**RUMOR** Original theatrical cut of the OT to be released on blu ray!! — Page 5

Well if the rumors are true, I'm both ecstatic and a bit upset, mostly ecstatic. My preferred version of the SW Trilogy will always be the original. My first Trilogy was the 'One Last Time' VHS set from 1995 so that's how far back I go with the originals. After being treated to the poorly transferred DVD releases in 2006 any news that the originals are getting a restoration job is a huge thumbs up on my end. I'm always for preserving things in their original form and the OUT deserves to be preserved. To that end I'm ecstatic. Now to why I'm a bit upset. It was actually pointed out earlier in this thread that other sites are discussing what changes should remain from the SE. Now I'll even admit that there are minor changes from the SE I wouldn't mind being inserted into the originals (removal of matte lines, lightsaber adjustments, etc.) but thats about it. However at the same time I feel that's detrimental to keeping them to their true original form. I'm also torn between the idea on whether or not I want 'Episode IV A New Hope' in the opening crawl. On one hand without it its true to the 1977 theatrical version but on another hand it doesn't fit well with the chronology of the series. Going back to how people are discussing what should stay and go I'll admit I'm one of those people where I want everyone to be happy. We must understand that there are as many SE followers as OUT fans. My view is that both should be packaged together similar to how they were in '06 but of course featuring the restored original! That way its even for everyone. :)

You who prefer the 97 SE are in the extreme minority.  There's no reason for Disney to release it because no one will buy it.  Hell, they probably don't even know about it.

Well for me there's two SE's. 1997 and 2004. 2011 version just doesn't exist to me. Of the two SE's I prefer 1997 but my favorite overall version of the Trilogy is the original. However, there is no definitive version of the original we must remember, particularly of the first film. It was released in 1977 with three different sound mixes, in 1981 it was given the 'Episode IV A New Hope' title in the crawl, Ben Burt remixed the soundtrack in 1985 for video release, the sound was remixed again in 1993 for laserdisc which was carried over for the 1995 laserdisc and VHS (and the 2006 DVD). That's only a short list. So essentially there really is no definitive version of the original. And imperialscum I'm sorry for your pain. Thats sorta what I meant when I said I'm ecstatic and upset. Ecstatic because me and all the other OUT loving fans are finally (maybe) getting a restored version of the original trilogy while the SE fans like yourself may not get your preferred version, i.e. the Special Edition.

Hal 9000 said:

There would be fan edits a-plenty

But obtaining fan edits is illegal and requires lots of technical knowledge.

imperialscum said:

TV's Frink said:

You who prefer the 97 SE are in the extreme minority.  There's no reason for Disney to release it because no one will buy it.  Hell, they probably don't even know about it.

I am aware of that. It would be for the sake of completeness.

However making that kind of argument also goes against the release of theatrical versions. Yes there are more people who want the theatrical versions, but still not that many. Looking purely from a financial benefit, it would be more profitable for Disney to spend the money required for restoration into making some stand-alone film or series and get way more money out of it.

Also, aren't the negatives the '97 versions? This means that if anything, the '97 versions would be the easiest to release. Furthermore, unlike with the OOT, there's no variations within the '97 versions.

darklordoftech said:

Hal 9000 said:

There would be fan edits a-plenty

But obtaining fan edits is illegal and requires lots of technical knowledge.

 Neither of these things are true.

imperialscum said:

TV's Frink said:

You who prefer the 97 SE are in the extreme minority.  There's no reason for Disney to release it because no one will buy it.  Hell, they probably don't even know about it.

I am aware of that. It would be for the sake of completeness.

However making that kind of argument also goes against the release of theatrical versions. Yes there are more people who want the theatrical versions, but still not that many. Looking purely from a financial benefit, it would be more profitable for Disney to spend the money required for restoration into making some stand-alone film or series and get way more money out of it.

 Find me ninetysevensetrilogy.com and then we can talk.  The comparison is apples to dust specks.

I understand, I just disagree.

darklordoftech said:

imperialscum said:

TV's Frink said:

You who prefer the 97 SE are in the extreme minority.  There's no reason for Disney to release it because no one will buy it.  Hell, they probably don't even know about it.

I am aware of that. It would be for the sake of completeness.

However making that kind of argument also goes against the release of theatrical versions. Yes there are more people who want the theatrical versions, but still not that many. Looking purely from a financial benefit, it would be more profitable for Disney to spend the money required for restoration into making some stand-alone film or series and get way more money out of it.

Also, aren't the negatives the '97 versions? This means that if anything, the '97 versions would be the easiest to release. Furthermore, unlike with the OOT, there's no variations within the '97 versions.

It'd be fantastic if Disney would scan the negative as is (maybe with some cleaning first) and then go about restoring the OUT.  With that in mind, they can sell us both the OUT and '97 versions in a Star Wars trilogy mega set with new & old extras (Empire of Dreams in HD please) and make a ton of money.

My ideal SW Trilogy release would have the following:

Original Theatrical Versions

ANW: 1977 stereo mix, 1977 mono mix, 1993 remix, audio commentary (I suppose an edit of the 2004 track or the archive track on Harmy's version), deleted scenes, trailers, 1995 George Lucas Interview (from VHS release)

ESB: deleted scenes, trailers, 1995 GL interview

ROTJ: deleted scenes, trailers, 1995 GL interview

misc: vintage docs. and interviews with cast and crew, Empire of Dreams doc.

I also have a thought. Perhaps they can do what Spielberg did with the E.T. BluRay/DVD from two years ago and put the deleted scenes that were added to the SE as bonus footage and leave them enhanced, i.e. deleted Jabba scene with CGI Jabba on Bonus Materials

TV's Frink said: ninetysevensetrilogy.com

let's create that

What they need to do is release one version of the original, unaltered trilogy preserved as best they can, and also release a completely re-worked film to bring the films to modern day standards.  Every shot completely reworked/remastered with a total revamp of the special effects (think Adywan's Revisited films, but obviously without the scene edits. 

I think it's fine for fan edits, such as Adywan's edits, but officially modernize them decade after decade?  In the 1997, the films were "updated" to modern standards to some extent, but now some of the CGI and added effects are dated.  Why do films of 1970s and 1980s need to be updated to modern standards?  Can't they simply exist as products of their time?

Modern standards suck, anyway. =P

unamochilla2 said:

Can't they simply exist as products of their time?

 Thank you!

Beatleboy99 said:

unamochilla2 said:

Can't they simply exist as products of their time?

 Thank you!

My thoughts exactly!!! I don't mean to sound like a dumper on the SE's but the only versions with cultural significance are the originals. For people who prefer the SE's better that's your opinion but whether you prefer it or not the original is the only one that has any cinematic significance. It laid the blueprint for the type of visual effects and filmmaking of today and its very deceiving to show newer generations SW when in fact its cluttered with effects of a later era. For Lucas to say the film wasn't finished I don't think is right. The film was made in an era where his vision couldn't be fully realized but the results were still monumental! Then again this is just my view of it.

To me they wouldn't even need to include the '04 and '11 versions for it to be the Star Wars equivalent of the Blade Runner set. Just give me the versions that got wide theatrical releases (as I'm sure the 2015 or whenever version will) and I'll be more than satisfied.

mfastx said:

What they need to do is release one version of the original, unaltered trilogy preserved as best they can, and also release a completely re-worked film to bring the films to modern day standards.  Every shot completely reworked/remastered with a total revamp of the special effects (think Adywan's Revisited films, but obviously without the scene edits. 

 Pass.