An Index & Help Thread for Theatrical Cuts vs. Subsequent Releases…

 
An Index of just a few of the 500+ topics that have been posted in the ‘Theatrical Cuts vs. Subsequent Releases’ section of the OriginalTrilogy•com down the years:-

The Index Categories are…

• The changes made to the Original Trilogy films over the years…
• ‘Will the OOT be released?’ threads (on a modern home digital format)
• Which Editions…?
• The various Releases / Editions / Sets (and changes to them)…
• The Changes - to some of scenes down the years…
• George Lucas / Lucasfilm
• Miscellaneous Threads

If you are new to the OriginalTrilogy•com then the following info may be of some assistance…

 
The Welcome to the OT.com; Introduce yourself in here thread is just that; a place to make your first post on here - and for more longstanding members to welcome new additions to our community.

Secondly, the About and Help sections may be of interest to you regarding this site and what the OriginalTrilogy•com is about.

Thirdly, the ‘How do I do this?’ on the OriginalTrilogy.com - some info & answers to members’ queries thread should also hopefully be of some help as to many of the functions of the site, along with other related info as well.

The Announcements Section - including Site Rules & Guidelines, Fan Edit & Preservation Rules & FAQ, as well info for Signatures, Linking Policy for Downloads, and Plot Spoiler Policy (and much more) that may be of use too.

If you are having any issues with the site, have a question, an idea to improve the site, or would like to give some feedback - then these can be done in the Feedback Forum and General Assistance sections.

There are also several Index Threads pinned at the top of many respective sections of the OT•com - which may help members find various topics of discussion, fan edits, preservations and other projects etc.

To Join the OT.com Discord server! click on the link. There is also the OriginalTrilogy.com Twitter too.
 

'An OriginalTrilogy.com timeline thread - a history of the site and why & how it came to be…’ chronicles both the history of this site & also it’s continuing evolution.

The ‘Complete Comparison of Special Edition Visual Changes’ thread by doubleofive contains many sources of information as to the numerous changes made to the Original Trilogy films over time - as well as serving as an insightful and comprehensive discussion thread and reference point on the subject.

And, the ‘George Lucas: Unreliable Narrator & Time Travelling Revisionist…’ thread attempts to highlight and catalogue some of the revisionism, altering of history and contradictory claims by George Lucas / Lucasfilm as to the formation, planning and history of the Star Wars films and universe therein.

Finally, the Some useful OT.com threads re the non-release of the theatrical OT films | How you can help… thread - highlighting just a few of the many discussion threads on this site focusing on countless fans’ love and appreciation for the Original Trilogy - and ongoing dedication in attempting to achieve a modern, high quality, official release of the unaltered theatrical version of the classic Star Wars movies.

The changes made to the Original Trilogy films over the years…

‘Complete Comparison of Special Edition Visual Changes’ - OT•com thread by doubleofive - with many sources of information…

 
‘Star Wars Visual Comparisons’ - website by doubleofive

‘Star Wars Special Edition Visual Comparisons’ - blog by doubleofive; with links to Photo Galleries here - SW : ESB : ROTJ

‘Star Wars Special Edition Visual Comparisons’ - twitter page by doubleofive

‘Disney+ Should Offer the Star Wars Original Cuts’ article on the Wired website by doubleofive : #ReleaseTheOriginalTrilogy : OT.com thread on doubleofive’s article

'A Visual Guide to Changes, Fixes & Tweaks in the 2019 SE Version - article by doubleofive on The Digital Bits : SW : ESB : ROTJ

StarWars•com Official 2004 Changes Preservation : SW : ESB : ROTJ - compiled by doubleofive

StarWars•com Official 1997 Changes Articles : SW: SE : ESB: SE : ROTJ: SE - via the Internet Archive’s WayBack Machine website

A helpful overview of the changes to the OT - and surrounding issues - from zombie84’s SaveStarWars•com’s FAQ Page

‘Special Edition Changes’ - 2010 article on the changes made for the 2004 DVD release - from zombie84’s SaveStarWars•com

‘Star Wars Changes’ (Original Trilogy) - YouTube Videos by 13las : SW : ESB : ROTJ : Disney+ : The Prequels

‘All Changes Made To Star Wars’ (Original Trilogy) - YouTube Videos by Marcelo Zuniga : SW - Part 1 : SW - Part 2 : ESB : ROTJ

DVDActive•com’s ‘Star Wars - The Changes’ articles (via the Internet Acrhive’s WayBack Machine) - SW : ESB : ROTJ : The Prequels

‘The Big List of Changes to the SW films’ OT•com thread on the FromScriptToDVD site’s comparison articles - by Gregatron

‘Who Shot First? The Complete List Of Star Wars Changes’ - an Empire film magazine article

Wookieepedia’s ‘List of changes in Star Wars re-releases’ page

‘List of changes in Star Wars re-releases’ - from the IPFS•io website

Star Wars Comparison’s YouTube video channel for comparing theatrical cuts to official blu ray and various fan projects.

and also reading through these superb OT•com threads (by doubleofive):-

‘Sources on the Special Edition’ - in the Theatrical Cuts vs. Subsequent Releases section of the site.

‘Modern SE Revisionism’ - in the Theatrical Cuts vs. Subsequent Releases section of the site.

plus these similarly related threads, pinned in the Original Trilogy Discussion section of the site…

An OriginalTrilogy.com timeline thread - a history of the site and why & how it came to be…

George Lucas: Unreliable Narrator & Time Travelling Revisionist…

Some useful OT.com threads re the non-release of the theatrical OT | How you can help…

An Index Thread for Original Trilogy Discussion…

also, these three threads cover the topic of overlooked / unfixed mistakes or errors in the various Special Edition releases…

You’d think they’d clean this up - the unfixed issues of the 2004 OT SE DVD release…

What HASN’T changed on the 2011 OT SE Blu-ray release – the uncorrected mistakes…

Uncorrected mistakes or unfixed issues of the 2019 (Maclunkey) Original Trilogy release?

and finally, some of the older OT•com threads comparing some of the changes made to the various Special Edition releases (1997, 2004, 2011, 2019); please note - some threads feature links to websites that are no longer around or function correctly…

An Index of OT•com threads on all things the Audio of the Original Trilogy… (2020 thread)

Another comparison website: Old vs. New (2004 thread, by RobinHood)

I’m doing a comparison - opinions please! (2004 thread, by Mentasm: the DVDActive•com comparison articles)

List of all OT changes? (2004 thread, by rubix)

list of changes (2004 thread, by tellan)

The changes made to the Original Trilogy films down the years… (2005 thread, by oojason)

Episode IV: What Has Changed? (2006 thread, by ESHBG)

Episode V: What Has Changed? (2006 thread, by Darth Cracker)

Episode VI: ROTJ - What Has Changed? (2006 thread, by ESHBG)

A ‘Good comparison website’ (2006 thread, by Star Wars Fanatic on the DVDActive•com’s comparison articles)

The Big List of Changes to the SW films (2007 thread, by Gregatron)

Comprehensive List of SE Differences (2007 thread, by xhonzi)

Comparison youtube vid (2008 thread, by bkev)

What Has Changed screenshots (2008 thread, by Deathsaurer) (non-working rapidshare content)

Splitscreen WookieGroomer comparision: original vs. 2004 (2008 thread, by Deathsaurer) (non-working rapidshare content)

Where can I find a COMPLETE list of video changes between 04 and Theatrical OT (2008 thread, by Octorox)

Wikipedia: List of changes in Star Wars re-releases - errors? (2011 thread, by Darth Editous)

More (Funny) Changes on Blu-ray (2011 thread, by starbucker)

All Changes Made To Star Wars - Comparison Videos (2016 thread, by Darth Muffy on Marcelo Zuniga’s youtube videos)

‘Will the OOT be released?’ threads (on a modern home digital format)

 
Do you think Disney will release the unaltered versions for DVD and blu ray? by arctofire (2012 thread)

Will we ever see the Original Trilogy released? by wymjafett2112 (2016 thread)

With 20th century almost in Disney’s grasp what are the odds of an OUT release? by LordZerome1080 (2018 thread)

Do you think George Lucas might release the original trilogy? by Buckrodgers (2004 thread)

4K restoration on Star Wars - in General SW Discussion - info on OT restorations & rumoured release dates of 4K SW Saga films

doubleofive’s ‘Disney+ Should Offer the Star Wars Original Cuts’ article on the Wired website : #ReleaseTheOriginalTrilogy : OT.com thread on the article (2020 thread)

There are more threads on the subject which can be found in the ‘Archival / Historical Discussion threads…’ section of the An Index Thread for General Star Wars Discussion…

Which Editions…?

 
• The OOT : The changes to the OT films & general OOT (1977-96) discussion thread

• 1997 SE : The changes to the OT films & general 1997 SE discussion thread

• 2004 SE : The changes to the OT films & general 2004 SE discussion thread

• 2006 GOUT : The changes to the OT films & general 2006 GOUT DVD discussion thread

• 2011 SE : The changes to the OT films & general 2011 SE discussion thread

• 2019 SE : The changes to the OT films & general 2019 SE discussion thread

• 2026 SE : The changes to the OT films & general 2026 (or future) SE discussion thread (“Somehow… Lucas has returned!”)…
 

An Index of OT•com threads on all things the Audio of the Original Trilogy… (2020 thread)
 

Reasoning Behind Changes from Release to Release (2012 thread)

How many pre-SE versions exist? (2016 thread)

Which version/release of the SW movies do you watch and why?

'97 vs. '04 (and '11) - Your preference? by JawsTDS (2016 thread)

Is the '97 Special Edition important? (2020 thread)

What to choose? (2019 thread)

Worst changes to OT in '97 and '04 (2005 thread)

Why was the '04 DVD set such a botched release?

Your Favorite And Least Favorite Special Edition Changes

If you could make your own SE change, what would that be?

If you had to keep one SE change…?

If you could only remove one SE change…?

Special Edition guilty pleasures

Okay, what did we LIKE about the Special Editions?

Things you LIKED about the Special Editions?

What SE changes (if any) did people like?

Most pointless SE change?

Nightmare Scenario Special Edition

Best Of Both Worlds

Anyone else think Empire Strikes Back’s Special Edition is actually better than the Theatrical Cut?

I tend to watch the SE sometimes

Most telling SE moment

How the Special Edition Should Have Been (a 2014 thread)

The Special Edition wasn’t needed

Are retrospective changes just fan service?

Is Disney Physically Allowed To Release The OUT?

Star Wars film versions and best DVD sources - 2006 thread, by SKot

GOUT DVD vs VHS - a 2015 thread

Gout vs faces vhs which is better? - a 2018 thread

Is GOUT resented? - a 2011 thread

Question about the 2006 dvds I think you call the GOUT - a 2008 thread

Question about the 2006 “GOUT” DVDs - a 2017 thread

9 years ago Lucasfilm announced the GOUT on DVD - a 2015 thread

10th Anniversary of the “GOUT” dvd release - a 2016 thread

OT bootleg DVD reviews

Prillaman’s Star Wars DVD Reviews site - a quality resource for the early history of SW on DVD…

Why weren’t there DVD releases in 2000?

Is the Despecialized Edition more important than an official release?

Despecialized or the Special Editions? (2020 thread)

Star Wars vs. A New Hope - Which do you say and why?

The various Releases / Editions / Sets (and changes to them)…

 
Print variations in '77 Star Wars

70mm Print info (a little info & history of the 70mm showings, for SW & ESB)

70 mm print of the Empire Strikes Back Differences (2005 thread)

The Empire Strikes Back - May 70 mm vs June 35 mm

Empire Strikes Back - Two 1980 Theatrical Cuts? (2020 thread)

Star Wars Negatives and Interpositives

What happened to all the original SW prints?

Film cells from a Technicolor print on ebay

Theory on the 1997 “restoration”

The Theatrical Differences (2005 thread)

1977 70mm Soundtrack Recording

70mm 6-Track Dolby Stereo mix differences

OT Audio Changes

Concerning the Millennium Falcon’s Targeting Computer (2020 thread)

Hopefully the last 70mm vs. 35mm ESB audio differences thread

ESB 70mm Soundtrack - 1980 in-theatre recording

70 mm print of the Empire Strikes Back Differences

Star Wars vs. A New Hope - a ‘what do you call the 1977 Star Wars film?’ thread)

Accidental 1985 change

Star Wars Colortiming & Cinematography (was What changes was done to STAR WARS in '93?)

What was changed for 1995 THX version?

1995 VHS

How many pre-SE versions exist? (2016 thread)

1997 Special Edition Musings

Highest quality version of 1997 Special Editions? Is there a DVD release?

Star Wars Trilogy 1997 Special Edition DVDs?

1997 Special Edition, and how can I find it?

Star Wars Special Edition Laserdisc Features

1997 Special Edition Restoration thoughts…

97SE… how were the negatives assembled?

'97 vs. '04 (and '11) - Your preference?

Interview with Marc Wielage, colorist Star Wars 2004 DVD releases

4K restoration on Star Wars

It’s official! the 2004 OT DVD release will be the Special Editions 😦

Here’s a Hint of the Public’s Reaction that the '04 DVDs would not be the OOT (re the 2004 OT SE DVD release)

2004 (and 1997) Releases - What has changed? SW : ESB : ROTJ

Changes in 2004 DVDs

2004 box set changes

Star Wars Pan & Scan (a 2004 thread)

Got the DVDs Today (2004 OT SE DVD release)

I love the DVDs! (2004 OT SE DVD release)

Editing the ‘2oo4 Editions’ - which changes would you revert?

Episode I-VI: Archival Editions (a 2004 thread)

Cropping the Original Trilogy : 35mm vs dvd (gout)

2006 DVD OOT

2006 OT versions

The GOUT crawl (2006 - in the main)

2006 OUT DVD to Definitive Collection LD comparison question?

GOUT DVD vs VHS (2015 thread)

2008 box?

New Blu Ray Special Editions (a 2011 thread)

What does the blu-ray set have to offer? (a 2011 thread)

Star Wars theatrical versions not coming in 2015 (the steelbook release; a repackaged blu ray version)

What scene in the (O-)OT do you hate/dislike the most?

I thought the goal of this site was to get the original versions of The Star Wars Trilogy Epiosdes 4,5, and 6 on DVD and blu-ray (2008 thread)

The Changes - to some of scenes down the years…

 
Original Trilogy - Luke’s lightsaber color

my memory isn’t that bad, is it? (the Grappling Hook thread)

The Krayt Dragon Call

What was your first reaction to Greedo shooting first?

Greedo: “Han shot first.” (2016 thread)

Yes, I bet you have! (2004 thread)

ANH Space Battle aka The Battle of Yavin

Jabba the Hutt (from the 1997 SE of Star Wars)

Who Designed The CGI Jabba In The 1997 Special Edition?

The Emperor & line change in ESB SE 1997

“Bring my shuttle.”

“Alert my Star Destroyer to prepare for my arrival.” What was the point?

What was your first reaction to Vader’s “Noooo” in ROTJ?

Max Rebo band SE

Your first reaction to Hayden is ROTJ

Unbearable HC

Anakin ghost - old vs young

Anakin’s ghost?!?!?!

Official Lucasfilm Video Explaining Force Ghosts

2004 release continuity error?! (Anakin’s ghost)

End of SE ROTJ…

Didn’t Darth Maul originally die differently?

You’d think they’d clean this up - the unfixed issues of the 2004 OT SE DVD release…

What HASN’T changed on the 2011 OT SE Blu-ray release – the uncorrected mistakes…

SE Changes that SHOULD have been made/should be made in the future (2020 thread)

George Lucas / Lucasfilm…

 
Why doesn’t Lucas just release both versions?

Reasoning Behind Changes from Release to Release

George Lucas’ explanation why the OT is obsolete to him

Lucas talks about the Sept 12th Release of the O-OT (2006 thread, re the GOUT DVD release…)

Lucas talks DVD’s, Special Edition’s, OT and TV Series. (2004 thread)

May 2004 Be With You (2013 thread on George’s quote re the 2004 OT DVD release…)

A modest proposal: Should Lucas make more OT changes? (2005 thread)

You might not believe Lucas said this…

Why all the negative comments about george lucas? (2006 thread)

When did you sense a disturbance in the Force?

Lucas to give the Oscars back to the Academy

George Lucas no longer cares

Did GL take too much credit?

GL’s “Vision”

Lucas changes the OT to better suit the PT

Lazy, lazy Lucas. (2004 thread)

Jim Ward on SE Changes… (2004 thread)

Official Lucasfilm Video Explaining Force Ghosts

Kathleen Kennedy Shuts Down any Hope for Unaltered Release (not really) (2017 thread)

Official Lucasfilm Video Explaining Force Ghosts

Evidence of OOT at Lucasfilm? (2006 thread)

What happened to all the original SW prints? (2017 thread)

George Lucas: Unreliable Narrator & Time Travelling Revisionist… (2019 thread on some of Lucas’ retcons & contradictions)

^ There are many more discussion threads on George Lucas, Lucasfilm and many others who worked on the OT films in ‘An Index Thread for Original Trilogy Discussion…’ in the ‘Archival / Historical Discussions’ section of that thread.

Miscellaneous Threads…

 
doubleofive’s List of Lists and Comparisons - very useful post for doubleofive’s posts on changes made to the Original Trilogy, and more…

Star Wars Negatives and Interpositives

Interesting notes on Lucas’ DVDs

Credits & Leaders Thread by none

Star Wars : ‘Tantive’s Orange Items’ Thread & other unintended objects

The Importance of Tone in Filmmaking

The Academy Award winning editing of Episode IV - 2006 thread

No explanation necessary (but we got one anyway) (The Prequels)

There was a 6 hour cut of the Phantom Menace

The Phantom Menace

How Many Versions are there of the AOTC

AOTC/ROTS VHS…are they the Theatrical releases?

How do u all like Ep I&II compare to OT? (a 2004 thread)

Which versions are best for each viewing order?

If you saw Star Wars in 1977, what do you remember?

What scene in the (O-)OT do you hate/dislike the most?

Quit Whining (a 2006 thread - ‘You guys are all a bunch of whiners’)

BOYCOTT (the 2004 OT SE DVD release)

Boycott the 2004 OT SE DVD release - c’mon, you can do it

Who has caved? (and bought the 2004 OT SE DVD sets)

my thoughts on originals vs SE… (by Stale Elvis in 2004)

My thoughts on various changes (by Anakin Starkiller in 2017)

An OriginalTrilogy.com timeline thread - a history of the site and why & how it came to be…

For information on the various home releases of Star Wars over the years, these may be of some interest…:-

• Video Collector’s superb & informative ‘Star Wars on Video’ resource website (with images and info)

• projectcclarke’s quality & insightful ‘Star Wars On Home Video Reference Site’ (with images and info)

• Prillaman’s Star Wars DVD Reviews site - a quality resource for the early history of SW on DVD… (with images and info)

• DavisDVD•com’s Information Pages on OT VHS & DVD releases (from 1982 to 2004) - SW : ESB : ROTJ : Misc

• Nathan P Butler’s youtube channel is also a great resource for near-on all of the Star Wars releases over time (and more!)

If you have any suggestions for specific threads to be added to this Index please post them below.

Also, if you see any broken links or errors please also post them in here - thank you.

Last updated - 15th January, 2021.

A space for moderator comments (and maybe another category if required)…

Harmy has put up a video on youtube - just to remind everyone that Fan Edits must never be bought or sold.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrwKZHv4OS0

Personally, as a member here, I’d encourage everyone to watch it and upvote that video.