... The best of the prequels has got to be Return of the Sith.
LOL it's REVENGE of the Sith!
Your Geek Membership is hereby REVOKED! (just kidding

)
...The battle scene on Hoth was awesome. It's the first time we see Imperial Walkers. Han Solo wields a light saber. We meet Yoda for the first time. Luke faces Darth and loses a hand. And to top it off, Luke is Darth Vader's son. That's great movie.
Agreed, my friend! Each of the items you mentioned resonate strongly with me as well!
Oh yeah, don't forget the asteroid chase and Space-Slug escape! And Han and Leia's romance in the Falcon! And their last exchange in the movie:
Leia: "I love you!"
Han: "I know."
Pure coolness.
Empire is definitely a powerful film; I find myself second guessing my initial vote for A New Hope. They are both so GOOD!