Star Wars Wars the UOT Strikes Back and OTHER PEZ dispensers

[Beast]

It's not like he changed every ship and every visual in the new versions of the films to align with the prequels like you're claiming.

Adding some additional ships, making Mos Eisley less of a backlot set and more of a living city, making the Wampa less laughable so it can actually be shown on camera, adding some windows to Cloud City, etc. None of those tweaks are meant to align the films more with the Prequels. Especially when you consider they were done BEFORE the Prequels were even released. Sure there were additional tweaks for the DVD release. But the initial Special Editions were released before the Prequels. The only shot that could be argued as connecting the two trilogys was changing the ghost of Anakin.

[KrugStillo]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

I think you meant Oscar-winning science-fiction adventures.

1977's Star Wars won 6 Oscars: Editing, Art Direction, Costume Design, Sound, Score, Visual Effects and recieved a special achievment award for Sound Effects.
1980's The Empire Strikes Back won 2 Oscars: Sound and Visual Effects.

No other Star Wars movie won an Oscar, despite all other four being nominated.

So if they won basically for visual effects and sound why change those things? That would be what they are known for. I hate revisionism in Hollywood. Just leave things alone and let us enjoy them the way they were originally seen. If they were that good there is no reason to touch them. Regardless it still doesn't change the fact that they were popcorn flicks and there's nothing wrong with that.

[italy12]

Originally Posted by KrugStillo

1977's Star Wars won 6 Oscars: Editing, Art Direction, Costume Design, Sound, Score, Visual Effects and recieved a special achievment award for Sound Effects.
1980's The Empire Strikes Back won 2 Oscars: Sound and Visual Effects.

No other Star Wars movie won an Oscar, despite all other four being nominated.

So if they won basically for visual effects and sound why change those things? That would be what they are known for. I hate revisionism in Hollywood. Just leave things alone and let us enjoy them the way they were originally seen. If they were that good there is no reason to touch them. Regardless it still doesn't change the fact that they were popcorn flicks and there's nothing wrong with that.

I wouldn't really classify it as "in Hollywood." Lucas basically financed his own films after the success of Star Wars because he wanted complete control over his movies. He had a difficult time even shopping Star Wars around initially.

[KrugStillo]

Originally Posted by italy12

I wouldn't really classify it as "in Hollywood." Lucas basically financed his own films after the success of Star Wars because he wanted complete control over his movies. He had a difficult time even shopping Star Wars around initially.

OK fine I hate revisionism in film period. I respect Lucas, I just wish he'd actually make another film that doesn't involve the Star Wars universe. He's kind of a one-trick-pony. I love American Graffiti and THX 1138 is pretty cool. He has revolutionized special effects I'll give him that but come one write another story. He could of had as diverse a film catalog as Spielberg but he just sat on his accomplishments. Plus the prequal trilogy should never have been made. I do enjoy aspects of them but overall they are a waste of time. That being said I am gonna buy the whole series because I am a completist and I can enjoy a crappy sequal as well as cool original. Let's face it the prequal trilogy are really nothing more than expensive crappy sequals.

[italy12]

Originally Posted by KrugStillo

OK fine I hate revisionism in film period. I respect Lucas, I just wish he'd actually make another film that doesn't involve the Star Wars universe. He's kind of a one-trick-pony. I love American Graffiti and THX 1138 is pretty cool. He has revolutionized special effects I'll give him that but come one write another story. He could of had as diverse a film catalog as Spielberg but he just sat on his accomplishments. Plus the prequal trilogy should never have been made. I do enjoy aspects of them but overall they are a waste of time. That being said I am gonna buy the whole series because I am a completist and I can enjoy a crappy sequal as well as cool original. Let's face it the prequal trilogy are really nothing more than expensive crappy sequals.

I understand where you're coming from. Growing up with the OT, I can still say I would watch them numerous times and quote them from memory with my friends. The PT, well, that's another beast altogether.

Catching a few minutes of Ep. III last night on Spike HD (in the wrong aspect ratio, I might add) I realized just how horrible the acting is. I mean, it makes the OT look like...well...a movie that has great acting all around.

The effects, take them or leave them, I can still enjoy the OT.

Lucas has said before that he wants to work on some other kind of films not in the SW Universe...so, when he does, I can actually believe him.

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by KrugStillo

OK fine I hate revisionism in film period.

Then why are you revising Lucas' career?

Ever hear of a little series called Indiana Jones?

Industrial Light & Magic?

Skywalker Sound?

He started Pixar for crying out loud (the ILM computer graphics division)!

Just because he doesn't have a huge film catalog like Spielberg doesn't mean he hasn't contributed to the industry. Lucas is behind the scenes, pushing the envelope on how films themselves are made for the entire industry.

PS: It's sequel and prequel.

[Beast]

I think Lucas simply enjoys the role of Executive Producer more than the role of Director.

Just because he's not directing, doesn't mean he's not being creative. He's just not directing his vision.

After all, he's Executive Producing the upcoming "Red Tails", the film about the Tuskegee Airmen.

[KrugStillo]

Originally Posted by PeterTHX

Then why are you revising Lucas' career?

Ever hear of a little series called Indiana Jones?

Industrial Light & Magic?

Skywalker Sound?

He started Pixar for crying out loud (the ILM computer graphics division)!

Just because he doesn't have a huge film catalog like Spielberg doesn't mean he hasn't contributed to the industry. Lucas is behind the scenes, pushing the envelope on how films themselves are made for the entire industry.

PS: It's sequel and prequel.

I always screw up sequel and prequel when I write them for some reason. I didn't say the man has not contributed to the film industry. OK fine Lucas did write the Indiana Jones films but I am talking about him as a Director. Technically he didn't even direct all 3 of the original trilogy of Star Wars movies. I'm sure he's a very hands on producer but I wasn't really talking about those and sorry but I don't consider the producer more important than the actual director of a film. I'm pretty sure most people don't look at the producer credit when they watch a movie. Honestly most people don't even look at the director credit but I am not one of them. I am done with the Lucas argument. My point was just leave the things we love alone and move on. How many times can something be remade, revised, etc. Just let it go, it becomes crazy at a certain point.

P.S. I love the Indiana Jones movies and if they've been altered at all over the years I wouldn't be able to point it out. Little fixes in a remaster are one thing but complete changes in the mood and feeling of a piece are another.

[Moviefan2k4]

Originally Posted by Beast

I think Lucas simply enjoys the role of Executive Producer more than the role of Director.

I think he's said more than once, that he really enjoys the writing and editing more than anything else.

[Beast]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

I think he's said more than once, that he really enjoys the writing and editing more than anything else.

Considering all the stresses of directing A New Hope, and dealing with the studio and other things nearly gave him a heart attack, I can certainly understand why Directing isn't his greatest love. That's why he stepped back from Directing ESB and ROTJ. And only did the Prequels when all the stars had aligned, especially the technological advancements, that it would be a less stressful situation.

[KrugStillo]

Originally Posted by Beast

Considering all the stresses of directing A New Hope, and dealing with the studio and other things nearly gave him a heart attack, I can certainly understand why Directing isn't his greatest love. That's why he stepped back from Directing ESB and ROTJ. And only did the Prequels when all the stars had aligned, especially the technological advancements, that it would be a less stressful situation.

That's great but it just sucks for the directors of Empire and Return that basically Lucas is usually seen as the be all end all of those movies. Kind of like how Tobe Hooper gets dismissed most of the time when Poltergeist is mentioned.

[Beast]

Originally Posted by KrugStillo

That's great but it just sucks for the directors of Empire and Return that basically Lucas is usually seen as the be all end all of those movies. Kind of like how Tobe Hooper gets dismissed most of the time when Poltergeist is mentioned.

Well, they are still his films and his vision. He just had other Directors take the reigns.

I don't think anyone dismisses their influence. Much like Lucas gets credit alongside Spielburg for Indiana Jones.

[KrugStillo]

Originally Posted by Beast

Well, they are still his films and his vision. He just had other Directors take the reigns.

I don't think anyone dismisses their influence. Much like Lucas gets credit alongside Spielburg for Indiana Jones.

Valid point but I think directing a film and overseeing it from after the script to edit is more than just influence. Kershner is responsible for the tone and acting guidance of some of the most classic moments of the entire series. Plus yes Lucas does get credit alongside Spielberg for the Indy movies but those movies are distinctly Spielbergy. They have his style, look and character development even though those films weren't scripted by either Spielberg or Lucas. I just think credit should be given where it is due. Empire Strikes Back is obviously part Irvin Kershner's vision as well, that film has some of the stylistic elements of his films as well as Lucas. I guess this is an age old debate but I do understand it takes a lot of people to make a big movie but there usually is only 1 or 2 directors that actually make the scenes happen and have influence on the flow and pace of the film.

[dcowboy7]

Originally Posted by KrugStillo

1977's Star Wars won 6 Oscars: Editing, Art Direction, Costume Design, Sound, Score, Visual Effects and recieved a special achievment award for Sound Effects.
1980's The Empire Strikes Back won 2 Oscars: Sound and Visual Effects.

No other Star Wars movie won an Oscar, despite all other four being nominated.

So if they won basically for visual effects and sound why change those things?

That would be like a car then winning "1930 car of the year"....but i would not want to drive it now.

[KrugStillo]

Originally Posted by dcowboy7

That would be like a car then winning "1930 car of the year"....but i would not want to drive it now.

Good one.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by shelldweller

I think the basic problem is that some people want to belong to the group that have known and liked Star Wars from the beginning. By enhancing the effects and thereby making the sequels more accessible to new audiences, those conservative people suddenly don´t feel so special anymore since Star Wars is suddenly also liked by new people who haven´t known it since the beginning.

That's very insightful. Back in the day nothing set you apart from the crowd like being a Star Wars fan. We were a breed apart. A vanguard, if you will.

Wait, no, that was Dungeons and Dragons.

Freaking everybody loved Star Wars.

Originally Posted by shelldweller

That´s actually the only reasonable explanation for the conservative and unreasonable attitude of these people who don´t understand that Star Wars is ultimately a six part Saga.

What attitude(s) do you find unreasonable exactly?

I'm honestly curious.

I don't entirely share a 'prequels suck' attitude but I don't that attitude particularly unreasonable either.

[Strevlac]

Originally Posted by dcowboy7

That would be like a car then winning "1930 car of the year"....but i would not want to drive it now.

There are lots of people who would love to drive a car from 1930. Old stuff has value, you know.

[Cowboy]

Originally Posted by Beast

I think Lucas simply enjoys the role of Executive Producer more than the role of Director.

Just because he's not directing, doesn't mean he's not being creative. He's just not directing his vision.

After all, he's Executive Producing the upcoming "Red Tails", the film about the Tuskegee Airmen.

George Lucas HATES directing. He has said so several times though out the years...he loves to write and produce. Thats why he is not a great director, can't be great at something if you hate it.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by dcowboy7

That would be like a car then winning "1930 car of the year"....but i would not want to drive it now.

Star Wars came out in 1977, so perhaps we should use a car from 1977 as a comparison, like this one....

[Cowboy]

Originally Posted by KrugStillo

That's great but it just sucks for the directors of Empire and Return that basically Lucas is usually seen as the be all end all of those movies. Kind of like how Tobe Hooper gets dismissed most of the time when Poltergeist is mentioned.

Really? Hmm others seem to have no problem with it.