Now, the original versions so many of us fell in love with as children will finally be available for the first time on DVD. This is a momentous occasion. First, it proves that Lucas was lying about these versions no longer existing, and second, those of us who desire these films can finally add them to our collections and close this chapter of our lives.
Something that I have always found interesting is all the people who cried foul with regards to the unavailability of the original versions, Star Wars is the only film (well, three films) to get such a response. Many films have been altered over the years for their home video release, including Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
That doesn't even get into the growing trend of releasing "Director's Cuts," "Extended Cuts," "Unrated Editions" and the like. Sometimes those editions are the only way to get the film at all, or at least get it in its proper widescreen presentation. It was only Star Wars to get the cries of erasing history, destroying childhood memories, and worse.
I never went anywhere near the extremes that many demonstrated, although I did, and do, want those versions. They were the movies I saw as a kid, and I would like to be able to relive those wonderful memories of Luke, Han, Chewie, and Leia fighting the evil Empire and Darth Vader. I also agree with the comments of erasing history.
The original Star Wars was groundbreaking, forever changing the face of film. Lucas essentially ushered in a new era of films and the idea of the blockbuster. Steven Spielberg is credited with starting the summer blockbuster model with Jaws, but it was George Lucas who cemented it. No one had ever created effects like this. I was transported to this place "A long time ago, in a Galaxy far, far away."
The movie, besides changing the face of Hollywood, it also influenced an entire generation of movie fans. To some it inspired a lifelong love affair with the moving image; others were inspired to enter the business with some even working for Lucasfilm or one of its affiliates. Whatever the case may be, the film has made an indelible make on pop culture, on the industry, all the way down to the individual.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
This is the best news I've heard all day!
2 - Steven Hart
I think it's more a case of realizing that with BluRay on the horizon, George Lucas realizes this is his last chance to milk the fan base with the DVD format.
The prequels were dreary enough to kill off any residual interest I had in the original three movies, but I like the thought that "The Empire Strikes Back" -- which stands head and shoulders above the other five -- can be seen without the "special edition" dicking around. I was particularly irritated by the little girlie-man scream they gave Luke as he dropped through the air shaft.
3 - Caleb McCaw
"Eat, Drink And Be Merry", nerds.
4 - Lord Nelson Public School
Now if only we can forget about that UGLY 'E.T. (Extra-Terrestrial) version Stephen S. DUMPED on the world, we'd be complete! Replacing guns w/ walkie talkies? Blasphemy!
5 - Chris Beaumont
Nelson, the difference here is that both versions were released in that set, where with Lucas, this will be the very first DVD offering. Spielberg never intended to hold back, I don't believe.
Caleb, took longer than I thought for that type of comment. Cheers!
6 - Baronius
I've only seen a few clips of the Episode 4 "remix", and nothing of the other changes. What's the meaning behind Han Shoots First?
It's often stated that Lucas has lost the ability to tell stories and work with actors. His movies over time have become technical demonstrations. It really seems like he's going back and introducing his new mistakes into his old movies.
Or there's always the possibility that his new movies (and changes to his old movies) really do reflect the vision he's had all along. But that means he only made good movies because he didn't have the technical expertise to make bad ones. It's odd.
7 - Victor Plenty
Explanation.
8 - Victor Plenty
Oops! Uh... this is not the explanation you're looking for.
9 - DeQuosaek
Well, he really is begrudgingly releasing these... Dolby 2.0 sound? Likely full frame? Didn't they remaster all of the films in 1997 BEFORE adding all the special effects and new scenes and making Han more PC? Couldn't he have released these versions based on the remastered editions from BEFORE all the changes were made? Couldn't he be releasing a widescreen version with 5.1 channel THX remastered surround sound?
Sure, he is giving fans what they wanted, but he is thumbing his nose at them while doing so...
That said, I'll still buy them...