Is the original Star Wars trilogy worth the upgrade?

[theprestige85]

I have the original DVD boxset and frankly, I think that looks fab. I only want to get the original blu ray set, is it a big upgrade???

[chip75]

Going by what the guys say the BDs are the best the films have ever looked on home video. If you can get them for a reasonable price I'd say go for it.

I'm waiting to see what Disney have in store for us before I upgrade. The DVDs and the BDs are from the same masters and they inherit some of their flaws but they also highlight the good stuff too.

[bigmoorer]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

I have the original DVD boxset and frankly, I think that looks fab. I only want to get the original blu ray set, is it a big upgrade???

Picture and audio quality wise ? Definitely!

It just depends on whether you're one of the people who can't stand how Mr.Lucas keeps changing the films as there are some pretty controversial changes in the blu ray sets.

The changes don't bother me personally, but I know how some people hate them.

[theprestige85]

Well I grew up watching the films on VHS where there were no changes. Those happened around the late 90's I think. I've never been too fussed about the changes, either. I mean, it would be different had the studio made the changes, but Lucas is the man who created the mythology despite only helming the first one of the original trilogy, so if he makes a few changes here and there, so be it.

I should be able to get a good exchange rate on my old DVD boxset and then pay about a £5 difference just to get the original set, seems like a fair deal to me. I'm not fussed about special features. I'm going for it. Cheers lads/ladettes

[Andy2992]

Yes definitely worth it.

[Billz]

No.
Not until the unaltered versions are released on blu-ray.

Basically, it will NEVER be worth it!

[Mister Snoops]

Its a tricky one. PQ and AQ wise there is no doubt. They look and sound superb. The issue as everyone has said is the additional changes. I will be honest. Most of the changes he has made since the original versions I have not minded or, like in the case of the Jabba and Solo scene in New Hope, I have just skipped. The issue here for me is the change to the end of ROTJ. I cannot frankly say it doesnt somewhat ruin what,for me,is the greatest ending of any film. Having said that, I do like the "original" special edition ending more than the original...if you see what I mean.

What we ideally need is an proper BD set with all versions of the films.

So, to answer your question. Yes. I would get it because I cannot see any more releases for some time.

[brid]

Originally Posted by Mister Snoops

What we ideally need is an proper BD set with all versions of the films.

.

This is what everyone wants, if everyone stops buying just the tweaked editions, maybe we'll eventually get the original unaltered theatrical editions in HD,original negs scanned & remastered in 4K, scratches removed frame by frame,properly colour corrected, but without EE,DNR & any nasty digital waxy stuff. Then Put onto BD in 1080p with the original lossless sound.
Then as optional stuff, branched for the alternative versions just like spielberg gave us for Close Encounters.

But this is THE MOST IMPORTANT:
Just the orignal 3 - As They were shown originally at the cinema - But the Best that we've ever seen them - That's what we all want Disney. Please Listen.

[Natty]

I think they look great. As for the changes, only one thing annoyed me and that was making the Ewoks blink...why?!

[TheWildWhelk]

Jabba The Hutt has actually been improved upon in the BD version of A New Hope. In the theatrical version of the special edition the CG was frankly shit, but the new rendering uses the CG Jabba model from The Phantom Menace. I'd definately say it is worth it, as the pro's outway the con's considerably, and Empire is virtually unscathed.

[Ill_Be_Back]

Originally Posted by TheWildWhelk

Jabba The Hutt has actually been improved upon in the BD version of A New Hope. In the theatrical version of the special edition the CG was frankly shit, but the new rendering uses the CG Jabba model from The Phantom Menace. I'd definately say it is worth it, as the pro's outway the con's considerably, and Empire is virtually unscathed.

I watched empire a couple a days ago, why change the emperors hologram?!

[Roonan]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

I'm going for it. Cheers lads/ladettes

The biggest difference you'll notice, quality wise, is in the audio. But yes, it's worth buying.

Originally Posted by TheWildWhelk

but the new rendering uses the CG Jabba model from The Phantom Menace.

Actually, it's the same as the 2004 version.

Originally Posted by Ill_Be_Back

I watched empire a couple a days ago, why change the emperors hologram?!

Consistency. Not to mention McDiarmid is always better than a woman with yellow monkey eyes.

[Ill_Be_Back]

I never had the 2004 releases but had the 1997 VHS tapes and I was shocked then when seeing what George did to Star Wars. Now watching the Blu-rays it's truly horrendous, A new hope did not get off lightly...

[shogun123]

The blu ray of A New Hope has a green line down the right hand side of the screen for much of the movie, shocking when you take into account the price Star Wars goes for and that they could not even be bothered to do a fresh transfer never mind a 4k one.

[Mister Snoops]

Originally Posted by Ill_Be_Back

I never had the 2004 releases but had the 1997 VHS tapes and I was shocked then when seeing what George did to Star Wars. Now watching the Blu-rays it's truly horrendous, A new hope did not get off lightly...

I actually prefer the new scene here, hence me not being sure I would like to see the original orignal versions.

I think as has been said it choice between the original and special editions. And get rid of all the pointless BD changes.

[chip75]

Originally Posted by shogun123

The blu ray of A New Hope has a green line down the right hand side of the screen for much of the movie, shocking when you take into account the price Star Wars goes for and that they could not even be bothered to do a fresh transfer never mind a 4k one.

If it's one or two pixels it may just be your TV/player. If you're using Screen Fit or Full Pixel viewing mode just move the screen to one side to eliminate it. My PS3 has the same thing a line down the right and across the bottom.

[shogun123]

Originally Posted by chip75

If it's one or two pixels it may just be your TV/player. If you're using Screen Fit or Full Pixel viewing mode just move the screen to one side to eliminate it. My PS3 has the same thing a line down the right and across the bottom.

I am not using screen fit, what is full pixel mode? How would I move the screen to one side? I am using a Panasonic ET5 LCD.

[chip75]

Originally Posted by shogun123

I am not using screen fit, what is full pixel mode? How would I move the screen to one side? I am using a Panasonic ET5 LCD.

It gives you a 1:1 view of the image versus the overscan mode (16:9 or auto on some models) which will cut off the edges, usually with Screen Fit you can move the screen up, down, left and right.

[shogun123]

Originally Posted by chip75

It gives you a 1:1 view of the image versus the overscan mode (16:9 or auto on some models) which will cut off the edges, usually with Screen Fit you can move the screen up, down, left and right.

So I should use the overscan mode?

[chip75]

Originally Posted by shogun123

So I should use the overscan mode?

If your TV supports Full Pixel mode then I'd recommend you use that for all HD sources as Overscan will deprive you of some of the image. If you've got Full Pixel mode but can't adjust the image and the line bothers you go with 16:9.

I did have a look at some Panasonic manuals but couldn't find much, if you post your full model name for your TV I can have another look.