Rating: Summary: I Like The Special Edition Movies Review: Yes, I really do like the Special Edition versions, and I am glad George Lucas is releasing these films in this format and not the original. It is looking at the big picture. I don't think George Lucas would have made special editions of these films if he wasn't planning on making Episodes I, II and III to complement the original trilogy.The first three films needed to be updated in effects and style so that a person could sit down and watch all six episodes in a row and have it seem like one long picture. With the update in technology available since the original trilogy came out, it only makes sense to update Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi as well. All six films can fit perfectly together after the release of Episode III in 2005. Yes, it would have been nice to have the original trilogy in the original format alongside the special editions. However, the bigger picture is for all six Star Wars pictures to look the same for the story's sake, not because of George Lucas' ego.
Rating: Summary: To buy, or not to buy..... that is the question..... Review: Are Star Wars Episodes IV, V, & VI great movies? YES!!! Are the Special Edition versions great movies? In my mind, yes. No, I was not happy with some of the editions made to these movies. For example: Greedo shooting first (by far the biggest blunder George Lucas made, aside from Jar Jar, in all five movies.) I didn't read all the reviews so I don't know if anyone mentioned how the actual explosion of the Death Star in Episode IV was altered. Personally, I like the original explosion better. It may be a minor point to some, but it bothered the heck out of me. Yet, I still must give these movies 5 stars. If we didn't have the original versions to compare the Special Editions too, people would like them just the same (think about that for a second or two). In response to a few previous reviews; Dune and Star Wars are ABSOLUTELY nothing alike. Yes, I read ALL the Dune books and enjoyed them all, but to say Lucas copied Dune when he made Star Wars is ridiculous! And another reviewer mentioned how a REAL moviemaker like Speilberg has never gone back an altered his works. That reviewer has obviously not seen the NEW version of E.T. (Handguns mysteriously changing into walkie-talkies.) Thank goodness neither of them got any funny ideas with the Indiana Jones series. Bottom line is that the SE versions are still great movies.
Rating: Summary: An immensely disappointing release Review: George Lucas never ceases to confound me. He was responsible for arguably one of the most important and influential science fiction films of all time (Star Wars, 1977), a film that broke down special effects barriers and helped show that sci-fi can be an incredibly fun, energetic and exciting genre to watch. Star Wars is a technical marvel and a joy to watch. Why then, does Lucas feel the need to disrespect the brilliance that went into the original film - brilliance from co-writers, advisers and most specifically the technical geniuses behind the effects - and spoil that artistry with computer graphic special effects that do nothing to enhance what made the film great in the first place? Turns out he's not the great film maker so many - himself included - believe him to be. In trying to over-write cinematic history by replacing a classic version of a film entirely with a plastic-fantastic wannabe, Mr. Lucas spits in the face of everyone who helped make Star Wars the brilliant film it was. I would implore anyone with a sense of cinematic appreciation to reject this DVD release - let's see Star Wars released as we remember it, as it should always be remembered, in its original theatrical cut.
Rating: Summary: Can't believe Lucas didn't release the ORIGINAL trilogy Review: Man, I LOVE Star Wars as much as anybody else and I was so looking forward to the original trilogy as it was first shown in theatres to be released on DVD. What a disappointment that Lucas decided to release the "Special Edition" versions instead with the added footage of Jabba walking around, etc. I guess I have to wait another few years until this version runs it course and runs up the total in the bank account and then Lucas will finally release the original versions on DVD or whatever the new format is by then. (...)
Rating: Summary: Close, but no cigar. Review: I was pretty excited when I heard that this set was going to be released on DVD. I mean, Star Wars was the last movie I saw at a drive in, way back in 1970something. However, what's being released isn't the movie that I remember. I don't have anything against the new versions, but they don't hold the same interest that the original did. I guess I'll just have to hope my old Pioneer laserdisc player holds out until Lucas decides to release the movies the way most of the people I know remember them.
Rating: Summary: Is Star Wars Original? Review: No, no, no. He ripped off Dune and all those other great Sci fi and fantasy books. A finger to Star Wars!
Rating: Summary: so sad Review: I have always been surprised that there hasn't been more of an outcry over changes in the music particularly in ROTJ. It is painful to sit through the new jaba music-carton section and the music at the end that replaces the ewok song is so bad. so cheesey. just another reason to hate the "New Versions". in some ways i am looking forward to new changes since the old ones were so bad maybe these will be updated. blablabla
Rating: Summary: May the Force be with you, always! Review: Star Wars fans, the time that we have been waiting for has finally come......mark your calendars.....September 21st. That is when the classic Star Wars Trilogy will become available on DVD. The classic trilogy (The Special Edition Versions) boxed set consisting of Episode 4: "Star Wars - A New Hope", Episode 5: "The Empire Strikes Back", and Episode 6: "Return of the Jedi", is a fully restored and remastered gem that you and your family will want to enjoy again and again in the DVD format. The DVD's are Digitally Remastered in THX for the ultimate in sound and picture quality. If any movies were made for DVD, these are them! This first time ever DVD release of the classic Star Wars trilogy will feature beautiful packaging, which can be seen on the official Star wars website (www.starwars.com). In addition, there will be a 4th DVD included that will include all-new special features including the most comprehensive documentary about the Star Wars movies ever made, as well as never before seen footage from the making of all three films! Lucasfilm promises to make this Star Wars DVD release so special, that it will make you feel the way you did when you first saw these classic movies. It will be a wonderful experience for first or second generation Star wars fans, or for anyone who wants to experience these awesome movies for the first time. There will be a Widescreen version of the movies available, or a Full screen version available. No matter which one you choose to buy, I can promise you this......the Star Wars movies never dissappoint. They are a galactic space-soap opera, that will remain in the hearts of movie goers for centuries and centuries to come. Join the Jedi Knight, Luke Skywalker, the beautiful Princess Leia, the intense, yet humorous Han Solo and his huggable Pal Chewbacca, and the wise Jedi Master, Yoda along with many others, as they form an alliance of Good to defeat the forces of evil, including the evil Emperor Palpatine and Darth "Anakin" Vader. George Lucas said that he likes to think of these movies as being timeless. They are. Indeed, the Force is Forever!
Rating: Summary: I'd like to see the originals on DVD too, and here's why. Review: Obviously, we are all aware that this DVD release is of the "special edition" movies and not the originals. I would like to make several comments about that. First of all, one has to be puzzled by the mind of Star Wars' creator, George Lucas. He created three movies that consistently rank among the greatest and most influential movies of all time. The trilogy has spawned a marketing empire and set the tone for decades of science fiction films, few of which have come close to achieving what these films did starting way back in 1977. Undaunted by this extraordinary success, Mr. Lucas was apparently not satisfied with the movies, re-releasing his special editions of them in 1997 with added footage, enhanced sound, and new CGI effects. (Rumor has it that he is re-working them again for the DVD, but time will tell if that's true or not). While we would all like to re-work things we have done in the past, Mr. Lucas actually had the luxury of doing it. Good for him. I'm sure writers, artists, musicians and filmmakers go through that all the time, wishing they could change something they created in their youth. But I would like to say, on behalf of anyone who agrees with me, that the original films were really good. They weren't perfect, but I don't care. I like them just the way they were. Now, what is clear from reading other reviews is that fans are divided as to whether Mr. Lucas' new changes have enhanced or detracted from these classics. I happen to the think the Star Wars special edition detracts from the original, while the two other special editions added some nice touches. Whether you like, love, or hate the special editions, what we all should agree on (with the possible exception of Mr. Lucas and those who profit from endless re-releases of these films) is that the original versions should also be made available on DVD. Let's put this in perspective. What if the DVD releases of Casablanca or The Seven Samurai were colorized, and you couldn't get the black-and-white versions? How about a special edition of The Godfather: Would you really want to have scenes altered in a classic like that (maybe they can make Moe Green pull out a gun and shoot first before getting shot in the eye)? For that matter, let's just shelve all science fiction movies made before the advent of CGI until we can add new special effects. Sound ridiculous? It is, whether you shelve a thousand movies or just three. While alternate versions are interesting, fun to watch, and sometimes improve on the original movies, they do not necessitate burying the original movies in a vault. George Lucas has created something that is a part of film history, something that has become a part of millions of people's lives. Why he insists his 1997 vision is so much more evolved than his 1977 vision is inexplicable. Let's face it: there's absolutely no reason to hold back the original movies apart from money or foolish pride. DVD is the perfect medium to give loyal fans everything they want. Give us both versions of these movies please.
Rating: Summary: The Star Wars Trilogy Review: This three-pack is a must have. It includes all the REAL "Star Wars" movies (the ones that tell the story of how Luke Skywalker gets to be a Jedi Knight, like his father), and by Episode VI all the loose ends are answered. Truly great cinema, with great special effects. This three classics must not be missed!
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