Info Wanted: I've been out of the Fan Restoration scene since around 2005, have a few questions for anyone who can help, + a request for 1997 Special Edition preservations...

So, I’ve been out of this scene since about the time of the TR47/Cowclops v2 releases. I recently downloaded dark_jedi’s V3 DVD Trilogy and I was blown away. It seems as though his V3 (and eventually his Blu-Ray) version is one of the best in regards to the original, uncut Holy Trilogy.

Strange as it may sound (and because I’m an OCD completist), I was wondering if I could get some opinions on what is the best way to get the 1997 Special Editions (before they were further changed in 2004). I have a set of dual-layer DVDs I bought on eBay years ago that are straight rips from the SE LaserDiscs. The quality isn’t horrible, but I’m hoping one the the remastering experts here has produced a good quality set. Does anyone have any information on this? Thanks in advance for all the help.

–Niphoet

PS – I’m not looking for the de-Special Editon’d set, but the trilogy as it was in 1997. Thanks.

DJ did a '97 SE set, and sent out some discs to beta testers (such as me and a few others) for preview purposes.

They look good and all, but they have worse smearing than the GOUT/'93 laserdisc master.  Because of this, I believe DJ decided not to publicly release them, which is a shame, even if the quality wasn't as good as everyone hoped it would be.

Beyond that I'm not entirely sure.

ChainsawAsh said:

DJ did a '97 SE set, and sent out some discs to beta testers (such as me and a few others) for preview purposes.

They look good and all, but they have worse smearing than the GOUT/'93 laserdisc master.  Because of this, I believe DJ decided not to publicly release them, which is a shame, even if the quality wasn't as good as everyone hoped it would be.

Beyond that I'm not entirely sure.

Yes, I read about that. The reason I want them is because I want my kids to experience Star Wars the way I did. My first copies were taped from TV, then I got the Faces P&S VHS. I saw the Special Editions in the theaters, bought the VHS of those, then the prequels, then the 2004 Special Special Editions, etc. I want them to be able to see the progression and, IMO, the degradation, of the Holy Trilogy.

I recommend having a look at Lee Thorogood's 97 S.E. PAL LaserDisc preservation.

I do agree with Murry Sparkles. Lee Thorogood's set does look pretty sweet and it has 5.1 sound, which is far better than the 2004 DVD's. You can get it on the Newsgroups and it's well worth your time. Alternatively, you can try the Reivax Digital Broadcast for ANH, where the links are available on tehparadox.

If you love the Reivax and don't notice the smearing, go for the G'Kar of ESB and ROTJ, available on torrent sites. Glad to see an old member back by the way. A lot's changed since '05.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'd love to see these on torrent sites, but I may have to dip into the world of newsgroups.

ChainsawAsh, I sent you a PM....

Hello Niphoet, if you haven't gotten the Lee Thorogood set from the newsgroups, I am uploading it now to Multiupload. It should be completely done in the next three days.

Aluminum Falcon,

Sounds great, will they be listed on tehparadox?