Star Wars: The Original Trilogy (1977-1983)

[motorheadache95]

Originally Posted by rodneyfaile

The special editions have been the standard for 20 years. Disney has owned Lucasfilm for 5 of those years. I'm starting to wonder if their plan is just waiting for the older generation who appreciated the unaltered originals to die out. I'm glad there are a few Rebels out there preserving history.

I wouldn't despair yet. It's not as if they announced a new release of the films and the UOT was missing. There's just nothing going on on that front right now-- Disney/Lucasfilm seems content making their money on the current Blu-Ray/digital release for now. But we know they're scanning everything in 4K and they're not going to just keep Star Wars stuck on those outdated masters forever.

Disney is a business and they know what they're doing-- first they make all the money possible on the editions they essentially inherited in the sale. They did that by almost immediately repackaging the Complete Saga set with Darth Vader on the cover and those nifty "Faces" steelbooks, plus releasing the films digitally. Those are continuing to sell while they focus on the new films for the rest of the decade.

Then in 2020 everything falls into place and the floodgates open: their new trilogy is complete, and they can sell a brand new Ultimate box set-- it will be new releases of all 9 films, including the restored originals with all new extras, etc. And they don't have to give Fox a cut for distribution anymore (except for the original, unless a new deal is made).

[Geoff D]

Recycling the same discs in new packaging - meet the new LFL, same as the old LFL

Personally I didn't think that a video release was going to be a dead cert for the 4K remastered editions but I was positive that we'd at least get a limited theatrical run. Now it seems we may not even get that so yeah, it's looking much more likely that 2020 will be the time for Disney's big assault on legacy Star Wars content. Heck, the bastards might even have started releasing stuff on UHD by then! And the Fox thing is a storm in a teacup and always has been: even if Disney can't wrest the home video rights to ANH from Fox they will pay to licence it from them.

[dgoswald]

Originally Posted by motorheadache95

Then in 2020 everything falls into place and the floodgates open: their new trilogy is complete, and they can sell a brand new Ultimate box set-- it will be new releases of all 9 films, including the restored originals with all new extras, etc. And they don't have to give Fox a cut for distribution anymore (except for the original, unless a new deal is made).

Makes sense. That's what I'd do if i were Disney. Those 9 film 4K boxsets would fly off the shelves.

[Rodney-2187]

It would be more than 9 if you include Rogue One, the Han Solo movie, and what others they make between now and then. Probably would be well over $200.

[dgoswald]

Originally Posted by rodneyfaile

It would be more than 9 if you include Rogue One, the Han Solo movie, and what others they make between now and then. Probably would be well over $200.

If the mooted boxset contains only the episodes, it'll be 9.

[ZoetMB]

Originally Posted by Charger Hellcat

That massive chant of "RAPED OUR CHILDHOOD" when George Lucas was announced to a live crowd of Star Wars fans was extremely telling. I'm sure Lucasfilm heard the message loud and clear.

It told far more about the idiot fans than about Lucas. Whether one agrees or disagrees with whether Lucas should have made any changes at all, no one's childhood was the least bit affected by the special editions or any changes since. Anyone who thinks that their childhood was ruined because Lucas modified the films has had far too easy a life and anyone who is so affected by a "noooooo!", a rock, different renderings of Jabba or who shot first really needs to get a life.

The tearing down of the local movie theater (or the local candy store for that matter) has far more of an affect on people than not releasing the de-specialized editions.

My prediction for years has been that even if they were released, there would still be massive complaints by the trolls who think by finding fault, that they're smarter than everyone else (including Lucas). The original versions, even in 70mm, were released with mono surround. And most people saw the films in optical mono, since Dolby Optical Stereo was still relatively rare, especially for the first film. Should they be released in mono? Or in stereo, but with mono surround? if one truly wants the originals, then that's what they should get.

And since the originals would have to be re-constructed (unless simply scanned from the Library of Congress or a personal George Lucas print), some dissolves would be a fraction of a second off or the color timing would be perceived to be slightly different ("I saw this in a theater in 1977 and I remember how it looked!") or the edits would be a few frames off and people would freak out. It's also been reported over the years that there were some slight differences between the 70mm and 35mm versions.

The fact is that the Blu-rays of the first six films have grossed in the U.S. alone at least $408 million. Disney/Lucasfilm is not worried about the relatively small number of fanboys who would buy the original versions. I'm not saying they'll never do it, but if they do, it will be at a time when they don't have other stuff to sell - in an off year. And even though Lucas has no role in Disney's ownership of Lucasfilm, maybe they don't want to alienate him. Maybe they have to wait for Lucas to become a Force Ghost.

A few years ago, I put up for sale a boxed VHS set of the pre-special editions. No one wanted them, at least not anyone willing to pay a decent price for them. I realize a lot of people don't have VHS machines to play them back on anymore, but it seems to me that if there was really such a widespread demand for the untouched originals, I would have received far more interest.

[motorheadache95]

That's what I'm speculating, although they might release multiple configurations, like a 9-film "Episode Saga" set, some other even bigger set with the "story" films released thus far, and break down each trilogy in it's own smaller release.

That's just my guess that this is all going down, but when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense.

[Rodney-2187]

Originally Posted by Charger Hellcat

That massive chant of "RAPED OUR CHILDHOOD" when George Lucas was announced to a live crowd of Star Wars fans was extremely telling. I'm sure Lucasfilm heard the message loud and clear.

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

It told far more about the idiot fans than about Lucas. Whether one agrees or disagrees with whether Lucas should have made any changes at all, no one's childhood was the least bit affected by the special editions or any changes since. Anyone who thinks that their childhood was ruined because Lucas modified the films has had far too easy a life and anyone who is so affected by a "noooooo!", a rock, different renderings of Jabba or who shot first really needs to get a life.

It didn't happen. George Lucas walked into Star Wars Celebration to thunderous applause and awe, and rightfully so.

There are things I didn't like about the prequels, and things I don't like about the special editions. What I don't like most of all is that the original versions have been suppressed. But he is still George Lucas and even though I don't agree with him on everything, I owe the guy a great deal of respect and gratitude. Everyone who likes movies does.

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

The tearing down of the local movie theater (or the local candy store for that matter) has far more of an affect on people than not releasing the de-specialized editions.

I can only speak for myself, but I care more about seeing the Original Unaltered Trilogy released than any candy store or movie theater.

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

My prediction for years has been that even if they were released, there would still be massive complaints by the trolls who think by finding fault, that they're smarter than everyone else (including Lucas). The original versions, even in 70mm, were released with mono surround. And most people saw the films in optical mono, since Dolby Optical Stereo was still relatively rare, especially for the first film. Should they be released in mono? Or in stereo, but with mono surround? if one truly wants the originals, then that's what they should get.

And since the originals would have to be re-constructed (unless simply scanned from the Library of Congress or a personal George Lucas print), some dissolves would be a fraction of a second off or the color timing would be perceived to be slightly different ("I saw this in a theater in 1977 and I remember how it looked!") or the edits would be a few frames off and people would freak out. It's also been reported over the years that there were some slight differences between the 70mm and 35mm versions.

You are correct, there would be some who would still complain. But the vast majority of people wanting the original versions would be extremely happy. Not everyone out there has the means or ability to obtain them any other way. They would be happy just to get any version that resembled the originals.

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

The fact is that the Blu-rays of the first six films have grossed in the U.S. alone at least $408 million. Disney/Lucasfilm is not worried about the relatively small number of fanboys who would buy the original versions. I'm not saying they'll never do it, but if they do, it will be at a time when they don't have other stuff to sell - in an off year. And even though Lucas has no role in Disney's ownership of Lucasfilm, maybe they don't want to alienate him. Maybe they have to wait for Lucas to become a Force Ghost.

The original Star Wars won Oscars for special effects, editing, and sound. Those originals are pieces of not just cinematic history, but history in general. They were a cultural milestone and should be preserved. They are spectacular achievements and something to be proud of. I simply wish Disney as custodians of these pieces of art would make them available for others to appreciate.

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

A few years ago, I put up for sale a boxed VHS set of the pre-special editions. No one wanted them, at least not anyone willing to pay a decent price for them. I realize a lot of people don't have VHS machines to play them back on anymore, but it seems to me that if there was really such a widespread demand for the untouched originals, I would have received far more interest.

Most who would be interested in the Unaltered Original Trilogy most likely already own those VHS tapes. The average person has no idea of the difference but wouldn't be in the market for a VHS tape anyway.

[cgpublic]

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

Anyone who thinks that their childhood was ruined because Lucas modified the films has had far too easy a life and anyone who is so affected by a "noooooo!", a rock, different renderings of Jabba or who shot first really needs to get a life.

As a 15-year old teenager who saw Star Wars multiple times in the summer of 77 (more than once under the influence and/or paying more attention to the cute brunette from down the way who thought I looked just like Robert Plant than the movie itself – other than the 'scenes,' of course, you know the ones), I find the entire narrative surrounding the inconsequential changes made by Lucas to be nothing more than the usual much ado about nothing and nothingness. If you don't approve of the changes Lucas made, that's fine, you're free to express your opinion, but not to put too fine a point on it, your opinion is meaningless.

1977 is not coming back. And if you were a child, you missed more than UOT, trust me. Get over it and enjoy A New Hope. Or Rogue One. Or not.

[Rodney-2187]

Originally Posted by cgpublic

your opinion is meaningless.

And so is yours.

[partridge]

Fans who diss other fans aren't real fans. Get over yourselves; bunch of six of year olds arguing about whose got the best toys.

Talk about first world problems, jeeez! I made a big mistake thinking this thread was actually about star wars!

[Brightstar]

well i was not born before 77 but i have see the 2006 dvds and i prefar the UOT becouse ESB looks all blu in the SE and jedi has hayden christian as force ghost.

[Rodney-2187]

Originally Posted by partridge

Fans who diss other fans aren't real fans. Get over yourselves; bunch of six of year olds arguing about whose got the best toys.

Talk about first world problems, jeeez! I made a big mistake thinking this thread was actually about star wars!

I have not "dissed" anyone. I am talking abut Star Wars.

[Raphdude]

Originally Posted by rodneyfaile

It didn't happen. George Lucas walked into Star Wars Celebration to thunderous applause and awe, and rightfully so.

There are things I didn't like about the prequels, and things I don't like about the special editions. What I don't like most of all is that the original versions have been suppressed. But he is still George Lucas and even though I don't agree with him on everything, I owe the guy a great deal of respect and gratitude. Everyone who likes movies does.



I can only speak for myself, but I care more about seeing the Original Unaltered Trilogy released than any candy store or movie theater.



You are correct, there would be some who would still complain. But the vast majority of people wanting the original versions would be extremely happy. Not everyone out there has the means or ability to obtain them any other way. They would be happy just to get any version that resembled the originals.


The original Star Wars won Oscars for special effects, editing, and sound. Those originals are pieces of not just cinematic history, but history in general. They were a cultural milestone and should be preserved. They are spectacular achievements and something to be proud of. I simply wish Disney as custodians of these pieces of art would make them available for others to appreciate.


Most who would be interested in the Unaltered Original Trilogy most likely already own those VHS tapes. The average person has no idea of the difference but wouldn't be in the market for a VHS tape anyway.

As someone who saw the 1977, 1980, & 1983 versions of SW , ESB, & ROTJ multiple times
In 70mm and Dolby Six Track, I very much want these versions that I grew up with to be preserved for all time. Nothing would make me want to buy all of Sideshows life size Vader,Fett, and Stormtrooper statues and totally revamp my living room more than if Disney were to beautifully restore these original versions and make them available on blu ray and 4K. In no way did George Lucas "rape" my childhood. In fact, he MADE my childhood! And I was delightfully surprised, and moved, when he walked out on that stage Friday.

Rodneyfaile,
Thanks again for what you shared from SWC!!
Much appreciated!

[stvn1974]

George Lucas didn't rape any childhoods...he did however ruin the original trilogy.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by rodneyfaile

It didn't happen. George Lucas walked into Star Wars Celebration to thunderous applause and awe, and rightfully so.

"So this is how the Unaltered Original Trilogy dies...with thunderous applause."

[chip75]

One day I probably won't give a monkey's, but until then the thought of a Blu-ray or UHD Blu-ray release, showcasing all that wonderful effects work and sound design to the rousing score of John Williams still makes my ticker skip a beat.

Let's face it with George in attendance they were never going to announce anything.

[ZoetMB]

Originally Posted by rodneyfaile

The average person has no idea of the difference

Exactly my point. If the average person has no idea of the difference, why would Lucasfilm bother to release them? They release products for the masses, not a cult of fanboys who care about this stuff. Since most people who care about Star Wars have already dipped several times, would they really buy them again? There is one way maybe: a new 4K scan for release in UHD plus maybe Dolby Vision. Although that just might make the effects in the prequels look worse.

And again, I'm not saying they shouldn't release them. Maybe they're waiting for the current trilogy to be over and then they can release all 9 films, plus maybe the 3 or so standalone films (although I don't really consider Rogue One to be standalone as it's really part of the story, just not the Skywalker story) that will be available by that time, plus the three original originals, plus all the special feature stuff with some kind of hardcover book in a really big (and probably expensive) set. That can happen in 2020 or later. Hopefully, they don't wait for the 50th anniversary in 2027, not that anyone will still be consuming physical media by then.

[A Sith Lord?]

Did those chants really happen about raping their childhoods?

I want to hope that didn't actually happen.

[Rodney-2187]

Originally Posted by MasturB

Did those chants really happen about raping their childhoods?

I want to hope that didn't actually happen.

No.

I think he is trying to say if you don't like the special editions then you should have said that then or keep quiet now. See my post above on what I think of that.

Originally Posted by rodneyfaile

It didn't happen. George Lucas walked into Star Wars Celebration to thunderous applause and awe, and rightfully so.

There are things I didn't like about the prequels, and things I don't like about the special editions. What I don't like most of all is that the original versions have been suppressed. But he is still George Lucas and even though I don't agree with him on everything, I owe the guy a great deal of respect and gratitude. Everyone who likes movies does.