Complete Guide to Starwarsology/Chapter Three: Media/Cinema and TV

Since 1977, various films and television productions set in the Star Wars universe have been released, starting with the original film Star Wars.

Original trilogy
The original trilogy is the middle chapter of the so-called "Skywalker saga", and has been first released between 1977 and 1983, though its films had several alterations through the years (beginning with the mono mix print of Star Wars, released circa one month after the stereo version) from which it greatly differed, especially for the 1997 Special Editions and the 2004 DVD releases.

Star Wars (retitled "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope" in 1981)
Star Wars is the first film in the saga, written and directed by George Lucas, produced by Gary Kurtz (though the 1997 Special Edition is produced by Rick McCallum, who also produced the prequel films), shot in 35 mm by Gilbert Taylor. The film was first released on 25 May, 1977 in the United States as a Dolby or mono mix 35 mm or 6-tracks 70 mm film by 20th Century Fox.

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back is the second film in the saga, directed by Irvin Kershner, and produced by Gary Kurtz (though like Star Wars, the Special Edition was produced by Rick McCallum). It was written by George Lucas.

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi is the third film produced in the saga. It takes place after Episode V:The Empire Strikes Back and before Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It was written by George Lucas, with Lawrence Kasdan.