Hi- just a quick post to say thank you - that lddb site is a huge help and good info about pre-'97, I really appreciate everyone's help. I am trying to get back to working on the LDs but you know, life and all that...
I did a lot of reading about the Star Wars edits and formats and issues and had to learn a lot about the LD world, I didn't absorb it all. I had heard about editing but hadn't been paying attention, I didn't realize how bad it was. I know, there are people who like the special editing after the fact, but I am not one of them.
It started when I wanted to show these movies to my 6 year old son. I wanted him to see the movies I saw, and share that experience. I also sorted out the original of E.T.- with the government carrying guns, not walkie talkies.
I am also unhappy about the Mac world since Steve Jobs died. I keep my old equipment, wont upgrade my iOS' or OS'. Additional to remembering these old movies I also remember what privacy used to be. And I remember how we could make compilation tapes of music we liked- now you have to buy an app just to hear your own music, or play your own video, and then if you buy the video, its not the video you wanted to see...
So I just wanted my son to see the freaking movies. You know, the ones that set the world on fire, a shared consciousness, a reality check. I was in somewhat of a rush, so I didn't take it all in. I did read gorgeous things about the unspecialized edition, how great that is, and I got to that web page but I didn't get into what was involved to watch the video. I wanted my son to see it on our living room TV.
That led me to my friend who has the LD and the original first Star Wars, and then I wanted the second and the third.
My first attempt to digitize from LD had problems with the copyright protection, at least that's what I think was the problem, with a white band swirling up through the picture. Then I digitized a modulated signal, since I already have that set up in my house. No white band, and fair quality. Then I whipped out an older digitizer I have, and got the best quality, except for 2 bumps in disc 2.
Now I have that Empire Strikes Back, and just ordered again Return of the Jedi according to the LDDB site. I dont remember if this means I will have black bars not only on top and bottom but also on both sides. Every report says this is a big problem but I am hoping it will not be. Its the new 16:9 ratio at issue.
About Lucas... I thought this was a Van Gogh quote (slightly different) but found it here:
"It takes two to paint. One to paint, the other to stand by with an axe to kill him before he spoils it." (William Merritt Chase)
More when I have it. Thank you again.