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Jim Ward on SE Changes...

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From a recent Apple.Com article on the Lowry restoration of the OT:

As with many restorations made with the cooperation of living directors, the “Star Wars Trilogy” introduced content changes, mandated by Lucas, to conform narrative and look and feel in the original trilogy with characters and visuals introduced in the later films. Some were controversial with fans.

Jim Ward deflates the issue by scaling the controversy: “At the end of the day an artist has a right to do what he wants to do to his work. For many years, George has worked to achieve the original vision he couldn’t achieve in 1977 or in 1997 (Special Edition).

So it makes maybe a good headline, but it’s hardly a controversy. We sold over $100 million in one day of this DVD around the world, so I don’t think anybody’s too upset about it. And any changes that George made, they might be controversial to about 5 people.”


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And any changes that George made, they might be controversial to about 5 people.


Funny... 65,156 signatures on the list so far, and that's just from people who know about this site.

His estimate was close though, he was only off by about 65,151.
For as much as some people claim to hate what Star Wars has become, they sure seem incapable of shutting up about it.
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The arrogance continues... This is an insult to all the people that have signed the petition. Why do these people have to justify themselves in every article? This article is just a mean by Apple to tell everyone how great is their PowerMac G5 at complex video tasks. You don't talk about the SE changes controversy in a technical article when only 5 people are upset about the changes!

(by the way, the article is here. The quote from Jim Ward is in the right column, on the second page.)

Han: Hey Lando! You kept your promise, right? Not a scratch?
Lando: Well, what’s left of her isn’t scratched. All the scratched parts got knocked off along the way.
Han (exasperated): Knocked off?!

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As with many restorations made with the cooperation of living directors, the “Star Wars Trilogy” introduced content changes, mandated by Lucas, to conform narrative and look and feel in the original trilogy with characters and visuals introduced in the later films. Some were controversial with fans.

apparently some now means all or most i guess, someone alert webster

Jim Ward deflates the issue by scaling the controversy: “At the end of the day an artist has a right to do what he wants to do to his work. For many years, George has worked to achieve the original vision he couldn’t achieve in 1977 or in 1997 (Special Edition).


why couldnt he acheive it in 1997? Im pretty sure i read quite a few interviews where he said the 1997 version was the way he always wanted it to be.

The he can do what he wants with it defense has been beaten to death. a) he only has the ability to make these changes due to its enormous success...a success that came from the same fans he's now taking the movie away from. Plus once he released the movie to theaters, weather he likes it or not, relinquishes some aspect of ownership to the audience as far as im concerned. And if you dont agree with that, well how about all the other artist that worked on the movie? What about there work? George is eliminating the work of other artists.

So it makes maybe a good headline, but it’s hardly a controversy. We sold over $100 million in one day of this DVD around the world, so I don’t think anybody’s too upset about it. And any changes that George made, they might be controversial to about 5 people.”


Ok, a movie that should have easily taken the top first day dvd sales of all time (or at least come close) only sells 2.5 million copies link while the top selling movie sells 7 million copies link. So by these numbers there is obviously no one that was too upset by these changes.

But Jim Ward wouldnt say these things cause its his job would he?

-Darth Simon

Edit: the little nemo sales of 7 million include vhs as well as dvd, but they estimate it as 80% dvd sales, so 5.6 million dvds, more than twice the number of star wars dvds sold
Why Anakin really turned to the dark side:
"Anakin, You're father I am" - Yoda
"No. No. That's not true! That's impossible!" - Anakin

0100111001101001011011100110101001100001

*touchy people disclaimer*
some or all of the above comments are partially exaggerated to convey a point, none of the comments are meant as personal attacks on anyone mentioned or reference in the above post
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But that was before they went back and made Nemo and Merlin eels...man, after that the sales just dropped. Its a good thing that Pixar went back and changed that.

As for that approximation by Jim (regarding the 5 people who thought the changes were controversial)...Im thinking he and GL have been hitting the pipe a little too much out at Skywalker Ranch. For some reason their heads just arent clear anymore.
Somebody else noted, and its really funny. If only 5 people were upset about the changes...how the hell did it make it into a question...why is there and interview about the changes...weird.
"You don't own space, so stop actin' like you do."
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I just want to know, which 5 of you are the ones that are complaining?



-Darth Simon
Why Anakin really turned to the dark side:
"Anakin, You're father I am" - Yoda
"No. No. That's not true! That's impossible!" - Anakin

0100111001101001011011100110101001100001

*touchy people disclaimer*
some or all of the above comments are partially exaggerated to convey a point, none of the comments are meant as personal attacks on anyone mentioned or reference in the above post
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^ lol

Those 5 people that don't like the SE/2004dvd Greedo shooting sure get around...

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"His estimate was close though, he was only off by about 65,151."

Well, you see, Lucas has been waiting 30 years for the technology to make estimates the way he wants them to be. As you can see, that technology now exists.

"I just want to know, which 5 of you are the ones that are complaining?"

Here they are.... I guess the rest don't count.
65905 Tom Hetherington Newcastle upon Tyne, UK 10-22-2004
65902 Rusty Newton Huntsville, Alabama 10-22-2004
65900 Jordan Lanni Norco, California 10-22-2004
65898 David Solano Paraiso - Costa Rica 10-22-2004
65897 Sergio Alvarez San Jose, Costa Rica 10-22-2004

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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If Jim Ward bothered to check the petition, he'd know that there are far more than 5 people concerned about the changes.

Of course, it's probably very difficult to view a computer monitor clearly with one's tongue jammed so far up George's ass.
Forum Administrator

MTFBWY…A

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Maybe that's why Lowry got the colors wrong...

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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Jesus. He's the head of marketing. Paying attention to whatever he says is like asking Ari Fleischer for an honest opinion on Bush. It's not gonna happen. You're better off not even reading any sort of press release or interview with Ward's name in it if you don't want to just get pissed off. Reading anything Jim Ward says, especially if you want the originals, isn't going to do anything but get you really cheezed off.

But here's the thing: Ward can't WAIT to sell the originals. Can't. he's been bugging Lucas about this (along with a LOT of Lucasfilm) for a long time now. Ward would love NOTHING more than to package up the originals and give a huge, nostalgic spiel about what we grew up with and all that. Ward's just doing his job. He has to belittle the OT thing because that's company line, and he's paid to do that. if the instant Lucas says "okay, for HD, include the originals" Ward is going to beat the HELL out of that drum unendingly. With a huge grin on his face.

The Best Show You've Never Heard
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"Jesus. He's the head of marketing. Paying attention to whatever he says is like asking Ari Fleischer for an honest opinion on Bush. It's not gonna happen. You're better off not even reading any sort of press release or interview with Ward's name in it if you don't want to just get pissed off. Reading anything Jim Ward says, especially if you want the originals, isn't going to do anything but get you really cheezed off."

As cheezed off as you reading what we said about what he said? Maybe you should take your own advice, if only to keep yourself from getting cheezed off.......

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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...I'm not pissed off, though. I'm trying to basically say "blech. It's Jim Ward. Don't sweat it so bad." What you're saying isn't offending me in the least. I'm not trying to DEFEND Jim Ward or get you to lay off him--I'm trying to provide some perspective as to why he spouts some of the shit he does, and that it's simply because that's what he's paid to do. I'd question whether he actually believes what he's saying half the time.

I'm not mad that you're mad, I'm trying to REASSURE you that it's something that isn't a big deal--and then educate you about how Ward, if he could, would MAKE lucas sell the originals. It's a Marketing Exec's wet dream. He'd love nothing more than to get the originals out there.

Apologies if you thought I was trying to ream you out or something, but really--you're not pissing me off or irritating me by reaming Ward. Doesn't bother me in the least. I'm just trying to save you some hassle.

(shrug)
The Best Show You've Never Heard
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Perspective indeed. I don't see anyone else in here believing that Ward's opinion was in any way correct or important. Who's opinion, exactly, were you hoping to change?

"I'd question whether he actually believes what he's saying half the time."

The same could be said of your above post. You come up with the weirdest retorts sometimes.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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....??

I'm sorry there's such a huge disconnect between us. I don't know how much more plain I can make myself. Sorry. I didn't think my message was at all odd, or weird, or contentious in the least, nor was I trying to change anyone's opinion of anything, which I thought was pretty obvious. Again, I think your problem with my posts is you read them LOOKING for something, and then you just sort of fit my words to whatever you were looking for. You're looking for me to try to defend Ward and change your opinion on him--and you fit it on my post that actually REINFORCES how silly his doofy statement was, and joins in writing him off as definitively as everyone else was. But yet I'm the bad guy that's all "pissed off" and "trying to change everyone's opinion."

...oooookaaaaayyy...

I don't see anyone else in here believing that Ward's opinion was in any way correct or important.


Well, the fact there's a thread dedicated to it and over 15 responses to it says people were paying more attention to his PR spin than they should have. That's all I'm saying. I'm just saying it's a bit funny to even pay attention to a marketing guru, much less be surprised when he says something silly.
The Best Show You've Never Heard
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"You're looking for me to try to defend Ward and change your opinion on him"

LOL. Please point out where I stated this in any way, shape, or form. I was simply commenting on your need to put down people who want to comment on Ward's statement. "Join in", indeed. For someone who is very opinionated, you apparently had a problem with other people giving their opinion of Jim Ward.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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I'm wondering if Lucas isn't thinking for himself anymore, if Ward and McCallum are pulling his strings, like some old marionette.

Moll.

"Right now the coffees are doing their final work." (Airi, Masked Rider Den-o episode 1)

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I've always believed Lucas really died sometime in the mid-eighties, and what we see now is merely a puppet controlled by the guys who brought Jabba the Hutt to life...
"Not even in the face of Armageddon. Never compromise."
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He and L. Ron Hubbard are sitting together in a bar in Tahiti, sharing a beer, watching Elvis live.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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I was simply commenting on your need to put down people who want to comment on Ward's statement.

See, this is what I'm talking about..who was I putting down? I didn't shit on ANYBODY in any of those sentences man. You're just willfully misunderstanding what I'm writing, and it gets frustrating to watch you pretty much spin these posts into something where I'm picking on people for not having the same opinion as me. And every one of your responses ignores the actual content of my posts, even when I explain it as simply as I can, and you just do the same shit over and over--you read it as me making FUN of people, and respond to THAT instead of actually responding to what I'm really writing.

look at those posts again, man. I'm AGREEING with you people. At length. The only difference is that I'm wording my "pshh..whatever" statements in a way that doesn't involve me calling someone an asshead or saying they toss someone else's salad. That's the ONLY difference. Otherwise, I'm expressing the EXACT same feelings you guys are.

for instance: You ask me to point out where you thought I was obviously trying to defend Jim Ward and change people's opinions:

here's you:
I don't see anyone else in here believing that Ward's opinion was in any way correct or important. Who's opinion, exactly, were you hoping to change?


What else am I SUPPOSED to think you were thinking? You straight out ASK me. So obviously you thought I was trying to change someone's opinion with my posts...how can I be wrong about that when you blatantly ASK me a question like that. And then you follow that up with this:

For someone who is very opinionated, you apparently had a problem with other people giving their opinion of Jim Ward.


That was in the EXACT same paragraph where you DENY that you thought I had a problem with people's opinion of Jim Ward. I don't have a problem with it at all. I essentially AGREE with it, which is pretty evident if you simply read the posts and take them at face value. My only reason for posting was to help write him off as a PR shill who probably doesn't even BUY the shit he's shoveling, and then I posted an example of how he probably doesn't. I thought I made that very easy to understand

I've already apologized for any misunderstanding in this thread about twice now, and yet you're still trying to come at me like I'm some sort of confused idiot because I wont let you twist my posts into what you want them to be. Knock it off, please. We're pretty much on the same side here, so why are you hell bent on being a dickhead about it and constantly picking a fight with me over it?
The Best Show You've Never Heard
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"See, this is what I'm talking about..who was I putting down? I didn't shit on ANYBODY in any of those sentences man. You're just willfully misunderstanding what I'm writing, and it gets frustrating to watch you pretty much spin these posts into something where I'm picking on people for not having the same opinion as me."
"Jesus. He's the head of marketing. Paying attention to whatever he says is like asking Ari Fleischer for an honest opinion on Bush. It's not gonna happen. You're better off not even reading any sort of press release or interview with Ward's name in it if you don't want to just get pissed off. Reading anything Jim Ward says, especially if you want the originals, isn't going to do anything but get you really cheezed off."
So I suppose you used "Jesus" as a prayer, rather than showing frustration who were commenting on his statement? Let's not forget your statements about people in the thread getting pissed/cheezed off. Seems to me all you are doing is getting pissed/cheezed off now, and yet you are still here.

"look at those posts again, man. I'm AGREEING with you people. At length."

...and after the fact. Notice that I have raised no qualms about your second paragraph. Had that been all your post consisted of, there would be no problem.

"So obviously you thought I was trying to change someone's opinion with my posts..."

And you obviously thought that the posts prior to yours were a waste of time, and people were needlessly getting upset over nothing. The "Jesus" added some emphasis on that point. Are you now telling me you weren't trying to stop people from posting as they were? If not, then what, exactly, was the ""Jesus" for.....?
"You're looking for me to try to defend Ward and change your opinion on him"

LOL. Please point out where I stated this in any way, shape, or form. I was simply commenting on your need to put down people who want to comment on Ward's statement. "Join in", indeed. For someone who is very opinionated, you apparently had a problem with other people giving their opinion of Jim Ward.

"how can I be wrong about that when you blatantly ASK me a question like that."

A rhetorical question. I would think that someone who knew how to spell "sequitir" would understand the distinction.
"For someone who is very opinionated, you apparently had a problem with other people giving their opinion of Jim Ward."

"That was in the EXACT same paragraph where you DENY that you thought I had a problem with people's opinion of Jim Ward."

See above.

"I don't have a problem with it at all. I essentially AGREE with it, which is pretty evident if you simply read the posts and take them at face value."

...and ignore the implied slams against the people bringing up and commenting on his statements in the first place.

"My only reason for posting was to help write him off as a PR shill who probably doesn't even BUY the shit he's shoveling"

Which could have been done without the initial pot shots.

"We're pretty much on the same side here, so why are you hell bent on being a dickhead about it and constantly picking a fight with me over it?"

You have a habit of coming into a thread with both guns blazing, and it's getting tiresome. Count to 10 before hitting the SUBMIT button next time. I know that new posters like to make a grand entrance to make a name for themselves (your username speaks volumes towards this), but it really isn't necessary. Really...

(shrug)

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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So I suppose you used "Jesus" as a prayer, rather than showing frustration who were commenting on his statement?

Actually, I used it as a comment on how silly Ward's comment was, but as I've already done, I apologize for any misunderstanding. Thank you for constantly ignoring said apologies and trying to meet in the middle on this. As you've exhaustedly pointed out, your entire problem with my posting in this thread boils down to THAT misunderstanding. Which you don't want to acknowledge, for whatever reason.

Seems to me all you are doing is getting pissed/cheezed off now

I'm getting mildly irritated, but that's simply because of you and your stubborn inability to try to even really read what I'm saying without this shitfilter coming down in front of it. You can see how that would be frustrating, correct?

You have a habit of coming into a thread with both guns blazing, and it's getting tiresome.


Well, no, not really, but if you choose to see it that way, I can only, once again, apologize if my writing style is too subtlety impaired for you.

I know that new posters like to make a grand entrance to make a name for themselves


I'm not trying to make any sort of name for myself, and certainly not here. This isn't any sort of popularity contest, and there's nothing to be gained by trying to "make a name" for myself on originaltrilogy.com. I don't really get how my username speaks volumes to that, either. That you'd think there is anything to that mindset says more about you and why you post than it does about me. I'm engaging in discussion, that's it. I thank you for your advice on my posting habits, but it's not needed, as I put plenty of thought into my posts before I hit send. My advice to you would be to not bring any preconcieved bullshit to the post and then filter everything you read through that even after multiple posts trying to tell you otherwise.

I've been trying to meet in the middle here for about 4 posts now. Your unwillingness to simply say "okay, it's all good" especially considering that, once again, we're both basically on the same side here, is what's prolonging this. Granted, I could have dropped it too, but I HATE being misunderstood, and I hate it even more when people WILLFULLY ignore any attempts to repair that misunderstanding for whatever reason. And as such, it has you running in circles to justify the justifications you've already justified in your projection onto me.

(whew)

It's obviously something personal you have with me. I apologize for that. But when I try to smooth things out and fix any misunderstandings, it's good form to try to WORK with that instead of sticking your nose straight up in the air in defiance and to continue being an asshole about it. And if you're simply just going to be an asshole about it regardless of how many concessions, apologies and explanations I give, then either be more straightforward about it and just insult me, or ignore my posts. It'll probably be better all around if you have no intention of even attempting to be even mildly understanding.

thanks for your time.
The Best Show You've Never Heard
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"I thank you for your advice on my posting habits, but it's not needed"

Neither was yours towards the other posters. See the big picture now? I think that pretty much solves that.

"But when I try to smooth things out and fix any misunderstandings, it's good form to try to WORK with that instead of sticking your nose straight up in the air in defiance and to continue being an asshole about it."

And I love how your apologies are filled with expletives. Kind of defeats the "Be the bigger man" stance you try to put forward. LOL!

"then either be more straightforward about it and just insult me"

Except for the rhetorical question (sorry if it threw you), I've been completely straightforward.

"or ignore my posts."

//bites tongue

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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You have a habit of coming into a thread with both guns blazing, and it's getting tiresome. Count to 10 before hitting the SUBMIT button next time. I know that new posters like to make a grand entrance to make a name for themselves (your username speaks volumes towards this), but it really isn't necessary. Really...

lol. I just think you're failing to see that he's trying to side WITH you and, though his opinion may be coming from a different angle, attempting to make amends for any misperceptions.

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