Originally Posted by Robert Harris at HTF:
Those who reject the Star Wars package, for its presumed lack of the original productions are not alone. Personally, I find both versions of interest in their own rights, with the original taking great precedence, for a myriad of reasons.
They are the original, now classic films, as released starting in 1977. They have incredible technological relevance, especially in terms of their use (also with CE3K) of the Dolby process, and Dolby's pioneering CP50 and SVA printed optical soundtracks on 35mm film.
But, for me, beyond the changes in effects and storyline, the veritable 800 pound gorilla is what the films and their filmmakers proved, especially in that 1977 original. And that was that a filmmaker with a certain brilliance toward technology, production techniques, and story could work in a pre-digital world, and on an extremely limited budget, noted on iMDB as only thirteen million dollars, and create an extraordinary masterwork using every trick in the book, and some new ones, to create one of the most beloved and highly regarded films ever to hit the silver sheet. It is precisely those occasional garbage mattes, layer upon layer of composited effects, beautifully manufactured sound, and yes, what appear to be occasional cardboard cut-outs, that prove how, within that limited budget, an extraordinary film could be created, by a master filmmaker.
In that sense, when those in this thread communicate on line regarding their feelings toward Mr. Lucas, please keep in mind, that behind the corporate structure is the extraordinary technical showman who created what this discussion is about in the first place. My personal respect for him, and his work goes all the way back to those budget-saving measures used in creating that original masterpiece. It is for that reason, that I believe the original films should be available on Blu-ray in their highest possible visual and aural states -- to show those who never had the opportunity to see these films in their original 70mm blow-ups, what real filmmaking on an epic level is all about. It is for that reason, that I believe a nine film set is in order.
As to what is being posted, I would suggest that personal gibes be restrained, and that if there is a desire to communicate one's feelings, that it be done in a respectful manner.
RAH
