You believe all of the OT films are of the same quality?
First, quality is non-existent property when it comes to art (i.e. completely subjective things).
It’s nonexistent in the fact that it’s not something physically tangible but it exists in the mind and that is all that is pertinent for this conversation.
Quality of a product (and its properties) must be measurable, otherwise it is not quality. If it is measurable, it has to have an objective measure. Completely subjective things (like film) do not have an objective measure. There is no objective measure for properties such as story, acting, dialogue, music, sound, etc.
Then what term other than “quality” would you use for measuring how good you think something is?
Second, I like them all equally.
SW and ESB I can understand because the have advantages over the other. SW is funnier, more visually interesting, has a catchier soundtrack and has the aura about it. It’s the epitome of classic Star Wars. ESB has a better written script, is better paced, has way better acting and dialogue.
On contrary, EBS is visually more interesting
I have always found the Cantina sequence, Mos Eisley, the Death Star and Yavin IV to be greater visual spectacles than most of the visuals in ESB. Cloud City being the only exception.
while ANH has overall superior acting (there is just nothing in ESB remotely comparable to Cushing and Guinness)
Mark’s performance in ESB was better than both of theirs. While both Cushing’s and Guiness’ were great Marks was damn near Oscar worthy. Also 2/3 of our trio didn’t need to be carried by actors with stronger performances.
As for pacing, it is just a different approach. ESB is jumping slow-fast-slow-fast, while ANH is gradually progressing from very slow to very fast.
I prefer ESB’s way of pacing because it ensures that there aren’t any big lulls in the movie. As great as SW is the stretch on Tatooine before Luke meets Obi-Wan is a tad bit brutal.
I don’t really consider ROTJ as being in the same league. At it’s best it exceeds a lot of moments that came before it but other aspects of the film leave a sour taste in my mouth.
Well you may not consider it, but it is.
It has fundamental problems that the other two don’t have that keep me from putting it on that level.
EDIT:
Also the opening shot in SW is the best shot in a Star Wars movie ever so that really seals the deal for SW being better visually than ESB