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Info Wanted: How many bootleg DVD sets are there that are worth talking about?

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 (Edited)

What worthwhile bootleg DVD sets of the OT (original cut) are there out there and what are their specs, which ones are available as factory pressed DVDs, what exactly are in each set, and where can they be found and for how much?

I know of the 4-disc “TR47” set, the 7-disc “TR47” set, the 3-disc “Kristhemovieman” dual-layer non-anamorphic set, the 4-disc (I think) “Dr. Gonzo” anamorphic set, the 4-disc (I think) “farsight” anamorphic set. I understand that Rikter, Laserman, and MeBeJedi are also offering or planning to offer something. Anyone have any details on these? I also think I saw TR47 say something about doing another transfer from 20th Century Fox master tapes. Any details TR47? What kind of “master tapes” are these? Studio interpositives? Prints? Do you have all three films?

I also saw the Rikter 6 disc bonus material set listed in another thread. And something about a VCD of trailers mentioned somewhere. There was also a link in another thread to a website called “Apt Irrelevance” where the webmaster says he’s making a transfer as well. Any info on that?

I’m just trying to get a complete listing of what’s available in one thread here. I hope you guys will help me. I’m trying to organize my thoughts, so I know what is out there and what is in each set, and the source and technical quality of each set. I hope you all will help me compile all of this information in this thread for easy reference.

Basically the info I’m looking to collect here for each set are these things:

  • Version differences between sets (example: 3PO tractor beam line, present or not? Any other differences?)
  • Source of each set (ex: 1993 Definitive Collection CAV LDs, 1995 THX “Faces” CLV LDs, UK PAL VHS “Executor Box Set”, etc.)
  • Exact content of each set (ex: movies, making of features, featurettes, interviews, trailers, etc.)
  • Technical specifications of each set (ex: Dual-Layer?, Anamorphic?, menus?, audio type, subtitles?, amount of data on disc, bitrate)
  • What is it available as? Factory pressed DVD or DVD-R?
  • Does it include cases/cover art?
  • How good is the picture? Color? Brightness? Contrast? Hugh? Saturation?
  • How good is the audio? How good is the mix? Which mix is it?
  • Are any LaserDisc side or disc changes noticeable and if so, how badly?
  • Where can it be found? How much does it cost?

Finally are there any of ther DVD bootlegs of the OT out there that I didn’t list above that are worth mentioning? And is there any further OT bonus material not found on any of these sets I mentioned that are known to exist on DVD? And if the answer to either of these questions is yes, then where can it be found and for how much? DVD, or DVD-R?

Thank you all for your help in advance!

"What is best in life Conan?"
"To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of their women!"
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I think you'll find most of the info you are after here:-

Rikter's SW stuff & info


Personally I have both the TR47 Letterbox version and Dr Gonzo Anamorphic version of the OT on dvd - and I'm very happy with the quality of them. Hopefully will get MeBeJedi's version - when released, too.

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Thanks, OoJason,
I would've liked if this other thread reviewed both anamorphic sets and the non-anamorphic Kristhemovieman set. I also need info on any upcoming transfers and the "bonus material" sets.

I would really like to put together the most comprehensive collection possible for the OT, but I need to get the actual OT DVDs first of all, so please help me decide which sets are worth getting. I'm not against getting more than one, in fact I most likely will, but I still want to avoid the totally aweful ones.



The most frustrating part of this is that if Lucas would just release the damn OT on DVD there would only be one version worth having and this wouldn't be so damn complicated.
"What is best in life Conan?"
"To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of their women!"
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IIRC the Kristhemovieman set didn't get much attention here - personally it just didn't appeal to me as it didn't appear to be appear to any better than the Dr Gonzo or TR47 versions.

When I first joined these boards the above 2 versions were the only quality bootlegs that seemed of interest - so I bought both, and was more than pleased with my choices. As more differing versions have come to pass I've learnt to trust the views of posters like Bossk, Rikter, Mr.Coffee, DanielB, ObiWonton, Laserman, MeBeJedi and Luke (as well as many others who I've forgotten to list right now that I will no doubt regret later - lol.) on such things - as well as my own instincts...


Rikter does seem to have a rather vast collection of SW oddities and probably could give you a more detailed informed opinion of the Kristhemovieman and Farsight sets - and maybe why they don't appear on his 'list review' (could be that he hasn't seen them).


A good comparison screenshot post:-

2004dvd, tr47, drgonzo, mebejedi comparison

and worth reading that thread on from there...

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Thanks oojason.

IIRC= IRC = I Recall? Just checking.

Anyway, I'll check up with Rikter, I guess. I never thought buying Star Wars movies would be so damn complicated.
"What is best in life Conan?"
"To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of their women!"
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Should look into finding a fraz set

very nice
vid source is of question able source i belive the vid source came from the camm tapes fro rebroadcast
perpose
not sure 100%

I got the camm tapes from him and got a chance to view his bootleg BUT he/she would not let me have it
it blows ALL SETS OUT OF THE WATER
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Newb question - I impulsively bought a set I found on eBay, and have no idea which set it is (if any of the "recognized" bootlegs). Is there any way to tell? It says it's original version, "definitive edition," and seller told me it was from "the 1993 THX remaster that was created for the Japanese laserdisc."

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=6326281799

Man... I hope it doesn't arrive with japanese titles or something... if anyone knows which edition (if any) I've acquired and wouldn't mind letting me know, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!
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ShingH - those would appear to be the TR47 version, a shame you didn't come here 1st - you certainly wouldn't have paid anywhere near that for those on here...

Hope you enjoy em, tho m8.



Rattlehead - IIRC = If I Remember Correctly (I hope!)

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They're not my versions, as mine do not have menus. The seller does not make it clear which version it is, as there are so many out there, few of which are worth bothering with.
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Yeah... I kinda figured I'd gotten a bum deal right after I clicked... THEN started doing research Well it's a gift for a friend anyway - perhaps I'll still invest in a copy of my own one day... I'll be reading the rest of the posts on this forum now, to decide!

Shing
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Well, the TR47 discs are fantastic. That's my two cents.

-Chris
http://vendaface.com
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Originally posted by: Kristhemovieman
Should look into finding a fraz set

very nice
vid source is of question able source i belive the vid source came from the camm tapes fro rebroadcast
perpose
not sure 100%

I got the camm tapes from him and got a chance to view his bootleg BUT he/she would not let me have it
it blows ALL SETS OUT OF THE WATER


This is the first I've heard of the "Fraz" set. It came fom some sort of master tapes for commercial broadcast? Is that what you're saying? How can I see any example of what this set looks like? How would I obtain a copy of this set?

Thanks to everyone for the input, hopefully the posts will keep coming.
"What is best in life Conan?"
"To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of their women!"
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The new QualityBroth set over at suprn*va looks quite good on my old-fashioned 4:3 TV.
I like it better than Gonzo or Farsight, and it includes Leia welding (they don't).
Colours not quite as vibrant as TR47, but this new QualityBroth is looking very crispy indeed.
Alas, I fear it's not uncompressed PCM audio....

However, in practice you must take into account the “fuckwit factor”. Just talk to Darth Mallwalker…
-Moth3r

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^ sounds interesting.

Do you know what laserdiscs they were sourced from and whether they are anamorphic or letterbox?

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The nfo file doesn't say which Laser Disk [sic] they're sourced from.
There is a somewhat noticeable side-change as Luke enters the carbon-freeze room
and the door slams shut, leaving R2 out in the hallway.
I believe the '93 CAV set has a side-change at this scene. What about 2-disc, CLV, or other pressings ?

The nfo file says "Widescreen 16:9" but mplayer is telling me 1.33
Hmmm, I guess I'm not much help answering your ?'s


Edited: spelling

However, in practice you must take into account the “fuckwit factor”. Just talk to Darth Mallwalker…
-Moth3r

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There is a somewhat noticeable side-change as Luke enters the carbon-freeze room
and the door slams shut, leaving R2 out in the hallway. I believe the '93 CAV set has a side-change at this scene.


Yes, that is the Def. Col. I remember trying to splice that scene.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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120inna55 - Hi & welcome

I don't know what version those are, though if you contact or PM Rikter or TR47 they should be able to help.

A nice website - tho that seems a little on the expensive side, IMHO.

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How do I do this?’ on the OriginalTrilogy.com; some info & answers + FAQs - includes info on how to search for projects and threads on the OT•com

A Project Index for Star Wars Preservations (Harmy’s Despecialized & 4K77/80/83 etc) : A Project Index for Star Wars Fan Edits (adywan & Hal 9000 etc)

… and take your time to look around this site before posting - to get a feel for this place. Don’t just lazily make yet another thread asking for projects.

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Hey folks ... I've tried to private message a couple members here about DVD/DVD-Rs of the original, untampered movies. I gather TR47 is swamped and going away ... MeBeJedi is working on a super-spiffy version. But I haven't heard from anyone else I messaged.

I own VHS copies of the first three films, but nothing else. I refuse to buy this DVD set from Lucas.

Sorry if I'm a pest, but if someone can "hook a sister up" with some info on the original films, I'd appreciate it.
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You need to enable private messaging to receive a reply.
120inna55-Those copies aren't that great, I own an early set they made. They do not compare to mine or the Dr Gonzo set. The webmaster is foolish as his real name, home address and phone number are available by simply doing a DNS lookup.
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oh crap ... I thought it was enabled from when I registered. Guess not. Private Messaging is on now. Thanks for steering me in the right direction.
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Asha

A selection of SW stuff can be found here:-

Rikter's SW Info

A little patience goes a long way on this old-school Rebel base. If you are having issues finding what you are looking for, these will be of some help…

Welcome to the OriginalTrilogy.com | Introduce yourself in here | Useful info within : About : Help : Site Rules : Fan Project Rules : Announcements
How do I do this?’ on the OriginalTrilogy.com; some info & answers + FAQs - includes info on how to search for projects and threads on the OT•com

A Project Index for Star Wars Preservations (Harmy’s Despecialized & 4K77/80/83 etc) : A Project Index for Star Wars Fan Edits (adywan & Hal 9000 etc)

… and take your time to look around this site before posting - to get a feel for this place. Don’t just lazily make yet another thread asking for projects.

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I bought a version off of eBay too, but I, even being more naïve than you, didn't realize that they had to be bootlegged. Now I am waiting up at night for George Lucas and the DVD police to break down the doors.

Someone put a lot of time and effort into the artwork on the CDs. The DVD quality is good enough for me, but I think it probably not the best thing out there from what I'm finding on the website.

I am a goody two shoes. Is it a crime to buy bootlegs?

I have a bad feeling about this
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Not nearly as much a "crime" as George not releasing the O-OT on DVD in the first place, but yes, it is illegal.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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TR-47 Edition
Dr. Gonzo Edition(Anamporphic Set)
1997 DVD9 Widescreen SE Set (Dual Layered)

These sets I own have been purchased here with the exception of the SE DVD9 Set. I have to say that the opening "THX Flyby with the X-Wings, Tie-Fighters, and Falcon" in the Anamorphic Set is really nice to see. The addition of the commentary during the movies was nice as well. The TR47 Set(I also have the companion set of 3 Discs w/ original Behind The Scenes Documentaries) and the SE Set are my favorites of the 3 when it comes to quality outright. I am still getting a review together for the SE Set on the Review thread. I believe these to be the ones worth talkin about and with the Farsight Set coming to a Torrent Thread soon near you(hopefully) and the MagFan Edits, what else is there????

The OT RULES!!!!