Rest in peace, Irvin Kershner. The Empire Strikes Back director died today at age 87 of lung cancer. As a tribute to the man who mandated that Hans Solo reply “I know” to Princess Leia's “I love you,” we present the best versions of the most recognizable score from Empire Strikes Back theme, the “Imperial March” (aka Darth Vader's theme) after the jump.
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No Doubt
Epica
This heavy metal version from the Dutch symphonic metal band is properly scary.
Have you seen anything cuter than this? Japanese polyinstrumentalists mainly used the recorder and the ukelele to play this ditty.
Ukulele
Aaand nothing is free from the ubiquitous ukulele. Bring it on!
Funk!
This funky old version actually came from a promo LP for The Empire Strikes Back soundtrack. It is pretty awesome in a Shaft sort of way.
Jazz
The dude playing keys is in a Darth Vader costume. It can't get better than this.