logo Sign In

Make your voices heard! (again) - re the 2006 GOUT DVD being in letterbox format — Page 2

Author
Time
They got a bunch of idiots in their field working over at Lucasfilm. Or maybe that's just the man who owns the company.
Author
Time
The sonofabitch really has no idea what the fuck he's doing does he?
There's good in the Original Trilogy, and it's worth fighting for.
"People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people."
http://www.myspace.com/harlock415
Author
Time
I didn't think he would actually go this low. He's releasing them on DVD; why use a deliberately low-quality format? If I want to watch the nonanamorphic versions, I've got VHS. There's less color bleeding and it'll look a little better, blah blah blah-

THEY'RE USING THE LASERDISC MASTERS.

I'll be writing a letter.
Author
Time
Well, Digital Bits has run a new story on the matter. Its true.

Its true.

Will say it again: its true.

I have never, ever said what i am about to say; I've always been a defender--if a level-headed one--of George Lucas, but this has simply gone too far. So here it is:

Fuck you, George Lucas.

Wow, that felt weird.

Fuck you, George Lucas.

I've had enough of this. Seriously--what the hell is wrong with Lucasfilm??? Are they truely that callous that they wont put any effort at all to give us something half decent. Jim Ward should rot in dvd hell. How dare he try to sell us something as terrible as this.

Sigh. Just when things looked so good. The war could have been over--it would have been so easy...
Author
Time
This is my letter to Jim Ward:


Dear Mr. Ward,

Star Wars original trilogy not anamorphic?

When it was announced that the original (pre-Special Edition) version of the Star Wars classic trilogy would be released on DVD this September, I was one among many who rejoiced. Unlike many fans of the classic trilogy, I actually like most of the changes made for the 1997 Special Edition and for the DVDs. I do, however, believe that audiences should have a choice. Besides, by having both versions of the films to make a comparison, one can better appreciate the improvements made to the film. The original versions of the films were the ones that started it all, and belong in the collection of every Star Wars fan.

Unfortunately, I have read various reports on the Internet that the original version of the trilogy would be presented in letterboxed format, not anamorphic widescreen as many fans hoped for. Can you confirm if this rumor is true? If it is, I will not be alone in disappointment that the films are not given the red carpet treatment they deserve.

If this is indeed the studio’s decision – or George Lucas’ decision – I strongly urge everyone involved in the production of this DVD to consider the consequences. Fans of the trilogy have been asking for these gems for a long time, but that does not mean we are desperate enough to shell out cash for an inferior release, especially since most of us already own the 2004 DVDs. Many fans will hold out on this release in the hope of getting a better one eventually, and the unimpressive sales will not in any way be indicative of a lack of interest in the original classic trilogy.

If the original version of the Star Wars classic trilogy is to be released on DVD, please give it the best release possible. We, the fans, can wait.

Sincerely,
(signed)
Ming.
Author
Time
Great work guys, I'll definitely use Jim Wards address (the non PO one).

If you're going to do anything, be consructive, and don't act like a little pissy fanboy. Be appreciative that he's releasing them at all, but show your disappointment in how they're releasing them. If you act like a pissy fanboy, you won't be taken seriously (though it probably matter much anyway).

Regarding my OP, what were the other problems with the 2004 set besides the lightsaber and soundtrack? I'd like to include that in my letter as well.

EDIT: spelling and grammatical

Author
Time
Just faxed this to Mr Jim Ward. For what it's worth:

Dear Mr Ward,

I am writing to voice my concern over the recent announcement that the original theatrical versions of the Star Wars trilogy – billed as mere ‘bonus material’ to accompany the Special Editions – will not be in anamorphic widescreen.

I find this simply stunning especially since film fans have been waiting for the threatrical editions for quite some time now, not to mentions those in ‘the biz’ as well! I find it even more stunning that we have to purchase the Special Edition along with it… again! I am afraid people have just gotten VERY tired of all these cynical marketing ploys. How many versions of Star Wars are there to be before Mr Lucas is satisfied?!? Surely it has gone beyond a joke now. At the VERY least the theatrical editions should be marketed separately from the Special Editions – let the public decide which version they wish to watch. I am sure everyone would appreciate this and Mr Lucas would undoubtedly be pleasantly surprised by the returns generated by such a move… There is really NO excuse to be treated like this after years of loyalty and the huge sums of money people have ploughed into Lucasfilm. One does not bite the hand that feeds them as the old saying goes.

As you are no doubt aware the 1977/1980/1983 versions of the trilogy are extremely important parts of film history, and should receive proper preservation just like any other loved classic, not some half-assed lazy transfer from a 1993 laserdisc master which is riddled with digital noise reduction artefacts and so forth. Mr Lucas may personally wish that they didn’t exist, but when they were released onto the world in 1977 they became special to the hearts and minds of the people who saw it then, and merely wish to experience that same thrill once again on DVD. Surely high quality releases of BOTH can exist side by side like Mr Spielberg did recently with E.T. What galls me is the fact that on the Empire of Dreams documentary which accompanied the first release of the Star Wars SE on DVD, the original version film clips are all in anamorphic, as are the original trailers from 77/80/83!!!

I will not be buying this new set unless Lucasfilm decide to give this a proper film transfer from cleaned elements and anamorphically enhanced for modern 16x9 television screens or projectors.

Thank you for your time.
Author
Time
I just mailed this out today.
-----------------------------------------------------

Dear Sir:

It has come to my recent attention that the up and coming limited release of the original theatrical versions of the Star Wars trilogy is going to be presented in a non-anamorphic format.
To the untrained eye this might seem inconsequential, but by presenting the DVDs in only a letterbox format the fans are going be severely cheated. Home entertainment technology is spreading quickly and more and more viewers are abandoning their 4:3 television sets for a more universal widescreen set. Europe has already established the 16:9 ratio and America is catching up very quickly.
Fans around the country are going to notice the lower quality of this non-anamorphic DVD once they watch it on their 16:9 television set. Please don’t sacrifice the quality of this amazing and culturally influencing film by presenting it only in Letterbox. You’ve already warmed our hearts by giving us the chance to own the movies we saw as kids. Don’t abandon us now.


Sincerely,

(signed)

My Full Name
"I am altering the movies. Pray I don't alter them any further." -Darth Lucas
Author
Time
I called over to Lucasfilm, and the receptionist wouldn't put me through to anyone, and said just to write a letter about your displeasure over the matter. I was very respectful, and she was very nice, she said they just don't have any representatives on call to deal with those matters.

I will be writing my letter this afternoon.
Author
Time
Yes, I will be writing my letter soon as well. I'll post it when I get it done. And seventiesfilmnut, I like your letter, but you may want to consider removing the term "half-assed." It sounds a little unprofessional.

There is no lingerie in space…

C3PX said: Gaffer is like that hot girl in high school that you think you have a chance with even though she is way out of your league because she is sweet and not a stuck up bitch who pretends you don’t exist… then one day you spot her making out with some skinny twerp, only on second glance you realize it is the goth girl who always sits in the back of class; at that moment it dawns on you why she is never seen hanging off the arm of any of the jocks… and you realize, damn, she really is unobtainable after all. Not that that is going to stop you from dreaming… Only in this case, Gaffer is actually a guy.

Author
Time
**EDIT - Since I didn't have the time to send out my original letter today, I decided to rewrite it. I have deleted the original letter from this message**

Here's what I'll be sending:

Dear Mr. Ward,


I was very excited about the news regarding the September release of the Original-Original Trilogy (it sounds funny saying that out-loud) on DVD, and I have already gone around spreading this good news to my friends who honestly didn't believe me when I told them about it. As you can imagine, their jaws dropped and they were speechless when I told them I wasn't joking. What can I say? We're a bunch of Star Wars fanatics and we thought it would be a cold day on planet Mercury before we ever saw a high-quality, official DVD release of the Original-Original Trilogy. Shortly after this fantastic news hit, there was speculation on the net that Lucasfilm would merely put 13 year old laserdisc masters onto these highly anticipated dvds. I said this idea was ridiculous because Lucasfilm is synonymous with quality and to think otherwise would be silly. Surely some sort of restored film master from 1993 was being used, and not a dated video master from the same year. Unfortunately, these rumors have apparently been confirmed by the highly respected website, The Digital Bits. A part of me still doesn't believe it and is waiting for The Digital Bits to correct their erroneous report.

I know it might sound silly, but the Star Wars films are very important to me. I'll spare you my life story, but I will tell you that the original versions of the classic trilogy provided the perfect escape for me during one of the hardest times in life. I am forever grateful to George Lucas for his creation and I'll always consider him a genius. Even if I don't buy the September release due to its' low quality, I will no doubt remain enthusiastic regarding the Star Wars universe. Hopefully at some point the original versions of the original trilogy will be given a high quality video release, but until then, I cannot easily justify spending money on a low-quality product which is no better than what I already own. Despite it all, I'm still glad that the original versions will finally find their way to dvd this September. It's just very unfortunate that this will be a bittersweet experience for so many loyal and dedicated fans.


Sincerely,
*signed*
name
Author
Time
I got through a couple hours ago. Someone answered, I asked for Jim Ward's office and was transferred. I got the voicemail of his assistant (I think that was her title)> I left a polite message expressing my displeasure. The voicemail message said to leave a message and my call would be returned. I am sure that is not the case, but I left my # anyway. I really hope they reverse this decision. Are they really this out of touch?
Author
Time
Suggestion: letters should begin with something like "Thank You, I am so glad you are finally releasing the original unaltered trilogy on DVD. However..."
Author
Time
Originally posted by: zombie84
Well, Digital Bits has run a new story on the matter. Its true.

Its true.

Will say it again: its true...

...I've had enough of this. Seriously--what the hell is wrong with Lucasfilm??? Are they truely that callous that they wont put any effort at all to give us something half decent. Jim Ward should rot in dvd hell. How dare he try to sell us something as terrible as this.

Sigh. Just when things looked so good. The war could have been over--it would have been so easy...


Here's the link to the article:

Non-anamorphic, 1993 Transfer Confirmed

And here's a quote from Lucas that might just get you mad (Original Release Intended to Bate Fans):

"'Now we'll find out whether they really wanted the original or whether they wanted the improved versions,' he said. 'It'll all come out in the end.'"

Sounds like a clear case of disdain for us fans to me.
Author
Time
I went to WidescreenReview.com from a link on the DVD FAQ page by Jim Taylor, and, while no info was given for Star Wars on the non-member search results, both ESB and ROTJ are written up as being anamorphic for the 9/12/06 release.

This is probably just the spec for the SE disc I would guess. But the lack of info on Star Wars makes me wonder if even this site is waiting to see how it all sifts out, or maybe even they have been caught by surprsie.
Author
Time
Hey folks,

I did some web browsing and came across this information regarding Lucasfilm, with the address, phone number and... E-MAILS! I think those are correct and working. So get to it people, make your voices heard. But please be polite and straight to the point, it will get us much further than some whiny insulting complaining e-mails.

I got this from here:

http://everyonewhosanyone.com/tt/tipc1.html

-------------------------

LucasFilm, Ltd.
5858 Lucas Valley Road
San Rafael, CA 94946
(415) 662-1800

(LucasArts Entertainment, Industrial Light & Magic, Skywalker Sound, Lucasfilm Animation, Lucas Licensing)

http://www.lucasfilm.com

George W. Lucas, Chairman, CEO
george.lucas@lucasfilm.com

Micheline Chau, COO
micheline.chau@lucasfilm.com

Jim Ward
jim.ward@lucasfilm.com

Jim Morris
jim.morris@lucasfilm.com

Gail Currey
gail.currey@lucasfilm.com

Nora Bishop, Business Affairs
antipiracy@lucasfilm.com
peace,

Rebelscum
Author
Time
Will mail tomorrow:

-------------------------------------------

Dear Lucasfilm,

My name is Kirk Shelton, a long-time Star Wars fanatic. I am 16 years old and a sophomore in high school. I was very excited when I heard that the original versions of the classic trilogy was coming to DVD. Thank you very much for finally deciding to put them out again. But I was sourly dissappointed to hear that these new discs would be mastered from a D2 source and would be in 4X3 letterbox, rather than 16X9 anamorphic midescreen.
With all the respect in the world, I just ask that if there is anything to be done to improve the quality of the original versions before September, please do it. I love the original films, and am delighted they are coming back again. But please do something, and prove the rumors of a 4X3 letterbox release wrong.
This may sound silly as a request from a young fan, but could you relay my deep thanks to Mr. Lucas for releasing the originals? I grew up with the Special Edition, but I am glad to have them they way they were originally seen and adored. Thank you, Mr. Lucas! Please preserve them in the best way possible.
I'm sad to say that if the final product is merely letterbox and sub-par, I will more likely not purchase them. It breaks my heart to say that. I urge you all to preserve the original Star Wars Trilogy on DVD.
I leave you with my thanks and my sincere hopes that these rumors of a sub-par DVD release are false.

Fellow Enthusiast,
Kirk Shelton

My stance on revising fan edits.

Author
Time
this one too:

If you're unhappy about these DVDs not being anamorphically enhanced let Lucasfilm know about your frustrations at this e-mail address:

publicity@lucasfilm.com

Author
Time
Kirk - that's the best toned letter I've read so far.
Author
Time
Alright. I have my letter completed. I submit it to you, my fellow forum members, for consideration and critiquing before I send it off on its pilgrimage!

"Dear Sir:
I have been a fan of the Star Wars Trilogy for many years, and I would like to sincerely thank you and your company for finally deciding to release the unaltered, theatrical cuts of this trilogy on DVD to the general public. I know that I, and countless other fans have been clamoring for this release for quite a long time, and it is nice to know that Lucasfilm listens to its customers. I would have preferred a release separate from the 2004 Special Editions, as I already bought that set a mere year and a half ago. However, my excitement at the release of the theatrical cuts, even as mere bonus material, is enough to convince me to buy them.
However, it has recently been brought to my attention that this release will be in a letterboxed format as opposed to the technically superior anamorphic widescreen process that every other current release of Star Wars films, as well as nearly all currently produced DVDs, utilize. This has led many to believe that this release will simply be an old Laserdisk transfer. If these rumors are untrue, then forgive my presumptuousness. If it is true, however, I am shocked that Lucasfilm, a company that has always stood for high quality, would allow such low-quality releases out of its doors. These three movies, in their original theatrical presentations, are among some of the most treasured and groundbreaking movies ever released in cinema, and they deserve a spectacular release of the highest quality. If these releases, as has been speculated, are rush-jobs, I beg you to reconsider before they are pressed. Please give the fans the high-quality release that we have been requesting for years and that your company has always been known to produce.
Sincerely yours,
Lance Rumowicz"

So what do you guys think? Is it too long? Is it balanced and polite enough?

There is no lingerie in space…

C3PX said: Gaffer is like that hot girl in high school that you think you have a chance with even though she is way out of your league because she is sweet and not a stuck up bitch who pretends you don’t exist… then one day you spot her making out with some skinny twerp, only on second glance you realize it is the goth girl who always sits in the back of class; at that moment it dawns on you why she is never seen hanging off the arm of any of the jocks… and you realize, damn, she really is unobtainable after all. Not that that is going to stop you from dreaming… Only in this case, Gaffer is actually a guy.