Star Wars: The Complete Saga (1977-2005)

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by Merlinpants

Lol, I mean the studio doing it properly, you know, releasing it on blu ray and having the expense of doing that and marketing it and distributing it. Let the fan projects thrive, and all of that goes away. Those that actually want it are being very well served at the moment. I would love to see how many downloads of Harmy's edition there have been. Would that not be an indicator of market appetite for the UOT as it has gone into the mainstream through stories on yahoo etc.Think about the counter, what would happen if they shut all of these projects down? The clamour for them to release the restoration themselves would be unbelieveable!

I think this is why Disney turns a blind eye to bootlegs of Song of the South and doesn't do anything about the entire film appearing on YouTube...lets the air out of the pressure valve.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

I wouldn't say that. There are at least three or four other changes that I see tons and tons of complaints about, even from people who more or less enjoy the new editions. That music number in Return of the Jedi is probably the absolute worst change in my book, drives me nuts. Changing Fett's voice was super lame too.

In the end everyone will have different opinions on what is worst and what is best. And none of it really matters, nor does arguing about which versions are better in the first place. It's not the existence of the new cuts that bothers anyone, it is the ABSENCE of the original cuts.

I don't see people wearing t-shirts that read, "Lapti Nek is Better than Jedi Rocks". I have seen a whole lot of "Han Shot First".

[klauswhereareyou]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

I don't see people wearing t-shirts that read, "Lapti Nek is Better than Jedi Rocks".

If someone prints those shirts up, I'll wear 'em. Same if they print up one that says "Bring back Yub, Nub...down with the Yanni BS." Also they could make one with Boba Fett saying, "I sound like Clint Eastwood, not the announcer for an Outback Steakhouse commercial."

[klauswhereareyou]

Still can't believe Lucas dismisses the Holiday Special, yet his addition to Return of the Jedi of "Jedi Rocks" is nearly as embarrassing. He might as well got Bea Arthur and Art Carney to show up in Jabba's Palace while he was at it.

[Stinky-Dinkins]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

I'm certain that, like every fan of this movie, LucasFilm has heard the outcry over "Han Shot First". George Lucas himself said that if he knew how vociferous the outrage would be, he never would have done it. None of the other alterations really compare, that's the motherlode of the outrage.

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

I don't see people wearing t-shirts that read, "Lapti Nek is Better than Jedi Rocks". I have seen a whole lot of "Han Shot First".

No, not really. It's just that "Han Shot First" has a nice ring to it... so it's used as a sort of catchphrase. When fans of the UOT use it they're not referring to just that change specifically to the exclusion of all the others, but rather it's a catchphrase catch-all meant to represent all the changes. You, apparently, don't understand marketing. "Lapti Nek is Better than Jedi Rocks" doesn't exactly roll off the tongue buddy, as a slogan for a "movement" it is piss-poor. "Han Shot First" doesn't just refer to the .5 seconds worth of change within that specific scene, it refers to the myriad of alterations spread across all 3 films. This is what we call a "Slogan," happy to teach you a new concept.

Personally, I don't care anymore. As laughably bad as the new movies are, and as awful the changes to the original trilogy are, Harmy's Despecialized versions make the whole thing irrelevant in my book. I finally have the original versions.

[Angel Eyes]

Originally Posted by Stinky-Dinkins

No, not really. It's just that "Han Shot First" has a nice ring to it... so it's used as a sort of catchphrase. When fans of the UOT use it they're not referring to just that change specifically to the exclusion of all the others, but rather it's a catchphrase catch-all meant to represent all the changes. You, apparently, don't understand marketing. "Lapti Nek is Better than Jedi Rocks" doesn't exactly roll off the tongue buddy, as a slogan for a "movement" it is piss-poor. "Han Shot First" doesn't just refer to the .5 seconds worth of change within that specific scene, it refers to the myriad of alterations spread across all 3 films. This is what we call a "Slogan," happy to teach you a new concept.

Personally, I don't care anymore. As laughably bad as the new movies are, and as awful the changes to the original trilogy are, Harmy's Despecialized versions make the whole thing irrelevant in my book. I finally have the original versions.

Agree the Han Shot First was the major crime until other more terrible things occured. The Han Shot First shirt that Lucas as wearing was years ago. The Nooo, Hayden insterts into Jedi, the Fett Voice, Jedi Rocks and other things trump Han Shooting first now.

[stvn1974]

I dislike all of the changes but Jedi Rocks is not only a crime against cinema but all of humanity.

[klauswhereareyou]

For some reason whenever I hear the term "Jedi Rocks" I recall years ago when a frenzied Kelly Preston was on Oprah and shouted "Scientology Rocks!"

[Joshitaka]

Originally Posted by Merlinpants

http://www.nbcnews.com/video/cnbc/56376378

Bob iger video mentioned earlier.

He has met his quote/quota to re-release all 6 original films before the force awakens hits theatres, Blu Ray was never mentioned and nor was anything relating to UOT, and behold all six are being released through digital in the 'canon' version. It was a good idea, it is a good idea, just not what the fans interpreted it to be. Face it guys, all the wishful thinking ( and that it is all it has ever been, or click baiting from sites like comic book.com, they did well out of it, their site went viral for a few weeks) in the world is not going to produce the UOT. disney has moved on, time for everyone else to as well.

If anything was coming, it would have been leaked by now to build momentum. I said before about the massive issues they have in keeping a lid on things at lucasfilm now, this would have got out, it hasn't, it isn't happening.

40th anniversary is the final hope for the short term, even then distribution rights get in the way. The longer it takes, the less mass market appeal it has, the less likely they will invest the money as the returns will not be there. With every passing day, it becomes less and less likely to ever happen.

40th makes sense for disney to keep momentum going for the new movies, keeps Star Wars in the media (although that may not be an issue if JJ has delivered) and they can revisit the anniversary of each film, dragging out the process to launch a full blown 9 film saga set when it is all finally wrapped up. If you are going to milk it the way lucasfilm has done in the past, and the way the disney vault system runs (limited time only, get it while you can before it gets returned to the vault) you would not hand over the one and only reason lifelong adopters would come back to the well again. Do that, they may not buy again.think about all of the retrospective 40 year documentaries we can all buy as special features.

Here's a thought, they can't release the UOT. the contract was only for current version of the original films? Before it kicks off, they bought marvel without Spider-Man/x-men/fantastic four etc looking at the bigger game of new product potential and revenue. Has anyone ever actually considered Star Wars may have been bought under the same proviso? The access to theme park potential which generates billions every year outweighs the need to have access to some historical artefact films. We all speculate about the billion plus return on the force awakens, the merchandise alone will outgross everything else. Where does the UOT fit in this. Chump change to placate a small section of fans that also carries a cost that may not see a return. No one else really cares, do you think disney doesn't know this?

Let's have some restraint, my OPINION only. Let's have some actual debate about things for once instead of the usual.

Your point about Marvel would be interesting except for a few factors. The comparison you made to with say Spider-Man is comparable to Disney owning Beauty and the Beast. Disney version (animated, 1992) was made and is owned quite separately from other film versions like Cocteau's from 1946, which Disney has no claim over. It may sound weird, but Spider-Man (2002) and The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) are just as separate, being two discrete works. The reason Disney does not own Spider-Man (2002) is because Marvel never did--Columbia Pictures owns the copyrights. Otherwise, if Marvel had owned the rights to the first Spider-Man films and not Columbia, Disney would have control over it.

(disclaimer:not trying to start argument with following paragraph)
Now you're saying Star Wars may have been sold under similar circumstances. This would be true is Lucasfilm did not own the copyrights to the original cut. But you can check your bonus dvd disc to see that they do (it's printed right on the surface of the disc). OR I have a better way to make the point I tried to make a few days ago. Here is the link to the Library of Congress copyright database, and below it are the registration # for the most recent versions of Star Wars (1977) and the theatrical cut. Under "search by," select registration number, and punch in the reg. #

http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwe...cal&PAGE=First

2006 SE Star Wars reg. #: PA0001337268
-this will direct to most current edition registration info
-the registration date is 2006-10-13

1977 Original Version reg #: LP0000047760
-this will direct to the first copyright claim info made in 1977
-it was also re-registered under RE0000925302 on 2005-12-27 (this may have been the date when Lucasfilm acquired it from FOX and had to re-register it)
-the original registration was made on 1977-5-25

Copyright claimants (owner) for both are Lucasfilm, Ltd., meaning there would be no restrictions on Disney's ability to release either version. Please try this simple search before blasting my point.


Also, I think JJ Abrams affinity for practical effects speaks to Disney's openness toward the original films, and possibly the original versions. I don't think they would have allowed him to go so practical with the effects on the new film if there wasn't a marked level of agreement from Disney Execs. Wouldn't you think they would prefer CGI to keep it relevant and accessible to young kids? The fact that the new film will cut against the grain of contemporary sci-fi films and be heavy in practical effects says that Disney is aware of SW Fans' discontent over the CGI happy prequels. They are probably aware of discontent over other things, as well (alienation over unavailability of theatrical versions). They know many fans are skeptical about Disney's involvement in Star Wars, and they want to win us over in whatever ways they can. The best way to do that is to release an awesome new movie, but don't count out a OUT release some time soon. Remember, rumors of it originally came from film websites like JOBLO--writers with connections to the film industry--not just forum member speculation. I'm not saying that these points mean it will happen. I'm just saying that there is plenty of reason to believe and hope. Disney won't want to peak public interest in SW too soon before episode 7. It will be a build up. Don't give up hope.


p.s.- don't forget to reset "search by" after each new search!

[klauswhereareyou]

I am also of the mind that Disney does not give a crap about the previous 6 films, save for the money they can make off of merchandise tied to those movies.

[Stinky-Dinkins]

Originally Posted by stvn1974

I dislike all of the changes but Jedi Rocks is not only a crime against cinema but all of humanity.

What you mean this isn't totally awesome???
https://youtu.be/PiDRgDmXGi4

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Never gets old. So, so awful. Lucas is the best.

[Merlinpants]

Originally Posted by Joshitaka

Your point about Marvel would be interesting except for a few factors. The comparison you made to with say Spider-Man is comparable to Disney owning Beauty and the Beast. Disney version (animated, 1992) was made and is owned quite separately from other film versions like Cocteau's from 1946, which Disney has no claim over. It may sound weird, but Spider-Man (2002) and The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) are just as separate, being two discrete works. The reason Disney does not own Spider-Man (2002) is because Marvel never did--Columbia Pictures owns the copyrights. Otherwise, if Marvel had owned the rights to the first Spider-Man films and not Columbia, Disney would have control over it.

(disclaimer:not trying to start argument with following paragraph)
Now you're saying Star Wars may have been sold under similar circumstances. This would be true is Lucasfilm did not own the copyrights to the original cut. But you can check your bonus dvd disc to see that they do (it's printed right on the surface of the disc). OR I have a better way to make the point I tried to make a few days ago. Here is the link to the Library of Congress copyright database, and below it are the registration # for the most recent versions of Star Wars (1977) and the theatrical cut. Under "search by," select registration number, and punch in the reg. #

http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwe...cal&PAGE=First

2006 SE Star Wars reg. #: PA0001337268
-this will direct to most current edition registration info
-the registration date is 2006-10-13

1977 Original Version reg #: LP0000047760
-this will direct to the first copyright claim info made in 1977
-it was also re-registered under RE0000925302 on 2005-12-27 (this may have been the date when Lucasfilm acquired it from FOX and had to re-register it)
-the original registration was made on 1977-5-25

Copyright claimants (owner) for both are Lucasfilm, Ltd., meaning there would be no restrictions on Disney's ability to release either version. Please try this simple search before blasting my point.


Also, I think JJ Abrams affinity for practical effects speaks to Disney's openness toward the original films, and possibly the original versions. I don't think they would have allowed him to go so practical with the effects on the new film if there wasn't a marked level of agreement from Disney Execs. Wouldn't you think they would prefer CGI to keep it relevant and accessible to young kids? The fact that the new film will cut against the grain of contemporary sci-fi films and be heavy in practical effects says that Disney is aware of SW Fans' discontent over the CGI happy prequels. They are probably aware of discontent over other things, as well (alienation over unavailability of theatrical versions). They know many fans are skeptical about Disney's involvement in Star Wars, and they want to win us over in whatever ways they can. The best way to do that is to release an awesome new movie, but don't count out a OUT release some time soon. Remember, rumors of it originally came from film websites like JOBLO--writers with connections to the film industry--not just forum member speculation. I'm not saying that these points mean it will happen. I'm just saying that there is plenty of reason to believe and hope. Disney won't want to peak public interest in SW too soon before episode 7. It will be a build up. Don't give up hope.


p.s.- don't forget to reset "search by" after each new search!

Valid points all, but perhaps a contractual stipulation was made on the purchase by disney that no version expect the 'canon' versions could ever be released. Unrealistic I know, but it has the potential to be there due to Mr lucas and his stubborn refusal to acknowledge the original films existence. I don't think the practical effects have anything to do with disney. Abrams was given a budget and felt the need to go practical to tie in the new with the old. If he delivers on or under budget, disney wouldn't care. Realistically, they probably allowed the practical sets for cheapness as they can now be recycled through the next two sequels. They have rented out pinewood stages for the next several years to preserve the sets and the rumblings of the tv series series also being able to use them would tie in to this too. Cgi is so seamless now that many thought the YouTube fly by of the millenium falcon (which ended on the batman tumbler) was CGI, but it is practical. The new generation won't care, Abrams had the money, he went back to his childhood. Who could resist building the falcon and standing on it if given the chance and the chequebook.

I think you missed the point with the marvel analogy. Disney bought it knowing they would not be able to produce any film tied to one of the companies biggest assets, in fact several of them and they cannot use many marvel characters in their theme parks in Florida. Didn't stop them buying, they just looked at the long game. Perhaps they feel the same about Star Wars, it isn't about the old, it is all about the new. The marvel deal proves that money DOESN'T always get you everything but it also doesn't stop you buying.

[Merlinpants]

Originally Posted by klauswhereareyou

I am also of the mind that Disney does not give a crap about the previous 6 films, save for the money they can make off of merchandise tied to those movies.

I would back that horse

[HeavyHitter]

Originally Posted by Stinky-Dinkins

What you mean this isn't totally awesome???
https://youtu.be/PiDRgDmXGi4

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Never gets old. So, so awful. Lucas is the best.

And that clip in essence sums up what became of George Lucas from 1997 to present. I'm glad he sold Star Wars. It was long overdue.

[Joshitaka]

Originally Posted by Merlinpants

Valid points all, but perhaps a contractual stipulation was made on the purchase by disney that no version expect the 'canon' versions could ever be released. Unrealistic I know, but it has the potential to be there due to Mr lucas and his stubborn refusal to acknowledge the original films existence. I don't think the practical effects have anything to do with disney. Abrams was given a budget and felt the need to go practical to tie in the new with the old. If he delivers on or under budget, disney wouldn't care. Realistically, they probably allowed the practical sets for cheapness as they can now be recycled through the next two sequels. They have rented out pinewood stages for the next several years to preserve the sets and the rumblings of the tv series series also being able to use them would tie in to this too. Cgi is so seamless now that many thought the YouTube fly by of the millenium falcon (which ended on the batman tumbler) was CGI, but it is practical. The new generation won't care, Abrams had the money, he went back to his childhood. Who could resist building the falcon and standing on it if given the chance and the chequebook.

I think you missed the point with the marvel analogy. Disney bought it knowing they would not be able to produce any film tied to one of the companies biggest assets, in fact several of them. Didn't stop them buying, they just looked at the long game. Perhaps they feel the same about Star Wars, it isn't about the old, it is all about the new.

I think I did miss your point. And you are right, it should be all about "the new" for them, but remember: one of Lucas' major mistakes with the prequels was ignoring "the old" in favor of "the new" (at least to many fans). Some people would disagree, but it definitely has been a huge criticism. I don't think Disney wants that same heat, and they must know that they can use "the old" to inflate sales and interest in "the new."

[Merlinpants]

Originally Posted by Joshitaka

I think I did miss your point. And you are right, it should be all about "the new" for them, but remember: one of Lucas' major mistakes with the prequels was ignoring "the old" in favor of "the new" (at least to many fans). Some people would disagree, but it definitely has been a huge criticism. I don't think Disney wants that same heat, and they must know that they can use "the old" to inflate sales and interest in "the new."

Agreed, the use of CGI was incredibly jarring and distracting in the prequels, awful in fact. It took me repeatedly out of the film because of how bad it was in parts. It was a new technology then and it showed. Imagine the difference today.

Speaking of jarring, the fly by/around/upside down of the falcon in the teaser trailer for force awakens was really disappointing for me. That was not Star Wars, and it might have been practical or pure CGI, damned if I could tell. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. If there is more of the same, it won't be a good blend to the originals or even the prequels.

Clearly they have taken the old approach, we all know JJ decided to give the legacy characters more screen time, that could be how Disney will appease the die hard fans.......for now.

[Joshitaka]

Originally Posted by Merlinpants

Agreed, the use of CGI was incredibly jarring and distracting in the prequels, awful in fact. It took me repeatedly out of the film because of how bad it was in parts. It was a new technology then and it showed. Imagine the difference today.

Speaking of jarring, the fly by/around/upside down of the falcon in the teaser trailer for force awakens was really disappointing for me. That was not Star Wars, and it might have been practical or pure CGI, damned if I could tell. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. If there is more of the same, it won't be a good blend to the originals or even the prequels.

Clearly they have taken the old approach, we all know JJ decided to give the legacy characters more screen time, that could be how Disney will appease the die hard fans.......for now.

Speaking to believability, I feel that the CGI in the Star Wars prequels is comparable to the cartoon animation in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? I never ever once believe that what I'm seeing is actually there in the shot.

[B72]

Originally Posted by stvn1974

I dislike all of the changes but Jedi Rocks is not only a crime against cinema but all of humanity.

I can feel the hate swelling in you now

thank you sir
for always representing myself and others like me
who miss Lapti Nek more than you could possibly imagine

[Jumpman]

Originally Posted by Joshitaka

Speaking to believability, I feel that the CGI in the Star Wars prequels is comparable to the cartoon animation in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? I never ever once believe that what I'm seeing is actually there in the shot.

Hyperbole...especially if you watch EPISODE III.

[Joshitaka]

I definitely am exaggerating with the comparison, but not the end result. I actually never believe, and it ruins it.

Funny thing, I've actually never even watched episode 3 because I was so upset over episodes 1 and 2. My heart was broken (melodramatic), and I just never could find the interest. I love Luke and Han and Leia… and Alec Guinness = Genuine Class.