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Here’s is the best summary of the the thoughts and feelings to majority of this board. Its concise and pointed. Just damn well written by Xizor. It can be found at:
^ Mod Edit: a working link to the article can be found here:-
https://web.archive.org/web/20040905060314/http://jedinet.com/senate/editorials/dvddebacle.asp
This is the text:-
The DVD Debacle
by Xizor
It is the first year of the new millennium. Over the last years of the 1900’s, technology has grown rapidly at a pace that gives consumers higher expectations every day. The film industry has grown from silent moving pictures without the gift of sound, to small discs capable of containing multiple films and at the same time, being able to display hundreds of bits of information.
In 1999, George Lucas and Rick McCallum of the production company, Lucasfilm, announced that the Star Wars films that have captivated film goers since 1977 were going to be remastered and completed for the DVD (digital video disc) format and were going to be released to the public in 2005; when Lucas’ prequel trilogy, beginning 32 years before the original Star Wars film was finished.
Through several interviews, both Lucas and McCallum have revealed that this commemorative box set will present the Star Wars films in the most special way possible; bringing several different versions of each of the films, such as versions using blue screens, or a version without sound effects. Once more, filmgoers and fans of Lucas’ SW saga will be able to relive these films in the best way possible.
The purpose of this editorial is not to discuss the topic of releasing these DVD videos now, but, unlike the editorials currently published on this subject, the purpose of this editorial is to share ideas and concepts that I hope to see visible in the final products when they are shipped to retailers in 2005 or later.
Star Wars: A New Hope…
A New Hope was the first SW film. Released in 1977 titled Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope and directed by George Lucas, I feel that both the original version of the film (as seen in the THX video releases released in 1995 and earlier) and the Special Edition version (1997) be viewable on this disk; as I wish that every film will be made available this way throughout the set.
As each disc should contain a special presentation (or two), I would prefer that the infamous 1979 Star Wars: The Holiday Special film is made available. The Holiday Special contains a story that is placed between the events of ANH and ESB, including the first appearance of Boba Fett, the world’s most famous Bounty Hunter. The second presentation on my list; I think that the fans are deserving of the “Lost Cut” of A New Hope, an early cut of the film from 1976 showing several cut scenes, and nearly all scenes alternating from the film.
Where available, the “Director’s Commentary”, which is commonly available in the industry of DVD these days, should be inserted into the film as an option. George Lucas wrote the original screenplay and directed the film; therefor he should narrate the commentary on this, and every disc.
Rick McCallum has revealed in an interview that there are over 700 minutes of behind the scenes footage available. All available footage should be compiled into a documentary of each film and placed onto the disc set. From “The Making of…” videos previous, there were several interviews with the cast and crew, as should also be placed into documentaries of the films, along with any interviews of the current.
The Empire Strikes Back…
The Empire Strikes Back has been hailed as “one of the best films of all time” and “one of the best sequels of all time”. I agree, as ESB still remains my favorite of the trilogy films. Like the rest of the collection, I believe that both versions of the film, the original version and the Special Edition, should be made available on this disc. The older fans, I’m sure, would love nothing more than to relive the memories of seeing the films, as they originally were the first time viewed.
The music of the Star Wars films is something to be cherished. After winning several awards for the music of the films, John Williams and George Lucas should edit the hours of music in their chronological order as they appeared (or were intended to appear) in each film, for each disc. This would eliminate purchasing the original motion picture soundtracks, but at the same time, improve the listening experience by much.
Ivan Kirshner, the director of Empire, should narrate a Director’s Commentary of the film, which would bring in an account of the gripping sequel from the eyes of the director who made it a reality.
Return of the Jedi…
Originally known as Revenge of the Jedi before the film’s initial release, the climactic film of the Star Wars trilogy should be rolled down the red carpet of DVD in both the original and Special Edition versions, as well as both Ewok films (Caravan of Courage and The Battle for Endor) found available on the disc as well.
The lost scenes of the Star Wars trilogy have always been part of my daily speculation, and for Star Wars in it’s final golden format, I believe strongly that all of these cut scenes be restored and remastered into each disc (but not each film). There are several websites on the Internet that contain archives and media from these cut scenes (StarWarz.com to begin with), proving nearly all of the scenes we have read about in novels and scripts to be in the Lucasfilm Archives.
Tragically, Richard Marquand, Jedi’s director, passed away in 1987; therefor unavailable to record a director’s commentary on the film. To fill this open space, Lawrence Kasdan, the mind behind the screenplays of Empire and Jedi should take Marquand’s place.
In the Star Wars galaxy, the Millennium Falcon flashed through hyperspace and creatures from all over the galaxy defy the Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia Organa, Chewbacca the Wookiee, and the lovable Droid duo, R2-D2 and C-3PO stride to quell the rebellion against the Galactic Empire and restore justice to the Galaxy.
The purpose of this editorial is to share the ideas and hopes I have for the final video edition of the trilogy, and how it should be put together. Lucasfilm will not produce and release these video discs based on petitions and popular demand - but by patience - from the fans of these films.
That is my view on the DVD issue.
Until next time…
