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Star Wars on DVD
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I judge a religion as being good or bad based on whether its adherents become better people as a result of practicing it. - Joe Mullally, computer salesman
Comment removed (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:3, Insightful)
Rumor have circulated about additional changes, but Ward would not deny or confirm them. "We want to encourage our fans to check them out themselves."
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Insightful)
Then I read the same bit you quoted.
That's crap. They're complaining in the article that they're not the highest forecasted sellers for this holiday season because it's $70, and blaming it on that. Maybe it has something to do with:
a) not releasing the original versions, the ones that everyone really wants to see and
b) telling them to pay $70, yet refusing to tell them what they're actually getting, so they can "check them out for themselves."
When I buy a DVD, I damn well want to know what I'm getting. Extras are beyond that, but I want to know that the movie I'm buying is the movie that I've seen previously and enjoyed.
LotR is one thing. They have additional scenes on the super fancy-pants versions. But they don't go changing the scenes you've already watched. LotR gave extras that we hadn't seen, ones that we can skip easily with the remote if we decide we don't like them, or even purchase the version that's identical to the theatrical release. With this, we STILL can't buy the theatrical release, and we don't even know if they're changing what we saw in the re-release. That's absolutely ridiculous.
However, given the way that LucasFilm has treated its fans, give it 3-4 years. We'll have the originals, untouched, on DVD, as a super special bonus edition at $90 just to bleed a little more out of those that bought this set. It makes me sad, I remember loving these movies as a kid. However, as a principle, I feel like buying any of these versions now gives LucasFilm validation to fuck with me and take every possible dollar they can out of my wallet. Screw 'em. I like the movies a lot, but they're not my favorites.
I'll miss 'em, but they're not good enough to bend over for.
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:3, Insightful)
Is this *such* a big deal? 24h after the release of the box, reviews are going to pop-up on every web site, including
I can understand not liking the non-release of the originals, but complaining about the fact that the content of the box is not yet known is not such an issue. Unless of course you can't wait 24/4
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Whining (Score:5, Interesting)
The fact that there may be situations where a given work is "lost" just goes to show just how badly broken the current copyright system is.
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Insightful)
If they were offering the original movies on DVD, I'd jump at it. I don't know how I feel about this revisionist version, but it leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth.
Just be thankful... (Score:5, Funny)
(The HORROR!)
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Funny)
I have altered the film. Pray I don't alter it any further.
-GL
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Funny)
Less true than you think (Score:5, Funny)
Anakin is a fictional character...
If George had strayed to the dark side, you would be floating in mid air clutching your throat
I find your lack of faith disturbing.
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Funny)
And taking out the best songs.
Even worse!!! (Score:4, Funny)
Mostly unacceptable!!!
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Interesting)
Here's an interesting question for you. Tolkien published The Hobbit in 1937. When he was writing The Lord of the Rings, he realised that the 'Riddles in the Dark' chapter that he had originally written didn't really fit in with the whole ring mythos of LotR (basically, in the original, Gollum simply gives Bilbo the ring after the riddle contest is won - but of course, we know that there's no way that the ring-consumed Smeagol would have simply handed it over because he couldn't guess a riddle). My question to you is, is that ok? Is that any more or less wrong than Lucas' revisionism?
I think it's a tricky issue. Tolkien alludes to his re-write in the LotR (Bilbo occassionally mentions how he changed his story - cf. 'The Council of Elrond'), whereas Lucas tends to simply re-write the story and erase the previous versions.
Still, I think it asks interesting questions as to whether authorial control can ever be retained once the original text is out in the wilderness.
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:4, Insightful)
First off, there is a very strong rationale for his changes. He documents them fully. It is not in the interests of marketing.
Second, the previous version is still availalbe in print. Some editions of The Hobbit include both chapters so that the reader can make the difference. There has been no active attempt to surpress or prevent the distribution of the original version.
Finally, I'd argue that a popular, visual, commercial medium that is available for a 20 year period because a culturally shared product. I fear that just like people are still trying to rebuild/recreate the original version of Metropolis (Fritz Lang) or The Magnificent Ambersons, down the road a high-resolution version of Star Wars/Empire/ROTJ won't be available and it will be lost to the ages.
Ultimately I find Lucas' and Speilberg's post-editing of their successes to be a sign of self-concious inferiority complexes. Its the equivalent to me of an aging movie star going through plastic surgery, to attempt to prolong their glory days or relive their past success.
Comment removed (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:hopefulness (Score:5, Informative)
From IMDb...
Incorrectly regarded as goofs: It is frequently claimed that upon returning to the Rebel base after destroying the Death Star, Luke exclaims, "Carrie!" when he hears Leia (Carrie Fisher) call "Luke!" Sound designer Ben Burtt has confirmed that, after extensive listening, it appears to be "Hey" or "Yay"; 'Mark Hamill' reports that he said, "Hey! There she is!" but mumbled the last word.
Re:hopefulness (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:4, Insightful)
Heh. (Score:4, Funny)
Sadly, I was wondering which scene he inserted Jesus into rather than marvelling that he would stoop to it.> Blah, when will Lucas get it, we want the origional damn films as shown in theaters, not his revisionist history with all the damn modern FX. Jeezus if South Park is making fun of you you know you are doing something wrong.
Due to word-wrapping in my browser I read that as -
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Funny)
Oh wait, director mixup, that was Randall Curtis [tvtome.com].
They changed it? you mean (Score:5, Insightful)
the futility of protest (Score:5, Funny)
*two local tv anchors on location at a suncoast DVD retailer observing the long line*
"Well Jane, it seems this is one of the most pirated movies in history."
"Yes Tom, the online world has never been shy about co-opting releases."
"True, except they're pirating the version sold in the 80s from something called a 'laserdisc.'"
*confusion ensues as a pasty skined geek grabs Jane's mic*
Fan: "Greedo does NOT shoot first!!!"
*security hauls the fan away*
"What was that about?"
"No idea. What's a greedo? *pause* Don't worry folks he's getting the help he needs."
*back on Skywalker Ranch*
Fan has eyes clipped open while a projector plays the Greedo scene endlessly before him and a small crowd tied to their chairs in a small theater. A tear run downs his cheek as he quietly, in unison with the rest, whispers, "Greedo shoots first. Greedo shoots first. Greedo shoots first."
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Now that does not make sense? (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Now that does not make sense? (Score:4, Funny)
You know, repentence is good enough for Jesus, so it oughta be good enough for George Lucas.
Absolutely correct; however... (Score:5, Insightful)
the theory is that when a jedi dies he comes back in his purest form
Which is exactly what would make the appearance of an 'old' Anakin in ghostly form all the more poignant. If the whole series is indeed the story of Anakin Skywalker, then is not the very consummation at the point where Darth Vader is finally turned by love for his son? Indeed, it is only then, and never before, that Anakin could truly be said to be pure; it was his final redemption before his death - his son saved him.
Re:Now that does not make sense? (Score:3, Interesting)
For me, I'm going to be imagining Luke saying "who the hell is that guy?" as the Hayden Anakin ghost appears.
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers) (Score:5, Funny)
The only special edition which was an improvement was Empire.
Other additions in this version:
More Ewoks: An ewok shoots Darth Vader's tie fighter at the end of A New Hope, gives a thumbs-up.
Ewoks kill the wompa in the cave with spears and rocks and a stolen imperial walker, then dance around Luke singing "Yubba Nubba Cubba Chubba."
The Emperor's guard are replaced by ewoks in red capes.
Anyone have a .torrent? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Anyone have a .torrent? (Score:5, Informative)
Will the non-special editions do? :)
They're DVD-R sized, so make sure you're on a fast enough connection!
Re:Anyone have a .torrent? (Score:3, Informative)
At 4.5G per dvd, it's still worth it. Share it with all your friends! This is how the Star Wars trilogy should be preserved on DVD.
Mr Lucas (Score:5, Funny)
Thank-you Your fan base
Re:Mr Lucas (Score:5, Funny)
Fuck you, you'll buy what we release and like it.
Thank you, Lucasfilms.
Honestly... (Score:4, Insightful)
But by the time VI came out, it had a very Police Academy IV thing going on.
Let's hope Episode III is good..
Re:Honestly... (Score:5, Funny)
Buh, Buh, Missa no wan to die!
Box Set (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Box Set (Score:5, Insightful)
*grips tightly DVD burns of LaserDisc versions*
Pr-r-r-reciousssss
Re:Box Set (Score:5, Insightful)
You'll be waiting for that all-in-one box set for a long long time.
=P
Changes? (Score:5, Funny)
I hear that in this version Alderaan shoots first.
Re:Changes? (Score:5, Funny)
anti-democratic... (Score:4, Insightful)
I'm going to wait...believe it or not. (Score:5, Insightful)
Once the second release is out, then it'll be time to party. Probably when episode 3 is done and release and it's all in one pretty box.
Re:I'm going to wait...believe it or not. (Score:5, Informative)
Purely your fault...
And, on topic, I'll be getting the DVDs.
This is amazing news... (Score:3, Funny)
As ObiWan said... (Score:5, Funny)
Well? WELL? (Score:4, Insightful)
Does Greedo shoot first???
Come on! You call yourselves geeks?
Lucas' reality check bounced. (Score:5, Interesting)
Han shoots first? (Score:4, Interesting)
i hate people sometimes.
Re:Han shoots first? (Score:5, Insightful)
If he does, I'm not buying them, period.
Er, we WANT Han to shoot first.
Re:Han shoots first? (Score:3, Interesting)
So you're saying you like the reissues from 1997 better than the original theatrical release? Or are you just really bad at proofreading?
And, arguably, since Lucas directed and wrote the movie, and he obviously has no problems with Han shooting second, that kind of means that maybe that's *not* the whole point?
In any case, calm down, it's just a movie.
Re:Han shoots first? (Score:3, Informative)
Lucas directed the movie, but it was basically a ripoff of an older, Japanese title. what i don't understand is why he'd make a fairly significant change without an excellent reason.
in our society, we have justifiable homocide. if you're protecting yourself from someone who's trying to kill you, and you kill them, you don't go to jail.
if, on the other hand, you murder someone, you have problems. Han murders Greedo. (or whatever his name is) because he doesn't
Re: Han shoots first? (Score:4, Funny)
> If he does, I'm not buying them, period.
A real geek would hack his hardware to play the scene backward.
Re:Han shoots first? (Score:3, Insightful)
Wait a minute.. what? (Score:3)
"Digitally Remastered Footage" (Score:5, Funny)
-JT
I'll stick to my LaserDiscs.... (Score:5, Informative)
Re:I'll stick to my LaserDiscs.... (Score:5, Informative)
That said, although the video looks good, it would certainly benefit from a digital-surround mix...
Hmm... Wonder about extracting the new remastered audio from the DVD release and re-editing it to match the older visuals, then recombine it. May be worth a shot
N.
Comment removed (Score:5, Informative)
To point out the obvious (not a conspiracy theory) (Score:5, Interesting)
Only then, after the DVD saled have slowed down, will he decide to relent, release the original movies on DVD, and snap up the profits from nerds re-purchasing the DVDs of the original movie.
Kind of the inverse of Lord of the Rings DVD strategy - Lucas realizes if he releases the original versions first, nobody will buy the revised versions later.
Re:To point out the obvious (not a conspiracy theo (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:To point out the obvious (not a conspiracy theo (Score:3, Insightful)
Ah, another person who believes that "plot" is the point of literature. Han shooting first is a big deal. It establishes his character: He's not the "nice one". He's dangerous. He's also possibly someone willing to sell out Luke, et al. (It's the same reason for mentioning the spice dump -- making clear that Han is
Why? (Score:5, Insightful)
'Star Wars - Interactive' - God help us... (Score:5, Insightful)
***Yo, Yo, Yo!!!*** - Check It! It's 'Star Wars Interactive' comin' to you on Supa Blu-Ray!
- See the original blocky transparencies around Tie Fighters and X-Wings! (Some of you out there really want that, huh?)
- Replace Greedo with Jar-Jar and make Han shoot first again! And again. And again!
- See the original Irish guy who played the part of Jabba the Hutt and put him in Episode Six!
- Give Boba Fett some extra rocket fuel so he can escape his fate!
Seriously, you know this sort of thing is coming eventually. So is all this panic about original versions a case of purity or old-tyme familiarity for us old farts? Believe me, it's hard to see some of this stuff happening to the films I grew up with (I was 12 when I saw Star Wars), but is the fact that Greedo shot first going to change the entire demeanor of the film?
Maybe it's a question of relevancy. As time goes on, you can expect more of this sort of thing to happen to films like it has with music.
Example: Look at Rap. Rap recycles old music into newer stuff. Should that be outlawed too?
The Commentary (Score:5, Funny)
Ooh, heres another million... selling out, selling out, cashing in, nother million.
Money. Money, money.
Is anyone still watching this? suckers.
-George Lucas
Wake me up when they put the ORIGINALs on DVD (Score:4, Interesting)
Dear George,
The nostalgic value for DVD collectors of these movies is very high, but your changes destroy that value. No one who loved the movies in the 70s and 80s wants the "special edition" release, or the changes you have made since. The changes make them new movies, lesser versions of their former selves, they certainly are not the same movies I enjoyed in my youth. One of the great things about Star Wars was the amazing effect work that was very groundbreaking using the technology of the day. Updating the films with new technology destroys that accomplishment.
I will not buy Star Wars (again) until the original, unmodified movie is on DVD. Likewise for Empire.
Thank you.
-an 80's Star Wars fan in your target market.
Re:Wake me up when they put the ORIGINALs on DVD (Score:5, Funny)
Actually, I'm willing to be that you will purchase this version when it comes out. You'll open up the shiny plastic and you'll curse my name for not releasing the "pure" movies. It is possible that you will resist this boxed set, but fortunately for me you have friends and relatives who remember how much you love Star Wars, and *certainly* one or more of them will purchase this collection for you. Either way, your money will already be mine, and I won't really care. I'll be laughing all the way to the bank in one of my 30 new Ferraris.
However, I will let you in on a little secret. Ever since DVD came around as a format, I've been saying that I didn't feel DVD was an appropriate format for the Star Wars franchise. I didn't think the betamax sales had fallen off enough to cannibalize my own market share. However, I've clearly changed views on that, and it is therefore likely that at *some* point in the future, I will release the super-duper-ultra-elite-Star-Wars-Final-absolutel
I hope this tidbit holds you over.
The master of your wallet,
George Lucas
Re:Wake me up when they put the ORIGINALs on DVD (Score:3, Funny)
No, that's not true. That's impossible! NO!!!!!
Is it the "Coke Classic" ploy? (Score:4, Funny)
2) Profit!
1b) Then wait a bit and [re]-sell the "original" version to purists who have to have that.
2b) Profit!
Wow, you don't even need the usual 3 steps.
Lyrics to theme song announced (Score:3, Funny)
Download the SPECIAL EDITION here! [blueharvest.net]
How hard would it be... (Score:5, Interesting)
I'd be willing to bet that with decent equipment you could make a pretty good transfer from a LaserDisc and while it might not have the resolution or sound of the new versions it would retain all of the stuff that made the original movies so great.
I haven't seen anyone mention this yet. (Score:5, Informative)
I don't mind (Score:4, Interesting)
There, now you can go ahead and mod me down.
Re:I don't mind (Score:3, Insightful)
The newer bits just clashed something chronic with the original, hell they couldn't even get Jabba's size right between A New Hope and Return of The Jedi.
StarWars.com News Releases (Score:3, Informative)
Re:StarWars.com News Releases (Score:5, Funny)
Heaven forbid that thing turn on while still in the womb.
- sm
Hooray! (Score:3, Funny)
Deleted scene on DVD (Score:3, Funny)
Sorry, I couldn't resist posting this. Mod me down if you want.
Re:Deleted scene on DVD (Score:3, Funny)
http://void.lbstone.com/CDCTRNZQOZ/holo.wmv
(or google for holo.wmv)
The Ewoks (Score:5, Funny)
Darth Lucas quote (Score:5, Funny)
Imagine... (Score:5, Interesting)
But I guess Lucas isn't a director at heart. If he was, he would've directed Empire and Return. He likes his special effects and he's good at them-- the last two movies felt more like advertisements for Industrial Light and Magic than labors of love.
Though to his credit, the Star Wars video games have generally been great... Fun, well-made, darker and more true to the promise of Star Wars than any of the movie's sequels have been.
(No, I didn't call it "Episode IV" or "A New Hope." I still call the first one Star Wars. The eight-year-old me would've wanted it that way.)
Saddest part about the whole thing: (Score:4, Interesting)
My George Lucas moment (Score:5, Funny)
Does that make me a bad parent?
-S
Re:My George Lucas moment (Score:5, Funny)
Starwars, the Original Trilogy, Version 3 (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Yeah! (Score:5, Funny)
George needed the extra time to think of new and horrible ways to re-edit our childhood. Good thing too, I hadn't quite had all my dreams shattered yet.
Re:Yeah! (Score:4, Funny)
Yoda: They will be. They will be.
Re:Yeah! (Score:4, Funny)
Dr Pepper hurts like christ when it's expelled from the nostrils.
Actually... (Score:5, Informative)
If you're going to bitch about scene changes, at least have the facts my friend.
Re:Yawn. (Score:5, Informative)
When that plan didn't work out (didn't have the time/budget/tech to do it convincingly) they added the Greedo scene to pass on the same information about Han's difficulties with the local smugglar king, which is why the conversation with Jabba is essentially the same as the conversation with Greedo.
Re:Lucas-Crap(TM) (Score:3, Informative)
Huh? No they wouldn't. They would film the stop-motion Hut with greenscreen, then superimpose that on top of the furry guy.
Re:Anonymous Coward. (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Non special edition dvd's (Score:5, Informative)
I love the laserdiscs though. Big, beautiful cover art. The Empire Strikes Back LD cover is a thing of beauty.
Always Check (Score:3, Interesting)
My rule of thumb is that if a producer is side-stepping the question about producing an enhanced version that they are trying to get you to buy the first "sucker" version.
If they are against modifying the movie, they'll usually proclaim that they'll NEVER have an altered version available loud and clear.
If their production schedule for the enhanced version means that the two versions
Re:Always Check (Score:3, Funny)