Star Wars: The Complete Saga (1977-2005)

[Cobra Kai]

Originally Posted by steel_breeze

My personal Holy Grail has been achieved. Finally procured a blu-ray of Team Negative One's "Silver Screen Edition" of STAR WARS... and it's glorious. Much more dirty, scratchy, grainy, and contrasty than the Despecialized (which I've had for years)... but that's GREAT. It's genuinely like owning a 35mm print... especially projected on my 92-inch 2.35:1 screen.

For me, over all these years watching Despecialized, it was almost as distracting as watching the Special Edition. It was well-intentioned, but I can see the "seams" too easily: roto-scope work, recreating stuff that isn't quite original, an annoying "speed-up" at the end of the original crawl that drives me crazy... but no longer. The Silver Screen Edition is all-original, all-"pure". Plus, it's 1080 24p.

I think I almost teared up watching the original shots of the X-Wing/Y-Wing fleet approaching the Death Star. Not kidding.

Anyhoo... this is the version I will forever watch if I choose to watch STAR WARS as a stand-alone (which is most of the time), when I want to time-travel to a theater long, long ago where Vader isn't Luke's father, Leia certainly isn't Luke's sister, and I have no idea what the Clone Wars look like. But when I delve into the Whole Saga, I'll watch the 2011 Blu-ray Edition, 'cuz it fits in much more nicely to that cartoony universe. I genuinely think they both have a place, and I do respect -- and enjoy -- Lucas' "final vision".

The silver screen edition is about to become obsolete very soon. There is a new version in the works that puts that one to shame.

[Trekkie313]

Originally Posted by Cobra Kai

The silver screen edition is about to become obsolete very soon. There is a new version in the works that puts that one to shame.

Just wish these cuts were more accessible...

[bobbyh64]

Originally Posted by steel_breeze

I actually have no idea. All I personally care about is the 1977 STAR WARS. I'm a weird STAR WARS fan in the sense that I grew up with and loved the original trilogy (I was 6, 9, and 12-years-old when they first hit theaters), and yet the 1977 STAR WARS is the only one I need in its "pure" form. It's the stand-alone masterpiece that changed cinema, for better AND worse. But once I crack open the door to Vader being Luke's father or Leia being Luke's sister, then I'm suddenly okay with letting it ALL in: I greatly enjoy ALL the episodes -- even the prequels and the 2011 "Final" editions of IV thru VI -- when I'm in a Whole Saga mindset. But when I want to view a genuine piece of film history and travel back to that wondrous time in my own childhood, then I only want the one original.

Long way to say: I don't know if they're doing EMPIRE and JEDI.

EDIT: But if Lucasfilm/Disney came out with "official" versions of all three original-trilogy movies, I'd buy 'em in a heartbeat!

Yeah, I agree the original '77 Star Wars is an absolute masterpiece that changed cinema and it has more of a right to exist than the original versions of any of the others. I also enjoy the prequels but I much prefer the OT. The 6-part saga is cool but there's also the saga of just the first three movies. And overall I prefer the 3-part saga and wish to have them in their original form, so I hope TN1 will release them. I should watch the most recent versions in episode order though, because I've never done that.

[bobbyh64]

Originally Posted by steel_breeze

In other news, I'll be attending a special 40th Anniversary Screening of STAR WARS at the University of Southern California (Lucas' alma mater) on Thursday, May 25th. I assume it's the latest Special Edition from the 2011 Blu-rays, but I'm hoping it's the new 4K restoration we've heard so much about from recent STAR WARS directors and DPs. However... though I'm NOT going to get my hopes up... I'm NOT, I swear... the running time listed on the event invitation is 121 minutes. Make of that what you will. That is NOT the running time of the Special Edition(s).

Maybe they're gonna screen the 2006 non-anamorphic DVD.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by steel_breeze

1. I never said the word "scan" in my post.

2. However, ironically, it absolutely IS a scan. From an article written by Team Negative One, regarding their own Silver Screen Edition project: "Every single frame in the film was scanned in to the computer from a 35mm film Reel." Source:
http://thestarwarstrilogy.com/starwa...n-of-Star-Wars

3. Fair point about "promoting a bootleg". As a professional cinematographer -- and a person with integrity -- I'm against movie piracy in every form... except in this case. The original 1977 movie is a genuinely important piece of film history that's been obliterated from existence. I liken these fan restorations to "bootlegging" a B&W version of CITIZEN KANE if all you could ever get was colorized. And besides, over the years I've paid good money for: (2) VHS versions, (3) Laserdisc versions, (2) DVD versions, and I currently own the official "Lucas-ized" Blu-rays -- which I do watch and enjoy, for what they are -- as mentioned in my previous post, above. Furthermore, I will 100% plunk down good money for an "official" version of the original 1977 STAR WARS if it ever becomes available. So it's not as if my owning this is keeping a single $ from Lucasfilm's coffer. AND I did not pay a single $ to obtain this, either; I was "gifted" it. But still... fair point, and something I wrestle with.

And this "unfinished" (in Lucas' mind) version only won, like, seven Oscars so who cares about preserving it for all time? Anyone who cares about film history, that's who.

But you're absolutely right about the wider saga in terms of being more able to accept a fudged-with version in that context although I still detest the 2011 Blu-ray alterations, I'd rather have the 1997 or 2004 versions. It'd be great to have the original originals for standalone trilogy viewing and the 4K restored SEs for a full Saga re-watch.

[ElvisForever]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

And this "unfinished" (in Lucas' mind) version only won, like, seven Oscars so who cares about preserving it for all time? Anyone who cares about film history, that's who.

But you're absolutely right about the wider saga in terms of being more able to accept a fudged-with version in that context although I still detest the 2011 Blu-ray alterations, I'd rather have the 1997 or 2004 versions. It'd be great to have the original originals for standalone trilogy viewing and the 4K restored SEs for a full Saga re-watch.

Do you detest Yoda being CGI in episode I?

[imsounoriginal]

Originally Posted by steel_breeze

In other news, I'll be attending a special 40th Anniversary Screening of STAR WARS at the University of Southern California (Lucas' alma mater) on Thursday, May 25th. I assume it's the latest Special Edition from the 2011 Blu-rays, but I'm hoping it's the new 4K restoration we've heard so much about from recent STAR WARS directors and DPs. However... though I'm NOT going to get my hopes up... I'm NOT, I swear... the running time listed on the event invitation is 121 minutes. Make of that what you will. That is NOT the running time of the Special Edition(s).

Are there still tix available? Would love to see that.

[ElvisForever]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

And this "unfinished" (in Lucas' mind) version only won, like, seven Oscars so who cares about preserving it for all time? Anyone who cares about film history, that's who.

But you're absolutely right about the wider saga in terms of being more able to accept a fudged-with version in that context although I still detest the 2011 Blu-ray alterations, I'd rather have the 1997 or 2004 versions. It'd be great to have the original originals for standalone trilogy viewing and the 4K restored SEs for a full Saga re-watch.

My comment about the "bootleg" had a reason that I covered in a PM.

All three comments were completely misunderstood.

Anybody that knows my views would see this poster practically mirrors what I have been saying for almost a year.

[steel_breeze]

Originally Posted by imsounoriginal

Are there still tix available? Would love to see that.

I don't know; you can check it out here:
http://cinema.usc.edu/events/event.cfm?id=17953

I was invited via email, since I went to grad school there (a lonnnng time ago in a galaxy far, far away...)

EDIT: I clicked the "make a reservation" link to check, and it appears to be full.

[imsounoriginal]

Damn, oh well. Have fun!

[Martoto]

Even the Silver Screen SCAN has looked brown, to me, where the background should be black. Like in outer space, for example.

[steel_breeze]

Originally Posted by Martoto

Even the Silver Screen SCAN has looked brown, to me, where the background should be black. Like in outer space, for example.

Hmm... I didn't have that experience. Space was definitely "black" in my home theater -- nice 'n' inky, actually. The color timing and contrast is definitely "flawed"; even shots within the same scene don't quite match, but it's GREAT! It's definitely not the "quality" of the official blu-rays, but it does exactly reproduce the experience of watching an original 35mm print. Of course, back in the photo-chemical color-timing days (pre-DI), it was a very laborious process to match shots exactly and make the color timing perfect. So this version really triggers all the original "feels" for me; BECAUSE OF all its glorious flaws.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by ElvisForever

Do you detest Yoda being CGI in episode I?

Honest to god I prefer the puppet, as weird as it looked. You can keep the reshuffled editing in AOTC's Blu-ray too.

As with the OT, I'd love to have the original theatrical version of TPM in good quality as well as the latest revised version. And, again as with the OT, the best official version is a non-anamorphic laserdisc transfer! (Made my own recording of the Japanese LD years ago.)

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

And this "unfinished" (in Lucas' mind) version only won, like, seven Oscars so who cares about preserving it for all time? Anyone who cares about film history, that's who.

But you're absolutely right about the wider saga in terms of being more able to accept a fudged-with version in that context although I still detest the 2011 Blu-ray alterations, I'd rather have the 1997 or 2004 versions. It'd be great to have the original originals for standalone trilogy viewing and the 4K restored SEs for a full Saga re-watch.

Geoff, I won a 60" HDTV two weeks ago...it isn't 4k, it doesn't have 3D, Dolbyvision, etc....the TV I want is about $1200 and gets more expensive by the week, so I had no use for it. No place to put it. No use for it. So I gave it to my in-laws (my father in law is in bad, bad shape, he's thrilled by it, the family thinks I'm a hero when the truth is I had no use for it, so I'm kinda a half-hero)...anyway. I told my in-laws about the blinking Ewoks. They thought I was bluffing. Put Jedi on via Vudu. Play the speeder bike Endor chase (or as I call it, "sucks to be you!" *Boom!*). Giant 60" Ewok appears. In-Laws start calling me out saying there's no blinking...and then....well. You know.

And then there's silence. Followed by, "Why?"

I think that's the question everyone's been asking about the tinkering since 1997. "Why?" Of all the things Lucas *could* have done to address technical aspects of the films...blinking Wicket?

Could be worse...I have it on good authority that Mr. Lucas seriously considered re-animating Yoda in Empire, but after the outrage from the fan base over other alterations, and the nose-dive Spielberg's E.T. took in 2002, he just stepped away and left that alone....but...he was thinking about it. Said there was 35% of Empire Strikes Back that he'd like to go back and "fix".

Yeah...that almost happened.

For me, my in-laws mystified reaction to blinking Wicket encapsulates what so many of us feel.

Why?

[svenge]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

Could be worse...I have it on good authority that Mr. Lucas seriously considered re-animating Yoda in Empire, but after the outrage from the fan base over other alterations, and the nose-dive Spielberg's E.T. took in 2002, he just stepped away and left that alone....but...he was thinking about it. Said there was 35% of Empire Strikes Back that he'd like to go back and "fix".

Yeah...that almost happened.

For me, my in-laws mystified reaction to blinking Wicket encapsulates what so many of us feel.

Why?

I think that the reason is likely to be found somewhere in the DSM–5.

[Gold Ranger]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

Could be worse...I have it on good authority that Mr. Lucas seriously considered re-animating Yoda in Empire, but after the outrage from the fan base over other alterations, and the nose-dive Spielberg's E.T. took in 2002, he just stepped away and left that alone....but...he was thinking about it.

Authority or not, that was the rumour going around. Everyone heard it.
I used to be part of starwarZ.com and it was talked about there a lot. No offence, but it isn't some special rumour that only you and a few others heard.

[Ernest Rister]

It wasn't a rumor. I'll just leave it there.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

Geoff, I won a 60" HDTV two weeks ago...it isn't 4k, it doesn't have 3D, Dolbyvision, etc....the TV I want is about $1200 and gets more expensive by the week, so I had no use for it. No place to put it. No use for it. So I gave it to my in-laws (my father in law is in bad, bad shape, he's thrilled by it, the family thinks I'm a hero when the truth is I had no use for it, so I'm kinda a half-hero)...anyway. I told my in-laws about the blinking Ewoks. They thought I was bluffing. Put Jedi on via Vudu. Play the speeder bike Endor chase (or as I call it, "sucks to be you!" *Boom!*). Giant 60" Ewok appears. In-Laws start calling me out saying there's no blinking...and then....well. You know.

And then there's silence. Followed by, "Why?"

I think that's the question everyone's been asking about the tinkering since 1997. "Why?" Of all the things Lucas *could* have done to address technical aspects of the films...blinking Wicket?

Could be worse...I have it on good authority that Mr. Lucas seriously considered re-animating Yoda in Empire, but after the outrage from the fan base over other alterations, and the nose-dive Spielberg's E.T. took in 2002, he just stepped away and left that alone....but...he was thinking about it. Said there was 35% of Empire Strikes Back that he'd like to go back and "fix".

Yeah...that almost happened.

For me, my in-laws mystified reaction to blinking Wicket encapsulates what so many of us feel.

Why?

Yes, I heard the same thing, and IIRC the tests that they did to ascertain whether they could realistically animate Yoda for AOTC were done using footage from Empire as a template, to compare back and forth to see if they could capture the idiosyncracies of the puppet (like that subtle wobble on the ears) as well as expand on the performance.

Heck, Lucas even mentions in the commentary for Empire that if he were to make it today he would've had Yoda "bouncing along" next to Luke instead of being a dummy strapped to Hamill's back. Yikes.

FYI in Rinzler's 'making of' book for Jedi it's specifically mentioned that they wanted the Ewoks to blink but they couldn't get the tech working so the idea was dropped. Lucas finally achieved his dream of blinking Ewoks almost 30 years later, gawd bless 'im.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

FYI in Rinzler's 'making of' book for Jedi it's specifically mentioned that they wanted the Ewoks to blink but they couldn't get the tech working so the idea was dropped. Lucas finally achieved his dream of blinking Ewoks almost 30 years later, gawd bless 'im.

A 60" blinking Ewok in HD in your in-laws' living room is a little unnerving.

[Nicolawicz]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Honest to god I prefer the puppet, as weird as it looked.

Yeah, I'd much rather have a weird-looking puppet than an obvious drawing pretending to be a puppet.