Yeah, I wouldn't necessarily say that I'm "happy" about the announcement--more like relieved. I've been into DVDs for over five years, and have pretty much gotten fed up with the whole "when is Star Wars gonna be on DVD?" crap. So, it's nice that they're finally coming out.
Now, I didn't blow a load all over the place this morning like I would have four or five years ago--just kind of a "finally/it's about time" kind of feeling.
As far as the extras, whatever. Would it be nice if they received the same exact treatment as the new films, with two-disc sets? Sure, but at the same time, the films themselves are what's most important, and as long as the audio and video quality are the best they can be, then I'll be happy. I mean, this sounds like it's going to be pretty much the exact same thing that we got with the Raiders set last fall, and to be honest, I've gone through those extras once, and haven't gone back to them since.
What a lot of people forget to realize is that they're comparing the DVDs for these twenty-five year old films to the DVDs that are being produced for new films like Lord of the Rings--films that started their production with DVD already out. With the new stuff, they have the ability to create special features for the DVDs during the production of the films themselves, right along side it.
The documentation most certainly got better and more expansive from the production of Star Wars to Jedi, but even then, it still wouldn't compare to what they're doing today. There is just not all that material out there for them to use.
As for the versions of the films (the '97 Special Editions, which I'll get to in a second), well, that's to be expected. Yes, they are Lucas' films, and he can do what he wants to with them, for sure, that's his prerogative.
It is sad, though, that he's not doing anything to preserve those original versions for future generations. After all, they were the films that set the world on fire, and made him his millions billions, not the SE's.
And don't give me the "you have the VHS" bullsh!t. That's a cop-out. There's a reason DVD has kicked the crap out of VHS in the last seven years--VHS sucks. The original films were last released on VHS in 1995--already nine years ago. They're degrading already. I'd hate to think what those same tapes will look like ten more years from now.
So yeah, I'll most definitely still buy these things, and be content for now, just with the hopes that for the "archival" editions, released sometime after 2006 (if not later), he'll do the right thing and include all the versions of these films, and let the fans decide which versions they want to watch.
Anyway, here's a little story from DVD File on the DVDs from today:
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"The Force is Back - 12:01am
After years of waiting, hype and hope, the rumors can at last be laid to rest: the holy grail of DVD will finally be released this September. Yes, it is the original Star Wars trilogy: Episodes IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (which many regard as the best in the series) and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
While a full press release has yet to be issued, both Lucasfilm and Fox Home Entertainment confirmed today that the trilogy will touch down on September 21st as a four-disc set, available in both anamorphic widescreen and full screen versions, containing the three films plus a bonus fourth disc with extras, a la the top-selling Adventures of Indiana Jones set released late last year. The films will not be sold separately, at least initially, according to Fox representatives.
While the long-held rumor was that George Lucas would wait until the completion of Star Wars Episode III, due in theaters in May 2005, to release the original trilogy on DVD, Lucasfilm VP of Market Jim Ward revealed today that Lucas "found some time" in his schedule and "was willing and eager to make it happen."
Today's announcement came early and without finalized specs due in part to the intense anticipation amongst consumers for the titles. "We are currently in the process of restoring and remastering all three titles for the DVD release, so we're still working on details of the marketing strategy," revealed Ward, not before adding with knowing understatement, "but I believe that it is safe to say that it will receive tremendous exposure across all media."
According to Fox Home Entertainment president Mike Dunn, both the studio and Lucasfilm arrived at the September 21st date to gain maximum exposure during the holiday season: "We sold about 17 million VHS 'Star Wars' units during two fall release periods in '95 and '97," he explained. "With that in mind, we designed our release strategy to pick the best release date that had the most gentle sales curve decline on home video."
While the full details on what extras will be included in the set are still pending, Ward promises that Lucasfilm "are creating added-value material that gets inside the creation of the 'Star Wars' films in a fresh and fun way. We want watching this DVD collection to be as memorable as seeing the movies for the first time." He also confirmed that rumors that Lucas would not contribute new audio commentaries to the set are false, although there are as of yet no exact details on which films will receive commentary tracks, and who will be among the participants.
Of course, the big question mark amongst fans has always been whether Lucas would allow the original, unaltered original editions of the trilogy to also be released on DVD. Not possible, said Ward, who confirmed that the upcoming set will feature only the 1997 Special Edition versions of each film. "What George did in 1997," Ward explains, "was [to] make the movie he originally wanted to make."
So what are the faithful to do if they don't want to watch the altered 1997 editions of the trilogy? Either give in, or don't buy. "We realize there's a lot of debate out there," says Ward. "But this is not a democracy. We love our fans, but this is about art and filmmaking. [George] has decided that the sole version he wants available is this one."
With no press release due for at least several weeks, watch this space for further updates as September 21st approaches. We'll keep you posted, and as always.... May the Force Be With You."
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