Star Wars: The Complete Saga (1977-2005)

[Indiana Jones]

Originally Posted by rewak

Preordered the Zavvi steelbook but waiting to see if we get stiffed on this release, it is a Disney release in the UK after all, I'm betting on a massive chunk of extras being missing as per usual.

Well the Amazon listing already states it will come with a bonus disc so already looks better than the majority of Disney UK releases.

[Pizzamorg]

I bought the movies to rediscover the films now I've just watched Force Awakens, how do you guys recommend viewing them? If I watch them in chronological order, does the classic trilogy disappoint a little? The films are very dated any way, I'm worried they may feel terribly so if I watch them straight after the prequels.

[chip75]

Originally Posted by Pizzamorg

I bought the movies to rediscover the films now I've just watched Force Awakens, how do you guys recommend viewing them? If I watch them in chronological order, does the classic trilogy disappoint a little? The films are very dated any way, I'm worried they may feel terribly so if I watch them straight after the prequels.

There are a few orders which people recommend watching the movies in, I always watch them in order of release, but I might do them in episode order in the future. I don't think the originals feel dated, they're pretty timeless,

[FreddyK]

The prequels don't have to be watched before the new film if you want to save time. Can always watch them after Force Awakens.

[Pizzamorg]

Originally Posted by chip75

There are a few orders which people recommend watching the movies in, I always watch them in order of release, but I might do them in episode order in the future. I don't think the originals feel dated, they're pretty timeless,

Yeah my friend just made me aware of something called the "machete order". I don't really know what that is all about.

[chip75]

Originally Posted by Pizzamorg

Yeah my friend just made me aware of something called the "machete order". I don't really know what that is all about.

It's this order Episode IV, V, II, III, VI. You leave out The Phantom Menace.

[MechaGodzilla]

Originally Posted by Pizzamorg

I bought the movies to rediscover the films now I've just watched Force Awakens, how do you guys recommend viewing them? If I watch them in chronological order, does the classic trilogy disappoint a little? The films are very dated any way, I'm worried they may feel terribly so if I watch them straight after the prequels.

Me personally, I like watching them in the chronological order of I-VI. Are they dated? I guess so, you won't mistake them for movies made today, but then that goes for everything and simply viewed as quality films/classics with timeless entertainment value they still hold up IMO. The prequels are pretty dated now too 10-16 years later, anyway. Just have fun watching the story unfold.

Originally Posted by Pizzamorg

Yeah my friend just made me aware of something called the "machete order". I don't really know what that is all about.

There's the Ernest Rister order, where you watch them IV, V, I, II, III and VI. Basically getting introduced to the universe through IV and V, preserving the surprises of those movies, then you watch I-III as an extended flashback before wrapping it all up in VI. The machete order is the same but removes Episode I IIRC.

[mredman]

Originally Posted by Ste7en

See, I said the 3D didn't add anything

BTW my 2nd favorite film of the franchise.

My Star Wars collecting took a serious blow when Lucas embargoed everything from the US prior to the release of Episode 1. I'm tempted to start again, but I've got a lot of catching up to do

3D all the way. You missed the Star Destroyer coming out of the screen along with other cool pop outs and great depth. IMO 3D Blu-Ray or nothing

[rapta]

Originally Posted by Pizzamorg

I bought the movies to rediscover the films now I've just watched Force Awakens, how do you guys recommend viewing them? If I watch them in chronological order, does the classic trilogy disappoint a little? The films are very dated any way, I'm worried they may feel terribly so if I watch them straight after the prequels.

Watch them in the order they were made:

Star Wars (aka A New Hope)
The Empire Strikes Back
Return of the Jedi

Then, if you really feel like it:

The Phantom Menace
Attack of the Clones
Revenge of the Sith

In my opinion, the only good thing about the prequels is that they give you more of a sense of where Anakin and Obi-Wan come from. Everything else kinda gets in the way, and the two actors Lucas cast to play Anakin are pretty terrible, but there are some alright action sequences in each of them. Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson are well cast though.

It's all about the original trilogy, and even then I get frustrated with the Special Edition versions (where Lucas decided to add special effects and tweak certain scenes). It's pretty ridiculous that you still can't get the original Theatrical Versions on Blu-ray, let alone on DVD (unless you buy them second hand in the case of the latter).

I saw The Force Awakens on Saturday, and I'd need to see it again to confirm it but I'm fairly sure it's already my second favourite film in the series. It really is very, very good.

PS: by the way, in case you didn't already know...all versions currently available on Blu-ray and DVD are the Special Edition versions I mention above. If you can get hold of them, try and see the Theatrical Editions from the old 2-disc limited edition DVD. If you can't get them on eBay or borrow from a friend (or even get them on VHS), try and find a download online or something. They're honestly much better than the Special Edition versions, even if the image/sound quality isn't ideal.

[Sky_Captain]

Originally Posted by Pizzamorg

The films are very dated any way, I'm worried they may feel terribly so if I watch them straight after the prequels.

[Porco Azzurro]

Originally Posted by Pizzamorg

I bought the movies to rediscover the films now I've just watched Force Awakens, how do you guys recommend viewing them? If I watch them in chronological order, does the classic trilogy disappoint a little? The films are very dated any way, I'm worried they may feel terribly so if I watch them straight after the prequels.

I like watching them I-VI, for me that makes the most sense, but there's no 'correct' order, the original trilogy existed and made sense before the prequels were made. Though I'd argue (Hayden Christensen) Force Ghost Anakin, as things stand, is a bit odd if you haven't watched the prequels (I know some people might say it's a bit odd even if you have watched the prequels, so there, I've saved you the effort of posting ).

I don't think the original trilogy disappoints at all. Just remember they're supposed to be set many years after Revenge of the Sith, many years of the shinier, more grandiose galaxy of the prequels being smashed up, scratched up and made to look more of the 'used universe' under the tyrannical Empire - anything that looks jankier or damaged is a good thing for the story.

If you're feeling crazy you could watch them in reverse order given you started with Episode VII (only joking really)

I agree with the idea that if you were in a rush to see The Force Awakens for the first time and weren't too fussed about the prequels there is little harm in just watching the original trilogy, but as you've said you've already seen it my recommendation is to bask in the intricately constructed saga Lucas and co put together from start to finish and then think about going to see The Force Awakens again. Enjoy, whatever order you decide upon.

[Geoff D]

I didn't rewatch any of them before TFA, I discuss them so often on here it feels like I've gone over them inch-by-inch a hundred times. Sold my blu-rays too.

[Sky_Captain]

I did the same. I'm happy enough with Harmy's Despecialized versions for the mo. I plan to watch them over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day with the missus, before I go and see the shiny new one again with her in tow.

Prequels? What prequels?

P.S.

Picked this baby up today in Argos. For £13, it's awesome.

[Geoff D]

Wot no Argos reference number?

no wait, found it, that was surprisingly easy. Out of stock for home delivery though, balls.

[Sky_Captain]

Aye, I'd to get the sister-in-law to pick it up in her local store, 10 miles away.

Was gonna get the 18 inch Phasma, but thought better of it. More of these ships, though. It must be done.

[Geoff D]

Oh god they've got X-wings and a TIE fighter too

[RazorwireRyan]

I like having the originals on Blu-ray for the commentaries. That's about it. Despecialized is the only way I sit down and actually watch the original trilogy.

[Patient-X]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Oh god they've got X-wings and a TIE fighter too

I sense a little wee came out....

[Sky_Captain]

It was more than a little wee, when I saw that Argos was doing the large Captain Phasma fig for £14.99. Sure, the paint job's not even remotely chrome, but she just looks bad-assed.

[Blu Lemmy]

Originally Posted by Sky_Captain

It was more than a little wee, when I saw that Argos was doing the large Captain Phasma fig for £14.99. Sure, the paint job's not even remotely chrome, but she just looks bad-assed.

Shame she didn't have near enough screen time