John's Alternate Ending for Episode III

Ever since rumors began of Episode I and a new trilogy of prequels, I had dreamed of the final scene that would cap Anakin Skywalker's descent and fall to become the evil overlord, Darth Vader. We all already knew the basics, that Anakin would be horribly burned in a duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi... but just how would the transition to Vader be portrayed on-screen?

While I did really enjoy Revenge of the Sith and the Vader transformation scenes, I personally would have reserved Vader's appearance for the final scene of the film. With that in mind, take a moment to view the version of the film's ending I envisioned some years ago, which takes place shortly after the conclusion of the fateful duel between master and apprentice.

INT. VADER'S MEDITATION CHAMBER 

The scene fades in to the sterile, brightly-lit white confines
of LORD VADER'S meditation chamber, with the details at first
blurred but gradually becoming clearer as the camera pulls in
toward the seated figure.  We hear the IMPERIAL MARCH's brassy
tones in minor key.

We see the back of a scarred, bald head, that comes to dominate
the camera's field of view.  After pausing a moment, the camera
begins to pan around the head as a MECHANICAL ARM lowers a black
helmet from the ceiling.

Begin FADE TO BLACK during pan.  As we pan toward the front view
of the head, the helmet continues to lower, synchronized so we
pan to the front and stop just as the helmet settles into place.
Pause, giving a view of LORD VADER's infamous mask.

			LORD VADER
	(takes a single mechanical breath)

FADE TO BLACK AND ROLL CREDITS.

Do you believe there would have been a single dry eye in the house following that scene? I do understand why Lucas chose to end on the upbeat image of an infant Luke on Tatooine, and I enjoyed the contrasts in the deaths of Padmé and Anakin vis-a-vis birth of Luke & Leia and Vader, but as a purist, I think I'd have left the man in black's appearance and first breath as the final image taken home by each viewer.