Rating: Summary: Problems with the Star Wars DVD Review: From what we've been told by StarWars.Com this DVD will be of the 1997 special edition versions. The problems with this release of StarWars on DVD is that it contains only the special edition of the film, and it is a flawed version at best.
I will buy this DVD set, but I am not happy about it. When I saw the special editions of the films in 1997 I was very unhappy with StarWars 4 (A New Hope), (...). I was expecting more from the special edition too. Knowing way too much about the films missing footage, I was disapointed that there wasn't any of the cut sceens with Luke and Biggs at the start of the film.
Empire Stikes Back changes were okay, but I would have liked to seen the Wampa sceen inside of the Rebal base. I would have also liked to have seen how C3PO got torn apart.
Return's only major changes were at the end of the film. The edition of celebrations across the galaxy was goofy.
To tell the truth, I'd to see this DVD set contain 3 versions of the films. The un-modified editions, the 1997 editions and a new mix that fixes the problems with a Star Wars 4 and maybe adds a few new sceens here and there. My guess is that there will be a version on DVD, or HD-DVD, like this in the future and I will be suckered into buying it too.
Rating: Summary: Best DVD's Ever Review: When the Star Wars trilogy arrives on DVD on September 21, the digitally remastered and restored films will be accompanied by over 10 hours of bonus material that goes inside the making of these classic movies.
Each film resides on its own disc, with sharp, pristene imagery restored and remastered by Lowry Digital Images, and the rich sound experience of the saga presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX. The films also include new commentary tracks, featuring insights from George Lucas, director Irvin Kershner, actress Carrie Fisher, sound designer Ben Burtt, and Industrial Light & Magic's Dennis Muren. The fourth disc is packed with bonus material, the most notable being Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy. This two-and-a-half hour documentary traces the evolution of the saga, from a low-budget labor-of-love space saga to the movie phenomenon that defied the odds and reinvented the rules. This comprehensive documentary features all new interviews with George Lucas and more than 40 members of the cast and crew from the original trilogy, as well as a host of filmmakers and media personalities. Empire of Dreams includes some never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the three films. Other material on the fourth disc includes: Episode III Behind the Scenes Preview: The Return of Darth Vader: Finally, Star Wars: Episode III will reveal just how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader, the most iconic villain in film history. In this exclusive preview, George Lucas discusses Anakin's descent, with a first look at the new Vader costume forged for Episode III. Also, experience how Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor have prepared for the epic lightsaber battle that has been anticipated for more than two decades: the climactic showdown between Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Birth of the Lightsaber: Its unforgettable hum and scintillating glow are instantly recognizable around the world. Now, viewers will discover the origins of this elegant weapon from a more civilized age in this documentary devoted to the lightsaber. The Characters of Star Wars: An in-depth look at how favorite characters came to be, featuring rare concept art, behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with George Lucas and the cast and crew who shaped the screen's favorite heroes. The Force Is With Them: The Legacy of Star Wars: Star Wars opened up a galaxy of possibilities to a generation of filmmakers and creative talents. Hear from some of the most notable filmmakers of our time about how influential the Star Wars movies have been to their lives. Star Wars Battlefront Trailer and Playable Demo: The fourth disc will offer a trailer featuring an exciting look at the upcoming Star Wars Battlefront video game from LucasArts, along with a special demo for Xbox users that lets players fight the Battle of Endor as a Rebel or Imperial soldier and drive AT-STs, ride speeder bikes and use different weapons to lead their side to victory. The full version of Star Wars Battlefront will also be released Sept. 21 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC. Star Wars: Episode III Making the Game Preview: Video-game players will be able to experience the stunning Jedi action of Episode III themselves in the new Star Wars: Episode III game, due out in Spring 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. This special feature shows how game developers at LucasArts worked behind-the-scenes and on the set to create the most authentic Jedi experience ever. Original Trailers and TV Spots: The original theatrical teaser, launch and re-release trailers for each film, plus TV spots, are featured on the DVD. Never-Before-Seen Production Gallery: Delve into an unseen corners of the Lucasfilm Archives with exclusive photos from the making of the trilogy, with hundreds of rare behind-the-scene images. Posters and Print Campaigns: The original releases of the Star Wars films came at a time when international campaigns produced a wealth of intriguing, alternative poster art. Explore a collection of theatrical posters from around the world. Exclusive DVD-ROM Content: The Star Wars Trilogy DVDs are keys that unlock exclusive content available only through a special DVD-ROM website.
Rating: Summary: Nice, but wait for the Star Wars Saga DVD set Review: I fail to understand Lucas' motivations for releasing these on DVD now, with no doubt a year to go on the full Star Wars Saga DVD set. Unless it's all about marketing, smooching the fans' boohineys by dropping this in their midst with a cleverly placed preview of his upcoming theatrical release of Episode III. The smart thing would have been to release the original theatrical versions of these now and the full Saga next year. Lord knows, I'd certainly buy both if that were the case. But, since it isn't I guess I'll be waiting one more year...
Rating: Summary: Great Movies, Great Memories, Know-it-all criticisms Review: These movies are spectacular. Everyone knows they are. Many people a writing reviews criticizing Lucas, and there are other forums to do that. What's worse, they're criticizing him before the entire storyline is finished. For now, watch the movies, enjoy the adventure, and stop whining.
Rating: Summary: Rest assured. Review: Sure, nothing will beat the real original trilogy as we all know and love them. You'd think Lucas, being such a connoisseur of old films, would recognize a threat of tainting nostalgia, but his actions show that he doesn't think in terms of protecting nostalgia, but rather puts technology first, and updates his films as he sees fit. Lucas doesn't believe in the proverb "just because you can doesn't mean you should". Be that as it may, the Special Edition is refreshing, and I don't think it takes anything away from the overall feel that allowed everyone to fall in love with the movies in the first place (except maybe the ridiculously updated, all-CGI Max Rebo band in the special edition of ROTJ). Overall, I think it is a tad harsh to take what would be a 5-star rating down to a 1 simply because of a few new scenes. I've been waiting to see the original trilogy in pristine format since... well, since 1982, when I first fell in love with the saga. As if the movies weren't enough to get excited about, the special features disc looks incredible, and will be chock full of goodies that not even the most die-hard Star Wars fans have seen. Head over to the official Star Wars site to check out all the special features. By the way, those waiting for a non-Special Edition version of the Original Trilogy on DVD... just wait. George Lucas is probably the most business-oriented film director in the world, and knows exactly how to capitalize on every little teeny tiny detail that will bring him a profit... Rest assured there will be an UNTOUCHED Original Trilogy on DVD sometime in the near future. Over the next few years, I would expect no less than 2 or 3 big sets of Star Wars DVD releases... An untouched Original Trilogy set, a New Trilogy set, and a huge "sixology" set... not to mention the anime star wars on DVD, children's cartoon star wars on DVD, star wars the TV sitcom on DVD, and star wars the reality show on DVD.
Rating: Summary: Might be worth a look Review: While I agree that having this trilogy on DVD finally with all of the new features (not new effects) and extras is probably a good move for star wars fans, I can't say I am excited about the release the way I wanted to be. Episodes I and II were a huge disappointment and further brought to light how Lucas ruined the original 3 with the re-release. It is worth it for anyone to get a good laserdisk copy of the original movies and get someone that loves them to sample it down to DVD format. Laserdisk was great quality and with the affordable HD video editing software out there today, a good DVD of the orignal 3 can be made. There are probably even people selling the orignal releases somewhere out there. I am not a fanatic at all. Lucas really did ruin his creation and reputation. Not quite as bad as Michael Jackson, but close. I am a real-world casual movie lover and this is just bad.
Rating: Summary: Let the market decide Review: I can't tell if this is a sucker ploy or not. Will they finally release the editions that I and many others want after sales of the "special" edition begin to slump? That shows how bad things are getting. They will do anything to get you to buy the same thing three and four times over. I'm holding out for the original editions. If they never come, oh well more money for better things. P.S. Don't be at all surprised if next year they come out with a 6 DVD box set that will end up being the only way to buy "episode 6" (or the original versions).
Rating: Summary: Star Wars, But Not as Originally Remembered Review: The Star Wars Trilogy is a masterpiece. At the very least, Star Wars: A New Hope and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back are both in the top 10 films of all time. However, you must realize something when you buy this boxset. These versions are not the original theatrical versions of 1977, 1980, and 1983. They are a modification of the Special Edition versions from 1997 and the only versions in there. Now I'm not telling you to boycott this disc, that is silly when you are looking at masterpieces of this sort, even in the SE form. But, if you want your disspleasure heard, you should sign a petion like at OriginalTrilogy and/or start to email Lucasfilm, etc...I thought that worth mentioning, but anyway back to the main point. The special features are awesome, audio commentary, 10 hours+ bonus features. But ask yourself, do I want only the Special Edition versions on DVD and later formats for all time? Or do I want the original theatrical versions as well? And with that I leave the classic words, May the Force Be With You.
Rating: Summary: Why it has to be special edition Review: I keep hearing people say that they want the originals. Well, if you watch the special editions you would realize why he is not releasing the originals. Cause they are gone. The elements had corrupted them so badly that if they had not made the special editions, Star Wars would be gone totally. And persoanly, i like the new effects. It makes the films looks "more real". And the added scenes were nice. I like learning more about why Jabba is mad at Han without having to read the whole Han Solo Trilogy book set. And the new Death Star attack sequence was great. Besides..when it comes down to it, its his movies. We didn't write them. It is his universe and his imagination. Apparently he envisioned it with the extra scenes. I like the special editons cause they add more story to the already great story. The only thing i wish he had included in the bonus disk (which maybe he did and we just don't know it yet) are some of the other deleted scenes that he never put in. But overall, the changes were good to keep up with the times and the story was just made better. Besides, you can't release the originals if they are gone.
Rating: Summary: 5 Stars for VHS Originals - 1 Star for Anything Else Review: I am so disappointed when I read all of the tragic tales of how the originals have been ruined. It sounds like a great beginning to a modern horror classic. I just don't understand. How can you carelessly ruin your own masterpiece? Well, it seems like Mr. Lucas has found a way. He should have been more confident with the quality and integrity of the originals. He is completely disrespecting the fans which made his movies so popular. This is a complete slap in the face. Why is George Lucas willing to squash the hopes and dreams of so many for his own personal satisfaction? I wonder if he even has the answers to my questions. I FEEL THAT THIS IS AN IRRESPONSIBLE AND INEXECULBE RELEASE BY FOX HOME VIDEO. You are a complete disgrace to anyone that loves movies. This is the worst decision that has been made by a motion picture studio in years. Absolutely no respect for history. Is there no psychiatrist that can help either of these entities???
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