So, who hasn't heard the news about the new DVD release of the original Star Wars Trilogy as it was before the "Special Editions" were released in 1997? No? Well, it's not good news.
Here's my understanding, based on what I've read, and there are articles and columns all over the place at such sites as aintitcool.com, originaltrilogy.com, what have you, and I'm not at all happy about it. Many fans were not entirely impressed with the changes made to the original trilogy, and the "refinement" of those changes as they are seen on the "official" release of the trilogy on DVD may have helped quell some concerns (Greedo shooting first is wrong. Han Solo is a scumbug, we know it, and we love him for it. Let the man toast the green beady-eyed bounty hunter first. He had it coming.), and instigated new outcries (Hayden Christensen at the end of Return of the Jedi as Anakin in Ghost Form? Bleahhhhhh.....). The result has been an undying campaign by fans for an official release of a restored/remastered trilogy presented in anamorphic widescreen and surround sound as it was first seen decades ago.
So what are we getting come September? Crap. No, really, that's what it is, and here's why. Apparently, Lucasfilms "lost" or "destroyed" the original prints during the restoration process and the production of the Special Editions. They apparently don't have any "copies" of those prints or any "usable" elements, such that would be used for effects and the like. They checked the Lucasfilm archives and could not find a single thing. So, what is being released in September is a transfer from the 1993 LASERDISC releases which will feature standard letterbox video format (this is the same as widescreen on VHS) in 2-channel stereo. Bull. This is an insult. But here comes the pie...
Lucasfilms' official stance is that the current DVD version, improved Special Editions, is George Lucas' "definitive vision" of the trilogy and that the original theatrical releases were merely "work prints." He apparently doesn't understand why fans would want the old version and is not willing put out the money to have the films restored. How can they be restored if the original prints and elements aren't available? I refer you to this page: http://www.thedigitalbits.com/mytwocentsa121.html
Go to the May 19 posting. According to the head of the company that has restored several significantly older films of equal influential standing in cinematic history which include Lawrence of Arabia and My Fair Lady, it would not be impossible to restore the trilogy given the necessary budget and time. The raw material for this project are in the possession of various collectors and archives not directly affiliated with Lucasfilm.
So, it comes down to this: George is too proud to admit that his creative vision isn't perfect, and his refusal to allow even the possibility for the original trilogy out sell the definitive edition is further illustrated with the two editions being coupled with each other. The original editions are being included as a bonus disc "for fun" with the definitive editions. It'll cost you $90 to get the original version and you HAVE to buy the special editions to get it.
It is a complete insult to his fans, and these actions seem to be following many other company's views of the consumers as just a source of continuous income and profits. "Buy more. Buy more now. Buy more and be happy." This is a quote from THX1138, a film by George. Wonder what ever happened to the guy that made that film.
On a bright note, however, a fantastic film that had major bumps along the road in its original release will be coming back to theatre's in an official director's cut, completely restore. Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford in his glory days, will also come to DVD in this restored format. This is a welcome edition of a great film as Ridley Scott's track record as a director and producer is well above average. Given his proven maturity in vision as a filmmaker, this is should be a highly anticipated re-release.
I think I'll have that cherry now.
