Rating: 
Summary: Put it into context.
Review: Let's look at what's being attempted here: a huge, multigenerational story spread over nine films. The story begins with Episode I. We know nothing about the future of these characters. We begin meeting them, not knowing for certain which ones will endure through the series and which will be short-lived. It begins on a low level and begins the story arc, which, I reiterate, will take NINE FILMS to be completed. Look at Episode I in this light; not that it has anything to live up to, but that it's the promise of things to come. Someday people will see the whole story, for the first time, in order, all 9 installments. Of course the first episode doesn't top the others. What kind of storytelling sense would that make? George Lucas knows exactly what he's doing. Wait and see.
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: Disappointment
Review: Well, The Phantom Menace certainly has one thing going for it, it manages to be a tad better than Return Of The Jedi. Unfortunatley, this isn't saying alot since Return Of The Jedi was so terrible. Other than that The Phantom Menace was a disappointment. Saturated in mind-numbing digital FX that work most of the time, the exception being the Gungans, The Phantom Menace is so crippled by characters with two dimensional personalities you WILL find yourself missing Han Solo at some point. Though some have rationalized this movies poor character development as symptomatic of a childrens movie, I'm quick to point out that Disney's 'Mulan' had much better character development than The Phantom Menace. The "it's a kids movie" is no excuse. The film gives very little to digest beyond eye candy. As such, when things slow down on Coruscant the film gets a little, dare I say, dull. Even the 'Pod Race' was poorly executed as it failed to put the viewer into the drivers seat. Sure, it was cool to watch but completly devoid of suspense. Though the silly two headed announcer, who looked like it could have stepped out of Return Of The Jedi, certainly did not help. Jake Loyd, as the nine year old Anakin Skywalker, looked bored. Though I suspect this has more to do with the fact Lucas is no actors director than to Loyd's ability. Ewan McGregor was wasted, but I'm sure this is because he doesn't get to develop until Episode Two (I hope). Liam Neeson actually brought some heart to this flick (quite a feat) as the wise but head strong Qui Gon Jinn. Darth Maul, the most dynamic looking character in all of Star Wars, was also wasted with only a few lines to speak. And the 'Duel Of The Fates' sequence, the lightsaber duel in which actor Ray Parks (Darth Maul) gets to showcase his martial arts skill, is ruined by the constant break away to the other conflicts. All in all, this movie IS worth checking out due to some of the powerful visuals - But there is little else you will take with you after you've seen it. And yes, Jar Jar Binks is aweful.
Rating: 
Summary: A great addition to the Star Wars collection
Review: I loved this movie. It had a great plot and screenplay and I liked it a lot. If you have seen the original Star Wars movies then this is a great movie to add to your collection. Darth Maul, Anakin, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Amidala were all great characters and the actors did a wonderful job. Another George Lucas Classic.
Rating:
Summary: Not original
Review: After the original Star Wars movies to me this one didn't compare. The originals had humor and action, but this one wasn't funny. People who weren't brought up with Star Wars thought it was funny but to those who used to dress up as Princess Liea and Luke Skywalker it wasn't humoress at all. The only thing I liked was that it had a lot of imagination and creativity.
Rating:
Summary: STAR WARS, STAR WARS, STAR WARS!!!
Review: Episode One follows the same format as the following Star Wars films. Taking place in a Galaxy far away-Episode One tells the story of Anakin Starwalker the ill-fated Darth Vader. Episode on brings history and insight into how it all began and even gives hints to how the Empire could have been stopped early on. With its use of breath taking graphics and great screen writing, Episode One lives up to the Star Wars legacy and will please any Star Wars fan.
Rating:
Summary: A good movie but below usual expectations...
Review: The Phantom Menace was a good movie with INCREDIBLE special effects but lacked things that the original trilogy had. The character development was preety bd and the plot was hollow it seemed as if George Lucus had sold out a bit. It will never meet the greatness of the originals but still is good movie
Rating:
Summary: Thank you, George Lucas
Review: I found Episode I to be true to the tradition established in the first trilogy. Most critics didn't understand when reviewing this that Star Wars is space FANTASY, not true science fiction; it is not supposed to be hip, self-conscious, or noirish. The story glides along at a fairly relaxing pace--although there are still good action sequences, I was more entranced by the stunning artistic visions of new planets, creatures, costumes, etc. As eye candy with an undercurrent of political intrigue, the film is near-perfect. And of course John Williams' music is excellent. Small complaints: Trade Federation creatures should have their own language, not an East Asian accent, and the boy who plays Anakin was not the best choice.
Rating: 
Summary: Disgrace to The Star Wars Trilogy
Review: Ok. Everyone reading this knows that a Star Wars flick has as much to do with special effects as it does a good plot line. But, with the kind of financial and professional resources available to Lucas, there should be a better result. The movie was not only predictable and poorly scripted, but nearly void of all entertainment value. It utilzed the same basic formula as its predecessors, but it lacked the heart and the ability to enrapture the viewer. Too much time was spent on sequences that are visually appealing, but predictable and without substance(ie: pod racing scene and underwater fish chase). This feature needed a better plot, less fluff, and more of Dearth Maul.
Rating:
Summary: Might as well be a limited edition of 1.
Review: Simple review for me. In my opinion, no DVD = no interest. Lucas can shove this and all his other movies up his Jar Jar Binks.
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