The Star Wars Trilogy SE on DVD September 21st

[indolikaa]

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2004-02-10-star-wars-dvds_x.htm

Too bad we probably won't see the original theatrical releases in this set, but they better have a Collector's Edition!

[Gazorgan]

The way to tell is simple: In the first movie (episode 4), if you see Jabba the Hut, it's the SE version.

Sigh, whose doing the guide to 'cut out' the added parts

[j1d10t]

Sigh, whose doing the guide to 'cut out' the added parts

But it's not just added/extended scenes, there is changed dialog as well. An example is; in the original theatrical version (I can't remember if it was changed for the original VHS release, as well) during the Death Star Attack, when Luke is being targeted by a Tie Fighter, he said, "blast it Wedge, where are you?!", referring to his wingman, Wedge Antilles. In the SE version Luke says, 'blast it Biggs, where are you?!", referring to his friend and wingman... So there is more changed in the SE versions than just added/extended scenes.....

I can't wait for the guides on how to edit out the added scenes, trim the extended scenes, and replace sections of the dialog with the original VHS/laserdisc audio track...

That should be one heck of a guide

[andkiich]

I really don't care about these DVDs.

I already converted my original theatrical release laserdiscs to DVD. I watch those all the time. I don't need to spend any money on these.

[Rookie64]

In case you missed this, here it is -

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040211/ap_en_mo/dvd_star_wars_8

The versions on DVD will feature only the special editions, LucasFilm spokeswoman Lynn Hale said.


Even though many fans of the original movies had hoped the rougher, unaltered films would also be provided, Ward said there wasn't much debate about whether to release the unaltered originals.


"The official definitive versions are the 1997 special editions. That's the version the artist, in this case George Lucas (news), intended to be seen," he said.

Such was done with the DVD releases of 2001:A Space Odyssey and Jaws, just to name a couple.


Pretty Baby had an alternate audio track used for the DVD version - I've seen at least two other versions of the movie released.


In 1978, American Graffiti was re-released with additional scenes added, but all video versions released were the original cut.

The Owl & The Pussycat was originally released with an R rating and quick shot of Barbra Streisand topless...but was re-released in the late '70s with a PG rating with Babs' nude scene edited out.
Since then, the video releases (except in some European markets) have been the edited version.

[mysticgohan17]

Barbra Streisand topless...

*shrug*
who'd want to see that?
*shrugs harder*
Good thing they edited it out

[proton]

back in 1995 I recorded the old versions of the first movies from TV, in widescreen letterbox even! I never bought the VHS box which was later released. Good thing, now I can go straight to DVD

[spiderman2k1]

George Lucas is doing this for one reason bring these out now on DVD. Episode 1 and 2 most people do not care for them and no one is talking about episode 3 right now. It would be nice to release the original version's of the film and George Lucas may still release those going by what he is doing now. If episode 3 suck's FOX might put alot weight on his head to bring them out if ticket sale's are low.

[j1d10t]

I'll bet what is going to happen is when Episode III is released on DVD, they will release a "special" boxed set with all 6 movies, and that will have the SE versions, as well as the original cuts of episodes IV-VI, and since it's the whole series it'll sell for about $200..... That way they can get even more money from us - remember what happened with Episode I? "Let's release the VHS, wait a year or so, then release the DVD. That way people will spend twice as much as they normally would have!"

[menace]

I was worried for a minute there that all that hard work to bring the laserdisc versions to dvd was wasted--if he's doing the "greedo shoots first" version then he can keep them I have THE definitive set on dvd already :P

[youngblood]

How about putting back the way it was in 1977 without Chapter 4 The New Hope

[spiderman2k1]

"youngblood" I second that Star Wars is way better then 4 The New Hope

[vhelp]

ok, let me get this straight. There's a zillion different versions out
their now.

Star Wars SE
Star Wars Trilogy
Star Wars Theatricle
Star Wars Theatricle SE
Star Wars THX
Star Wars THX Theatricle
Star Wars Un-Cut version
Star Wars SE Un-Cut
Star Wars SE, and will be on DVD in 2004 .. .. ..
Star Wars (individuals are better ??) which ones THX, regular, theatrical etc.
* Others to add to this list.

** so many more I see on webpages and sales pages and e-bay listings
and so on and so forth. It makes me procrastinate on making a purchase,
cause either I want the ones that will NOT be on DVD, or I want them, for
the quality, or I'm waisting my money because they are going to be put on
DVD or whatever -

Did I miss anything in the above listing ??

I'm so confused. Too many people saying "this" version and "that" version
and they too are problably mislabeling the above, adding more incorrect
versions.

For the record, can someone just write down here (no links please) all the
versions that are out there, and which is the best to get for quality, and
which is best for "orgiginal" uncut versions etc etc etc etc etc

Basically, I've hault buying the LD disks, till I can figure out exactly which
ones that I should buy on ebay.

I'd like to get the ones that will not be on DVD. Hopefully, they will be the
one that are in great quality. But, if I understand correctly, the "originals"
will be the ones that are NOT in great quality, and that those are the ones
that I actually have to get. So bit it :P

But, which ones
-vhelp

[FulciLives]

Let us SHOW George Lucas what WE want by NOT spending our money.

Don't buy it.

If nobody buys it then he will be FORCED to release the original versions.

I saw the special editions in theatres but I never bought them on video even though I own the original cuts on VHS and LaserDisc.

SO DON'T BUY IT !!!

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[youngblood]

All I am saying is when Star Wars came out in 1977 it did not say "Chapter 4 The New Hope" it was just titled Star Wars...Sorry for the confusion...

[FulciLives]

All I am saying is when Star Wars came out in 1977 it did not say "Chapter 4 The New Hope" it was just titled Star Wars...Sorry for the confusion...

From what I read this was added after some test screenings or after one week of general release ... depending on what you read.

I saw it 3 times back it was originally released but then again I was like 5 so it's not like I remember

I could care less about that argument. I just want the original NON-SE versions released.

I'm not alone in that thinking either.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[dicktheprick]

I know that the ones released in german were the new edited one, not the orginal releases, cuz i have em on dvd already

[spiderman2k1]

I have the old Laser Disc and they say Star Wars only on them. I'll check later what they say in the video.

[indolikaa]

I have the 'original' release LaserDiscs in Letterbox format...



...and this the Episode IV version. The hiss on the audio track adds that nostalgic touch to these most-precious of discs.

[Gristle McThornbody]

Couple of things.....

First, Star Wars did not say "Episode IV" until the April 1981 re-release.

Source: http://www.starwars.com/community/askjc/steve/askjc20021031.html

Second, the DVD release is NOT the Special Editions released in theaters back in 1997. There have been further "enhancements" and changes. For the most part it is added CGI elements like more creatures and flying droids in the background. I haven't seen "A New Hope", but it apparently has the most changes.

Third, Lucas has petitioned the DGA to have his name added as director of both Empire and Jedi. Although the verdict is not out yet, the films had to go out to Fox this week for the DVD authoring and therefore the credit has already been changed. I guess there'll be quite a scramble if the petition gets denied and they have to change back the title card. (Depending on how far along Fox is in the process, I suppose.)



Hope that clears things up....

PS. Luke has always said, "Blast it, Biggs." It's never been changed.

[mysticgohan17]

Whatever you do, dont download dvdrips of them

[Rookie64]

ok, let me get this straight. There's a zillion different versions out
their now.

I've only seen the original - the original 1977 release is extacly 121 mins.

It was first shown on cable (Showtime) Feb. 1st 1983 (8PM EST)
- same running time 121 mins.


There's also the Super 8mm home version release (if that counts) - I bought that in a local K-mart in early 1978
Select scenes all in Black & White with subtitles - no sound

[Rookie64]

Barbra Streisand topless...

*shrug*
who'd want to see that?
*shrugs harder*
Good thing they edited it out

I've actually seen the unedited version...not actually the first and only time Babs has done nudes

I think she had the rights to the movie and wanted the scene cut.
She was always suing magazines for publishing stills from that scene.

[manco]

Third, Lucas has petitioned the DGA to have his name added as director of both Empire and Jedi. Although the verdict is not out yet, the films had to go out to Fox this week for the DVD authoring and therefore the credit has already been changed. I guess there'll be quite a scramble if the petition gets denied and they have to change back the title card. (Depending on how far along Fox is in the process, I suppose.)

Where did you get this from?

By "added" do you mean the title card will read "George and Irvin" and "George and Richard" or just George? If it's just George, what possible title would the other two get? I guess George can afford to buy himself anything he wants these days, but if I recall correctly, the DGA was never too happy about the fact that he put the Directing credits at the end of the films.

[Gristle McThornbody]

Where did you get this from?

By "added" do you mean the title card will read "George and Irvin" and "George and Richard" or just George? If it's just George, what possible title would the other two get? I guess George can afford to buy himself anything he wants these days, but if I recall correctly, the DGA was never too happy about the fact that he put the Directing credits at the end of the films.

I got it from people at Lucasfilm, it's not really a secret. It's a co-directing credit. The theory, right or wrong, is that he's made so many changes that he should have a co-credit. I'm not sure if petitions at the DGA (Director's Guild of America) are public records or not, but one could check I suppose.

Lucas was fined by the DGA for not having Kirshner's credit at the begining of Empire, he paid the fine and left the DGA. (Kirshner even supported him, they both thought it was silly) But Lucas got back in the DGA at some point and has even been giving a couple of awards by them.

[menace]

In my mind the best versions are the widescreen laserdisc editions that have been retouched photographically, whilst not changing any content--they are the ones you want on dvd.

[indolikaa]

I got it from people at Lucasfilm,

Names, Inspector. We want names. Otherwise it's heresay and the jury will be instructed to disregard your comments.

[manco]

I got it from people at Lucasfilm, it's not really a secret. It's a co-directing credit. The theory, right or wrong, is that he's made so many changes that he should have a co-credit.

Hmm, I guess I'll have to take your word for it. Petitioning for a co-directing credit sounds plausible, but talk about re-writing film history. Come to think of it, he should qualify for co-director on Howard the Duck and Willow too.

I can imagine someday he'll digitally replace all the actors, so he can "improve" their performances (and keep their royalty checks too).

[j1d10t]

PS. Luke has always said, "Blast it, Biggs." It's never been changed.

I believe it was in an issue of Star Wars insider (I can't remember the exact issue number, but it's been in the last three years), they specifically mention that change in the audio. In fact, I think it was an interview with Ben Burt, or someone from the sound department, because they were talking about the audio changes, and how there are several different audio tracks (because in one of the audio tracks when Leia blasts the Storm Troopers while Luke is trying to get them across the chasm, the blaster sound is that of a hand gun (I think they said it's a 54 Magnum), and they mentioned that Luke's dialog was changed from the original audio track because in the original audio track Luke called for Wedge, not Biggs. But later, when Lucas reviewed it (I think it was for one of the re-releases) he had it changed from Wedge, to Biggs, which had been in an alternate audio track/take at LucasFilm. I'll find the interview and post the issue number, or link if it's on-line.....

Edit:
Here is one link showing the "alternate" versions - read about 3/4 down.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759/alternateversions

"There are a few noticeable differences between the version shown on ITV on British television during the 1980s and early, pre-'remastered' video releases:
The sound quality of the voices heard over intercoms and radios during the Battle of Yavin is very different.
On TV, Luke says "Blast it, Wedge, where are you?" On the video he says, "Blast it, Biggs, where are you?""

[vhelp]

TGIF.. SW Fans :P

Actually, of all the SW movies, I've only seen the Redi in the thearters back
in '83 when it came out. That's over 20 years ago for me

I do remember that Cable (I think is was USA) was airing he WS version
in early to mid '90s and then went FULLSCREEN. There was a year when
they were going SW bananas and airing them back to back, or once a month
or whatever. That could have ben in '95, when these SE came out on LD
or something then. So, it might of ben that everybody was taking a dip in
the franchise and all were airing it everywhere's on tv. Come to think of
it, it may have ben '96, (if not '95) They had a Thanksgiven SW bash, back
to back special, and I remember joining the force, alone, w/ Luke on this
one (and my deli-cut thick slices of Turkey) It was the best bash I ever had,
bar none !! :P
And, I want to relive it once again, soon as m LD player arrives :P and I
transfer it to DVD disks - yea.

-vhelp