Rating: 
Summary: The legend begins!
Review: Despite my cynicism due to the incredible hype surrounding the release of The Phantom Menace, I found myself forced to admit that the film met my expectations on all levels and exceeded them in many.The computer generated graphics are a generation ahead of those in the first trilogy, creating a stunningly detailed and intricate mesh of alien landscapes and characters. Liam Neeson is outstanding as Jedi Knight Qui Gon Jin, portraying a very credible and very human character who sees clearly the inherent paradox of the Jedi philosophy and the role they must play in a dangerous time. Ewan McGregor brings much more personality to the young Obi-Wan Kenobi than is shown in Alec Guiness' more mature Ben Kenobi. The most interesting performance is by the fascinating Natalie Portman. When portraying the very proper and regal Queen Amidala, she is almost stultifying in her cardboard stiffness, but this sterile charaterization vanishes when she slips into the role of the hand-maiden alter-ego, Padme. Portman is refreshingly candid and outspoken in this role, without resorting to the shrewishness of the early Princess Leia depictions. Those who have read the books or know the relationship between Padme and the young Annakin Skywalker will find the subtle interplay between the two absolutely delightful. This boxed set contains two wonderful bonuses; first, of course, is that the movie is in Widescreen format, the only way that it can be truly appreciated. Secondly, there is a fascinating portfolio of original concept drawings that is worth the purchase price in and of itself. If you liked The Phantom Menace enough to want to own the movie, do yourself a huge service and invest a little extra for this Special Edition. It will tremendously expand your understanding and enhance your enjoyment of the entire Star Wars experience.
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST ONE SO FAR
Review: Episode 1 is the best Star Wars so far. I love anything to do with lightsabers. The best thing about the movie is the special effects. My favorite characters are Jar Jar,Qui-gon,and Obi-Wan. I especially like the lightsaber dual at the end. The music when Queen Amidala and her team open up the door with Darth Maul."We'll handle this," said Qui-gon. "We'll take the long way," said Queen Amidala. If you don't think this is a good movie your weird.
Rating: 
Summary: Boo
Review: I would just like to say that if you really like this movie then I feel sorry for you.
Rating: 
Summary: It could be worse...
Review: The first time I saw this film (in the theatre), I was greatly disappointed, but when it came out on video I rented it to see if it would grow on me if I watched it a couple more times. I don't know that I can say it GREW on me, but it did get better. Still, Lucas should have done a lot more script-polishing, left out the "kiddie"-oriented elements (this is too much like a corny Saturday morning cartoon), and spread around some of the creative control over the film. This is HIS baby all the way; he's a little bit rusty and it shows. The gungans aren't that bad, but there are times when you'd give anything for a translator. I had more of a problem with Lucas' "midi-chlorians". Microscopic organisms living inside every living being, cluing them into the presence of the Force (or not) depending on how many of them a particular individual has in his or her system? This makes it sound like all of the Jedi Knights have raging cases of interstellar psychic herpes or something. Give me a break. Also, the young Anakin Skywalker is TOO young. If Queen Amidala decides to get together with him in the next film, she COULD be looking at some jail time. Having all of the other characters calling the future Darth Vader "Ani" was another point of annoyance. I was half expecting Daddy Warbucks to show up. That, or for somebody onscreen to break into a performance of "Tomorrow"...
Rating:
Summary: AUESOME!
Review: This movie was one of the bast movie ever. This movie never had a boring part. The thing i really liked about this movie was there was a buch of problems. Not just one big one. It wasn't just about Darth Maul. One problem was to get Anackin free. Another was to get Anackin to be a jedi. There were others that was just two. I just want you to know that if you somehow still havent seen this movie go out and buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Exceeded My Expectations
Review: I have been a fan of star wars since I was young and I have seen every movie at least 100 times, and I've read some where in the neighborhood of 30 star wars books and I believe, except for a few flaws that this movie stays true the star wars universe.
Rating:
Summary: underappreciated
Review: okay i saw this movie in theaters four times and went to the very first showing and the crowd erupted with applause and cheers at the all familar fox and star wars fanfare.star wars represents unity and that what has excited me..now let us go down the list of what the buzz has said. 1) okay if everything was explained in episode one why do we need a two and three...plus don't you people have imagination? i mean it is supposed to attract you to see the other movies ans besides we all know how it ends why do you want everything solved so immediately..i have enjoyed pondering the what if's and ummmmmmm's of te questions this movie has ledt me and have let my imagination run wild until i think that i have it figured out. 2) sure it is not gonna live up to ten years of hype but come on if you take episode one and compare it to episode four i think you have a far more engaging film action wise and you seem to get more invloved....i rememeber i thought luke was too whiney at the beginning but loved him later...so if you quit comparing one film to three then maybe you will see what you have missed. 3) jar jar- was every bit comic relief and enjoyable.so what if he sound jamacian.jamacian accents are cool and it shows use clumsy people that us too can accomplish big feats. 4) many adults did not like this film because of the age of the characters while i admit that is why i did not praticlarly care for jake lloyd...some parts were overacted...i did like natalie portman and hopefully with them older in the next film people will get into there characters more.since people like to go to the movies and lose themselves.. overall the movie was not a let down once i surpassed my own hype and let my imagination once again take control.sure there was some unbelievable stuff but no big deal..in the star wars universe anything goes..do i have questions about contridictions sure..but my faith is on lucas he knows what he is doing...so come on i surpassed my great un realistic expectations can you?
Rating:
Summary: WHY WERE SCENES EDITED!
Review: The regular tape has poor video and sound quality relative to most other movies, the Widescreen or "Letterbox" version is much better. However, both versions have scenes edited out, mostly subtle but one scene which explains how Darth Maul traced the good guys to Tatooin was removed. As for the script, it is good for kids, but rather flawed for "intelligent" adults. References of Anakin as "Jesus Christ", and linking it (the Force) to something that can be measured in blood, as well as "Barney" style acting by the boy ruined the movie for me. As for the DVD issue, nevermind that there is NO DVD of ANY Lucas Films, the original Star Wars Trilogy is not even commercially available any more in any format, this and the removal of scenes from both vhs release of Phantom Menace, tells me that Mr. Lucas has truly turned to the "Dark Side" of capitalism. Disney style.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie!
Review: I thought this movie was really good! I would recommend anybody to watch it!
Rating: 
Summary: A generally well-done prequel to the ongoing saga
Review: George Lucas' vision is another step complete with this excellent saga. Though not a heavy duty sci-fi nut, I do own all the Star Wars videos, in cluding this one. My recommendation is for this widescreen edition, so that none of the spectacular scenes and effects are lost. This film is kept from a 5 star rating simply by the kid-appeal accent on the silly Jar-Jar character, which adds too much slapstick to an otherwise extraordinary sci-fi entry. The widescreen presen tation is especially effective in the panoramic shots, the intense laser sabre fights, and the near-legendary pod race. Should one view the latter scene in pan-n-scan, the quick action and editing would prove too claustrophobic. This film is well worth the limited edition purchase price. Featuring a "making of" documentary of appx. 20 minutes preceding the main show.
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