"Three at a time, et none the less! The THX label arrives on the french PAL LD market with, as first titles, the 3 episodes of Star Wars on 3 CAV LD, with 4 sides for each film. It's logical: George Lucas is at the origine of the trilogy and the THX label. For the event, the director-business man has verified himself the samples, that we've had the pleasure to watch. So, we haven't had the occasion to test the commercial copies, which will be out only november 2nd, due to the late approbation of George Lucas. Anyway, the commercial copies should be the same as the ones we watched.
Star Wars:
> Image: variable quality, with beautiful sequences and "granulous" scenes (desert). Pretty light colors, which could have been more present. The image, globaly, has a good definition and a good quality.
Unfortunately, some unwelcomed "drops" (I don't know exactly what he means by that) add some stars (I think he means some "white parasites"), even in the cinemascope (widescreen) black bars. The 1st disc being more touched than the 2nd one, but this whole edition is largely better than previous releases.
> Sound: Excellent stereo, clear voices. Good dynamic.
> Technical note: 4 (of 5 I guess)
> USA - 1977 - Color - 122' - Fox Vidéo/PFC Vidéo - THX label - 2 discs - 4 sides - 2.35 Cinémascope format - Stereo - French Version - CAV - Chaptered - Manufactured by MPO.
The Empire Strikes Back:
> Image: A good mastering with sequences with very precise image. Some "drops" (again) in some shots. The interiors scenes are pretty nice, but the snow sequences are very granulous.
> Sound: Brilliant, a good general rendering in the action sequences. It's dynamic. Dolby Surround with very distinct effects (starships flying by from behind to above).
> Technical Note: 4
> USA - 1980 - Color - 124' - Fox Vidéo/PFC Vidéo - THX label - 2 discs - 4 sides - 2.35 Cinémascope format - Dolby Surround Stereo - French - CAV - Chaptered - Manufactured by MPO.
Return of the Jedi:
> Image: Very nice definition, unfortunately parasited by some "drops" (I hope you know what he's talking about!). Very well respected colors. Note: a sudden and unwelcomed cut at the end of the 1st side (I think he's just saying that the cut has surely been made during a scene, instead of between two scenes).
> Sound: Very clear, nice dynamic.
> Technical Note: 4
> USA - 1983 - Color - 132' - Fox Vidéo/PFC Vidéo - THX label - 2 discs - 4 sides - 2.35 Cinémascope format - Dolby Surround Stereo - French - CAV - Chaptered - Manufactured by MPO.
Note: all the durations are those mentioned on the LD covers, but aren't the real durations of the LDs (I guess it's the duration without the manufacturers logos and legal disclaimer)."
In "La Trilogie Déclinée" part, the author is just talking about the previous releases, and tells us that all the CAV editions (including this one) have not the special features present in THX VHS tapes.
In "Parfaitement Compatibles !", the author talks about the THX mastering, perfectly compatible with any LD installation...
I hope it will help you, and sorry for my english, it's far from perfect, but I hope that is understandable.