Star Wars: The Complete Saga (1977-2005)

[Moviefan2k4]

Originally Posted by greg_achen

I still don't understand fans who are against releasing the UOT. I prefer the Special Editions, love the prequels for the most part, and even I don't see a problem with releasing the UOT. In fact, from a completist standpoint, I was hoping they would've been included in this set. I understand George Lucas' position why he doesn't want to release them, but the fans who genuinely hope that he doesn't release the UOT absolutely flabbergasts me. How would releasing the UOT diminish your enjoyment of the Special Editions? Since when is being inclusive a bad thing? The UOT haters who seek to censor its existence are just as bizarre to me as the prequel haters who obsess about the prequels. Star Wars fans are a strange, petty lot.

Well, unlike most other versions of popular films, with "Star Wars" it was Lucas' personal decision to avoid releasing them unaltered. He himself has stated many times, that the SEs are the closest version in existence, to what he'd originally wanted when making them in the first place. Being that all the films are owned outright by Lucas, he has the complete right to make such a determination, regardless of what anyone else thinks. He released the LEs in 2006 to basically shut some folks up, but they bickered about it anyway. Truth be told, it would cost Lucas a fortune to "re-restore" the UOT, if that's even possible anymore. Some fans simply can't fathom - or outright refuse to believe - that the original prints may not exist anymore, in enough of a state to repair them without making things worse. I and many others have said this before: it is ultimately Lucas' decision, not ours, and complaining about it here will not change anything...period. Folks can either contact Lucasfilm with their views, or shut up, because that's the only way anything will be accomplished. To quote Tarkin, "this bickering is pointless".

[dcowboy7]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

Well, unlike most other versions of popular films, with "Star Wars" it was Lucas' personal decision to avoid releasing them unaltered. He himself has stated many times, that the SEs are the closest version in existence, to what he'd originally wanted when making them in the first place. Being that all the films are owned outright by Lucas, he has the complete right to make such a determination, regardless of what anyone else thinks. He released the LEs in 2006 to basically shut some folks up, but they bickered about it anyway. Truth be told, it would cost Lucas a fortune to "re-restore" the UOT, if that's even possible anymore. Some fans simply can't fathom - or outright refuse to believe - that the original prints may not exist anymore, in enough of a state to repair them without making things worse. I and many others have said this before: it is ultimately Lucas' decision, not ours, and complaining about it here will not change anything...period. Folks can either contact Lucasfilm with their views, or shut up, because that's the only way anything will be accomplished. To quote Tarkin, "this bickering is pointless".

If you unline & bold something does that mean i can just read that & skip all the rest.

[BlueAngel7]

I would like to see the UOT too but if you read this George Lucas quote from 1997, I think it's extremely unlikely.

George Lucas on the special editions
“There will only be one. And it won't be what I would call the "rough cut", it'll be the "final cut". The other one will be some sort of interesting artifact that people will look at and say, "There was an earlier draft of this." The same thing happens with plays and earlier drafts of books. In essence, films never get finished, they get abandoned. At some point, you're dragged off the picture kicking and screaming while somebody says, "Okay, it's done." That isn't really the way it should work. Occasionally, [you can] go back and get your cut of the video out there, which I did on both American Graffiti and THX 1138; that's the place where it will live forever. So what ends up being important in my mind is what the DVD version is going to look like, because that's what everybody is going to remember. The other versions will disappear. Even the 35 million tapes of Star Wars out there won't last more than 30 or 40 years. A hundred years from now, the only version of the movie that anyone will remember will be the DVD version [of the Special Edition], and you'll be able to project it on a 20' by 40' screen with perfect quality. I think it's the director's prerogative, not the studio's to go back and reinvent a movie.”

"An Expanded Universe", American Cinematographer magazine, February 1997.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by greg_achen

How would releasing the UOT diminish your enjoyment of the Special Editions?

People have drawn some pretty clear 'it will never, ever, ever happen' lines. A UOT release wouldn't diminish anybody's enjoyment of the newer editions but it would make some of them look pretty silly.

And while that is a petty reason to hope it never happens it's not an incomprehensible one.

[Jay444]

Originally Posted by greg_achen

I still don't understand fans who are against releasing the UOT. I prefer the Special Editions, love the prequels for the most part, and even I don't see a problem with releasing the UOT. In fact, from a completist standpoint, I was hoping they would've been included in this set. I understand George Lucas' position why he doesn't want to release them, but the fans who genuinely hope that he doesn't release the UOT absolutely flabbergasts me. How would releasing the UOT diminish your enjoyment of the Special Editions? Since when is being inclusive a bad thing? The UOT haters who seek to censor its existence are just as bizarre to me as the prequel haters who obsess about the prequels. Star Wars fans are a strange, petty lot.

Very well said!

[greg_achen]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

Well, unlike most other versions of popular films, with "Star Wars" it was Lucas' personal decision to avoid releasing them unaltered. He himself has stated many times, that the SEs are the closest version in existence, to what he'd originally wanted when making them in the first place. Being that all the films are owned outright by Lucas, he has the complete right to make such a determination, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

Okay fine. That's Lucas' position because he has a vested interest in the films. But why would fans of the Special Edition care whether or not George Lucas releases the UOT? The Special Editions will be made available regardless. How would releasing the UOT negatively impact the Special Edition fan? It wouldn't.

Truth be told, it would cost Lucas a fortune to "re-restore" the UOT, if that's even possible anymore. Some fans simply can't fathom - or outright refuse to believe - that the original prints may not exist anymore, in enough of a state to repair them without making things worse.

I think you seriously underestimate how deep the pockets are for Star Wars fans. If it is a question of cost restoring the films, it's nothing an increase in price passed on to the consumers wouldn't have solved. As for whether or not a suitable print exists of the UOT, I would hope you wouldn't think George Lucas to be that irresponsible. As I am someone who respects George Lucas, I think it's insulting that you would think he would be that dumb not to preserve, in some fashion, the original films that have major historical significance to the film industry.

[gettodamoofies]

I spent 15 minutes and did a mock up of a basic cover I would have loved to have seen for the complete saga.

For me the most iconic character is Vader and seeing as though I was all of 6 when the OT was coming out Vader scared the crap out of me. I remember going to a store where they had a Vader meet and greet as a promo for Return of the Jedi and the guy dressed in the suit was freaking me out. So, although the OT is really Luke's journey the character who defines his arc is Vader and with Anakin's transformation to Vader being the focus of the PT it seemed like a good option.

This is just something quick but I like the simplicity of it. Ultimately I'd make it lenticular so if turned to the left you'd see Anakin, to the right you'd see Luke.



Just thought I'd throw my musings out there....

[octagon]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

Well, unlike most other versions of popular films, with "Star Wars" it was Lucas' personal decision to avoid releasing them unaltered. He himself has stated many times, that the SEs are the closest version in existence, to what he'd originally wanted when making them in the first place. Being that all the films are owned outright by Lucas, he has the complete right to make such a determination, regardless of what anyone else thinks. He released the LEs in 2006 to basically shut some folks up, but they bickered about it anyway. Truth be told, it would cost Lucas a fortune to "re-restore" the UOT, if that's even possible anymore. Some fans simply can't fathom - or outright refuse to believe - that the original prints may not exist anymore, in enough of a state to repair them without making things worse. I and many others have said this before: it is ultimately Lucas' decision, not ours, and complaining about it here will not change anything...period. Folks can either contact Lucasfilm with their views, or shut up, because that's the only way anything will be accomplished. To quote Tarkin, "this bickering is pointless".

I'm curious...how many times do you plan on posting this exact same criticism of pointless bickering?

Ballpark.

[Moviefan2k4]

Originally Posted by greg_achen

As for whether or not a suitable print exists of the UOT, I would hope you wouldn't think George Lucas to be that irresponsible. As I am someone who respects George Lucas, I think it's insulting that you would think he would be that dumb not to preserve, in some fashion, the original films that have major historical significance to the film industry.

Well, as shown in the 1997 documentaries, the original 1977 print of "Episode IV" was very seriously deteriorated, and producer Rick McCallum specifically said that without the restoration, none of the OT films would ever be in a condition for release again. Lucas recombined all the original elements with computer technology, but we don't know if he ever preserved a pristine copy of an unaltered print. He's never come forward over the years, either confirming or denying that scenario. If the SE interview still holds true, and he considers the OT incomplete, then he very well may have left them to rot...but in the end, the truth is we don't know. When (or if) that info is made public, only then will the UOT fans have a suitable foundation for "stating their case".

Originally Posted by octagon

I'm curious...how many times do you plan on posting this exact same criticism of pointless bickering?

However many times it takes for complainers to get the point.

[Jay444]

Originally Posted by atexp80

I spent 15 minutes and did a mock up of a basic cover I would have loved to have seen for the complete saga.

For me the most iconic character is Vader and seeing as though I was all of 6 when the OT was coming out Vader scared the crap out of me. I remember going to a store where they had a Vader meet and greet as a promo for Return of the Jedi and the guy dressed in the suit was freaking me out. So, although the OT is really Luke's journey the character who defines his arc is Vader and with Anakin's transformation to Vader being the focus of the PT it seemed like a good option.

This is just something quick but I like the simplicity of it. Ultimately I'd make it lenticular so if turned to the left you'd see Anakin, to the right you'd see Luke.



Just thought I'd throw my musings out there....

THAT is badass dude. Nicely done!

[OG Pooh]

Originally Posted by -RONIN-

Fair enough. For me, I have seen and read so much extra content on this franchise that I'm to the point where all that's important now is stunning reference quality audio and video. One thing I've learned from all my years of being a fan of SW is that most of my watching is in the films themselves. All that other bonus material rarely gets viewed and isn't a priority for me any more. I know I'm not alone in this thinking either...

... But I understand those who want every last drop of SW material as I was once in that camp to.

In all honesty, I'm one (and I've said this many times in many different contexts) who couldn't care less about extras. For me, they tend to ruin whatever magic a film may have been able to create. I only care about them in this case bacause I've pretty much seen them all, and the magic has been long gone already (so give them to me as part of this package). Secondly, this is supposed to be the ultimate BD box set of boxed sets. It's not. It's not even close (going by what's listed beyond the actual films). The Christmas special would have been nice. The Ewoks Battle for Endor would have been a fitting addition. At this point, all I can hope for is the best possible PQ/SQ and final revisions/edits/additions/etc. It already looks as though (judging by the table of contents) any additional footage has been added seperate from the films themselves. Again, I don't know what has been done to the movies themselves (Yoda in TPM, Grevous added to AotC, etc), so I am not (and cannot) judge the actual films yet. But as far as what's included as part of the ultimate box set... Again, I am far less than thrilled, becasue there seem to be a lot of no-brainers missing.

[LloydChristmas]

Originally Posted by atexp80

[Show spoiler]I spent 15 minutes and did a mock up of a basic cover I would have loved to have seen for the complete saga.

For me the most iconic character is Vader and seeing as though I was all of 6 when the OT was coming out Vader scared the crap out of me. I remember going to a store where they had a Vader meet and greet as a promo for Return of the Jedi and the guy dressed in the suit was freaking me out. So, although the OT is really Luke's journey the character who defines his arc is Vader and with Anakin's transformation to Vader being the focus of the PT it seemed like a good option.

This is just something quick but I like the simplicity of it. Ultimately I'd make it lenticular so if turned to the left you'd see Anakin, to the right you'd see Luke.

[Show spoiler]

Just thought I'd throw my musings out there....

I would buy that day one! The lenticular idea is genius!

[octagon]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

However many times it takes for complainers to get the point.

You're going to condemn pointless repetition as many times as it takes?

Cool.

[Moviefan2k4]

Originally Posted by octagon

You're going to condemn pointless repetition as many times as it takes?

Cool.

Sarcasm aside, I've simply been pointing out the truth of the situation. No amount of bickering on this forum will change a thing about Lucas' decisions, and anyone who thinks otherwise has deluded themselves. Whatever his reasons, Lucas has made his call, and the only way anyone has of changing his mind is contacting his company directly. Other than that, no amount of endless demanding will have a positive effect. I keep bringing it up out of necessity, because some continue to think that if they hate on Lucas enough, everything will go their way...how's that for sound logic?

[Bluyoda]

Originally Posted by Beast

[Show spoiler]

Mon Mothma: "We have learned that George Lucas himself is personally overseeing the final stages of the remastering for these Blu-Rays."

"Many fanboys died to bring us this information."

Very funny, man!

Originally Posted by atexp80

I spent 15 minutes and did a mock up of a basic cover I would have loved to have seen for the complete saga.

For me the most iconic character is Vader and seeing as though I was all of 6 when the OT was coming out Vader scared the crap out of me. I remember going to a store where they had a Vader meet and greet as a promo for Return of the Jedi and the guy dressed in the suit was freaking me out. So, although the OT is really Luke's journey the character who defines his arc is Vader and with Anakin's transformation to Vader being the focus of the PT it seemed like a good option.

This is just something quick but I like the simplicity of it. Ultimately I'd make it lenticular so if turned to the left you'd see Anakin, to the right you'd see Luke.

[Show spoiler]

Just thought I'd throw my musings out there....

This is really cool, and the lenticular cover is brilliant! Where do I sign?

[octagon]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

...how's that for sound logic?

It's fine. Well, aside from the mistaken belief that your chances of influencing our behavior are any better than our chances of influencing Lucas' behavior.

But other than that...

[Moviefan2k4]

Originally Posted by octagon

It's fine. Well, aside from the mistaken belief that your chances of influencing our behavior are any better than our chances of influencing Lucas' behavior.

At least I'm making an attempt to be productive. Most of the "haters" and "bashers" around here are just yapping to hear themselves talk.

[goresnet]

Originally Posted by aiman04

I don't have it yet, but I can already predict my review:

Spectacular! This is what blu-ray is all about! Every home with a blu-ray player must have this!

Movie : 5/5
Video: 5/5
Audio: 5/5
Extras: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

This isn't Pixar...

[Show spoiler]

[OG Pooh]

Originally Posted by aiman04
I don't have it yet, but I can already predict my review:

Spectacular! This is what blu-ray is all about! Every home with a blu-ray player must have this!

Movie : 5/5
Video: 5/5
Audio: 5/5
Extras: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

From what information I have, here's my breakdown...

Movies: Ep. I 2.5/5, Ep. II 4/5, Ep. III 4.75/5, Ep. IV 4.25/5, Ep. V 4.75/5, Ep. VI 3.5/5
Video: Haven't seen it yet, cannot comment
Audio: Haven't heard it yet, cannot comment
Extras: 3/5 maybe higher depending on what exactly AND MORE turns out to be
Overall: How can this be rated when nobody has the set yet?

[Grand Bob]

Originally Posted by octagon

People have drawn some pretty clear 'it will never, ever, ever happen' lines. A UOT release wouldn't diminish anybody's enjoyment of the newer editions but it would make some of them look pretty silly.

And while that is a petty reason to hope it never happens it's not an incomprehensible one.

You know the saying "money talks and bullsh...", well anyway you know the saying. A lot of money would be made by releasing UOT; never bet against money.