Star Wars: The Complete Saga (1977-2005)

[motorheadache95]

Originally Posted by octagon

Oh right, Watto didn't take Discover.

I guess buying Shmi's freedom really was impossible.

Well, considering we know from Episode I that a slave is worth about the price of a racing pod, it would have been very easy for them to free her. No explanation or excuse can justify why Padme or the Jedi wouldn't make sure Anakin's mother was freed-- even if Anakin wasn't allowed to see her because of their attachment rule.

This is the only explanation I can work out-- that guy (I think his name was Lars) freed her soon after the events of Episode I and married her. Thus, there was no need to free her, even though Anakin wasn't privy to what happened. That's the only thing that makes sense.

[motorheadache95]

Originally Posted by octagon

If 'most people' don't get your writing one of two things is generally going on --

Your writing is over their heads and they're just not ready for you.

Your writing sucks.

Hmm...

Yeah, I don't really think Lucas' vision of what Star Wars is supposed to be really lines up with what was actually made. He's even gone on record saying the original trilogy, even in it's current form, is about 30% what he wanted.

While none of the Star Wars movies reach the pinnacle of acting and writing, there is absolutely nothing in the originals similar to much of the cringe-inducing dialog of that fireplace scene (and many other scenes in Episode II). And what kind of explanation is that, anyway? "Ohhhhhh, okay, it was supposed to be crappy. Now I love the movie!"

[BillieCassin]

Originally Posted by motorheadache95

Well, considering we know from Episode I that a slave is worth about the price of a racing pod, it would have been very easy for them to free her. No explanation or excuse can justify why Padme or the Jedi wouldn't make sure Anakin's mother was freed-- even if Anakin wasn't allowed to see her because of their attachment rule.

This is the only explanation I can work out-- that guy (I think his name was Lars) freed her soon after the events of Episode I and married her. Thus, there was no need to free her, even though Anakin wasn't privy to what happened. That's the only thing that makes sense.

Well, as much sense as non-sensical can make, haha. That was yet another, "Huh?" moment. Anakin never bothered to, I dunno, follow up on her? Let go of attachments, yeah yeah, but ignoring the well-being of a parent because of a lame, vague directive about "attachment". Send her some money, make sure she is safe. SOMETHING.

They should have just flown the Royal Shuttle close by and beamed her out.

Originally Posted by motorheadache95

Yeah, I don't really think Lucas' vision of what Star Wars is supposed to be really lines up with what was actually made. He's even gone on record saying the original trilogy, even in it's current form, is about 30% what he wanted.

While none of the Star Wars movies reach the pinnacle of acting and writing, there is absolutely nothing in the originals similar to much of the cringe-inducing dialog of that fireplace scene (and many other scenes in Episode II). And what kind of explanation is that, anyway? "Ohhhhhh, okay, it was supposed to be crappy. Now I love the movie!"

Yeah, there is very little actual talking/exposition in the OT, but it's really all that there is in much of the prequels. What is in the OT for exposition is left mostly to Alec Guiness, and though I think he was a terrible man he was an extraordinary actor, and certainly no one of his caliber in the prequels.

What he did to Natalie Portman to have her give a bad performance I will never know. She is brilliant, and to see her looking so confused and such poor line delivery makes me believe the stories that he made her do it that way. The only time she was really great, besides in Queen Amidala mode, was in AOTC when she's in battle scenes. Let loose, drop the pretension. It was an artistic choice on the part of Lucas, I just think it was a bad one.

[Breather]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

What is in the OT for exposition is left mostly to Alec Guiness, and though I think he was a terrible man he was an extraordinary actor, and certainly no one of his caliber in the prequels.

Why do you feel that Alec Guinness was a terrible man?

[jonmoz]

It's being reported that the star wars blu-rays have broken the blu-ray sales record.

Pretty good for a set that few people were going to buy

[Breather]

Originally Posted by jonmoz

It's being reported that the star wars blu-rays have broken the blu-ray sales record.

Pretty good for a set that few people were going to buy

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118043276

http://www.deadline.com/2011/09/star...sales-records/

[gregmasciola]

Originally Posted by El_Jay

....I agree, a bit more of a montage (Montaaaaage!) showing his progression could have added some gravity to the force (pun intended).

That would be pretty funny. After Yoda brings Luke's ship out of the water and tells him "that is why you fail", Gonna Fly Now from Rocky kicks in and we see more of Luke's training.

[Turnda643]

well as most of us knew, Star Wars (even with all the last minute boycott cancellations) set Blu-ray sales records. And the only film(s) that could come will be the JP Trilogy. But we'll know that for sure in a month.

On another note. Whenever I hear people talking and asking "why did this?" or "what about that?" about certain aspects of whichever film. It always brings a chuckle to me. When Phantom Menace came out, of course i took my kids to see it at Mann's Hollywood Chinese Theater. I saw Empire and Jedi at the big theaters in Hollywood, and wanted my kids to experience that also. So after the movie, were walking out and I simply ask my kids, "So, did you understand everything?" And they all (3 kids) replied yes. So as were talking about certain parts and 'that was cool' stuff. My daughter, who was about 10, ask, "the only thing i didn't get was, where was Princess Leia?" ...... As we all laughed at her, even my 2 younger boys, I took a little more time and explained everything again.

Just wanted to share that. Iam 4 films in. next week will be Empire and Jedi. Then im going knee deep into the special features disc. So far, I couldn't be happier with these films on Blu. I hope Universal gives JP the same or better treatment.

[Moviefan2k4]

Originally Posted by Breather

Why do you feel that Alec Guinness was a terrible man?

I never met the guy, so I never knew him personally, but I remember reading that he actively discouraged kids from what he termed as "getting too far" into the "Star Wars" fandom. I also read that he often trashed "Star Wars" fan mail, without opening it. I can understand (though not entirely agree) with the first tactic, since some fans can really get nuts, thinking of Jedi ways as a real-world religion. The second one, however, seems both unprofessional and extremely rude. I mean, most folks who saw him as Obi-Wan weren't even born, when he made films like "The Bridge on the River Kwai" or "Lawrence of Arabia". Such behavior is a far cry from how Mark Hamill and others from the "New Hope" shoot have described him.

EDIT: I also just read that he once signed an autograph for a "Star Wars" fan, who claimed to have seen it over 100 times...on the condition that the boy stop watching it. Apparently, he said it would "bring ill to your life".

[lkmg]

https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=7407

Variety is reporting that Star Wars has sold more than one million units in only a week on the market, shattering records for the high-definition format, and further cementing Blu-ray's dominance as the home video format of choice.

Despite an average list price of $79.99, the nine disc set generated more than $84 million in worldwide sales. U.S. sales accounted for $38 million of that total, with 515,000 units sold in North America.

[Norbie]

I've finishedd it. I'm done. Watched all the movies, listened to all the commentaries and watched all the special features.

Things of note for me...

1. The whole "nooooo" thing.
Whatching the whole series, Darth saying "no" at the end makes sense. After every death that word is spoken. Watch it all people an it'l make sense to you too.

2. Spoofs
Not as bad as i thought, good for a chuckle. Won't watch it again unless with someone who hasn't seen it.

3. Special Features on disc 7 & 8.
I think they were beautifuly presented. Was never bored watching them, unlike the special features on LOTR EE where pressing the next button in the galleries got really annoying.

4. Attack of the Clones
Crap

5. Revenge of the Sith
A top 3.

6. Audio Commentaries
The ones featuring the archival intervies were a dissaponintment. Most of them were repeated in the special features discs. Originaly i though that they would be the interviews taken from documentaries that were not featured in this set. Maybe next time.

7. Digital Characters
Shows once again that it's better to use real life actors, because no matter how impressive the special effects, they became out of date pretty fast.

That's it for now.

Two million units of Star Wars: The Complete Saga soon?


peace.

[Norbie]

Originally Posted by octagon

If 'most people' don't get your writing one of two things is generally going on --

Your writing is over their heads and they're just not ready for you.

Your writing sucks.

Hmm...

GL through his career has mentioned that he is not a "word" person, he only speaks in "visual" terms. I think he knows he is a crap writer, although i'm no hot shot either.

How many screenplays have been written by people in this forum? What's thier experience when it comes to writing a Star Wars Screenplay?


peace

[Norbie]

Originally Posted by Uxi

Who's gonna do that? If it wasn't in Qui-Gon's mandate to free slaves, it certainly wouldn't be in Obi-Wan's who was far more by the book than Qui-Gon. Anakin's first solo mission is in AOTC, so he never had the opportunity before himself, but as soon as he can he does.

Certainly isn't Padme's style to send goons to rough up Watto. lol. If she even legally could. Since Naboo is a member of the Republic, they probably use Republic credits. Resources? Naboo doesn't seem poor, that's for sure... Diplomacy would seem more her style but does she have her own resources? Her family seemed well off and she was a Queen and then senator. Probably a decent enough salary... Would she be willing and/or able to use Naboo resources for her personal desire to purchase Shmi from Watto?

Ahhh.... if only the price of milk was cheaper.


peace

[Troy73]

I get the feeling when Lucas was filming AotC and RotS he seemed to want to steer away from the feel of the OT. Episodes I, IV, V and VI all feel like part of the saga. When I watch Episodes II and III, even though III kicks ass, it seems set apart. Maybe it's me, but, even though you have all the familiar elements it seems like Lucas directed these and was sayin', "let's not make these too "Star Warsy". This first became evident to me when he decided not to include the scene where Yoda goes to Dagobah. WTF? ESB is the best movie in the saga and you don't want to keep that little connection? I also think with the level of what's going on in Episode III it should have been an hour longer.

[Breather]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

I never met the guy, so I never knew him personally, but I remember reading that he actively discouraged kids from what he termed as "getting too far" into the "Star Wars" fandom. I also read that he often trashed "Star Wars" fan mail, without opening it. I can understand (though not entirely agree) with the first tactic, since some fans can really get nuts, thinking of Jedi ways as a real-world religion. The second one, however, seems both unprofessional and extremely rude. I mean, most folks who saw him as Obi-Wan weren't even born, when he made films like "The Bridge on the River Kwai" or "Lawrence of Arabia". Such behavior is a far cry from how Mark Hamill and others from the "New Hope" shoot have described him.

EDIT: I also just read that he once signed an autograph for a "Star Wars" fan, who claimed to have seen it over 100 times...on the condition that the boy stop watching it. Apparently, he said it would "bring ill to your life".

Thanks for the information, Moviefan.

I've heard the story about the boy who saw it 100 times too. He tells about it in his book. On that one, I think he was reacting the way a lot of people would, to tell you the truth. Most adults find it odd to go see a movie that much. They would probably worry that a child is becoming obsessive. I never saw the first film that many times theatrically when it came out(over 10 times though, lol) but even my parents thought I was getting carried away back then. I saw it with them, my aunt and uncle, sister, two cousins, friends, etc. Anyone I could catch a ride with.

I do agree that Guinness' stance on the mail sounded very rude. He couldn't be expected to answer every letter but if it's true that he just tossed them without really reading any of them, that sounds very petty and angry. I have no problem with him disliking Star Wars. He was a professional actor doing a job. He doesn't have to like it but as long as he does it well, that's fine. I think he got bitter being remembered mainly for Star Wars. I read that he claimed it was his idea to kill off Obi-Wan Kenobi because he couldn't stand the role and the dialogue. According to Lucas on the DVD commentary, it was Lucas' idea to kill off Kenobi and he made the decision while filming Star Wars, as Lucas said he was rewriting parts of the script as he was filming. He said Guinness didn't like the idea and had to be convinced. Somebody isn't telling the truth.

[Agent Bond]

Going around being pissy about something you did voluntarily is just ridiculous. Alec did it for the money because he believed that Star Wars would be a hit so then you take the cash and live with it. What did he expect? 10 year-old kids to come up to him to ask for an autograph because of his performance in The Bridge on the River Kwai? Good grief...

[Troy73]

Originally Posted by Breather

Thanks for the information, Moviefan.

I've heard the story about the boy who saw it 100 times too. He tells about it in his book. On that one, I think he was reacting the way a lot of people would, to tell you the truth. Most adults find it odd to go see a movie that much. They would probably worry that a child is becoming obsessive. I never saw the first film that many times theatrically when it came out(over 10 times though, lol) but even my parents thought I was getting carried away back then. I saw it with them, my aunt and uncle, sister, two cousins, friends, etc. Anyone I could catch a ride with.

I do agree that Guinness' stance on the mail sounded very rude. He couldn't be expected to answer every letter but if it's true that he just tossed them without really reading any of them, that sounds very petty and angry. I have no problem with him disliking Star Wars. He was a professional actor doing a job. He doesn't have to like it but as long as he does it well, that's fine. I think he got bitter being remembered mainly for Star Wars. I read that he claimed it was his idea to kill off Obi-Wan Kenobi because he couldn't stand the role and the dialogue. According to Lucas on the DVD commentary, it was Lucas' idea to kill off Kenobi and he made the decision while filming Star Wars, as Lucas said he was rewriting parts of the script as he was filming. He said Guinness didn't like the idea and had to be convinced. Somebody isn't telling the truth.

Since he continued to play the role in ESB and Jedi I'll side with Lucas. If he really didn't like the role, and no one was contractually obligated since Lucas had no idea how well it was going to do, he could have left the character and walked after ANH.

[Shaft Windu]

Originally Posted by Dynamo of Eternia

LOL. So true.

Honestly, one of the worst parts about the PT and overall Saga is how much Anakin is put on a pedestal from the get-go. The emaculate conception, this "chosen one" prophecy nonsense (which is never really fully explained... there's just some prophecy about some chosen one who will destroy the Sith... who prophesied this? How did they determine this?).

It would have been better if he was just an ordinary (but particularly well skilled and well respected) Jedi who fell to the dark side. But they managed to mangle that up pretty badly.

You're so far out of your element that it starts getting embarassing for you... The virgin birth is a common element in all of mythology not just the judeo-christian myth. It's in the fabric of all Star Wars films that things are seen through the eyes of the characters and not explained to an audience. You're thrown into a strange, exotic world where you have to figure out the rules as you go along. A version of the prequels by the haters would be terrible! The Anakin / Shmi dynamic is the most important part of Episode 1.

[Breather]

Originally Posted by Troy73

Since he continued to play the role in ESB and Jedi I'll side with Lucas. If he really didn't like the role, and no one was contractually obligated since Lucas had no idea how well it was going to do, he could have left the character and walked after ANH.

I'm not sure on the details of Guinness' contract. I think I remember reading that he got a percentage of the profits. Some were contractually obligated for future films. Lucas mentioned that Hamill and Fisher signed on for three films and Ford for only two. Guinness was probably signed up beyond the first one too. I don't know, to tell you the truth.

If I had to guess, I think Lucas is telling the truth too. There's even an old interview with Marcia Lucas where she said that she advised Lucas to kill off Kenobi. Guinness probably got angry at being killed off as even Mark Hamill mentioned he liked playing the role of a mentor in the film. He probably thought he was going to be a main character throughout the trilogy. Out of that anger, he came up with the story of it being his idea to be killed off and then became highly critical of the whole thing. Just my theory but I could be wrong.

I'm sure as a longtime actor and Academy Award winner, it obviously bothered him to be mainly remembered for that role to the general public. Of course, film fans would be familiar with Kwai, LoA, etc.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by kemcha

Obviously, you never saw a recent video of Carrie Fisher. She's lost a lot of that weight and I believe it was Good Morning America she was on. Watch the video at the link below and the image posted below from the interview:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891...55248#44255248

She looks absolutely wonderful and healthy. But, then again, I doubt Natalie Portman will look the same way she does now when she's 54 years old.

You really re in denial are you not? Betty White is 87 and she look sexier then this and more healthy