Star Wars Wars the UOT Strikes Back and OTHER PEZ dispensers

[motorheadache95]

Originally Posted by vidjunkie

For me I would LOVE to see the OT released on Blu, but I am a Fan of Star Wars, ALL of the movies, I like the Originals, the 97 SE's, and the new 04 SE's, and even if he decides to tweak some more for the upcoming Saga Set, that is fine by me, I have just finished up a long time coming preservation DVD set of the OT & the 97 SE's so I am good to go, bring on the Saga Set with all its extras

Which I have (the UOT) and I really appreciated your work on that. Absolutely fantastic DVD editions of the UOT. Even though people complain about the official release, the release super-improved the fan-made preservations from having to use a composite/s-video laserdisc source.

[vidjunkie]

Originally Posted by motorheadache95

Which I have (the UOT) and I really appreciated your work on that. Absolutely fantastic DVD editions of the UOT. Even though people complain about the official release, the release super-improved the fan-made preservations from having to use a composite/s-video laserdisc source.

So which set did you get, the V3 Trilogy Set? if so that was a long time in the works, I am so glad I finally got it done, but I am in the process of topping that set off with something even better.

are you a member of OT Forums? if so what is your name there if I might ask? I have been a member there for a long time LOL.

[motorheadache95]

Originally Posted by vidjunkie

So which set did you get, the V3 Trilogy Set? if so that was a long time in the works, I am so glad I finally got it done, but I am in the process of topping that set off with something even better.

are you a member of OT Forums? if so what is your name there if I might ask? I have been a member there for a long time LOL.

Yeah, the V3. I believe I have the same name on the OT forum, I think i've only commented there a couple of times. It was actually your set that made me stumble upon the thread, as I was searching for the best-rated fan-made versions of the UOT at the time, then I was mostly a lurker, anticipating your completion of the discs. I've been raving about these to friends and coworkers of mine-- they were also quite impressed when I showed them the results.

[vidjunkie]

Originally Posted by motorheadache95

Yeah, the V3. I believe I have the same name on the OT forum, I think i've only commented there a couple of times. It was actually your set that made me stumble upon the thread, as I was searching for the best-rated fan-made versions of the UOT at the time, then I was mostly a lurker, anticipating your completion of the discs. I've been raving about these to friends and coworkers of mine-- they were also quite impressed when I showed them the results.

Well I am very great full you like that set, it sure took me long enough to finish, but keep lurking, a new set is coming.

[EricJ]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

As I've already noted in a previous post, I was not specifically railing against you with my comments. I merely used your post as a springboard to address similar concerns from tons of other people, many of whom are far worse with their views than me. My apologies if I offended you; that was not my aim. I was simply trying to point out the futility of anyone - not just you - repeatedly chanting about wanting the unaltered trilogy on Blu. The fact of the matter is that unless Lucas sees a strong business-related reason for changing his approach, he's likely to keep doing what he wants...and the best way for fans to give him that reason is to either contact his company, or "speak with their wallet" by refusing to buy what he does release.

Okay--And then you hit the first mainstream brick wall:
"What if Lucas really DID destroy the unaltered masters, like he said?"

Which is usually answered with the first big goofy-fanboy pothole to credibility--Fanboy-paranoid Lucas-Is-Evil(tm) conspiracy theories:
"Eh, he was lying, he's probably got them buried back of his house in a big secret high-tech vault, and he's just holding out on us!"

Conquer that hurdle, and you're in business. Until then....you're not.

(As for what SW would look like in HD--
Don't know if it's played on HD satellite, but on Netflix, I'm watching an PBS-HD Nova special on robots that--of course--briefly plays a clip of the Jawa-sale scene in broadcast HD, and dang, it looks good. )

[BillieCassin]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

OK, let's clear this up right now...

For the record, Lucas made it clear many times, that he did not want to include the original releases on DVD. He didn't believe they were up to his standard, so he essentially ignored them. In terms of his viewpoint regarding the saga, the 2004 DVDs are the "official" existence of the first trilogy. Eventually, Lucas relented, just to get the purists and diehards to shut up...but then they started whining about nothing being different!

I think it was Rick McCallum who once said, "They wanted them unaltered, and that's what they got." In truth, the chances of the original prints having survived are rare; we saw on the 1997 documentary how poor the condition of them was before the SEs were done, and that was 14 years ago. Lucas did what he could, by including the laserdisc transfers as bonus material for the LEs. Beyond that, I'd say the "original" films will probably remain as pieces of history. If undamaged prints do exist (highly unlikely), then I'm sure Lucas has his reasons for not updating them. If you don't like his choices, fine; don't buy anything else of his. But whining and protesting on a message board isn't going to change anything. If you're really that nuts about it, write Lucasfilm a letter; at least that would be more productive than ranting about it here.

Well in clearing things up you sure are a bit cloudy.

1) No one whined about them "not being different", it was that he used non-anamorphic widescreen, which means window boxing. They complained that he couldn't be bothered to TRANSFER them again, instead relying on an ancient TRANSFER, not that anyone wanted anything changed about the films themselves.

2) I've posted it numerous times in this thread, but if you read the following link: http://secrethistoryofstarwars.com/savingstarwars.html you'll see the current state of the negatives discussed in full detail. You are half right.

3) Regardless, there are plenty of prints of Star Wars out there (that are only a generation or two from the original negative) which are perfectly usable and would be more than adequate for scanning.

In any case, I expect it to be done for the 3-D Blu-releases, which will likely be individual films (probably released just before the following 3-D theatrical release as they do them one by one). This would be a genius move - because consumers are saying they just don't care about 3D in the home in general, and it's doubtful that will change much even at that point. But if he is smart, Lucas will attach full HD versions of the original trilogy and attach them as "extras". This would ensure that people like myself, who wouldn't spend one cent for a 3-D version, would buy the releases.

People act like we are all "haters" and that we are being unreasonable. We just want a clean copy of the films we grew up with, that's all. No changes, just scan through a print of the film, clean any dirt, and release it on disc. It's funny, because the "lovers" (they must be if we are "haters") are the ones that get so angry, upset, and get all uppity about it. We just would like to be able to view the films how they were ORIGINALLY intended, presented, and nominated for awards with.

If any other director tried to do this, they would be lynched. But somehow, Lucas gets a pass and anyone who wants this to be treated like any other film - where the original edition and a "director's cut" is available at the same time - are "haters".

It's really getting old.

[Moviefan2k4]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

Well in clearing things up you sure are a bit cloudy.

1) No one whined about them "not being different", it was that he used non-anamorphic widescreen, which means window boxing. They complained that he couldn't be bothered to TRANSFER them again, instead relying on an ancient TRANSFER, not that anyone wanted anything changed about the films themselves.

2) I've posted it numerous times in this thread, but if you read the following link: http://secrethistoryofstarwars.com/savingstarwars.html you'll see the current state of the negatives discussed in full detail. You are half right.

3) Regardless, there are plenty of prints of Star Wars out there (that are only a generation or two from the original negative) which are perfectly usable and would be more than adequate for scanning.

In any case, I expect it to be done for the 3-D Blu-releases, which will likely be individual films (probably released just before the following 3-D theatrical release as they do them one by one). This would be a genius move - because consumers are saying they just don't care about 3D in the home in general, and it's doubtful that will change much even at that point. But if he is smart, Lucas will attach full HD versions of the original trilogy and attach them as "extras". This would ensure that people like myself, who wouldn't spend one cent for a 3-D version, would buy the releases.

People act like we are all "haters" and that we are being unreasonable. We just want a clean copy of the films we grew up with, that's all. No changes, just scan through a print of the film, clean any dirt, and release it on disc. It's funny, because the "lovers" (they must be if we are "haters") are the ones that get so angry, upset, and get all uppity about it. We just would like to be able to view the films how they were ORIGINALLY intended, presented, and nominated for awards with.

If any other director tried to do this, they would be lynched. But somehow, Lucas gets a pass and anyone who wants this to be treated like any other film - where the original edition and a "director's cut" is available at the same time - are "haters".

It's really getting old.

Well, you seem to be forgetting one crucial point: for most films, both cuts (theatrical and director's cut / extended / etc.), are either made, and/or approved by the director, and the choice of what gets released rests on him or her (and occasionally with the studio). The only thing that makes the deal with "Star Wars" any different is that Lucas owns the films outright in total, and for whatever reason, he has personally chosen to release those versions which he deems relevant and appropriate. I'm sure he's well aware that multiple generations have grown up with various iterations of the series; how could it be otherwise? But at the end of it all, these movies belong to Lucas foremost, not the fans, and it is his call, not ours. People can either attempt to change his mind by protesting rationally (written petitions, calls or emails to Lucasfilm, etc.), or they can whine and complain about it here. One set of choices, at the very least, is productive; the other is not. It's really that simple.

[kenkraly2004]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

Well, you seem to be forgetting one crucial point: for most films, both cuts (theatrical and director's cut / extended / etc.), are either made, and/or approved by the director, and the choice of what gets released rests on him or her (and occasionally with the studio). The only thing that makes the deal with "Star Wars" any different is that Lucas owns the films outright in total, and for whatever reason, he has personally chosen to release those versions which he deems relevant and appropriate. I'm sure he's well aware that multiple generations have grown up with various iterations of the series; how could it be otherwise? But at the end of it all, these movies belong to Lucas foremost, not the fans, and it is his call, not ours. People can either attempt to change his mind by protesting rationally (written petitions, calls or emails to Lucasfilm, etc.), or they can whine and complain about it here. One set of choices, at the very least, is productive; the other is not. It's really that simple.

Agreed it's GL's call to release or not to release the UOT. In the end the SE's of the OT is what will be released to blu-ray. That ship sailed with the UOT a long time ago.

[EricJ]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

But if he is smart, Lucas will attach full HD versions of the original trilogy and attach them as "extras". This would ensure that people like myself, who wouldn't spend one cent for a 3-D version, would buy the releases.

Well, y'see, that's the second hurdle against the mainstream every time That Issue is brought up: (And yes, I know, but I'm new on the thread, and just wanted to post about the Nova clip.)
Every time the question is raised about whether Secret Rescued Unaltered Masters (that could be fixed up real nice 'n clean-like) really exist next to the Lost Ark and the Crystal Skull in Area 51, that messy detail called "Reality" is quickly smokescreened with philosophical and helpful suggestions:
"But WHY would he destroy his own prints? If he was SMART, he SHOULD release them!"*

As pointed out above, he CAN destroy them, and likely DID, because he CAN.
And the fanboys, as yet, have not gotten out of that one. Abstract discussions don't fit in the disk drawer.
As Rick said, we weren't getting LD masters just to be "cheap".

But fact is, this will never die. Like Elvis, Obama's birth certificate, the guy who stood on the washing machine, or what Aladdin whispered to the tiger. Because people want to believe in it. The simple fans who want to show their devotion and loyalty to the films, despite a director who made a great effort at complete ownership of his own work, and, like the tyrant kings of old, can do anything he flippin' well feels like with it without their volunteered input.
To paraphrase Blazing Saddles, "You know...Morons."

-----
* - (And then, for a quick dose of populism to keep the material current, the evergreen and up-to-the-rumors "I'd rather watch THAT than some cheap 3-D convert!"
Why, me too, and I'd "rather" watch a Beatles reunion, but half of them are freakin' dead!)

[Moviefan2k4]

Originally Posted by EricJ

But fact is, this will never die. Like Elvis, Obama's birth certificate, the guy who stood on the washing machine, or what Aladdin whispered to the tiger. Because people want to believe in it.

Yeah, the same ones who mistook the SFX joke in "The Lion King" for crude sexual indoctrination...


...and what do you mean with the "washing machine" comment?!

[EricJ]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

...and what do you mean with the "washing machine" comment?!

(One of my "favorite" examples of how dopey urban legends can get, when they're completely made up out of unoriginal/wishful thinking:

[Show spoiler]

YouTube - MythBusters- Killer Laundry | MiniMyth

If you don't know that one, just substitute the "hanged midget" in WOz, even twelve years after DVD let us get a good look at the African crowned crane. Probably more appropriate to the particular "Fans Vs. the Futility of Reason" discussion.)

[BillieCassin]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

Well, you seem to be forgetting one crucial point: for most films, both cuts (theatrical and director's cut / extended / etc.), are either made, and/or approved by the director, and the choice of what gets released rests on him or her (and occasionally with the studio). The only thing that makes the deal with "Star Wars" any different is that Lucas owns the films outright in total, and for whatever reason, he has personally...

Yes, that's not a point lost on me.

However, as I said, if any other director pulled this, everyone would be aghast. His decision or not, and, actually - some directors have had films released in extended versions they do not want, but the general idea that he wishes us not to view the original versions is the issue. NO ONE argues his "right" to do it, there is nothing illegal about it - but if anyone else made that decision, it would be a huge deal.

That's what is so funny about this discussion. People have never asked for anything crazy. No one cares what he adds to them - but people act like this is some unreasonable request to want the originals also available. Just like virtually every other film that has offered an extended edition on the same format. "Lovers" act like this is some insane expectation - and it's not. In fact, general consensus is that it's a crappy thing if you ask someone, even if they "don't care". All these years later, the only people who get all worked up over this are the Fanboys who defend him to dying breath. It's been a long time since I've seen a rant against them (just comments, "I want the originals), yet I see a rant out of you guys every page or so.

Lucas can intend anything he wants. He could intend to paste pink flying Ewoks over every scene of every film. When he released Star Wars, and made it available for Academy nomination, he affirmed that it was a completed film. Just because he's changed his mind and gone against his own original intent, he wanted us to pretend it didn't exist. He has every right to do anything he wants with it, but that doesn't make it any less douchy.

Originally Posted by EricJ

Well, y'see, that's the second hurdle against the mainstream every time That Issue is brought up: (And yes, I know, but I'm new on the thread, and just wanted to post about the Nova clip.)
Every time the question is raised about whether Secret Rescued Unaltered Masters (that could be fixed up real nice 'n clean-like) really exist next to the Lost Ark and the Crystal Skull in Area 51, that messy detail called "Reality" is quickly smokescreened with philosophical and helpful suggestions:
"But WHY would he destroy his own prints? If he was SMART, he SHOULD release them!"*

As pointed out above, he CAN destroy them, and likely DID, because he CAN.
And the fanboys, as yet, have not gotten out of that one. Abstract discussions don't fit in the disk drawer.
As Rick said, we weren't getting LD masters just to be "cheap"

Well, y'see...if you had just read the link I provided above you'd know the answers to all of this. Here it is again:


http://secrethistoryofstarwars.com/savingstarwars.html

The film is in pieces. Some frames were lost forever due to the splicing he did for the SE's. But it is possible to reconstruct.

Here's the thing:

1) It could be done, for a couple of million bucks.

2) To be honest, though, at this point the best idea would be to use one of the Technicolor dye-transfers - and not only are some in collectors hands, Lucas has his very own copy as has been widely documented.


Like I said, though, I'm so certain we will see them on Blu it doesn't personally bother me much any more. In the meantime, I'll just go to the bootleggers like I did when he waited so long for the DVDs. I'll get my Star Wars if he wants me to or not. But I truly believe he'd be missing a huge business opportunity by not including them as "extras" on the eventual 3-D releases (the singles), because if you don't care about 3-D you won't be buying them, but 99% of us would buy the damn things anyway just for the simple pleasure of watching a film as it was ORIGINALLY intended in 1080p.

[Moviefan2k4]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

However, as I said, if any other director pulled this, everyone would be aghast. His decision or not, and, actually - some directors have had films released in extended versions they do not want, but the general idea that he wishes us not to view the original versions is the issue. NO ONE argues his "right" to do it, there is nothing illegal about it - but if anyone else made that decision, it would be a huge deal.

Why, because he's going against accepted "norms", and isn't sticking with the same tactics as everyone else? "Oh, my God, a director who actually does something different from everyone else...what an idea!"

That's what is so funny about this discussion. People have never asked for anything crazy. No one cares what he adds to them - but people act like this is some unreasonable request to want the originals also available. Just like virtually every other film that has offered an extended edition on the same format. "Lovers" act like this is some insane expectation - and it's not. In fact, general consensus is that it's a crappy thing if you ask someone, even if they "don't care". All these years later, the only people who get all worked up over this are the Fanboys who defend him to dying breath. It's been a long time since I've seen a rant against them (just comments, "I want the originals), yet I see a rant out of you guys every page or so.

Well, for the record, I really don't care whether the UOT gets released or not, because I'm not a filmic purist. At this point, I highly doubt that Lucas would do anything to deliberately mess up wat he's created, so I'll probably enjoy whatever he decides to release. My comments have largely been the equivalent of, "either do something productive about it, or shut up", because people just keep retreading the same thing all the time, and they never mention having done anything about it. Ranting like crazy on a Web forum won't change Lucas' mind, and anyone who thinks otherwise is fooling themselves. As I've suggested more than once, folks can either behave rationally, and contact Lucasfilm with their ideas, or they can pipe down, because quite frankly I'm tired of hearing it...and I know I'm not the only one, either.

Lucas can intend anything he wants. He could intend to paste pink flying Ewoks over every scene of every film. When he released Star Wars, and made it available for Academy nomination, he affirmed that it was a completed film. Just because he's changed his mind and gone against his own original intent, he wanted us to pretend it didn't exist.

How many times has the guy said in interviews, "films are never completed; they're only abandoned"? He's doing what he thinks is best as time goes on, to bring the movies closer to what he had in his mind to begin with. When the OT was made, Lucas had to make many more sacrifices than he wanted, because of budgetary and FX limitations. With the PT, he had a much broader canvas to work with, so I doubt he'll be altering those very much.

In the meantime, I'll just go to the bootleggers like I did when he waited so long for the DVDs. I'll get my Star Wars if he wants me to or not.

Illegal and immoral; you aiming for a third-time charm?

[EricJ]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

People have never asked for anything crazy.

Yes, it is--
- Clinging to faith that something theoretical exists purely on Internet rumor, and making all rooted plans FROM that basic faith,
- Suggesting that a director's own artistic decisions be overruled by his fans, simply because the fans "insist", or will wreak some unspecified punishment upon his reputation if he doesn't,
- Refusing to hear arguments that something might be technically impossible, altering facts to fit the theory that it is, and offering question-begging blue-sky suggestions of "how" he could do it, or "why" he could do it, on the immediately accepted assumption he could...

....If that ain't "crazy", it's sure pretty darn neurotic.

[KS76]

Quote from BillieCassin above: But I truly believe he'd be missing a huge business opportunity by not including them as "extras" on the eventual 3-D releases (the singles), because if you don't care about 3-D you won't be buying them, but 99% of us would buy the damn things anyway just for the simple pleasure of watching a film as it was ORIGINALLY intended in 1080p.[/QUOTE]

This would be a brilliant addition to the eventual 3D Blu Ray release of the Saga and would appeal to 3D fans and purists alike. The definition of Win-Win

I can't wait for September 16th for the Ultimate box set and WILL be buying the 3DBD versions too and loving every second of it!

[gettodamoofies]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

How many times has the guy said in interviews, "films are never completed; they're only abandoned"? He's doing what he thinks is best as time goes on, to bring the movies closer to what he had in his mind to begin with. When the OT was made, Lucas had to make many more sacrifices than he wanted, because of budgetary and FX limitations. With the PT, he had a much broader canvas to work with, so I doubt he'll be altering those very much.

Ok, I normally don't bite at this stuff but I have to say something here:

Me - I am a Star Wars fan from the original releases. I also enjoy the prequel trilogy, though slightly less than the original trilogy. I also don't mind some of the changes, having said that there are some I'm not a fan of.

With that explanation of where I sit in fandom in mind, let me say that I although I respect the view that the original films had flaws that Lucas would like to change, there is a point at which it simply ceases being a valid reason to make changes.

In 2004 when the DVDs came out Lucas had the funds and technology available to realise any of his wildest dreams. Any things that weren't right could and should have been fixed then. It's not like he didn't have the money to do it, CGI was definitely at a stage to render whatever was needed and DVD as a format had been out for years so it's not like the planning of the release was something that was thrown together. With that in mind anything that Lucas had imagined back when he first released the films could and should have been done.

In addition to this, one thing people often seem to overlook (or at the very least gloss over) is the fact George Lucas is working from his original intentions. Anybody with the experience of 25-30 years of hindsight will have their perceptions and notions of their original intentions coloured by those years of experiences. What George is doing now isn't what he thought and wanted back then. It's what he now thinks of what he thought and wanted back then and that's two very different things. It's the difference between law enforcement officers holding guns in the theatrical cut of ET and then holding walkie talkies in the DVD release. That's the change in perception and that's why George's changes now can't be viewed as simply realising his original unfulfilled vision - because those visions don't exist any more.

I say this as a Star Wars fan - not as someone who says the prequels are crap (because I don't think they are) and not as someone who says it's UOT or the highway. I enjoy all things Star Wars and have had my pre-order for the complete saga in since the first day you could do it, I just don't think that the notion of realising his original vision can ever be taken as a legitimate reason now. If you were alive back in 1977-1983 just sit back and think: what are some of the things you thought were cool, loved, or dreamed of back then and then think of what you think of them now. Is your perception of them the same? It's likely not and that's why although I respect Lucas' right to make changes I don't think they are necessarily a completely valid reason for making them.

All the same, as a fan of all of Star Wars I'd like to see the original versions if the potential is there for it to be realised. In the interim I will enjoy the films as they are presented on Blu-ray.

[BillieCassin]

ROFL.

Moviefan2k4, EricJ, you all just proved my point.

I just gave a well reasoned, backed up with links, opinion on the matter, and one of you responded with a flamethrower, and both of you are completely uneducated on this topic.

Neither of you seem really well versed in this topic so discussing it with you seems rather silly and pointless.

The only people "ranting like crazy" are people like yourselves, who are so into this "hater hate" you have invented. Everyone is calm here and discussing things, except for you.

Anyone with knowledge of the situation and adequate reading comprehension can understand the points and references I have made. I don't need to repeat them or argue them with you, since again neither of you are seemingly willing to be rational enough to understand that we *do* in fact know the state of the original negatives (it's well researched and documented), and we also know that not only fans but that Lucas has his own perfect Technicolor Dye Master which he has discussed publicly.

Have fun tearing this apart, guys - it seems to be what your type lives for. You've made up this boggie-man of "haters", when in fact, that's all you've turned yourself into. Good luck with that.

[Bluyoda]

Originally Posted by atexp80

Ok, I normally don't bite at this stuff but I have to say something here:

Me - I am a Star Wars fan from the original releases. I also enjoy the prequel trilogy, though slightly less than the original trilogy. I also don't mind some of the changes, having said that there are some I'm not a fan of.

With that explanation of where I sit in fandom in mind, let me say that I although I respect the view that the original films had flaws that Lucas would like to change, there is a point at which it simply ceases being a valid reason to make changes.

In 2004 when the DVDs came out Lucas had the funds and technology available to realise any of his wildest dreams. Any things that weren't right could and should have been fixed then. It's not like he didn't have the money to do it, CGI was definitely at a stage to render whatever was needed and DVD as a format had been out for years so it's not like the planning of the release was something that was thrown together. With that in mind anything that Lucas had imagined back when he first released the films could and should have been done.

In addition to this, one thing people often seem to overlook (or at the very least gloss over) is the fact George Lucas is working from his original intentions. Anybody with the experience of 25-30 years of hindsight will have their perceptions and notions of their original intentions coloured by those years of experiences. What George is doing now isn't what he thought and wanted back then. It's what he now thinks of what he thought and wanted back then and that's two very different things. It's the difference between law enforcement officers holding guns in the theatrical cut of ET and then holding walkie talkies in the DVD release. That's the change in perception and that's why George's changes now can't be viewed as simply realising his original unfulfilled vision - because those visions don't exist any more.

I say this as a Star Wars fan - not as someone who says the prequels are crap (because I don't think they are) and not as someone who says it's UOT or the highway. I enjoy all things Star Wars and have had my pre-order for the complete saga in since the first day you could do it, I just don't think that the notion of realising his original vision can ever be taken as a legitimate reason now. If you were alive back in 1977-1983 just sit back and think: what are some of the things you thought were cool, loved, or dreamed of back then and then think of what you think of them now. Is your perception of them the same? It's likely not and that's why although I respect Lucas' right to make changes I don't think they are necessarily a completely valid reason for making them.

All the same, as a fan of all of Star Wars I'd like to see the original versions if the potential is there for it to be realised. In the interim I will enjoy the films as they are presented on Blu-ray.

TIME! In 2004 Lucas was very busy working on ROTS, so although he had the money, he didn't have the time.

NOW, for the upcoming BD release however, it's a different situation all together, as he has had a few YEARS to work on them and bring them closer to his vision.
This time, there are no excuses!
This time, it's get it right or just leave it be!

It's been said by John Knoll that the 3-D versions won't differ from the BD versions, which means that these upcoming versions are going to be the final ones.

Also, this is the first time that the whole SAGA has been out for a couple of years already, and it has had time to breath.
Lucas has had time to look at them as a whole, and take notes, make it into a seamless whole.

I strongly believe the upcoming versions to be the FINAL ones.

Technology has never been better, and cheaper.
He has had the time to concentrate on them now.
Everything is in place to let greatness happen.

I, for one, am incredibly excited to see these babies on BD!!!!!!!


I agree with you that original vision is not the right term.
I think it's basically trying to make them more the kind of movies he originally intended them to be.
He would have shot them differently, and therefore had other scenes in it, etc.., but he had to compromise his vision and do something far smaller.
Now all he has been trying to do is bring the scope closer to what he wanted them to be.
The only change comparable to E.T. and the guns is the Han Solo/Greedo exchange.
The rest was fixing stuff that had always given him a headache.

Everything and everyone changes. That's a law of nature.
It's perfectly natural to change one's perception .....
It would be very sad if Lucas was still exactly the same man as he was 30 years ago.

I personally cannot wait to experience them on BD!!!!!
It's going to be the very best day of my life!!! (Sad, I know )

As for the UOT being released along the 3-D versions. I don't think so, as it would be a stark contrast to the ultra high technology...., but we'll see.

[BillieCassin]

Originally Posted by Bluyoda

As for the UOT being released along the 3-D versions. I don't think so, as it would be a stark contrast to the ultra high technology...., but we'll see.

But it's sooooooo perfect.

Although the fans of the format (and manufacturers) want people to believe otherwise, there is very little demand for 3-D at home. And not even because of the obvious issues (cost, silly glasses) but because they just. Don't. Care. Most of them don't even care about Blu-ray to begin with.

It would be a brilliant marketing move. There is no way I will ever buy those films in 3-D, I don't care about them at all - they were not made in 3-D, I'm just perfectly happy with 2-D Star Wars.

But if he attached a 1080p copy of the OT as an extra? I'd preorder it and pay whatever ridiculous amount they wanted.

Sales would be significantly higher, and the whole discussion could finally find a resting place. Everyone gets what they want.

And although Hater-Haters have kept using the terminology Lucas used a decade ago (all that "workprint" silliness) Lucas HIMSELF has stopped talking about them like that, and refers to them as the "classic" editions. His statements, especially at the Blu-ray release announcement (where he says it's now simply a matter of putting the money into it), confirm that people are fighting a fight he gave up awhile back.

Lucas changing his mind on something and a group of fans holding on to his original premise. Wow, history does repeat itself - in new and interesting ways.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by EricJ

Yes, it is--
- Clinging to faith that something theoretical exists purely on Internet rumor, and making all rooted plans FROM that basic faith,
- Suggesting that a director's own artistic decisions be overruled by his fans, simply because the fans "insist", or will wreak some unspecified punishment upon his reputation if he doesn't,
- Refusing to hear arguments that something might be technically impossible, altering facts to fit the theory that it is, and offering question-begging blue-sky suggestions of "how" he could do it, or "why" he could do it, on the immediately accepted assumption he could...

....If that ain't "crazy", it's sure pretty darn neurotic.

Do you really believe that? Do you think if Lucas told his people tomorrow that he did in fact want to restore the UOT the answer would come back 'We'd really like to, Mr. Lucas but we just can't?

More to the point, does being skeptical of that proposition really rise to the level of neurotic?

I dunno...