I´ve always been amazed at how much depth, emotion and nobility Frank Oz managed to squeeze out of that Yoda puppet. There are really subtle variations of expression and emotion that I would never have imagined would be possible with a puppet. They took a BIG risk back in 1980 by using a puppet as a pivotal character in one of the biggest movies of all time and thanks to the brilliance of Mr. Oz it worked - and not only worked but made this little green dude one of the most appealing characters in movie history - and not really equalled (or possibly toppled?) until recently with the astounding work of Weta Digital and Andy Serkis with the Gollum character in the LOTR trilogy. Of course Yoda is the king but you know what I´m on about. And I think the CGI Yoda doesn´t come close to what was acheeved back in 1980, there is ultimately something "lifeless" about the digital Yoda as opposed to the strangely "lifelike" Yoda puppet, it did manage a huge bond with audiences.

peace,

Rebelscum