We touched on this briefly in another thread. I found the remarks interesting, so I thought I’d give it a separate discussion.
When I was reading the few comments in the other topic, I thought of how my own interest in the Star Wars universe had already settled into only five things. The original film, the original soundtrack, the NPR version of Star Wars, the published script of the NPR version, and Splinter Of The Mind’s Eye. My interest in anything film-related after 1977 had already waned in 1980 and it ended in 1983. That’s where it has remained ever since. It was my joining this forum in 2005 – originally looking for a way to transfer my laserdisc to DVD – that eventually expanded my Star Wars Universe to include the NPR version and SOTME. I had long since forgotten about them, nor had I ever heard or read either.
After the LD transfer of Star Wars was released on DVD, the Lucas insanity & lying that have long surrounded the it was again brought into focus and ended up pushing the original film from being my main interest. Instead, I found myself attracted to the depth, quality, and dedication-to-story that the NPR version offered.
Decades of Lucas’ blatant lying, constant changes (none of which I’ve seen), his disregard for the original film, and his smug attitude toward the fanbase have been the reasons I’ve “fallen from the pure faith”. I’ve not watched the original Star Wars since May of 2006. Once I listened to the NPR version, there was no turning back – it became my preferred way to experience Star Wars. I listen to it start-to-finish two or three times a year.
In answer to my own question, the release of a proper DVD version of Star Wars would not affect my interest in the Star Wars universe. It’s already settled into where it will forever remain; firmly rooted in the NPR version, the 1977 release, the original soundtrack, the NPR script, & SOTME - in that order. Oddly enough, four of the five things that comprise my Star Wars universe have little or no input from Lucas. An aspect that makes them that much better.
Truth is, I’m not even sure I would purchase a proper DVD version of Star Wars. I’m very content with my Star Wars universe. It will remain unchanged from now on. It will remain uncontaminated.
In a strange twist of fate, coming to this board to find a way to preserve the only Star Wars entity I had any interest in (1977 film), actually ended up introducing me to the very thing that would replace it (NPR version). For that, I’m very grateful.