George Lucas had a dream of becoming a professional race car driver, but thankfully for the millions of Star Wars fans, he didn't perish in a horrific car accident after his high school graduation. Looking for a new passion, Lucas attended the film school at USC, won a scholarship to observe the making Francis Ford Coppola's Finian's Rainbow, and the pair eventually formed their own studio, American Zoetrope. Their first film was a feature-length version of Lucas's student film THX 1138, but Lucas eventually formed his own studio, Lucasfilm Ltd., and made American Graffiti, which went on to win one Golden Globe and garner five Oscar nominations.

Shortly thereafter, he began working on his next project that turned the small independent filmmaker from Northern California into a Hollywood legend. By luck (or fate) Lucas traded his guaranteed director's salary for a 40% share of the box office and all the merchandising rights (t-shirts, toys, etc.) in order to get Star Wars produced. The rest, as they say, is history.

Star Wars redefined the term "blockbuster" and spawned five sequels, holiday specials, a hit TV show on Cartoon Network, and hundreds of books, and it made Lucas a billionaire. The original films were considered the Holy Grail of DVD releases earlier this century, and when it was announced that all six films would be coming to Blu-ray, home theater enthusiasts were chomping at the bit to get them in their hands. Sure, these aren't the same films we saw in the theater since Lucas has continually tinkered with them over the years, but I don't particularly care. Star Wars was my favorite film as a kid, and my fondness hasn't waned as an adult like so many other films I enjoyed when I was younger.

All six of the films are loaded with demo-worthy scenes, and I've picked out my favorite from each film. In some cases it was a difficult choice, and I'd love to have feedback on your favorite scenes too, so don't be shy and let me know your thoughts.

Star Wars Episode I—The Phantom Menace

Podrace

• Chapter 20, 0:58:30 through Chapter 22, 1:09:30
• Dynamics, frequency response, surround envelopment, imaging
• Eleven minutes of pure audio bliss. Lucas extended this scene since its theatrical run and created one of the best demo sequences in the history of home video. Each podracer has its own distinct sonic characteristic and you can feel each of them roar to life and race through the room.

Star Wars Episode II—Attack of the Clones

Yoda versus Dooku

• Chapter 46, 2:07:40
• Dynamics, imaging, surround envelopment
• I had the hardest time picking out my favorite demo scene from this movie, but I settled on this one for one reason—we finally get to see why Yoda is the Jedi Master. As he walks into the cave, listen to the echo of his walking stick and his labored breathing bouncing off the walls. Once Dooku and our little green friend get their force pleasantries out of the way, it's time for the lightsabers to start flying!

Star Wars Episode III—Revenge of the Sith

Battle over Coruscant

• Chapter 3, 0:01:58
• Detail, frequency response, dynamics, surround envelopment, imaging
• As the camera pans down to Coruscant, our two Jedi heroes fly into the fray. Relish the detail in all of the ships as the pair weaves their way through the massive capital ships and into the battle. When they finally engage the enemy, strap yourself in and enjoy the reference-quality audio and video.

Star Wars Episode IV—A New Hope

Imperial pursuit

• Chapter 3, 0:01:56
• Detail, surround envelopment
• This may be the greatest opening shot in movie history that made millions of kids fall in love with Star Wars. As the camera pans down to Tatooine, Princess Leia's ship tries to outrun the Imperial Star Destroyer. Check out the vivid detail in the big ship and notice how the soundfield descends from above as it flies over the camera.

Star Wars Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back

Battle in the snow

• Chapter 14, 0:26:01
• Frequency response, dynamic range, imaging
• I'll never forget the wow factor the first time I saw an Imperial walker (At-At). As the monstrosities approach the hidden rebel base, feel the impact of every step and listen to the roar of the snow speeders as they race to confront the threat.

Star Wars Episode VI—Return of the Jedi

Death Star destroyed

• Chapter 47, 02:01:58
• Frequency response, surround envelopment
• As Wedge and Lando speped into the core of the Death Star, you can hear the ships fly from speaker to speaker. When they finally reach their target, be prepared for the massive explosion that delivers the finishing blow to the Empire.

Release Date: September 16, 2011
Studio: Lucasfilm/Fox

Star Wars Episode I—The Phantom Menace
Movie: 6/10
Picture: 7/10
Sound: 10/10

Star Wars Episode II—Attack of the Clones
Movie: 7/10
Picture: 8/10
Sound: 10/10

Star Wars Episode III—Revenge of the Sith
Movie: 8/10
Picture: 9/10
Sound: 10/10

Star Wars Episode IV—A New Hope
Movie: 10/10
Picture: 9/10
Sound: 9/10

Star Wars Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back
Movie: 10/10
Picture: 9/10
Sound: 9/10

Star Wars Episode VI—Return of the Jedi
Movie: 8/10
Picture: 9/10
Sound: 9/10