This Rare Trailer Was The World’s First Look At Return Of The Jedi

This Rare Trailer Was The World’s First Look At Return Of The Jedi

Video: Or, as it was known then, Revenge of the Jedi. Either way, according to the Academy Film Archive, this brief teaser trailer released in the UK in 1982 was probably the first ever look at the third chapter in the Star Wars saga, and now you can see it for yourself.

Released yesterday to the Academy’s YouTube channel to celebrate the 39th anniversary of Star Wars‘ release, the trailer is one of the rarest in their collection of “Revenge” teasers, released before the film’s name was changed to Return of the Jedi.

While most of the US-based trailers bearing the Revenge name also included the announcement of the film’s 25 May 1983 release date, this trailer, attached to a UK double feature re-release of Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back in May 1982, has a Christmas 1983 release date.