Category: Consumer Electronics

There is going to be a great deal of complaints from some of the fans of the Star Wars franchise who would love to see the Original Star Wars films released “As Is”

This would include the 1977 Era capabilities of visual effects which even for its time were handled so perfectly. I have already read some twitter post and facebook comments that the “Originals” should be released and even though the story itself doesn’t change some would like to relive the experience of sitting in the theaters back from 1977 through Return of the Jedi with the films as they saw it.

For me, it was Star Wars, it was the Edwards Newport Theater on a Sunday Afternoon. I didn’t even want to see this movie! My parents dropped me off  and made me see it. For everybody, that same description came from that opening sequence, the jaw dropping Star Destroyer flying over head and the complete confusion of not knowing what was happening. Later I would learn from a TED Talk with JJ Abrams – This is what “That Box” is all about. Another reason I am so excited JJ is shooting the latest film.

Some will still want that original experience, an argument that will probably continue for years to come.

When George Lucas set out for the first Star Wars film, there were limitations as to what could be done. It was a huge undertaking that almost cause the halt in production of the film due to its budget. I’ve heard stories of the power struggle at Fox during the production and the story behind the scenes is equally as interesting as the tale of Luke Skywalker in a galaxy far far away.

I have always wanted to see the Star Wars films at home in the High Definition technology of today. I am very happy that Fox, Disney and Lucasfilm have agreed to partner and make these remastered Digital Downloads available and from what I have seen preview wise, it is amazing!

Another nice feature of these Digital Downloads will be the extra’s that come with it.

BONUS

*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer          

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace

• Conversations: Doug Chiang Looks Back
• Discoveries From Inside: Models & Miniatures
• Legacy content includes “The Beginning”; The Podrace: Theatrical Edit;plus eight deleted scenes.

STAR WARS EPISODE II:  Attack of the Clones

• Conversations: Sounds In Space
• Discoveries From Inside: Costumes Revealed
• Legacy content includes “From Puppets To Pixels: Digital Characters In Episode II”; State Of The Art: The Previsualization Of Episode II; and “Films Are Not Released, They Escape”; plus Episode II Visual Effects Breakdown Montage and six deleted scenes.

STAR WARS EPISODE III: Revenge of the Sith

• Conversations: The Star Wars That Almost Was
• Discoveries From Inside: Hologram & Bloopers
• Legacy content includes documentaries “Within A Minute: The Making Of Episode III”; The Journey Part 1; and The Journey Part 2; plus six deleted scenes.

STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A New Hope (20^th Century Fox)

• Conversations: Creating A Universe
• Discoveries From Inside: Weapons & The First Lightsaber
• Legacy content includes “Anatomy Of A Dewback”; Star Wars Launch Trailer; plus eight deleted scenes.

STAR WARS EPISODE V: The Empire Strikes Back

• Conversations: The Lost Interviews
• Discoveries From Inside: Matte Paintings Unveiled
• Legacy content includes “A Conversation With The Masters” (2010); “Dennis Muren: How Walkers Walk”; “George Lucas On Editing The Empire Strikes Back 1979”; and “George Lucas On The Force: 2010”; plus six deleted scenes.

STAR WARS EPISODE VI: Return of the Jedi

• Conversations: The Effects
• Discoveries From Inside: The Sounds Of Ben Burtt
• Legacy content includes “Classic Creatures: Return Of The Jedi”; “Revenge Of The Jedi Teaser Trailer”; Return Of The Jedi Launch Trailer; “It Began TV Spot”; “Climactic Chapter TV Spot”; plus five deleted scenes.

I am looking forward to seeing them all again, even updated – its the story the films tell that will continue to entertain for years to come.

Andy Taylor