Star Wars: The Complete Saga (1977-2005)

[Roonan]

Originally Posted by Coov

Very moving and inspirational PSA.

You do realize that it's all a joke, right?

[stvn1974]

If I had kids they would have to learn of the prequels on the streets.

[Coov]

Originally Posted by Roonan

You do realize that it's all a joke, right?

What's a joke?

[ZoetMB]

Originally Posted by SomeFilmBuff

I'm having second guesses with this release. On one hand, I want Star Wars but on the other, I'm very cynical about this particular release given the issues with the edits and all that crap. The more I think about it, the less I am enthusiastic about it. It also seems just too pricey at the moment. Then you have the many comments by posters here that do indeed make legitimate criticisms,. I love Star Wars, hell I even love the prequels but I don't know if my love for the franchise triumphs over my now cynical look at this release.

It really depends upon the perspective you bring to these films. If you obsessively know and remember every scene, every edit and the exact look of every special effect of the original versions of the OT, you'll be disappointed.

If on the other hand, you've seen the films a few times or less over the years, you're not paying attention to every single detail and you generally like the films, you should love these releases. I saw the OT theatrically in 70mm, I saw Empire in both the original and the "special" edition in 70mm and I owned the original versions (NOT the special editions) of the VHS. Aside from the super obvious stuff (like the ghost of Anakin at the end of Episode VI and the newly added "Nooooooooooooo"), I can't really tell the difference between these edits and the original versions and I found the films, PQ and AQ quite enjoyable, but I'm not anal-compulsive about this stuff.

I actually have a much bigger problem with the fact that there are so many logical story errors that could have been avoided where the PT doesn't match the OT and where some of the subplots, especially in the PT, simply don't make any sense. And of course, much of the dialogue and acting is terrible, especially in the PT. If you analyze this as some of the critics have, you'll hate any version of these films. But if you don't take it so seriously, they're all quite enjoyable, although some (obviously) more than others.

Many point to the big BD set of Blade Runner as an example of what Lucas should have done. I own that set and love the concept of it, but in the end, I really only completely watched the final Director's Cut. And I suspect that would have been the case even if Lucas had included the original cuts of the OT, especially if they were only remastered, but not restored.

Most reaction to "The Dark Knight Rises" has been extremely positive, but I found a number of plot holes in that as well, but I don't see Nolan getting the kind of abuse usually reserved for Lucas. And you know when they release this on BD, if it's released as a "Director's Cut" with extra footage and a slightly different edit, no one is going to complain that "their childhood has been ruined".

[motorheadache95]

Originally Posted by stvn1974

If I had kids they would have to learn of the prequels on the streets.

Nah man, you can't let them learn about the prequels on the streets. You have to explain to them what the prequels are, and why they should be ignored as part of the series. Maybe show them bits of the Redlettermedia reviews if they really need to see some of it. If you don't deal with this now, they'll be off with friends getting copies of the movies and watching them all, maybe even connecting with the Hayden-altered ending of Return of the Jedi!

[motorheadache95]

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

Many point to the big BD set of Blade Runner as an example of what Lucas should have done. I own that set and love the concept of it, but in the end, I really only completely watched the final Director's Cut. And I suspect that would have been the case even if Lucas had included the original cuts of the OT, especially if they were only remastered, but not restored.

Well the Blade Runner set was really going above and beyond in offering viewers different versions of the film. Like you, I mainly watch "The Final Cut," which is my preferred version, as I'm not totally against revisionism if it's done well (I'd say Star Wars was for the most part not). The other cut I like having is the "International theatrical cut," which gives you the best completely alternate version of the film. I personally don't feel the need to watch the 1992 "Director's Cut" anymore, or the censored U.S theatrical cut.

And sure, it would be cool if Star Wars had a similar set, where you'd get the original versions, '97 Special Editions, '04 DVD versions, and the current ones. But I essentially see the Star Wars trilogy as having two versions-- the original, and Lucas' up-to-date altered versions. If the original versions were kept restored, 99.9% of all complaints about Lucas' handling of the films would be gone. And with good reason.

[Monkey_Boy]

Originally Posted by metal134

I'd like to do that sometime. There was a time when I wanted to watch all 6 in an all day marathon, but that whim has passed.

I actually get together with a group of friends and watch 'em all in one day every year! Usually happens in October. No particular day, just one that works with everyone's schedule. We start at around 9am and it's over by 2am at the latest, depending on how long breaks were between movies. A good buddy of mine loves to cook as much as I do, so we plan our best meals to show off what we can do. There's always plenty of snacks and drinks, as well. Yep, "Star Wars Day" is a flippin' event that I look forward to every year!

I just love me some "Star Wars"! Used to have marathons with the OT when I was a kid, and was too excited to find out they would be extended once the PT was finished. For me it's the story, the characters and the fun I have watching it. I personally don't see plotholes the way others do because it's fun to fill those in with my geeky friends! We have so many theories as to [what] led to [what], or where [this] was going, or how [such & such] happened. It's what makes "Star Wars" so much more fun to discuss than other movies for me. When Metacritic had their forum I had opened a thread for discussing the saga as a whole, it was over 20 pages of theories & guesses, and it was great! (Okay, there were also pages of "My favorite character, ship, droid, alien, etc.", but those just come with the topic.)

Sure, we have our problems with some story decisions in the PT and changes made to the OT, but we have just too much of a good time to let them stop us! Because no matter what, it's still "Star Wars"!

[Show spoiler]

[Roonan]

Originally Posted by Coov

What's a joke?

The video...

[SomeFilmBuff]

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

It really depends upon the perspective you bring to these films. If you obsessively know and remember every scene, every edit and the exact look of every special effect of the original versions of the OT, you'll be disappointed.

If on the other hand, you've seen the films a few times or less over the years, you're not paying attention to every single detail and you generally like the films, you should love these releases. I saw the OT theatrically in 70mm, I saw Empire in both the original and the "special" edition in 70mm and I owned the original versions (NOT the special editions) of the VHS. Aside from the super obvious stuff (like the ghost of Anakin at the end of Episode VI and the newly added "Nooooooooooooo"), I can't really tell the difference between these edits and the original versions and I found the films, PQ and AQ quite enjoyable, but I'm not anal-compulsive about this stuff.

I actually have a much bigger problem with the fact that there are so many logical story errors that could have been avoided where the PT doesn't match the OT and where some of the subplots, especially in the PT, simply don't make any sense. And of course, much of the dialogue and acting is terrible, especially in the PT. If you analyze this as some of the critics have, you'll hate any version of these films. But if you don't take it so seriously, they're all quite enjoyable, although some (obviously) more than others.

Many point to the big BD set of Blade Runner as an example of what Lucas should have done. I own that set and love the concept of it, but in the end, I really only completely watched the final Director's Cut. And I suspect that would have been the case even if Lucas had included the original cuts of the OT, especially if they were only remastered, but not restored.

Most reaction to "The Dark Knight Rises" has been extremely positive, but I found a number of plot holes in that as well, but I don't see Nolan getting the kind of abuse usually reserved for Lucas. And you know when they release this on BD, if it's released as a "Director's Cut" with extra footage and a slightly different edit, no one is going to complain that "their childhood has been ruined".

Thanks for your input. I appreciate it greatly and have decided not to buy this release. I'll probably purchase Star Wars on Blu Ray sometime after they release all the movies in 3D. It'll be a long wait, sure but I think I can manage. Plus, there's the factor of $$$$. I do wonder, though, if this controversy could've been avoided by simply including the original theatrical versions to begin with.

[Stinky-Dinkins]

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

I saw the OT theatrically in 70mm, I saw Empire in both the original and the "special" edition in 70mm and I owned the original versions (NOT the special editions) of the VHS. Aside from the super obvious stuff (like the ghost of Anakin at the end of Episode VI and the newly added "Nooooooooooooo"), I can't really tell the difference between these edits and the original versions and I found the films, PQ and AQ quite enjoyable, but I'm not anal-compulsive about this stuff.

Seriously? It's loaded with tons of poorly done CGI that sticks out like a sore thumb. I mean honestly, scenes like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiDRg...ature=youtu.be
are laughable.

The OT is absolutely littered with CG that is insanely noticeable against the hand-crafted special effect work of the day.

I absolutely agree with you that Lucas should have opted for a Blade Runner style release. He doesn't care about his fanbase like Ridley Scott does though, unfortunately. Ridley Scott despises the theatrical cut of Blade Runner but included it in superb quality for those fans who enjoy it (and for posterity.)

[P@t_Mtl]

Haven't check this thread in a while, I see things are pretty much where they were weeks ago when I was last here

[P@t_Mtl]

I think some of you are pretty lucky to have kids to watch Star Wars with them. Unfortunately me and my wife we are not so lucky. I would love it to be able to watch the movies with my kid. I can't see how as a parent you would not want your kid to see the prequels? Star Wars is made for kids in mind, the small kids and the big kids who still have the little kids in their own heart. I would give anything to have a kid and be able to watch all 6 movies together.

[Sith]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

I think some of you are pretty lucky to have kids to watch Star Wars with them. Unfortunately me and my wife we are not so lucky. I would love it to be able to watch the movies with my kid. I can't see how as a parent you would not want your kid to see the prequels? Star Wars is made for kids in mind, the small kids and the big kids who still have the little kids in their own heart. I would give anything to have a kid and be able to watch all 6 movies together.

Some people just like to snivel. Don't let it effect the way you enjoy the movies.

[svenge]

Originally Posted by SomeFilmBuff

At the same time, I don't understand is what exactly do people mean when they want the original versions because if I recall, weren't there some edits and alterations after the theatrical releases for the movies that had nothing to do with the SE treatment? Or am I getting mixed up?

The original release prints of "Star Wars" didn't have "Episode IV: A New Hope" at the beginning of the opening crawl. That didn't happen until the 1981 theatrical re-release (after TESB was released with "Episode V" on its crawl).

The other difference was that depending on what kind of theater you went to (70mm, 35mm w/ stereo, or 35mm w/ mono) the sound mix was slightly different and a couple of minor off-screen lines were different. After that, there were new home-video remixes of the OT in 1985 and 1993 drawing from different sources. See HERE for more details.

All that said, none of those changes had anywhere near the kind of "impact" that Greedo shooting first, replacing entire musical sequences, and ruining the mood of the climax of ROTJ by inserting a riduculous-sounding "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" did.

[Coov]

Originally Posted by Roonan

The video...

The Star Wars PSA was a joke? Why would anyone make a Star Wars PSA if it were a joke? This is a very serious matter and not to be taken lightly.

[Coov]

People come in here because it is pretty entertaining. This back and forth has been going on for more than 2 years. What the Mods are doing is taking this "game" and picking and choosing which plays count, and which ones don't.

Sounds fair.

Back to my very fair question that got deleted...

What would need to happen for those who unconditionally love the PT and OT: SE to turn their back on George?

A "JarJar Rocks" music segment?
Chewie gets pants?
An Elmo cameo?
Replace blasters with flashlights?
CGI product placement?

[Roonan]

Originally Posted by Coov

What would need to happen for those who unconditionally love the PT and OT: SE to turn their back on George?

To answer that question: who cares? Why those who like the prequels and the Special Editions need to justify themselves? Are they wrong for liking them?

[klauswhereareyou]

Originally Posted by Stinky-Dinkins

Seriously? It's loaded with tons of poorly done CGI that sticks out like a sore thumb. I mean honestly, scenes like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiDRg...ature=youtu.be
are laughable.

The OT is absolutely littered with CG that is insanely noticeable against the hand-crafted special effect work of the day.

I absolutely agree with you that Lucas should have opted for a Blade Runner style release. He doesn't care about his fanbase like Ridley Scott does though, unfortunately. Ridley Scott despises the theatrical cut of Blade Runner but included it in superb quality for those fans who enjoy it (and for posterity.)

The "Jedi Rocks" scene is the one scene that I feel absolutely needs to go. I have no problem with Han shoots first, Dinosaurs at Mos Eisley, Vader saying no, or really anything else from the special editions (3.0 or whatever we're on now), but man, that song and dance scene is terrible. The music is god awful (and not nearly as alien and funky as it was in the original cut of Jedi), and the effects wouldn't even cut it for a first gen Sega Saturn game. Everytime I see that scene, the film just comes to a screeching halt.

[Coov]

Originally Posted by Roonan

To answer that question: who cares? Why those who like the prequels and the Special Editions need to justify themselves? Are they wrong for liking them?

"You do realize that it's all a joke, right?" - you

[Monkey_Boy]

Originally Posted by Coov

People come in here because it is pretty entertaining. This back and forth has been going on for more than 2 years. What the Mods are doing is taking this "game" and picking and choosing which plays count, and which ones don't.

Sounds fair.

Back to my very fair question that got deleted...

What would need to happen for those who unconditionally love the PT and OT: SE to turn their back on George?

A "JarJar Rocks" music segment?
Chewie gets pants?
An Elmo cameo?
Replace blasters with flashlights?
CGI product placement?

It's not about "unconditional love". It's just that most of the changes don't bother me. I mean, I don't like Greedo shooting first (ANH), not because of some character issue, but just because it doesn't look right. (Although, it does look alot better on the BD.) I don't like seeing the Wampa eating (TESB), that costume looks like crap. And I hate, HATE the beak in the Sarlacc Pit (ROTJ). However, the other changes aren't that big of a deal. They're only seconds long or in the background.

I honestly could not believe that a poster's wife screamed the entire time during the "Jedi Rocks" scene. It isn't that long (my kids love that part anyway), and it leads right into the Rancor scene. So it's not like it suddenly pops in and pops out for no reason. They gave us an actual song for Oola to dance to before she died her horrible death. No big deal to me. Never could understand the extreme hatred toward Lucas because the story is still the same. I've been into "Star Wars" since I was a small child for its epic story. (I'd skip school just so I'd be home alone to watch all 3 movies of the OT in a row without my brother, sister and mother complaining!) Not a single CGI addition has taken anything away from the plot or the awesomeness that is the "Star Wars" Saga! Not for me anyway.

[Show spoiler]