SE Appreciation?

Ive state my opinion on this many times, but I don't think there's ever been a thread just for this.

If every single DVD-BR release of any Star Wars movie came bundled with both the OT lovingly restored, and the newest tweaked SE, how would you feel?

I think a lot of the hate towards the SE would vanish. I for one would probably look at it as a fun novelty, that I'd pop in and enjoy everyone once in a while. I'd fondly debate the 2004 SE vs the new 2011 BR SE.

I would care so much that the SEs are going to be in the theaters with 3D. In fact, I'd probably be stoked to see them.

Would this dual packaging (always dual, no option for just OT or SE) make you happy? Would you feel differently about the SE?

Yes, I frankly would love it.  I personally enjoy variety and see no need for a "one and only way" to watch the SW films.  As long as the OOT were included, I'd be happy with any and all SE versions as well.

Despite how much grief GL has caused OT fans many of them readily admit that all would be forgiven if he just put out quality HD versions of the OT and gave them their proper due.

As it stands OT fans are left out in the cold and even many SE fans aren't satisfied because many of the changes aren't executed well. Add to that longstanding issues which still remain no matter how many passes LFL makes on the movies.

After seeing the work done by the fine people on this forum, I will never go back to any commercially produced version of these films, period.

It still amazes me what you guys have done by donating your time and knowledge.

Personally, the collector in me says I would be very happy to own every version of the films restored to the maximum possible quality - the originals, the '97 Specials, the '04 Specials and the '11 Specials. I wouldn't mind all the different audio versions too - 35mm, 70mm, '93 mix, etc. However, the only ones I'd really want to watch would be the original cuts. The option to watch the others would just be a pleasant bonus.

Having said all that, I still don't think I could ever fully forgive George for what he's done. If he came out and just flat out admitted how much of an a-hole he's been about it, then yeah I guess I could. But if it was a case of "Here's the originals for god's sake. Now shut the hell up already!" I would probably be less inclined to thank him. :P

STENDEC said:

Personally, the collector in me says I would be very happy to own every version of the films restored to the maximum possible quality - the originals, the '97 Specials, the '04 Specials and the '11 Specials. I wouldn't mind all the different audio versions too - 35mm, 70mm, '93 mix, etc. However, the only ones I'd really want to watch would be the original cuts. The option to watch the others would just be a pleasant bonus.

I would definitely love a set like this. Despite the fact that the Special Editions are not nearly as strong as the originals, they're still interesting versions to have. Blade Runner is always the example I cite for having got it right; every version is available on one (very reasonably priced) set, even if you don't want some versions: they're there. It would be unique to have an official set with all the possible soundtracks for the original, though I doubt this will happen; we'll probably only get theatrical audios.

The '97 Special Edition would be a nice thing to have on set since the color timing is less revisionist.... It does have a Special Place in my Heart since it's the one I grew up with. I find it much less offensive than the '04 and '11 cuts. Additionally, there actually may be a possibility that '97 is what we will get packaged with the originals on a home medium at 2K or 4k resolution. A fresh scan of the '97 revised negative would probably be required at that point since wasn't the '04 scan, upon which they added changes digitally, only at around 1080p?

People would still gripe about the PT and some of the SE decisions but Lucas could have avoided the majority of the mess he has been moaning about so vigorously recently if he put out the restored OUT along side the SE of the day back in 2004.

He had a chance to mend bridges last year but he blew it.

He blew it for PT fans too by only including his SE's of those films and not including the deleted scenes from the DVD sets.

If he did it now I would be happy to buy such a set but he would get grief for double dipping.

But if you act like a jerk it's best to get used to being called a jerk instead of moaning about it.

It would change everything. Even for the GL criticism that would still exist, the tenor would shift to more good-natured ballbreaking and arguing, like goofing on Return of the Jedi in the early 90s. Even the prequels could be looked at with clearer eyes. (you would resent the shit out of CASINO ROYALE if they pasted Judi Dench into GOLDFINGER, as it is you can just look at it as it's own thing).

This idea that we can never be satisfied is ridiculous, it's like the GL zealots have no sense of scale. Simple things become unreasonable expectations to them. (In reality, even if there had only been the 1981 version on an otherwise good dvd/blu-ray all this time, the whole nature of SW and its fans would be utterly different).

Just like Chateau Bingowings.