A Thousand Stars: Episode IV, Part 22

[matril]

The planet-sized explosion cuts directly to this. Kind of an abrupt shift, until you see Ben reacting to something with almost physical pain. Luke notices and hurries to check on him, upon which we hear the old Jedi describe the awful sense of "millions of voices" being suddenly silenced.

This imagery and dialogue serves several purposes. First of all, we learn that a Jedi can be so in tune with the Force that tremendous tragedies like the destruction of Alderaan can be sensed even light years away. And second, we get a moment to process the weighty enormity of what just happened, through the emotional response of Obi-Wan and Luke. We could have just witnessed Leia's reaction, but this broadens the tragedy. This is a horror not just for those from Alderaan, but for everyone. If you have any sense of the sanctity of life, you would grieve just like Ben does.

Next time, more long-distance emoting...