Star Wars Trilogy (Widescreen Edition)

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Summary: A Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away. . .
Review: "I want to learn the ways of the Force and becoms a Jedi like my father."
- Luke Skywalker

A Long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . .

Those words have, in the past twenty-seven years, become synonymous with the names Star Wars and Geoge Lucas. In 1977, the producer/director of American Graffiti and close friend to rising director Steven Spielberg created the premiere movie phenomenon of a generation. Star Wars, a space opera of hither-to unheard-of scope, vision, and creativity created an icon that will survive for decades after its creator, and rightly so. Whatever may become of the sacreligious prequel trilogy, it cannot be changed that Star Wars is, and always will be, the best sci-fi trilogy of all time.

Originally titled "Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker" in a novel by Lucas, the story of Episode IV: A New Hope is one of galactic civil war, rebellion, heroes, rogues, princesses, aliens, dark lords, wizards, droids, and the massive backdrop of a galaxy. . . well, you know. Luke Skywalker, dreamer, farmer, rising pilot, dreams of any life but the one he lives. With the arrival of two mysterious droids carrying an even more mysterious message, he gets more than he bargained for. Running into a master of an ancient warrior order, a smuggler, and a beatiful rebel leader, Luke joins the struggle against the evil Darth Vader and the Empire.

It's as cheesy as it comes, with just about every cliche in the book, some used more than once, but it WORKS. The technology was there, making space battling and futuristic swashbuckling seem real in a sense that it never had before. The acting was incredible, particularly of Harrison Ford as the incouragable Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as the feisty Princess Leia, the endearing Mark Hamill as Luke, and the menacing James Earl Jones as Vader. Despite the obvious borrowing from Kurosawa and Tolkien, Lucas's narrative rang fresh because it was so well done, and so lovingly crafted, and it holds up to this day. There are few movies that can claim such after nearly thirty years.

Say what you will of the special editions; I am thankful for them. Some of us were not lucky enough to see the glory of Star Wars on the Big Screen back in the late 70's and early 80's. Return of the Jedi had been out of the cinema for two years before I arrived on the planet, and it was another six before I discovered the Star Wars Phenomenon. The videos were magical, the story put to memory, and it just never got old. However, there is just something about seeing a film in the theater that adds so much to the experience, and, in 1997, I was given that privilege with the Special Edition of the Star Wars Trilogy.

Ignore the fact that Greedo shoots at Hand first in this edition, and the needless encounter with Jabba the Hutt (at least it got Bobba Fett into the first film), the Special Editions add so much more than they subtract. The visual effects that needed it (and some of them REALLY did) have been cleaned up, and there are some new scenes that manage to look at home in the Star Wars universe, despite their digital birthing. And hey, it was nice to see Biggs Darklighter and Luke together before Biggs got blown to firey bits. They WERE supposed to be best buddies, and it's the only time he appears in the movie.

All else aside, I think that the Special Editions of these films are worth it. It was more than worth the Jabba to be able to watch the first in the spectacular trilogy on the silver screen, surrounded by the sounds and sights of a galaxy far, far away.

This is truly something that comes along once in a generation. Despite what you have done recently Lucas, we owe you thanks for this. May the force be with you.

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Summary: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
Review: "Star Wars" represents the fourth chapter in Lucas' stellar space opera, subtitled "A New Hope". The movie as a whole is very entertaining. When you put into perspective that the technology they used, while state-of-the-art at the time, was limited, the storytelling was done to a key. "A New Hope" introduces us to the movie industry's most popular characters, Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Han Solo, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Darth Vader, in an epic battle against oppression. The film stretches across intricate worlds, bringing us to Tatooine and Yavin as the Rebel Alliance figures how to dismantle the Empire's most sinister weapon, the Death Star, an object of destruction. To this day, while the visuals show their age, the idea behind this epic fantasy is completely original and ahead of its time. It mimics our society through space-age technology and a flashy sci-fi setting, while presenting before us all-too-familiar morals and situations that come right from the pages of an illustrated storybook. "Star Wars" is still a legend in our time, special edition or not.

I greatly appreciated Lucas' attempt to theatrically revive the three films. Just being able to witness them on the big screen for the first time would've been enough, but the revised special effects added to the excitement, as fresh details made for a more diverse, more modern type of film, while still retaining everything that made it great in the first place. The main reason I flocked to see it was so I could witness the enhanced footage of Han's confrontation with Jabba, as this prospect had been talked about for some time among fans before ILM decided to put it back in. I agree, it didn't do much to enhance character development, as the overall conversation takes place with Greedo just moments before inside the Cantina; nevertheless, it only adds to the fun. And while at the time I didn't think Star Wars needed a Special Edition, the updated Death Star battle was a welcome surprise.

The only thing the new effects may hinder is the fact that, a lot of people want to look back at the special effects of old. I personally find it difficult to revert to the original version having seen the Special Edition, as it's much more polished. At the same time, the updates don't detract from an already great film, and if anything, it makes the transition that much more easier when you experience the prequels.

By no means is "Star Wars" perfect, but it started the legacy over twenty years ago. And like I said, new footage or not, nothing keeps a good story down.

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Summary: THE Sci-Fi Fantasy Epic
Review: The original Star Wars trilogy is easily the best live-action science fiction/fantasy epic series ever made (there are animated series which rival it but that's another story).

Just why did the movie Star Wars have such a profound effect on people around the world? Is it the amazing (espeically for their time) special effects? It it the astounding music score (which I personally consider the greatest in any film ever)? Or is the perfect casting, great cinematography and classic wild-west in the distant past/future that George Lucas created?

Personally, I think it is the classic story of the first three Star Wars movies that endears it to people everywhere. I can recall being entranced by the story when I was five or six, and I've seen A New Hope so many times now that I know every line by heart pretty much. Yet the story never gets old.

If you've ever read Dune or Lensman or any of the other classic sci-fi stories of the golden age of sci-fi you probably knew the story before you even saw the movie. A young boy dreams of becoming a great warrior and defeating the evil wizard with his dark armies while saving the beautiful princess. In this age of reality tv and super-violent entertainment that glorifies senseless violence, some people may think that the values portrayed in Star Wars are a bit outdated. I personally think they will never be outdated.

When I was growing up I wanted to BE Luke Skywalker. Why? Because I think on some level everyone goes through the same spiritual journey he does. At the outset of our story he's young and idealistic, believing in absolute good and evil, and willing to sacrifice his life for love, honor, and a noble cause. As the story progresses he grows up and finds that the universe doesn't quite work the way he tought it did. His own father turns out to be his worst enemy, and consequently there is evil within himself that he must face.

But episode 4 begins with Luke on his farm world and ends with his first victory against the evil Darth Vader (before we knew he was his father). At heart this movie is about good triumphing over evil, and trusting in something bigger than yourself to give you the power to conquer evil. It's still my favorite Star Wars movie and a classic in every way.

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Summary: SWEET
Review: THIS is going to be an awesome set. I have watched star wars for a while now and I get more into it every time. If you loved Star Wars you'll love this. No one would give this less then 100 stars if it were possible. Best special effects from it's time. Includes 4 discs. The movies are "Episode IV A New Hope", "EMpire strikes Back", and "Return of the Jedi". All great. There is even a bonus disc and commentary on each movie. Please buy this to keep these movies alive forever.

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Summary: Not a Hypocrite ... well not much of one at least.
Review: First off, I'd like to begin by saying that I will definitely be buying this DVD set. I love Star Wars more than life itself (well some parts at least).

However, I would like to say that I, like many, don't care for the Special Edition release. I saw these movies when I was a kid back in the 80's and was hooked since. I know that someone reiterated what Lucas was saying about being an 'unfinished' work of art. But for almost everyone, the original version is the finished product. It is what everyone grew up watching and what established his fan base.

I don't despise Lucas for making the Special Editions, in fact if I was in his position I might do the same if I felt the need for it. But if your 'finished' work does not come out until 20 years after the original, then you will already have a great deal of people who only know 1 version.

If Lucas only sees 1 version now, the new version, then thats fine. But why punish the people who grew up watching the original, the people who created the fan base which allowed Lucas to even make this Special Edition, by not including the Original which stood for 20 years.

If the special edition came out only a few years after the original then I would agree in having only the 1 version, but were talking 20 years here. I want to watch the film that I grew up on.

As I said, I love Star Wars and already have this pre ordered. I just wanted to throw in my 2cents.

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Summary: from 5 stars to 1 star, thanks to Mr. Lucas meddling
Review: I loved Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back and liked Return of the Jedi when they were in theaters from 1977-84. But George Lucas committed an unforgivable sin when he re-edited the movies for the "Special Editions": the complete altering/butchering of the previously excellent but now terrible Greedo scene. There are also other annoying changes I can't quite remember, along with some positive changes to the backgrounds and special effects. But it's the awful Greedo scene change that stays with me - it completely ruined the movie and soured me on Star Wars for good. Apparently the original versions - the ones that made Mr. Lucas his fame and fortune, the ones that were loved by all - are not going to be released on DVD. Steven Spielberg knew better with E.T. and released both versions; but then Spielberg is a classy and honorable man, unlike his pal Lucas. Lucas is truly insulting his audience (or what is left of it after 2 mind-numbingly awful sequels) and he does not deserve a penny of your hard earned money unless he releases the original movies either alone or in a set with the Special Editions. Please do not let your love of Star Wars blind you from protesting his revisionist butchery. BOYCOTT THE STAR WARS DVDS!

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Summary: Should Have Released the Originals!
Review: When I saw the Empire Strikes Back Special Edition, I wasn't overly impressed with the new effects. The computer generated effects paled in comparison to the original magic. I never did see the other two installments because of that.
I was thrilled beyond belief when I heard that the trilogy was coming to DVD, but when I read that it was the Special Edition version, I was totally appalled! I grew up with the originals and that's what I want to see on my TV. I think George should consider releasing the movies in their original glory for the old-timers and have the Special Editions on hand for those who don't know any better.

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Summary: more than a movie
Review: I will keep this short and simple. I was 7 when I saw the first one and it changed my life. Not unlike many other people I am sure. I am the Star Wars generation and damned proud of it. This series and especially the first film quite simply changed movies the way Elvis and the Beatles changed music and popular entertainment. Star Wars took us to the next step on the evolution of entertainment. God bless Lucas and all the rest for starting a revolution that can still be felt today.

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Summary: The "Holy Trilogy" reworked
Review: There's not much praise I can give to the new effects in this movie; the only ones that are really effective are the ones in the extended assault on the Death Star in "A New Hope." It's great to see the X-wings soaring around at break-neck speed like we always knew they could, and we get marvelous new angles of the Death Star's variated surface. I would have to say that this is where it should have ended though.

It's tough to take all three movies into account at the same time because of the strength of one, the brilliance of the other, and the somewhat troublesome last one. It's sort of common ruling that "Empire Strikes Back" is the best, "Star Wars" the second, and "Return of the Jedi" the last. Now, considering what "Jedi" is up against, it's still a great movie, just not "Empire Strikes Back" quality. Forgive me for saying this too, but were it not for "Empire Strikes Back" I don't think we'd be talking about Star Wars like we do today, and George Lucas's ghastly new movies would be only sidebar mentions in movie-mags.

Overall, the quality of the tapes isn't very good. The picture is exceedingly bright, to the point where we can't make out details in the background. The special effects are sort of a first-generation attempt at modern movie sophistication ("Matrix" anyone?) and were interesting at first glance, but considering how far we've come since then, they've become almost corny in appearance. What's up with Jabba the Hutt? He looks now like a concept effect and not a finished product. And why couldn't they clean up the lightsaber effect? If so much of the movie's old effects weren't good enough to remain, why was the painted-on blade allowed to stay? (which is the only good thing about the new movies vs. the old ones). And what's interesting too is how they still don't stack up to those highly detailed models they made back in the 70's and 80's. Give me a Star Destroyer cruising past before I see Jabba the Hutt slithering on by.

The performances haven't changed except for Han Solo shooting first (an unforgivable transgression by Lucas, must all our heroes be virtuous and unspoilt?) Frank Oz's performance as Yoda was allowed to remain, which we should all thank our lucky stars for. I suppose Lucas didn't want to jeopardize his relationship with Oz since he needed him for the new trilogy.

All in all, I prefer the old versions to the revamped versions, which I can still find at my local used-book and movie outlet. I would recommend going purest and getting those instead of these "special edition" versions.

Rating:
Summary: If it weren't for the SPECIAL EDITIONS, I'd give it 5 stars.
Review: 3 stars since the movies are great. But I am one of those fans that thinks Lucas is ruining the Star Wars legacy. I don't mind minor changes to make the effects look better, etc...but when you change the basis of the characters and add to the storyline with your "improvements", we have a problem (Greedo shooting first, Han's meeting with CGI Jabba).

Some people will say, "It's his film...he'll do what he wants." Certainly. Nobody's denying that. But I think the main point people forget is that it's the FANS that make movies great. Not to suggest that box office take is suggestive of artistic appeal, but if the FANS hadn't eaten up the original trilogy, Lucas would be broke. Now that I think of it, if Lucas was broke again maybe that would encourage him to get back to the basics of filmmaking and make some good movies again! But I digress...

I WILL be buying this DVD set, but I will always prefer the original untampered classics, and I will always be a supporter of getting the originals on DVD someday...even if it never happens. Every time Lucas opens a magazine article, or reads a review, or whatever the heck he does during his free time, I want the disgruntled fans staring him in the face saying, "You've RUINED Star Wars!"

Once a film is made, it's made. Stop living in the past.