I'm lucky enough to have the original theatrical versions on DVD, but it still pisses me off that we still can't get a Blu-ray transfer. The CGI is so incredibly out of place, it jars my mind that George Lucas is still convinced that they're any good.
Please Disney, I beg of you, give us the original trilogy in all its glory!
I'm lucky enough to have the original theatrical versions on DVD
The CGI is so incredibly out of place, it jars my mind that George Lucas is still convinced that they're any good.
Please Disney, I beg of you, give us the original trilogy in all its glory!
I was under the impression that Disney had the rights on Empire and Jedi, but that Lucas has kept the rights to Star Wars... I'd be OK with Empire and Jedi, although Star Wars would probably benefit from a re-release of the theatrical version, but that will probably never happen.
I agree that they should just release all versions of the film, same way Blade Runner has four cuts (I think it's four). My favourite is the Final Cut, which was essentially Ridley's cut he wanted to start with.
It's a shame that such a great series originated from such a self centered idiot.
It's a shame that such a great series originated from such a self centered idiot
I think its wishful thinking that somehow Lucas was different back in the day. From all accounts he was basically a young curmudgeon. He's the same in personality that he is today. If someone could time travel and tell him that they could modify the movies with computer special effects he'd be all over it. The thing is as film visionary yes he's good. He's a good producer or script idea person but he had to surround himself with good writers and directors. When he tries this by himself it doesn't work out so well. Alec Guiness and others remarked on how bad some of the dialogue was. I think once exercised the inspirations of his youth (50s culture, Flash Gordon, archeologist adventurer serials) he lost interest in big movie making. Its been all smaller more personal type storytelling for him since.
shareHe's the same in personality that he is today
If someone could time travel and tell him that they could modify the movies with computer special effects he'd be all over it
I can't quite remember, but didn't Lucas try to get other directors involved with the prequels? I think I heard Spielberg's name thrown around. I don't particularly hate the prequels to be honest, although they are obviously inferior to the rest of Star Wars, but I think they're better than people make them out to be. If the originals had never existed and we only got the prequels, I think we would look at them as quite the epic trilogy.
Anyway, the sequel trilogy is shaping up quite nicely with Rian Johnson and Colin Trevorrow directing XIII and IX.
It is very strange that Spielberg has had absolutely no involvement with Star Wars. The original trilogy ok he was much busier back then but the prequels he slowed down on his movie production so weird that he never wound up contributing in some fashion.
shareIt is very strange that Spielberg has had absolutely no involvement with Star Wars. The original trilogy ok he was much busier back then but the prequels he slowed down on his movie production so weird that he never wound up contributing in some fashion.
I don't know why Spielberg didn't have any involvement with the PT but i do do know that Lucas wanted him to direct ROTJ.
While Disney now owns the rights to the Star Wars universe and all future films going forward, 20th Century Fox has retained the rights to the first six movies. The original film, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, is theirs forever, and they'll own the final five films, Episodes I-III, V and VI, until May 2020.
So it is at least possible the we could get ESB and ROTJ from Disney after 2020 who might be able to strike some sort of deal or force 20th Century Foxes hand, but something tells me that this wont happen while ever George Lucas still draws breath.
What GL did to his series is a crime, but name calling the man who gave us such a great thing in the first place paints yourself as a self-centered idiot.
You're the goddamn idiot. At least Lucas earned the right to sabotage his legacy.
Barry Lyndon shot first.
Heat of the moment... I don't usually resort to name-calling, but alienating the people who made Star Wars into what it is today (and by "people", I do mean the fans; without his fan base, there would never have been a sequel to the original Star Wars)... you kind of have to admit that isn't the smartest or humblest thing to do.
shareif he released both the special edition and the theatrical cuts, thus giving the fans the option of which version they'd like to watch
They took over star wars years ago and we haven't heard jack $hit regarding the unaltered theatricals. Chances are it will never happen as Disney probably purchased the rights to the 2011 Blu Rays cuts of the OT, and thus don't have the rights to the 77-83 trilogy.
Just watched the original trilogy for the umpteenth time. I really hate the BS Lucas pulled with them. I'm trusting you are right. I do know about the Rogue One scenes in which you speak of. Lord it will beso nice to see the original theatrical releases again. My how I've missed them so. Right down to that goofy song with Ewoks at the end of ROTJ.😍
shareYou have no idea how excited I am about this remaster actually happening... I really hope what you're saying is true :D
shareI hope one day the unaltered versions get Blu-Ray releases. I know there has been rumors ever since Disney first bought Star Wars back in 2012, but still no official announcement.
Aerosmith and My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic fan
Just had to say I know who Ed Bighead is. Hey buddy, my wife's a sea mammal.
And to all, careful what you say here about the REAL Emperor of Star Wars. Entire threads disappear and in their place a redletter notice from IMDB about defamation.
Oh well, in Hollywood (and Marin) you're nobody until somebody sues you or vice versa.
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Guacamole in my choos
They would not be as hated if they were an option, but they have attempted to force them on everyone. It was cool to see them in theaters when they got re released, but Star Wars lovers should have the option of original version or updated version.
shareExactly, I think the Special Editions would be more appreciated if they released both versions. They get a bad rep because they're the only version we can buy.
shareHate is such a strong word, and I find it overused in this thread. Do you folks seriously hate George Lucas or are you just disappointed in his decision to make the Special Editions the definitive versions of Star Wars?
shareI don't hate George Lucas, but I definitely hate his stubbornness and lack of empathy towards his fans. What we are asking for is quite simple... we love the original theatrical versions of his movies. And yes, I do truly hate the special editions; they ruin everything with out of place CGI, and although a small change, Greedo shooting first changes the essence of what Han Solo is.
shareI think there is some kind of assumption that George Lucas owes the fans something. These movies are Georges vision, and as an artist they are something he wanted to get correct as per his minds eye....If he changed things as per what the fans think is best or wanted, Star Wars would become unrecognisable. Besides, who creates something to make others happy? As an artist you create based on your vision and what you want to make.
George has always said he was never able to make the movies he wanted to in the 70's and 80s as the technology could not do what he envisaged in his mind, so he revisited them once the technology caught up. Its also why he waited 20 years to make the prequels, to ensure the films he had in mind could be made as he envisaged them.
I think had the technology already been there, then Star wars would have always been what the special editions and prequels delivered.
Unfortunately what makes the original movies popular with fans on the most part, is the low budget quirkiness of those films. The physical effects, the puppetry over CGI characters, the production limitations and thus requirement of imagination from viewers, instead of having everything spelled out for them.
So earlier comments about Mr L changing post 80's.....Did he really? Or is it more likely that by 91/92 CGI had reached a point that he could create the vision he always had, and unfortunately, that vision was never what you loved about Star Wars?
I don't care what his vision was. The theatrical versions were filmmaking at its greatest, and all I'm asking for is for the originals theatrical versions to be released in a decent quality format. He can tinker around with his masterpieces all he wants, and thus turn them into garbage, but whatever makes him happy in the end, as long as he gives us what we want. After all, without his fans, he couldn't afford the CGI he needs to make the versions, however terrible they are, he always apparently wanted.
shareI think there is some kind of assumption that George Lucas owes the fans something.
Imagine if Paul McCartney remixed Sgt Peppers with all-new 'modern' sounds and synthesisers, changed a couple of the songs, claimed it now matched his 'original vision', and then took the original off the market for all time. He'd be lynched, and with good reason.
I think there is some kind of assumption that George Lucas owes the fans something.
Besides, who creates something to make others happy? As an artist you create based on your vision and what you want to make.
So earlier comments about Mr L changing post 80's.....Did he really? Or is it more likely that by 91/92 CGI had reached a point that he could create the vision he always had, and unfortunately, that vision was never what you loved about Star Wars?
I think there is some kind of assumption that George Lucas owes the fans something. These movies are Georges vision, and as an artist they are something he wanted to get correct as per his minds eye....If he changed things as per what the fans think is best or wanted, Star Wars would become unrecognizable. Besides, who creates something to make others happy? As an artist you create based on your vision and what you want to make.
100% agree! I'm not saying his Special Editions don't have their place, they're just don't do anything for me.
shareI'd like to have the original versions on Blu Ray with a special feather of having the same film (no added scenes) with the special effects cleaned up a bit.... not the stupid Death Star sock wave explosion though.
shareYeah, the Special Editions are pretty tasteless. I'm hoping there are still original sources for Disney to remaster. Disney was always pretty good about preserving their own films. I read that they have huge archives. But with Star Wars, because of the rights, it's obviously different.
Since you own these films legally, I'll mention that fans have assembled cuts made from the original 35 mm reels distributed to theaters. The best way to watch Star Wars is the Silver Screen Edition. For the sequels, try to find the Grindhouse editions. The sources they had to use are pretty degraded, especially with the sequels. There are a lot of artifacts in the Grindhouse editions, the two sequels, and the picture in Return of the Jedi cuts out a few times because they had no sources for those few seconds. But it's not detrimental. They're mostly clean and as detailed and true to the original premieres as you're going to find. The 35 mm high definition colors are gorgeous. I have no idea why George Lucas ever recolored these films.
On a related note, I think IMDB should retitle these films to what they were distributed/sold as originally, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
I will definitely be looking for those Silver Screen and Grindhouse editions as I've heard talk of them a few times now. I own the movies, so I don't see any legal issues there.
shareI'm glad to have the 2006 DVDs too. As nice as it is to have the unmolested versions of the films in my collection, the inferior picture quality is still a drag. I really wish we could have HD remasters of the untouched original trilogy. I'd even settle for porting the 1997 special editions to Blu-Ray.
'Remember when' is the lowest form of conversation. - Tony Soprano