Rating: 
Summary: A masterpiece ! Has to be bought. and about time
Review: Like many (many) people I still remember the original 3 movies, I've seen them back to back many times, on tv, on video, in original, extended etc. They are still the defining movies for the 70's/80's, they are more influential than the Matrix (which I loved), and more beloved than The GodFather. When they came out there was no competition to their status, but times move on. Now, it's interesting that people keep on mentioning some masterpiece not being changed by some artist after completion. Someone once asked Picasso if he ever finished a painting, and he replied "they are never finished" (or something to that effect). Artist don't 'not change pieces' because they are satisfied; that the piece is already 'perfect', they don't do it becasue they can't! They might not own it, they can't be bothered, they're too busy doing somethingelse, they might be even happy with the way it is; however, it's unlikely to be perfect. As someone who paints (amongst other things) I know understand this, a piece is rarely complete or (even close to) perfect. However, some artists do change/revise a released product later, this is obviously not always the case and composers throughout the ages have decided to make changes to certain pieces for better or for worst; anyone who's studied perfomance practice will know the difficulty in finding the definitive version of a piece. At the end of the day, it's Lucus' dream, his concept and they are his masterpieces. Now I don't believe these movies need to be changed, but if he does, its his perogative. I'd still thank him all the same, and I can't wait to own these.
Rating: 
Summary: It's just wrong
Review: So I'm not the first to say this, and I won't be the last. WHY GEORGE WHY????????!!!!!!! Why destroy what was perfect? And it wasn't bad enough to rape the originals once, now he has to release a bastardized version of the bastardized versions. I'm sick, so I have to see the dvd versions, but I sure won't buy them. Mr Lucas, I'm sure you will never see this review, but if by some strange turn of events you do, why not just release two versions, the one you f**ked up, and the real, original one. You'll have the rare pleasure of making millions by selling actual $h!t, and you can at the same time double that by selling something that defined a generation as well. Release the originals also! Realistically, I'm going to have to dub the vhs onto dvd myself, and pretend this never happened.
Rating:
Summary: SETTLE DOWN DORKS!!
Review: PUT ON YOUR YODA MASKS, PUT DOWN YOUR DUNGEON AND DRAGONS, GET YOUR DEAD CENTER SEAT, PERFECT DISTANCE FROM THE TV, CRANK UP YOUR SURROUND SOUND, PUSH UP YOUR FOCALS AND GET READY FOR WHAT WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR, THE BEST DVD RELEASE OF ALL TIME. YOU WILL ALL ADMIT YOU OVER REACTED WITH THE "SPECIAL EDITION" RELEASES ONCE YOU SEE THE DVD. TIME TO PUT UP OR SHUT UP, IF YOU DO NOT LIKE IT GET A NEW HOBBY LIKE POKEMON?
Rating:
Summary: Bait and Switch: wait for the original version on DVD
Review: This release is of the re-edited version Lucas put out in 1997, incorporating new, more cartoony elements that ruin the atmosphere of the original films. BUT THAT'S NOT ALL. They appear to have continued work on these films, creating even more footage to be wedged into the films, including adding a shot of the prequels' Anakin Skywalker, Hayden Christensen, into the end of Return of the Jedi. You can easily find this shot online if you look for it. It's upsetting. It's a bait and switch: this isn't the movie anyone grew up with. George Lucas doesn't seem to know when to leave well enough alone, and his films and his fans are suffering for it. Don't buy this now; wait until they release the original editions on DVD, which they most definitely will.
Rating: 
Summary: More than Special Editions
Review: These DVD's won't be the special editions that were released in 1997. Lucas has tinkered some more, and reworked the special editions. These DVD's will be the special special edition version of the movies, and will more smoothly tie in with all that will be revealed in Episode III. (...). Now, I grew up with these movies. Literally. I was 2 when ESB came out. These movies have seeped. And I got to say, I don't see the big deal about Lucas messing around with the originals. If you don't like the special editions, or these new special special editions, then DON'T WATCH THEM. You can still buy the originals on VHS for cheap on eBay. If you're one of those people who like to whine that VHS doesn't count anymore and you absolutely must own everything on DVD, well...what will you do when the next thing replaces DVD?? And then when the next thing replaces that?? The cycle will never end. So just keep a special Star Wars VCR in the closet, whip it out every time you want to watch the originals, and stop whining about the special editions. From one geek to another...just shut up already. If you've grown up to be cynical and jaded about your lost youth, that's too bad. I for one enjoy the fact that Lucas tinkers, and that there is nor ever will be a definitive Star Wars saga.
Rating: 
Summary: George Lucas can't you stop!
Review: Why, o why can't Lucas film just put on dvd the films as they were originaly realised.The special effect that use CGI in this film are not of top quality. Plus even with the best CGI shots you can't carry the illusion of reality for very long. Look at the LOTR films, yes they have CGI but they also use extensive models, simple camera tricks and they work infinitly better than any of the added garbage you will find in this new versions.When there finished Killing the franchise maybe they will listen to the fans.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as the originals
Review: I don't mind the Special Editions, but I'd prefer the originals. The only thing the REALLY bothers me is that Greedo now shoots first. That not only changes the scene (not too mention how poorly edited it was), but also dimishes Han's character as well.
Rating:
Summary: A simple solutioin
Review: I give this DVD five stars on the merit of the movies alone, they are classics, but unfortunetely George Lucas isn't making the classics availiable on DVD, this desicion is welcomed by some, loathed by others, and I'm afraid I agree with those angered by it, Lucas isn't giving us the actual movies, if he likes the revamped one's better than that's good for him, but couldn't he have done what Steven Speilberg did with E.T. and release the Classic Movie and the "Special Edition" on the same disc so that we may have the option of chosing wich one we want to see?
Seems to me he's just being stubborn by forcing these modernized versions down our throats.
Rating:
Summary: Boycott Lucas
Review: I doubt anyone will listen, but here goes. I grew up on Star Wars. To me, this is sacred ground we're walking on here and Lucas is destroying it. I don't want to see Han shoot first, I don't want Jabba in the first movie, and I don't want CGI in the "classic" trilogy. You can't go back and repaint the mona lisa to make it better, why would you do this to such a classic piece of modern mythology. The worst part is this dvd doesn't even say SPECIAL EDITION on it. He's trying to erase all mention that an original even existed. Until Lucas wises up and releases the real version. I won't buy a single product from lucasfilm, which includes a ticket to the crapfest that Ep III is sure to be. I urge anyone who cares about classic star wars to do the same. Vote with your wallets and Lucas will have to listen.
Rating:
Summary: Tarnished Brilliance
Review: To anyone who "likes" these movies, these reviews will probably not sway their decision to pick them up when their long over due release on DVD finally happens. However, for those who use the word "love" in describing their affinity with these films, that day of shopping on Amazon will be bitter sweet. The sad truth is the trilogy that is being released here in not the modern classic, not the cultural phenominon, not the childhood memory of millions of people who love them. They are doctored, unauthentic, added-to and altered, shells of the great films that these "Special Editions" owe their success to. It is a shameful reality that the original films are not being released along side these not-so-special editions. George Lucas considers these editions the "finished" movies and does not intend to release the originals any more than he would consider releasing a "rough cut" of any other film. He considers the original classics his works in progress, entirely overlooking their importance to people on a personal level, or the trilogy's contributions to film history as significant pieces of work from their original time period. If Vincent Van Gogh were to rise from the grave and decide to paint a few more Iris's into his classic painting, would the world not miss the original? It would make about as much sense as this impostor of a trilogy. Will those who love these films buy the "special editions" anyway? Yes. Would they have rather had the originals? Probably. Is a crying shame that George Lucas ignores the movie lovers to whom he owes his success? Absolutely.
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