We are simply being given the chance to see the original trilogy on DVD. The limited release factor gives incentive to those who do not believe the originals will be featured in the big 30th Anniversary boxset. Everybody knows the 30th Ann set will have even more alterations and things that will piss off people like GOULDl. I look forward to every new Star Wars DVD release and view Lucas's changes like a man's personal evolution as a film maker. Don't get me wrong Lucas is a business man and knows where his bread is buttered. I truly think that these current DVD releases are like Lucas saying: "I'm giving fans what they have been crying for since the begining of the DVD format." If you stop and consider when the DVD format was "new" anamorphic widescreen was not the standard. Therefore it is entirely reasonable for Lucas to be giving us these editions preserving the classic look and standard of DVDs we would have gotten had they been released in 1997. It's the equivalent of say Criterion releasing the Star Wars Trilogy on DVD. A lot of times Criterion simply ported over their laserdisc transfers directly to DVD and look at how Criterion holds some of the most sought after movie titles. Another way this is rationalized is when you have the original trilogy packaged with the 2004 releases. The Alien movies have done it. If you look at The Alien Quadrilogy you have your choice of either the original theatrical releases or the SE. My point is that Lucas will continue to alter his movies until he feels he has fully realized his vision. Nobody can fault him for that because that is something few people get to do in life. Lucas should be commended for has passion and be praised for striving to bring us the full picture. The originals will never be forgotten but I do not see the changes in Star Wars as negative disrespect for the theatrical releases, but rather as more pieces to the ever evolving puzzle that is Star Wars. Someday Lucas will accomplish his goal in this lifetime and people will still complain. I for one will continue to purchase the various releases until the circle is finally complete.
We are simply being given the chance to see the original trilogy on DVD. The limited release factor gives incentive to those who do not believe the originals will be featured in the big 30th Anniversary boxset. Everybody knows the 30th Ann set will have even more alterations and things that will piss off people like GOULDl. I look forward to every new Star Wars DVD release and view Lucas's changes like a man's personal evolution as a film maker. Don't get me wrong Lucas is a business man and knows where his bread is buttered. I truly think that these current DVD releases are like Lucas saying: "I'm giving fans what they have been crying for since the begining of the DVD format." If you stop and consider when the DVD format was "new" anamorphic widescreen was not the standard. Therefore it is entirely reasonable for Lucas to be giving us these editions preserving the classic look and standard of DVDs we would have gotten had they been released in 1997. It's the equivalent of say Criterion releasing the Star Wars Trilogy on DVD. A lot of times Criterion simply ported over their laserdisc transfers directly to DVD and look at how Criterion holds some of the most sought after movie titles. Another way this is rationalized is when you have the original trilogy packaged with the 2004 releases. The Alien movies have done it. If you look at The Alien Quadrilogy you have your choice of either the original theatrical releases or the SE. My point is that Lucas will continue to alter his movies until he feels he has fully realized his vision. Nobody can fault him for that because that is something few people get to do in life. Lucas should be commended for has passion and be praised for striving to bring us the full picture. The originals will never be forgotten but I do not see the changes in Star Wars as negative disrespect for the theatrical releases, but rather as more pieces to the ever evolving puzzle that is Star Wars. Someday Lucas will accomplish his goal in this lifetime and people will still complain. I for one will continue to purchase the various releases until the circle is finally complete.