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Star Wars Episode I DVD - October 16, 2001

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the its-about-freakin-time dept.

linderdm writes: "The official Star Wars web site has an article confirming reports about the release date of October 16th for the Phantom Menace DVD. It looks like it will be a double DVD set with 6 hours of additional material, plus 7 new deleted scenes added to the movie." Lucas should have an option to view it in Phantom Edit mode. If that's unrealistic, maybe releasing ep IV, V and VI would be feasible? Please?

7 of 235 comments (clear)

  1. Please oh please let it have the Phantom Edit! by Masem · · Score: 5
    If only the DVD would have the so-called Phantom Edit version; for those that haven't heard of this, it's basically a fan's cut of the film but otherwise unmodified that strips out the fluff, mostly JarJar and some pointless Anakin scenes. For example, the entire underwater scene from the JarJar's city to the other side of the planet is gone.

    As it was covered in the Chicago Tribune a few days ago, I remember the the critic gave it a 1/4 star less than the 3.5 stars that the untouched version had; the edit was much more refined and moved well, but lacked some of the magic that the original had. Rumor has it that Lucas has seen this, and while not allowing it to be distributed publicly, acknowledges that it's a good edit, but not as good as his original vision.

    --
    "Pinky, you've left the lens cap of your mind on again." - P&TB
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  2. Re:I'm surprised... by sphealey · · Score: 5

    In the original edition, when the bounty hunter confronts Han Solo in the bar, Solo shoots him under the table in cold blood. Establishing that for all his rough and loveable exterior, he is a cold-blooded mercenary at heart. This colors his entire relationship with Leia and his decision to return and helt the Alliance.

    In the Special Edition, Lucas adds a few seconds where _the bounty hunter fires the first shot_, turning Solo from a ruthless mercenary to just another guy defending himself in a tough world.

    That's a bit of a change, don't you think?

    sPh

  3. Actual DVD release schedule... by aiken_d · · Score: 5

    ...Lucas already busted me on laserdisc; I have 4 copies of Star Wards. Based on that experience, here's my prediction for the actual, top secret, rape-the-fans schedule:

    October 16, 2001: Ep. 1, 6 hours of additional footage, some removed footage. Dolby Digital sound only (Yes, that's for real, check the link)

    February 10th, 2002: "Special Edition" Ep. 1, same 6 hours of additional footage, 2 more missing scenes, addition of DTS sound. Buy another copy if you've got a good sound system.

    May 30, 2002: "The ultimate edition" Ep. 1, new superior video transfer, director's commentary, Dolby digital and DTS sound. Missing the 6 hours of extra footage and extra scenes.

    September 15, 2002: "Director's cut" Ep. 1, back to the old video transfer, same running length but a few scenes switched around, commentary from Lucas and several actors.

    January 6, 2003: "Collector's Edition" Ep.1, Dolby Digital, DTS, 6 hours of extra footage, commentary, includes scripts, concept drawings, and other production notes.

    Me, I'm just gonna wait until Jan 6, 2003.

    -b

    --
    If I wanted a sig I would have filled in that stupid box.
  4. Non-Jar-Jar by CoreyG · · Score: 5
    I wonder if one of the language options will include a Jar-Jar free version.

    English Dolby Digital [5.1]

    English DTS [5.1]

    English Jar-Jar free

    English Subtitles

    French Dolby Pro Logic [2.1]

  5. Re:Well by ackthpt · · Score: 5
    There have been some pirate dvds of The Phantom Menace already.

    At least this would be an official release with some extra goodies.

    Yeah, it would be great to have a copy without those two robots kibitzing all throughout the movie.

    Together I shall rule the world! -- Tom Servo

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    All your .sig are belong to us!

    --

    A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
  6. Re:Additional material by krugdm · · Score: 5
    Here's what you get:
    • Seven never-before-seen deleted scenes with full visual effects completed just for the DVD release
    • The Beginning - an all-new hour-long documentary culled from over 600 hours of footage offering unprecedented access inside Lucasfilm and ILM during the making of Episode I
    • Multi-angle storyboard-to-animatic-to-finished-film feature, that lets you flip through the various phases of development of key action sequences
    • Five behind-the-scenes featurettes exploring The Phantom Menace's storyline, designs, costumes, visual effects and fight scenes
    • The popular Duel of the Fates music video that debuted in 1999
    • All 12 parts of the Lynne's Diaries, the web documentaries that first appeared at starwars.com
    • Galleries of theatrical posters, print campaign, and never-before-scene production photos
    • The original theatrical teaser and launch trailers, plus seven TV spots including the "tone poems"
    Not all that bad, really. Enough to keep a Star Wars fan happy for some time.
  7. Criterion by Taskmaster+Panik+2 · · Score: 5
    This DVD will only achieve the mildly amusing level if there is commentary by Jar-Jar included.

    "Meesa think dis movie stinky."