Listening to Irvin Kershners commentary makes me wish he directed the rest of the movies. The guy has so much insight and is very interesting. Seems like Lucas's commentary is him just trying to justify his actions.

If by justify you mean explaining why this and that happens, then yes, you're right. Storytellers tend to explain their story.

I don't know. Its hard to explain but I just think Lucas' commentary on these are zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. When you listen to the ESB commentary as opposed to the others you will see what I mean.

I agree that Lucas contribues a lot, but in the case of ESB there's obviously gigantic input from Kerschner on the acting. One evidence is of course the printed conversation from the Carbon freeze-recording (currently available in this months Empire-mag).

I just cannot imagine Lucas directing actors like Kerschner does, and it sure as hell shows in the results. That Carbon freeze-scene was A LOT of work and bickering and shouting, and it comes out brilliantly, edgy and unpredictable. It is ONLY the work of Kerschner and the way he interacts with his actors that generates that feeling (and quality).

Man, I keep forgetting about the commentary. Good thing I have Wednesday and Thursday off to watch them twice, once wit and wit out.

People just don't know what they are missing when they do not listen to the commentary.

I just wished there were as many commentaries for the SW DVDs as there were for the LOTR EEs that had four: Actors, Director/Writer, Set/ Costume Designers, and the WETA CGI team.