This September: Original, unaltered Star Wars trilogy on DVD

[Bird Boy]

http://www.starwars.com/episode-iv/release/video/news20060503.html

Holy...

[TnAdct1]

Darn it. You beat me by an hour.

Personally, I'm questioning whether or not I should double dip and get the upcoming DVD releases (although I'll most likely get Return of the Jedi, considering how it has the original musical number at Jabba's place, the "Yep Yep" song, and the original ghost of Anakin Skywalker).

[Lord Dalek]

Hmmm, thats interesting CONSIDERING THE COMPLETE UNALTERED TRILOGY HAS NEVER BEEN RELEASED BEFORE!*

*By that I mean titleless New Hope.

[William C. Maune]

So hell freezes over once again! Now I won't have to go through with my plan of tracking down a laserdisc player and the laserdisc editions some day.

[Martianinvader]

It won't be a double-dip for me--I still haven't bought these on DVD. Hah, finally, good things for those who wait (who are too cheap)!!

As good as this sounds, I really doubt the titleless version, i.e. the version that was only in theaters for the first two weeks of its release in 1977, is ever coming back.

Look at the limited time release. Lucas must be just BARELY approving of this....

Edit: Here's one detail I missed.
individual two-disc releases of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

INDIVIDUAL? Ohhhh dear, I didn't know the releases were separate. You realize they could charge $50 a movie and we'd still all pay. I hope they don't realize that.....

[HellCat]

As Luke once said "There is still good in him" ;)

[RayChuang]

One of the persistent rumors I've read over the years was that because Lucas' former wife was involved in editing some of the original trilogy she was entitled to the percentage cut of the profits from the original editions of the movies. As such, that's why Lucas did the Special Editions so he doesn't have to pay the residuals from these films anymore.

If this story is true (though I have my doubts), maybe Lucasfilm has reached a settlement with Lucas' former wife so the original versions of the first trilogy could be released on DVD? :confused:

[JohnCrichton]

This... it just sounds too good to be true! I mean.. tell me... is it true? :crying:

[Majin_Megabyte]

That is great news. I haven't bought any of the movies on dvd yet, so I can guess I did the right thing, and waited for this to happend.

[Simpler Simon]

Wow :eek: :D

I wonder what the deciding factor was that finally made Lucas cave in...

If these discs also contain the 2004 commentary track, then I'm selling the single discs in my box set.

[sdp]

isn't this the third release on dvd?
first OT box set with, then they; released a second one without extras and now this one also with out extras...(besides the unedited trilogy)

i am not going to double dip on SW, i am still waiting for the eventual uber box set that will come out. I already have the trilogy in 2 different vhs forms, i have ep.1 on vhs (since no dvd was supposed to come out...) and i have ep. 2 on dvd (hey it cost me 10$ on release date!), i didn't like ep.3 that much so i'm ok with waiting.

i do however bought my ewok's dvd, love those little fellas'


edit: it did take a while but i knew it had to come eventually, in sw conventions its the first thing they would ask and they'd always respond "of course, at some point as an extra".

[Bird Boy]

isn't this the third release on dvd?
first OT box set with, then they; released a second one without extras and now this one also with out extras...(besides the unedited trilogy)

Yeah, but it's all been the same films up until now, so I wouldn't really count that second release as anything but a quick release to get more product on the shelves (and to make a quick buck).

edit: it did take a while but i knew it had to come eventually, in sw conventions its the first thing they would ask and they'd always respond "of course, at some point as an extra".

I have never heard that. Never once heard anyone associated with LucasFilm say they would release the OT, unedited, on DVD. It was always "Lucas want's the modified versions on DVD only" and whatever.

In any case, these are supposed to be "attractively priced" releases, so what the hell. I might as well get them...

Edit: I just noticed something. They removed the paragraph that had the line about ANH being titleless. There was also a paragraph where it stated that all of the original parts of the film we "miss" like Han shooting first and the at-the-time state-of-the-art motion control on the Death Star trench run...what the hell...

Edit #2: Found it:

See the title crawl to Star Wars before it was known as Episode IV; see the pioneering, if dated, motion control model work on the attack on the Death Star; groove to Lapti Nek or the Ewok Celebration song like you did when you were a kid; and yes, see Han Solo shoot first.

-BB

[Lord Dalek]

So hell freezes over once again! Now I won't have to go through with my plan of tracking down a laserdisc player and the laserdisc editions some day.Wouldn't matter, The Deffinitive Edition suffered laser rot and is probably unplayable.

I'm just waiting on news if they fixed the Episode IV SE audio mix.

[rggkjg1]

i will get this only for special features. i would really like to see individual "making of" featurettes for each film. brand new featurettes and the old ones from the 70's and 80's. i know that there was a tv special hosted by mark hamill that was about the special effects of star wars, specifically empire. and there is a tv special about make up and costumes of star wars, specifically about return of the jedi hosted by carrie fisher.

i would also like to see the original opening crawl for star wars (no episode iv: a new hope) and the holiday special.

if there are no special features on the new original dvds, i'll remain happy with my vhs tapes of the original trilogy.

[Dogbert]

I'm not going to buy it for the principle of it. They messed up the first release (Hans shooting second and replacing the original Anakin were my complaints) and now I'm suppose to pay again!? I don't think so.

Yes, I knew of the changes before I bought it. However, I was also told the unaltered versions would never be available, so why should I have waited for them?

[Noukon]

Eh, if any films are worth double-dipping over, these are them.

I'm tempted to take both versions of the trilogy and create my own cuts of them. Some of the changes are actually huge improvements (the windows in Cloud City come to mind); it's really just the handful of scenes with altered context or pacing that are annoying.

[Michael24]

Awesome! I also never bought the DVDs, so I'll definitely be grabbing these. I don't mind still watching the '97 Special Editions for ANH and ESB, but I'll definitely watch the original ROTJ over the '97 version.

Now if only they'll include THE SPECIAL EFFECTS OF THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and FROM STAR WARS TO JEDI documentaries that were hosted by Mark Hamill.

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

HAN SHOOTS FIRST AGAIN!!! YAY!

Not that this was a massive deal, since I own the LD editions anyway, but now I can see these things presented in anamorphic widescreen and without disc flips and changes (each movie is 4 sides, meaning we get 2 flips and 1 disc change just to watch the one movie which explains perfectly why LD died in the end).

One of the persistent rumors I've read over the years was that because Lucas' former wife was involved in editing some of the original trilogy she was entitled to the percentage cut of the profits from the original editions of the movies. As such, that's why Lucas did the Special Editions so he doesn't have to pay the residuals from these films anymore.
Marcia Lucas was the editor on all 3 films (apparently uncredited on Empire), but I'm pretty sure her name still shows up on the SE versions. Regardless, I think George would have to do a whole heck of a lot more than what he did to the SEs if he wanted to cut her out of residuals entirely.

Wouldn't matter, The Deffinitive Edition suffered laser rot and is probably unplayable.
(Thinks nervously about my LDs that I haven't watched in a while...:sweat:)

I...really hope not. I suppose it doesn't matter as much now, though.

I'm not going to buy it for the principle of it. They messed up the first release (Hans shooting second and replacing the original Anakin were my complaints) and now I'm suppose to pay again!? I don't think so.
I had the same thought as you, but like Martianinvader it was why I never bought the original DVD releases in the first place. After getting burned with lesser releases and double-dips, I've since decided that if it ain't the release I want, I ain't buying the DVD. This is also why I avoided the DVDs of The Sting and Guys and Dolls until one came out that were what I wanted. The studios have demonstrated more than enough willingness to try and soak us multiple times for the same movie. I sympathize with your anger, especially since I think too many people buying DVDs learn this lesson the hard way.

The flip side is that a super-duper deluxe mega special extended dance remix edition DVD with Flair ain't worth it if I'm happy with the release that I have.

Besides, there's always eBay. I've dumped a few original releases when the special edition was cooler, though it was more to reclaim the shelf space than to make a ton of money off 'em.

But now I can finally buy a Star Wars movie or 3 on DVD. Yay!

-- Ed/Ace

[randomguy]

Hurrah!

The double-dip is pretty sneaky, but on the upside I never purchased the first DVD collection because I was holding out for exactly what we're getting here. So I'm very excited, and quite happy to have the original cuts. Big props to Lucas for seeing the light.

I can't wait!

[EinBebop]

"Yub nub eechop yuuub nub"

I miss the original Ewok celebration song. Knew all the words when I was in high school.

[IanC]

Unlike anyone else here, im not even thinking of getting these. The DVD SEs are good enough for me.

[Chrono1995]

I'd get this solely because my brothers have the SE DVDs. That, and it's the original trilogy on bloody DVD.

[Temple Fugate]

The time has finally come for me to purchase a Star Wars movie. I'm definitely buying Empire, though I might not buy the first movie if BB's suspicions come true...
Edit: I just noticed something. They removed the paragraph that had the line about ANH being titleless. There was also a paragraph where it stated that all of the original parts of the film we "miss" like Han shooting first and the at-the-time state-of-the-art motion control on the Death Star trench run...what the hell...I hope they didn't retract that promise to avoid giving that to us. I've always wondered what the original theatrical Star Wars looked like.

Regardless, the fact that we're actually seeing the unaltered trilogy on DVD is wonderful news. I didn't mind a lot of the modifications in the original Special Edition, but the continued alterations (and the continuing problem of Han shooting first) caused me to avoid the first OT DVD release like the plague.

[Scirel]

So what were the major SE complaints?

Was it just Han shooting first and replacing anakin at the end of ROTJ?

Because if it's just that, I really don`t see what the big deal is..

[Craig Crumpton]

I never got to see the originals in theaters, thanks to my overprotective, hyperconservative parents. But I did watch the original releases on video many, many times, and those are the versions I would prefer to own on DVD.

But I'll buy these releases only if the price is reasonable, and they are indeed the original, unaltered, theatrical releases.

[straw_hat]

So what were the major SE complaints?

Was it just Han shooting first and replacing anakin at the end of ROTJ?

Because if it's just that, I really don`t see what the big deal is..

Because some people appreciate the films for how they looked before Lucas altered them.

I don't have a single Star Wars film and I don't want the new Trilogy so just getting the unaltered versions of the originals on DVD suits me just fine.

[MGFanJay]

I'll definitely get this, and I'm glad I didn't get it when they released the SEs.

[Noukon]

I hope they didn't retract that promise to avoid giving that to us. I've always wondered what the original theatrical Star Wars looked like.

Essentially, the scroll was just a block of text, without the "Episode IV: A New Hope" tag at the top of it.

[Captain Harlock]

I was angry that the films were edited on the box set, but it doesn't bother me to double dip. The "Empire of Dreams" documentary is worth keeping from the original set I bought, but I'll probably end up giving the edited version to a family member or something.

[TheMecca]

My being a cheapo and waiting has FINALLY PAID OFF! WOOOO! Now I can get all 6 movies.

[Artimus Gigan]

This will make it the third time I buy the Star Wars Trilogy

But now I wonder what other star wars media they plan to tie this into. I mean the SE OT DVD had videogame promotions for Battlefront, so what else are they planning for this to co-inside with.

I mean this is obviously for the fans, and the fans always need to be squeezed for more and more money.

[Noukon]

This will make it the third time I buy the Star Wars Trilogy

But now I wonder what other star wars media they plan to tie this into. I mean the SE OT DVD had videogame promotions for Battlefront, so what else are they planning for this to co-inside with.

I mean this is obviously for the fans, and the fans always need to be squeezed for more and more money.

Lego Star Wars II will be released the same day. There's the tie-in...

[rggkjg1]

i thought of another thing they could put with this release, DELETED SCENES! if they announce that these dvds will have deleted scenes as a bonus, i would not think twice about getting it. it would be a must have for me. the very first cut of star wars (talked about in the empire of dreams documentary) would be facinating as well.

[FireStarterLE]

no year is complete until a new version of The Star Wars Trilogy on dvd comes out, check off 2006.

So i'll have the nice set in the box and the two disc sets w/o box. Though i'll have to find somewhere that'll sell them a bit under the suggested $30 MSRP

[Noukon]

i thought of another thing they could put with this release, DELETED SCENES! if they announce that these dvds will have deleted scenes as a bonus, i would not think twice about getting it. it would be a must have for me. the very first cut of star wars (talked about in the empire of dreams documentary) would be facinating as well.

Don't worry... those will be in the 2007 versions! :D

Seriously, though, a bunch of deleted scenes from the original Star Wars (mostly Tatooine scenes with Luke) were included on a CD-ROM called "Star Wars: Behind the Magic" years back. If you're interested in seeing them, I'd recommend tracking down a copy.

[Lord Dalek]

Because some people appreciate the films for how they looked before Lucas altered them.
Which is in itself a hypocricy since most of us probably watched these on tv where they already were "altered".

To see Episode IV, V, and VI as they truly originally were you will need no travel back in time to a theater showing 70mm prints of all three in their ORIGINAL engagements. Not some reissue.

[Silly McGooses]

DAMN!
I just bought that "Limited Edition" box set. I mean, literally, days ago.

[Mynd Hed]

Y'know what's funny? I bet there's not one person who read the thread title and wondered, "Wait, WHICH trilogy are they talking about?" (-:

...Well, *I* thought it was funny.

[Duke]

Hmm, I dunno if I'd get this or not. I haven't seen the re-mastered films yet, so I can't decide which I liked more. Eh, maybe when the reviews come pouring in.

BTW, does anyone else find it a big egotistical that IGN is claiming it was the main force behind the re-issue? Even if they claim they're joking, they sure don't seem that way...

[Swordfish_II]

I hope they go back and fix the things they didn't and the things they messed up in the 2004 edition (i.e. colorchange lightsabres, matte lines during the Falcon dogfight, etc.).

[Simpler Simon]

BTW, does anyone else find it a big egotistical that IGN is claiming it was the main force behind the re-issue? Even if they claim they're joking, they sure don't seem that way...

Yeah I didn't like it either. Funny since for bonus features they asked for an apology from George Lucas for giving an entire generation of fans the finger.

I hope they go back and fix the things they didn't and the things they messed up in the 2004 edition (i.e. colorchange lightsabres, matte lines during the Falcon dogfight, etc.).

Nope, its exactly the way people saw the flick way back when, right down to the Dolby 2.0 sound.

Words cant describe how funny it is seeing all the angry comments about that across the net.

[Swordfish_II]

I'm talking about fixing the special edition.

[Lord Dalek]

Here is what you will probably get...

Disc A: 2004 AMENDED SPECIAL EDITIONS (identical to previous version)

Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, Dolby 2.0 Surround* (English, French, Spanish)
Extras: Audio Commentary (same as previous disc)

Disc B: ORIGINAL UNALTERED VERSION

Audio: Dolby 2.0 Surround* (English)
Extras: Audio Commentary (taken from The Deffinitive Collection laserdisc), original trailers (including the ones they omitted the first time)

*This matrixes out to 4.0 with a proper decoder

[Michael24]

Disc B: ORIGINAL UNALTERED VERSION

Audio: Dolby 2.0 Surround* (English)
Extras: Audio Commentary (taken from The Deffinitive Collection laserdisc), original trailers (including the ones they omitted the first time)


The movies had commentaries on the laserdiscs? I've never heard of that before. Who were the participants? (Though I don't we'll get any extras for the unaltered versions. Maybe--maybe--the trailers, but that's a big maybe.)

[Noukon]

I'm talking about fixing the special edition.

They're not touching the Special Edition for this release... each movie will include the 2004 disc, unaltered, along with a second disc with the original (1977/1980/1983) print.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Meh, I don't care. I already own the movies on DVD, and if for some reason I wanted to watch the original versions, I'd just pop in my THX VHS copies.

The Han/Greedo thing is no big deal, and the change at the Return of the Jedi actually makes sense. Anakin should appear as he was before he became Vader.

I'll stick with watching the real 'original versions', the version from the creator's head.

[Lazyboi13]

I've seen both the speical editions and the regular editions, and to be quite honest, the newer one is much better imo. I dont have the trilogy on DVD yet, but when I do I get the special edition

[Anarky]

ah, my boycott of the Special Editions has finally paid off
I never saw the SE films from the late 90s, nor have I purchased the SE Trilogy sets. I will ONLY watch & purchase the originals, no exceptions!

[beyondthewall]

Sooo... Is this a box set or are they individual releases. I'd prefer just to get the first one. I liked the sequels, but I don't particularly desire to own them on dvd.

[Temple Fugate]

Sooo... Is this a box set or are they individual releases. I'd prefer just to get the first one. I liked the sequels, but I don't particularly desire to own them on dvd.The article said they will be released individually, but I suspect they'll show up in a box set eventually.

[Noukon]

The Han/Greedo thing is no big deal, and the change at the Return of the Jedi actually makes sense. Anakin should appear as he was before he became Vader.

My problem with the Anakin thing is not really the concept of the change, but the execution... in the edit, Anakin is looking in a different direction than Yoda and Obi-Wan. It's horrible.

The same kind of goes for Han/Greedo. The edit looks completely awful.

[HellCat]

Hayden really doesn't belong in that scene for a varity of reasons. In the original Sebastian Shaw version, there was something about his face...he's happy when he looks at Luke but when he looks at Yoda and Obi-Wan he looks kind of ashamed, like he wants their forgiveness. Hayden just kinda stands there with that creepy smile.

[Noukon]

Hayden really doesn't belong in that scene for a varity of reasons. In the original Sebastian Shaw version, there was something about his face...he's happy when he looks at Luke but when he looks at Yoda and Obi-Wan he looks kind of ashamed, like he wants their forgiveness. Hayden just kinda stands there with that creepy smile.

Not to mention the "blue glowing" effect is off.

[j32885]

I've already got OT Star Wars

[j32885]

In here's what I've got:

-1990 VHS Star Wars Trilogy (Unaltered Edition, W/Episode IV ANH Title)
-1997 VHS Star Wars Trilogy (Special Edition V1)
-2004 DVD Star Wars Trilogy (Special Edition V2)

I'm going to hold out till next year, when Lucasfilm gets ready for Star Wars 30th Anniversity. Hopefully by then, all the mistakes are corrected, and all the extra footage is put back in all 6 movies.

[Mynd Hed]

I'm going to hold out till next year, when Lucasfilm gets ready for Star Wars 30th Anniversity. Hopefully by then, all the mistakes are corrected, and all the extra footage is put back in all 6 movies.

Choose one. You can't have both. (-:

[Lord Dalek]

New cover art. (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/)

And a huge improvement over the previous set.

[rggkjg1]

which will each contain both the original theatrical edition and more recent "2004 DVD edition" of the individual films.
WTF??!!!! it contains BOTH???!!!! if they are doing that now, why didnt they do that in the first place???!!!!!!! im not even gonna bother now. unless they jam pack these things with new special features.

right now i think the release date they chose is illogical. releasing the original trilogy would make more sence in 2007 for the 30th anniversary. i gonna wait for the 30th anniversary because i know they're gonna have the original movies in a box set.

who do i blame for puting the 2004 edition on disk 2? why couldnt someone take a hint from the indiana jones box set??!!

[Simpler Simon]

New cover art. (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/)

And a huge improvement over the previous set.

That looks nice. So I'll be able to sell my old single-discs and slip these into the box alongside the bonus material disc?

I joined the Star Wars bandwagon later than most (1996, when the widescreen versions aired on sci-fi), so all I have are the Special edition box set, episode I vhs, and the dvds of all six movies. Which isnt so bad when you look at people who also bought the 2002 vhs set, original 90s thx remastered set, limited edition bare bones dvd set, etc :p

I don't plan on picking up the eventual HD/blu-ray releases unless theres something planet-moving/earth-shattering included (and I have the lost biggs scenes, so those don't count).

[Noukon]

New cover art. (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/)

And a huge improvement over the previous set.

I'd have loved to see them use some of the original poster art, but this is a nice compromise. Definitely an improvement.

the 2002 vhs set

There was a 2002 VHS set?

[Lord Dalek]

I'd have loved to see them use some of the original poster art, but this is a nice compromise. Definitely an improvement.



There was a 2002 VHS set?Yeah, just a repackage of the 97 SE though. They resemble the full frame Phantom Menace tape with photo montaged Strewzan paintings.

[Noukon]

Yeah, just a repackage of the 97 SE though. They resemble the full frame Phantom Menace tape with photo montaged Strewzan paintings.

Huh. I can't believe I missed that.

Oh well. :D

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

WTF??!!!! it contains BOTH???!!!! if they are doing that now, why didnt they do that in the first place???!!!!!!!


So they could make an additional profit when they release an even better version later on down the line. Like, now. ;)

Me, I always wait until the version I'm satisfied with is released. If never, then I won't get it. Simple. I'm still waiting for a newer, better edition of The Road Warrior. Might never happen though.

[Noukon]

Apparently, the original versions aren't anamorphic.

Lame. :(

[Simpler Simon]

Apparently, the original versions aren't anamorphic.

Lame. :(

Well that just immediately cost them my sale.

[HellCat]

You know, I'm wondering who's idea it is to keep putting out every variation possible. In interviews Lucas doesn't strike me as being that money minded.

[Lord Dalek]

What the frak do they think they're doing? Nothing good can come out of this George and you know it.

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

You know, I'm wondering who's idea it is to keep putting out every variation possible. In interviews Lucas doesn't strike me as being that money minded.

Maybe he doesn't care, but Fox probably does.

[Lord Dalek]

Whose up for flamemailing?

[Bird Boy]

Original and unaltered people. What the hell did you expect? We say we don't want it tampered with, they don't touch it. Simple enough.

If you want to watch it digitally pristine and 5.1 then you'll have to watch the ones Lucas wants you to. He is not, however, making it impossible for you to watch the old ones.

-BB

[rggkjg1]

What the frak do they think they're doing? Nothing good can come out of this George and you know it.
indiana jones collection.

although, i would purchase a special edition of raiders of the lost ark to see indy being chased by ewoks in the opening scene as he escapes the tomb. i don't think i have a problem with special editions as long as they give us what the fans want. i want ewoks in raiders ;), but i also want 2 disk original star wars trilogy movies in which disk 1 is the movie and disk 2 has deleted scenes, making of featurettes, and the holiday special :sad:.

oh well. i've marked my calender for may 2007. i'm going to get my original trilogy dvds the way i want/hope if its the last thing i ever hope for.

[Simpler Simon]

Original and unaltered people. What the hell did you expect? We say we don't want it tampered with, they don't touch it. Simple enough.

Well I think there needs to be a bit of common sense/logic here. It's like telling a boy not to talk to strangers, so he stands by and watches while a person gets shot and bleeds to death in the street. and when police ask him why he doesn't help, he says "mom told me not to talk to strangers..."

There are tons of classic releases that prove you can have "original and unaltered" while also having a remastered, anamorphic picture. Sound is more iffy, but Indiana Jones sounded great in 5.1 and no one complained. Someone at Fox/Lucasfilm obviously knows this is not what fans wanted and that there will be backlash, but someone higher up released it like this anyway. Question is, who?

The only thing this release proves now is that if the original cuts can be released once after Lucas put his foot down, they can/will be released again until we finally get a decent presentation.

[Bird Boy]

The only thing this release proves now is that if the original cuts can be released once after Lucas put his foot down, they can/will be released again until we finally get a decent presentation.

I don't know. I don't think he wanted to release them anyway and I recall him saying in the past if they did they wouldn't invest time in cleaning the video up. They're giving us the very original originals and are not interested in spending any more money than they have to.

I'm sure he could invest money in restoring the audio and video, but he's done it once already on the version he wants. He's doing this version for those who just want the original on a format that's not going to deteriorate or go obsolete.

-BB

[Lord Dalek]

No they're giving us the LASERDISC transfers. Those aren't original either.

[William C. Maune]

No they're giving us the LASERDISC transfers. Those aren't original either.

Serious question: I assume the words "A New Hope" were added, is there anything else different?

-------

As for the lack of anamorphic, will that make these look any worse than the did in theaters? (since I don't think anamorphic was around back then)

[Lord Dalek]

Serious question: I assume the words "A New Hope" were added, is there anything else different? Differences in audio mostly.

As for the lack of anamorphic, will that make these look any worse than the did in theaters? (since I don't think anamorphic was around back then)Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back were shot in a process called Panavision which uses a special lens called an anamorphic lens to squeeze a very wide picture onto a 35mm frame of film. Unsqueezed you have a picture with the aspect ratio of 2.35:1 (later matted to 2.40:1 when projected but the dvds use the neg ratio). Return of the Jedi was also shot with anamorphic lenses but in a technically inferior process called J-D-C Scope. This is not a new concept, we've had anamorphic films since the introduction of CinemaScope in the 50's and still do to this day.

What we're talking about is the difference between 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen (where the image expands to fill the space on a high deffinition display) vs. 4:3 letterboxing aka "non-anamorphic widescreen" (simply having the film in the center of the screen with very thick black bands on the top and bottom). About 15 years ago when we were still using laserdiscs, this latter format was fairly acceptable and gave us the most accurate depiction of the film on a 1.33:1 tv tube. Now however, in the days of high-def televisions and dvd rom drives they look very noisy and low res. This is not exceptable and Lucas, Steve Sansweet or Jim whasshisface well probably come out and say hey we made a clerical error and we thank you for all the hatemail clueing us in if there is enough of a reaction.

[William C. Maune]

Thanks for the clarification. It sounds like anamorphic is pretty necessary in preserving how the film was meant to be viewed.

As for how the film is heard (with the 5.1 issue being mentioned earlier in the thread), while I don't have a problem with a 5.1 (or similar) track being added to a classic film, I definitely prefer to have the original sound format (whether it be stereo or even mono) included.

[PeppeRaskell1]

I've been kicking myself royally ever since selling my original Star Wars VHS tapes on eBay a few years back, and I'm glad those versions are being released this fall.

Will these DVDs have the new SW versions in them, to watch for visual comparisons between old and new versions? I'll bet there'll be a lot of people doing that when it comes out.

[Noukon]

Will these DVDs have the new SW versions in them, to watch for visual comparisons between old and new versions? I'll bet there'll be a lot of people doing that when it comes out.

Essentially, they are individual releases of the 2004 versions, each of which includes a "bonus disc" with the original theatrical version.

[Lord Dalek]

indiana jones collection.
And what praytell is wrong with the one we have now?

Lowry Digital Transfers -check
Dolby 5.1 built from 70mm 6-track - check
Matte line fixes -check

The current box is fine.

[rggkjg1]

And what praytell is wrong with the one we have now?

Lowry Digital Transfers -check
Dolby 5.1 built from 70mm 6-track - check
Matte line fixes -check

The current box is fine.
i meant that the indiana jones collection is the only good thing lucas has given us.

[Mynd Hed]

Well that just immediately cost them my sale.

Yeah, I'm with you. It's a close thing, but if anything, this release proves either that A.) Fox is willing to stand up to Lucas on occasion or B.) Lucas is willing to fold to fan pressure on occasion, and either way, it makes it seem that much more likely that there'll be an anamorphic O.T. release sometime in the future. So I'll probably just wait for that and stick with my VHSs in the meantime.

Original and unaltered people. What the hell did you expect? We say we don't want it tampered with, they don't touch it. Simple enough.

Well, jeez, if you want to get THAT literal, then they'd have to load a movie theatre on a flatbed truck and deliver it to my house complete with the original prints on an old-fashioned reel-to-reel projector in a projection booth, floors sticky with soda and filthy with stale popcorn, and flashlight-wielding ushers in order to give me the REAL "original and unaltered" experience.

Both Fox and Lucas know darn well that the fans will want anamorphic widescreen, and the fact that they're not providing it smacks of a lead-in for another rerelease in a couple of years. I'm not saying that with any sort of rancor (heh heh-- "Rancor"-- get it?), that's just the way these things work and I'm fine with it. Alls I'm saying is that I'm quite willing to skip on this release and wait on a better one.

[Lord Dalek]

Email: publicity@lucasfilm.com

It's worth a try and lot of us (including myself) have done it over at the HTF.

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Serious question: I assume the words "A New Hope" were added, is there anything else different?

The remastered laserdisc transfers had a new stereo soundtrack, but it's just flat stereo -- I'm not even sure 5.1 or Dolby Digital were really finalized by the time the LDs were released. Some other minor changes were made to the sound as well -- the most prominent one I noticed was an added echo effect in the chasm scene that I never remembered being there before. It does have "Episode IV: A New Hope" at the start of the crawl.

In any event, if they're just going to put the non-anamorphic LD release on a DVD, then it's gone from a must-buy to a skip-it. The major reason why I'd re-buy it on DVD would be to get the anamorphic transfer and avoid disc flips. If I'm only going to get one, I can live without the other.

If nothing else, this gives them something to shoot for in 2008-9 for the Super Duper Director's Cut Ultimate Extended Dance Remix Star Wars DVD set.

-- Ed

[Lord Dalek]

The remastered laserdisc transfers had a new stereo soundtrack, but it's just flat stereo -- I'm not even sure 5.1 or Dolby Digital were really finalized by the time the LDs were released.
Actually its Dolby Surround. There's a difference.

[Drachentöter]

So word from the grapvine is that the release of the original original Star Wars Trilogy (as in, no extended scenes or digitally edited scenes) will only be available alongside the anniversary edition for a hefty price. Also, fans seem to be up in arms about the idea that the 70/80s trilogy won't have its prints remastered. Instead, the DVDs will be ripped off old laserdiscs.

Personally....I really don't care.

I'd like someone to explain why it is so important to have a few minutes' worth of footage removed. Granted, this was the incarnation I got to see Star Wars in, when I was 9 during the 25th anniversary re-release, so I have no real basis of comparison. But I've seen documentaries that point out the changes and they've never seemed that major to me.

Only one thing has offended me and that was replacing the actor who played ghost-Anakin in Return of the Jedi with Hayden Christensen. That just seemed like an obsessive tie in with the original trilogy that was beyond unnecessary. But I wouldn't clamor for a release of DVDs that had Christensen's image expunged from them. So why do people feel the need to have a perfect reintroduction of a product George Lucas wasn't satisfied with?

I'll agree his business practices with this release are...messed up. If he's going to succumb to the demands, he should release them on their own without trying to inflate the "definitve" version's sales. If he's going to release a product, he shouldn't treat it like a bastard stepchild. But I think we've all accepted that Lucas is eccentric and sort of greedy. If I were a Star Wars purist, I wouldn't give him more money just to satisfy some inconsequential preference.

So, what's the motivation behind shelling over money for this?

[Lord Dalek]

"To give the fans something that is fun" -LFL Publicity.

[SirLemming]

I suppose it's a matter of wanting to have the original versions of the movies because some people, particularly people who are really into film, feel that they are cinematically superior. It's not just added scenes; it's also altered scenes and replaced scenes. Return of the Jedi actually has two significant replacements: the musical performance scene in Jabba's palace and the music at the end. To someone who prefers the original version, I can see how the original ending to the entire trilogy would be something they'd want to preserve.

People also see it as a matter of history. The special effects of the original trilogy were revolutionary for their time period, which is why they want them preserved in a long-lasting format. Preserving only the new versions overrides that.

[Noukon]

From a simply historical standpoint, it's important for the original versions of films to be available alongside newly "updated" ones (a good example of a revamp DVD done right is E.T., which included the original version alongside the crazily updated one).

Personally, I like a lot of the changes made, but I despise others, and I want to be able to watch either version at my leisure. I grew up on the original versions, and I miss things that have been taken out of them or messed with in other ways.

[TheMecca]

So I was reading Ain't It Cool News, and they have a "shocking" development from ComicCon. Highlights in bold:

Sansweet also talked about the upcoming DVD release of the OT, going so far as to hand out buttons that say "Han Shoots First , September 12th 2006". I won't go on a geek rant, but he did confirm that the original theatrical editions won't be anamorphic, but from the best material they had (the 1993 laserdisc master videos). He went on to say that the movies are being released for the majority of people out there who don't care which edition they get, but don't want to buy the box set, which just pisses me off. The laserdisc masters are almost 15 years old. God knows the video technology looks the same, eh?

And as for them being made for the average fan, not us apparently small minority that prefers Lucas' "historical archive" versions, that doesn't wash. Every ad is about them releasing the original film without the special edition elements. Every standee in Suncoast video is taking preorders for the "original cut" releases, not the "Special Editions with a special feature edition." That's what they're selling, but they won't clean them up? It's like Lucas is too embarrassed to put out the originals, but not embarrassed to take the money for them.

They showed some examples straight from the DVD and the film looks exactly like those bootlegs out there of the laserdiscs. A little washed out, pixelated and strobey. These "workprints" made Lucas a billionaire. Why is it so hard to offer up the option of having a good, stable version for the fans to pick between?
So yeah, I'm gonna skip this and get the original box set instead thanks.

[Lord Dalek]

What bugs me and a lot of others over at the HTF is that LFL didn't really bother to look for actual elements and just recycled an old trailer. Heck Robert A. Harris, the guy who restored Lawrence of Arabia, volunteered to dig up any elements (interpositives, prints, etc) down at the Fox archives and guess what? Nothing!

I can officially say now no sale.

[Hades]

I'll definitely be picking this set up for the cover art. It just doesn't match up with my prequel trilogy in colors thanks to the idiots at Lucas making the WS edition silver rather than gold. Plus I am kind of hoping they will fix Luke's lightsaber color issues in ANH unlike they did in the other DVD set, but I doubt they will. However, this will be the last time I buy ANY SW DVDs unti HD or BR.

[Noukon]

Plus I am kind of hoping they will fix Luke's lightsaber color issues in ANH unlike they did in the other DVD set, but I doubt they will.

They're the same discs as the 2004 boxed set, so no.

[rggkjg1]

30th anniversary "ultimate" box set info from thedigitalbits.com (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/rumormill.html#082406):
Also today... a follow-up on something we've been telling you to expect for quite while now. 2007, as you may well be aware, is the 30th anniversary of the original Star Wars' debut in theaters. You'd have to be stupid not to know that Lucasfilm is going to have big DVD release plans with which to celebrate the anniversary, and we've been telling you that was the case for many months now. Indeed, during our last visit to the Ranch (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/skywalker/page2.html) for the DVD release of Episode III, producer Rick McCallum confirmed that a box set of all six films was going to happen eventually, and animation director Rob Coleman even let it slip that the puppet Yoda from Episode I had already been replaced with a new CG Yoda to match Episodes II & III for the "future" release. T-Bone over at Star Wars Universe recently speculated about this box set (http://www.starwarz.com/tbone/index.php?categoryid=16&p2_articleid=846), and we've been quietly checking in with our industry sources on it as well. Well, we've confirmed it: There IS a big, ultimate, 6-film Star Wars anniversary DVD box set planned for 2007. There will be more changes to the films, and there will be LOTS of new, never-before-seen special features - all the good stuff that was held back by Lucasfilm from the original Trilogy DVD release a few years ago. Think deleted scenes and more. We don't know if good, genuinely-REMASTERED versions of the original theatrical editions of the films will be included or not (though how you could call the set "ultimate" without them, we don't know). We don't expect high-definition versions yet, as those formats are just too new. We don't have ANY other details for you yet, so please don't ask. But as you consider whether or not to purchase the "limited edition" DVDs due on 9/12... we thought you should know that more IS absolutely on the way next year. 'Nuff said for now.
WILL THIS BE THE RELEASE THAT WILL FINALLY MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY? should there be a new thread to discuss this upcoming release?

[TheMecca]

As I said, all my cheapness has finally paid off for real.

[Lord Dalek]

But what if its not on Standard? :confused:

[Simpler Simon]

I know Lucas is legendary for double-dips, but the 30th anniversary collection would be the 4th dvd set in 4 years...this coming from the guy who was hesitant to release his films on the format when it was in its prime.

There's only 2 things that would tempt me into buying another edition of any of the movies - remastered, anamorphic, acceptable transfers of the original, unaltered trilogy, or footage of deleted scenes. stuff like the sand storm, dooku with 2 sabers, jedi control ship raid, wampa attack, etc. I wouldn't mind seeing the lost Biggs scenes again either, though I have them from that interactive cd-rom from 98.

[TheMecca]

But what if its not on Standard? :confused:
Considering they're saying DVD throughout the entire thing, chances are it'll be a DVD set.
A DVD set I will be buying.

[Nin-Nin69]

Ok if they can release a digitally restored version of what is comming out in Sept with this new set and more extras, I will be happy. It's what I wanted since Episode III came out. However I'd still purchase the Episode I DVD and get rid of the one in the next collection due to Yoda being changed into complete 3D. It's a real spit in the face to the tallent that is Frank Oz no matter what Lucas may say.

[Noukon]

It's a real spit in the face to the tallent that is Frank Oz no matter what Lucas may say.

I kind of disagree... the actual puppet used in Episode I looked incredibly awful. If they take Oz's physical performance and base the CG model's movements directly on that, then they're retaining his performance while replacing the physical look of the puppet.

Though I still think going back and editing things is, overall, pointless.

[Yash]

I wouldn't mind seeing the lost Biggs scenes again either, though I have them from that interactive cd-rom from 98.
pfft, knowing Lucas they'll CGI it up with a cameo from Jar Jar Binks.

[Nin-Nin69]

I kind of disagree... the actual puppet used in Episode I looked incredibly awful. If they take Oz's physical performance and base the CG model's movements directly on that, then they're retaining his performance while replacing the physical look of the puppet.

Though I still think going back and editing things is, overall, pointless.
Even if they did redo it, Frank's preformance with the puppet was considered a waste of time to Lucas. To be honest I've always liked the Puppet work in the SW films better than CGI. There were a couple of nice CGI creatures like that thing Obi Wan was on in Episode III. Still the puppets and makeup work looks better than most CGI they pump out. Above all it's not really Special FX if it's in every scene.

[Russkafin]

For those who haven't seen this before and are wondering just how different the original versions are from the "Special Editions" that we've seen in years since, this site has a great breakdown of all the differences including screencaps and audio clips!

http://www.dvdactive.com/editorial/articles/star-wars-the-changes-part-one.html

As you will quickly see, there are a heck of a lot more changes than just Han shooting first and a different Anakin at the end.

Follow the links at the bottom of this article to see the changes that were made to the other films.

[Nin-Nin69]

Some of the shots like X-Wings on their way to The Battle of Yeven or brightning the lightsabers weren't that big of a deal to me. Yet stuff like editing out the officer's being hit, the Tractor Beam translation, changing creatures, and Han running into a hanger of Stormtroopers really felt off.

[rggkjg1]

best buy exclusive boxset:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7970715&st=star+wars&lp=4&type=product&cp=1&id=1562088

that box looks a whole lot nicer than the 2004 trilogy box. if only this best buy exclusive came out back in 2004 :sad:.

[Delia]

Wait--- so this is the real trilogy? Wow-- I was quite miffed to get the last DVD release of the trilogy to see it had all the new CG and junk added.

[rggkjg1]

Wait--- so this is the real trilogy? Wow-- I was quite miffed to get the last DVD release of the trilogy to see it had all the new CG and junk added.
define "real" trilogy. if the "real trilogy" is the original unaltered versions from '77, '80, and '83, then yes. also included in these releases are the 2004 special editions!

just wait for the 30th anniversary ultimate box.....

[Delia]

define "real" trilogy. if the "real trilogy" is the original unaltered versions from '77, '80, and '83, then yes. also included in these releases are the 2004 special editions!

just wait for the 30th anniversary ultimate box.....

Yeah, by real I mean the original films.

[Kagetsu]

:eek: I never thought the originals would see the light of day again. Most;y it was claimed all the copies were wornout making alll the films needed for the theaters, while my thought was George Lucus felt the new CGI's were so much better and closer to what he originally wanted to do that he likely set fire to the originals.

And yes, aside from being just too "busy" too watch, having Greedo shoot first was the bigest copout in movie history.

[Kolbar]

This morning on Fox and Friends, they advertised the upcoming Star Wars DVDs and had Darth Vader, Chewy, and an Ewok come on while Steve Ducey did the weather.

[Simpler Simon]

I'd be interested in the sales figures for these discs. The hardcore fanbase is divided, and are there enough casual buyers who'd drop money for the original cuts?

Either way the big hype Fox and Lucasfilm are generating over sept 12 is disgusting considering we're getting bootleg quality prints on that day.

[Lord Dalek]

Either way the big hype Fox and Lucasfilm are generating over sept 12 is disgusting considering we're getting bootleg quality prints on that day.According to early reviews, the "bootleg quality" here is actually better than the real (IE: Dr. Gonzo, EditDroid, etc.) bootlegs!

[Noukon]

According to early reviews, the "bootleg quality" here is actually better than the real (IE: Dr. Gonzo, EditDroid, etc.) bootlegs!

I would have assumed so anyway... just because a DVD is anamorphic doesn't mean it looks terrible. And they couldn't be the laserdisc masters from ten years ago like everyone is assuming, since the 1977 text scroll on Episode IV is intact (I.E., it doesn't have the "Episode IV" tagline on it).

[Lord Dalek]

I would have assumed so anyway... just because a DVD is anamorphic doesn't mean it looks terrible. And they couldn't be the laserdisc masters from ten years ago like everyone is assuming, since the 1977 text scroll on Episode IV is intact (I.E., it doesn't have the "Episode IV" tagline on it).According to some early reviews, the "1977 crawl" is a digital recreation spliced back into the D1 created for the Ultimate Edition.

[Hades]

Does anyone know what the BB tin is all about? Are the 3 movies in their amaray cases inside the tin, or is it a thinpack set? The reason I ask is because the tin looks just a tad too small to fit all 3 movies.

[Noukon]

According to some early reviews, the "1977 crawl" is a digital recreation spliced back into the D1 created for the Ultimate Edition.

It didn't look that way to me. Also, I'm watching Episode IV right now, and it actually looks better than the '95 laserdiscs did.

[Simpler Simon]

So it's a better transfer than expected, but not by much and not anamorphic.

Each movie retails for the same price as a brand new release.

The fancy, ultra cool collectors tin has all 3 movies...and costs more than buying the 3 films seperately (at least in my area).

I dont know whether to laugh or cry. :sweat:

[Noukon]

So it's a better transfer than expected, but not by much and not anamorphic.

Each movie retails for the same price as a brand new release.

The fancy, ultra cool collectors tin has all 3 movies...and costs more than buying the 3 films seperately (at least in my area).

I dont know whether to laugh or cry. :sweat:

Ignore it and don't buy them? :\ I only have them because they were free.

[Simpler Simon]

Ignore it and don't buy them? :\ I only have them because they were free.

I have a feeling a lot of people who swore these off will end up buying them anyway, if reviewers go the "slightly better than bootleg" angle. Heck I would've been tempted if the discs were cheaper.

[Lord Dalek]

I have a feeling a lot of people who swore these off will end up buying them anyway, if reviewers go the "slightly better than bootleg" angle. Heck I would've been tempted if the discs were cheaper.They probably are. The $19.99 thing is MSRP.

[Simpler Simon]

They probably are. The $19.99 thing is MSRP.

Each movie is about $24.83CDN at my local wal-mart, which is about as cheap as its gonna come for me. That's about the price of a normal new release (ie Brother Bear 2, which was $23.83 and came out last week or so).

Is it cheaper in the states, or is it comparable?

[Hades]

I watched the "original" version of Ep 4, and now I remember why I prefer the new versions more. The movie seems to drag on forever when watching the 77 version, and the special effects are average. I'm sorry, but the movie just can't do without Han talking to Jabba.

[Lord Dalek]

Each movie is about $24.83CDN at my local wal-mart, which is about as cheap as its gonna come for me. That's about the price of a normal new release (ie Brother Bear 2, which was $23.83 and came out last week or so).

Is it cheaper in the states, or is it comparable?Should be cheeper, condsidering how weak the Canadian dollar is against the US.

[Hanshotfirst113]

In a shoddy non-anamorphic transfer taken from a laserdisc source which treats the original theatrical versions of the most popular and influential films of all time as bonus material? Nope, I'm done. No further Lucasfilm or Star Wars products, with the possibly exception of Indy 4, will be purchased by me ever again until the originals see a proper restoration.

[Hanshotfirst113]

I watched the "original" version of Ep 4, and now I remember why I prefer the new versions more. The movie seems to drag on forever when watching the 77 version, and the special effects are average. I'm sorry, but the movie just can't do without Han talking to Jabba.a

Oh, this will end in a flame war ;). Surely, however, you must agree that those who want high quality versions of the originals should be able to get them?

[Noukon]

In a shoddy non-anamorphic transfer taken from a laserdisc source which treats the original theatrical versions of the most popular and influential films of all time as bonus material?
I'll say this again: The transfer is neither shoddy, nor taken from a laserdisc source. It may be taken from the same master as the laserdiscs were, but it looks significantly better than the LDs did, and, as such, also way better than any of the bootlegs based on them.

The fact that the transfers are not anamorphic is really the only thing you can hold against them.

They're still remastered to some degree. I'd honestly rather have them look the way they do than the way the 2004 editions look, since those were cleaned up and digitally adjusted to the point where they actually feel less like the old-school originals.

Honestly, I was concerned about these DVDs, but have gotten over it after watching them. Lord knows if they'll ever release these versions again, so, as a Star Wars fan, I'll take what I can get, and these releases aren't as shabby as a lot of people are making them out to be.

[William C. Maune]

So, it looks like for those of us who don't have an HDTV, and won't for quite some time, these versions actually look pretty dang good?

I've been reading about these at various places around the internet and I can't believe how many people I've seen describe these as "terrible" looking. I guess the definition of "terrible" changed over the years or something. Ten years ago DVD didn't exist and the vast majority of folks used VHS. It would seem that these are way better than VHS quality. Sure, it'd be nice to have these fully restored, anamorphic, etc., but the amount of exaggeration I've seen makes it hard to take a lot of the complaints seriously.

[Simpler Simon]

So, it looks like for those of us who don't have an HDTV, and won't for quite some time, these versions actually look pretty dang good?

Yeah thats another thing for me: just three weeks ago I changed from a bulky, square monitor to a sleek, flat, widescreen one...so if I still had that old monitor, I'd be even more likely to take the plunge with these. But I don't, and anamorphic playback is very important to me now. Justice League season 2 doesn't feel as powerful as it should.

[Noukon]

So, it looks like for those of us who don't have an HDTV, and won't for quite some time, these versions actually look pretty dang good?

I've been reading about these at various places around the internet and I can't believe how many people I've seen describe these as "terrible" looking. I guess the definition of "terrible" changed over the years or something. Ten years ago DVD didn't exist and the vast majority of folks used VHS. It would seem that these are way better than VHS quality. Sure, it'd be nice to have these fully restored, anamorphic, etc., but the amount of exaggeration I've seen makes it hard to take a lot of the complaints seriously.

I'm wondering how many people are actually watching the DVDs before calling them "terrible" looking. If these exact discs had been released six or seven years ago, they would have been considered pretty standard. They're decent, non-anamorphic transfers of a very old film source.

[Lord Dalek]

So, it looks like for those of us who don't have an HDTV, and won't for quite some time, these versions actually look pretty dang good?Sorta. Apparantly the films look slightly better on progressive displays despite not being anamorphic. I'll be looking into the problem further when I get back to Portland.

[Lord Dalek]

From Attack of the Show. (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/#view)

Bill Hunt takes Chris Gore and one of the theforce.net guys to task over the quality of the dvds.

[Hades]

a

Oh, this will end in a flame war ;). Surely, however, you must agree that those who want high quality versions of the originals should be able to get them?

As I recall, the fans demanded UNTOUCHED, UNSCATHED, UNEDITED original versions just like how they saw them back in 77, 80, and 83. Thus, they got what they desired. Either buy them or never complain about not getting them again!!

As the guy on G4 said, Star Wars fans will never be happy.

[Hanshotfirst113]

As I recall, the fans demanded UNTOUCHED, UNSCATHED, UNEDITED original versions just like how they saw them back in 77, 80, and 83. Thus, they got what they desired. Either buy them or never complain about not getting them again!!

As the guy on G4 said, Star Wars fans will never be happy.

Alright, I am going to try very, very hard to control my temper. Lucas will not allow any restoration to be done to the originals except what was done way back when. This release is not how they were originally presented. The original crawl for the first film has been digitally recreated and the sound mixes are not the original. These DVDs do not meet industry standards. That is why Star Wars fans are unhappy. Look, don't misuderstand me. I don't want to attack you. But what you are basically say "you got what you wanted, now shut up," and we did not. Imagine of Da Vinci repatinted the Mona Lisa and refused to allow restoration to the original. The fellow Bill Hunt on G4 says it simply: fans just want a high qualit release. We're not getting it. How about if Welles refused to restore the original version of Citizen Kane? That's right, we're not happy. We'll be happy when we get what we asked for: the original theatrical versions of the films in a release that meets industry standards.

[Hades]

Frankly I wish Da Vinci would repaint the Mona Lisa as it is a terrible painting (sorry, but I'm not into Renaissance+ art).

[Hanshotfirst113]

Frankly I wish Da Vinci would repaint the Mona Lisa as it is a terrible painting (sorry, but I'm not into Renaissance+ art).

OK, fair enough, but the Mona Lisa has unrivaled meaning to millions of artists. If he did repaint it, then original would need to be preserved, or else art historians would go crazy. I apologize to you. This is a touchy issue with me. I jut thnk that both versions shold be preserved, the originals are being given a substandard release. That is all. This is a fact. If you don't have a problem with that, OK, but many people do. It'd be like if asked for food and was given moldy spam. True, I got food, but not good food by anbody's standards. I'll gladly agree to disagree, but I just want you to understand where I stand. Check out originaltrilogy.com for some interesting info. Again, I apologize. Bill Hunt was on G4 too, btw, and he made better point when they we're talking over him, as I understand it. And I will be happy, when I have the original theatrical versions of the original trilogy with the oriingal mono track, stero track, and six-track remixed into 5.1 taken from a properly restored and remastered in crisp anamorphic widescreen like nearly every DVD released since 2001. I guess we'll have to call a truce here. I just want you to understand that the issue is not black and white. Again, my apologies.

[Simpler Simon]

What he said. Restore the original, unaltered, Star Wars trilogy like you would any other vintage film, make the transfer anamorphic, and add dolby 5.1 (though i'm not really picky about the dolby).

Thing is...apart from the obvious alterations, they seemed to have a really hard time restoring star wars. the 2004 transfers have been backhanded all over the net for color and sound problems (pink lightsabers anyone?). why this would become an issue, i have no idea.

[Anarky]

scored the best buy tin set, looking forward to watching the "first" movie this wkd
i haven't watched these movies since HBO (like almost 20 yrs ago!)
i never bothered to watch the remix versions and i skipped the '04 release because they were not the original cuts from my youth

i'm a dvd dunce so i don't know squat about audio or transfers, just looking forward to re-acquainting myself w/ my childhood favorite.

[Hades]

What he said. Restore the original, unaltered, Star Wars trilogy like you would any other vintage film, make the transfer anamorphic, and add dolby 5.1 (though i'm not really picky about the dolby).

Thing is...apart from the obvious alterations, they seemed to have a really hard time restoring star wars. the 2004 transfers have been backhanded all over the net for color and sound problems (pink lightsabers anyone?). why this would become an issue, i have no idea.

But here is the thing, people will find something to complain about. Maybe it would be that a specific scene looks funny remastered, or that a light saber looks too fake thank to the remastering, or there is some small tiny insignificant flaw that will make them unhappy. SW fans will NEVER be happy. They have become no different than Trekkies, and that is saying a lot.

[GrantM]

They have become no different than Trekkies, and that is saying a lot.

What do you mean, I don't remember trekkies ever going up in arms over how the shows/movies were treated, in fact I don't remember fans going up in arms over the Directors Edition of Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Sorry to go slightly off topic but I had to point that out

[Bird Boy]

They have become no different than Trekkies, and that is saying a lot.

It's not Trekkies, you've just described fan bases in general. What show, book or genre that has a large fan base is EVER happy? There will always be the vocal group that curses the existence (or lack thereof) of some piece of merchandise that's on the shelf or something that's currently on TV. It's nothing new for fan bases to constantly complain, even when they get something they want.

-BB

[Hanshotfirst113]

But here is the thing, people will find something to complain about. Maybe it would be that a specific scene looks funny remastered, or that a light saber looks too fake thank to the remastering, or there is some small tiny insignificant flaw that will make them unhappy. SW fans will NEVER be happy. They have become no different than Trekkies, and that is saying a lot.

OK, fine, we will find something to complain about. But the currenty complaints are cometely legitimate. We haven't gotten what we wanted because this release does not meet industry standards. A mod might want to close this thread before it gets ugly. My apologies to all. How about we just agree to disagree?

[Hades]

OK, fine, we will find something to complain about. But the currenty complaints are cometely legitimate. We haven't gotten what we wanted because this release does not meet industry standards. A mod might want to close this thread before it gets ugly. My apologies to all. How about we just agree to disagree?

Except you got superior anamorphic transfers that have been out since 2004. I really don't understand the big deal people make this out to be. Lucas was limited to what he could do back in the 70s and 80s, and with today's technology, he could finally do what he wanted originally. Why can't people just accept that Lucas' vision of the movies is what we got 2 years ago and leave it at that?

You might be right though, we should just leave this argument where it is and lock the thread because no one is going to agree on anything. Star Wars just seems to be one of those subjects that can't go aroudn with maturity. Even I am being immature on the subject and I can't help it.

[mookie75]

I think the arguments about the "original" movies on dvd are more moot than ever now. Lucas has released them after years of saying he wouldn't. I can't even imagine the astronomical odds that he would do it again and make the changes that fans like Hanshotfirst here are demanding.

I'm not saying he'll never try to re-release the Star Wars movies in some form or another, but I think what you see is what you get in regards to the "originals."

[The Penguin]

Should be cheeper, condsidering how weak the Canadian dollar is against the US.It's a bit off-topic, but the Canadian dollar being weaker is what makes it cost more. Any publication (magazine, book) has both U.S. and Canada prices on it, the U.S. price is always lower.

[Noukon]

I really don't understand

Just stop right there.

No, you don't understand. That's what makes your view moot. There is a legitimate complaint here; you'll note that I don't advocate aggressive criticism of the situation, but the issue is there, and it is significant to many people. It's fine that you don't understand and can be happy with what's been made available, but you don't have the perspective to criticize those who are not happy with it -- and have even admitted so.

[mookie75]

Frankly, I think fans should count their lucky stars that George Lucas is still making attempts to meet their demands at all. I always get the impression that fans feel Lucas "owes" them certain things simply because they're fans. Well, the truth is sometimes cruel and it often sucks, but the fact of the matter is this: George Lucas has now made the six Star Wars movies that he's been saying he wanted to make. They've all passed through the theaters and onto the store shelves in many forms and he's made a ridiculous amount of money from them over the years -- more than enough money to carry him through the remaining years of his life. If he truly wanted to, he could basically say, "@#$% you" to the fans and say he's not doing anything else with the Star Wars universe. Everyone would scream and holler, many would make silly claims about how they won't ever spend money on anything that has anything to do with George Lucas, but in the end that wouldn't matter all that much to the Lucas family coffers.

Many here will be upset with my next statement, some will probably offer insulting remarks meant to discredit my opinion in some way, but I've learned this is the way of the internet and it's unlikely I'll revisit this thread to see them anyway :p : George Lucas owes you nothing. He had a story he wanted to tell in movies and he told it. He made it into what he wanted and you all made the choice to spend your money on it in the form of movie tickets, tapes and/or dvds, video games, etc etc. You liked the story? Well, that's just peachy, but how does that make him obligated to provide you with whatever you feel you "deserve?" "But, I gave my hard-earned money to him!" Well, he didn't come to your house with a gun and say, "Come on everyone, we're going to Episode III tonight."

If the world truly worked in the way that Star Wars fans imply, then I should get out a pen and paper and start writing letters to Stephen King demanding that he write more Dark Tower books (or maybe make some movies!) since I'm enjoying the series so much and I'm certain I'll want more when the tale has ended. I mean, who the hell does he think he is to tell me how the story goes and when it's a finished product?

Heck, I don't blame the people at Lucasfilms for their treatment of this latest release. I can almost imagine them as they set out on this project: "Well, it's time to start going over old Star Wars footage and tinker with it......for the five thousandth time.....gee, doesn't it feel like we've been doing this in some form or another for the past decade or so?" They probably don't even celebrate when a project is finished because they know they'll be starting over again within a year or two.

[Lord Dalek]

There have been some recent rumblings over at the HTF that the originals WILL NOT be included in the upcoming box set so these limited edition releases may be a wise investment despite the lack of anamorphic enhancement.

[Mynd Hed]

Except you got superior anamorphic transfers that have been out since 2004. I really don't understand the big deal people make this out to be. Lucas was limited to what he could do back in the 70s and 80s, and with today's technology, he could finally do what he wanted originally. Why can't people just accept that Lucas' vision of the movies is what we got 2 years ago and leave it at that?

Because it's so clearly untrue. I hate to bring up the same old scene again, but it really is the best example: if Lucas had wanted Greedo to shoot first, there was nothing preventing him from doing it back in the day. That was a decision that he changed sometime in the years between then and now, and there are other similar examples.
I can certainly understand opinions differing on the extent to which these changes are important and affect the overall impact of the films, but you can't make the argument that the SEs represent Lucas' original vision. What they represent is a revisionist vision that has been altered by decades of intense scrutiny.

[Silly McGooses]

I can kind of see where you guys are coming from when I realize what a terrible filmmaker he's become. If Star Wars Eps I-III are any indication. Besides, V and VI weren't his movies as a director to begin with, were they?

[Lord Dalek]

I can kind of see where you guys are coming from when I realize what a terrible filmmaker he's become. If Star Wars Eps I-III are any indication. Besides, V and VI weren't his movies as a director to begin with, were they?V, no absoulutely not.
VI is a bit more debatable however.

[Hanshotfirst113]

Except you got superior anamorphic transfers that have been out since 2004. I really don't understand the big deal people make this out to be. Lucas was limited to what he could do back in the 70s and 80s, and with today's technology, he could finally do what he wanted originally. Why can't people just accept that Lucas' vision of the movies is what we got 2 years ago and leave it at that?

You might be right though, we should just leave this argument where it is and lock the thread because no one is going to agree on anything. Star Wars just seems to be one of those subjects that can't go aroudn with maturity. Even I am being immature on the subject and I can't help it.

"Superior" anamorphic transfers of the 2004 versions, not the original theatrical versions. No other filmmaker has attempted to bury their creations that way. How would you feel if the 2004 versions were mistreated? The 2004 disc and the originals are basically different movies to the fans. And those statements about his original vison are not necessarily true, and even if they are, that is no reason to deny the fans the versions that they want. More money for him. Lucas disagrees.



Just stop right there.

No, you don't understand. That's what makes your view moot. There is a legitimate complaint here; you'll note that I don't advocate aggressive criticism of the situation, but the issue is there, and it is significant to many people. It's fine that you don't understand and can be happy with what's been made available, but you don't have the perspective to criticize those who are not happy with it -- and have even admitted so.

Thanks for the help. I just want to say that I am not being immature. If you prefer the SEs, more power to you. But understand that not everybody who disagrees with you is just whining, and the complaints about this release are perfectly legitimate. How about this? We end the discussion here and just agree to disagree? Fair enough?

[Hanshotfirst113]

Frankly, I think fans should count their lucky stars that George Lucas is still making attempts to meet their demands at all. I always get the impression that fans feel Lucas "owes" them certain things simply because they're fans. Well, the truth is sometimes cruel and it often sucks, but the fact of the matter is this: George Lucas has now made the six Star Wars movies that he's been saying he wanted to make. They've all passed through the theaters and onto the store shelves in many forms and he's made a ridiculous amount of money from them over the years -- more than enough money to carry him through the remaining years of his life. If he truly wanted to, he could basically say, "@#$% you" to the fans and say he's not doing anything else with the Star Wars universe. Everyone would scream and holler, many would make silly claims about how they won't ever spend money on anything that has anything to do with George Lucas, but in the end that wouldn't matter all that much to the Lucas family coffers.

Many here will be upset with my next statement, some will probably offer insulting remarks meant to discredit my opinion in some way, but I've learned this is the way of the internet and it's unlikely I'll revisit this thread to see them anyway :p : George Lucas owes you nothing. He had a story he wanted to tell in movies and he told it. He made it into what he wanted and you all made the choice to spend your money on it in the form of movie tickets, tapes and/or dvds, video games, etc etc. You liked the story? Well, that's just peachy, but how does that make him obligated to provide you with whatever you feel you "deserve?" "But, I gave my hard-earned money to him!" Well, he didn't come to your house with a gun and say, "Come on everyone, we're going to Episode III tonight."

If the world truly worked in the way that Star Wars fans imply, then I should get out a pen and paper and start writing letters to Stephen King demanding that he write more Dark Tower books (or maybe make some movies!) since I'm enjoying the series so much and I'm certain I'll want more when the tale has ended. I mean, who the hell does he think he is to tell me how the story goes and when it's a finished product?

Heck, I don't blame the people at Lucasfilms for their treatment of this latest release. I can almost imagine them as they set out on this project: "Well, it's time to start going over old Star Wars footage and tinker with it......for the five thousandth time.....gee, doesn't it feel like we've been doing this in some form or another for the past decade or so?" They probably don't even celebrate when a project is finished because they know they'll be starting over again within a year or two.

Yes, but the point is that Lucas does not want the originals to be seen. If I had high quality copies of the originals, I'd watch them and he could do wanted and everyody would be happy. Lucas won't let that happen. If King didn't write anymore books, you could read the old ones. Lucas is saying that the originals never existed and the if we don't like the SEs, we don't like Star Wars. he's not attempting to meet our demands. He's attempting to make money. You're basically saying that I'm telling Lucas what to do with the saga. I'm not. He can do whatever he wants with it. I'll go watch my high quality versions of the originals. Oh, wait, I can't. That's the point. I thank you for your mature input in this discussion. It seems that we will just have to agree to disagree. I haven't been on this forum long and certainly don't want to make enemies. I just want to make a point. So can someone please lock this thread and we can all go our separate ways? Apologies to all. Fair enough?

[Chum]

After reading all 8 pages i've decided to skip the re-release of the originals.

Transfering the Laserdisc version to dvd is cheap, real cheap.

I could of done that myself with ease.

They should have cleaned up the original footage and given us anomorphic video with the original stereo mix. I have no respect for Lucas anymore.

[Lord Dalek]

Transfering the Laserdisc version to dvd is cheap, real cheap.

I could of done that myself with ease.Regardless, it still won't look as good.

with the original stereo mix. THERE. IS. NO. ORIGINAL. STEREO. MIX. Star Wars was one of if not the first releases in Dolby Stereo. At the time, it was unkonwn that the format would catch on so three sepparate mixes were done at roughly the same time, a mono one, a 35mm Dolby one, and a 70mm six-track version. All three have so many audible differences between each other that they invalidate comparison.The audio on disc 2 is based on the earliest mix (the 70mm version) so it lacks some lines from the later versions (Threepio's tractor beam spiel, "Close the Blast Doors", "Blast it Wedge, where are you?" etc.)

[Adam Tyner]

So can someone please lock this thread and we can all go our separate ways? Apologies to all. Fair enough?If you no longer want to participate in it, you don't have to keep reading and posting. I don't think anyone's really crossed the line.

(For what it's worth, I do completely agree with you that the original trilogy shouldn't be treated like a red-headed stepchild.)

[grundle]

I am a Star Wars fan and I am very happy with these DVDs of the original theatrical releases.

I have already watched all three of them twice.

I'm so glad to be able to focus on enjoying the movies without being distracted by all the annoying changes that were made for later versions.

[Hanshotfirst113]

Regardless, it still won't look as good.

THERE. IS. NO. ORIGINAL. STEREO. MIX. Star Wars was one of if not the first releases in Dolby Stereo. At the time, it was unkonwn that the format would catch on so three sepparate mixes were done at roughly the same time, a mono one, a 35mm Dolby one, and a 70mm six-track version. All three have so many audible differences between each other that they invalidate comparison.The audio on disc 2 is based on the earliest mix (the 70mm version) so it lacks some lines from the later versions (Threepio's tractor beam spiel, "Close the Blast Doors", "Blast it Wedge, where are you?" etc.)

There were three mixes. A rare mono mix, a stero mix, and six-track stereo mix.


(For what it's worth, I do completely agree with you that the original trilogy shouldn't be treated like a red-headed stepchild.)


Thank you very much!!

If you no longer want to participate in it, you don't have to keep reading and posting. I don't think anyone's really crossed the line.

Even me :)? Again, I apologize.