logo Sign In

THX 1138 - What a Special Edition SHOULD Be.

Author
Date
Author
Time
Post link
Has anyone seen the new Director's cut of THX 1138? I know it's only been in limited theatrical release, but I saw it last week on opening day. I was impressed with the fact that, while CGI elements were involved, they were much more understated than the ones in the Star Wars SE's and seemed to really meld into and support the film, rather than being distracting. I'd still like to see the original cut, but it was chopped up by Warner Bros. after Lucas finished it, so it may not really be worth it. Still, the original was influential and it would be interesting to note the differences.

I believe the DVD came out today and is a must-have for Lucas fans (far more so than the new SW DVD's). It's a really brilliant vision that hasn't received as much attention. Plus the DVD includes (among many tasty features) the original student film version, THX 1138 4EB.

Okay, plug's over. Those of you who've seen the new THX 1138, how do you like it in comparison with the updated versions of the Star Wars films? Do you think this film may indicate any differences in the new Star Wars SE's (i.e., will certain effects be more subdued, not as distracting)? Or is it just a film with fewer opportunities for big, bright effects? Just curious to see what everyone thinks. For me, as different as THX 1138 is from Star Wars, so is its Special Edition. And it is very different. And very good.

Okay, new plug. Look for my THX 1138 review soon at http://www.geocities.com/reeladvice
"The Originals made history, not the Special Editions." --KCN<><
Author
Time
Post link
I've said this over and over again: I have never seen the original THX 1138, and now, thanks to GL, I NEVER will.
“Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.” — Nazi Reich Marshal Hermann Goering
Author
Time
Post link
ya me too...

has Jay said anything about bootlegs of THX 1138 since the original will never be available again?
"Never. I'll never turn to the darkside. You've failed your highness. I am a jedi, like my father before me."
Author
Time
Post link
In my case, the originals were NEVER released here, so it's almost my DUTY to download a bootleg somewhere. Can anyone help me?
“Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.” — Nazi Reich Marshal Hermann Goering
Author
Time
Post link
i just dont want to start talking about it and then get in trouble by Jay...
"Never. I'll never turn to the darkside. You've failed your highness. I am a jedi, like my father before me."
Author
Time
Post link
I agree RTO, the THX-1138 SE rocks. I can't imagine how great the SW SEs would have been if George Lucas would have applied the same sensibility while considering and applying changes to the films.
Author
Time
Post link
has anyone seen the newer version of THX yet?

do the changes help the movie?
hurt it?
or are they neutral?
"Never. I'll never turn to the darkside. You've failed your highness. I am a jedi, like my father before me."
Author
Time
Post link
I'm thinking that one of the reasons that the changes work in THX while they don't in SW is emotional distance; GL has never really distanced himself from Star Wars, while he's looking @ THX 33 years later. Just a thought.

Princess Leia: I happen to like nice men.
Han Solo: I'm a nice man.

Author
Time
Post link
Quote
Originally posted by: Master Sifo-Dyas
I agree RTO, the THX-1138 SE rocks. I can't imagine how great the SW SEs would have been if George Lucas would have applied the same sensibility while considering and applying changes to the films.


I can't belive I'm hearing this from someone who opposes the Star Wars SEs! It's not a question of improving the movie or not, it's about preserving the original films... While I am able to watch the original SW, and I did, I will never watch THX1138 in its original form, and I never did.
“Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.” — Nazi Reich Marshal Hermann Goering
Author
Time
Post link
Quote
Originally posted by: ricarleite
Quote
Originally posted by: Master Sifo-Dyas
I agree RTO, the THX-1138 SE rocks. I can't imagine how great the SW SEs would have been if George Lucas would have applied the same sensibility while considering and applying changes to the films.


I can't belive I'm hearing this from someone who opposes the Star Wars SEs! It's not a question of improving the movie or not, it's about preserving the original films... While I am able to watch the original SW, and I did, I will never watch THX1138 in its original form, and I never did.


Neither have I and couldn't care less. If the THX 1138 is as much improved as the Star Wars Special Editions then there will be no need to see the original version. It probably sucks in comparison. I will be renting the movie this weekend to see George Lucas's first movie.
Author
Time
Post link
Quote
Originally posted by: jimbo
Quote
Originally posted by: ricarleite
Quote
Originally posted by: Master Sifo-Dyas
I agree RTO, the THX-1138 SE rocks. I can't imagine how great the SW SEs would have been if George Lucas would have applied the same sensibility while considering and applying changes to the films.


I can't belive I'm hearing this from someone who opposes the Star Wars SEs! It's not a question of improving the movie or not, it's about preserving the original films... While I am able to watch the original SW, and I did, I will never watch THX1138 in its original form, and I never did.


Neither have I and couldn't care less. If the THX 1138 is as much improved as the Star Wars Special Editions then there will be no need to see the original version. It probably sucks in comparison. I will be renting the movie this weekend to see George Lucas's first movie.


That has to be the funniest thing I've read all day.

Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here, this is the war room!

Author
Time
Post link
Quote
Neither have I and couldn't care less. If the THX 1138 is as much improved as the Star Wars Special Editions then there will be no need to see the original version. It probably sucks in comparison. I will be renting the movie this weekend to see George Lucas's first movie.


jimbo you dont care about anything.... and obviously know nothing about movies...
and dont worry it prolly wont suck as bad as Lucas' shitty PT...
or as bad as his DVDs that are going to be released in a week...

quick question jimbo...
when you get your DVDs are you leaving this board?
"Never. I'll never turn to the darkside. You've failed your highness. I am a jedi, like my father before me."
Author
Time
Post link
Jimbo, even if the changes are an improvement, it doesn't automatically mean the original sucks. If you gave a damn about anything, and had any sense of fairness, you would watch both versions. I always watch the original first. Then I'll watch the director's cut. Usually, I prefer the original(Das Boot), sometimes the DC(ST: TMP), and other times both(T2, LotRs). The only time I've seen a directors cut of a films before the original was Dune. Same goes for Blade Runner, as you can't find the original. You owe it to yourself to give both versions a fair chance. But then, you're so biased and selfish, who cares, right.

Obviously, the one with the flasier, ADHD tuned imagery instead of plot is always better. Anything over a decade in age should be remade, right Jimbo? Lord knows, no film should be in black and white. Especially films like "The Wizard of Oz", where the use of color actually has meaning. Who cares if the excellent film "Wings" won the first Oscer for Best Picture, it has no sound, so by the logic you display, it has to suck, correct? Tell me is there anything you think shouldn't be redone to modern, soul-less specifications?


Made for IE Forum's Episode III theme month - May 2005.

Author
Time
Post link
I agree that the original version of THX-1138 should be preserved. But what caught me off guard is that the new DVD set has his original student film school version of the movie on it (unaltered). That struck me as odd considering his propensity towards abandoning early "drafts" of his movies.

I actually bought THX-1138 yesterday because, even if I rent the movie from Netflix, I won't be able to get the bonus disc from them with the student film and that's what I'm really in it for. However, I never saw the original version so I won't be able to say whether it improves it or not. I'll just be able to say if it's any good. We shall see. First impulse buy for me in quite a while. Shhh. Don't tell me wife I haven't seen it.
"You fell victim to one of the classic blunders, the most famous of which is 'Never get involved in a land war in Asia'."
--Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), The Princess Bride
-------------------------
Kevin A
Webmaster/Primary Cynic
kapgar.typepad.com
kapgar.com
Author
Time
Post link
Just a quick note. There is no directors cut of Dune. There's the theatrical cut, and then there's teh television edit, also known as the Alan Smithee version. It's called Alan Smithee because Lynch had his name removed from that version of the film. Alan Smithee is a name that the Director's Guild has put on films where the director washes his hands of the project for whatever reason, usually studio interference. While the Smithee version is longer, it's purely a TV edit, it could never be presented in the film's original aspect ratio, because the elements used to extend the film were all panned and scanned. Sometimes, they're just shots from the theatrical version, flipped so they look kinda different.

Unless of course we're talking about the Sci-Fi mini series here, in which case pretend I didn't say anything

Visit my Webcomic! Nonstop Pop

Author
Time
Post link
well im interested in buying THX but as i said im not supporting Lucas in any way whatsoever...
im even thinking of not seeing ROTS...

havent decided on that yet...
but as for THX i'll either copy it or just get a bootleg version...
"Never. I'll never turn to the darkside. You've failed your highness. I am a jedi, like my father before me."
Author
Time
Post link
Why don't you just rent it instead and not kick the movie industry in the face. Bootlegging is not good for anyone in the film industry. Lucas or otherwise. Go ahead and boot all the star wars you want but let’s not go about promoting bootlegging of movies that you can go out and buy for 14 bux.

Besides Warner owns THX not Lucas so it's ok to buy it

“You know, when you think about it, the Ewoks probably just crap over the sides of their tree-huts.”

Author
Time
Post link
Nope, that's the one I was talking about. I just forgot what it was called. It's been some time since I've seen it like that.


Made for IE Forum's Episode III theme month - May 2005.

Author
Time
Post link
I want to rent this DVD but no rental place is stocking it. Damn them.
Author
Time
Post link
"Besides Warner owns THX not Lucas so it's ok to buy it"

LOL

<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>

Author
Time
Post link
Quote
Originally posted by: ricarleite
Quote
Originally posted by: Master Sifo-Dyas
I agree RTO, the THX-1138 SE rocks. I can't imagine how great the SW SEs would have been if George Lucas would have applied the same sensibility while considering and applying changes to the films.
I can't belive I'm hearing this from someone who opposes the Star Wars SEs! It's not a question of improving the movie or not, it's about preserving the original films... While I am able to watch the original SW, and I did, I will never watch THX1138 in its original form, and I never did.

Well, to elaborate my point of view: The threatrical cuts of the classic StarWars trilogy contain hundreds of film-historically relevant special effect shots that were not deemed possible at the time. THX-1138 is totally different in that regard, to me it isn't even a different movie since all the changed scenes still 'point in the same direction'. Surely I can relate to your desire to see all three versions of this film -- at least once in a lifetime, but to deem the lack of the original being out on DVD to have the same importance than the theatrical versions of the StarWars films, is highly overreactive in my book.

As Bossk already pointed out, the true original form of the story is included with the DVD. If you really would like to own the previous version of THX-1138, I can only redirect you to PM Luke or to eBay (to get a legal VHS copy).
Author
Time
Post link
Warner owns it???
oh well nevermind then..
lol

when i meant bootlegging it i should have mentioned i was talking about the original..
sry..
"Never. I'll never turn to the darkside. You've failed your highness. I am a jedi, like my father before me."