Posted by
michael
on from the money-money-money-money-money-money dept.
twigstamc420 writes "USA Today is reporting that Lucasfilm has announced the details of releasing the Star Wars episodes IV through VI on DVD as well as a bonus DVD with commentary."
Honestly...
by
RealBeanDip
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· Score: 3, Insightful
Episode IV was incredible. I was blown away by it when it came out.
But by the time VI came out, it had a very Police Academy IV thing going on.
Let's hope Episode III is good..
--
You know you're a geek if you've ever replied to a tagline.
I'm going to wait...believe it or not.
by
Agent+Green
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· Score: 4, Insightful
I'm actually going to wait this one out. I can't recall how many times the trilogy was released on VHS...and am not going to get taken like a sucker on this like I was with Fellowship of the Ring.
Once the second release is out, then it'll be time to party. Probably when episode 3 is done and release and it's all in one pretty box.:)
-- // Agent Green (Ian / IU7 / KB1JQO) // IEEE 802.3: All 10base Are Belong To Us
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers)
by
halowolf
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· Score: 2, Insightful
For some reason this part of the article disturbed me:
Rumor have circulated about additional changes, but Ward would not deny or confirm them. "We want to encourage our fans to check them out themselves."
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers)
by
TheGatekeeper
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· Score: 5, Insightful
Lucas's revisionist history really does bother me as a geek. While I agree some of the added scenes do add to the movies, some of them are simply unacceptable. Greedo shooting first for example.
If they were offering the original movies on DVD, I'd jump at it. I don't know how I feel about this revisionist version, but it leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth.
--
'The staff in the hand of a wizard may be more than a prop for age,' -Hamá, the doorward
Actually, I would like a super-UNenhanced version of the original three...
*grips tightly DVD burns of LaserDisc versions* Pr-r-r-reciousssss
-- crazy dynamite monkey
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers)
by
afidel
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· Score: 4, Insightful
Blah, when will Lucas get it, we want the origional damn films as shown in theaters, not his revisionist history with all the damn modern FX. Jeezus if South Park is making fun of you you know you are doing something wrong.
-- There are 4 boxes to use in the defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, ammo. Use in that order. Starting now.
By the time they're done with all six movies they'll have to remaster the first trilogy (IV - VI) and show it in theaters (again). Then when that's done they'll have to remaster the second trilogy (I - III) and show those in theaters again. But by that time the first trilogy will be so far out of date they'll decide to completely remake it.
You'll be waiting for that all-in-one box set for a long long time.
=P
Now that does not make sense?
by
TheShadowHawk
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· Score: 2, Insightful
Hang on? the younger Anakin in spirit form?
But he didn't die until the end of Ep VI. I figured your "jedi" spirit took the form of your body at the time of death?
Sheesh.. not unlike lucas to create some friggin' plot holes!:P
-- Friends don't let Friends use Internet Explorer.
Why can't Lucas take a hint from the LOTR series and release the 13-DVD super-duper box set with 35 variations of each film including the original versions and his new screwed up versions? Charge people eleventy-seven dollars or whatever... just give people what they want.... not what he thinks they should have.
anti-democratic...
by
Cryptnotic
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· Score: 3, Insightful
Is that like the weird word that Amidala is from where Queens are elected and Senators are appointed?
-- My other first post is car post.
They changed it? you mean
by
commodoresloat
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· Score: 5, Insightful
"These aren't the DVDs you're looking for."
Re:Han shoots first?
by
Anubis350
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· Score: 2, Insightful
While I agree with you to some extent, I'll point out something:
hand shooting second doesnt neccesarily show he's beeing nice. It could just be a casual confidence masking his actual nervousness, something I've always felt was a trademark of the han solo character in the original films. Han may not shoot first also because he's a smuggler, and smugglers dont shoot before trying to talk their way out of something first.
just something for you to think about
--Aaron
-- "goodbye and hello, as always"
~Prince Corwin, from Zelazny's Amber series
'Star Wars - Interactive' - God help us...
by
Chordonblue
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· Score: 4, Insightful
Be careful what you wish for - I envision the future this way:
***Yo, Yo, Yo!!!*** - Check It! It's 'Star Wars Interactive' comin' to you on Supa Blu-Ray!
- See the original blocky transparencies around Tie Fighters and X-Wings! (Some of you out there really want that, huh?)
- Replace Greedo with Jar-Jar and make Han shoot first again! And again. And again!
- See the original Irish guy who played the part of Jabba the Hutt and put him in Episode Six!
- Give Boba Fett some extra rocket fuel so he can escape his fate!
Seriously, you know this sort of thing is coming eventually. So is all this panic about original versions a case of purity or old-tyme familiarity for us old farts? Believe me, it's hard to see some of this stuff happening to the films I grew up with (I was 12 when I saw Star Wars), but is the fact that Greedo shot first going to change the entire demeanor of the film?
Maybe it's a question of relevancy. As time goes on, you can expect more of this sort of thing to happen to films like it has with music.
Example: Look at Rap. Rap recycles old music into newer stuff. Should that be outlawed too?
-- "...Well, there's egg and bacon; egg sausage and bacon; egg and spam; egg bacon and spam; egg bacon sausage and spam..."
Re:'Star Wars - Interactive' - God help us...
by
Edgebound
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· Score: 2, Insightful
Example: Look at Rap. Rap recycles old music into newer stuff. Should that be outlawed too?
The difference is that the old music is still available, and it's available in the 'new' CD format too! In this case, Lucas has decreed "You may only purchase the rap version on CD. If you like the original, well, try to find it on LP or something. I don't care"
"I am very concerned about our national heritage, and I am very concerned that the films that I watched when I was young and the films that I watched throughout my life are preserved, so that my children can see them."
Release dates not new
by
motivator_bob
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· Score: 2, Insightful
These have been advertised (here in Oz at least) for a while now. Link shows box/cover art.
mb.
Re:To point out the obvious (not a conspiracy theo
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Sancho
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· Score: 2, Insightful
Believe it or not, there are a LOT of people who would buy the special editions because "they're the special editions!" Most of the sheeple believe marketing hype and I bet even a few of them like the changes. I'd even bet even money that the purists are in the minority; they're just in the majority here because of the demographic.
Lucas-Crap(TM)
by
Udo+Schmitz
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· Score: 2, Insightful
George originally planned to replace with a stop motion Hut.
Just another example of George-Lucas-revisionist-history. If they wanted to replace the fat guy with a puppet in 1976/1977 they would have had to do the scene with greenscreen or rear projection. In that time there would have been absolutely no way to replace that actor. (With all the interacting with and walking behind Harrison Ford) And why on earth would there be need for the fur costume?
No, that guy was planned as Jabba. Time constraints called for cuts and a Jabba that doesn't show up is somewhat more sinister anyway. Hitchcock taugzt us that what isn't shown in movies can be the most menacing.
Why do people still buy Georges crap? (No, I'm not talking about the DVDs)
Absolutely correct; however...
by
Stealth+Potato
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· Score: 5, Insightful
the theory is that when a jedi dies he comes back in his purest form
Which is exactly what would make the appearance of an 'old' Anakin in ghostly form all the more poignant. If the whole series is indeed the story of Anakin Skywalker, then is not the very consummation at the point where Darth Vader is finally turned by love for his son? Indeed, it is only then, and never before, that Anakin could truly be said to be pure; it was his final redemption before his death - his son saved him.
Re:I don't mind
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cranos
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· Score: 3, Insightful
I'm sorry but part of the charm of the originals was the fact the special effects were amazing without the use of CG.
The newer bits just clashed something chronic with the original, hell they couldn't even get Jabba's size right between A New Hope and Return of The Jedi.
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers)
by
TomServo
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· Score: 5, Insightful
I enjoyed the star wars films, and while I'm not a huge star wars fan, I was most likely going to pick these up.
Then I read the same bit you quoted.
That's crap. They're complaining in the article that they're not the highest forecasted sellers for this holiday season because it's $70, and blaming it on that. Maybe it has something to do with:
a) not releasing the original versions, the ones that everyone really wants to see and b) telling them to pay $70, yet refusing to tell them what they're actually getting, so they can "check them out for themselves."
When I buy a DVD, I damn well want to know what I'm getting. Extras are beyond that, but I want to know that the movie I'm buying is the movie that I've seen previously and enjoyed.
LotR is one thing. They have additional scenes on the super fancy-pants versions. But they don't go changing the scenes you've already watched. LotR gave extras that we hadn't seen, ones that we can skip easily with the remote if we decide we don't like them, or even purchase the version that's identical to the theatrical release. With this, we STILL can't buy the theatrical release, and we don't even know if they're changing what we saw in the re-release. That's absolutely ridiculous.
However, given the way that LucasFilm has treated its fans, give it 3-4 years. We'll have the originals, untouched, on DVD, as a super special bonus edition at $90 just to bleed a little more out of those that bought this set. It makes me sad, I remember loving these movies as a kid. However, as a principle, I feel like buying any of these versions now gives LucasFilm validation to fuck with me and take every possible dollar they can out of my wallet. Screw 'em. I like the movies a lot, but they're not my favorites.
I'll miss 'em, but they're not good enough to bend over for.
I'd say the one with the laserdisc as the one who said the line may be under a contract or whatever preventing him from telling the truth: have you ever noticed how many "wonderful" directors have been working with "incredible" actresses/actors according to the DVD bonuses, no conflict, no hard work, only fun. Come on, a movie is a project involving tight delays, big budgets, etc. it cannot be Disneyland as the DVD bonuses are trying to tell. So I'm pretty sure that the actors' contract include a part preventing them from telling certain things.
Beside this line have been said in 1977, about 30 years ago.
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers)
by
cafard
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· Score: 3, Insightful
b) telling them to pay $70, yet refusing to tell them what they're actually getting, so they can "check them out for themselves."
When I buy a DVD, I damn well want to know what I'm getting.
Is this *such* a big deal? 24h after the release of the box, reviews are going to pop-up on every web site, including/.
I can understand not liking the non-release of the originals, but complaining about the fact that the content of the box is not yet known is not such an issue. Unless of course you can't wait 24/48h after the initial release, which usually means maximum price tag.
Personnaly, after the years waiting for those movies on dvd, i'll survive long enough for *at least* read reviews...
-- This post is awesome.
Re:To point out the obvious (not a conspiracy theo
by
gilroy
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· Score: 2, Insightful
Blockquoth the poster:
If they'd changed it so that Han blew up the Death Star, or C3PO defeated Darth Vader, then that would be one thing, but these are utterly utterly trivial things
Ah, another person who believes that "plot" is the point of literature. Han shooting first is a big deal. It establishes his character: He's not the "nice one". He's dangerous. He's also possibly someone willing to sell out Luke, et al. (It's the same reason for mentioning the spice dump -- making clear that Han is not above breaking a contract and running.) Later, his decision to flee Yavin with his loot make perfect sense, because we've already established he's not the nice one. His eventual return is then a progression of the character, the start, so to speak, of his redemption.
Now, in the SE, we have that Han shoots only out of self-defense. He's morally "clean" -- and totally uninteresting. He's not a rough and real character; he's just some smirking wannabe who acts the tough guy. His flight from Yavin is now incongruous while his return is logical but uninteresting.
It's as much as mistake to think that only major plot points define a movie as it is to think that only Great Men define history...
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers)
by
jbarr
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· Score: 1, Insightful
But you see, that's the problem!
Now, rarely are the DVD versions the same as what comes out in the theater. It seems that directors are simply "pushing out" whatever they can to make the theater release dates, then they use the DVD as their platform to show the movie "as they intended". The problem is that that's NOT how the viewers originally see it! Unless the production company releases the exact version, forever gone are the days of being able to legally view the theater version on DVD.
Case in point is "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". The version I saw in the theater back in the late 70's is NOT the version that's now on DVD. Call me a purist, but I actually prefer the theter version better. Short of trying to find the Laserdisc and a Laserdic player on eBay, I have absolutely no chance of legally seeing the same version I saw in the theater.
Another example is the LOTR series. The version I saw in the theater again was not what was on the DVD. In fact, many scenes were SPECIFICALLY SHOT to be exclusive to the DVD. So, now as a theater-goer, I have to resign myself to the fact that what I am viewing on the "big screen" is simply not what the director "intended" and is not what will be on the DVD.
This is nothing more than directors using the excuse of "creative license" to re-write history, and all they have to do is slap on a "director's cut" label, and everyone thinks it's something great.
The funny thing is that Lucas is really shooting himself in the foot. If he would release both the same version as originally seen in the theater as well as his "special, wiz-bang, enhanced, super, director's cut" version, he woud probably make a mint, because many would buy both!
-- My mom always said, "Jim, you're 1 in a million." Given the current population, there are 7000 of me. God help us all!
Re:Han shoots first?
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Robmonster
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· Score: 2, Insightful
Doesnt your sig say you ignore stories by Michael?
-- I have no sig yet I must scream.
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers)
by
kpgalligan
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· Score: 2, Insightful
I think all the changes are horrible. I hated them when they came out, I hate them now. I know, I'm a religious weirdo for it. Shockingly enough, even though I'm on this site, and sending a flame about a special edition star wars release (while at work), I'm not a rabid nerd. Its just that watching the movies I can see every change, and I know its not supposed to be there. Its like a woman who's really not that old going in for major plastic surgery. Look babe, cheeks don't go there. At least not yours.
I'd probably pay $150+ for a high quality version of the originals. I wouldn't take the remakes as a gift. I have the first 3 on vhs, and I plan to pick up a decent vcr and try to pull them off and make my own (crappy quality, I know) dvd's, and that'll be it till GL wakes up.
Asshole has to realize that his movie is part of the world now. He gets paid for it, but its not "his" anymore.
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers)
by
Pope
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· Score: 4, Insightful
As mentioned above, there are 2 versions of each LOTR movie on DVD: the extended version and the regular. Rent/buy the regular versions, and you have what was in the cinema. I can't see what you're whining about.
-- It doesn't mean much now, it's built for the future.
Does it really matter?
by
jvj24601
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· Score: 2, Insightful
I was 6 years old when I saw Episode IV in the theatre. I grew up with Star Wars action figures (and lego) as my favorite toys, and I yelled at my parents when they gave away those toys while I was away at school. Episode IV goes down as one of my favorite movies of all time. Not because it was the best of them, but because as the first, it inspired my imagination. It made me think about outer space, about being an astronaut. It started me on the path of being interested in space, then science, then eventually computers.
I collected some of the comic books, and I've read a few of the novels. I've seen every SW movie in the theatre, and rent them when they come out on VHS/LD/DVD.
But does it really bother me that GL changes them? It doesn't. Would I like to own the original theatrical release on DVD? Probably. But I don't feel that I am entitled to it, and if it's not available, then it's not available. Am I the only one who feels this way?
My son is nine years old. He's enjoyed watching all five films we've rented, but he's only seen the Special Edition of the first trilogy. I don't really care if he ever sees the original.
I mean, they are only films. Yes, they're an important part of the history of film, but it's not like the originals aren't available at all. It's not like we're never going to be able see the original versions ever again. It's not like the old versions are being recalled, or being destroyed (think 1984). It's not like we're being "duped" into buying these versions - everyone who cares to find out will be able to know exactly what's changed.
I guess I just don't understand all the venom being thrown about here. Maybe if it were me, if I were the creator of this universe, maybe I would be satisfied with my first pass. Maybe. But who knows? I've never produced anything of entertainment value that millions of people have seen. If I did, and I later had the means and the money to change them, would I? Perhaps.
But in the end, they were movies. Not just movies - they shaped a part of my childhood. But they were movies. And those experiences as a kid, those moments about dreaming of a future so different to the present, well, no amount of film editing is going to take those memories away.
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers)
by
Ubergrendle
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· Score: 3, Insightful
Completely different kettle of fish here.
First off, there is a very strong rationale for his changes. He documents them fully. It is not in the interests of marketing.
Second, the previous version is still availalbe in print. Some editions of The Hobbit include both chapters so that the reader can make the difference. There has been no active attempt to surpress or prevent the distribution of the original version.
Finally, I'd argue that a popular, visual, commercial medium that is available for a 20 year period because a culturally shared product. I fear that just like people are still trying to rebuild/recreate the original version of Metropolis (Fritz Lang) or The Magnificent Ambersons, down the road a high-resolution version of Star Wars/Empire/ROTJ won't be available and it will be lost to the ages.
Ultimately I find Lucas' and Speilberg's post-editing of their successes to be a sign of self-concious inferiority complexes. Its the equivalent to me of an aging movie star going through plastic surgery, to attempt to prolong their glory days or relive their past success.
-- John Maynard Keynes: "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do?"
Re:Some of the changes (possible spoilers)
by
drinkypoo
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· Score: 2, Insightful
There will not be a rerelease of star wars with the correct han/greedo scene until Lucas dies because judging by his statements on the issue of post-edits he believes that they actually make the movies better. In other words he believes he can do no wrong.
-- "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Slashdot Mirror
Episode IV was incredible. I was blown away by it when it came out.
But by the time VI came out, it had a very Police Academy IV thing going on.
Let's hope Episode III is good..
You know you're a geek if you've ever replied to a tagline.
I'm actually going to wait this one out. I can't recall how many times the trilogy was released on VHS...and am not going to get taken like a sucker on this like I was with Fellowship of the Ring.
:)
Once the second release is out, then it'll be time to party. Probably when episode 3 is done and release and it's all in one pretty box.
// Agent Green (Ian / IU7 / KB1JQO)
// IEEE 802.3: All 10base Are Belong To Us
Rumor have circulated about additional changes, but Ward would not deny or confirm them. "We want to encourage our fans to check them out themselves."
Lucas's revisionist history really does bother me as a geek. While I agree some of the added scenes do add to the movies, some of them are simply unacceptable. Greedo shooting first for example.
If they were offering the original movies on DVD, I'd jump at it. I don't know how I feel about this revisionist version, but it leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth.
'The staff in the hand of a wizard may be more than a prop for age,' -Hamá, the doorward
Come on! This article has been up for seven minutes, and nobody has answered the most important question:
Does Greedo shoot first???
Come on! You call yourselves geeks?
Actually, I would like a super-UNenhanced version of the original three...
*grips tightly DVD burns of LaserDisc versions*
Pr-r-r-reciousssss
crazy dynamite monkey
Blah, when will Lucas get it, we want the origional damn films as shown in theaters, not his revisionist history with all the damn modern FX. Jeezus if South Park is making fun of you you know you are doing something wrong.
There are 4 boxes to use in the defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, ammo. Use in that order. Starting now.
By the time they're done with all six movies they'll have to remaster the first trilogy (IV - VI) and show it in theaters (again). Then when that's done they'll have to remaster the second trilogy (I - III) and show those in theaters again. But by that time the first trilogy will be so far out of date they'll decide to completely remake it.
You'll be waiting for that all-in-one box set for a long long time.
=P
Hang on? the younger Anakin in spirit form?
But he didn't die until the end of Ep VI. I figured your "jedi" spirit took the form of your body at the time of death?
Sheesh.. not unlike lucas to create some friggin' plot holes! :P
Friends don't let Friends use Internet Explorer.
Why can't Lucas take a hint from the LOTR series and release the 13-DVD super-duper box set with 35 variations of each film including the original versions and his new screwed up versions? Charge people eleventy-seven dollars or whatever ... just give people what they want .... not what he thinks they should have.
Han shoots first?
If he does, I'm not buying them, period.
Er, we WANT Han to shoot first.
Is that like the weird word that Amidala is from where Queens are elected and Senators are appointed?
My other first post is car post.
"These aren't the DVDs you're looking for."
While I agree with you to some extent, I'll point out something:
hand shooting second doesnt neccesarily show he's beeing nice. It could just be a casual confidence masking his actual nervousness, something I've always felt was a trademark of the han solo character in the original films. Han may not shoot first also because he's a smuggler, and smugglers dont shoot before trying to talk their way out of something first.
just something for you to think about
--Aaron
"goodbye and hello, as always" ~Prince Corwin, from Zelazny's Amber series
Be careful what you wish for - I envision the future this way:
***Yo, Yo, Yo!!!*** - Check It! It's 'Star Wars Interactive' comin' to you on Supa Blu-Ray!
- See the original blocky transparencies around Tie Fighters and X-Wings! (Some of you out there really want that, huh?)
- Replace Greedo with Jar-Jar and make Han shoot first again! And again. And again!
- See the original Irish guy who played the part of Jabba the Hutt and put him in Episode Six!
- Give Boba Fett some extra rocket fuel so he can escape his fate!
Seriously, you know this sort of thing is coming eventually. So is all this panic about original versions a case of purity or old-tyme familiarity for us old farts? Believe me, it's hard to see some of this stuff happening to the films I grew up with (I was 12 when I saw Star Wars), but is the fact that Greedo shot first going to change the entire demeanor of the film?
Maybe it's a question of relevancy. As time goes on, you can expect more of this sort of thing to happen to films like it has with music.
Example: Look at Rap. Rap recycles old music into newer stuff. Should that be outlawed too?
"...Well, there's egg and bacon; egg sausage and bacon; egg and spam; egg bacon and spam; egg bacon sausage and spam..."
From this article.
These have been advertised (here in Oz at least) for a while now.
Link shows box/cover art.
mb.
Believe it or not, there are a LOT of people who would buy the special editions because "they're the special editions!" Most of the sheeple believe marketing hype and I bet even a few of them like the changes. I'd even bet even money that the purists are in the minority; they're just in the majority here because of the demographic.
Just another example of George-Lucas-revisionist-history. If they wanted to replace the fat guy with a puppet in 1976/1977 they would have had to do the scene with greenscreen or rear projection. In that time there would have been absolutely no way to replace that actor. (With all the interacting with and walking behind Harrison Ford) And why on earth would there be need for the fur costume?
No, that guy was planned as Jabba. Time constraints called for cuts and a Jabba that doesn't show up is somewhat more sinister anyway. Hitchcock taugzt us that what isn't shown in movies can be the most menacing.
Why do people still buy Georges crap? (No, I'm not talking about the DVDs)
the theory is that when a jedi dies he comes back in his purest form
Which is exactly what would make the appearance of an 'old' Anakin in ghostly form all the more poignant. If the whole series is indeed the story of Anakin Skywalker, then is not the very consummation at the point where Darth Vader is finally turned by love for his son? Indeed, it is only then, and never before, that Anakin could truly be said to be pure; it was his final redemption before his death - his son saved him.
I'm sorry but part of the charm of the originals was the fact the special effects were amazing without the use of CG.
The newer bits just clashed something chronic with the original, hell they couldn't even get Jabba's size right between A New Hope and Return of The Jedi.
I enjoyed the star wars films, and while I'm not a huge star wars fan, I was most likely going to pick these up.
Then I read the same bit you quoted.
That's crap. They're complaining in the article that they're not the highest forecasted sellers for this holiday season because it's $70, and blaming it on that. Maybe it has something to do with:
a) not releasing the original versions, the ones that everyone really wants to see and
b) telling them to pay $70, yet refusing to tell them what they're actually getting, so they can "check them out for themselves."
When I buy a DVD, I damn well want to know what I'm getting. Extras are beyond that, but I want to know that the movie I'm buying is the movie that I've seen previously and enjoyed.
LotR is one thing. They have additional scenes on the super fancy-pants versions. But they don't go changing the scenes you've already watched. LotR gave extras that we hadn't seen, ones that we can skip easily with the remote if we decide we don't like them, or even purchase the version that's identical to the theatrical release. With this, we STILL can't buy the theatrical release, and we don't even know if they're changing what we saw in the re-release. That's absolutely ridiculous.
However, given the way that LucasFilm has treated its fans, give it 3-4 years. We'll have the originals, untouched, on DVD, as a super special bonus edition at $90 just to bleed a little more out of those that bought this set. It makes me sad, I remember loving these movies as a kid. However, as a principle, I feel like buying any of these versions now gives LucasFilm validation to fuck with me and take every possible dollar they can out of my wallet. Screw 'em. I like the movies a lot, but they're not my favorites.
I'll miss 'em, but they're not good enough to bend over for.
I'd say the one with the laserdisc as the one who said the line may be under a contract or whatever preventing him from telling the truth: have you ever noticed how many "wonderful" directors have been working with "incredible" actresses/actors according to the DVD bonuses, no conflict, no hard work, only fun. Come on, a movie is a project involving tight delays, big budgets, etc. it cannot be Disneyland as the DVD bonuses are trying to tell. So I'm pretty sure that the actors' contract include a part preventing them from telling certain things.
Beside this line have been said in 1977, about 30 years ago.
b) telling them to pay $70, yet refusing to tell them what they're actually getting, so they can "check them out for themselves." When I buy a DVD, I damn well want to know what I'm getting.
/.
Is this *such* a big deal? 24h after the release of the box, reviews are going to pop-up on every web site, including
I can understand not liking the non-release of the originals, but complaining about the fact that the content of the box is not yet known is not such an issue. Unless of course you can't wait 24/48h after the initial release, which usually means maximum price tag.
Personnaly, after the years waiting for those movies on dvd, i'll survive long enough for *at least* read reviews...
This post is awesome.
Ah, another person who believes that "plot" is the point of literature. Han shooting first is a big deal. It establishes his character: He's not the "nice one". He's dangerous. He's also possibly someone willing to sell out Luke, et al. (It's the same reason for mentioning the spice dump -- making clear that Han is not above breaking a contract and running.) Later, his decision to flee Yavin with his loot make perfect sense, because we've already established he's not the nice one. His eventual return is then a progression of the character, the start, so to speak, of his redemption.
Now, in the SE, we have that Han shoots only out of self-defense. He's morally "clean" -- and totally uninteresting. He's not a rough and real character; he's just some smirking wannabe who acts the tough guy. His flight from Yavin is now incongruous while his return is logical but uninteresting.
It's as much as mistake to think that only major plot points define a movie as it is to think that only Great Men define history...
The Mongrel Dogs Who Teach
But you see, that's the problem!
Now, rarely are the DVD versions the same as what comes out in the theater. It seems that directors are simply "pushing out" whatever they can to make the theater release dates, then they use the DVD as their platform to show the movie "as they intended". The problem is that that's NOT how the viewers originally see it! Unless the production company releases the exact version, forever gone are the days of being able to legally view the theater version on DVD.
Case in point is "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". The version I saw in the theater back in the late 70's is NOT the version that's now on DVD. Call me a purist, but I actually prefer the theter version better. Short of trying to find the Laserdisc and a Laserdic player on eBay, I have absolutely no chance of legally seeing the same version I saw in the theater.
Another example is the LOTR series. The version I saw in the theater again was not what was on the DVD. In fact, many scenes were SPECIFICALLY SHOT to be exclusive to the DVD. So, now as a theater-goer, I have to resign myself to the fact that what I am viewing on the "big screen" is simply not what the director "intended" and is not what will be on the DVD.
This is nothing more than directors using the excuse of "creative license" to re-write history, and all they have to do is slap on a "director's cut" label, and everyone thinks it's something great.
The funny thing is that Lucas is really shooting himself in the foot. If he would release both the same version as originally seen in the theater as well as his "special, wiz-bang, enhanced, super, director's cut" version, he woud probably make a mint, because many would buy both!
My mom always said, "Jim, you're 1 in a million." Given the current population, there are 7000 of me. God help us all!
Doesnt your sig say you ignore stories by Michael?
I have no sig yet I must scream.
I think all the changes are horrible. I hated them when they came out, I hate them now. I know, I'm a religious weirdo for it. Shockingly enough, even though I'm on this site, and sending a flame about a special edition star wars release (while at work), I'm not a rabid nerd. Its just that watching the movies I can see every change, and I know its not supposed to be there. Its like a woman who's really not that old going in for major plastic surgery. Look babe, cheeks don't go there. At least not yours.
I'd probably pay $150+ for a high quality version of the originals. I wouldn't take the remakes as a gift. I have the first 3 on vhs, and I plan to pick up a decent vcr and try to pull them off and make my own (crappy quality, I know) dvd's, and that'll be it till GL wakes up.
Asshole has to realize that his movie is part of the world now. He gets paid for it, but its not "his" anymore.
As mentioned above, there are 2 versions of each LOTR movie on DVD: the extended version and the regular. Rent/buy the regular versions, and you have what was in the cinema. I can't see what you're whining about.
It doesn't mean much now, it's built for the future.
I was 6 years old when I saw Episode IV in the theatre. I grew up with Star Wars action figures (and lego) as my favorite toys, and I yelled at my parents when they gave away those toys while I was away at school. Episode IV goes down as one of my favorite movies of all time. Not because it was the best of them, but because as the first, it inspired my imagination. It made me think about outer space, about being an astronaut. It started me on the path of being interested in space, then science, then eventually computers.
I collected some of the comic books, and I've read a few of the novels. I've seen every SW movie in the theatre, and rent them when they come out on VHS/LD/DVD.
But does it really bother me that GL changes them? It doesn't. Would I like to own the original theatrical release on DVD? Probably. But I don't feel that I am entitled to it, and if it's not available, then it's not available. Am I the only one who feels this way?
My son is nine years old. He's enjoyed watching all five films we've rented, but he's only seen the Special Edition of the first trilogy. I don't really care if he ever sees the original.
I mean, they are only films. Yes, they're an important part of the history of film, but it's not like the originals aren't available at all. It's not like we're never going to be able see the original versions ever again. It's not like the old versions are being recalled, or being destroyed (think 1984). It's not like we're being "duped" into buying these versions - everyone who cares to find out will be able to know exactly what's changed.
I guess I just don't understand all the venom being thrown about here. Maybe if it were me, if I were the creator of this universe, maybe I would be satisfied with my first pass. Maybe. But who knows? I've never produced anything of entertainment value that millions of people have seen. If I did, and I later had the means and the money to change them, would I? Perhaps.
But in the end, they were movies. Not just movies - they shaped a part of my childhood. But they were movies. And those experiences as a kid, those moments about dreaming of a future so different to the present, well, no amount of film editing is going to take those memories away.
Completely different kettle of fish here.
First off, there is a very strong rationale for his changes. He documents them fully. It is not in the interests of marketing.
Second, the previous version is still availalbe in print. Some editions of The Hobbit include both chapters so that the reader can make the difference. There has been no active attempt to surpress or prevent the distribution of the original version.
Finally, I'd argue that a popular, visual, commercial medium that is available for a 20 year period because a culturally shared product. I fear that just like people are still trying to rebuild/recreate the original version of Metropolis (Fritz Lang) or The Magnificent Ambersons, down the road a high-resolution version of Star Wars/Empire/ROTJ won't be available and it will be lost to the ages.
Ultimately I find Lucas' and Speilberg's post-editing of their successes to be a sign of self-concious inferiority complexes. Its the equivalent to me of an aging movie star going through plastic surgery, to attempt to prolong their glory days or relive their past success.
John Maynard Keynes: "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do?"
There will not be a rerelease of star wars with the correct han/greedo scene until Lucas dies because judging by his statements on the issue of post-edits he believes that they actually make the movies better. In other words he believes he can do no wrong.
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"