This is odd. A few nights ago out of the blue I was thinking about being able to see the original Star Wars movies without any of the new CGI features that have been added to the latest DVD set of the trilogy. I had purchased the DVD set when it came out because everyone was saying this would be it - no original films would be released.

So the other day I'm walking into a video store and I see a poster about reserving a copy of the trilogy. I thought, that's odd, hasn't this already been released a year or more ago? Then with a closer look I realize it's for the original unaltered trilogy! A later check online confirms yes the movies are being rereleased on DVD in there original forms.

Great news, but I'm as annoyed as I am happy. If I'd been given a choice of the original trilogy or the new CGI versions when I first bought the trilogy, I would have bought the originals without hesitation - those are the movies I remember and the ones I want to see. Now I am forced to have both versions as Lucas insisted he wouldn't release the originals.

Funny how a man can say these are the movies he wanted to make (the new versions) and tough luck for the people who don't like it. Then completely go back on his word.

Yes, I'll buy the original films when they come out (and to make it even worse I've heard both the originals AND the CGI versions will come with the set) but really wish Lucas hadn't been so greedy. If it's true that the new versions will be packed with the originals, I will have a bucnh of stuff I don't want. That's a waste - both of money and clutter. I supose I could sell my CGI trilogy on eBay; probably for about 2 bucks.

Steve

I had the opposite experience with the LOTR movies, or more precisely, with "The Fellowship of the RIng". I bought the original DVD when it came out which was the theatrical release. Later when the extended version came out, I bought that as well. When the remaining two parts of the trilogy came out, I knew enough to wait for the extended version.

I know there are a lot of purists who feel that the only legitimate version of a picture is exactly the way it was originally released in the theater. Altering that in any way is view with deep disdain. No doubt some of the older movies released in B&W did not improve when they were colorized, but in SOME cases, especially when it was well done, it enhanced the experience.

I'm a real pragmatist. If the alterations enhance the overall experience, whether it's scenes which didn't make it into the theater, or other visual enhancements not available at the time of release, I think that's great.

If you consider that what actually winds up in the theaters is the result of a WHOLE lot of give and take and compromise, and very likely was being altered until the last minute, I think it's easier not to become to invested in the concept of "the original".

I don't get upset when I go see a favorite musical group and they don't slavishly duplicate the record note for note either. As long as they don't butcher it!!

But it IS upsetting when you make a purchase decision on something that is stated and later altered.

Tom

For me it's not so much about being a purist as I was very happy to go to the theaters and watch the new versions when they were rereleased before Phantom Menace came out.

But when I saw they did more than just enhance the special effects and clean up the prints, I was kind of annoyed - it didn't make the movies better in my mind.

So now its great to have the originals back and on DVD, but I will own three copies of each movie when I buy them. Plus the trilogy I had bouth on VHS when those were all that was available!

Guess I'm only upset with Lucas saying he would never release the originals and then turning right around and doing that very thing. Can't help but feel very used.

Steve

Guess the best way to get back at them greedy movie guys is to get someone in Asia to send you those pirated copies. You can get an LOTR or Star Wars trilogy for about $15 in Sri Lanka.

Yeah, I've gotten some of those in the Middle East. Let's just say the quality isn't, uh, good. And the Arabic captioning is fun too.

Steve

I'd give the stuff from south and southeast Asia 90%-95% quality-wise against an original, particularly on older movies. The copies are made from the best available originals. Of course, quality's crap on new movies. For example, 'Casino Royale' will be on shelf as a DVD within 24 hours of it being released in the cinema anywhere in the world, so you can imagine quality will be poor. I've got some boxed sets of 'Band of Brothers, 'Over There', etc, and I've got friends here who've watched it and not been ble to tell the difference.

Ken,

I guess part of it is wanting to see the same movies I saw as a kid when they were first released. Star Wars was a big deal to me then and it's nice to revisit those good times now and again.

I think I may have watched the DVD trilogy once since I bought it . Maybe I watched Empire Strikes Back twice, but its more of a thing I just feel good about owning if the need to see one of the films ever hits me.

And yes, I'm enough of a fan to want to see Han shoot first and the original ending to Return of the Jedi with that stupid Ewok song. I prefer the old special effects with a mistake here and there. That's part of the charm of the originals.

What would be cool is if Lucas offered a 'buy back' program. Say you send back your remastered DVD set and when you get the original trilogy DVD's you get a free book or Jar Jar Binks doll or something!

Steve

Yeah, let's not even talk about Episode 1, ugh!

You're correct though, there will be a super edition with all six movies and 'bonus' features not available anywhere else.

At least the originals will be available - my enhanced version can be sold at the used bookstore for 3 or 4 bucks.

Steve

Well guys, I am here to solve your problems. I don't have any Star Wars DVD's so if you want to get rid of a set just give one to me. I'm not a purist or real fussy about added or unadded / enhanced. :-) :-)

Oh and just in case one of you will really do this, PM me.

In his book 'Fields of Fire', Webb says something to the effect of "What does an old soldier do when his war is over, except keep fighting it?". Well, what does an old director do when his movie is over, except keep directing it?