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Release Format: VHS, Betamax
Release Date: May 1982
Studio: 20th Century Fox Video
Technical Comments: This is the first official video transfer of the film, presented in 1.33:1 pan and scan. The audio is the theatrical stereo mix presented in two-channel stereo (mono compatible). It has been brought to my attention that an alternate version of this initial release may also exist, this one featuring a mono-only audio track. Mind you, this is not the theatrical mono mix. Rather, a mono-only presentation of the stereo mix. The theatrical mono mix has never been released on video. If anyone has any more information on this alternate mono release (and a scan of the box cover), please let me know. For more info on the three audio mixes created for the theatrical release of "Star Wars," please click here.
Comments: This first home video release was meant for rental only. Despite that, it could be purchased for its retail price of approximately $120
Other Comments: Comes in a plastic case with "Video Rental Library" stickered labels on the front, back and spine
What You Didn't Know: Despite popular belief, this was not the only transfer made of Star Wars. At some point, a second fullscreen video transfer was created from a 16mm flat print source. Since an anamorphic (2.35:1) 35mm print had been reduced down to a flat (1.33:1) 16mm print, this 16mm source featured different pan & scan decisions made during the print reduction. One main difference in this transfer was that Luke's macrobinocular POV shot of the Banthas was squeezed to actually show the Tusken Raider walking to the side of the frame. This video transfer was only shown on HBO and was never offered for sale or rent [ Special Thanks to David C. Fein ]
Release Format: RCA CED
Release Date: 1982
Studio: 20th Century Fox Video & CBS/FOX
Technical Comments: 1.33:1 pan and scan transfer with Linear Stereo Audio (Mono Compatible)
Comments: One CED disc (Cat# 1130-90). Released first under the 20th Century Fox Video logo and then under the rarer CBS/FOX
Other Comments: The film is time-compressed at 118 min. to fit the 120 min. CED limit
Release Format: VHS, Betamax
Release Date: September 1982
Studio: 20th Century Fox Video
Technical Comments: 1.33:1 pan and scan transfer with Linear Stereo Audio (Mono Compatible)
Comments: Relabeled for consumer sale (although retail was still around $120) Click here for the announcement scanned from the September 1982 copy of "Video Review" magazine
Other Comments: Comes with a side-opening "drawer" slipcase
Release Format: Laserdisc
Release Date: September 1982
Studio: 20th Century Fox Video
Technical Comments: 1.33:1 pan and scan transfer (same as VHS) with CX-encoded Analog Stereo Sound
Comments: One Extended-Play CLV disc (Cat# 1130-80)
Other Comments: The film is time-compressed at 118 min. to fit the 120 min. CLV limit