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Tell imdb.com to separate their rating system for theatrical and altered versions of movies.

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We all know George Lucas's upcoming release of inferior transfers of the OOT is just a gimmick to try and prove the general public prefers the SE vs. The Originals and to make it possible now for him to prosecute bootleggers. Also he's getting away without paying Marcia Lucas by calling the shoddy transfer of the OOT a bonus disc and getting away with that as the main attraction.

I remember there was a poll on imdb.com in '04 that asked which version of SW you prefer: see here? The OOT won in a landslide! So lets all demand that imdb.com changes their rating system so all movies will have separate rating systems for their original theatrical version and altered versions to prove to GL once and for all what version we really prefer!

You can contact them here.


Here is an example for a comment you can text to them:

Please separate your rating system for theatrical and altered versions of movies.

Hello IMDB.com representatives. Many people agree that most special editions or altered versions of movies often are inferior to their original theatrical versions, but particularly George Lucas’s ’97 and ’04 editions of his original Star Wars Trilogy. We all know his current demand on making those the official versions and destroying the recognition of The Original Theatrical Editions indefinitely. As you know, GL is finally releasing The Original Theatrical movies, but only to bait the fans into trying to prove people prefer the special editions.

The logical way to do this would be to release The Originals and the special editions on DVD at the same time, but George Lucas is doing this totally unfairly. He is re-releasing the ‘04 special editions (which most fans already have) coupled with The Original Theatricals so we are being forced to buy the pathetic ’04 editions again with the inferior transfers of The Original Theatrical movies. This release will of course, not generate big sales and it is just a gimmick to give George Lucas the excuse to say people prefer the special editions and he will also now have the right to prosecute bootleggers of the Theatrical Original Trilogy.

I would like your website to divide the rating system for special edition movies and their original theatrical versions not only for the Star Wars trilogy but for all other movies as well. This will help new viewers realize other versions of a movie which may help promote sales and it would also be nice to see what the general public thinks of George Lucas’s special editions to prove to him what versions we really prefer.
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Originally posted by: BadAssKeith
We all know George Lucas's upcoming release of inferior transfers of the OOT is just a gimmick to try and prove the general public prefers the SE vs. The Originals and to make it possible now for him to prosecute bootleggers. Also he's getting away without paying Marcia Lucas by calling the shoddy transfer of the OOT a bonus disc and getting away with that as the main attraction.

I remember there was a poll on imdb.com shortly after the release of the '04 special editions that asked which version of SW you prefer? The OOT won in a landslide! So lets all demand that imdb.com changes their rating system so all movies will have separate rating systems for their original theatrical version and altered versions to prove to GL once and for all what version we really prefer!

You can contact them here.


Here is an example for a comment you can text to them:

Please separate your rating system for theatrical and altered versions of movies.

Hello IMDB.com representatives. Many people agree that most special editions for movies suck, but particularly George Lucas’s ’97 and ’04 editions of his original Star Wars Trilogy. We all know his current demand on making those the official versions and destroying the recognition of The Original Theatrical Editions indefinitely. As you know, GL is finally releasing the original theatrical movies, but only to bait the fans into trying to prove people prefer the special editions.

The logical way to do this would be to release The Originals and the special editions on DVD at the same time, but George Lucas is doing this totally unfairly. He is re-releasing the ‘04 special editions (which most fans already have) coupled with The Original Theatricals so we are being forced to buy the pathetic ’04 editions again with the inferior transfers of The Original Theatrical movies. This release will of course, not generate big sales and it is just a gimmick to give George Lucas the excuse to say people prefer the special editions and he will also now have the right to prosecute bootleggers of the Theatrical Original Trilogy.

I would like your website to divide the rating system for special edition movies and their original theatrical versions not only for the Star Wars trilogy but for all other movies as well. This will help new viewers realize other versions of a movie which may help promote sales and it would also be nice to see what the general public thinks of George Lucas’s special editions to prove to him what versions we really prefer.

If you want to be taken seriously, you should remove words like "suck" from your message...

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Done. I just got sick of typing "original theatrical versions".
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Specifics aside, though, I have to say this is his best idea. I think they should be considered to be separate movies.

There is no lingerie in space…

C3PX said: Gaffer is like that hot girl in high school that you think you have a chance with even though she is way out of your league because she is sweet and not a stuck up bitch who pretends you don’t exist… then one day you spot her making out with some skinny twerp, only on second glance you realize it is the goth girl who always sits in the back of class; at that moment it dawns on you why she is never seen hanging off the arm of any of the jocks… and you realize, damn, she really is unobtainable after all. Not that that is going to stop you from dreaming… Only in this case, Gaffer is actually a guy.

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Originally posted by: BadAssKeith
So lets all demand that imdb.com changes their rating system so all movies will have separate rating systems for their original theatrical version and altered versions to prove to GL once and for all what version we really prefer!

You can contact them here.


Good idea. The best way to do that though is to not mention George Lucas or his bussiness decisions. It should be done on the basis of respecting great films.

"Now all Lucas has to do is make a cgi version of himself.  It will be better than the original and fit his original vision." - skyjedi2005

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I hope you all go and tell the moderators at IMDB this too!
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I seriously cannot believe you spend as much time posting here as you do, Keith. You do know that the only reason that people click on threads you started is because it's like watching a train wreck, right?

I used to be very active on this forum. I’m not really anymore. Sometimes, people still want to get in touch with me about something, and that is great! If that describes you, please email me at [my username]ATgmailDOTcom.

Hi everybody. You’re all awesome. Keep up the good work.

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You must avoid using colourful, emotional language when writing to organisations such as this. Phrases like "blood-sucking money-barons" (just an example) will only get your letter/email in the nutjob basket by 3 pointer shot.

If your letter/email comes off sounding like an impassioned Marxist dialectic, its best to pull back, have an ice tea, and start again. If you'll excuse the metaphor, you must rise above the situation in your mental helicopter and observe it from a more objective angle.

If you appeal to their intelligence alone, they may come on side.
MTFBWY. Always.

http://www.myspace.com/red_ajax
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Originally posted by: ReverendBeastly
I seriously cannot believe you spend as much time posting here as you do, Keith. You do know that the only reason that people click on threads you started is because it's like watching a train wreck, right?


A few of his threads are worth reading, like this one.

"Now all Lucas has to do is make a cgi version of himself.  It will be better than the original and fit his original vision." - skyjedi2005

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Yes my request was too negative. At first, my idea to justify this idea was to explain to them how GL is cheating us, but I think a more broad request with the reason being respect to great films and justice is likely to get more attention.

Perhaps something more like this:

GEORGE LUCAS IS A LIYING, CHEATING, SON OF A BITCH AND HE DESERVES TO BURN IN HELL!!! MAKE THE SE SEPARATE FROM THE OOT SO WE CAN THROW HIM IN JAIL!!!!

Just kidding, Something more like this:

Please separate your rating system for theatrical and altered versions of movies.

Hello IMDB.com representatives. Many people agree that most special editions or altered versions of movies often are inferior to their original theatrical versions, but particularly George Lucas’s ’97 and ’04 editions of his original Star Wars Trilogy. We all know his current demand on making those the official versions and destroying the recognition of The Original Theatrical Editions indefinitely. As you know, GL is finally releasing The Original Theatrical movies, but only to bait the fans into trying to prove people prefer the special editions.

Many people here at originaltrilogy.com think the Original Theatrical version are superior to GL’s altered cgi mess. Over 75,000 people over there signed a petition asking for the OOT to be released on DVD in a respectable manner. But GL continue to show disrespect for the OOT by releasing in a non-anomorphic transfer from a lousy ’93 laser disk, not from original film negatives. These films deserve more respect because there is a large handful of people who like them better. But the OT aren’t the only ones. Blade Runner, Terminator 2, and others have also been ignored of their original theatrical versions. These need to be recognized separately instead of just a general way on your site.

I would like your website to divide the rating system for special edition movies and their original theatrical versions not only for the Star Wars trilogy but for all other movies as well. This will help new viewers realize other versions of a movie which may help promote sales and it would also be nice to see what the general public thinks of George Lucas’s special editions to prove to him what versions we really prefer.
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Here would be my example:

Dear IMDB.com staff,

I am writing to you concerning the multiple versions of the original Star Wars trilogy: the original theatrical version, the 1997 Special Edition, and the 2004 Special Edition. I believe that the '97 and '04 special editions are sufficiently different to warrant separate ratings to the original theatrical version, if not only to highlight the differences between them. As you are no doubt aware, there are many schools of thought among Star Wars fans, particularly when it comes down to which versions (or indeed, even which trilogy) they prefer. A fan of the original theatrical version may utterly despise the special editions and vice versa, and this can make things difficult with regards to reader ratings and comments on your website (am I scoring this film according to my view of the original version or the special edition?). As it stands now, it is impossible to tell which versions are the preferred ones amongst the viewing public. Indeed, a great portion of the viewing public is largely unaware of the changes that have been made to these films over the past decade; changes that in some instances are merely cosmetic, but in many instances affect the continuity, characterisations, and even meaning of the entire Star Wars story (the "Han Shoots First" debate springs to mind).

Why is this important? This coming September, Lucasfilm and Fox will be re-releasing the original Star Wars trilogy on DVD. The 2004 DVD release was a disappointment to many Star Wars fans across the galaxy, who were expecting a quality DVD transfer of the original theatrical versions, as the title was not designated "Special Edition". This was not the case, and we have since learned that George Lucas now considers the 2004 special editions to be the definitive version, and has been quoted as effectively denying the existence of the original theatrical versions. As you can expect, this has angered many Star Wars fans, who are yet to see their definitive version (and indeed, the original, unaltered version) transferred and restored faithfully to a modern, quality digital format like DVD. Many lesser films have recieved this treatment, while films such as Superman and E.T. have been restored faithfully alongside their special edition brethren within the same DVD sets. But I digress.

The September 2006 DVD set will reportedly consist of the 2004 Special Edition versions, with the original theatrical versions included as bonus material. This is great news for fans of the original versions, but at the same time, this treatment does not give these films their proper due. The original theatrical Star Wars trilogy will be a direct transfer from the 1995 Laserdisc masters (as in, not restored and remastered from the original prints) and will not be presented in anamorphic display - an industry standard for important DVD releases such as this. No doubt this DVD set will again be designated as the Star Wars Trology, with no indication that the special editions will once again be the core of the release, and yet the inclusion of the "original, unaltered trilogy" will be used as its major selling point, if Lucasfilm's press releases are to be believed. After all, what Star Wars fan wouldn't already own the 2004 DVD set?

So on one hand, we have George Lucas dismissing and effectively denying the existence of the original theatrical versions, and on the other, we have Lucasfilm using the original, unaltered trilogy as a major incentive for Star Wars fans to purchase three DVDs which they already own, with the major incentive as "Bonus Material". To add credence to his now "definitive vision", George Lucas has gone on record on a number of occasions to claim that there is no demand for the original theatrical versions of Star Wars, and that the fans only want to see the 2004 special edition versions. This has created a catch-22 situation for many Star Wars fans, who would love to demonstrate the overwhelming demand for the original versions, but are unable to, as the core of the release is still the special edition versions (George Lucas could simply claim that people purchased them for the special editions). On top of that, most of these fans already own the 2004 DVD set, and do not wish to purchase them again *just* to get the original versions as bonus materials from Laserdisc masters. What there *is* demand for, is a separate release of the original theatrical versions of the Star Wars trilogy on DVD, restored and remastered from the original prints, and presented in anamorphic widescreen (basically, given the treatment that any great film deserves and has been given). And so, while fans may be unable to demonstrate this demand with their wallets, it would be great if they could at least do it with a separate star-rating on a website, namely one as widely-read as IMDB.com. If you could accomodate this request, you would be doing both Star Wars fans and consumers a great service.

Thank you very much for your time,

The Red Baron
MTFBWY. Always.

http://www.myspace.com/red_ajax
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BadAssKeith, you have a lot of enthusiasm. Why don't you channel some of your energy in a more productive fashion, and help us out here

There will be a new one next week, as well.

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I'm reluctant to do things right now because I'm building a computer (should be working on it right now) but after I have that done and I get DSL working then I will be a lot more productive on the internet. One thing that has held me up with this computer BS is putting thermal paste on my CPU and installing the heatsink. Twice I put too much on because the instructions I read are full of BS so I had to clean it off (which is a real pain). Now that I have read decent instructions hopefully the third time will be a charm. Does anyone else here have had experience with this?
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Originally posted by: BadAssKeith
I'm reluctant to do things right now because I'm building a computer (should be working on it right now) but after I have that done and I get DSL working then I will be a lot more productive on the internet.
I don't know, you seem to be pretty 'productive' here.

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"theredbaron" your letter is great! A little redundant but very good. I may just use what to typed if you don't mind.
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That's a silly idea, really. Many movies have more then 1 version - and there's no reason to encourrage it by having seperate ratings at IMdb.
Some were not blessed with brains.
<blockquote>Originally posted by: BadAssKeith

You are passing up on a great opportunity to makes lots of money,
make Lucas lose a lot of his money
and make him look bad to the entire world
and you could be well known and liked

None of us here like Lucas or Lucasfilm.
I have death wishes on Lucas and Macullum.
we could all probably get 10s of thousands of dollars!
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Originally posted by: boris
That's a silly idea, really. Many movies have more then 1 version - and there's no reason to encourrage it by having seperate ratings at IMdb.
I have to disagree here. For once, I think BadAssKeith has a genuinely good idea going, even if his execution of it leaves something to be desired. Amazon.com has a comment system that notates which version the comment is for, usually whether or not it refers to the VHS or DVD release. This is a good thing. Comments made about a shoddy pan & scan VHS transfer are not necessarily going to apply to a later superior widescreen DVD transfer with a bunch of nifty extras included.

In the same way, I think separate comments and/or ratings for each major version of a movie is also a good thing. Would I rate the theatrical Dune differently than the recently released extended version? Certainly. Is Apocalypse Now Redux worthy of a different rating than the original version? Absolutely. As with the Special Editions of the Star Wars films, and even more so.

The idea is a good one, Keith. But I think you should have someone else from here write your request to IMDB because, let's face it, you really don't have public relations down very well. And that's putting it mildly. Plus, there are some very good writers here, and the group can also help polish the submission up before it is sent.

--SKot

Projects:
Return Of The Ewok and Other Short Films (with OCPmovie) [COMPLETED]
Preserving the…cringe…Star Wars Holiday Special [COMPLETED]
The Star Wars TV Commercials Project [DORMANT]
Felix the Cat 1919-1930 early film shorts preservation [ONGOING]
Lights Out! (lost TV anthology shows) [ONGOING]
Iznogoud (1995 animated series) English audio preservation [ONGOING]

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Originally posted by: theredbaron
Yep, go for it.


Thanks

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While you're at it ask for one for Apocolypse Now/Redux.... the Extended Lord of the Rings flicks.... The Godfather Saga.... E.T. (Cops with guns and now with Radios!) Close Encounters of the Third Kind... Bladerunner..... any movie with "Directors Cut" on the box....
"Among many things I have to be thankful for are you, the fans. I know that some of you haven't liked every single thing that I've done with the saga, and that you have a strong sense of ownership over all things Star Wars. But take that passion and devotion and channel it into a creative project of your own."
-George Lucas
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Originally posted by: JediRandy
While you're at it ask for one for Apocolypse Now/Redux.... the Extended Lord of the Rings flicks.... The Godfather Saga.... E.T. (Cops with guns and now with Radios!) Close Encounters of the Third Kind... Bladerunner..... any movie with "Directors Cut" on the box....


Why? This is a Star Wars site.

Want to book yourself or a guest on THE VFP Show? PM me!

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Have to agree with SKot, here: whatever you thought of him until now, BAK actually has made a useful post with a decent idea.

BAK, listen to what Zion said. Your second version was better, but still full of redundant personal commentary. Keep it short and simple - no need to mention the forthcoming DVDs at all, but instead refer to their poll that you mentioned in your first post - especially if you have a link to evidence of it. Try something like this:

Hello IMDB.com. Many people agree that "special editions" of movies are often inferior to their original theatrical versions, particularly George Lucas’s ’97 and ’04 editions of his original Star Wars Trilogy.

I remember there was a poll on your site shortly after the release of the '04 special editions that asked us which version of Star Wars we preferred. The original theatrical version won in a landslide! This public opinion is not able to be reflected in your current rating system.

I would therefore like your website to offer separate ratings for special edition movies and their original theatrical versions. This will help new viewers to realize there are other versions of a movie, and guide them to the most popular edition. It will also allow your voters to express their true opinions.
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Originally posted by: vote_for_palpatine
Originally posted by: JediRandy
While you're at it ask for one for Apocolypse Now/Redux.... the Extended Lord of the Rings flicks.... The Godfather Saga.... E.T. (Cops with guns and now with Radios!) Close Encounters of the Third Kind... Bladerunner..... any movie with "Directors Cut" on the box....


Why? This is a Star Wars site.


I agree with vote_for_palpatine. If one would ask for a seperate rating for the original theatrical version and any altered version (whether it's a theatrical re-release or a home video release) it should be for all movies, not just for the Star Wars movies. There are numerous movies that have received the "Director's cut", "Special Edition", "Ultimate Edition" or "Anniversary Edition" treatment and were altered in the process. Even to such a degree that seperate ratings or even seperate listings would be in order.

Actually, the changes made to the Original Trilogy are documented on IMDB, under Funn Stuff - Alternate Versions. Everyone who's interested can read what was altered through the years. Also, the Full Credits section clearly states if actors has appeared in the Special Edition version only (take a look at the Full Credits for Epsiode VI, you'll see what I mean). Funny though that Hayden Christensen's name isn't on the Full Credits list for Episode VI. He's only mentioned in the Altered Versions section.