Was this really hated when it first came out?

I only remember a few critics hating on it, most people I knew were in denial, they said they liked it but would then say something like the pod race was too long, or that it didn’t have enough Yoda or some other minor criticism.

The best early soundbite I remember was that it was a good Sci-Fi film but not a good Star Wars film.

Well there was hype for the film the early weeks but people quickly started to point the faults of the film. Many were disappointed with how Lucas again went for the RoTJ formula "Let's sell Toys !", everybody hated Jar Jar and like mentioned by others the highlight of the film is Darth Maul and the epic fight scene between him and Obi-wan and Qui-gon.

The droid battle was silly, the space battle was silly.

He did mention he was making this film for kids, I think that disappointed many fans considering Vader's origin story should have been somewhat serious and dark.

I think the hype kinda stopped people from seeing the movie for what it was. I admit, I liked it when I saw it in theaters but once the novelty wore off, I realized it was pretty bad except for Darth Maul.

It was Waaaay overhyped. The initial viewing was good but it really showed its flaws upon rewatch.

Hype was strong back then. The cheesy humor was immediately recognized but it took time to really hate it. I didn’t hate it right away but was confused. As if I didn’t actually get it or something. So I actually rented it later. That confirmed it. Just a bad idea for a movie.

I saw plenty of faults, but all I cared about was the space ships, laser swords, robots, aliens, pew-pew, etc. The dry political plot didn't bother me. Jar Jar occasionally did stupid shit, but it only lasted a few seconds here and there, big fucking deal. I loved the originals (I was 8 when the first SW released) but I guess I never let them become a religion for me, because I liked the prequels too. They were very different, but still great in their own way. What I can't get into at all is the new trilogy from Disney. What a waste of time.

But yes, the hype started in 1994 when Lucas first announced he was making a new trilogy and it got bigger and bigger until it was almost unbearable. When Ep. I finally released, obviously not everybody hated it, but the backlash HUGE and immediate. LOTS of people were extremely butthurt and very loud about it. I just shook my head and laughed at them for not being able to get over themselves.

The expectations about this movie at that time were very high.

Do you mean studio generated hype, or general excitement based on the idea of new star wars?

I dont remember "big hype" ,there was no need to. The whole world was excited for the movie without the "marketing dept" having to do anything , i'm sure they threw out a trailer or 2 , probly invented the teaser trailer , but they didnt have to do anything , people were excited and were gonna watch it whatever.

I've heard the phrase "The worlds most anticipated movie release" used , and I'm sure it was - again , not because of some salesdroids marketing hype strategy , just becasue it was a new 4th star wars film 20 years after the last part of the Holy Trilogy.

If ever there was a case for releasing a film worldwide on the same day for the first time ever - this was it.

But they didnt. So i'd say the hype department fucked that up.
That meant a lot of non U.S. fans who couldnt wait watched dodgy copies on torrented CDs.
and i guess that really took the polish off the turd and let them see it as we see it now a lot quicker.