The differences in the dialogue spoken in the original three Star Wars films has always fascinated me and about 5 years ago I began listening to the various different "mixes" I heard of each film with a plan to do a single point of reference posting for all to see. Having briefly borrowed the Blu Ray release, my journey is complete.
There are gaps - various 8mm, 16mm, and 70mm - that I have not heard and I also now plan to cross-reference the differences I have highlighted with the same lines from the novels, original ReadAlongs, Special Edition ReadAlongs, the Marvel graphic novels, the Special Edition graphic novels as well as the Radio Drama's. I will add those to this post as and when I get around to it. I also need to finish the actual available sources for each mix - ie time compressed LaserDiscs and various VHS releases.
I have only chosen actual dialogue differences and not just different "takes". I have also avoided any of the Special Edition(s) added scenes. If anyone thinks that any other lines deserve a mention, please feedback and I will consider it.
The times given are from the NTSC GOUT which seemed to me as the most commonly available reference source.
***Star Wars - A New Hope***
Dialogue Difference 1 47:22
"Alright, check that side of the street. It's secure. Move on to the next one." or "Alright, check this side of the street. The door's locked. Move on to the next one."
Dialogue Difference 2 1:03:02
"The tractor beam is coupled to the main reactor in seven locations. A power loss at one of the terminals will allow the ship to leave." or silence
Dialogue Difference 3 1:10:38
"Governor Tarkin? We have an emergency alert in detention block AA-23." or "We have an emergency alert in detention block AA-23."
Dialogue Difference 4 1:25:15
"Close the blast doors!" or silence
Dialogue Difference 5 1:45:25
Luke says "Blast it, Wedge! Where are you?" or "Blast it, Biggs! Where are you?"
All of the above can be seen here http://homepage.ntlworld.com/russdawson/mono/
1977 Theatrical 70mm Six-Track
Never officially released but a recording exists. http://www.wideanglecloseup.com/starwarsaudio.html
1 "Alright, check this side of the street. The door's locked. Move on to the next one."
2 There is no tractor beam line.
3 "We have an emergency alert in detention block AA-23."
4 There is no blast doors line.
5 Luke says "Blast it, Biggs! Where are you?"
1977 Theatrical 35mm Stereo - ASSUMED to be same as the 1985 Full Screen Standard Play (1130-84) LaserDiscs.
- most recently heard preserved on Dark Jedi V3 Audio 2: 1977 Theatrical 2.0 Surround @256kbps
1 "Alright, check this side of the street. The door's locked. Move on to the next one."
2 There is no tractor beam line.
3 "We have an emergency alert in detention block AA-23."
4 There is no blast doors line.
5 Luke says "Blast it, Biggs! Where are you?"
1977 Mono
Never officially released but remastered from TV broadcasts.
- most recently heard preserved on Dark Jedi V3 Audio 3: 1977 Theatrical Mono @ 128kbps
1 "Alright, check that side of the street. It's secure. Move on to the next one."
2 "The tractor beam is coupled to the main reactor in seven locations. A power loss at one of the terminals will allow the ship to leave."
3 "Governor Tarkin? We have an emergency alert in detention block AA-23."
4 "Close the blast doors!"
5 Luke says "Blast it, Wedge! Where are you?"
1977 8mm
1 This scene is not in this release
2 This scene is not in this release
3 This scene is not in this release
4 This scene is not in this release
5 This scene is not in this release
1977 16mm (mono)
1 "Alright, check that side of the street. It's secure. Move on to the next one."
2 "The tractor beam is coupled to the main reactor in seven locations. A power loss at one of the terminals will allow the ship to leave."
3 "Governor Tarkin? We have an emergency alert in detention block AA-23."
4 "Close the blast doors!"
5 Luke says "Blast it, Wedge! Where are you?"
1977 Story of Star Wars LP
1 This scene is not in this release
2 C-3PO only says "A power loss at one of the terminals will allow the ship to leave"
3 "Governor Tarkin? We have an emergency alert in detention block AA-23."
4 "Close the blast doors!"
5 This scene is not in this release
1985 Digital Sound from the 1986 Japanese Special Collection (SF148-1196), 1989 Special Widescreen Edition (1130-85) and 1992 Full SCreen Digital Sound (5651-80) LaserDiscs.
- most recently heard preserved on Dark Jedi V3 Audio 4: 1985 Home Video 2.0 Surround Remix @ 256kbps
1 "Alright, check this side of the street. The door's locked. Move on to the next one."
2 "The tractor beam is coupled to the main reactor in seven locations. A power loss at one of the terminals will allow the ship to leave."
3 "We have an emergency alert in detention block AA-23."
4 There is no blast doors line.
5 Luke says "Blast it, Biggs! Where are you?"
1993 THX Digital Sound from the 1993 Definitive Collection (0693-84-01) and 1995 Faces (8763-85) LaserDiscs. Also used for the 2006 GOUT DVD Release.
- most recently heard preserved Dark Jedi V3 Audio 5: 1993 Home Video 2.0 Surround Remix @ 256kbps
1 "Alright, check this side of the street. The door's locked. Move on to the next one."
2 There is no tractor beam line.
3 "We have an emergency alert in detention block AA-23."
4 There is no blast doors line.
5 Luke says "Blast it, Biggs! Where are you?"
1997 Special Edition - THX Digital Sound & Dolby Digital from the 1997 Special Edition LaserDisc (410298501).
1 "Alright, check this side of the street. The door's locked. Move on to the next one."
2 "The tractor beam is coupled to the main reactor in seven locations. A power loss at one of the terminals will allow the ship to leave."
3 "We have an emergency alert in detention block AA-23."
4 "Close the blast doors!"
5 Luke says "Blast it, Biggs! Where are you?"
2004 THX Digitally Mastered & Dolby Digital from the 2004 DVD Release, 2006 DVD Release and 2008 Trilogy Box Set Release.
1 "Alright, check this side of the street. The door's locked. Move on to the next one."
2 "The tractor beam is coupled to the main reactor in seven locations. A power loss at one of the terminals will allow the ship to leave."
3 "We have an emergency alert in detention block AA-23."
4 "Close the blast doors!"
5 Luke says "Blast it, Biggs! Where are you?"
2011 Blu Ray Release
1 "Alright, check this side of the street. The door's locked. Move on to the next one."
2 "The tractor beam is coupled to the main reactor in seven locations. A power loss at one of the terminals will allow the ship to leave."
3 "We have an emergency alert in detention block AA-23."
4 "Close the blast doors!"
5 Luke says "Blast it, Biggs! Where are you?"
***The Empire Strikes Back***
Dialogue Difference 1 14:43
Han says, "until I can get the shelter up" or "until I can get the shelter built."
Dialogue Difference 2 14:47
Luke says an additional "Ben... Dagobah..." just before Han says, "I thought they smelled bad on the outside."
Dialogue Difference 3 16:59
When C-3PO tells Luke, "It's so good to see you fully functional again", Luke replies, "Thanks, 3PO."
Dialogue Difference 4 18:03
The line "Headquarters personnel report to Command Center" is said three times instead of two.
Dialogue Difference 5 29:46
When R2-D2 is being loaded into Luke's X-Wing, C-3PO says an extra "and" before saying "do take good care of yourself.". However, in all the pre-SE mixes, the extra "and" is actually there but cannot be heard under normal listening conditions. In the SE mix and beyond, the extra "and" is very clearly heard.
Dialogue Difference 6 34:28
Han's line "Transport, this is Solo. Better take off, I can't get to you. I'll get her out on the Falcon" is followed by, "Come on."
Dialogue Difference 7 40:43
In the asteroid field, after C-3PO says, "Oh, this is suicide", he says, "There's nowhere to go."
Dialogue Difference 8 44:26
In the scene where R2-D2 is spat out by the bog beast, Luke says "You were lucky to get out of there," or "You're lucky you don't taste very good."
Dialogue Difference 9 1:22:42
In Cloud City, after C-3PO says, "That sounds like an R2 unit in there. I wonder if it..." he says "Hello?" only once instead of twice.
Dialogue Difference 10 1:53:28
Darth Vader says "bring my shuttle" or "Alert my stardestroyer to prepare for my arrival."
Dialogue Difference 11 1:59:13
Between Luke saying "Good luck, Lando." and "I'll meet you at the rendezvous point on Tatooine." the line spoken by Lando "When we find Jabba the Hutt and that bounty hunter, we'll contact you." is either spoken or missing.
1980 Theatrical 70mm Six-Track Stereo
Never officially released but a recording exists. http://www.wideanglecloseup.com/starwarsaudio.html
1 Han says, "until I can get the shelter built."
2 Luke does not say an additional "Ben... Dagobah..." just before Han says, "I thought they smelled bad on the outside."
3 When C-3PO tells Luke, "It's so good to see you fully functional again", Luke does not reply.
4 The line "Headquarters personnel report to Command Center" is said only two times.
5 C-3PO does not say the extra word "and" before saying "do take good care of yourself."
6 Han's line "Transport, this is Solo. Better take off, I can't get to you. I'll get her out on the Falcon" is not followed by, "Come on."
7 In the asteroid field, after C-3PO only says, "Oh, this is suicide"
8 In the scene where R2-D2 is spat out by the bog beast, Luke says "You're lucky you don't taste very good."
9 In Cloud City, after C-3PO says, "That sounds like an R2 unit in there. I wonder if it..." he says "Hello?" twice.
10 Vader says "bring my shuttle"
11 "When we find Jabba the Hutt and that bounty hunter, we'll contact you." is missing.
1980 Theatrical 35mm Stereo - ASSUMED to be same as the 1985 Full Screen Standard Play (1425-84) LaserDiscs.
- most recently heard preserved on the Dark Jedi V3 Audio 2: 1980 Theatrical 2.0 Surround @ 256kbps
1 Han says, "until I can get the shelter built."
2 Luke does not say an additional "Ben... Dagobah..." just before Han says, "I thought they smelled bad on the outside."
3 When C-3PO tells Luke, "It's so good to see you fully functional again", Luke does not reply.
4 The line "Headquarters personnel report to Command Center" is said only two times.
5 C-3PO does not say the extra word "and" before saying "do take good care of yourself."
6 Han's line "Transport, this is Solo. Better take off, I can't get to you. I'll get her out on the Falcon" is not followed by, "Come on."
7 In the asteroid field, after C-3PO only says, "Oh, this is suicide"
8 In the scene where R2-D2 is spat out by the bog beast, Luke says "You're lucky you don't taste very good."
9 In Cloud City, after C-3PO says, "That sounds like an R2 unit in there. I wonder if it..." he says "Hello?" twice.
10 Vader says "bring my shuttle"
11 "When we find Jabba the Hutt and that bounty hunter, we'll contact you." is spoken.
1980 8mm
1 This scene is not in this release
2 This scene is not in this release
3 This scene is not in this release
4 This scene is not in this release
5 This scene is not in this release
6 This scene is not in this release
7 This scene is in the film but the line is not spoken
8 This scene is not in this release
9 In Cloud City, after C-3PO says, "That sounds like an R2 unit in there. I wonder if it..." he says "Hello?" only once instead of twice.
10 This scene is not in this release
11 "When we find Jabba the Hutt and that bounty hunter, we'll contact you." is missing.
1980 16mm - no preservation currently available
1980 The Story of The Empire Strikes Back LP
1 Han says, "until I can get the shelter up"
2 Luke says an additional "Ben... Dagobah..." and then the scene ends.
3 When C-3PO tells Luke, "It's so good to see you fully functional again", Luke replies, "Thanks, 3PO."
4 The line "Headquarters personnel report to Command Center" is said once and then the scene ends.
5 This scene is not in this release
6 Han's line "Transport, this is Solo. Better take off, I can't get to you. I'll get her out on the Falcon" is not followed by, "Come on."
7 In the asteroid field, after C-3PO only says, "Oh, this is suicide"
8 In the scene where R2-D2 is spat out by the bog beast, Luke says "You were lucky to get out of there."
9 In Cloud City, after C-3PO says, "That sounds like an R2 unit in there. I wonder if it..." he says "Hello?" only once instead of twice.
10 This scene is not in this release
11 "When we find Jabba the Hutt and that bounty hunter, we'll contact you." is missing.
1985 Digital Sound* from the 1986 Japanese Special Collection (SF148-1242), 1989 Special Widescreen Edition (1425-85) and 1992 Full Screen Digital Sound (5652-80) LaserDiscs. *It is widely believed that the 1985 mix is identical to the original 1980 mix - albeit with the Digital Sound.
- heard in various preservations
1 Han says, "until I can get the shelter built."
2 Luke does not say an additional "Ben... Dagobah..." just before Han says, "I thought they smelled bad on the outside."
3 When C-3PO tells Luke, "It's so good to see you fully functional again", Luke replies, "Thanks, 3PO."
4 The line "Headquarters personnel report to Command Center" is said only two times.
5 C-3PO does not say the extra word "and" before saying "do take good care of yourself."
6 Han's line "Transport, this is Solo. Better take off, I can't get to you. I'll get her out on the Falcon" is not followed by, "Come on."
7 In the asteroid field, after C-3PO only says, "Oh, this is suicide"
8 In the scene where R2-D2 is spat out by the bog beast, Luke says "You're lucky you don't taste very good."
9 In Cloud City, after C-3PO says, "That sounds like an R2 unit in there. I wonder if it..." he says "Hello?" twice.
10 Vader says "bring my shuttle"
11 "When we find Jabba the Hutt and that bounty hunter, we'll contact you." is spoken.
1993 THX Digital Sound from the 1993 Definitive Collection (0693-84-02) and 1995 Faces (8764-85) LaserDiscs. Also used for the 2006 GOUT DVD Release.
- most recently heard preserved on the Dark Jedi V3 Audio 3: 1993 Home Video 2.0 Surround Remix @ 256kbps
1 Han says, "until I can get the shelter built."
2 Luke does not say an additional "Ben... Dagobah..." just before Han says, "I thought they smelled bad on the outside."
3 When C-3PO tells Luke, "It's so good to see you fully functional again", Luke replies, "Thanks, 3PO."
4 The line "Headquarters personnel report to Command Center" is said only two times.
5 C-3PO does not say the extra word "and" before saying "do take good care of yourself."
6 Han's line "Transport, this is Solo. Better take off, I can't get to you. I'll get her out on the Falcon" is not followed by, "Come on."
7 In the asteroid field, after C-3PO only says, "Oh, this is suicide"
8 In the scene where R2-D2 is spat out by the bog beast, Luke says "You're lucky you don't taste very good."
9 In Cloud City, after C-3PO says, "That sounds like an R2 unit in there. I wonder if it..." he says "Hello?" twice.
10 Vader says "bring my shuttle"
11 "When we find Jabba the Hutt and that bounty hunter, we'll contact you." is spoken.
1997 Special Edition - THX Digital Sound & Dolby Digital from the 1997 Special Edition LaserDisc (410298502).
1 Han says, "until I can get the shelter up"
2 Luke says an additional "Ben... Dagobah..." just before Han says, "I thought they smelled bad on the outside."
3 When C-3PO tells Luke, "It's so good to see you fully functional again", Luke replies, "Thanks, 3PO."
4 The line "Headquarters personnel report to Command Center" is said three times.
5 When R2-D2 is being loaded into Luke's X-Wing, C-3PO says "and" before saying "do take good care of yourself."
6 Han's line "Transport, this is Solo. Better take off, I can't get to you. I'll get her out on the Falcon" is followed by, "Come on."
7 In the asteroid field, after C-3PO says, "Oh, this is suicide", he says, "There's nowhere to go."
8 In the scene where R2-D2 is spat out by the bog beast, Luke says "You were lucky to get out of there."
9 In Cloud City, after C-3PO says, "That sounds like an R2 unit in there. I wonder if it..." he says "Hello?" only once instead of twice.
10 Vader says "Alert my stardestroyer to prepare for my arrival."
11 "When we find Jabba the Hutt and that bounty hunter, we'll contact you." is spoken.
2004 THX Digitally Mastered & Dolby Digital from the 2004 DVD Release, 2006 DVD Release and 2008 Trilogy Box Set Release.
1 Han says, "until I can get the shelter up"
2 Luke says an additional "Ben... Dagobah..." just before Han says, "I thought they smelled bad on the outside."
3 When C-3PO tells Luke, "It's so good to see you fully functional again", Luke replies, "Thanks, 3PO."
4 The line "Headquarters personnel report to Command Center" is said three times.
5 When R2-D2 is being loaded into Luke's X-Wing, C-3PO says "and" before saying "do take good care of yourself."
6 Han's line "Transport, this is Solo. Better take off, I can't get to you. I'll get her out on the Falcon" is followed by, "Come on."
7 In the asteroid field, after C-3PO says, "Oh, this is suicide", he says, "There's nowhere to go."
8 In the scene where R2-D2 is spat out by the bog beast, Luke says "You were lucky to get out of there."
9 In Cloud City, after C-3PO says, "That sounds like an R2 unit in there. I wonder if it..." he says "Hello?" only once instead of twice.
10 Vader says "Alert my stardestroyer to prepare for my arrival."
11 "When we find Jabba the Hutt and that bounty hunter, we'll contact you." is spoken.
2011 Blu Ray Release
1 Han says, "until I can get the shelter up"
2 Luke says an additional "Ben... Dagobah..." just before Han says, "I thought they smelled bad on the outside."
3 When C-3PO tells Luke, "It's so good to see you fully functional again", Luke replies, "Thanks, 3PO."
4 ??
5 When R2-D2 is being loaded into Luke's X-Wing, C-3PO says "and" before saying "do take good care of yourself."
6 Han's line "Transport, this is Solo. Better take off, I can't get to you. I'll get her out on the Falcon" is followed by, "Come on."
7 In the asteroid field, after C-3PO says, "Oh, this is suicide", he says, "There's nowhere to go."
8 In the scene where R2-D2 is spat out by the bog beast, Luke says "You were lucky to get out of there."
9 In Cloud City, after C-3PO says, "That sounds like an R2 unit in there. I wonder if it..." he says "Hello?" only once instead of twice.
10 Vader says "Alert my stardestroyer to prepare for my arrival."
11 "When we find Jabba the Hutt and that bounty hunter, we'll contact you." is spoken.
***Return of the Jedi***
Dialogue Difference 1 31:11
As Han is reaching to Lando in the Sarlac pit his line "it's alright, trust me" is replaced with an alternate "it's alright, I can see a lot better."
Dialogue Difference 2 1:54:56
Darth Vader stays silent or says "No. Noooooo!!!"
Additional:- Dialogue Difference 3 1:48:43
"We're sure in the middle of it now" is very quiet and cannot be heard very well - if at all - under normal listening conditions but in other mixes it is very clearly heard.
1983 Theatrical 70mm Six-Track Stereo - no preservation currently available
Did such a track exist?? Yes apparently..... http://www.in70mm.com/news/2008/jedi/index.htm
1983 Theatrical 35mm Digital Sound - ASSUMED to be same as the 1986 Full Screen (1478-80), 1986 Japanese Special Collection (SF148-1343, 1989 Special Widescreen Edition (1478-85) and 1992 Full Screen (1478-80) LaserDiscs.
- most recently heard preserved on the Audio 2: 1983 Theatrical 2.0 Surround @ 256kbps
1 Han says "it's alright, trust me"
2 Darth Vader stays silent
3 "We're sure in the middle of it now" is very quiet and cannot be heard very well - if at all - under normal listening conditions.
1983 8mm - no preservation currently available
1983 16mm - no preservation currently available
1983 The Story of Return of the Jedi LP
1 Han says "it's alright, I can see a lot better."
2 Darth Vader stays silent
3 "We're sure in the middle of it now" is clearly heard.
1993 THX Digital Sound from the 1993 Definitive Collection (0693-84-03) and 1995 Faces (8763-85) LaserDiscs. Also used for the 2006 GOUT DVD Release.
- most recently heard preserved on the Dark Jedi V3 Audio 3: 1993 Home Video 2.0 Surround Remix @ 256kbps
1 Han says "it's alright, trust me"
2 Darth Vader stays silent
3 "We're sure in the middle of it now" is very quiet and cannot be heard very well - if at all - under normal listening conditions.
1997 Special Edition - THX Digital Sound & Dolby Digital from the 1997 Special Edition LaserDisc (410298503).
1 Han says "it's alright, I can see a lot better."
2 Darth Vader stays silent
3 "We're sure in the middle of it now" is clearly heard.
2004 THX Digitally Mastered & Dolby Digital from the 2004 DVD Release, 2006 DVD Release and 2008 Trilogy Box Set Release.
1 Han says "it's alright, I can see a lot better."
2 Darth Vader stays silent
3 "We're sure in the middle of it now" is clearly heard.
2011 Blu Ray Release
1 Han says "it's alright, I can see a lot better."
2 Darth Vader says "No. Noooooo!!!"
3 "We're sure in the middle of it now" is clearly heard.