This is a thread that I wish to discuss, because it’s been a thing of contention since, well, since the Special Editions came out since 1997. The Special Editions are changes that series creator George Lucas made to change the films & to make them as consistent as possible to the upcoming prequel trilogy.
On the surface, I actually don’t mind the idea of changing, or touching up a work of art. It’s natural to feel embarrassed over a work of art you did in the past that you want to improve on, & felt the limitations at the time held back one’s vision.
That said, I’m of the opinion that these versions should exist with the original theatrical releases kept also. Changes are also made to the prequels too, with different additions to the films.
I’m of the opinion that these changes should exist, but not at the cost of not distributing the very foundation as to why people enjoyed the films back in the day.
A New Hope & Jedi’s changes being pretty major, while Empire’s not so much. I like the newer changes like Cloud City’s views, Boba Fett’s voice change, the new Jedi ending, the X-Wing segments, the stormtrooper army vs Han, the color corrections, etc. I don’t mind the changes like Hayden being in there, even though I still admit that he should’ve had some de aging to make it seem that Anakin is in his 40s & not his 20s. Even the updated Emperor scene works great for me.
Then there are the other changes that just make you scratch your head. Han vs Greedo is a whole lot of Maclunky. The magically disappearing rock, Obi-Wan’s hernia scream(it was fine in 2004), the ridiculousness in Mos Eisley, Jedi Rocks replacing Lapti Nek that clashes with the tone of Oola’s death. None of these don’t bother me, but the one that does is the stupid NO! that Vader does on the climax of Jedi. It bothers me more than Vader’s new lines in Empire, because the silence was what made the scene great. It was fine back in 2004, but 2011 just had to bring it in there.
At the end of the day, the idea of the unaltered versions being released officially isn’t happening. 1-6 are George’s work. Despite the changes, it doesn’t affect my enjoyment of the film that much, more so nitpicks. I can still enjoy the first six films fine with the new releases(except Clones). Regardless of my feelings or criticisms, I still hold George with high regard, & his storytelling is still timeless.
At least the fans can update it themselves. Harmy’s Despecialized Edition still exists, & 4K77, 4K80 & 4K83 are still prevalent. I am curious about one thing…… If there were a version of the original Star Wars trilogy that lets you change certain things & remove others, what would you change.
If it were up to me, I’d leave Episode IV as it, besides updating the Aurebesh text, the Han Stormtrooper thing, the 2004 Krayt Dragon call, the hall on the detention center. The rest I’ll leave it as is.
Episode V is perfect, with the only change I’ll bring is the new Emperor scene, updating Cloud City & Boba Fett’s voice. The rest of the film is fine as it is.
Episode VI I’d leave it as is, but I would add the Ewok Celebration, Oola in the Rancor pit, the Sarlaac design, & probably Hayden but age him up in his 40s.
These are things I’m thinking at the top of my mind. Feel free to agree to disagree. Let me know what you think, be respectful & May the force be with you!