The original theatrical title of the 1977 release was "Star Wars." Only for subsequent theatrical releases and video or DVD releases was a subtitle added. The reissue title of this movie was "Star Wars: Episode IV--A New Hope" and on the video box appeared "Star Wars IV: A New Hope."
The movie had several working titles, including "Adventures of the Starkiller: Episode 1--The Star Wars," "The Adventures of Luke Starkiller as Taken from the 'Journal of the Whills:' Saga I--Star Wars" and "The Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Starkiller." The original script was simply "The Star Wars."
"Star Wars: Episode V--The Empire Strikes Back" was released in 1980. Lucas had decided that the movies would form a trilogy, although early on it was designated Episode II. On the video, the title "Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back" appears and the movie's short title is simply "The Empire Strikes Back."
Released in 1983, the third Star Wars movie's theatrical title is "Star Wars: Episode VI---Return of the Jedi." The movie was made under the working title, "Blue Harvest," and an early working title was "Revenge of the Jedi." A teaser poster made with "Revenge" is now a collector's item. Lucas eventually replaced "Revenge" with "Return" because he felt revenge was not a Jedi concept.
On posters and promotions the movie was usually referred to as "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" and the video carried "Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi."
Episode I was chronologically the first Star Wars movie, but the fourth to be made after a 16-year gap. Released in 1999, its theatrical title was "Star Wars: Episode I---The Phantom Menace." The video carried "Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace" and the movie was referred to as "The Phantom Menace."
The movie's working titles were "Star Wars: Episode I" and "Star Wars: Episode I---The Beginning."
"Star Wars: Episode II---Attack of the Clones" was the theatrical name for the next Star Wars movie, released in 2002. Its short title was "Attack of the Clones" and it was also referred to as "Star Wars II." On the video was "Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones." The movie's working title was a tongue-in-cheek "Jar-Jar's Big Adventure."
"Star Wars: Episode III---Revenge of the Sith" was the sixth and final Star Wars movie. It came out in 2005. Its short title was "Revenge of the Sith" and it was promoted as "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith." On the DVD appeared "Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith." During filming this movie was simply referred to as "Star Wars: Episode III."