BFI to screen Star Wars 1977 Theatrical Version — Page 3

oojason said:

Haarspalter said:

Prepare for the dumbest headline in internet history…

‘Star Wars’ “Looks Terrible” in Screening of Long Lost Original 1977 Version

The years have not been kind to the oft-romanticized original print of the sci-fi classic, which lacks all of George Lucas’ post-release tweaks and polishes and looks “like a completely different film.”

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/star-wars-1977-screening-version-review-1236291808/

Aye mate, spot on. The article even seems to be formed on the opinion of a critic from The Telegraph… which itself used a very click-bait/engagement title for their piece (likely a sub-editor’s choice).
 

It then veers into a Special Edition apology of sorts… quoting George in 2004 with his…

“this is the movie I wanted it to be, and I’m sorry you saw a half-completed film and fell in love with it” - despite his further additional slew of alterations for 2011 and 2019 releases - which of course are not mentioned.

As well as repeating George’s oft-debunked and incorrect claim of “we’re talking millions of dollars here” (to ‘refurbish’ the original cuts) - without question.
 

A sad and inaccurate article which reads like a propaganda fluff piece for George. And also an inaccurate pity. Yet many people will likely, and unfortunately, believe it.

Although a number of people did call out the article for what it is, on twitter: x.com/THR/status/1934655860888027467 👍
 

Ironically the case these articles are seeming to make (that Lucas had it right all along and the Special Editions are great) debunk themselves when also claiming that this was like ‘watching a different movie’. How often have we heard that the Lucas additions are minor and don’t affect the story at all and that we’re all just basement dwelling crybabies? By their own admission Star Wars has been irreversibly and profoundly changed. Which means it should be preserved, especially given its cultural impact. It’s so ludicrous to say “yes, one of the most important works in film history has indeed been erased from existence but don’t worry - it sucked anyway!”.

On a positive and gushy note, I’m so selfishly glad that I don’t feel cheated and jealous as a result of the BFI screening thanks to the heroes at Team Negative and this site xx

People get angry when you laugh at George’s vision and say yeah which one. the 1977, the 1981. The 1997. 2004, 2011, 2019 for streaming and 2020 for physical for maclunky.

People have every right to like what they like. I also can prefer the original film.

I’ve never disputed Lucas right to change his film and have authorial control over it, at least when it to comes Star Wars 1977. What has been argued is preserving the original.

Empire and Jedi he didn’t direct them. Now Kersh may have been fine with handing his film over to George, to draw over it with cgi crayons. But Richard Marquand was not around to object to Return of the Jedi’s many changes over the years.

And still, both go against promising those directors final cut over their film.

the article also says

Lucas’ tweaks to the print began with the very first theatrical rerelease of Star Wars in 1981. Until now, the studio has only permitted the screening of various Special Editions. BFI negotiated with Disney and Lucasfilm for the rights for a back-to-back screening on the festival’s opening night. This particular BFI print was stored for four decades at a temperature of 23 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve its quality.

Which is incorrect. The changes first happened in June 1977 with both a few SFX shots being redone and the mono mix being released, not to mention the 35mm and 70mm mixes that were released simultaneously

While that is true, i’m sure they are talking about the redone roll up and starfield. And the film being retitled Episode IV a New Hope. They are not talking about unnoticed visual effects changes or changes to the credits. Or getting into the weeds on audio mixes.

They simply know all the radical changes happened in 1997.

Thankfully while Lucas can call Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost art is hasn’t been changed in the film. I refuse to call it that. Just like to me Star Wars, is well Star Wars.