Rating: 
Summary: Great DVD that improves the movie experience
Review: I may not have thought this was my favorite Star Wars movie, but it definitely has a lot worth enjoying. This DVD actually helped me like the movie better and is overall an outstanding DVD that lets you escape to the Star Wars universe for a while.DISC 1
First of all, the movie is presented in beautiful anamorphic widescreen and is crystal clear. It's a great demo piece for your Home Theater system both in terms of visuals and sound. The menu system is something different than ever seen before because it features 3 completely different menu themes based on the locations of the movie. You can actually choose which menu you want by pressing 1, 2, or 3 during the first warning screen of the DVD. The commentary track during the movie has great insights and, I felt, was one of the more interesting commentary tracks I've heard. DISC 2
This disc contains the bulk of the many special features. The deleted scenes were great to see, but even better was the fact that so much work and money was actually put in to complete the effects for them. As if that's not enough, there's a short documentary explaining what went into the deleted scenes and how the creators felt about leaving them out. By far my favorite part of the disc is a professionally made, outstanding documentary entitled "The Beginning". It makes you feel as if you were a fly on the wall during some of the most interesting parts of the process to make this movie. For example, you get to see the scene when Ewan McGregor got to pick his lightsaber for the movie and hear how excited he was about it. This documentary has humor and characters you care about watching. It is one of the true gems of this disc set for sure. Disc 2 also contains 5 specially made featurettes, and all 12 of the great web documentaries on the making of the film. It also has the famous trailers and TV spots, as well as a making of the video game Starfighter. There are also additional Easter Eggs (hidden treasures) found throughout the disc that haven't even all been discovered yet. One, for example, shows some hidden outtakes from the movie. To get to it, go to the Options menu on Disc 1, and enter on your remote "11", then "3", then "8". Depending on your system you may have to press enter after each number. This only begins to get into what's great about this DVD. Overall, this is one DVD I am glad to own and I give it my highest recommendation.
Rating: 
Summary: OK! Let's really think our responses over!
Review: I mean it. My first response to Episode 1 was the same resounding disappointment that was felt and expressed by many other movie viewers who hoped for and expected a progression in a style more fitting with the traditional Star Wars mythology. This just wasn't it. This was a phenomenal dose of glitz, far more than would have been neccessary, or even fitting, to really please those who have high appreciation for the trilogy. However, I highly doubt that Lucas was even thinking of this category of moviegoers through the creation of this film. In fact, I really hope he wasn't, because there is such a seemingly enormous break with tradition here, that the rift seems to be precisely the point. Though I did not see the movie in the company of any children, I am quite sure that this category of moviegoers were absolutely delighted with the movie (and perhaps the very people Lucan had in mind in the movies creation). In fact, if I had a child, I would rent this movie in a heartbeat for them to have fun watching. I'm sure they would. Somehow, it is in thought of the children, that I give two stars, and not one. (or none) For those who are keen on the trilogy, well, I just might even buy the movie for them, partly as a prank, and partly to fire up their creative analytical capacity to further explore how the movie veered or kept in sync with the style of the trilogy. My instinct, upon first viewing, was that it was completely out of sync with anything associated with what was previously known as Star Wars. And I was agitated by it. Frustrated. I noticed however, that the person I had gone to see the movie with, my father, quite enjoyed the film. And I realized that he, like many others who enjoyed the trilogy, but are not attached to its atmosphere and style, were precisely the folks, along with children, who may have had the most enjoyable viewing experience. It's interesting to think that a whole new breed of "Star Wars" interest has perhaps been born with this film. It has been born amidst the camp of moviegoers for whom this might have been their first Star Wars film (as in 6, 7, 8 year olds). Frightening? Perhaps. Interesting? Definitely. What will they think when the see the triolgy, after having been introduced to the Star Wars myth through Episode 1? (!?!) I would watch this movie again, as in a second time, for the same reason that I would give it to a fellow fan of the star wars myth. Simply to hone my analysis of how the creation and display of this epic veered in this particular path and to see if there exist any possible clues as to why Lucas decided to take this drastic, drastic shift. On a concluding note, I simply missed the architecture and emotion of the trilogy.
Rating: 
Summary: Why do people hate this movie?
Review: I mean there are a lot of things I Don't like about this movie but it's still good. The reason I didn't like it was the kid who played Anakin Skywalker, he was a terrible kid actor. Natalie portman was good as the Queen, but I thought her outfits were way to over done. The movie itself had no where to go and it doesn't seem to fit in with the Star Wars Trilogy. Although with all those problems the movie is still enjoyable to watch and it's harmless entertainment and is good for children. There is no violence or gore. The DVD is OK but it could have been much better. If you are a Star Wars fan buy this otherwise wait and see if there is a collection of all six movies in 2005 and by the way why aren't the original three Star Wars on DVD?
Rating:
Summary: Okay, I watched it, and I still can't understand the fuss
Review: I mean, what makes Jar Jar Binks a negative racial stereotype. He's not even human, he doesn't sound like the cliche stereotype (except for the fact that when I read the book, his speech loooked a bit Carribean in print--but doesn't sound that way on film). In this film, he reminds me more of Lou Costello with his wackiness and excitability (when the head of state of his people confers general's rank on him, he passes out). I'm glad they chose an English guy for the younger Obi Wan Kenobi--if they'd hired some American dude, it would have spoiled the whole presence of the character. It's a bit of a reach to see little Anakin Skywalker as such a talented pilot at that young an age--an ability his son would inherit. But the book doesn't begin to capture the charm of Padme (aka the actual Queen Amidala). That girl can brighten up a room just by walking the door and has a serenity which transcends the fact that she's just a kid. All in all, this is quite a decent flick. It's far too easy to measure it against the original trilogy, but that's exactly what I suggest. Ignore all the hype and marketing, ignore all the naysayers who call it a ripoff of the orignal trilogy. It's one movie on a single cassette or disc. Watch it on that basis only.
Rating:
Summary: How do you define ambivalence?
Review: I measure it against my reaction to this flick which I saw both in the theatre as well as at home on video. From a technical standpoint, it suffers from an excess of special effects. It seems to me that having major characters such as Jar Jar exist only in digital form is a crutch; but a crutch for what, I cannot tell you. From the standpoint of the script, having young Skywalker destroy the federation's command ship by flying inside and blowing it up is a lazy rip-off of the first (chronologically speaking) Star Wars movie. And Liam Neeson? <sigh> Just going through the motions, IMHO.
Rating:
Summary: Finally, on DVD!
Review: I must admit I was worried initially when I heard that TPM was being released on DVD. I was afraid that Lucas would pull a "James Cameron" and release it, only to release a better, more extensive version later. Well, Lucas must have "found my lack of faith disturbing", because this looks to be loaded. Congrats to Lucas and Fox for (properly) releasing Star Wars into the digital age in our home theaters!
Rating:
Summary: Star Wars Episode 1
Review: I must admit that while most people are big Star Wars fans, I am a huge Star Wars fan. I knew that no film could live up to the hype Phantom Menace had received, and with that in mind I went in without any expectations. Is Phantom Menace 'Star Wars'? Yes, but it doesn't live up to the previous three story-wise, special effects notwithstanding. Phantom Menace suffers mostly from poor writing, the introduction of midi-chlorians as a way to explain one's connection to the Force was a catastrophic mistake. In a few sentences Lucas stripped away all of the mystery and majesty from the Force and summed it up with a Treknobabble explanation that space here doesn't allow me to explain. There were other gripes, but nothing quite as glaring as the midi-chlorian nonsense. On the up side, Ewen McGreggor and Liam Neesan do more than enough to hold one's interest, and when the Jedi are on screen you captivated by the specticle of flashing lightsaber blades and the awesome power of Jedi Knights. Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker is cloying in squeaky-clean cuteness. Natalie Portman was a joy to see on the screen, but the character was too stiff, let's hope Queen Amidala losens up in the second film. And, as sure as I was that I wanted to see Jar Jar Binks hewn in lightsaber pate, he actually didn't annoy me as much as I thought he would. Visually, the film scores big with people who like the best special effects ILM can produce, but as with the end battle of Return of the Jedi, the end battle in the Phantom Menace suffers from the 'too much too fast and not enough time to enjoy it', too many zipping vehicles on the screen at one time, and lacked the graceful elegance of the end battle of A New Hope. The centerpiece of the Phantom Menace is the epic lightsaber duel between Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan and Darth Maul, and is the best part of the film with its heart pounding kinetics. When I see better spaceship designs in computer games like Starcraft than in a Star Wars film, I'm given to wonder. Doug Chiang is an excellent artist, but his conservative vehicle designs fell flat. It also lacked the humor and sense of fun had by the other three films and its tone more serious than it really needed to be. Bring back Joe Johnston, Bill Berg and Phill Tippet to the design team and see what happens.
Rating:
Summary: At last we shall reveal ourselves to the Jedi...
Review: I must admit the first time I saw the movie I was so hyped up with anticipation that all the movie could do was leave me with a feeling of disappointment. I am an avid follower of Star Wars and followed every move of the pre-production notes. I decided to see the movie a second time and enjoyed the film much more so than the first time. Watch it once and you miss a lot because things move so fast. Watch it for a second or third time and you begin to love it. Despite the lack of character development of Qui-Gon and Obi Wan, it definetely lives up to the Star Wars name. The only reason I give this movie 3-stars instead of 4 or 5 is because of Anakin. Put in a kid as the focus of a movie and you usually end up disappointed by their lack of acting skills. Episode II should prove much better - the kid is grown up and you can focus more on the Dark Side. Just please don't ruin part II by casting Leonardo DiCaprio.
Rating: 
Summary: The Phantom Movie
Review: I must admit, the trailer had me in tears of joy and I expected my childhood would resurface during the first viewing. I got a sunburn and fell behind on work on whole day just to get tickets to the opening show. On May 19, 1999 - the culmination of a 16 year fantasy ended up in tears of sorrow. The opening sequence, pod race and final battle between the jedi and sith were worth the 8 bucks - but nothing can save this movie from the dark side of the hollywood force. Marin County may be a long way from Tinseltown, but Georgie Lucas somehow found a way to sell out. Excess of technology spoiled a flawless plot. Character development was absent. Six foot frogs with jamaican accents played part in fart jokes. In fact, every non-humanoid species has a Chinese, Arab or African accent. Is Lucas suffering from Xenophobia? Sorry kiddies - I guess the older fans like myself just can't handle it sometimes. As a good consumer, I'll buy the video, then the DVD when it's released (because of slipping video sales) then the special edition. I'll encourage my children to watch the all the installments (regardless of their quality) because they're still good, wholesome movies that encourage creativity and imaginiation. However things will never be the same now that this scar has been placed on the face of the world's greatest myth. Let's all hope Lucas has a revelation while reading our feedback: Not for money, for art. As I write this review, it is rumored he is putting the final touches on the script for Episode 2... may the force be with us all, indeed.
Rating:
Summary: or how to spoil the good old trilogy
Review: I must say I'm no Star wars die-hard fan. I like the old trilogy, it reminds me of my childhood and I think they are good examples of good entertainment films.
However, I think 'The Phantom menace' is a horrible film. I just think Lucas should have left the legendary trilogy as it was, but since he decided to make new episodes, at least he could have done it better.
The phantom menace is very bad, in my opinion: the actor's interpretations is simply absent (how can an actor transmit credible expressions talking to a blue screen, talking to no-one?), the so worshipped effects are nothing to me: many people love computer effects, but I just think they're too obvious. When I see the old films, ok the effects are old-fashioned today but I believe what i see: now, I only see computer images: they're so obvious, I feel I'm seeing a cartoon and not real images. The evil character has the personality of an egg. There's the most upsetting and hateful character ever made, a guy with elephant-ears and simply unlistenable voice. And there's a race scene which gets more and more boring. and... is there a story?
In conclusion, my opinion is that this film is almost ridiculous. I have already seen Episode II and it's quite better, though I still think some of the horrible aspects of I are still present in II.
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