Star Wars: The Complete Saga (1977-2005)

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by thebard

You actually evaded my question... but you would fall, it seems, on the side of creatorship.

So when Episode VII comes out, and appearances are made my Han Solo, Luke & Leah... characters created by Lucas... we can expect that a few years down the line we will see Lucas adding new special effects, new music cues, a new ending... and an insistence that the original cut disappear... because he is the artist that created this universe and because he can?

If I could answer that, do you really think I'd be here posting on a message board?

The answer to your question, that which can be answered, has already been answered: In the form of a blu-ray release with no originals.

I get what you're saying, but I think you're trying to overthink things a little.
What's done is done. Now if this latest rumor is to be trusted, well that remains to be seen. I know I'll be happy if it's true.

Hell I'll be very happy, if for any reason not to hear all the moaning about not having the originals from the entitled fanbase. I just can't wait to hear what the fans will moan about then! I mean let's go down the checklist, shall we:

1) Lucas is gone
2) Originals get released
3) Oh my, what do we cry about now?(I'm sure they will find something)

[octagon]

Originally Posted by Kryptonic

Until you reach the level of Lucas. Until you are a truly creative and imaginative individual, your perspective on the situation is severely lacking.

Nonsense. I can barely throw a football twenty yards but I know a shitty team when I see one.

[thebard]

Fair enough Rickah. But just to be clear:
- I do not have a problem with the special editions, I wouldn't mind seeing them released as bonus features to the OUT.
- I'm not crying, and haven't lost sleep over these releases, in the end I realize they are "just movies", but,
- I get very concerned when I hear people talk in a blasé fashion about works of cultural significance.

[svenge]

Originally Posted by rickah88

Hell I'll be very happy, if for any reason not to hear all the moaning about not having the originals from the entitled fanbase. I just can't wait to hear what the fans will moan about then! I mean let's go down the checklist, shall we:

1) Lucas is gone
2) Originals get released
3) Oh my, what do we cry about now?(I'm sure they will find something)

As always, you're quite wrong on this. When there is finally a decent version of the original films available on Blu-ray, then those of us who desire to only watch the OT as originally intended (before the dark times, before 1997) will be content.

It's much like how there's only one Highlander film and that The Matrix never did have any sequels made...

[rickah88]

[svenge]

Originally Posted by rickah88

[Guydowood]

One thing is for certain. The generation that grew up with and or experienced the original theatrical editions all have a right to voice their opinions on it. For the generation of children born in the 1990's and present won't share to much of such opinions simply because they grew up with and or saw the special edition versions. I can tolerate the special editions since they mesh more with the prequels. But I will be buying the '77, '80 & '83 versions in a heartbeat once we actually get them in high-def!

[kidglov3s]

Originally Posted by svenge

As always, you're quite wrong on this. When there is finally a decent version of the original films available on Blu-ray, then those of us who desire to only watch the OT as originally intended (before the dark times, before 1997) will be content.

It's much like how there's only one Highlander film and that The Matrix never did have any sequels made...

I know I'm not giving up the fight for the original versions (domestic and foreign fairy tale) of Highlander II: The Quickening on Blu-ray.

FOR ZEIST!

I mean the only value of that movie is how bad it is, why have these bullshit versions that try to make it better (with tacky CG no less)? What's the point? I'd buy the originals in a heartbeat.

[Elvis]

I think the demand for the OUT is greater than some of you anticipate. In fact I would guess that over 1 million units would sell. Not only be purchased by the hard core original fans but also remember this debate has stirred so much controversy over the years (not just limited to this small message board) people would buy them just to see what all the fuss is about. I don't agree with everything Bill Hunt puts out over on the bits but he is 100% right on target with this topic. When the National film archives contacted Lucas about including Star Wars and then later TESB Lucas tried to pawn off the special editions on them and they told him basically no bueno muchacho! Am I losing sleep over the fact they are not released? Nope because there are alternatives now, but would it be nice? Yes it sure would!

[solaris72]

Originally Posted by Elvis

I think the demand for the OUT is greater than some of you anticipate. In fact I would guess that over 1 million units would sell. Not only be purchased by the hard core original fans but also remember this debate has stirred so much controversy over the years (not just limited to this small message board) people would buy them just to see what all the fuss is about. I don't agree with everything Bill Hunt puts out over on the bits but he is 100% right on target with this topic.

Agreed. I know a LOT of people who don't even mess around with physical media anymore who would nevertheless buy the OUT on disc in a second if it were made available.

[BillieCassin]

Bill's article goes along with exactly what I have been saying for quite some time, and aligns with everything I have heard, as well.

I'm glad he put it so bluntly, too - basically, if you think that Disney are not going to fully exploit this as the centerpiece of the "OT" Renaissance promotion of Episode VII, you'd have to be completely foolish.

Any rights issues (exist or not, that Fox has any say anymore is debatable - many believe the distribution deal for the prequels won all those rights back for Lucas, anyway, and some evidence suggests as much) are really nothing in today's climate (Disney has worked very well with the various Marvel-producing studios), and while the condition of the O-Neg is in question (see the link in my signature) there are plenty of high-quality materials to have it done.

And unlike the massive changes with the SE's that really prevent any type of seamless branching from being effective, they very, very easily could incorporate seamless branching for the very few visual changes the OT went under (the ANH crawl, the final shots of Empire showing the ships) to really satisfy everyone. Most of the other changes in the early years are in audio - the various mixes used theatrically, some differences between 35mm and 70mm versions, and/or home video. These all exist as high-quality tracks to this day that they could throw up 3 or 4 different audio mixes, as well, very easily.

It wouldn't be that difficult at all to really nail an OT set that would satisfy just about any hard-core fan, not to mention attract all kinds of buyers who stayed away from the newer editions of the films. The fact that the Blu's have sold well but not crazy well is in fact evidence that a further audience exists that would purchase at least the OT on Blu-ray, especially if they were gearing up for the holiday season and the brand-new, OT-nostalgia inducing release of Episode VII. Again, the folks that don't even know they want it yet.

They will likely throw in Empire of Dreams, and newly created commentaries/extras by the cast who at this very moment are conveniently reassembled at this very moment in a studio. Maybe even a few more of the deleted/alternate sequences that weren't in the last edition.

Best selling Blu-ray set of all time, easy. Easy. Folks are just not grasping what Episode VII is poised to do - and what it is being crafted very carefully in the public mind as being. Disney knows that the kids are going to come, they always do for Star Wars (and the Rebels TV series will help reenforce that), but unless the ball is really dropped, we are about to see a resurgence of Star Wars that hasn't been seen since Regan was in office. Back when even Grandparents went to see what all this "Star Wars fuss" was about. The prequels were incredibly merchandised (toys, fast food, etc.) but mostly directed towards kids. That's not the strategy here - they know from Marvel and their experiences selling Star Wars in the past (the Star Wars weekends where they rake in millions on adult collector purchases alone), the kids will come, but the driving $ force really is with the older crowd.

I know it's still hard for folks to grasp, but the greatest thing Lucas could have done with Star Wars was to let it go - and he let it go to the one place that has the money and machinery in place to bring Star Wars to it's highest peaks again - and the smarts to not muck with what works. They learned their lesson when they lost Harry Potter (twice), and used Marvel as a test run before they pulled it off with the crown jewel of franchises. It's a good time to be a Star Wars fan.

[punkguy03]

Man I gotta say you guys are really into Star Wars! I for one have held off on the blu-ray as I want the theatrical versions and just FYI I'm 29,so I'm not old enough to have seen them in theaters.

For those of you saying we have no right to say anything are you serious? I agree that Lucas created the characters, but like another poster said and I believe the other person avoided the question. What about now that Disney owns the rights? Can Lucas whine and say it isn't complete they are *my* characters?

Where does so called ownership start and end? Look at Ninja Turtles for example(my obsessive show just an fyi) the comics are drastically different from the 1980-90 series and then the newer series as well. Do they have a right to complain because they created the original characters? Yes they still owned rights to the Turtles until around 2009,so what if they went back and complained?

Now that they don't own many rights to Turtles can they make Michael Bay change his film? Obviously not.

[formula72]

I'm one of the 40+ here that still hasn't purchased these so called "enhanced versions". I was also one of those kids who jumped into the front row in the packed theater, and had one of the best times of my childhood, watching an epic movie with my best friend and family

Do I want the unaltered OTR Star wars on Bluray, Hell YES! Am I crying about it everyday or feel "entitled", such a rickah88 thinks I am, NO!!

As for the numbers of box-sets sold....170K. I believe that a lot of people wanted the originals, hoped for the originals, but settled for the "enhanced versions" because they either didn't want to wait (unknown time of release) or wanted to own Star wars now on Bluray, no matter the alterations (good or bad). I'm waiting, and will be glad to hand over a good chunk of change to Disney if this (OTR to be true) see's the light of day. If not, then so be it.........it's just 3 movies of my childhood, lost forever that I will never own on physical media

[Elvis]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

. Back when even Grandparents went to see what all this "Star Wars fuss" was about.

Not to derail but OMG you hit the nail on the head! In the summer of 78 a full year after the initial release this thirteen year old seeing it for the 14th time at the theater even took his then 68 year old grandmother to see this film!

That is how important these films were back then to an entire generation.

[Keyser Soze.]

At least one thing's for sure. You guys sure do like to argue.

Carry on ...

[Kryptonic]

Originally Posted by thebard

Does Lucas have the right to alter Star Wars and eliminate the originals (and let's be clear, this is the point. I don't argue that he can tinker all he wants; the unavailability of the originals is the issue here), because he owns the rights to the intellectual property, or because he is the creator of the material?

Both. It's his, not yours. Deal with it. Grow up. The fan community (not just SW fans) needs to stop acting like entitled brats.

[Kryptonic]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

Best selling Blu-ray set of all time, easy. Easy. Folks are just not grasping what Episode VII is poised to do - and what it is being crafted very carefully in the public mind as being. Disney knows that the kids are going to come, they always do for Star Wars (and the Rebels TV series will help reenforce that), but unless the ball is really dropped, we are about to see a resurgence of Star Wars that hasn't been seen since Regan was in office. Back when even Grandparents went to see what all this "Star Wars fuss" was about. The prequels were incredibly merchandised (toys, fast food, etc.) but mostly directed towards kids. That's not the strategy here - they know from Marvel and their experiences selling Star Wars in the past (the Star Wars weekends where they rake in millions on adult collector purchases alone), the kids will come, but the driving $ force really is with the older crowd.

I know it's still hard for folks to grasp, but the greatest thing Lucas could have done with Star Wars was to let it go - and he let it go to the one place that has the money and machinery in place to bring Star Wars to it's highest peaks again - and the smarts to not muck with what works. They learned their lesson when they lost Harry Potter (twice), and used Marvel as a test run before they pulled it off with the crown jewel of franchises. It's a good time to be a Star Wars fan.

Star Wars has and always should be directed mostly at children. That's what it was designed for - to give young people a mythology and universe to get lost in and explore with their imagination. These films will be no different. I really can't stand that some petulant older fans feel like they've "won" something with the move to Disney. It's hilarious how you view the film in such black and white terms. Always good for a laugh.

[NYorker]

Originally Posted by formula72

I'm one of the 40+ here that still hasn't purchased these so called "enhanced versions". I was also one of those kids who jumped into the front row in the packed theater, and had one of the best times of my childhood, watching an epic movie with my best friend and family

Do I want the unaltered OTR Star wars on Bluray, Hell YES! Am I crying about it everyday or feel "entitled", such a rickah88 thinks I am, NO!!

As for the numbers of box-sets sold....170K. I believe that a lot of people wanted the originals, hoped for the originals, but settled for the "enhanced versions" because they either didn't want to wait (unknown time of release) or wanted to own Star wars now on Bluray, no matter the alterations (good or bad). I'm waiting, and will be glad to hand over a good chunk of change to Disney if this (OTR to be true) see's the light of day. If not, then so be it.........it's just 3 movies of my childhood, lost forever that I will never own on physical media

Exactly my sentiments. From now and then was tempted to get the OT on blu, but resisted. I would pay for an OUT set, no matter how expensive

[Kryptonic]

Originally Posted by formula72

As for the numbers of box-sets sold....170K. I believe that a lot of people wanted the originals, hoped for the originals, but settled for the "enhanced versions" because they either didn't want to wait (unknown time of release) or wanted to own Star wars now on Bluray, no matter the alterations (good or bad). I'm waiting, and will be glad to hand over a good chunk of change to Disney if this (OTR to be true) see's the light of day. If not, then so be it.........it's just 3 movies of my childhood, lost forever that I will never own on physical media

The Saga boxset sold 515,000 units in its first week of release. The vast majority of those consumers probably won't be buying a downgraded version.

[svenge]

Originally Posted by Kryptonic

The Saga boxset sold 515,000 units in its first week of release. The vast majority of those consumers probably won't be buying a downgraded version.

On the contrary, every single addle-minded change that Lucas has inflicted on the OT from 1997 on has contaminated the films and made them lesser works. Hopefully the corroding influence of the SEs and PT will be purged from them now that he's no longer in charge.