Star Wars: The Complete Saga (1977-2005)

[kenkraly2004]

Bottom Line is George Lucas created star wars and he can make any changes he wants to to his films and I am all for that. And if some fans don't like it that's their opinion.

[-RONIN-]

Some of you do realize that these are just movies right? From the sounds of it some think it's real life. I'm also in the camp that believes Lucas can do what he wants to HIS movies.

[kenkraly2004]

Originally Posted by -RONIN-

Some of you do realize that these are just movies right? From the sounds of it some think it's real life. I'm also in the camp that believes Lucas can do what he wants to HIS movies.

Agreed.

[OG Pooh]

Originally Posted by -RONIN-

Some of you do realize that these are just movies right? From the sounds of it some think it's real life. I'm also in the camp that believes Lucas can do what he wants to HIS movies.

I think there's just so much lore associated with the films, that it's easy to get drawn into lengthy discussions about trivial things. We all know (at least I do) that they're just movies, but they're very interesting to discuss.

And yes, I agree... They are Lucas' movies & he can do whatever he wants to them. If someone doesn't like what he's done... Dig out the original vesions of the OT & watch them exclusively. Some changes I've agreed with, others I haven't. But either way, it's nice to have so many different versions. Personally, except for maybe Sith, I think they all need updating visually (especially the OT) and plot-hole-wise. Artistic changes are just that... Artistic. They're open to opinion & taste. I like the OT & the PT equally. In fact, other than the obvious technological differences in the production, I try not to seperate the OT & the PT at all. To me, they're all simply the Star Wars saga.

[nametag]

I don't think anyone is arguing that Lucas doesn't have the ability or right to alter the movies, or that they aren't legally his property. It's not like we're advocating for his arrest here. Just because he CAN or has a RIGHT to do what he's doing, it doesn't mean he's beyond criticism for it, or that everyone has to believe it's ok.

I just don't think it is right for ideological reasons, it's not a question of which version is better. Culturally significant artifacts should not be revised and then replaced at the whim of the creator after they are released to the public. And I think that when art is released to the public they are, in some sense, a symbolic co-owner of that art for it is their response to it and experience of it which makes it the culturally significant thing it is. Movies are made for their audience, not just their creator. As has been said many times, it's not the fact that he has revised the films, but the fact that the originals aren't being treated in the same way and released alongside them.

But I understand that "ideological reasons" do not make an ounce of difference as to Lucas' "right" to do what he wants with them.

[OG Pooh]

Originally Posted by nametag

I don't think anyone is arguing that Lucas doesn't have the ability or right to alter the movies, or that they aren't legally his property. It's not like we're advocating for his arrest here. Just because he CAN or has a RIGHT to do what he's doing, it doesn't mean he's beyond criticism for it, or that everyone has to believe it's ok.

I just don't think it is right for ideological reasons, it's not a question of which version is better. Culturally significant artifacts should not be revised and then replaced at the whim of the creator after they are released to the public. And I think that when art is released to the public they are, in some sense, a symbolic co-owner of that art for it is their response to it and experience of it which makes it the culturally significant thing it is. Movies are made for their audience, not just their creator. As has been said many times, it's not the fact that he has revised the films, but the fact that the originals aren't being treated in the same way and released alongside them.

But I understand that "ideological reasons" do not make an ounce of difference as to Lucas' "right" to do what he wants with them.

While I agree with every word you have said, I must make this one point... The original versions still exist. The best way to describe is to quote (sorry, I forgot his name) the guy who wrote Kick-Ass. In the BD extra, he mentioned something about someone asking him if he's tired of seeing Hollywood messing up original novels/books (in general). He answered by saying No, because the books haven't changed. They are still on the shelf, exactly as they were written. Now I know this situation is a bit different, but the same principle applies, in that the original movies are still the original movies & they still exist to be watched. Would I like to see newly remastered versions on BD? Of course, but I would much rather see (hopefully) better versions. I already have the original versions, and I always will.

[nametag]

Originally Posted by OG Pooh

While I agree with every word you have said, I must make this one point... The original versions still exist. The best way to describe is to quote (sorry, I forgot his name) the guy who wrote Kick-Ass. In the BD extra, he mentioned something about someone asking him if he's tired of seeing Hollywood messing up original novels/books (in general). He answered by saying No, because the books haven't changed. They are still on the shelf, exactly as they were written. Now I know this situation is a bit different, but the same principle applies, in that the original movies are still the original movies & they still exist to be watched. Would I like to see newly remastered versions on BD? Of course, but I would much rather see (hopefully) better versions. I already have the original versions, and I always will.

Fair enough

My problem lies in the fact that they are only available as substandard DVDs (or laserdiscs, perhaps?), and its not like most people can go and find the 'true' original: the physical film of it (copies of which must presumably exist somewhere). Because I think of BD as being the most accurate replication of the original physical film and, of course, the newest format, I guess I'm worried that the originals will just be lost eventually and, as they are, people with decent HT setups will probably chose to watch the BD release than the old letterboxed original trilogy on VHS or DVD. But I know the situation isn't truly dire, it's the principle I have a problem with more than anything. I'm sure I'll still get the BDs when they come out

[kenkraly2004]

Originally Posted by OG Pooh

I think there's just so much lore associated with the films, that it's easy to get drawn into lengthy discussions about trivial things. We all know (at least I do) that they're just movies, but they're very interesting to discuss.

And yes, I agree... They are Lucas' movies & he can do whatever he wants to them. If someone doesn't like what he's done... Dig out the original vesions of the OT & watch them exclusively. Some changes I've agreed with, others I haven't. But either way, it's nice to have so many different versions. Personally, except for maybe Sith, I think they all need updating visually (especially the OT) and plot-hole-wise. Artistic changes are just that... Artistic. They're open to opinion & taste. I like the OT & the PT equally. In fact, other than the obvious technological differences in the production, I try not to seperate the OT & the PT at all. To me, they're all simply the Star Wars saga.

Well said OG Pooh.

[OG Pooh]

Originally Posted by nametag

Fair enough

My problem lies in the fact that they are only available as substandard DVDs (or laserdiscs, perhaps?), and its not like most people can go and find the 'true' original: the physical film of it (copies of which must presumably exist somewhere). Because I think of BD as being the most accurate replication of the original physical film and, of course, the newest format, I guess I'm worried that the originals will just be lost eventually and, as they are, people with decent HT setups will probably chose to watch the BD release than the old letterboxed original trilogy on VHS or DVD. But I know the situation isn't truly dire, it's the principle I have a problem with more than anything. I'm sure I'll still get the BDs when they come out

I'm sure we will eventually get the original versions on BD, for one simple reason... G.L. knows there's a market for them. It's a pretty safe bet that we'll get them just like we got them on DVD... After the special editions. Who knows, maybe they'll be a part of next year's release. I (personally) haven't read anything definite, one way or the other.

[s2mikey]

Originally Posted by OG Pooh

I think there's just so much lore associated with the films, that it's easy to get drawn into lengthy discussions about trivial things. We all know (at least I do) that they're just movies, but they're very interesting to discuss.

And yes, I agree... They are Lucas' movies & he can do whatever he wants to them. If someone doesn't like what he's done... Dig out the original vesions of the OT & watch them exclusively. Some changes I've agreed with, others I haven't. But either way, it's nice to have so many different versions. Personally, except for maybe Sith, I think they all need updating visually (especially the OT) and plot-hole-wise. Artistic changes are just that... Artistic. They're open to opinion & taste. I like the OT & the PT equally. In fact, other than the obvious technological differences in the production, I try not to seperate the OT & the PT at all. To me, they're all simply the Star Wars saga.

Yepper. Ive always embraced most of the changes hes made along the way. There is NO problem with cleaning up some effects, making the PT and OT look a little more similar, and various other changes. Yeah, han shot first. I know. But overall, they are his films and its all been good to me.

Its still easily the most amazing and important film saga ever created and probably never will be topped. Once these are out on blu-ray, my life is 100% complete.

[Duffy12]

Originally Posted by nametag

Fair enough

My problem lies in the fact that they are only available as substandard DVDs (or laserdiscs, perhaps?)...

Correct, If I still owned my old 4.1 tube television, then it would not be that big of a deal(other than that VHS tapes wear out pretty quick). But most people have already traded those in for current HD plasmas or LCDs.

[ZoetMB]

I happen to own a boxed set of the original, untouched trilogy on VHS (THX mastered), which I've tried to sell on Craigslist a number of times and you know what? No one has ever expresssed any interest whatsoever.

While I understand that most people would prefer original versions on BD, you'd think with all the talk about this, someone would want them on VHS in the meantime (actually forever, because I don't think Lucas will ever relent on this one.)

So aside from the obsessed on sites like this one, I don't think anyone really cares all that much.

Personally, I would have liked to see the Blu-rays have seamless branching to the scenes in the original versions that vary from the current versions, even if they weren't completely restored, but just color timed to match the current versions. That should not have cost them very much to do. But that's obviously not happening.

[OG Pooh]

Originally Posted by Duffy12

Correct, If I still owned my old 4.1 tube television, then it would not be that big of a deal(other than that VHS tapes wear out pretty quick). But most people have already traded those in for current HD plasmas or LCDs.

What are you griping about... As of this minute, there are NO Star Wars films available on BD. You can't complain the original originals aren't part of what's out when NOTHING is out. We got the originals on DVD eventually. I'm sure we'll get the originals on BD, eventually. Personally, after watching the improved effects of the special editions, I have a hard time watching the original versions. Sure, there's a couple of things in the special editions that I don't like, but there's a lot more changes that make sense than don't.

I'm guessing when you say 4.1 tube television, you mean a display with a 4:3 aspect ratio? You know, they did briefly make 720p 16:9 CRT displays... HD is not exclusive to LCD & plasma. It's a screen resolution and nothing more.

[herzog4life]

Originally Posted by -RONIN-

Some of you do realize that these are just movies right? From the sounds of it some think it's real life. I'm also in the camp that believes Lucas can do what he wants to HIS movies.

I can't remember, did he direct Empire and Jedi?

[kenkraly2004]

Originally Posted by herzog4life

I can't remember, did he direct Empire and Jedi?

no he did not he was exc. producer and co writer.

[herzog4life]

Originally Posted by kenkraly2004

no he did not he was exc. producer and co writer.

Yeah I know. I was being sarcastic. I just don't know why they're his movies, I thought directing them was a big part of ownership.

[I_Like_Movies]

Maybe its wishful thinking but I don't care what version of the film they release either the original or the SE. I want it on blu ALL of them 1-6 plus the vault of special features they have.

[kenkraly2004]

As I've said many times I like all the star wars films and I like both versions of the original trilogy the special edition and the original version. The blu-ray release is going to be great and after seeing the clips of the film in hd from the ILM documentariy ILM Creating The Impossable on the Encore channel it has me even more and more excited for the blu-ray release of all 6 star wars films. Can't wait for fall 2011.

[-RONIN-]

Originally Posted by kenkraly2004

no he did not he was exc. producer and co writer.

HAHA...exactly!..

[-RONIN-]

Originally Posted by herzog4life

Yeah I know. I was being sarcastic. I just don't know why they're his movies, I thought directing them was a big part of ownership.

You thought wrong. A director, on most films, is a paid employee just like everyone else.