Rating: 
Summary: A little disappointed in the movie, but love the DVD
Review: First of all, I really enjoyed the movie, but there were a few things that really bothered me about it. I realize that some of this was because of the wider appeal that Lucas was trying to get, but Jar Jar Binks was just annoying. As a matter of fact, the whole Gungan race was a little annoying, although I can see how they fit into the story. There were several times in the movie that I thought were a little hokey and slapstick for the rest of the movie, but I let these things slide. Obviously, the special effects were top notch. I kind of assumed they would be going in, so I wasn't really surprised by that. I was impressed by the detail in the pod race and the battles. I knew I wanted the DVD to add to my collection, even if it only included a nice digital master of the movie with some director commentary and cast and crew profiles, but extremely pleased when I discovered the wealth of extras included. Apparently, Lucas is a bit of a perfectionist, because he wasn't satisfied with the normal deleted scenes method of simply shoving them in as is. There are seven fully restored scenes including a much lengthier pod race scene. You can't even tell these were removed before final production, they are up to the same level of quality as the film itself. On top of that, there are all the featurettes, too many to count. All in all, a must have for anyone who even remotely liked the movie and especially the few who may not have seen it yet.
Rating: 
Summary: If you want quality, wait for the DVD
Review: First of all, I'm assuming that if you're thinking about purchasing the widescreen version of Star Wars: Episode I, than you have already seen it and enjoyed it. If not, I'd recommend you rent the movie before opting for the more expensive widescreen version.First of all, along with the widescreen version of the movie included are a few frames from a real copy of the movie. (You know, the kind that they play in projectors). Also included is a book on the art of Star Wars and a few coupons. These items resulted in my scoring of 3 stars instead of 2. The problem with the widescreen version is that the visual quality is poor. I don't mean compared to DVD, I mean that compared to the quality I would expect from a VHS, the quality of the film was poor. Some scenes appeared pixelized and others "just didn't seem right." I doubt that the casual viewer will notice these imperfections, but again, I assume that if you are purchasing the widescreen version that you are not a casual viewer. Please keep in mind, that it may be that only my copy has a poor transfer. However, I have heard other people complaining of similar flaws. **The bottom line is: If you can wait for the DVD, than do so. If not, then go ahead and buy it. You may not be wowed by it, but it's still pretty fun to watch.
Rating: 
Summary: A stab in the back to every fan of the original trilogy
Review: First of all, I've seen this dvd and it looks and sounds great. My problem is with the movie. I own the original trilogy, the special editions, documentaries like From Star Wars To Jedi, etc. I'm a huge fan of Star Wars. However, when I came out of the theater with my friends after seeing Episode 1, we all refused to accept it. The movie had a weak story, weak script, laughable acting, and enough cartoonish CGI to make Shrek jealous. No longer did we see detailed models, costumes, and sets...... instead we saw 3D Studio Max. The movie largely ignores the original trilogy. For example, Obi-Wan said to Luke that Yoda had trained him, not Qui-Gon. Also, The Force was a religion based on symbiosis with the surrounding universe, not microorganisms in a Jedi's blood. Also, if the droids are in these prequels, how come they don't remember Obi-Wan when they meet him in Episode 4? Also, what was up with the underwater chase and the scene where Anakin blows up the Trade Federation ship? Did Lucas expect those scenes to be taken seriously? What was with the battle droids talking like smart alecks? What was the point of Jar Jar other than to make us want to leave the theater? It's just baffling. Samuel Jackson and Ewan McGregor have publicly stated they thought Episode 1 was flat. That's not good. This movie will definitely go down as the black sheep of the Star Wars saga.
Rating:
Summary: People are way too hard, on this movie.
Review: First of all, if you go into this movie expecting it to change the world like the original Star Wars, you will bee disappointed. It is absolutely impossible for history to repeat itself in that sense because 1) Star Wars had the very important element of surprise in 1977 and 2) movies like this just weren't being made back then. With Episode 1, George Lucas took on the almost impossible task of adding to an American icon. One magazine article published before the May 1999 premiere (I don't remember which magazine) said it was comparable to redesigning the American flag or giving Mickey Mouse a brother. Keeping this in mind, Episode 1 holds up extremely well. It maintains the Star Wars 'feel' throughout, and the podrace and final battle sequences had my pulse racing. The main area of criticism is the younger appeal this film seems to have when compared to the original trilogy. This is nonsense to me, the Star Wars saga has always been for kids and like all good childrens' movies it offers a much needed break for adults tired of all the cinicism, and meaningless violence in films today. Of course, the other sore spot for many people is Jar Jar Binks. Honestly, I liked him. He offered a refreshing contrast to the stoic, respectful Jedi. I can understand why some people can't abide his silliness, but that all comes down to opinions, and you know what they say about those. When all is said and done, Episode 1 is a worthy movie and a good starting point for the Star Wars saga. However, don't forget, it's only a movie; lighten up and enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: The Beginning of the Rest
Review: First of all, it is impossible to rate this movie by itself. Let's not forget that there are two more movies to come. So of course people are not going to like it because they want more out of it, but those are for the rest of this prequel trilogy. This movie was awesome! I saw it 5 times in the theatres and I have already reserved my copy. I look forward to the rest of them, as well as every other Star Wars fanatic out there. But it is very hard to have as many expectations as this movie had (due to media) and still have everyone liking it. I LOVED IT!
Rating: 
Summary: A Fun Popcorn Movie
Review: First of all, let me confess to being one of the nerds who waited in line overnight to get tickets to this movie. When I went to see this movie for the first time I had one hope: That it would be better than Return of the Jedi. Maybe that's why I enjoyed it so much. While everyone else was expecting it to be better than all three original Star Wars movies combined, I was simply hoping that it would be better than the weakest episode so far. And like the original trilogy it keeps up the spirit of the old Saturday Matinee Serials that were a primary source of inspiration for this series. I concede, the dialogue was not as sharp as in the first 2 Star Wars movies, but at least nobody who was supposed to be quick witted didn't lamely proclaim to a villain "We have powerful friends". Also there were no Ewoks which is another point in the argument that this movie was better than Jedi. The special effects were, well, truly special, successfully evoking and expanding images of Fritz Lang's Metropolis. And every single time a lightsaber lit up this was the coolest, most exciting movie in years. Those lightsabers were lit up a lot. As far as complaints about character development goes, when Lucas first made Star Wars, he didn't know it was going to be a hit & he could do the sequels, so he made the movie work as a singular entity. This movie Lucas knows will have a sequel, so he doesn't care about loose ends. He will be able to tie them off in Episodes II and III. Hopefully while still maintaining the old-fashioned movie serial charm that has infused all of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies.
Rating:
Summary: Okay, listen up here
Review: First of all, PLEASE do not pay ANY attention to all those idiots who call themselves critics but aren't able to understand a masterful film such as this. If you cannot feel the Force in this film, it's not because of the film, it's because of you. The entire Star Wars saga is a warm and beautiful story for people who can still open their heart for a wonderful story such as this, and who have no need for postmodernistic cynism and other depressive ways of expression. This film is a unique achievement, a timeless story with some of the greatest characters, music, special effects, atmosphere and simple beauty that the world of storytelling has ever known. Love it, I know I do.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best DVD's Out There!
Review: First of all, with 2 documentaries, several deleted scenes, a music video, poster art, exclusive photos, animatics examples, StarWars.com video vignettes, TV commercials, movie theater trailers, and other goodies, only a FOOL would pass on this DVD of "Star Wars: Episode One: The Phantom Menace." My advice to you is to ignore the Jar Jar Binks haters. What they don't realize is that Jar Jar is a technological marvel, worthy of his own documentary, and he is one of the most complex effects elements of the entire film. Jar Jar is motion-captured brilliantly with a performance by Ahmed Best, and George Lucas tells us in the audio commentary that the inspiration for Jar Jar was Buster Keaton, particularly in the Gungan battle against the battle droids. So, there is much more to Jar Jar's character than these haters would have us believe. I was a bit thrown by the fact that Lucas added some of the deleted scenes to the actual film instead of keeping them separate. Otherwise, why not call this a "Special Edition?" All in all, it is a dazzling use of DVD technology, with TONS of extras that will keep the most die-hard Star Wars fan busy for hours and hours. I know I'm still not done with the extras, and it's been a week since I've bought the DVD.
Rating:
Summary: I love It! But, it's weird...
Review: First of all. anakyn is some kind of JESUS? Jar Jar Binks is too crazy. Where is the DVD God Dammit? But Darth Maul Brings the pleasure of fight. and episode II and III will be more Dark, you'll see. Darth Vader: I MISS YOU.
Rating:
Summary: Ummm, no one wants VHS
Review: First off I love the movie, I see where Lucas is headed with Episode I...he's doing a lot of setup for the next two. I've heard people complain that the Trade Federation isn't a good enough enemy. Duh. They aren't the enemy in this movie people, thus the title "Phantom Menace" (sigh). Anyway, people shouldn't be to hasty to bash this movie because you've only seen 2/3 of the whole thing. As far as VHS goes? Bwahahahaha! No thanks. I guess I'll get it and promptly throw it away when the DVD comes out...some year. Am I the only one that thinks releasing this on VHS is a travesty!
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