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List of Changes between Versions of the Prequel Trilogy

Author
Time
 (Edited)

Never came across a single definitive list, so I thought I would make one myself.


The Phantom Menace

Theatrical/VHS/Laserdisc

-When the Jedi, Queen Amidala and Anakin arrive on Coruscant, Qui-Gon states that ‘the situation has become much more complicated’, there is an optical wipe to an establishing shot of Senator Palpatine’s quarters. It then cuts to the interior.

DVD

-In his first scene, Sebulba’s subtitles are changed to remove “Skywalker", since Sebulba doesn’t actually say Anakin’s last name in the scene.
-Several introductions of other racers are included.
-A shot of Watto cheering Sebulba is removed.
-Shots of the podracers starting were added.
-The podrace scene is extended, with more footage during the second lap: A shot of a tradesman in the stands, Anakin outwitting his rival Gasgano, Anakin repairing his racer after an engine detaches, and a reaction shot of a racer before he crashes.
-After Qui-Gon’s line, there is a new scene in which Padmé, Anakin and Jar Jar board an air taxi. The taxi’s journey allows for an extended view of the Coruscant cityscape before the wipe to Palpatine’s quarters. The establishing shot of Senator Palpatine’s quarters is omitted, with an optical wipe at the end of the air taxi sequence to the inside of the building. The shot with Jar Jar and Ani at the beginning of the scene is also shortened.
-Orn Free Taa’s aides have been replaced by Twi’leks.
-A bridge is added to a shot of the Naboo landscape.
-Pink tints appear during certain scenes.

Blu-ray

-The opening crawl was re-composited against the starfield.
-A new blurring effect is used when Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn use Force Speed to escape the droidekas. This new effect is also visible as the Jedi run down the corridor in the next shot.
-When Nute Gunray and Rune Haako are observing the droideka on a viewscreen as they pursue the Jedi, the shot looks very different. It’s no longer a close-up, but a wide shot. It also features a new digital effect for the screen itself.
-An error that causes Fode and Beed’s hand to clip through their clothing has been fixed.
-Right after Jabba the Hutt’s introduction before the podrace a new voice is heard from a spectator when the camera is focused on the crowd.
-In the scene where Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan discuss Anakin Skywalker’s fate on Coruscant, the sun was brightened from orange to white.
-Calls from the Senate to “Vote now!” when Queen Amidala puts forward a motion of no confidence have been replaced with the sound of a general uproar.
-The Yoda puppet has been replaced with CGI.
-The pink tints have been corrected.
-The scene composition affected by image magnification in the original DVD release was restored bringing around 8% more picture to the frame.

Attack of the Clones

35mm Theatrical

-Anakin and Padme do not hold hands.

Digital Theatrical

-Anakin and Padme hold hands.

IMAX Cutdown Version

-20+ minutes are cut. Cut scenes include:
The Jedi Council meeting with Palpatine after the first assassination attempt
Obi-Wan in the Jedi Archives
Anakin complaining about Obi-Wan’s mentorship skills to Padme
Padme and Anakin meet with Queen Jamillia on Naboo.
The meadow picnic scene
Anakin riding on a shaak
Dooku speaking with Obi-Wan while Obi-Wan is being held prisoner on Geonosis
Anakin and Obi-Wan’s initial meeting with Padme
Bail Organa’s lines are all removed.
-The closing credits are played in a slide-show format rather than the traditional upward scroll.

VHS/DVD

-Extra speeders are removed in the scene where Obi-Wan catches the lightsaber.
-The scene with Anakin’s confession to Padme about the Tusken slaughter is extended, and the music has been looped to accommodate the footage.
-During Mace Windu and Jango Fett’s fight, additional smoke and sparks were added to Jango’s jetpack.
-Padme’s “Yes” is changed to a more natural “Uh-huh” after falling out of the Republic Gunship.

Blu-ray

-Shmi’s voice is added into Anakin’s nightmare, calling to Anakin for help.
-During the speeder chase, when Anakin and Obi-Wan pass through the damaged power coupling, several shots are rearranged.
-Dooku’s escape scene is re-edited, which created an irregularity in background music.
-There is a new color grade.

Revenge of the Sith

Theatrical

-In the scene where Obi-Wan has just left Mustafar aboard Padmé’s skiff, there is an optical wipe to a shot of Vader clawing his way up the bank of a river of molten lava.

VHS/DVD

-The wipe in the Mustafar scene is changed to a hard cut.
-At the end of the scene where Darth Vader is created, there is a different wipe.

Blu-ray

-The scene in which the Clone Army arrives on Utapau is altered, adding dialogue from the troopers as they land on platform.
-The Kashyyyk headquarters rooftop was rendered to appear more significantly aged by adding moss and rust.
-The wipe in the Mustafar scene has been restored.


If there is anything that needs correcting/added, feel free to bring it up.

Author
Time

I kind of liked Anakin and Padme not holding hands in the 35mm cut. It made it seem like he was still nervous and self conscious about his robotic hand. Though that might just be how I read into it.

But we can’t turn back. Fear is their greatest defense. I doubt if the actual security there is any greater than it was on Aquilae or Sullust. And what there is is most likely directed towards a large-scale assault.

Author
Time
 (Edited)

Other than the shorter IMAX version of AOTC I did not know there were changes for the Prequel Trilogy. Thank you for the list D-O

Edit: the blu-ray changes listed are now the default Prequel versions? (on sale in stores, and the version shown on Disney+)

The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear.

Author
Time

Emre1601 said:

Other than the shorter IMAX version of AOTC I did not know there were changes for the Prequel Trilogy. Thank you for the list D-O

No problem. I was curious about it myself, which is what led me to make this.

Edit: the blu-ray changes listed are now the default Prequel versions? (on sale in stores, and the version shown on Disney+)

Yep. Unless you can find the older DVDs in stores somewhere, the Blu-ray versions are the ones that’ll you’ll find everywhere.

Author
Time
 (Edited)

also starting with the 3D release and later disney+,2020 physical re-release,and all streaming services since 2020 of the phantom menace have one change to add more detail here

Author
Time

D-O said:

Never came across a single definitive list, so I thought I would make one myself.


The Phantom Menace

Theatrical/VHS/Laserdisc

-When the Jedi, Queen Amidala and Anakin arrive on Coruscant, Qui-Gon states that ‘the situation has become much more complicated’, there is an optical wipe to an establishing shot of Senator Palpatine’s quarters. It then cuts to the interior.

DVD

-In his first scene, Sebulba’s subtitles are changed to remove “Skywalker", since Sebulba doesn’t actually say Anakin’s last name in the scene.
-Several introductions of other racers are included.
-A shot of Watto cheering Sebulba is removed.
-Shots of the podracers starting were added.
-The podrace scene is extended, with more footage during the second lap: A shot of a tradesman in the stands, Anakin outwitting his rival Gasgano, Anakin repairing his racer after an engine detaches, and a reaction shot of a racer before he crashes.
-After Qui-Gon’s line, there is a new scene in which Padmé, Anakin and Jar Jar board an air taxi. The taxi’s journey allows for an extended view of the Coruscant cityscape before the wipe to Palpatine’s quarters. The establishing shot of Senator Palpatine’s quarters is omitted, with an optical wipe at the end of the air taxi sequence to the inside of the building. The shot with Jar Jar and Ani at the beginning of the scene is also shortened.
-Orn Free Taa’s aides have been replaced by Twi’leks.
-A bridge is added to a shot of the Naboo landscape.
-Pink tints appear during certain scenes.

Blu-ray

-The opening crawl was re-composited against the starfield.
-A new blurring effect is used when Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn use Force Speed to escape the droidekas. This new effect is also visible as the Jedi run down the corridor in the next shot.
-When Nute Gunray and Rune Haako are observing the droideka on a viewscreen as they pursue the Jedi, the shot looks very different. It’s no longer a close-up, but a wide shot. It also features a new digital effect for the screen itself.
-An error that causes Fode and Beed’s hand to clip through their clothing has been fixed.
-Right after Jabba the Hutt’s introduction before the podrace a new voice is heard from a spectator when the camera is focused on the crowd.
-In the scene where Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan discuss Anakin Skywalker’s fate on Coruscant, the sun was brightened from orange to white.
-Calls from the Senate to “Vote now!” when Queen Amidala puts forward a motion of no confidence have been replaced with the sound of a general uproar.
-The Yoda puppet has been replaced with CGI.
-The pink tints have been corrected.
-The scene composition affected by image magnification in the original DVD release was restored bringing around 8% more picture to the frame.

Attack of the Clones

35mm Theatrical

-Anakin and Padme do not hold hands.

Digital Theatrical

-Anakin and Padme hold hands.

IMAX Cutdown Version

-20+ minutes are cut. Cut scenes include:
The Jedi Council meeting with Palpatine after the first assassination attempt
Obi-Wan in the Jedi Archives
Anakin complaining about Obi-Wan’s mentorship skills to Padme
Padme and Anakin meet with Queen Jamillia on Naboo.
The meadow picnic scene
Anakin riding on a shaak
Dooku speaking with Obi-Wan while Obi-Wan is being held prisoner on Geonosis
Anakin and Obi-Wan’s initial meeting with Padme
Bail Organa’s lines are all removed.
-The closing credits are played in a slide-show format rather than the traditional upward scroll.

VHS/DVD

-Extra speeders are removed in the scene where Obi-Wan catches the lightsaber.
-The scene with Anakin’s confession to Padme about the Tusken slaughter is extended, and the music has been looped to accommodate the footage.
-During Mace Windu and Jango Fett’s fight, additional smoke and sparks were added to Jango’s jetpack.
-Padme’s “Yes” is changed to a more natural “Uh-huh” after falling out of the Republic Gunship.

Blu-ray

-Shmi’s voice is added into Anakin’s nightmare, calling to Anakin for help.
-During the speeder chase, when Anakin and Obi-Wan pass through the damaged power coupling, several shots are rearranged.
-Dooku’s escape scene is re-edited, which created an irregularity in background music.
-There is a new color grade.

Revenge of the Sith

Theatrical

-In the scene where Obi-Wan has just left Mustafar aboard Padmé’s skiff, there is an optical wipe to a shot of Vader clawing his way up the bank of a river of molten lava.

VHS/DVD

-The wipe in the Mustafar scene is changed to a hard cut.
-At the end of the scene where Darth Vader is created, there is a different wipe.

Blu-ray

-The scene in which the Clone Army arrives on Utapau is altered, adding dialogue from the troopers as they land on platform.
-The Kashyyyk headquarters rooftop was rendered to appear more significantly aged by adding moss and rust.
-The wipe in the Mustafar scene has been restored.


If there is anything that needs correcting/added, feel free to bring it up.

“-During Mace Windu and Jango Fett’s fight, additional smoke and sparks were added to Jango’s jetpack.” this does not seem to be true

Author
Time
 (Edited)

nobodybutjarjar42 said:

“-During Mace Windu and Jango Fett’s fight, additional smoke and sparks were added to Jango’s jetpack.” this does not seem to be true

I’ve seen conflicting reports, but I haven’t been able to confirm or deny it either way. I haven’t seen any comparisons, nor am I able to make my own (since I don’t currently have a copy of any of the theatrical versions), so I’m leaving it there for now until a definitive answer appears.

Author
Time
 (Edited)

D-O said:

nobodybutjarjar42 said:

“-During Mace Windu and Jango Fett’s fight, additional smoke and sparks were added to Jango’s jetpack.” this does not seem to be true

I’ve seen conflicting reports, but I haven’t been able to confirm or deny it either way. I haven’t seen any comparisons, nor am I able to make my own (since I don’t currently have a copy of any of the theatrical versions), so I’m leaving it there for now until a definitive answer appears.

it seems like the reason this spread was the fact in the commentry track george lucas says they changed it for the digital theatrical and dvd releases but when you check there is not a difference

Author
Time

“At the end of the scene where Darth Vader is created, there is a different wipe.”

I’ve never heard of that.
What is this change?

Author
Time

nobodybutjarjar42 said:

D-O said:

nobodybutjarjar42 said:

“-During Mace Windu and Jango Fett’s fight, additional smoke and sparks were added to Jango’s jetpack.” this does not seem to be true

I’ve seen conflicting reports, but I haven’t been able to confirm or deny it either way. I haven’t seen any comparisons, nor am I able to make my own (since I don’t currently have a copy of any of the theatrical versions), so I’m leaving it there for now until a definitive answer appears.

it seems like the reason this spread was the fact in the commentry track george lucas says they changed it for the digital theatrical and dvd releases but when you check there is not a difference

Yep. It could very well be the same, but it would be odd for GL to mention a specific change, only for it to have never happened. Is the Centropy still the best preservation of the 35mm Theatrical? It may not be high enough quality enough to tell if tiny sparks are different.

Sani35 said:

“At the end of the scene where Darth Vader is created, there is a different wipe.”

I’ve never heard of that.
What is this change?

Yeah, that’s another one I’m not sure about. I got it from here, which also mentions a “slightly shorter “Noooo!!” from Darth Vader”. That one’s been disproven, so it could very well be likely that that one is false too. Also, if the Mustafar wipe change was a big enough deal that it’s been mentioned quite a few times on this site, why wouldn’t this one also be mentioned?

Author
Time

I found another change in ep2 that I never read anywhere.
From ~30:57 there was an editorial error with R2 behind Padmé and Anakin in the theatrical edition.

Author
Time

D-O said:

nobodybutjarjar42 said:

also starting with the 3D release and later disney+,2020 physical re-release,and all streaming services since 2020 of the phantom menace have one change to add more detail here

Oh right, they updated the end of the magnet stick to look more 3D.

https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=326049

Will you be adding these D+ changes to the list as well? They now end to the 2011 version.

And in the time of greatest despair, there shall come a savior, and he shall be known as the Son of the Suns.

Author
Time

PREQUEL TRILOGY - Changes

STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE
https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=563
https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=123195
https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=326049
https://caps-a-holic.com/c.php?d1=13917&d2=13916&s1=141128&s2=141098&x=0&y=0&i=0&a=1&go=0&l=1
https://caps-a-holic.com/c.php?go=1&a=0&d1=13916&d2=13918&s1=141098&s2=141143&i=0&l=1

STAR WARS: EPISODE II - ATTACK OF THE CLONES
https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=683662
https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=929191
https://caps-a-holic.com/c.php?go=1&a=0&d1=13920&d2=13919&s1=141180&s2=141163&i=0&l=1
https://caps-a-holic.com/c.php?go=1&a=0&d1=13919&d2=13921&s1=141163&s2=141198&i=0&l=1

STAR WARS: EPISODE III - REVENGE OF THE SITH
https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=902478
https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=879092
https://caps-a-holic.com/c.php?go=1&a=0&d1=13927&d2=13926&s1=141251&s2=141219&i=0&l=1
https://caps-a-holic.com/c.php?go=1&a=0&d1=13926&d2=13928&s1=141219&s2=141267&i=0&l=1

Be sure to look in the comments. That site doesn’t have a comparison for ATTACK OF THE CLONES regarding the differences from Theatrical to DVD, and 2011 Blu-ray disc to 2019/2020 Disney+/4K UHD.

Hoping this thread would have comparisons to the 2019/2020 Disney+/4K UHD releases.

Author
Time
 (Edited)

"35mm Theatrical
-Anakin and Padme do not hold hands.

Digital Theatrical
-Anakin and Padme hold hands."

I can add that that doesn’t actually quite cover all the changes to that wedding scene.

It is not just that she doesn’t hold his hand in the 35mm but does so in the digital, but that it’s a totally different take used even starting a few seconds earlier when his robot hand is still down by his side in both versions. That whole sequence from a few seconds before through when the hand raises up and she holds it got replaced by a later drop in replacement take. When the robit hand is still down by his side it is in a different pose, looks a bit different and has totally different lighting on it (beautiful sparkly golden) compared to the digital.