Kevin's Watch

We all know that Lucas will be releasing the Special Edition of the Original Trilogy on DVD this August, that begs the question?

Which do you prefer, the original film as it was in the theatre or the special edition? I've talked with some Jedi friends of mine and we all think that Lucas sold out and should have released the original theatrical release in DVD form along with the Special, that way fans can have a choice? What are your thoughts?

DROOL!!!

I've never had much of a problem with the special addition. In my opinion there wasn't all that much that was added to get too upset about (Okay, maybe the whole Greedo thing was uncalled for) so I've never been distracted by the little additions in the background, the shockwaves added to the deathstar explosions or the addtional footage of Han and Jabba. Frankly I was glad to see the the film digitally enhanced and the motion special effects repaired. IMHO of course. If only Lucas had taken the time to remove the fingerprints from Darth Vader's helmet in A New Hope. Or Obi-wan's fizzling light sabre. Or the scene in the conference room when Vader is speaking to Tarkin about Leia and after he falls silent, David Prowse is still jerking his hand around like Vader is still talking.

Fiz, I have talked with lots of people that feel the same way you do. Lucas himself is the roadblock to the perfect solution. Just create 2 sets. One original one special addition. I'll drink New Coke and you guys can drink classic. But alas Mr. Lucas shows no sign of budging when it comes to this issue. He's annoyed at the earlier version and doesn't want anyone to view it. In a perfect world we'd all get what we want. I'm at least a little curious to see what he'd do with enough money to re edit or re create the first few films. I don't know if I'd like it but I'm curious.

Thanks for the pic, Fiz! Drool indeed! (No, not that Drool...)

FizbansTalking_Hat wrote:part of what makes this film so good is the crappiness of it, the little cheap effects they used. It's what gives the film its charm in my opinion.

I think that the original theatrical release was perfect on its own, no need to go back.

I’m very fond of the original version, too, Fiz. I grew up with it, so I think I’ve memorized just about every scene and every line of dialogue. While I’m disappointed that the DVD release will be Special Edition only, at least I still have my old VHS copies of the originals. Lucas will have to pry them from my cold, dead fingers.

I think George Lucas is in the awkward position of having to defend himself in the eyes of long-time SW fans, while trying to attract new (i.e. younger) fans.

I can understand why Lucas felt compelled to tinker with the films. Star Wars is more than a movie in that it stands for cutting edge film technology, so I think there is a natural temptation to want to “tweak” Star Wars to maintain that edge. If you’re Lucas, and you have the clout and money to do so, what’s to stop you? I think it’s precisely because Lucas doesn’t want Star Wars to be viewed as that quaint 70’s flick with the “cheap effects” that he went to all the trouble of updating it. Of course I don’t view SW that way, but I can see how today’s kids, spoiled by visual marvels like The Matrix or The Lord Of The Rings, or—yes—the SW prequels, would be under-whelmed by the original film that started it all.

It’s been said that digital film technology and the DVD format is eroding the idea that there is any “definitive” version of a movie. With all the Director’s Cuts and Extended Editions out there, it’s getting to the point where almost any film you watch on DVD will likely never be the same as the version you remembered seeing in the theatre. Good thing or bad thing? I don't know. But it's kinda fun. You're not sure what you'll be seeing when you slide in that shiny new DVD.

I wouldn’t be too surprised if, in another twenty years, “Old Man” Lucas were to tweak Star Wars yet again, once he felt film technology had advanced to the point where he could justify it. After all, Lucas himself has said in interviews that there is no such thing as a “finished” movie.

The original version is almost historical. Touching it is like adding new lines to Hamlet, or adding a freeway to the Mona Lisa's background. Next thing you know, Lucas will add bullet-time to the Obi-Wan/Vader fight, and Yoda will deal with teen pregnancy.

Lord Foul wrote:The original version is almost historical. Touching it is like adding new lines to Hamlet, or adding a freeway to the Mona Lisa's background. Next thing you know, Lucas will add bullet-time to the Obi-Wan/Vader fight, and Yoda will deal with teen pregnancy.

The Special addition is the only one I know... because I'm young... and have not seen how they first were... so it's not an argument for me really..

As I have said before, I see no need for the 'repairs' Lucas has made to his art. In fact, I consider him to be spitting on his younger, more creative self. Now, if he wanted to do a quick cut and paste in ROTJedi, replacing the Ewoks with Wookies (which was his original idea, BTW, and is consistent with his thinking behind all the changes he made), then I'm all for it.

dANdeLION wrote:As I have said before, I see no need for the 'repairs' Lucas has made to his art. In fact, I consider him to be spitting on his younger, more creative self. Now, if he wanted to do a quick cut and paste in ROTJedi, replacing the Ewoks with Wookies (which was his original idea, BTW, and is consistent with his thinking behind all the changes he made), then I'm all for it.

Let me get this straight... he traded Wookies for EWOKS?!?!?!?!

He's more senile then I thought! Murderer of ROTJ!

I have posted that fact several times, Revan. I thought it was common knowledge. Then again, I am 22 years older than you....but yes, it was originally supposed to be Wookies. Makes a difference, doesn't it?

Oh God! I feel sick.

You'll get over it.....no, wait. You won't.

I'm already over it.

I think GL decision to change Wookies to Ewoks was a stroke of genius. Or did he just suffer a stroke? Either way every creation needs a flaw. Jedi has only one. Ewoks. Outside of that it would be hailed as the greatest film of all time. What a shame.

TOM C wrote:I think GL decision to change Wookies to Ewoks was a stroke of genius. Or did he just suffer a stroke? Either way every creation needs a flaw. Jedi has only one. Ewoks. Outside of that it would be hailed as the greatest film of all time. What a shame.

Never have you spoken a greater truth TOM. *bows*

I wish he would make both versions available, so people could purchase the one they prefer.

But George isn't that open minded.