Idea: 70mm Empire Strikes Back on DVD?

Author: Trooperman
Time: 28-Sep-2005 6:11 PM (Edited)
Post link

I think that this could be a great project for someone to tackle- take the original 1997 SE track for Empire (which uses the 70mm mix), and patch the SE changes using the THX mix. Then, it could be synched to the EditDroid transfer, Moth3r transfer, or something like that.

If someone really wanted to get ambitious, they could also research the <span class=“Italics”>video</span> variations in the 70mm version (different wipes, hard cuts to replace fades) and recreate the video in the best way possible given what we have. If nobody tries this project, then I will get to it eventually. Just wondered about the feasibility of this (particularly the video issues).

Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side

“Back when we made Star Wars, we just couldn’t make Palpatine as evil as we intended. Now, thanks to the miracles of technology, it is finally possible. Finally, I’ve created the movies that I originally imagined.” -George Lucas on the 2007 Extra Extra Special HD-DVD Edition

Author: ocpmovie
Time: 28-Sep-2005 7:02 PM
Post link

I had thought about doing this for my Classic Edition Empire project, but then remembered I hate the 70mm mix anyway.

Author: Trooperman
Time: 28-Sep-2005 7:50 PM
Post link

I like the 70mm mix not only because of the alternate/additional dubs and effects, but because of the original music. The best example of this is the cue after Yoda’s “That is why you fail.” In the 70mm, JW’s wonderful transition is intact. It was hacked in favor of more tracked music in the 35mm. Which I hate.

Also, I think this should be preserved because this was the original version of the movie. Release number 1. In fact, the folks that worked on it considered the 70mm “finished”. Only later did they turn around and officially “unfinish” the film so that they could change it for the 35mm release. There has never been a home video of this “finished” release. And it would be impossible to create was it not used for the ’97 Special Editions. That’s why I’m thankful for the Special Edition of Empire. I think it’d be great to have the 70mm version of Empire on disc alongside the 35mm version, for the record if nothing else. To have a version of the movie with the restored music and dialogue, but actually containing the original cut of the film, not the SE. I hate to put this idea out there like I’m saying, “I think this project should be done, but I’m too lazy to do it. Anyone want to do it for me?” Because that’s not the case at all. If nobody does this or has done this, then I WILL do it. It’ll just be a long while before I have time to do it, as I’m a very busy guy and am working on the Ep. II edit right now.

Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side