Star Wars: The Complete Saga (1977-2005)

[Shaft Windu]

Originally Posted by NYorker

There are lots of ways Gl could have kept it "palatable" for new generations. The fact that he continues to do what he does tells me that he's a businessman first and a filmmaker second. Because no filmmaker in their right mind would endlessly revise their creation - without at least offering the original to the fans who helped make the film what it is today.

You couldn't be more wrong. Lucas is an artist because first and foremost he cares for the films. If he were a businessman first he would sell all the existing versions multiple times and seperately - like with Lord Of The Rings - and wouldn't make further changes to suck up to the consumers of his product.

It is often critizized that Lucas sits in his ivory tower and has lost connection to the fans. To me that is a good thing. It shows that he is an artist and not just a businessman. He wants to make the versions closest to his heart and with the most integrity and honesty possible. That I support all the way!

How come the fans suddenly think they know more about what Star Wars is than the man who created it and are entitled to talk down to Lucas and make demands?

[DanzG]

Originally Posted by Merlinpants

It isn't, in fact you wouldn't know it existed apart from the lack of any visible grain.

Having seen all six, I would expect the ratings for PQ/AQ to be:

TPM - 4/5 - The picture is a bit soft especially in glaring sun of Tatooine
AOTC - 4.5/5
ROTS - 5/5
ANH - 4.5/5
TESB - 4.5/5
ROTJ - 4.5/5

Despite some idiotic comments from people that clearly have NOT seen this is motion or on a really poor setup, these are reference quality discs, especailly for the OT.

The films have had some colour correction, but only for the positive. The blockade runner scene at the beginning of ANH is white again, the snow on Hoth is white again. The 'waxy' TPM is bull. It looks fine, but as above, a little soft in places which knocks it down a bit.

I am no expert, so fully expect these comments to be torn apart by the anally retentive Star Wars fanatics for whom perfection is the only thing that will reddem this set, but I don't watch films frame by frame on pause. I watch them the way they were made as films. They look stunning.

The extras discs however are lacking, poor and not really fitting of a Star Wars set IMHO. A couple of the documentaries from the DVD's such as the beginning and Empire of dreams would have changed that. The OT and PT bonus discs are a novelty and no more. Once I had watched the deleted scenes (which I doubt I will do again for quite some time) the rest was puff and boring.

Oh yeah well my Great Grandmother got her disc early from Amazon and we just got done watching The Phantom Menace and the whole movie is totally DNR'd to death...

Just kidding lol, Seriously tho I trust your opinion of this blu-ray set over anyone else in this thread. Especially some guy who said he saw his "friends" disc and it was DNR'd especially Qui-gon (Which just happens to be the most famous shot that was complained about being DNR'd the most) lol

Thanks again for taking the time and trouble and sharing all the info you have!

[MacEachaidh]

Originally Posted by Fenny

Well then looks like I'm saved I think the last time I hooked mine up to the internet was in 2009 when I bought it for the updates. Hasn't been plugged in since lol xD

Until you find you need a firmware update to play the discs ...

[NYorker]

Originally Posted by elliotroad

While I definitely respect your opinion on this, I have to say that I feel the same way about this. These are George's films. None of the movies you mentioned above have had a 10th of the success Star Wars has had. Besides, Star Wars is bigger than just the movies themselves, its a massive industry of its own, that has spawned games, toys, conventions, and more. Last time I checked Godfather didn't have a rabid fanboy following, no one would give a crap if Coppola changed anything in those movies, if he could make one change it would be to have never made Godfather Pt. 3, lol. George is simply updating Star Wars for the sake of preserving the films and making them applicable for future generations. I am sorry, but you will NEVER see the "original" versions again, except on DVD, VHS, and LD.

This conversation is getting tiresome and old. Give it up folks. Keep the versions you have of the "old" films, as you will never see them on Blu-Ray or the next medium. Case closed, move on please!

Wasn't trying to reopen an argument...just trying to counter a point

And I don't consider myself a "fanboy" per ser. I love Star Wars, have been fore many years, was eagerly awaited this release, but from a story/film standpoint I just can't buy something that, in my opinion, has been "dumbed down." I'm not just talking about the awful changes to the film themselves, but the bloated extras - 180 minutes devoted to spoofs and stormtrooper groups.

I'm 90% sure they'll be another release in the future. Whether better or worse than this one, only time will tell...

[El_Jay]

Originally Posted by elliotroad

While I definitely respect your opinion on this, I have to say that I feel the same way about this. These are George's films. None of the movies you mentioned above have had a 10th of the success Star Wars has had. Besides, Star Wars is bigger than just the movies themselves, its a massive industry of its own, that has spawned games, toys, conventions, and more. Last time I checked Godfather didn't have a rabid fanboy following, no one would give a crap if Coppola changed anything in those movies, if he could make one change it would be to have never made Godfather Pt. 3, lol. George is simply updating Star Wars for the sake of preserving the films and making them applicable for future generations. I am sorry, but you will NEVER see the "original" versions again, except on DVD, VHS, and LD.

This conversation is getting tiresome and old. Give it up folks. Keep the versions you have of the "old" films, as you will never see them on Blu-Ray or the next medium. Case closed, move on please!

Yeah, pretty much nobody has ever heard of The Godfather.

"Nobody would give a crap" if Coppola changed arguably the best movie in cinema history? What planet are you living on? Endor?

"I knew it was you Fredo, and it breaks my heart. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Yeah, "nobody" would care.

Star Wars was incredibly successful before it was ever changed, with generations of jaded kids still falling in love with it 20 years later. I'd argue that it didn't need to be changed.

[-RONIN-]

Originally Posted by Merlinpants

It isn't, in fact you wouldn't know it existed apart from the lack of any visible grain.

Having seen all six, I would expect the ratings for PQ/AQ to be:

TPM - 4/5 - The picture is a bit soft especially in glaring sun of Tatooine
AOTC - 4.5/5
ROTS - 5/5
ANH - 4.5/5
TESB - 4.5/5
ROTJ - 4.5/5

Despite some idiotic comments from people that clearly have NOT seen this is motion or on a really poor setup, these are reference quality discs, especailly for the OT.

The films have had some colour correction, but only for the positive. The blockade runner scene at the beginning of ANH is white again, the snow on Hoth is white again. The 'waxy' TPM is bull. It looks fine, but as above, a little soft in places which knocks it down a bit.

I am no expert, so fully expect these comments to be torn apart by the anally retentive Star Wars fanatics for whom perfection is the only thing that will reddem this set, but I don't watch films frame by frame on pause. I watch them the way they were made as films. They look stunning.

The extras discs however are lacking, poor and not really fitting of a Star Wars set IMHO. A couple of the documentaries from the DVD's such as the beginning and Empire of dreams would have changed that. The OT and PT bonus discs are a novelty and no more. Once I had watched the deleted scenes (which I doubt I will do again for quite some time) the rest was puff and boring.

Excellent posting, Merlinpants! Nice to see somebody trying to keep the ignorance down to a minimum.

[Jutty]

Originally Posted by Merlinpants

The blockade runner scene at the beginning of ANH is white again, the snow on Hoth is white again.

White again phew...least its not yellow
The initial reviews/ comments of the lucky sods that have this in hand already is quite energizing,which is making me more excited for release day.
At first i was a little disappointed that the US release didnt have disc art,,but thats no way a deal breaker

[El_Jay]

Originally Posted by Merlinpants

LOL, what a load of bull. I know a friend who has got footage of the alien from Roswell blah blah blah. Baiting and absolute nonsense. What is your friends set up? 20 inch tube TV?

Seriously, do you expect people to believe you? The detail and facial definition in TPM is almost identical to every other film in the set. Sometimes it is almost virtual 3D. I feel sorry for people like you that just want to hate this set, and get everyone else to join in with you. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but when it is comletely made up, go somewhere else.

Honestly it sounds like you lack objectivity when it comes to this set, so I'll wait for the pros to get their hands on it.

[Rocklandsboy]

Originally Posted by Merlinpants

The extras discs however are lacking, poor and not really fitting of a Star Wars set IMHO.

Those PQ/AQ scores are encouraging. I'm picking this up at HMV tomorrow and I still don't know if I'm looking forward to it or not.

It's very strange that Lucasfilm hasn't copied all the old documentaries over to this, especially Empire Of Dreams. On the one hand Lucas wants us to forget the previous versions of these films, but on the other he wants us to hold onto the old laserdiscs and DVDs to keep all the extras.

Bizarre.

[Forever Knight]

Originally Posted by Merlinpants

Absolute rubbish. The blu ray blows the HDTV version (1080i and massively compressed) out of the water then kicks it to the moon. Your loss, I hope you get to see it someday and quietly sob into your hands

Don't make dramatic baiting comments until you have seen it.

Originally Posted by -RONIN-

Excellent posting, Merlinpants! Nice to see somebody trying to keep the ignorance down to a minimum.

Excellent posts and just what I was expecting from the Complete Saga Boxed Set.

I wonder if the cry babies and people who actually cancelled the pre-orders are second guessing if that was a smart move, lol.

[elliotroad]

Originally Posted by El_Jay

Yeah, pretty much nobody has ever heard of The Godfather.

"Nobody would give a crap" if Coppola changed arguably the best movie in cinema history? What planet are you living on? Endor?

"I knew it was you Sonny, and it breaks my heart. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Yeah, "nobody" would care.

Star Wars was incredibly successful before it was ever changed, with generations of jaded kids still falling in love with it 20 years later. I'd argue that it didn't need to be changed.

I think we can definitely agree that opinions are opinions. What's up with that Endor joke too? Believe me, nobody would care if Coppola changed the Godfather, maybe you would, but not any young people today, they are more interested in Justin Beiber to care.

You say Godfather is the best film of all time, I say LOTR. I really do respect all your opinions, but that is what they are, opinions. None of you have any sway over what Lucas does, and that goes for myself. It's really time to move on folks. The new 2011 films are here to stay until he changes them again.

[elliotroad]

Originally Posted by NYorker

Wasn't trying to reopen an argument...just trying to counter a point

And I don't consider myself a "fanboy" per ser. I love Star Wars, have been fore many years, was eagerly awaited this release, but from a story/film standpoint I just can't buy something that, in my opinion, has been "dumbed down." I'm not just talking about the awful changes to the film themselves, but the bloated extras - 180 minutes devoted to spoofs and stormtrooper groups.

I'm 90% sure they'll be another release in the future. Whether better or worse than this one, only time will tell...

You do have a good point about those extras, that is very disappointing. I think you are also right that he will continue to tinker with these films. I'm just tired of all the debate.

[MacEachaidh]

Originally Posted by El_Jay

"I knew it was you Sonny, and it breaks my heart. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

As well as chuckling, my Inner Pedant is really pushing to mention it was Fredo. "I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart."

Your point still stands, of course.

[DanzG]

Originally Posted by MacEachaidh

As well as chuckling, my Inner Pedant is really pushing to mention it was Fredo. "I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart."

Your point still stands, of course.

Yeah, I was just about to say that. Sonny was already dead by that part.

[El_Jay]

Originally Posted by elliotroad

I think we can definitely agree that opinions are opinions. What's up with that Endor joke too? Believe me, nobody would care if Coppola changed the Godfather, maybe you would, but not any young people today, they are more interested in Justin Beiber to care.

You say Godfather is the best film of all time, I say LOTR. I really do respect all your opinions, but that is what they are, opinions. None of you have any sway over what Lucas does, and that goes for myself. It's really time to move on folks. The new 2011 films are here to stay until he changes them again.

Where do you get the idea that "nobody would care" if The Godfather, #2 on IMDB Top 250 and #3 on the AFI 100 were changed? That's what I'm trying to figure out. People would be outraged if they CGI'd in a Marlon Brando cameo in The Godfather 2 or had him shout "NOOOOOOOOOOO!" when Sonny died.

The Godfather has more votes than any of the Star Wars movies on IMDB as well. Just because a film doesn't lend itself to millions of cheap mass-produced action figures and LEGO sets it doesn't mean it isn't popular enough for people to care if it was butchered by pointless revisionism.

Saying that I would be the only one that cares if the Godfather was altered is completely ridiculous, and making the statement that young people wouldn't care as if all that matters in the world are teenyboppers and what they like is even moreso.

[Bluyoda]

Originally Posted by Falaskan

well it turns out Amazon can only guarantee release day delivery for the continental u.s., which makes sense, but I'm hoping I get my copy on Friday, or Saturday at the latest, not Monday.

Too bad, isn't it? They should really change their policy regarding international shipping, if they indeed want to become the world's best customer oriented store...

Originally Posted by ozzsoad

I finished watching all six films today. It's awesome being able to finally view them in HD. None of the changes bothered me at all to be honest.

Wicket blinking was a little weird, but it was subtle enough it wasn't too distracting. I'll easily get used to it. I didnt really notice any other Ewoks blinking, which was kinda strange.

The new CG Yoda in Episode I is far better than the puppet, a very welcome change.

The whole thing with Vader's "no" and Obi-Wan's new dragon call has been really overblown. With the full surround sound mix playing, they didn't bug me at all. These changes should in no way sway anyone from getting the set, they still feel like the same movies. They look and especially sound awesome.

My new favorite Blu-ray set.

Thanks for letting us know your thoughts on this set. Sounds encouraging for sure! CANNOT WAIT!!!

Originally Posted by Merlinpants

It isn't, in fact you wouldn't know it existed apart from the lack of any visible grain.

Having seen all six, I would expect the ratings for PQ/AQ to be:

TPM - 4/5 - The picture is a bit soft especially in glaring sun of Tatooine
AOTC - 4.5/5
ROTS - 5/5
ANH - 4.5/5
TESB - 4.5/5
ROTJ - 4.5/5

Despite some idiotic comments from people that clearly have NOT seen this is motion or on a really poor setup, these are reference quality discs, especailly for the OT.

The films have had some colour correction, but only for the positive. The blockade runner scene at the beginning of ANH is white again, the snow on Hoth is white again. The 'waxy' TPM is bull. It looks fine, but as above, a little soft in places which knocks it down a bit.

I am no expert, so fully expect these comments to be torn apart by the anally retentive Star Wars fanatics for whom perfection is the only thing that will reddem this set, but I don't watch films frame by frame on pause. I watch them the way they were made as films. They look stunning.

The extras discs however are lacking, poor and not really fitting of a Star Wars set IMHO. A couple of the documentaries from the DVD's such as the beginning and Empire of dreams would have changed that. The OT and PT bonus discs are a novelty and no more. Once I had watched the deleted scenes (which I doubt I will do again for quite some time) the rest was puff and boring.

Thank you for your posts!
Perhaps TPM will be similarly judged like the BTTF set.
I hope not, because there is too much DNR for my taste.
Maybe it's more like Aliens?
Either way, I'll soon see for myself.

[Merlinpants]

Originally Posted by El_Jay

Honestly it sounds like you lack objectivity when it comes to this set, so I'll wait for the pros to get their hands on it.

I'm not sure how?

I am not a star wars fanatic, a Lucas apologiser, a PT hater or a blind OT lover, nor do I care if the OUT ever comes out. What does irk me is people trying to influence others through anything other than fabrication.

Every review expert or not is personal opinion. I would expect anyone to take my views as just that. I am a layman when it comes to blu ray, and what I have seen has mightly impressed me.

It may be sacrilege to some for me to say this, but Star Wars are just films, nothing more nothing less. If you are completely fanatical as some are this set might be a major disappointment through many factors. If like me you just want to be entertained with outstanding PQ & AQ, you can do much much worse than these.

[El_Jay]

Originally Posted by MacEachaidh

As well as chuckling, my Inner Pedant is really pushing to mention it was Fredo. "I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart."

Your point still stands, of course.

I know, I realized that when I made another post mentioning Sonny...

Faux pas, Freudian slip, I dunno what to call it... but I hang my head in shame.

"I knew it was you Fredo... NO! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Then a CGI Wampa runs in, looks at the camera and farts. Millions of 7-year-olds giggle heartily.

Pratfalls and hijinks and fart noises are the level of respect George treats his fans with, based on all the revised scenes over the past 14 years.

[El_Jay]

Do we know who is doing the review for this set?

I really hope it's Ken Brown. He will tell it like it is, for better or for worse.

[Merlinpants]

Originally Posted by El_Jay

"A New Hope - 4.5/5." "Reference quality".

If you can't even rate it a 5 personally, how is it "reference quality"? That's not a term you just throw around for something that looks "real good to my eyes".

I'm not saying you're a fanatic, but I do see you jumping down the throat of anyone who claims the movies don't look as good as you do, so as I said I'll take it with a grain of salt. You seem to really badly want the set to be amazing, 'reference quality' etc. so I suspect your desire to love them may affect your judgment. That's all I'm saying. It happens to everyone. When I watch my favorite athletes I am biased to their performance and notice everything positive and downplay everything negative because I want to like them. Sorta like that.

Reference quality for a '77 film. Nothing I have seen from that era comes close, but it would never be a 5. It is not comparable to modern films, even ROTS. I was using this site as a guide. If xmen FC Can't get a 5, ANH probably doesn't deserve one. Personal opinion though, you might think otherwise.