Public Radio, once again utilizing Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Anthony Daniels C3PO, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian and John Lithgow as Yoda. Including the stunning music of John Williams performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, the ten episodes on five cassettes will capture the listener's imagination. I defy anyone to strap on headphones, or go for a very long drive listening to this show, and not fall right into the story itself. Sound separation and fidelity is unsurpassed, and hey, the story's not too bad either.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

National Public Radio's 1981 adaptation of Star Wars was one of the most successful presentations in the history of radio and a very tough act to follow. Nevertheless, two years later, the members of the Star Wars production team eagerly returned to create a radio version of The Empire Strikes Back. Like its predecessor, this electrifying drama boasts an outstanding cast (including Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Anthony Daniels as See Threepio, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian, and John Lithgow as Yoda); a greatly expanded script, with many scenes not found in the movie; and audio engineering of unparalleled excellence. The Empire Strikes Back takes you once more into a galaxy of pure sound and limitless imagination for an adventure you'll never forget.

FROM THE CRITICS

Baby Boomer Coll.