Was George Lucas's
Star Wars Trilogy, the most anticipated DVD release ever, worth the wait? You bet. It's a must-have for any home theater, looking great, sounding great, and supplemented by generous bonus features.
The Movies
The
Star Wars Trilogy had the rare distinction of becoming a cultural phenomenon, a defining event for its generation. On its surface, George Lucas's story is a rollicking and humorous space fantasy that owes debts to more influences than one can count on two hands, but filmgoers became entranced by its basic struggle of good vs. evil "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," its dazzling special effects, and a mythology of Jedi knights, the Force, and droids. Over the course of three films--
A New Hope (1977),
The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and
Return of the Jedi (1983)--Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and the roguish Han Solo (Harrison Ford) join the Rebel alliance in a galactic war against the Empire, the menacing Darth Vader (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones), and eventually the all-powerful Emperor (Ian McDiarmid).
Empire is generally considered the best of the films and
Jedi the most uneven, but all three are vastly superior to the more technologically impressive prequels that followed,
Episode I, The Phantom Menace (1999) and
Episode II, Attack of the Clones (2002).
How Are the Picture and Sound?
Thanks to a new digital transfer, you've never seen C-3PO glow so golden, and Darth Vader's helmet is as black as the Dark Side.
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In a word, spectacular. Thanks to a new digital transfer, you've never seen C-3PO glow so golden, and Darth Vader's helmet is as black as the Dark Side. And at the climactic scene of
A New Hope, see if the Dolby 5.1 EX sound doesn't knock you back in your chair. Other audio options are Dolby 2.0 Surround in English, Spanish, and French. (Sorry, DTS fans, but previous
Star Wars DVDs didn't have DTS either.) There have been a few quibbles with the audio on
A New Hope, however. A few seconds of Peter Cushing's dialogue ("Then name the system!") are distorted, and the music (but not the sound effects) is reversed in the rear channels. For example, in the final scene, the brass is in the front right channel but the back left channel (from the viewer's perspective), and the strings are in the left front and back right. The result feels like the instruments are crossing through the viewer.
What's Been Changed?
The rumors are true: Lucas made more changes to the films for their DVD debut. Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker) has been added to a scene in Jedi, Ian McDiarmid (the Emperor) replaces Clive Revill with slightly revised lines in Empire, Temuera Morrison has rerecorded Boba Fett's minimal dialogue, and some other small details have been altered. Yes, these changes mean that the Star Wars films are no longer the ones you saw 20 years ago, but these brief changes hardly affect the films, and they do make sense in the overall continuity of the two trilogies. It's not like a digitized Ewan McGregor has replaced Alec Guiness's scenes, and the infamous changes made for the 1997 special-edition versions were much more intrusive (of course, those are in the DVD versions as well).
How Are the Bonus Features?
Toplining is
Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy, a 150-minute documentary incorporating not only the usual making-of nuts and bolts but also the political workings of the movie studios and the difficulties Lucas had getting his vision to the screen (for example, after resigning from the Directors' Guild, he lost his first choice for director of
Jedi: Steven Spielberg). It's a little adulatory, but it has plenty to interest any fan. The three substantial featurettes are "The Characters of
Star Wars" (19 min.), which discusses the development of the characters we all know and love, "The Birth of the Lightsaber" (15 min.), about the creation and evolution of a Jedi's ultimate weapon, and "The Force Is with Them: The Legacy of
Star Wars" (15 min.), in which filmmakers such as Peter Jackson, Ridley Scott, and James Cameron talk about how they and the industry were affected by the films and Lucas's technological developments in visual effects, sound, and computer animation.
The bonus features are excellent and along the same lines as those created for The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. Each film has a commentary track, recorded by Lucas, Ben Burtt (sound design), Dennis Muren (visual effects), and Carrie Fisher, with Irvin Kershner joining in on the film he directed, The Empire Strikes Back. Recorded separately and skillfully edited together (with supertitles to identify who is speaking), the tracks lack the energy of group commentaries, but they're enjoyable and informative, with a nice mix of overall vision (Lucas), technical details (Burtt, Muren, Kershner), and actor's perspective (Fisher). Interestingly, they discuss some of the 1997 changes (Mos Eisley creatures, the new Jabba the Hutt scene) but not those made for the DVDs.
There's also a sampler of the Xbox game Star Wars: Battlefront, which lets the player reenact classic film scenarios (blast Ewoks in the battle of Endor!); trailers and TV spots from the films' many releases; and a nine-minute preview of the last film in the series, Episode III, Revenge of the Sith (here identified by an earlier working title, The Return of Darth Vader). Small extra touches include anamorphic widescreen motion menus with dialogue, original poster artwork on the discs, and a whopping 50 chapter stops for each film.
"The Force Is Strong with This One"
The Star Wars Trilogy is an outstanding DVD set that lives up to the anticipation. There will always be resentment that the original versions of the films are not available as well, but George Lucas maintains that these are the versions he always wanted to make. If fans are able to put this debate aside, they can enjoy the adventures of Luke, Leia, and Han for years to come. --David Horiuchi
Includes: *
Episode IV, A New Hope Commentary by George Lucas, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren, and Carrie Fisher
*
Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back Commentary by George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren, and Carrie Fisher
*
Episode VI, Return of the Jedi Commentary by George Lucas, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren, and Carrie Fisher
* "Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy," the most comprehensive feature-length documentary ever produced on the Star Wars saga, and never-before-seen footage from the making of all three films
* Featurettes: The Legendary Creatures of Star Wars, The Birth of the Lightsaber, The Legacy of Star Wars
* Teasers, trailers, TV spots, still galleries
* Playable Xbox demo of the new Lucasarts game Star Wars Battlefront
* The making of the Episode III videogame
* Exclusive preview of Star Wars: Episode III
1 Look at me!
Look at me! I'm another obsessed Warsie! I think I'm so cool for putting down and insulting George Lucas! I think that Star Wars are my movies when they're really HIS because I'm an ignorant moron! I hate the Special Editions, despite the fact that they helped IMPROVE and make the films better! Greedo doesn't shoot first, mommy! Greedo doesn't shoot first! I want the originals and won't even give these a chance because I'm so ignorant and stubborn! BOO-HOO! I want my originals! Geez, grow up you morons! These are very good movies on DVD and in very good quality. So what if they're NOT the original cuts? You can still buy them on video! All positive reviews are always welcome, but stop wasting space here with all your griping and whining! WE GET THE PICTURE ALREADY! SHEESH!
2 I like it...
I'm sorry for those who were upset by it...But I like it...
I'm truely sorry, But I got so tired of popping in my ORIGINAL VHS tapes of the Original Trilogy, which were only worsening throughout the years. (Please note...I am Practically 16 though, so I've grown up very used to this technilogic movie awesomeness).
As much as I loved them, I couldn't handle the VHS anymore, I'm too adapted to the DVD player with Digital Sound and Video. Some of the changes made me go "WHA!?", like the Gungans at the end of Return of The Jedi (the Hayden replacing the orignal Anakin spirit really didn't bother me). But some others were awesome. Like I've heard people complain about the Emporer scene change in ESB, but I think that was needed. The first spin around it wasn't good old evil Ian playing the Emporer...and was totally off the Emporer's character. So that change I was VERY happy of. As for the dialouge there, yea it's kind of weird, but I think it makes sense.
I like how it's crisply put together now, with very good sound, updated lightsaber quality, and ship quality and all that.
Again just a reminder, I am 16...I really like Digitally Remastered.
3 This is the Holy Trilogy
Yes, I know changes were made, but I still think this is the Holy Trilogy... Star Wars, Empire and Jedi. Why do I think this is the Holy trilogy ? Because I grew up watching these films. Star Wars started it all; merchandising, soundtracks, comic books, etc... then Empire came aboard to kick all of out butts (Luke, I AM your father), and even though Jedi was somewhat corny, it still was great !!!
4 Thee Trilogy!
Ok well I was born in 1981 so I BARLEY remember seeing Jedi in the theaters. That being said I have always been a huge star wars fan. I remember having luke's x-wing fighter that had an R2 that you pressed down to make the wings move, very cool! So to me this has always been the classic "Trilogy" I've never understood people's dislike of Jedi I think it's above Empire! To me A New Hope is a good intro but I've always been a HUGE Luke Skywalker fan so you could see why Jedi would be my favorite as Luke really comes into his own in Jedi and is really a bad ass, where in ANH he's just a teenage nerd who lives on a desert planet. Yes he saves the day but it's more luck than power.
Ok so to the DVD's, like I said I never saw the O.G's in theaters so I can't say I've really seen these films. When they were re-realesed in '97 I got a taste of what it was like to be there in '77. HOWEVER the changes always bothered me, I HATE the Jabba scene in IV. I love when han steps on Jabba's "Tail" soo corny, and the song in Jedi, bleeh. I don't mind some of the scenery shots like in cloud city ect.. I think these are good changes, but sometimes very out of place. Would someone please tell LuCASH that when you make a moive your suppose to leave it in it's original form as sort of a time peice. But this new thing of changing classics (E.T I'm looking right at you) is stupid. Someone should take these films away from lucas because if he continue's there'll be nothing left of the O.G's. Someone made a good point on here, Lucash didn't write or direct the two standout movies in this trilogy, and it shows. With the "New" Tilogy there is so much cheesy diolouge and pointless love story mumbo jumbo and "lore" that Lucash has made up. (Matrix Reloaded I'm looking at you) Seeing yoda fight is cool but over all there pretty weak.
Ok so the picture and sound are INCREDIBLE!! I never imagined these movies could look so good! In a word astounding. So I've read another review from an employee of Lucas and he said that these DVD's were just because of a demand for them, and the fact that DVD's are going to be replaced eventully lucas decided to put the SE's on DVD insted of spend the time to fully re-tool the O.G's. So with that in mind you can't get too mad. I understand that they were working on Revenge at the time and had no time to do these DVD's so I understand why they wanted to wait till all the movies where out so they can make a Ultamite box set wich will include the O.G movies. To this is say great! These movies are popular for a reason, and it ain't from the '97 re-realease. I understand trying to reach a new audience but geez why not let those movies stand on there own, yes the new trilogy makes the old ones look very out dated but THEY WHERE MADE IN THE LATE 70'S EARLY 80'S!! good lord, if Cassablanca was updated every 10 years we'd have J-Lo in it and a song by ashlee simpson. My point is that movies like this don't need to be updated, yes they look cheesy now but it's a time and place, when you screw with it it just cheepens the whole thing. I mean everyone probably hates their movies when they see how different they can make them now but that's not the point, let them be! Like I said these movies did not gain popularity because they were re-realeased, they were popular because the characters are great and the story is awsome! Just leave it, don't become a whore to CGI, I think since '97 when CGI started to show up everywhere, we've learned and I hope Lucas has that CGI can't carry a film. Take the new Trilogy, great CGI but no story! No stand out characters, boring diolouge. I LOVE these films even with all the changes I STILL love it, but to me the CGI is cheesy, it was made in a time when CG was still in it's infant stages, and I'm sure after seeing Golum in LOTR george wants to go back and change it again. And frankly I say he shouldn't this is the point, you can never stay ahead of Technology, it's always going to get better. So is george going to "Update" these movies every 10 years? By the end we'll have a 10 minute Ewok song and dance, and Jar Jar will show up in cloud city or something, so lame. Wow long review but the point is get this box set because the DVD's look great. But know that this is not the O.G fims, you'll have to wait until 2007 for the HD's in there O.G form. Can't wait!!
5 Lucas' Original Vision
OK, the very first Star Wars film I ever saw was The Phantom Menace on its opening day in 1999. This, to the horror of the "True Fans" is what I originally associated with star wars. It was purely an amazing experience that has given me meaning to my life since I was 10 years old in 1999. I then saw the"original" films as you purists like to call it, in their :original form" later on that year. I noticed many flaws in them compared to The Phantom Menace and thought they should be changed. Well, they were, in '97, two years before, but such obvious mistakes such as coloring of lightsabers, picture quality and the appearance of the emperor in The Empire Strikes Back needed to be changed. And with the release of Revenge of the Sith, it was definately time to make some changes. So, now he has, much to my happiness. They tie in much better now, with the inclusion of the way Anakin was supposed to appear and various other changes. I still think he could make more changes, such as the inclusion of scenes in episode 4 such as a scene of the emperor dissolving the senate on coruscant, or scenes on Aldaraan of Bail Organa. Return of the Jedi could also use a scene of Boba Fett crawling out of the sarlacc pit like he did according to the expanded universe. Oh, and by the way. It was nice to see the Ewok films, Droid Cartoons, and Ewok Cartoons released on DVD as well, a refreshing look at Star Wars from a regular person point of view. The Clone Wars cartoon, way cool, near film quality, story and action wise! I do, though wish that THE STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL would have also been released, as I actually really enjoyed the bootleg of it I bought from eBay. I can see the shocked look on 99.9999% of fans faces now. This was and is an incredibly cool saga and will continue to be(the two new announced TV shows "Clone Wars" will continue as 30 minute animated shows, and a live action show will air sometime next year.
6 ALL RIGHT!!!
What can I say about one of the greatest trilogys of all movie history? Not much but I'll try......
This is the original, the one that started it all! I got the 1997 release on video, and I loved all the new things they added. They have 'em in the dvd too, so the it's the best of both worlds. I can't count how many times I've seen the special features, especially the preview of Star Wars III: THE RETURN OF DARTH VADER(original title of film), or as we know it, REVENGE OF THE SITH; I can't wait until it comes out this month!
All in all, this is a great addition to your DVD collection.
7 A note from a Lucas employee
I am tired of all the outcries over this boxset, so I'm going to give you all a bit of insight to what went on behind the curtain.
First of all, let me explain why Lucas released this set. Demand was very high, and DVDs were going to be phased out in the near future. He wanted to please the fans, and give them something to tide over with until the BD/HD-DVD set hits stores in 2007.
Long story short, we had a lot to do and a very short period of time to do it in. Most of our resources were busy with Episode III (both the release and the DVD for the film). We were strained to begin with. Add putting the entire star wars trilogy on DVD with only a little bit over a year to restore and master it, and you have a race against time.
We would have liked to re-color the lightsabers, re-color Jabba, spend more time on the audio/picture, and everything else we wanted to do, but WE HAD NO TIME TO DO IT.
In addition, we only had time to work on one version of the film. We had to choose: the originals, or the special editions. Lucas chose the SE. Lucas didn't want to shell out the millions, and divert time and resources to them when they would be released in 2007.
Yes everyone, the originals are coming to BD/HD-DVD. Seeing all this moaning and groaning makes us wonder if anything will please you guys. The film team is curious if this High-Def set will fill you with joy, or make you all whine further. Why? Because we are already having to make alterations to the film. The restoration is screwing with some key elements, so we are having to go back and manually insert some things. For example, the lightsabers. Yes, they will look like the ones from Episodes I-III, because the High-Def conversion/restoration downgraded the appearence. We had to fix it, and couldn't give it that "70's look" so we were forced to make the sabers look like the more modern ones seen in the prequels.
I'm sorry for all the pain this DVD set has caused some of you. Had we had more time, things would have been different. Now we have a substantial amount of time to work with. With this additional production time, we can now include everything (such as deleted scenes) in the BD/HD-DVD set that we could not include here. You will have your original films (HAN SHOOTS FIRST) and a new directors cut (with more changes) in High Def very soon. Please be patient with us. We hope you can enjoy this set while we work to blow you away with our finished product in 2007. Thank You.
EDIT: It seems some people are paying no attention to my words, but thats ok...
Continue to make an outcry over the set if you want. It will convince Lucas further that the originals will sell (he feels everyone will prefer the DX over the originals). So go ahead and bash us if you want, but try to be somewhat respectful about it? Thanks again.
8 Great Set
I love these movies. I saw them when the opened in the theater. And am happy that this set is a Widescreen release. These are a must see. I enjoyed the bonus features. Enhanced graphics and sound editing was done to clean up and extend the movies.
Now the reason I gave the movies a 4 star instead of 5. The box says Star Wars Trilogy. I thought I was buying them as they were released in the theater. Do not get me wrong, these are good movies. But it is not what I thought I was buying. These go beyond just the added scenes Mr. Lucas added in the earlier extended versions he released. He has actually created new scenes that never existed and added them. As well as re-wrote some dialouge. Yes I may sound like a purest, but I am not. I just think that the set should have been marked appropritley. Now that you know, you can make an informed decision on whether or not to purchase. But you must see these regardless.
9 OUT WITH THE OLD
I loved these movies when I saw them in the theater many years
ago, so I bought the dvd trilogy. To my surprise, I watched the
dvd's, and found the special fx pretty bad, and the storys kind
of boring. I like episode 1, and 2 much better than the older
ones. I ended up selling the trilogy set for $20.00. I think
the newer episodes are much more interesting, and the special
fx, are much much better! Atleast that's my opinion.
10 So it's not THE original trilogy, who cares?
I just recently bought this box set, and so far, I think that it's awesome. It's nice to have the movies in widescreen, and the picture and sound transfer is amazing. The movies really don't like they were released over twenty years ago at all, it's sweet. As for the changes made to the movies themselves, who cares? Sure, they aren't THE original movies, but I'm not going to whine about it like so many devoted hardcore fans of the movies have been since this set was released. Besides, this is exactly how Lucas wanted the movies to be, so if they were really such devoted fans, they would be happy about that. Regardless, I think the Star Wars DVD set is definitely worth buying, and the changes made to the movies aren't a big deal, so just get over them and buy it already, because it's sweet!
11 Good or bad? Depends on your view
What I cleary mean about being good or bad, is if you prefer having such updates in the movie and if that alone is good or bad.
I personally don't care for most of the updates that were done. However, on one side note, some feel more like Star Wars I & II.
Is that good or bad? We may love Star Wars I-II and IV-VI, but not IV-VI if it feels more like I & II?
I guess that's the only way I look at it to like the new updates.
I-III gave us one sort of feel to the films, and IV-VI gave us another, so having IV-VI to be like I-III may disturb some of us.
I would of course prefer THE ORIGINAL film, the way it was done the first time with widescreen, but these will have to do.
I did however, save the originals with the THX and Widescreen on VHS.
The bit that I don't like, is that George Lucas did say "original" on DVD.
Other than that, and some minor changes, you have it restored on DVD, able to even play it on the PC.
Overall, 4 stars. 5 if they were the original, or at least having George Lucas say it's the updated version.
12 Star Wars in #1 movie of all time!
Hey, if you want pure popcorn entertainment that takes you away from your daily worries.....the original trilogy is the best! Also, on equal ground is the Indiana Jones trilogy.......with these six films you've got a whole lotta fun going on!!
13 Original Trilogy? Lies! Lies! Lies! .....
I guess I should have checked out some websites or reviews of this DVD set before I bought it, but unfortunately I failed to do so.
I was so excited to see that finally, the Star Wars Original Trilogy (as they call it) was on DVD for everyone to enjoy. But when I bought the DVD and brought it home to my family, we were horrified to find that these were not the wonderful movies we remembered at all, but the awful 1997 Special Edition versions with even more awfulness added in.
Needless to say I returned the set immediately and got a full refund. Calling these mockeries of Star Wars the ORIGINALS is an outright lie and total false advertising. Who does Lucas think he's fooling here? He may have tricked me into buying these DVD's once from the cover's false facades, but everyone, even I, know this is not the original trilogy.
14 A perhaps odd comparison
You might think a debate about which was the better movie, The Godfather, or Star Wars, might be a little strange, but I was discussing it with a friend tonight, and came up with some perhaps off the wall comments, so I thought I'd post them here. Interestingly, one can find Star Wars on some movie website's top 100 films, although usually, such as on the AFI (American Film Institute) website, if there's a great sci-film in the top 100, it's usually 2001.
Although many people might not put the original Star Wars movies up there with the Godfather as films, they were, although perhaps not great flicks in the sense that they had great acting, a great plot, a great script and dialog and other traditional film values, still, they were a lot of fun and the special effects were terrific. If I want great acting, plots, and writing I can always rent Citizen Kane, Bad Day at Black Rock, Mutiny on the Bounty, The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, etc.
Most film historians would probably say 2001 is a greater sci-fi film, but it's a very different movie from Star Wars in that it's almost as much a mood piece as a sci-fi flick, and really gets by on the superb direction and vision of Kubrick, not because the plot or script or acting is that great. In fact, unless you read the original book, the ending is completely nonsensical (the whole Starchild thing is nonsensical anyway although I like Clarke).
And as for the Godfather movies, it seems to me that all you had to do to make an impression in this movie was have an appropriately Mafioso-esque mug and demeanor (meaning that you look like you're going to kill the next guy who cuts ahead of you in line all the time) and go around with a beetled brow and a sedulous but crazed look in your eyes, occasionally shooting people in restaurants or in bars and such, and apparently that counts for great acting and atmosphere. No doubt there was some great acting in the movie by the admittedly notable cast, but sometimes the movie's reputation seemed to be as much the result of the shock effect of some of the more grisly violence scenes (such as the horse's head one) as anything else. In other words, lots of gatuitious sex, drugs, and violence in a movie for me doesn't automatically equate to great film-making, which is what seems to sell these days.
Well, clearly I'm being a little facetious here. But also the question is a legitimate one, which is how one really objectively evaluates the aesthetic and dramatic qualities of films that are so different in one sense, and yet so much alike in another (all films basically simply being more visually dramatic presentations of your typical printed story). I don't pretend to know the answer to this question myself, except to say that what makes both novels and films different is easy to say, because of the problems in translating the book into a film, but what makes them truly great enough to stand out from the herd isn't always that easy to distinguish or to articulate.
That having been said, I'm a great fan of the whole Star Wars trilogy and whether they are truly great movies or not doesn't really matter that much to me. Besides, people get snobbish about movies the same way they do about wines and such, and I think a movie should first and foremost be entertaining rather an attempt to create "great art,"--whatever that might be--and the whole Star Wars trilogy had more of that as far as I'm concerned than ten of the greatest "art" flicks.
15 Love them!
I grew up with the movies and loved them all, and I agree that some of the changes Lucas made were not for the best.... okay I don't necessarily like any of them, but the heart is definitely still there. No, I don't know the name of every creature that walks across the screen, and no I don't own every action figure of Luke Skywalker in existence, but they are great movies, and if you haven't seen them yet, buy them or borrow them, whatever! Love 'em, you'll be a fan for life, hate 'em... well at least you'll finally get all references that are still made on primetime TV.
16 Best Sci Fi Movies Ever
In a Galaxy far far away, when my parents need to leave the house for a little bit and didn't want me to pick on the babysitter they would put these movies in and i wouldn't move until they were over. I was extremly excited when they anounced they will release the original trilogy on DVD because i don't own a VCR anymore and the only time i got to watch them is when i went back home to my parents house, so i picked them up the same day they were released and watched all three the same night plus the extra's, if you love Star Wars this is a mush have.
17 Movies is as Great as ever
I have seen so many complaints about the changes I had to speak out. I love the newer versions and actually agree with how and why Mr. Lucas did what he did. The sounds are wonderful, i have surround sound and it drives my neighbors crazy. The picture is much crisper and cleaner and just so easy to watch. The changes everyone complains about is so wasteful for such a great series.
Of course its better to have a young Anakin at the end of Return of the Jedi then the older man. Through out the whole first series they mentioned how Anakin essentially died when he became Darth Vador. Even Obi-wan tells Luke that Vador killed his dad. So why would he be there one with the Force as an old man? Sure Luke saved him as an old man but his true jedi self died when he was young so it makes so much sense for the change
The Greedo shot is the funniest arguement i heard so far. in the original, Han Solo shots greedo(bounty hunter for Jabba). In the new version, Greddo shoots first but misses(at close point range) then Han shoots. I agree with Lucas that kids as well as adults enjoy this movies and having Han(Our hero remember?) look like a murderer because he was in a bind is not a cool thing.
There was also a inclusion of Naboo at the celebration in return of the Jedi which i loved. Naboo played such an important role in parts 1,2,3 that it also deserves to be shown celebrating.
There are a few other changes but none should take away from the story. I do have the orignal tapes that i will keep just to have but i will always watch the new versions. I even got my wife hooked on the series. its a must buy!!
p.s. To all the fans that REALLY think they own a movie because they brought a ticket or some merchandise please relax. It is HIS movie because we did not help fund it when he had his dream of a Star Wars. I really can't wait to see the complaints when he brings them out on 3-D in 2007
18 Too many cooks
Dear George,
Artists are afraid their work isn't good enough, and so they edit and re-work and edit some more. But once the fear is finally faced and the work is put out there
-to be loved or hated, for better or for worse-
the act of creation is over. The painting is dry and on display, the novel is finished and has been read. It exists ON ITS OWN and no longer belongs to you, it doesn't belong to anyone. I don't mind the changes as much as the fact that you actually made them. If another director stepped in and decided to re-edit your films it would be outright plagiarism. What you've done by inserting the 2005 [and 1997] George Lucas into the 1977 George Lucas' work is the same thing. We have learned to accept Jar Jar and ships that strangely get more modern the farther you go back in time. It's still lovable work for someone coasting into their golden years. Go crazy, have fun with it. You're making an Ewok of yourself though with these "new" editions. Quentin has the money to add a sword fight to Pulp Fiction, Frances could drum up production funds for a re-shoot of the end sequence of The Godfather II (just have the guy scare Fredo), Polanski could have another go at Chinatown exiled in Europe (think how much better that nose-cutting scene could be with today's CGI!). But they won't. Show some restraint you big baby.
You will never be in danger of losing our interest (and our $) George, but you're starting to lose our respect.
Sincerely,
an insulted but nevertheless loyal fan
19 Oh please!
A man in pyjamas battling against a man with a bin on his head breathing too heavily, I ask you! Nothing about this trilogy of films recommended itself to me. It was pish and nonsense throughout.
20 Our movies, our choice!
Lucas keeps saying that these are his movies and he can do with them what he pleases. This is not true. We, the fans, paid for these films when we bought tickets, videos and other various merchandise. He's living rich off of our money. We own these movies as much as he does. They may be his ideas, but we ultimately bankrolled them. We deserve a choice and I truly hope that one day Lucas will recognize that.
21 Don't embrace the Dark Side...
Over countless discussions/arguments/debates, I have continually taken up the Joseph Campbell cause and dubbed Star Wars (Episodes 4-6) one of the greatest modern myths and archetypical studies. The old changes that were made when they were rereleased in the theatre actually didn't offend me as horribly as it did others. And I, like many people aged between 16 and 65, eagerly anticipated this DVD set. I was elated when I had heard I wouldn't have to wait until after Episode III for the release of this DVD set. Then I heard "the rumours"...Lucas had made even more changes. OK, I'm a big boy now and after all it is his movie; I think I can handle it. But I couldn't. And thank god I didn't shell out one red cent for this Craptastic Plasticfest. My main complaint?- ending Return of the Jedi with Hayden "Look, I'm Emoting" Christenson instead of the original old Anakin. Mr. Lucas, what were you thinking? Why not replace Sir Alec Guiness with Ewan MacGregor? Wouldn't that make as much sense? Why did Anakin's ghost revert back to his younger days while Obi-wan's stayed the same age? It's amazing how you can fit that huge noggin into your own buttocks but I think you've managed exceptionally well with this travesty of modern cinema. I loved those movies (the originals) and I have refused to purchase this set as such. If Mr. Lucas actually cared about his true fans (who mostly seem to long for the original versions) he would stop acting like Palpatine and RELEASE THE ORIGINAL VERSIONS! George, can you here me in your billion dollar bank vault? We made you rich seeing your movies 30 times in the theatre, buying up action figures, collector cards, comic books, piggy banks, lightsaber replicas, release after rerelease of the VHS versions, etc. and you don't even have the decency to honour our one request? I sense the Dark Side running rampant within you. Please step back into the light.
22 May this DVD be with you ... Always !!!
Creating a fantasy world with characters that embody all the virtues and flaws and throwing them into the mix of an epic
saga about good vs. evil is probably the oldest trick in the
cinematic book. But ... the difference is in creating the perfect
illusiuon and for that Mr. Lucas can't be beat. An original
fantasy is a rare commodity these days and a great storyteller
even more so. Owning this magnificient movie on DVD is a no-brainer
and it is enjoyable even today inspite of the enhancements done some of which are great and much needed while
the others horrendous (the club sequence in Return Of the Jedi) . The most startling achievement of this DVD set is the
terrific restoration of the print and the improved color quality
truly make this gem shine. The sound quality needless to say is
superlative and being Skywalker sound's baby this has to stand
out as their best effort. The visual effects are far better than
they were the film was originally shot and they are added to the
existing scenes with such finesse that its impossible to imagine
that this was not how the scene originally looked. ILM has done a
bang-up job to ensure that the viewers experience the entire series as one giant epic without letting on that these movies are
so many years apart.
Enough talk for now ... here are the rankings ...
Ranking the movies from best to worst ... so far
(Episode III is still 3 weeks away from release on May 19 2005)
1. Empire Strikes back
2. Star Wars - A New Hope
3. Attack Of The Clones
4. The Phantom Menace
5. Return Of the Jedi
Visual Effects
1. Attack Of The Clones
2. The Phantom Menace
3. Empire Strikes Back
4. Return Of the Jedi
5. Star Wars - A New Hope
Sound Effects
1. Attack Of The Clones
2. The Phantom Menace
3. Return Of the Jedi
4. Empire Strikes Back
5. A New Hope
Screenplay
1. Empire Strikes Back
2. A New Hope
3. Return Of the Jedi
4. Attack Of The Clones
5. The Phantom Menace
This DVD set has excellent repeat value and appeals to
teenagers and above.
A must have for every Movie Collector.
23 The special edition's special edition
For fans of the trilogy the first noticable edition besides clean up, has been complete scene touch ups. One key scene (one that this writer was glad to see) was the redux of Vader's conversation with the Emperor from Empire Strikes Back (V). That bug eyed version of the Emperor is no more! The Rancor scene (the creature attempting to have Luke for lunch in VI)has been enhances. The original scene had noticable black lines in shots with Luke (Mark Hamil). Some add-ons raise a brow even among huge fans. The inclusion of a young Anakin (Hayden Christensen)standing next to a much older Obi Wan, and Yoda doesn't add up when you consider that Anakin died an older man. It wouldn't be the first time that George Lucas made a questionable change. The Special Editions (once officially part of the saga) were themselves the debate of both fans and fellow directors. Lucas will likely continue to make changes as he sees fit. As fans will simply stand in line. Changes or no, it's Star Wars and that's all I need.
24 Revamped, but still great....
Sure they digitally remastered a lot of the scenes, even added some extra scenes that we werent able to see years ago. But the story and the movie are the same, as exciting and adreneline rushing as they have always been.
If you are looking for one DVD set to caputure the magic of the original Star Wars, order it up.
25 Very new and yet so old
I first got intrested in this when I saw The Empire Strikes Back (VHS). I flipped over it. It was wonderful.
This makes the Trilogy a whole lot better. The X-Wings look real and thank goodness that they made Jabba in A New Hope computer animation because he looked horrible in the VHS. The thing about Hayden Christean I liked. It connects the original Trilogy to the Prequel Trilogy. The story was untouched and Empire of Dreams gave me a glimpse of how hard it was to make Star Wars. I liked the Return Of Darth Vader thing. It was cool how they say "It went from trying to save the one you loved..." And it shows Aniken carrying his dead Mom back to the Lars Homestead and then they say "... To realizing you can control the universe." It then shows a scene where Darth Vader and his Blizzard Force Stormtroopers entering the Echo Base. The preivews section was cool too. It's a must buy!
26 WOW
What a big contraversy, hey, folks? The problem is, I follow what Lucas does, but talk about &*@#ing the trilogy. Greedo shoots first, and Han is a KEN DOLL in that part. Its so FAKE. Now, I would have minded tis if:
-George Lucas INVISIONED this.
-An original version of the trilogy was available, so I dont have to look at the new whiney Aniken at the end of 'Jedi'.
-They did at least a LITTLE better on the effects.
But, hey, at least Leah is still in her metal bakinni in 'Jedi'. Yow. Nothing wrong there, eh?
Honestly, Lucas. The only thing that does this NEW trilogy justice is the new movies (which are mediocre) and the bonus DVD Without them Lucas would havenever *&%$ed with it. Other that that its OKAY...
27 Let's Unsheath Our Claws and Go For The Jugular!!!!
Having read the reviews and understanding that some fans are pissed off at the new versions of the three original Trilogy films, we need to step back for a few minutes and take a deep breath. First things first . . . Is somone holding a blaster to your melon, forcing you to put your hard-earned dollars into Mr. Lucas' bank account? Nope. So I think the major resolution to the issues of revamping the Trilogy break down pretty easily into this: If you don't like it, don't (...) buy it! Bottom line. Now that that's out of the way, let us explore the possibilities. Sure, I liked it when Han just straight up wasted Greedo in the original films when I was a wee lad of seven. Hell, that was what made Han Solo so friggin' cool. Rebel. This close to the galactic version of Dirty Harry. And sure, did I need to see that geek, freak, whining (...)of an Anakin Christian whatever-his-name-is in the original movies? Hell, no. That borders on blasphemy. Seeing these movies in the theaters as I was growing up bordered on a religious experience, and screwing with the originals makes my flesh creep. But, we gotta look at it the other way. Apparently Mr. Lucas doesn't want the originals back on the market in DVD format. Now we can do one of three things about it. By the Malaysian bootlegs off of E-bay or stand around and (...)like a bunch of whiny Star Wars geeks or we can buy this revamped version of the Trilogy and lump it. There are the choices. I didn't say you had to like them. But the picture quality is great! And the sound is fabulous! And the documentary is superb on the 4th disc . . . so suck it up and buy it and keep your memories of the originals in your mind for selfish nostalgia. All in all, the changes aren't as bad as all that. This is just the 1997 Special Editions with three or four more tweakings. Lucas apparently will never feel that the first three Star Wars flick will ever be done to his liking. Whatever . . .
28 A filmmaker gone mad
It's been said a thousand times so I'll do my best to be honest.
The only reason I will never buy this trilogy set (and let me point out the -single only- reason) is because of the horribly executed additions made to these films.
While the new trilogy is nothing but mediocre and fatuous, these first three in their original form were fantastic. We forget that the magic of the original films isn't just due to the ground breaking (at the time) special effects but because of the characters. With the likes of Harrison Ford and Sir Alec Guinness you're not going to do to bad even when the dialog is corny. In fact, it's amazing how much Harrison Ford carries the original trilogy. The point is, you simply don't need bad CG filler, you need strong characters. Droids acting silly to make kids laugh, whole new generated scenes detracting the viewer and completely changing the pacing of the films...I don't understand Lucus' motivation here. There's a reason the original cut was the original cut and I question the stories about Lucus simply not having the technology to add these bits back in the day. Sometimes a limited budget is a good thing, it removes self indulgence clearly seen with the prequels. Empire is the strongest and the least tampered with. If I could just pick up that film and the extras disk I would, but that wouldn't make a good "box set" would it.
Let's face it, Jabba is not a wonderful human being and never was except for a dull scene on the cutting room floor where it should have stayed. You don't see Coppola going back to change the scene at Louis' Italian American Restaurant do you? Sollozzo doesn't shoot first does he?
Lucas' saving grace is that he made one of my all time favorite films "American Graffiti". A truly underrated picture made back when this west coast rebel filmmaker was young and hungry for the craft. Thank "the maker" he hasn't touched that film since he fought for his original vision to appear in release. I don't need to see Curt in a flying car or a digitally re-created Wolf Man appearing throughout the film....hmmm, maybe more Harrison Ford singing though...damn I can see how these things happen.
Take a look at how Peter Jackson approached the Lord of the Rings and it puts things into perspective. You quickly see how Lucus has completely ruined what was a brilliantly inspired and executed original creation.
TK421 why aren't you at your post?
29 The Greatest Trilogy
While the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is great, the original "Star Wars" trilogy is in my opinion the greatest trilogy that has ever been made. George Lucas' brilliance first came to the big screen in 1977 with "Star Wars: A New Hope". This movie would set the standard for all sci-fi movies that followed. With Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Darth Vader just to name a few, "A New Hope" was universally loved. The story continued with "The Empire Strikes Back" which in my opinion was the best "Star Wars" movie ever made. The second movie in the original trilogy puts Luke face to face with Darth Vader and includes the biggest revelation in movie history and one of the most famous lines ever. "Return of the Jedi" concludes the original trilogy with a blast as Luke and Darth Vader face off for the last time as the Emporer watches and waits to try to turn Luke to the Dark Side as he did with Darth Vader. This movie trilogy is one to own.
30 Originals Are Available In DVD
I don't know why everyone is complaining about the new versions. If you don't like the changes (I don't), then buy the originals on DVD.
I have a very nice DVD version of the originals without Lucas' 1997 edits that I bought in NYC.
31 Tough Ess
You people complaining about this movie are looking for a different product. It's like going into the cereal aisle of the supermarket and grabbing a box of Frosted Flakes and yelling "HEY! THESE aren't Crunchberries! How DARE this NOT be a box of my beloved CRUNCHBERRIES!!!" You know how stupid you sound? So you don't happen to care for this specific consumer product. SO WHAT? Your every whim has not yet been met by the marketplace. Boo-HOO. How about this: Just don't buy the freaking thing! Wait until YOUR favorite flavor gets released. Dopes.
32 This is brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I really don't get what all the fuss is about concerning Lucas's additions to the DVD release! Everybody seems to hate them! Personally I think they add a whole new (better dimension) to the movies and make them more of a joy to watch. They can help you connect more between the prequel trilogy and the original which simply wasn't happening with the original theatrical version. I especially like the scene from The Empire Strikes Back which they've touched up. Instead of having some other actor playing The Emperor as it was originally they have the proper Emperor (Ian Mcdiarmid). This scene was only short and the Emperor was a hologram speaking to Darth Vader but none the less, the scene is much much better now! There're many other scene's like this as well which really makes these DVD's a thrill to watch for the first time. And as for you people criticising George Lucas? If it wasn't for him you wouldn't even have the theatrical versions alright? Just you try coming up with a multi-million dollar film franchise! And anyway, they are his films to change if he wants to change them. His!
But for those of you seeking to perhaps buy a copy, please (if you've got the cash) just go out and get the bloody things! They are three fantastic films which can be enjoyed over and over again and the special features are really interesting to watch (sneak preview of EPISODE 3!). They come in a great looking presentation box and are a must for any film buff (not to mention star wars buffs) FOR GOD'S SAKE GET THEM!!!
33 So wrong...
First, let me say that I love all three original movies...
I still have my Kenner Millennium Falcon (and not broken, either,
thank you very much).
I don't even care about the cheezy CGI additions to the movies,
or other minor changes.
I DO care about the whole Han/Greedo thing - this completely changes
the entire persona of a MAJOR character. Han Solo is no longer
the rogue-ish space captain, he's just another goody goody
rebellion guy.
It's just... wrong.
I've watched the new editions at a friend's, but I just can't bring myself
to buy them.
It's just... wrong.
Someday - the heir's of Lucas will release the originals to get more
money. Maybe I'll be alive then...
34 Mixed feelings
Ah, yes, the much talked about Star Wars Trilogy DVDs.
Personally, I'm happy to have any version of the films available on DVD. And indeed the visual and audio quality is superb - the old VHS editions just don't do the films justice.
Now the real problem emerges when you start talking about Lucas's changes. First he comes out with the "Special Editions" in 1997. We get CGI stuff added to Mos Eisley. These effects are cheesy, and you can tell they're from '96 or '97. Although Star Wars fans grimaced, we probably could have tolerated it if Lucas had stopped there.
But no - he decided to tinker his movies further with this DVD release. He gets rid of Boba Fett's awesome original voice, instead using the guy from Attack of the Clones who played Jango. He adds a ridiculous scene in Jabba's lair with some CGI weirdo. I would say this scene is worse than anything Jar Jar Binks ever did/said on screen (which is saying a lot).
Even with all this stuff, SW fans STILL would probably accept the films...but then Lucas adds Christiansen at the end of Return of the Jedi. I personally don't really mind...but I don't understand it either. What difference does it make if Christiansen or Sebastian Shaw is seen at the end? Why not replace Alec Guiness with Ewan McGregor too? It just doesn't make any sense.
In my mind this whole debate would go away if Lucas would just release the original versions on DVD. Then fans could choose for themselves. I think they will, someday. Lucas at first was reluctant to put even these versions on DVD, but he was forced to when people were getting them by bootleg. Same thing is going to happen with the originals. Lucas is going to cave someday and release them...maybe at the same time he releases a "super" set with all six episodes.
Lucas has said these are his movies and he can do what he wants with them, and that's fine. But I think any more alterations to the movies will cause open revolt against Lucas :)
I love the movies, and if this is the only version I can have on DVD then I guess I'll live with it.
35 This is NOT Star Wars
If you want the original movies that you saw in the theatre, the movies that are a part of film history, these are NOT them. Don't buy these and, maybe Lucas will get the message and release the original versions. Spread the word.
36 Whine, whine, whine.
One whiny reviewer said it perfectly: "What have you done to MY star wars movies?" They're not YOURS, douchebag! They're just movies, and they happen to be MINE. They are not public domain, they are private property... MY property. If you're all such perfectionists, make your OWN movies instead of whining and crying about mine. I've done quite well, thank you very much. Oh and speaking of money, what wrong with trying to make it? Like you're all bhuddist monks or something. Please. But feel free to keep whining, it certainly doesn't seem to impact MY livelihood! Cheers.
37 Will the true Star Wars trilogy please stand up?
I won't be buying this farce. The '97 revisions I found totally disappointing. I don't need more changes to my Star Wars movies any more than I need deleted scenes and colorization to _Casablanca_ or dubbing to my Rudolph Valentino movies. Newer isn't always better, Mr. Lucas.
In any event, how could I enjoy a movie if the things that are most noticeable are the new edits?
I hope you are laughing all the way to the bank, George. Although I do wonder how you can look at yourself in the mirror after having prostituted out some great movies for nothing but your own personal gain.
38 He should make the original available
I personally like the DVD copy, but I agree with that one reviewer(the one who worked on Groove) who said that the original should at least be available as an option. It is true Star Wars is a classic movie and should be preserved and available. I dont know who that guy is, but he obviously gave alot of thought to his position. He seems like a "good kid". To those who think that Lucas is just releasing these "new" versions just to make money, ask yourself, why wouldn't he release BOTH the original and new versions. You know darn well the fans would buy BOTH and he would make even more money! I guess he may do that one day even though he said he wouldn't, sometimes he flips on things, like Kerr....ummm, nevermind. I know I would buy both, the original and the super super edition with Jar Jar flying besides Luke in the end Death Star battle.
39 Do I really need to do this... it IS Star Wars and all...
Okay. I know some people don't like the changes. If you don't it's cool. If you do even better. I don't mind, I think it makes the films a bit more cohesive. Anywho.
The Films. The films speak for themselves. George Lucas' most classic films. (Okay, you could make an argument for Indie but just let me have this moment.) The power of the Star Wars saga alone was enough to make me buy this. This is epic storytelling at its best.
Visual. This films are stunning. You thought they were beautiful back in the day? Or for the re-released special editions. This kicks up yet another notch. Picture so crystal clear you'll swear that those lightsabers are real!
Audio. Again amazing. 5.1 Surround. You'll hear the space battles like never before. You'll swear that X-Wing just flew over your head before blasting that TIE fighter into oblivion.
Extras. Lucas gives us a disc chock full of extras from old trailers to the 2 1/2 hour featurette "Empire of Dreams" as well as a documentary on lightsabers, video game demo (Xbox only), a featurette on Star Wars' influence on directors such as Ridley Scott, James Cameron, and Peter Jackson. As well as a killer gag reel.
In closing these films are the reason DVD was made. And we've all been holding a spot on our DVD shelves for the trilogy of all trilogies. Like I said Star Wars speaks for itself.
40 AWESOME !
What a great package! Episodes 4,5 & 6 like we,ve never seen them before! The way LUCAS wanted us to see them & then a 4th dvd with endless material that any true STARWARS fan will enjoy. As for the changes LUCAS made, I LOVE THEM! they make the movies that much better than they already we,re & they will also fit better with episodes 1,2 & 3 now.
41 Why does George Lucas keep milking the whole star wars thing
I heard that Tim Allen was supposed to be Han Solo. I think that Tim Allen's Sci-Fi space movie was better. Galaxy Quest or something? I don't know, no one really cares.
42 May the Force be with You
I grew up with "Star Wars". My mother was a huge fan, had bootleg copies of all three of the movies she played over and over. Yes the quality wasn't so hot, but the good vs. evil message came though loud and clear.
And the story, what a story. You have your innocent youth, your rugged and surly bad guy who needs to be good along with his trusty sidekick and, of course, you have the girl they're both in love with. This is the best western ever made, even if our heros are riding rockets instead of horses and even if it does take place in a galaxy far, far away and a long time ago.
"Empire", well that was my mother's least favorite, but the one I liked the best. It was so different from every other movie I'd seen. The good guy, the one I liked the best, bites it in the end. Dies, well he gets encased in carbonite, which is pretty close to it. I liked the non-ending. Yeah I knew Han was gonna come back for the next one, but still Empire is very, darned good. The battle between Luke and Darth, just superb.
And, of course, there is "Jedi". The best beginning to any movie ever made, bar none. However, I gotta admit, I was never that fond of the Ewoks. I just saw my sister's Teddy bear collection taking out armored guys with blasters. Hard for me to believe then, hard for me to buy now. Still I understand what Mr. Lucus was going for, you know, showing us how good and right can triumph over evil, no matter how superior those evil forces are. Don't get me wrong, I liked the movie five stars worth, I just like the other two better.
The there is that Making Of fourth disc in this collection that shows us how Mr. Lucus brought his dream to fruition. These discs are worth the money for that alone.
Star Wars -- May the Force be With You,
Jack Priest, a Sailor Home from the Sea
43 Episode IV is in a class of its own!
Well: The DVD is clean and has nice color and sound. BUT, Greedo did not shoot first. Jabba's appearance is a waste and is redundant script at best. Mos Eisley is crowded and cluttered with CGI junk. We all could go on and on. One thing; when Luke and company go tumbling in to the trash chamber, you can STILL see Luke mouth "What was that?" With all the "corrections" made, one might think they could have fixed that one. Why George Lucus tampers with a masterpiece I do not know. At this rate, if he ever aquires rights to the "Wizard of Oz", he probably will colorize the sepia tinted beginning and end.
I am now 52 years-old and Star Wars is a pleasant memory and it is nice to see it in widescreen again. Remember, when it first came to the screen many of us baby boomers were expecting a cheapo SciFi flick and to the casual movie buff, no one even thought of a sextuple series. You didn't even know there might be a second one until the end of the movie when Vaders ship tumbles off in to space.
To be honest, I think I'm one of millions that truely enjoyed Episode IV, A New hope and in my humble opinion none of the others have ever come close to duplicating the pure magic of A New Hope. ANH was groundbreaking and revolutionary for it's time. But as enjoyable as STAR WARS was and is, I suggest everyone follow Bill Shatner's advice. Get a life! Other wise just enjoy.
44 The Old Star Wars is No More.
I recently viewed the new 2004 Star Wars Trilogy on DVD Box Set.
The Star Wars I grew up with and loved is no more. The DVD's are simply another money making vehicle for Mr. Lucas. 'A New Hope', which use to be first, but is now fourth, has been enhanced even more since the 1997 re-release. The old and the new special effects don't work well together. It is cheesy. 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi' are really good. The special effects work well in the fifth? and sixth? installment.
But, the very end of 'Return of the Jedi', when Luke witnesses the spirits of Obe-wan, Yoda, and Anakin, Luke sees Alec Guiness, The Yoda puppet, and... Hayden Christiansen. After seeing that, I became disgusted. It should have been the old Anakin Skywalker standing with the old Yoda and old Obe-wan.
The trilogy has no more meaning to it. You can't make a re-re-release too perfect without giving up something.
45 ...
For certain Amazonians who don't carefully read what others have posted... the position stated in the "Gotta Get This Off My Chest" posting does not dispute the fact that Lucas does, of course, have EVERY RIGHT to do whatever he wants with the vast universe he's created. However, the ORIGINAL "Star Wars" should not be lost from existence in the process, since it is a genuine piece of film history. No matter what Lucas calls it, it is much more than a "work in progress"! I don't care how many "Special Extendo Director's Deluxe Definitive" editions of the movies become available in the years to come. The more the merrier. Clearly, no one has ANY right to demand that Lucas stops changing his own movies. Just ALSO give us the original 1977 film that changed cinema (for better AND for worse), NOT to satisfy our 70s nostalgia, but to represent an extremely important turning point in film history.
The "two stars" rating I've given this boxed set is for the uneven quality of the DVD presentation (which was outlined thoroughly in the earlier "Gotta Get This Off My Chest" posting), and not for any personal opinions about the merit of "Greedo shooting first" or "Hayden at the end of Return Of The Jedi".
46 70's fans, shut up and read this
Before I say anything else, you guys are very poor at keeping up with rumors. Lucas is releasing a boxset of all six films on HD-DVD for the 30th anniversary. He is releasing a standard set (with more alterations, mainly touch-up work from what I hear), and another set containing THE ORIGINALS. He simply did not have the time this go around. It took him a year just to re-master the films to DVD format. Don't cite an interview with him claiming that he won't release the originals, because Lucas is very good at doing what he says he won't do:
"Phantom Menace won't be on DVD until 2004"
"I won't release the original triliogy on DVD until 2007"
"I won't create another Star Wars movie after Episode III"
Yet, he leaked some Episode 7-9 info recently, as if to hype these movies that he "will never release." Hmmm...
Just to name a few. Give the poor man some time, and you will get your movies IN HIGH DEFINITION. Be patient.
For the most part, the changes enhance the story, and push it beyond what it originally was. The only changes that damaged the story line were Boba Fett's voice dubbing, and Hayden's cameo, both were poorly done. I was going to give this set four stars for those two reasons, but after seeing what cry-babys have reviewed this set, I decided to give these films the stars they deserve. Plus, those two alteration were very MINOR issues.
Face it: if Lucas didn't exist, you all would never have seen Star Wars in the first place. You are all complaining about something he gave you. It's his property, let him do what he wants with it. He puts millions of his own money into his films to ensure it is a quality product. Lucas has high standards for what he puts out.
Bottom line: find something else to do until 2007. I'm going to chuckle quite loudly when you all start singing praises to him when he panders out the originals. It may seem like a long time, but trust me, seeing the movies just as you remember them in HD format will be worth the wait.
47 Gotta get this off my chest...
All right, here we go. Yet another rant, I'm afraid, that will fall on deaf ears. I'm 34 years old, and was 6 when the original "Star Wars" movie came out. They say that "you like best what you see first", and I'm sure that there's some truth in that. Personally, I don't like what Lucas has done to one of my favorite films. But let's take a bigger-picture view of this, and let's put aside what he's done to "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return Of The Jedi". They were, after all, just sequels. Relax... I know "Empire" is an extraordinarily good sequel, but it IS still just a sequel.
The original "Star Wars" is a bona-fide film classic. Forget my personal opinion. There're 30 trillion "personal opinions" available on the Web; who the hell is going to care about mine? I'm talking HISTORY here: "Gone With The Wind", "King Kong", "2001: A Space Odyssey"... you don't go back and mess with these classic films just because you CAN. Does the stop-motion "King Kong" truly represent what the filmmakers had intended, or would they have PREFERRED to make Kong look more real and menacing, but simply lacked the technology? When George Lucas says his new edition of "Star Wars" more closely represents what he WOULD have done in 1977 if he'd had the resources, I have to say "WHO CARES?!" The fact is, the original "Star Wars" doesn't belong to George Lucas anymore. Or it shouldn't, anyway. As of May 25, 1977, when he put it out into the world, it became the property of the fans. And Lucas has stolen it away from us. What would George Lucas himself say, I wonder, if the estate of Willis O'Brien had been given instructions (before his death in 1962) for the old special effects in "King Kong" to be destroyed and replaced with new, more convincing effects when the technology improved? What if we were never again able to view "King Kong" as it had played in its original release? It would be a cinematic tragedy. And I'm willing to bet money that George Lucas himself would object to that, even if it had been the intention of the original filmmakers!
But enough about all that. Let's pretend that this version of the "Star Wars Trilogy" actually deserves a place on your DVD shelf. To add insult to injury, the quality control on these DVDs is TERRIBLE. I'm a professional feature-film Director of Photography, and I've been through the process of transferring and mastering films for DVD release many times. I know when a sub-standard job has been done on the transfer. For one thing, the black levels are often WAY too low. A significant amount of shadow detail has disappeared entirely! For example, you can barely see the TIE fighters in the asteroid chase in "Empire"! Now, I like dark. I was the DP on "Groove", and we made that sucker DARK in its DVD release, but these black levels are ridiculous, and do NOT accurately re-create the original cinematic experience. And it's not as if it's ALL too dark, so that you can compensate by turning up the BRIGHTNESS setting on your TV. The X-Wings flown by Luke and Wedge are glowing too brightly as Luke declares he's going in "full throttle" over the Death Star; the snow on Hoth is blowing out the highlight detail during the AT-AT attack; Han, Leia, Chewy, and 3-PO are completely "blooming" with over-exposure as Han declares "never tell me the odds" in the asteroid chase. It's all over the proverbial map. (And don't worry--I know how to set up my monitor; there's no problem there!) The work is so shoddy and uneven, my normally idealistic brain (I really DO like to give people the benefit of the doubt) can't help but wander into cynical territory: Lucasfilm MUST be making this DVD release intentionally sub-standard so that we'll want to buy the next re-release of the trilogy (probably on the upcoming HD-DVD format), which will undoubtedly have even MORE changes to our beloved films!
In my opinion, the "powers that be" did NOT troubleshoot this release thoroughly enough. In the first film alone, the opening "Star Wars" title recedes MUCH too quickly into the distance (compared to all previous incarnations, and all sequels); the Star Destroyer in the opening shot is firing WHITE lasers instead of green (because someone involved with the film restoration forgot to complete this particular effects element); the dialogue quality is all over the map (witness the conversation between Leia and Han after escaping the Death Star: the sound levels and hiss are incredibly uneven) despite the fact that we have amazing amounts of "sweetening" technology at our fingertips.
Why does the public accept such a shoddy release? What choice do we have? It's not as if George Lucas is EVER going to admit an error. He's the "George Bush" of film directors. It's a shame that the fate of one of the most beloved films of all time is in the hands of someone like him.
But, go ahead and buy it anyway. The original trilogy WAS truly great, and this is all we're ever going to get... unless Lucas finally listens to the OVERWHELMING public opinion in favor of releasing the original, and that simply ain't gonna happen.
48 Finally, episodes 4, 5, 6, on DVD
You want episodes 4, 5, and 6 on DVD with some enhancements? Then go buy this.
49 Yeah, man. Best film EVER!!!!!!!
Why is Star Wars the greatest triology in film history, even better than all those other great triologies, like "Weekend At Bernies", "Scream" and "The Godfather"? Because of its enormous culturolial-historicolic impact on the masses, the way it reinscribes the latent psychological zeitgeist of the late modernist-postcapitalist epoch with a radical subaltern reading of intergalactical otherness.
Actually, I would say that the first, classic Star Wars film -made way back in 1977, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, yes, even before CGI!- is actually the greatest film in history.
Why?
Because it has everything that anyone could want in a movie. Explosions, sabre-fighting, spaceships, and the amazingly profound Oedipal investment in the sociocultural field of "Luke, I am your father!"
Hey, who needs Bergman when you have the profound posturingness of spuriouso Western-in-space analogies from so-called "movie critics" and the adoration of "best ever movie" list-voting armchair film "experts" who obviously are totally correct in their refusal to watch any film made before 1967? After all, most films made before then were in,like, black and white.
Euuuu-www!!!
Plus, a whole superflouso industry of ner..er, sorry, intelligent and socially skilled fans who know every single line from the film and can entertain people for absolutely hours with their hilarious and aposite comments on all the continuity gaffs (oh, yes, I never tire of "Wait, that stormtrooper is about to bang his head on the ceiling. Ha Ha!") Yes, much like the films themselves. Hilarious.
50 Optomized Digital Effects, NICE!
I LOVE what they did to the digital effects for the Original Star Wars Trilogy. They're just way better now, I swear. Like the Death Star blowing up. In the first version you can see the strings, but in this one, it looks like a pure Nuclear explosion, and you can see the outer shell of the Death Star heat up and then go BOOM! Absoulutly incredible! That's only one huge improvement to the effects, theres many more. The special features are very informative and very educating about the movie, and the video games look great. A must have!
51 flawed improvements
the extras are amazing,the first two films are okay,even with the new scenes,but whats with the "return of the jedi"? its got even more scenes screwed with,especially the end,the actor who played vader has been replaced with that younger vader.why? and if thats the case why isnt obi wan replaced with the younger obi wan? also young vader's eye line doesnt match up with the other actors, hes looking in a different direction.george lucas needs move on and quit screwing with the films before they end up like the new films.
52 "May the Force be with you, always"
The movies that single handedly changed cinema forever are finally on DVD. I was born after these movies were made, and no, I did not have the pleasure of seeing the "original trilogy." However, I must say that I do understand the impact these movies and George Lucas had in the film industry. And as much as people complain that he changed things, this edition is by far the best thing that could ever have happened in the history of movies. All I can say is that George Lucas is a genius and that if it weren't for these three great films we would never have had "The Matrix" or "The Lord of the Rings."
There is no question about it; these movies are classics that will transcend time for as long as there are movies being produced. The extra disk with special features is also excellent with plenty of documentaries about how hard it was for George Lucas to get these films made. This saga is what movies are all about - a true inspiration to future filmmakers and the standard by which all fantasy/Sci-Fi movies are measured. They influenced my life - what else can I say?
"No... I am your father"
53 There's always the VHS tapes
For those who don't like the new "improved" versions of the saga, there are always the VHS tapes. If you didn't purchase them without the 97 changes, you may still be able to find them on ebay or elsewhere.
I personally don't mind these new editions, except for the obvious discrepancies listed by others. However, I am with most people and would like to see the original on DVD minus all new "enhancements."
Enhancements really don't sell that well by their own merit. Take the Alien movie that was released recently (last year?) Didn't do very well. Gibson's Passion redux - ??? Some of these movies just don't need redone. PLEASE - leave them alone. What's next, Indiana Jones get's CGI and adds a tiger running after Ford in the opening scene of the movie (instead of the huge boulder)?!?
54 May The Force Be With You!!!!
If you are as big of a fan of star wars as i am then you will love this its all the original star wars on dvd what could be better there all digitally remastered to high quality star wars action. this is the movie i watch in my movie room and with the surround sound it is amazing.
55 Not the Original Trilogy
When STAR WARS came out in the 70's, it took the world by storm. The original was a breakthrough in the industry of special effects, the sequel EMPIRE STRIKES BACK even topped the first, and the final RETURN OF THE JEDI ended the trilogy with a BANG! The movies were perfect.
What is in this boxed set is not the original trilogy, despite what the box may say. Even more changes than in the Special Edition versions have been made. In EMPIRE, Ian McDiarmid (the Emperor from JEDI) has been digitally placed over Clive Reville's face in the Emperor's scene and in JEDI, Hayden Christensen's face has been pasted over the actor who played Anakin at the end of the film. Also, a parade of Gungans is now included in the finale. EEK! The only good change is in the original, where Jabba the Hutt, who was added in the Special Edition, looks more realistic. But that wouldn't have been necessary if Lucas hadn't tinkered around with it in the first place.
The special features, however, are excellent. The documentary explains every detail about the trilogy, from NEW HOPE to JEDI. There is also a sneak peek at the final installment in the STAR WARS saga, REVENGE OF THE SITH.
All in all, it's a great set to own. The movies are still great, despite the additions, and the features are excellent. I just wish George Lucas had included the original theatrical releases of the films. Now future filmmakers will never get to see the original groundbreaking films!
56 when pigs fly
I bought this dvd set and you could enjoy this WHILE watching it- but this is no original. when the end of the world comes, the originals will be released, the democrats will regain congress, and seinfeld and friends will be mentioned on the seventh I love the 90s series on vh1. Until then if you want the original DESPERATELY invest in a laserdisc transfer and dvd copying technology. But would you rather resort to crime when lucas will obviously release the originals (dont believe him- the originals have to be released, its an economic fact). Plus, I AM IN NO POSSIBLE WAY RELATED OR EMPLOYED BY LUCAS, NOR LUCAS HIMSELF.
57 Just to be fair...
I thought I'd be a bit more fair than some other reviewers who aren't happy about what Lucas did to these movies.
I have a friend who recently bought this trilogy (watched only once) from another friend for three per movie (grand total of nine dollars). Now, I don't think my friend got an unfair price, although I feel it's a bit on the high side to be paying for butchered classics.
If I were to buy this trilogy, six dollars (two per movie) sounds more reasonable to me. Despite the fact that Lucas destroyed a legacy and toyed with the childhood dreams of many of us, if he decides to drop the price to six bucks for the whole thing I'll consider buying it.
After all, DVD's can make attractive drink coasters.
58 after some time, I think - yeah, it does matter
I bought the DVD set thinking I wouldn't really care about the changes. Han Solo does that stupid CGI shifting when Greedo shoots at him, and I thought: Yeah, so what? Tons of other changes pepper the movie. But now, after owning the movies for awhile, I really DO care about the changes. They annoy me, they make my eyes roll, and now....well, now they even make me NOT want to watch the movies anymore. They just sit there on my shelf, all because I don't feel like watching the movie with my eyes rolling or my complaining sighs. Yeah, it matters. I want the originals. Sigh.
59 I can't give it a perfect score....
This remastered trilogy is fine with sound and picture quality, as any DVD should be, but I just don't like how they're remastered in terms of all the added scenes. Episode IV: A New Hope is the most junky, with a CG Jabba, which doesn't even look real! And all the added creatures...well they took out the wolf face from the originals and added something else. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is the best, because it has the least added effects. I like the added scene with the wampa, but the expanded Cloud City...just too digital-looking. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi was messed up also. They have all the digital scenes of various celebrations on different planets at the end, and they inserted a young Anakin at the end instead of the old one. I can understand that a bit more, because he was young when he actually turned to the dark side. They also removed some of the original score to put in junk, i.e. the crappy new duet between a male and female creature in Jabba's Palace, whereas I liked the original song "Lapti Nek" performed by the one female creature. It just sounded better, more the atmosphere of the film. And as corny as it sounds, I liked the "Ewok Celebration" song better. Once again, original music sounds better than some newly added instrumental piece. George should've left things as they were. They were better films. He is ruining the Star Wars legacy little by little.
60 A must for star wars fans
I got this boxed set for christmas. I watched all of the movies within two days. It totally kicks off. I have always enjoyed fantasy films, sword fighting and some sort of magic in films. And now we can get it all in one box. I recommend this box set to all people who have enjoyed watching Star Wars.
61 The Lucas Factor
Ever since "Star Wars" was re-released in 1979 I have been hooked. The "galaxy far, far away" teems with adventure, intrigue, ethics, and myth. I was one of those people who believed the Prequels would happen when most others thought the Force had "gone out of the universe".
Even though I knew Lucas was not including the classic "Star Wars" editions, I was still thrilled to see the trilogy come to DVD. Some of the new material is a delightful surprise, but I do wish he wouldn't have toyed with "Jedi" the way he did in 1997--the Sarlacc Pit now reminds me of the scene from "Little Shop of Horrors".
However, if you're looking to rekindled the fun of these films, or share them with youngsters who were merely a gleam in your eye when the saga first appeared, you won't be disappointed.
The only thing keeping me from "5 stars" is that I wish George (Lucas, not President Bush) would have included the original versions along with his post-Special Edition versions. People generally like a choice and if they had both editions most would probably prefer the new to the old, but not me, I would have fired the first shot at Greedo! : )
62 well i lik it!
i no there r others out there who say they dont like this dvd set but i dont agree with them any way. star wars is good special edition or not. why sould it matter any way? i like these movies and i CAN'T WAIT TILL EPISODE III COMES OUT!!!!
63 Damn You George Lucas
Look, I love Star Wars just as much as the next geek, but I have a problem with the DVD edition. While the added detail in the background of places like cloud city is a sweet addition and adds to the reality of the film's world; and while the video quality is so phenomenal that your jaw will drop all over again; and while the effects are, clearly, the best possible Star Wars expeirience, the "cover-up" nature of the campaign speaks volumes. Neither the advertising and promotional material, nor the actual box text mentions the fact that the dvd is the special edition. They are reffered to as "all three classic films" and "all three original films" in the text. They're not.
Now don't misunderstand me, even though Greedo shooting first is just plain wrong, I respect Lucas' right to revise and re-interpret his work, but pretending the spec-ed IS the original is revisionism.
Also, they put the actor from ep. II and III into the "force ghost" sequence at the end of jedi over the actor who played Vader. Bush league!
64 CRAP!!!
Hi, I was a big fan of original three Star Wars films starting in 1977 up to the last one, even though I didn't care for the fuzzy Teddy bear creatures. These movies that are DVD however, are not the original films!
As long as George Lucas lives and perhaps even longer the original films can now only be found on VHS and Laser Discs! Who'd have thunk it?!
These films are really crap in my opinion, the look and the feel of these films have changed so much that they are utterly spoiled. I had to stop watching the second one because it was so full of new things that ruined the timing and just plain sucked that I had to stop!
The added video generated effects do not enhance the film nor do the computer geek extras who put themselves into the shots! They can't even walk like normal people.
So much has been messed with and added to in these films that they pale in comparison to the originals!
65 A great edition.
Jabba the Hutt is given a face lift in this edition, and there are commentaries throughout all three movies. Almost like having six movies into the bargain. I wish Carrie Fisher would of spoken more in the commentary, especially in ROTJ. There are interviews which include Peter Jackson in the Bonus Disk. I played Star Wars Battlfront for the first time from the Bonus Disk. It was great.
66 It might be edited from the original, but it still is great.
I feel sorry for the dopes who cry that Lucas edited to much. I myself am a huge Star Wars fan and I'm not really mad at Lucas as most. Only thing I think shouldn't have been added is CG characters. It really doesn't fit in with the aged real time cameras and what not. Other than that I don't care that Lucas changed Han Solo's scene where he doesn't shoot first. I can't believe people are actually crying over a little scene that was changed and had no major impact in the story at all.
67 Luke , Yo soy tu Padre!
It was a Long time in coming, however, now the DVD dream is a reality! I was expecting for the set to be released after Revenge of The Sith, thakfully Lucas gave in to preasure and we have the set for our digital viewing pleasure.
First off, we all know by now that this set is not going to make all purists happy since our last chance to get these films untouched was back in 1995 with the THX transfers. In addition, we all know that there is a hardcore group of nerds that like to see George Lucas put on trial for treason after doing the major overhaul on Episode IV.
With that said, after this new prequel trilogy, The first STAR WARS can now better stand next to them. Hell, the first was far from what we saw in EMPIRE And JEDI, in terms of specail FX! It need touching . . . and not in the Michael Jackson kind of way!
A NEW HOPE is a joy to watch on my big screen. The sound makes my windows rattel. The Specail Edition parts are better than in 1997 with a a Jabba The Hut that is closer to the one that appeared in Episode I. I know the Catina shooting scene is still in there. Much to the dismay of nerds still living in their parents basements. But, this is a much better presentation than what was transfered onto VHS. Some parts don't match the rest of the film, I know, yet it's still better and closer to what Lucas wanted in the first place.
The other two films are just as packed with sound and refinments that, in my opinion were not fully finished in their 1997 re-release. The blue screen problems that were never really fixed ( even though They said they were)In the hoth scene are gone. No AT-AT legs overlapping through the cockpit canopy. The only thing that bugged me was the new over dubs for Bobba Fett. It makes sense to use Jango's, but, the old voice had a grit to it that is kinda lost.
The big thing that made no sense was to give poor dialogue to the revised scene where Vader learns that Luke is his son. Again, I see the point in making Palpatine like he did the other films. It just stuck out like a gay man at a G. W. Bush rally. the new lines kinda take away from the fact that we were kinda let to believe that Vader was obbsessed with finding Luke becuase he already knew he had a son fighting against him.
Now to JEDI, still contains of the best dog fight scene's in motion picture history. On the techinal side all the blue screen stuff is smoother. No lines at all to tell this was superimposed. Another thing that was never really fixed in 1997 was the Rancor pit scene with Luke. You could still see the heavy black lines on the monster. All gone now . . . thank God!
Some people don't like the new young jedi Anakin at the end. But, I thought it was touching for Luke to see the man that was and only heard about.
If you're going to get this set, and you damn well should, get it on Widescreen. For those of use that lived on Fullscreen for 25+ years one would be astonished on how so much was cut off the sides or Pan scanned out of our view. It's almost like watching
a whole new trilogy!
Don't forget, this has the trailers, TV spots, "Empire Of Dreams", a look at the new movie, and the demo for the "Battlefront" game for the X box!
68 magic lost
Watching movies from the pass is to recover, not only the images, but the memories and impact it had on you. If the movie is not the same the magic doesn't work. It's a different movie. And I won't take a movie with FX of today and haircuts from the 70s. The Empire Strikes Back is the one I like most. Thank God this one has not been mutilated. For me all the other movies of the saga have become extras I have included on my Empire dvd box (they hardly fit). The same goes for Close Encounters Of The Third Kind.
69 A former masterpiece sullied by unnecessary revisionism
George - please give us our films back.
70 A Classic Slightly Diminished
Firstly, let me say that it is important to bear in mind that many (although not all) of the changes contained in this release of Star Wars are to be credited to the 1997 rerelease and not this DVD issuing. With that having been said, I still must say that I am disappointed that George Lucas made his other changes to synchronize the continuity between his new movies with this one. His goal should have been the oposite (to synchronize his new works with his older masterpieces). This, in my opinion is lazy directing.
Nevertheless, if one can look past the changes made, the movies still are wonderful. We all know them so well by this point. While it would be preferable that we were given the movies in their original condition, we have received them as such. It is difficult for any to imagine episodes 4,5, and 6 in any way that is not filled with awe. In the core, the DVDs are still those classics which are so beloved. That is why I must say that they are indeed sullied but only topically. Substantially, they remain what we love. While Lucas et al. are culpable for their changes, the did not ruin the original vision of Star Wars. Therefore, I still suggest this set for any who feel that it is time to renew their collection (being that the VHS copies may be getting old). The classic, though stained topically, is still that which is known and loved.
71 WHY FIX WHAT ISN'T BROKEN?
I was as excited as anyone to finally get the Star Wars Trilogy on DVD, but I must say that Mr. Lucas should be held accountable for the crime of ruining it. Let's all be honest...the new Star Wars movies (Attack of the Clones etc..) are okay, but if they did not have the Star Wars name attached to them, they would not even be worth a mention. So, why do we have to see them interposed into the originals. First, Boba Fett used to be cool, but his new voice (that of the gentleman in the new movies) is so distracting I found myself screaming in frustration....nothing, however, could top the replacement of the Anakin Skywalker's ghost at the end of Jedi by Hayden Christiansen (sp?)'s likeness. It is an utter travesty. If I were Luke Skywalker, and had just seen my Father die, and then seen this image, I would wonder who the heck this young dude was? I think Mr. Lucas should remember that these films are for us,the fans..if he wants to experiment he should do it on his home copy, not on the copy that we all have to own. What I wouldn't give for the original releases on DVD.
72 Trilogy on DVD
I'm not going to sit here and bash this set because Greedo didn't really shoot first, etc. That's a critique that should be left for the original Special Edition. I'm going to critique the video quality and the extras included in the set.
First, the video transfers are OUTSTANDING. The film is crisp and very clean. If Lucas hadn't already released the Special Editions in 1997, I would be even more impressed since this would be the first time these films would have been available in WIDESCREEN in over 20 years. For pure viewing pleasure, the audio and video quality are PERFECT.
EXTRAS - Here's where the set really let me down. The extras included are nice, but just don't feel like enough to satisfy more than just casual Star Wars fan. The most glaring omissions are the infamous deleted scenes (Luke at the Toshi station, the sandstorm scene from RotJ). Anyone who has purchased the "Making the Magic" CD-ROM will have seen them, but it would have been nice to include them on the DVD set, too. Also, it would have been nice if there was an option to watch the original versions of the films, or at least the original versions of the Special Editions to see what changes were made for the DVD release. As it was, I had to hook up another TV in my living room and watch the VHS and DVD side by side to compare. I really didn't like the commentary on A New Hope. When I listen to commentary, I want to hear things like "What I was going for in this scene is..." or "When we were shooting THIS scene..." Through the entire commentary for ANH, though, Lucas mainly talks about "my vision" and just his general approach to the Star Wars universe. The commentary on ESB and RotJ is much better, with director Irvin Kershner of ESB doing the best job explaining his approach and the different techniques he had to use in shooting the film. Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Ben Burtt (sound designer), Dennis Muren (special effects supervisor). Burtt's and Muren's contributions are informative, but Fisher's are mostly useless.
"Empire of Dreams" is the biggie here, a 2.5 hour documetary that originally aired on A&E. It's a good documentary on the Star Wars phenomenon. The three smaller featurettes are okay but don't really provide new information for fans. What would have been nice would be some featurettes on HOW they made the blasters, HOW they constructed the full-size Millenium Falcon set, HOW they actually did stuff. These documents are very general in their approach. Trailers for the original films are included and, while it's interesting to see how far movie trailers have come in 25 years, the trailers on their own are B-A-D. Most just include stills or McQuarrie paintings, and some guy who I guess was "The Trailer Guy" before the current "Trailer Guy" got his job. Photos, movie posters and TV trailers are also included. It would have been nice to include the Special Edition trailers as well. There's also a preview for Episode III, but I haven't watched it yet for fear of spoiling the movie. And X-Box demo for Star Wars: Battlefront is also included, but I'm a PS2 owner, so it don't do me any good.
The films themselves are perfect in terms of video and audio quality. If DVDs could just be judged on the film alone, this set would be a 5 star set. The extras are good, just not GREAT. They just aren't enough, for me at least. What knocks this down to four stars for me is the LACK of things, namely the exclusion of the ORIGINAL films. Most fans I talk to want a DVD quality release of Star Wars 1.0. Call these films Star Wars 2.1. For now, this set takes its place alongside my VHS collection of the original three films.
73 good movies!
I like the Star Wars movies and i am glad to see them on dvd FINALLY! I watched and seen them more than 20 times by now and i never get tired of them. Yes, I do think that we should have got the original editions of them but the special editions are good too! Episode 3 is coming to theaters may 19 and I CAN'T WAIT! Episode 1 and 2 were bad but hope that this one will be good. good dvds and the 4th disk of xtras is cool too! all sw fans should check it out! i am in the third grade
74 minor changes
These movies were already a good even before they became DvDs.
george lucas knew this and toke advantage of it and did a good job. besides cleaning up the film itself and a few scene edits, its realy just the old movies on DVD. so if you have the movies already then i wouldn't get then unless yours are worn out. but over all a realy good mvie to watch......
75 Will the Real Star Wars Please Stand Up??...
OK -- I won't go so far as to say I want the original untouched versions of the trilogy -- just go back (if you can find a copy) and watch the originals -- FX have come miles (mostly thanks to Mr. Lucas) in the last 20 years and its painfully obvious how weak the technology was then, especially in the first one.
BUT -- some of the new additions to the trilogy just don't cut it. Mostly my problems lie with the "cute" additions that Lucas felt the need to make, such as the little robots taunting each other as Luke and company zip by in the speeder in A New Hope, or the totally unnecessary Max Rebo Band sequence in Return Of the Jedi. Lucas was obviously aiming these scenes at kids. Little little kids.
The film that the new additions actually work best in is, no surprise, Empire Strikes Back. The nuances of Cloud City and the extra scenes of the snow creature are wonderful and -- most importantly -- subtle. Not the "insert new scene here" look of A New Hope.
But all of that aside -- the films themselves are really good and very fun to watch, even after the 100th time. The bonus material here is great as well, with interviews with the majority of the cast and some neat outtakes that will make you laugh -- check out David Prowse's Vader dialogue and Peter Meyhew's Chewy dialogue. Great stuff!
Bottom line -- yeah some of the new CG stuff is annoying, but look at it this way -- atleast there ain't no Jar Jar Binks!
76 Sure , if you are like 8 ..
I have the 1997 VHS trilogy , seeing it I really disliked the CGI they put in , it stands out , doesn't look like part of the movie and really redundent and I'm not picky about chaning a line here and there or who shoots who first .
Then I saw the PM , it was so bad that I didn't bother to see the new ones , they really should have left it at the trilogy , The new movies are no better then the average summer movie crap just with a starwars logo .
Anyone with a bit of sense will see its a merchendise machine , all the CGI , characthers , locations , action , dumb slapstic jokes etc. are made to appeal to kids and milk money out of it , any story , plot acting come in last .
Mr. Lucas , for what ever $$$ you want please put the orignals on dvd , double the money it if you burn the new versions in the process .
77 the disks are red and sticky!
When I was younger I was an ardent fan of Star Wars, and I was eagerly looking forward to finally owning the original trilogy on DVD.
Yeah, it may have taken a while, but they have finally been released!
When the set finally arrived in the mail, I couldn't wait: I stirred myself a large glass of Kool-Aid and unwrapped the handsome box. Unfortunately, in my excitement, I spilled the Kool-Aid all over the package and the DVD's -- and the couch.
Now, not surprisingly, the stupid things do not run properly. They skip and freeze, and at times will hardly play at all.
My (former) friends have cautiously suggested that all this was largely my fault. Nevertheless I am skeptical. I cannot help but suspect that LucasArts had something to do with this.
Why didn't they include Kool-Aid protection on the disks? Why was there no warning about not handling Kool-Aid around the disks? Why is it only now that I am learning of the effects of this otherwise innocuous beverage on their flimsy product?
In fact, the more I think about it, the more I think it's possible that the disks in fact CAME SHIPPED with the Kool-Aid already on them, and that in my anger I'm just mixing things up. But why LucasArts would ship their new Star Wars disks out all sticky and red is beyond me. Perhaps to sell more?
I don't know. So all I can do is discourage you from buying it: the disks are coated in a mysterious red, sticky substance (God only knows where from) which seems to be impeding their proper operation.
78 Excellent!!!
I love this set, especially the documentary, which informed me a lot about the chaotic journey that Star Wars had before becoming so successful. I own the original versions on tapes as well as the DVD set and I have to say that I prefer the DVD version. Looking at alot of "special effects" in the original had me laughing out loud at how crappy they looked.
79 Better Late Than Never !!!
As three of my favorite movies growing up as a kid on the outskirts of Sydney in the conservative 1980s, these timeless and wonderful films were a welcome and enjoyable means of escape from the pressures of day to day life. I am glad to say that the classic Star Wars Trilogy is still great entertainment after all these years. Now they are finally available on DVD cleaned up and restored to a stunning and pristine condition, we can enjoy them again and again after what seemed like an eternity of waiting by devoted fans worldwide. These quasi-mystical space operas replete with Jedi knights, strange aliens and their many worlds, Androids, starships and light sabers can truly now be experienced in all their epic glory. George Lucas in making these three groundbreaking films quite literally, forever changed the way that Hollywood made its movies.
Although now as an adult I can be very critical and expect much more from a movie than sheer spectacle... and while they are somewhat dated and the dialogue might seem a bit corny and naive in these very dark and troubled times, that's okay. The films also tend to be a bit simplistic - too black and white - but then most folklore or mythology is much the same, so that's ok as well. In spite of these minor criticisms I still thoroughly enjoy watching these three visionary films from time to time. Realizing that when all is said and done, they are just rousing and swashbuckling intergalactic adventure stories not to be taken too earnestly !!!
When I watch these films I get a strong feeling of romantic nostalgia, as I guess many people around my age do (people in their late 20s and early 30s). There is a longing for a time when life seemed to be simpler and less complex, a time when people where more radical and non-conformist, a time when people were less jaded, selfish and cynical, as they are now. And I don't actually have much of a problem with the changes George Lucas has made to his films, after all Western art history is full of artists who have gone back to change and rework a piece of art (mainly paintings) they have never been satisfied with, some have even obsessively worked on a piece for many, many years. Its just a shame that he hasn't made available on DVD the original theatrical release versions as well, for posterity, if not for fans.
I was surprised and dissapointed at the relatively small amount of special features included and think that this is a bit cheap and stingy especially considering how many studios put a lot more effort into the "extras" these days, George Lucas really has no excuse and could have added more. A gallery of concept art would have been great for example, or featurettes on Ralph Mcquarrie who did so much to define the look and feel of the films, and one on John Williams who composed and conducted the exhilarating and memorable soundtracks for the Star Wars movies, two creative artists who together arguably did as much to establish the popularity and success of the Star Wars franchise as Mr Lucas himself.
George Lucas was inspired by such diverse sources as the gripping serial adventures of Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon, romantic tales of medieval chivalry, the Japanese art of bushido, ancient myths, legends and fairy tales, old documentary footage from both world wars and art styles such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco. He was also strong influenced by legendary fellow filmmaker Akira Kurosawa and the pop folklorist and writer Joseph Campbell amongst others. He deftly wove all these varied inspirations together to create an archetypal and mytho-poetic masterpiece of good and evil, heroes and villains which taken as a whole forms a unified and prime example of science-fantasy in film. In doing so he has created a modernistic fable for the late 20th century and beyond that inspired a whole generation.
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80 Suh-WEET!
Man, the originals were so boring. I'm glad they've been so thoroughly jazzed-up with extra effects and whatnot. And for those who disagree, you still have your precious little plastis figurines to cuddle with every night, and keep trying, maybe someday you really will use the force to mind-trick an actual female into going out with you. Until then, you can hide your shame behind a bobo-fett mask and pine away, pretending that the real problem is some new effects added to some 70's b-movie about aliens, robots, rubber masks and spaceships. Oh, and magic powers. Don't forget that.
81 No matter what anyone says, it's STILL Star Wars...
You can either take it or leave it, but no matter what you may believe, Star Wars will always be Star Wars. I have seen ALL the films so far (Including the untouched versions of the original trilogy) and enjoyed each and every one of them. (My favorite being "The Empire Strikes Back" out of them all) Truly, I am very glad to finally see these classic gems on DVD and revealed the way they were meant to be when they were released. Of course the purists will not be interested, considering the fact that they grew up watching them in the late 70s and early 80s. The reason why George Lucas had updated these movies in 1997 was due to the fact that he had a limited budget and very little time at the time they were originally made. Obviously, if this had been differently, nobody would be complaining... PERIOD! The changes BARELY affect the films negatively and they are still watchable for ANY SW fan, young or old.
I myself am one of those for the changes due to that they help fix many of the bugs and glitches in the movies. (One being the transparent cockpit of the ships during the battle for Hoth in ESB) Another problem was the white and yellow boxes, which would sometimes appear around some of the star ships. This error has been fixed in the DVDs and I am glad because to me it REALLY got distracting at times. (The same goes for that funny orange blob below Luke's landspeeder on Tatooine)
However, there are also some of the changes seen in the 1997 Special Editions that weren't really necessary at all but fit into the movies okay. One was with the Greedo shooting first in Episode IV, which didn't exactly look as realistic but luckily in this DVD version it has been slightly fixed up a bit, still making Han Solo look like a badass. Then let's not forget Jabba-the-Hutt, who looks A LOT more convincing and familar just like how he is in ROTJ, rather than his original makeover as a slithering piece of turd in the 1997 version. Also, it's excellent that they replaced the so-called "monkey eyed" woman with Ian McDiarmid (Who plays Palpatine and the Emperor in the prequel trilogy and Episode VI) it gives a hint of continuation to the prequels with the slightly altered dialogue. Another fix was the part with the Emperor's scream in Episode V as Luke chooses to plummet to his death. Yes, it has been edited out (as it originally was in the 1980 version) and I'm glad they did this because it doesn't make sense to have Emperor Palpatine's voice coming out of Luke's mouth! The same scream was also used in Episode VI when Vader throws Palpatine (AKA Darth Sidious) down the beam cannon. In addition, the black circles around the Emperor's eyes, has also been removed, making him look even more menacing and nightmarish than ever! As for Hayden Christensen replacing Shaw as Anakin's ghost, I didn't mind this at all. (Again, it gives a sign of continuation) Finally, the lightsaber effects for ALL three films, has been enhanced and even the Obi Wan VS. Vader duel looks more epic than ever with all the added in flashing effects and sound!
The DVDs themselves are in their best picture quality (It looks almost as new as the quality in Episodes I & II), and the 5.1 Dolby Digital EX sound transfer has never sounded better than ever! (Of course you also get the choice to watch them in 2.0 Surround Sound) When I first opened the package and popped in the first disk, it felt like I was watching the movies all over again for the first time! Never have I seen Star Wars like THIS! I do agree that we should've also gotten the original 1977, 1980, and 1983 releases because it would have been nice to reflect back on how they were originally made. (Without the added CGI effects, scenes, etc.) This would also appeal to diehard fans of the series. Sadly, George Lucas doesn't want to put them on DVD. (For now, at least) However, we do get to see BTS footage for Episodes IV-VI (including a bit of a sneak peak at Episode III) and the original theatrical trailers/T.V. spots.
For those who are against this release, I would have to disagree because this is the best [and ONLY] DVD experience of the films you will be getting for now. Honestly, I don't see what the problem is and I would've bought this set whether it was the Original or Special Editions, because it clearly makes no difference unless you have nothing better to do than to waste your time obsessing and whining about it. After all, the special effects, added scenes, and altered music/actors are NOT the only elements these movies are about! It's also the wonderful storytelling and acting, the many different planets and creatures that inhabit them, which George Lucas introduces us to, & the beautifully composed score by John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra that will always be there! Just buy the set, pop in your favorite episode, pop a little popcorn, sit back and enjoy the movies with an open mind. I'm very glad that I bought this set and am now waiting patiently on the theatrical release for Episode III which will be coming May 19th! Once that one comes to DVD the following year, I will finally be able to own all six episodes!
"THE FORCE WILL BE WITH YOU ALWAYS..." -Alec Guiness as Obi Wan Kenobi
82 STAR WARS THE LEGEND
I would like to grant *****FIVE STARS to the icon place that this movies represent in the film industry. Although I do have the main complain as others, why aren't the original version available, I saw it as a kid and I don't mind at all, they're like the ones we loved. Watching this movie retouched is a treat but not a pleasure. As a casual fan and not a StarWars convention maniac, I do believe too that the original thing should be release in DVD. That said, I couldn't imagine another space saga that has so much influence in the movies than this one.
83 Best trilogy ever made
I was very impressed with the cleanliness of this re-masted DVD edition. All of the blue screen shadows have been removed entirely and the audio is epic. I hear a lot from the "purists" out there who want to see the theatrical release on DVD I say NO. These minor improvements only add to the movie.
84 Don't listen to these morons!
I love the SW films and have seen ALL of them! (Yes, even the untouched versions of the Original Trilogy) That being said, they were very good movies for their time and are still excellent by today's standards. Back in 1977, George Lucas introduced us to a galaxy far, far away unlike ours with all the different alien species, exotic planets and culture, and beautiful storytelling! In addition, the musical score composed by John Williams is possibly the best ever heard from ANY motion picture! I am so SICK of all these idiots trying to ruin the experience for the new generation of movie viewers who haven't even seen the film! They are not only discouraging newcomers from viewing them but they are also making a wonderful trilogy look like CRAP! Come on, people! GET OVER IT! I'd watch the films whether they were the Original untouched versions or the Special Editions! It makes no difference! Star Wars is STILL Star Wars! You can still get the Originals on VHS anyways, so quit whining! We get the idea already! You damn Warsies! It's ALWAYS: "Greedo does not shoot first!" "Greedo does not shoot first!" "Greedo does not shoot first!" "Greedo does not shoot first!" LISTEN TO YOURSELVES! SHUT THE HELL UP AND STOP PISSING THE REST OF US OFF ALREADY! George Lucas is an excellent director and he has the right to change the films the way he wants! THEY ARE HIS MOVIES! HE HAS NOT NOR WILL HE EVER SCREW THEM UP! You people don't know what the hell you're talking about! PLEASE, SHUT THE HELL UP AND STOP WRITING YOU'RE UNIMPORTANT NEGATIVE REVIEWS! SERIOUSLY, GET A LIFE! Btw, I am also 19 years old!
85 The (original) Star Wars Trilogy
Quite possibly the most epic collection of science fiction stories ever made, it is the brilliantly designed brainchild of creator George Lucas. Telling the tale of the evil senator palpatine's rise to power and the legacy of the Skywalker family, you are wintered into a world where numerous aliens, planets, vehicles, droids, weapons, technology, and culture of a galaxy far, far away wrap your greatest imaginations in amazement.
Episode IV: A New Hope - There's a lot of things I could say about this film, but I'm pretty sure most of you reading this have already seen this movie. The special effects are fantastic for this film even by today's standards, and the character development in this film is one of the best I've seen in years. The story will have you on an epic adventure of many proportions, so it's no wonder this film is still remembered even today. Although there are certain story elements that aren't really original and the story can get predictable at times, it doesn't ruin this film. George Lucas does a great job directing this film and has the story and special effects work together beautifully; the soundtrack for this film is superb. With so many great memorable scenes like the showdown between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader or the classic flight scene with Luke Skywalker. This movie will have you cheering and begging for more after it's finished.
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back - The story gets a little darker with this film and has some very surprising plot twists. This movie not only surpasses the original, but is a great movie in its own right. The acting, directing, cinematography, musical score, and special effects are great, and compliment the story quite well. This movie will have on an emotional roller coaster that'll leave you gasping for more. With epic scenes like the showdown between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader or the tragic end Han Solo faces in this film, it's no wonder why this film is considered the best out of all the Star Wars films.
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi - What can I say about this third film? It's another masterpiece in movie history. The story can get a little cheesy at times with the ewoks and a bit predictable, but it doesn't ruin the experience. George Lucas not only produced a great story, but he also delivered another great musical score and special effects to back it up. The original Star Wars trilogy is one of the best movie series of all time with great moments like the final confrontation Luke has with Darth Vader and the Emperor or the touching love story with Princess Leia and Han Solo, so this movie series never stops being interesting. A true classic for any movie fan.
Overall, the original trilogy is truly a masterpiece.
My favorite character in this trilogy is definitely Han Solo.
He's got this cocky, bad ass attitude that I like.
I first seen these when my dad bought the trilogy on laserdisc in 1995.
I loved these after since I watched them for the first time.
After seeing the ORIGINAL films, this DVD box set took awhile to grow on me.
As I watched Episode IV, I adapted to the changes.
The picture and sound are phenomenal. The films look like they were made TODAY. Now THAT, my friends, is AMAZING.
Lucas said he wanted them this way, so I guess everyone who wants these on DVD will have to accept that.
He's never going to give us the originals, but these will do.
86 it rocks the galaxy!
If anyone says these movies stink because of the changes they're wrong it looks better then before. I must say this one thing thats the only bad change HAN SHOT FIRST!!!!!!!!!!! I hope 20th Century Fox puts these back in the theater for the 30th Anniversery in 2007 and make the change showing HAN SHOOTING FIRST. If you don't know what I mean buy the fact HAN SHOT FIRST!!! Its in the SE too Look for it in the Cantina scene in A new hope when Greedo corners Han. Its when he kills Greedo. The Empire of Dreams docmentary which is 2 and 1/2 hours Rocks. If you love a good movie Get this DVD. Ive been waiting for it for a long time.
87 Extremely Disapointed
I grew up with these absolute classic movies. I have been waiting since I bought my dvd player years ago for the release of these onto dvd. I am a star wars purist. Though the original versions may not have had the super realistic special effects, they had something that the new ones are lacking entirely.....SOUL!!!! I remember when I was young cracking a tear at the end of Jedi as all of the Ewoks and Charactors danced around........I can still hear that SONG!!!! To my horror, when Jedi ended, this version was a dry as toast. No heart at all. What a stupid thing to do to the end of a one of a kind trilogy. And how stupid to put young Anikan in there instead of the old Anikan that we were used to. And then to keep Obi One as an old man.......it just makes no freakin' sense. STUPID. Just to push his rewrite of the story..........and George, if you happen to read this, I really hope your third Star Wars coming out in May of this year is a hell of a lot better than the other two new ones, as they just do not have it. I will give you a hint, try a little less special effects, and a whole lot more story and charactor development. The first three Star Wars were all great movies that tied in perfectly with the previous films. The new ending of Jedi tore that continuity to pieces. They are only cheapening the entire Star Wars franchise by doing these stupid changes. It seems that Lucas is loosing touch with what made Star Wars such a great movie to begin with.
88 After everything is said and done, it's still worth the cash
I know die hard purists of the triology will disagree with me but I truly enjoyed these movies. I'm a purist at heart and didn't like the fact that the movie was changed but let's be real - the story line is the very same and unless you've watched the originals literally dozens of times (to the point that you can recite the movie by heart) you're not going to notice a majority of the differences. One change that I personally didn't like was at the end of the Return of the Jedi when Luke Skywalker sees the "glowing" Obie Wan Kenobi, Yoda and his father. For some unknown reason they changed the actor who played Luke's father in this scene. Despite the fact that it's just plain rude to the original actor, it didn't change the story line at all. If you're a fan of the triology this dvd collection is well worth it for the updating that was done on the sound and picture as well as the fact that a dvd will last longer than a video. I don't regret buying it one bit.
89 "Star Wars" fans shouldn't bother with this one.
I recently purchased a used laserdisc player and all three original "Star Wars" films in their original theatrical versions. Why? Because of this monstrosity. Even the extras are dissapointing (I rented them off of Netflix) since the bulk is a 150-minute MTV-style documentary, about 10 minutes of which is actually interesting. Really, I'm a die-hard "Star Wars" fan but this won't ever be on my shelf. Pick up Lucas' "THX 1138" for an example of how an update should be done. Then again, Lucas should learn to listen to his fans more or just stop watching his own films. At the very least he could have put the original versions on here IN ADDITION TO the newer versions.
90 One of the greatest motion picture events ever!
The original 'Star Wars' trilogy is perhaps the most well-known series of movies ever made. In 1977, 1980, and 1983, three landmark action/adventure films were made. They were: Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, and Return Of The Jedi. I will now rate each one.
STAR WARS (9/10) For 20 years, this was the most successful motion picture ever. The story of a young farm kid who becomes a Jedi-in training with the help of the rogueish Han Solo (Harrison Ford).
EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (10/10) While this was the least successful of the trilogy, I like it best. There is more action than the others, and it shows better character develpment.
RETURN OF THE JEDI (8/10) Return Of The Jedi is the worst of the original trilogy, while still being a very good action movie, all the actors are too old, and it seems to lack the power of the two others.
91 It might not be the original Star Wars but it's still good
Even though this DVD boxset is getting torn apart by Star Wars purists (which I'm not) I think this is a solid DVD release. The picture restoration is outstanding and the bonus material is up to the standards of the Episode I and II discs. I won't go into detail since Amazon has listed everything that you need to know. I do have some quibbles however. The first is the sound quality in A New Hope. I'm not sure if it's my old Sony TV (it dates back to the 1980's) but the sound constantly alternates between sounding great and sounding like it does on VHS. Secondly would be some of the changes in the movies. In a way, I like them as they help to bridge the age gap between the old trilogy and the new one. Things like improved ligthsaber effects and cleaned up space sequences are nice but they do, to a certain extent, take away from the classic feel of the old movies. My biggest complaint about the changes is the fact that Hayden Christensen replaces Sebastian Shaw at the end of Jedi.
But shortcomings aside, this release is worth the price. If you aren't a purist, you will like it.
Darkhorse86
92 my favorite science fiction movie is Star Wars!
I just got this DVD for Chirstmas and it is very good. I like this DVD because I very obseesive with Star Wars episodes 4-6 and I dreamed every night that I am in Star Wars and I a Jedi too. I love Star Wars! I will reconmend this DVD for anybody who likes Star Wars and science fictiion movies.
93 Boohoo! Let's all pass around the tissue...
To all the crybabies who can't get their original untouched version of Star Wars on dvd: Too bad! Star Wars fans are notoriously fickle about the way any Star Wars merchandise be handled, whether it be the books, video games, etc.
I remember first watching Star Wars back in the late 80's (I was born in '84) and how I instantly fell in love with the universe. I'd watch the film on VHS regularly until they just wore out. When the 20th anniversary special editions came out in 1997 with additional scenes and minor touch ups, I was surprised just as much as anyone else. Unlike anyone else, I welcomed the scenes. Okay - some were a little corny. For example the Greedo scene was just downright terrible and Luke's scream in The Empire Strikes Back was laughable. Thankfully these were fixed up in the DVD editions; you can actually stomach the Greedo scene now.
The new touch ups and additional scenes were not intended to scam anyone. Unlike most director's cuts, the new scenes really do enhance the film experience. Lucas always intended to have the Han/Jaba confrontation in A New Hope; he always intended for a more spectacu
