"Watching from his throne, the Emperor laughed with evil glee. 'Good! Your hate has made you powerful. Now, fulfill your destiny and take your father's place at my side!'" Luke, of course, refuses and good triumphs over evil in Return of the Jedi. The final installment of the original trilogy--flawed, perhaps, by the Ewoks (what was Lucas thinking?)--is beautifully presented in this charming book. Images from the film provide inspiration for Brandon McKinney's crisp illustrations, which complement John Whitman's adaptation of the original screenplay. This book is a perfect little gift for Star Wars fans of all ages. --C.B. Delaney

Amazon.com Audiobook Review
Fifteen years after the dramatic success of National Public Radio's adaptation of Star Wars, the production team re-formed to create Return of the Jedi: The Original Radio Drama. Though the running time is scaled down to three hours, listeners are still treated to an expanded story line and new scenes. Another fine cast is assembled, with radio series veterans Perry King and Ann Sachs as Han Solo and Leia Organa, and newcomer Joshua Fardon as an excellent Luke Skywalker. While Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) is the only actor from the film, Ed Begley Jr. contributes a gravely voiced Boba Fett, John Lithgow adds a rather somber Yoda, and Edward Asner, hopefully not being typecast, makes a believable Jabba the Hutt--though only an expert would be able to tell if his Huttese pronunciation is correct. The characters of this radio production inhabit a stereo soundscape created by careful blending of sound effects and John Williams's music from the original films. As with the two previous productions--Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, Jedi is a treat for the ears--and the mind's eye. Any Star Wars fan will enjoy this production, even though it does mean imagining rather than seeing Anakin with his mask and helmet off or Luke defeating the Rancor. Besides, the Ewoks are much less annoying when you can't see them. (Running time: 3 hours, 3 cassettes) --C.B. Delaney

From AudioFile
Both Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back were broadcast in hugely successful audio versions on National Public Radio, and with this presentation radio has once again caught up with the movies. The original music by John Williams and the movie's rich array of sound effects are employed throughout to stunning effect. The cast features such well-known masters of the art as John Lithgow (playing Yoda), Edward Asner (Jabba the Hutt), and Perry King (Han Solo), among others. Brock Peters plays an excellent Darth Vader, and Anthony Daniels crosses over from the movie as C3PO. With state-of-the-art audio quality, this is a magnificent listening experience. D.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Billboard, January 11, 1997
This stunning production, first heard on National Public Radio, is a must for all fans of science fiction, Star Wars, or radio drama. It's a truly "cinematic" audio program, with outstanding production values, full stereo sound, vivid sound effects, and dramatic music performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. The acting is superb....HighBridge previously produced successful NPR productions of the first two part of the trilogy...and this final chapter should prove as phenomenally popular as the first two.

Publishers Weekly, January 6, 1997
Winner of the Listen Up Award for Best Science Fiction of 1996

Audio Publishers Association
Winner of the Audie Award for Best Production of 1997 [brought to you by HighBridge Audio].

FROM THE CRITICS

Billboard

This stunning production, first heard on National Public Radio, is a must for all fans of science fiction, "Star Wars," or radio drama. It's a truly "cinematic" audio program, with outstanding production values, full stereo sound, vivid sound effects, and dramatic music performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. The acting is superb....HighBridge previously produced successful NPR productions of the first two part of the trilogy...and this final chapter should prove as phenomenally popular as the first two. ( January 11, 1997 )

Audio Publishers Assn.