OT - Star Wars trilogy out today

[gregebowman]

Yahoo!! The original Star Wars trilogy is being released today. I'm counting the hours before I can get my hands on my reserved copy (2 1/2 hours to go before my lunch period). I don't care what my son says, but I'm definitely watch A New Hope tonight. Hopefully, he'll like it and will want to watch it again (and again, and again, etc.).

[Intimidator]

Have fun, I'm going to get it this weekend (I will be able to wait for a few days http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif )

[gregebowman]

I already have it in my possession. Now to wait a few hours to watch it tonight. Anyway, I was reading an article in the newspaper yesterday, which quoted Lucas as being very adamant that the original Star Wars movie will never see teh light of day. He said something to the effect that he was sorry everybody fell in love with his half-completed vision, but that isn't the movie he wanted. So we're stuck with this one. Not that I mind, but it would have been neat to have had both Versions. Who knows, maybe he'll change his mind in a couple of years when he needs another few million dollars.

[rdouglass]

I'll be sure to buy a set eventually. I have 2 copies of the Trilogy on VHS (1 unopened still in shrinkwrap that I'm hoping to retire on... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif) and will be sure to get the DVD Versions.

[bearclaw]

My wife has picked up a copy for me. But she says its my birthday present so I can't have it until then.

It's in my house somewhere... Oct 6th is just too far away!!

[Bill Door]

For once the UK gets a release before the US!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Mjki3se2/2004_09_20.png
I got it yesterday. Shiny, isn't it?

[Kamog]

I've heard rumors that Lucas has made some little changes in this new release. Is that true? For example, at the end of Return of the Jedi, what does Darth Vader's ghost look like?

[PvK]

gregebowman said:
I already have it in my possession. Now to wait a few hours to watch it tonight. Anyway, I was reading an article in the newspaper yesterday, which quoted Lucas as being very adamant that the original Star Wars movie will never see teh light of day. He said something to the effect that he was sorry everybody fell in love with his half-completed vision, but that isn't the movie he wanted. So we're stuck with this one. Not that I mind, but it would have been neat to have had both Versions. Who knows, maybe he'll change his mind in a couple of years when he needs another few million dollars.



Half-completed? Does Lucas have a brain tumor? The only differences I saw were a couple of missing scenes (nice to see the extra Jabba scene in Ep IV - weren't missing much though) and then stupid hyperbolic CGI special effects that mainly just look added in. "Let's add some levitating droids than none of the actors can see...".

PvK

[David E. Gervais]

Changes? Did I hear someone mention 'Changes'?...

I got this news from a friend..

>LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- George Lucas made several changes in
>"Star Wars" when the film was re-released in 1997. With the "Star Wars"
>trilogy on DVD, he's tinkered a little more. Here are five changes Lucas
>made:
>
>5. Jedis don't scream
>
>The 1997 special edition Version of "The Empire Strikes Back" was
>changed so Luke wails as he jumps off the platform in Cloud City. In the
>only instance of Lucas undoing a later alteration (sadly, Greedo still
>shoots first on the DVD of "A New Hope"), he's taken it off the DVD
>edition. Maybe he realized Jedis (even ones in training) don't scream.
>
>4. Boba Fett has a new voice
>
>Since Boba Fett is a clone of Jango Fett, and Jango Fett is played by
>Temura Morrison, doesn't it make sense that he should sound like him,
>too? That's exactly what George Lucas thought, so Morrison was brought
>in to revoice the four lines of dialogue (yes, believe it or not there
>are only four!) Boba spoke in the original trilogy.
>
>3. A new and improved Jabba
>
>Remember that dodgy-looking computer-generated Jabba they inserted into
>the 1997 re-release of "A New Hope"? Well, he looks a little less dodgy
>this time around thanks to some improved CGI.
>
>2. The emperor's new clothes
>
>In the original Version of "The Empire Strikes Back," the emperor Darth
>Vader speaks to via hologram was played by a woman in a mask (!) and
>voiced by Clive Revill. Again, in the interests of consistency, Ian
>McDiarmid -- who portrays the emperor in "Return of the Jedi" and the
>prequel trilogy -- now appears in that scene with an added line or two
>of dialogue.
>
>1. The big finale
>
>The 1997 special edition of "Return of the Jedi" added a few "Star Wars"
>worlds joining the celebration of the Empire's demise at the end of the
>film. For the DVD, they've added Naboo, a planet that figures
>prominently in the prequel trilogy. Also, Anakin Skywalker is noticeably
>different this time around. When he removes his Darth Vader helmet, he
>now has no eyebrows! It's probably safe to assume he singes them off in
>his battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi in next summer's "Return of the Sith" and
>a change had to be made.
>
>But the most noticeable change -- and perhaps one some "Star Wars"
>diehards will have a tough time stomaching -- is Hayden Christensen (who
>plays young Anakin in the prequel trilogy) now appearing in the scene
>where the "force ghosts" of Anakin, Obi Wan, and Yoda smile at Luke. One
>thing's for sure, there's plenty for fans to debate -- that is, until
>the trilogy comes out yet again on another format in the future and Mr.
>Lucas makes his inevitable changes ...
>

Cheers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[gregebowman]

Didn't get a chance to watch it Last night, but I had heard about the ending of ROTJ. I think that's a slap to the original actor, but since he died a few years ago, I guess ole George figured he couldn't complain. Hopefully, when Lucas either dies or someone else gets the rights to Star Wars, maybe someone will come to their senses and release the original trilogy in their original format. I wouldn't mind them being spruced up to look fresh and new, but no altered scenes. They'd make millions, because a lot of those people who saw the films from 1977-1983 are still around, and all those who were kids back then are now adults with a lot more money to spend.

[Cyclop]

Maybe, just maybe those small touches were added to breath life back into the dvd series some ten years from now.

I can forsee an add like this:
"New untouched, HD-DVD Platnum boxed set of the "original" Star Wars trilogy. View the series the same way it was shown at the theatres some 40 years ago ... unedited, all original actors"

The marketing machine is always a step ahead.

[gregebowman]

rdouglass said:
I'll be sure to buy a set eventually. I have 2 copies of the Trilogy on VHS (1 unopened still in shrinkwrap that I'm hoping to retire on... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif) and will be sure to get the DVD Versions.



I bought that set when it came out. I did open them, and I don't think you should set your retirement plans on VHS copies. Unfortunately, when I moved 4 years ago, I put a lot of my tapes into storage, including the Star Wars trilogy. So I haven't even seen any of the original trilogy in over 4 years. I may have caught parts of them over the years, but never a complete viewing. So I definitely can't wait to see these movies on dvd.

[David E. Gervais]

So, I bought the trilogy today, I opted for the Fullscreen Version. If I ever get a widescreen TV I'll get that Version. I love how they manage to 'specially format to fit my screen.' regardless of which TV/Comp I watch it on. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

Who here grabbed the Widescreen Version?

Cheers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[PvK]

Wow, those changes suck vacuum! Lame! The only one that sounds even remotely not bad is the Jabba CGI.

PvK

[Bill Door]

I've got a widescreen edition, despite it being in a gold box.

[David E. Gervais]

To celibrate the release of the trilogy my friends over at 5MV have made 5 Minute Versions of the SW movies.

Check them out..

Star Wars (http://www.fiveminute.net/scifivers/starwars.html)

The Empire Strikes Back (http://www.fiveminute.net/scifivers/theempirestrikesback.html)

Return of the Jedi (http://www.fiveminute.net/scifivers/returnofthejedi.html)

Cheers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Randallw]

rdouglass said:
I'll be sure to buy a set eventually. I have 2 copies of the Trilogy on VHS (1 unopened still in shrinkwrap that I'm hoping to retire on... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif) and will be sure to get the DVD Versions.



Damn, wish I'd thought to keep my shrink wrapped copy of RotJ. Many years ago I got the whole trilogy on video (original original trilogy) but I then bought the special edition. My sister asked if she could give the old tapes to my brother-in-law, and I saw no reason to refuse. RotJ was still wrapped because I already had it copied from tv (and I'm cheap). AS for the DVD's I can't bring myself to waste money buying the trilogy again when i already have it, even if it is better quality with new bits http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif.

[dogscoff]

One of my new prized possessions is a DVD of the 2nd series of "spaced", an excellent comedy series here in the UK.

In one episode, the main character explains that he had to "make his peace with George Lucas" (this was filmed shortly after the release of TPM).

Cut to a 3-second clip of said character dressed like Luke at the end of ROTJ, watching a heap SW merchandising go up in flames in blatant pisstake of Vader's funeral pyre...

That's kind of how I feel. I used to love the original films, but after all the crappy prequels (I won't even bother watching the third) and the endless bastardisation/reselling of the originals, I've gone right off them. I won't be buying the DVD box set. If I can ever stomach it again, I'll dig out the original originals on VHS.

[gregebowman]

David E. Gervais said:
So, I bought the trilogy today, I opted for the Fullscreen Version. If I ever get a widescreen TV I'll get that Version. I love how they manage to 'specially format to fit my screen.' regardless of which TV/Comp I watch it on. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

Who here grabbed the Widescreen Version?

Cheers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



Go back immediately to the store you got it from and get the widescreen Version. I have a 32" regular tv, and I'll watch my widescreen dvd's on that. I always buy widescreen. But you definitely need it for The Empires Strike Back. There is one scene in the movie that if you have the full-screen Version, you'll never see a particular scene. It's the scene where Darth Vader is doing a holo-conference with his ship commanders in the asteroid belt. One of the star destroyers bridge's takes a direct hit from a huge asteroid. In the full-screen Version, you don't see anything particular happening. The widescreen Version shows the left most commander collapsing and his holo-image going out as his bridge is destroyed. I know. I saw Empire 8 times when it first came out. Go back and get the widescreen Version.

[David E. Gervais]

Don't worry Greg, when I do get a TV capable of properly viewing 'widescreen' I'll get the widescreen Version. But I'm not going to run back and change the DVD's. My main interest is in the extra DVD with the behind the scenes stuff and that is the same on both Versions. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Widescreen, but I 'HATE' watching 'widescreen' on a normal TV. The black bars at the top and bottom make my 27" JVC look like a 13" screen. Maybe it's not as bad on a 32" but on my 27" it just sucks.

FYI, My friend has the Widescreen Version and he has a Sony KP46WT520 46" Digital Widescreen HDTV. Hooked up to a Surround sound Home theater sound system. So I can watch it in 'true' widescreen whenever I want. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif
http://www.futureshop.ca/multimedia/products/regular/10047872.gif

Cheers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[narf poit chez BOOM]

David E. Gervais said:
To celibrate the release of the trilogy my friends over at 5MV have made 5 Minute Versions of the SW movies.

Check them out..

Star Wars (http://www.fiveminute.net/scifivers/starwars.html)

The Empire Strikes Back (http://www.fiveminute.net/scifivers/theempirestrikesback.html)

Return of the Jedi (http://www.fiveminute.net/scifivers/returnofthejedi.html)

Cheers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif


Who needs the movies?

[gregebowman]

David E. Gervais said:
Don't worry Greg, when I do get a TV capable of properly viewing 'widescreen' I'll get the widescreen Version. But I'm not going to run back and change the DVD's. My main interest is in the extra DVD with the behind the scenes stuff and that is the same on both Versions. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Widescreen, but I 'HATE' watching 'widescreen' on a normal TV. The black bars at the top and bottom make my 27" JVC look like a 13" screen. Maybe it's not as bad on a 32" but on my 27" it just sucks.

FYI, My friend has the Widescreen Version and he has a Sony KP46WT520 46" Digital Widescreen HDTV. Hooked up to a Surround sound Home theater sound system. So I can watch it in 'true' widescreen whenever I want. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif
http://www.futureshop.ca/multimedia/products/regular/10047872.gif

Cheers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



Damn. I need friends like that. One of these days, whenever I hit the lottery http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif, I want to get a system like that. But as it as, I'll settle for what I have. But I'll still continue to buy widescreen. You know, I used to hate those black bars, but now I don't even notice them. Sure, things look a little smaller, but I have the satisfaction of knowing I'm looking at the entire picture as it was shown on theater screens instead of a pan & scan picture.

[Rasorow]

Yes, he added and changed stuff on the DVD....

I wish he would publish the original.. For its time if was a fantastic movie and still is a great watch.

Personally I think he has some issues.. Every artist wants to have the personal perfection before their art sees the light of day but when your art does so many first things you need to simply be proud and grateful that people appreciate your art. Especially when so much great art goes unappreciated.

Go ahead and revise and edit, but always keep the original and be grateful that you were given the chance to revise and edit.

Rasorow

[gregebowman]

Unfortunately, Lucas is still in his 50's. He maybe around for another 20-30 years, or more. Who knows how many more times he may tinker with his creation. I'm just hoping that once he dies, or the ownership of Lucasfilms passes hands to someone else, then the original movie may make it on dvd. But that's a long time to wait. I guess we'll have to settle for the revised Version for some time to come. Who knows, if someone is smart enough to avoid the legalities of the matter, a bootleg of the original movie could be transferred from a good vhs copy to dvd. Not that I'm advocating bootlegging or piracy, of course. But I think Lucas passed on a great opportunity to give the fans what they really wanted, a chance to see the original movie as it was seen some 25+ years ago. He could have included the original Versions along with the special editions, doubled the price of the box set, and still make millions.

[Captain Kwok]

I've just finished watching the trilogy on DVD and was not bothered at all by any of changes that were made - they're all pretty minor and insignificant really. I do enjoy the extra creatures roaming in the background. /threads/images/Graemlins/Racoon.gif

Out of the three, I liked The Empire Strikes Back best.

[Traskelion]

LOL!

Those five-minute Star Wars things are Great!

And as for the real Trilogy, I REALLY want to see the Trilogy again. It's been like.....4 MONTHS since I've been able to see it, what with not having a TV in this dorm room.

[Ruatha]

http://theforce.net/theater/allfilms/allfilmsA_G.shtml

I like TROOPS best, a COPS Version in the Star wars universe, with some of the original Star wars actors.
(Troops:
http://www.theforce.net/theater/shortfilms/troops/
)

[Raging Deadstar]

Ruatha said:
http://theforce.net/theater/allfilms/allfilmsA_G.shtml

I like TROOPS best, a COPS Version in the Star wars universe, with some of the original Star wars actors.
(Troops:
http://www.theforce.net/theater/shortfilms/troops/
)


TROOPS Is great! I love that thing...

"He's making a run for it"
"I got him!"
*bLaster sound"
*jawa bursts into flames and drops to the floor*

[gregebowman]

I loved Troops also. Unfortunately, I lost it when my computer got zapped by lightning, and I haven't gotten around to getting another copy yet. But it was pretty funny.