Lucasfilm: Original Star Wars 'bonus'
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business,05/23/2006
MAY 23 | In the wake of extreme fan protests, Lucasfilm is positioning its release of the original ’70s theatrical versions of the first three Star Wars movies as bonus features.
As groused about on various DVD enthusiast Web sites, including www.thedigitalbits.com and www.hometheaterforum.com, Lucasfilm confirmed the studio is not remastering these early films. The prints for the Sept. 12 DVDs of Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI—Return of the Jedi come from laserdiscs of the films released in the mid ’90s. This means that Episodes IV-V1 will be presented in widescreen but not anamorphic, thereby not making full use of modern TV screens.
Lucasfilm acknowledges that some imperfections are embedded in the prints, but director of publicity John Singh said the company felt there was little need to invest resources into sprucing up films that have already been restored to pristine form.
Special edition versions of the films with additions made by George Lucas were released in theaters in the ’90s and on DVD in 2004.
“We put a lot of time and effort into digitally restoring the negatives for the 2004 DVD releases,” Singh said. “The late ’90s theatrical versions represent George’s vision for Star Wars. We hoped that by releasing the original movies as a bonus disc, it would be a way to give the fans something that is fun. We certainly didn’t want to be become a source of frustration for fans.”
Although the prints aren’t in the best of shape, the masters used for the laserdiscs “do look good,” Singh assured.
Both old and new versions of Episodes IV-VI will be included in the Sept. 14 Star Wars sets, to be distributed by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. The revamped ’90s theatrical versions will be offered in anamorphic widescreen.
This release also represents the first time the movies will be available individually on DVD.
Fans have threatened to boycott buying the original Star Wars films if they aren’t cleaned up.
“These are the versions that the fans saw as kids back in the ’70s—this was how they grew up,” said Ron Epstein, HomeTheaterForum.com co-owner. “George doesn’t like these versions, and it’s not the way he wants his legacy to be remembered. But fans [are saying], ‘You aren’t doing us a favor [in putting out] what basically amounts to a laserdisc transfer.”
Aware of the uproar, Lucasfilm is in the process of directly contacting its upset fan base in an attempt to smooth things over.
Some fans had been speculating that Lucasfilm was saving its big gun efforts for the new generation DVD formats. But the company said that at this time, there are no plans to release the original ’70s Star Wars versions in high-definition.
“We absolutely appreciate the fact that these fans are so passionate,” Singh said. “It’s indicative of the fact that they care so much about Star Wars.”
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| Submitted by: | "Scruffy" 5/23/2006 2:29:57 PM PT |
| Location: | Michigan |
| Occupation: | Analyst |
There were a few things in Susan Ault's article that I felt should be addressed. Excerpts are quoted, and my remarks follow.<br><br>
"In the wake of extreme fan protests, Lucasfilm is positioning its release of the original ’70s theatrical versions of the first three Star Wars movies as bonus features."<br><br>
Only one of the films was released in the '70s, and frankly, I think most of us would be happy with the '80s version.<br><br>
"The prints for the Sept. 12 DVDs of Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope...."<br><br>
But as long as we're talking about the '70s version, it's Star Wars ... no "Episode IV," or "A New Hope." In fact, Lucasfilm themselves have advertised it as such.<br><br>
"This means that Episodes IV-V1 will bow in their original film composition, not in the more cinematic anamorphic widescreen transfer."<br><br>
The Star Wars series were originally composed anamorphically on film. The word "anamorphic" takes on a slightly different meaning when discussing film instead of DVD, but since the home theater enthusiast market values faithful reproduction of the "original film composition" over almost anything else, one should not mistake a low-resolution scan of film with its "original composition."<br><br>
"'We put a lot of time and effort into digitally restoring the negatives for the 2004 DVD releases,' Singh said. 'The late ’90s theatrical versions represent George’s vision for Star Wars.' ... Both old and new versions of Episodes IV-VI will be included in the Sept. 14 Star Wars sets, to be distributed by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. The revamped ’90s theatrical versions will be offered in widescreen."<br><br>
The late '90s theatrical versions are not available on DVD. The 2004 versions differ signficantly from the 1997 versions, principally in color timing and sound mix, along with some narrative and special effects changes.<br><br>
"This release also represents the first time the movies will be available individually."<br><br>
Surely Ms. Ault means "available for purchase individually on DVD?" They have been available individually on VHS and laserdisc for some number of years, and are available for individual rental at any number of rental outlets.<br><br>
"Fans have threatened to boycott buying the original Star Wars films if they aren’t cleaned up."<br><br>
The cleanliness of the transfer elements used is an incidental issue. Fans are primarily interested in receiving a good, anamorphic transfer. If existing film elements are unsuitable for a DVD-quality transfer, then clean them. If not, use them as they are. Other great films of the period, like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and even "Let Me Die a Woman" get good anamorphic transfers; why should Star Wars fans settle for a laserdisc master?
| Submitted by: | T 5/23/2006 1:06:49 PM PT |
Looks like they didn't want it known that these were LD transfers and the damage control is kicking in.
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