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Try to take it easy with the Lucas bashing. — Page 3

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Originally posted by: Gaffer Tape
So I guess that means that Lucas wakes up his kids at 3 in the morning in January and asks for a piece of camel poop?
No, he asks for 'poodoo'. CGI 'poodoo'.

War does not make one great.

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Originally posted by: ADigitalMan
I don't wish him death. I wish him enlightenment. I'm looking forward to actually buying this piss-poor DVD, knowing (a) my 4:3 TV will display it just fine and that (b) it will give me the legal excuse to have the X0 project, seeing as how they're both derived from the same master. The official one should be fine until X0 gets into my hands.

Meanwhile, I hope GL continues to entertain me with his 3D editions, his Archival Editions, and I especially look forward to when he officially releases the ADM editions as his official vision.


ADM version? I never heard of that one before. I personally am happy George Lucas is giving us this chance to own the movies on DVD. No more need for bootleg copies. I think they should have been released this way 6 years ago. Forget the 2004 version. In that version you could see the frames around the TIE fighters as they moved and it made the space battles look dated than they looked on VHS.

I don't think I can really bash a man who gave us such great movies. Star Wars is still popular 30 years later. That in itself shows how great these movies were and only George Lucas himself could have created such wonderful films. I almost forgot to mention the tremendous work of his team that made his vision a reality and for us, something we'll watch again and again for years to come.

Time to get the VCR rolling...
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If I am add my 2 cents into this.. I must disagree that Lucas is the only one who could have made Star Wars as great as it is. I have no doubt any number of filmmakers from Steven Spielberg to James Cameron could have taken Lucas's initial idea and the creative team of artists he had and come up with something just as good if not better. Especially Spielberg who we have some evidence of proof of that with Raiders of the Lost Ark. Further evidence of this is Empire where his creative input was minimal compared to the other movies. I have really come to believe that he just got really lucky with ANH; luck with circumstance and luck at having assembled a team of unsurpassable creativity.
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Originally posted by: Dirk Blackpool
If I am add my 2 cents into this.. I must disagree that Lucas is the only one who could have made Star Wars as great as it is. I have no doubt any number of filmmakers from Steven Spielberg to James Cameron could have taken Lucas's initial idea and the creative team of artists he had and come up with something just as good if not better. Especially Spielberg who we have some evidence of proof of that with Raiders of the Lost Ark. Further evidence of this is Empire where his creative input was minimal compared to the other movies. I have really come to believe that he just got really lucky with ANH; luck with circumstance and luck at having assembled a team of unsurpassable creativity.



I agree with you in someways about Lucas and how everything turned out in the OT. I simply look at the PT as man who was past his prime, and by doing everything it did show his flaws that were maybe covered up by others in the OT days. I mean when was the last time Rob Reiner, Francis Coppola, or Brian Depalma directed a really great movie? To me Lucas's glory days were from Grafitti to Raiders.

Was he lucky with SW '77? Sure he was, but sometimes the stars align when classics are made. Johnathen Demme directed Silence of the Lambs in 1991, and is one of my favorite movies. He has never come close to doing anything as great as that before or since, so it was his time where the stars aligned. Andrew Davis directed the Fugitive in 1993, again another classic movie, but what has he done since? Now was he lucky, or just he was the right man at the right time for the job? What I am saying is none of these guys, including Lucas are genius's as directors , but they deserve their due for those respective great movies.

ESB is not a Lucas film in the execution, and that is why it comes off so different than the other 5 SW films. You can see it just doesn't have that post ROTJ kiddie touch to it, little things that make you wince during the movie. I give Lucas credit for conceiving the ESB story, cause he was able to take a risk in his storytelling and go a different way than SW '77, and that is what makes it great.

But Lucas deserves every amount of grief for his post ESB/Raiders of the Lost Ark work, none of it is great. ROTJ is good to me cause it finishes the trilogy, and gives me closure, so it gets a pass in that sense. But as an individual movie to stand its own, even compared to ESB, it pales. The PT are just movies with great moments and really bad moments, and it tells me Lucas was not really in it to make them classics, but just good enough. And he was right as so many PT gushers defense is, "Well, no movie is perfect." "Yeah, the love story isn't that great in AOTC, but what do you want?" "Yeah, there are alot of plot holes that don't tie the trilogies together, but you're looking too much into these movies." and the best is, "Jar Jar was suppose to be annoying, Lucas wanted the audience to hate him because he was never suppose to fit in."

SW & ESB are bonafied classics, and that makes the OT what it is. It gives ROTJ a pass because it fits with the trilogy and gives closure, but the PT did expose that Lucas is no genius, and maybe he was lucky on ANH, but I will still give him his due for that great movie, and still my favorite of all-time. I just don't call him a genius anymore.
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Well, I still call him a marketing genius. I mean even today he's finding ways to squeeze money out of disgruntled fans..even getting a lot of people to shell out cash for the same movies they already have. But I don't know, maybe if we were to be a flies on the wall during the Lucasfilm board meetings we would learn again, it's mostly due to a creative team of MBAs.
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It's the Dark Side of the Force.

<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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Originally posted by: Jay
Originally posted by: THX
So, the original mission of this site has been acheived


I think a lot of people would disagree with this statement seeing as the OOT DVDs don't meet even the most basic standards of a modern DVD release.


True. And as a life long horror fan I cant help but feel that this new release will look shockingly similar to one of those bargain bin horror sets I sometimes purchase with the grainy vhs-transfered quality pictures.
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Well,

Having only just found out about this when us europeans are just being told that these will also be available, I do have some comment on the press release that I read on this very site. It is indeed very insightful into how the american mega-corporations choose to conduct their bussiness.
People don't seem to realise that they are being misled by the PR-departments. Not their fault since PR gets played like a fiddle anyway....

Do we really want to accept that the trilogy that has probably grossed more worldwide than anything ever will never be released in the way that it was meant to be enjoyed. People talk about the artistic rights of George Lucas, which in my humble opinion he wavered when he decided to release Episode I, but he has to accept that it is no longer his vision but a part of our cultural heritage.
Everywhere you go there's always somebody who, in any situation, can make at least a quick reference to Star Wars. I grew up as the generation that only got to see it on tv or video, now we got our moment with the Special Editions.

If only he had stopped there. Would Rembrandt have changed the "Nachtwacht" just because he could make more money by repainting it every few years??? I don't think so... Artistic vision is not to be found in the creator, but in the beholder. It was generally accepted that most artists were only recognized after their deaths, GL shows now what a chaos would have ensued if this had not been so....

In closing, I will leave you a forbidding feeling that sometime in the not too distant future, Lucasfilm ltd. will release an ultimate edition box set comprising of all six movies including the original versions we all loved on their very own discs. Probably even accompanied by an extra disc for a least each trilogy or maybe even one per movie.....

As long as I have my VCR I can enjoy the movie that means something to the arts.....

Paul ( an Englishman from Holland)
Sorry about the mess....
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Originally posted by: Paulus
Well,

Having only just found out about this when us europeans are just being told that these will also be available, I do have some comment on the press release that I read on this very site. It is indeed very insightful into how the american mega-corporations choose to conduct their bussiness.
People don't seem to realise that they are being misled by the PR-departments. Not their fault since PR gets played like a fiddle anyway....

Do we really want to accept that the trilogy that has probably grossed more worldwide than anything ever will never be released in the way that it was meant to be enjoyed. People talk about the artistic rights of George Lucas, which in my humble opinion he wavered when he decided to release Episode I, but he has to accept that it is no longer his vision but a part of our cultural heritage.
Everywhere you go there's always somebody who, in any situation, can make at least a quick reference to Star Wars. I grew up as the generation that only got to see it on tv or video, now we got our moment with the Special Editions.

If only he had stopped there. Would Rembrandt have changed the "Nachtwacht" just because he could make more money by repainting it every few years??? I don't think so... Artistic vision is not to be found in the creator, but in the beholder. It was generally accepted that most artists were only recognized after their deaths, GL shows now what a chaos would have ensued if this had not been so....

In closing, I will leave you a forbidding feeling that sometime in the not too distant future, Lucasfilm ltd. will release an ultimate edition box set comprising of all six movies including the original versions we all loved on their very own discs. Probably even accompanied by an extra disc for a least each trilogy or maybe even one per movie.....

As long as I have my VCR I can enjoy the movie that means something to the arts.....

Paul ( an Englishman from Holland)


Thanks for joining us sir! And don't worry. This proably isn't the last we'll see of these films on DVD. We'll get a high quality release eventually, possibly soon. I think that the issue is not only Lucas's choice to change things, but his desire to pretend that the original are rough drafts that no longer exist. Even if Leonardo Da Vinci wanted alter the Mona Lisa if he were still with us, the fact the original has been an ispiration to artists for generations would ensure that it would never be lost forever. The same is true of the OOT. Lucas is slowly relenting. We now must wait.

“What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one.”

Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death

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I actually feel sorry for George. He may have made alot of mistakes that make the fans grumble (or worse) but god damn is he one of the most scrutinized directors I've ever seen. I sometimes have to ask myself (and others) if George can shit comfortably without some asshole fan (again I haven't seen it on this site) critisizing him for it. I've heard some pretty asinine complaints against Lucas, namely one mentioning the name of Lucasfilm as way of George stealing credit or burying workers who put their time into the original films. Another being because Lucas' name was put as the writer for the Star Wars novel (although he didn't write the book himself) that this translates to wanting to be a glory hog? Does George really need the credits on a book to back up the great success of Star Wars? No. Do people care that much? I guess so. Being critical about a film is one thing....but I just don't know...
http://img416.imageshack.us/img416/7823/starwarssuppersmallerxx5.jpg
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People are critical about him because of his attitude towards the fans. He is the primary reason that we do not have a high-quality release of the OOT. I have nothing against the man. I wish him a long, happy, healthy life. But I wish that he had more respect for his fans.

“What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one.”

Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death

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Originally posted by: Mike O
People are critical about him because of his attitude towards the fans. He is the primary reason that we do not have a high-quality release of the OOT. I have nothing against the man. I wish him a long, happy, healthy life. But I wish that he had more respect for his fans.


I can understand the critism for the movies. George worked on the films and is the go to guy on such things as releases and what not. That kind of critism of Mr. Lucas is pretty justified. What I think isn't called for is the fact that people will come up with the most ridiculous reasons to hate Lucas outside of just not liking what he's done to his movies. People can hate who they want, but atleast have reasonable reasons to actually do so, which was what I was saying.
http://img416.imageshack.us/img416/7823/starwarssuppersmallerxx5.jpg
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I dislike what the man has done. Criticizing him for his hairstyle or the way that he talks or somesuch is idiotic, but criticizing him for his attitude to toward the fans and the OOT is in my opinion completely legitimate and constructive. Take, for example Joss Whedon or James Cameron. I know neither of them, but their reputations suggest egotistical things about them. They may well deserve such criticism, I don't know. But they have made good films/television series and are willing to give fans what they want. Lucas is not. That doesn't mean that I have anything against the man. I just want a cristply remaster anamoorphic widescreen mono/2.0/5.1(/DTS?) release of the OOT on DVD, Blu-Ray, HD-DVD, and other future formats to come down the road. I want to have a choice between both versions, I always want customers to have that choice. I am criticizing Lucas's actions, but but not necessarily him. Criticism of him and his ego generalyl comes only by extension.

“What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one.”

Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death

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Of course GL is the got-to guy for these movies. He exchanged a significant pay-rise for the rights to all merchandise, including the movie rights.....
This is where we get to see the cracks in the system GL worked so hard to bring back to films. I mean, the big studios are more willing to listen to the fans and then release things that they feel the fans would want. Gl just goes on about how these films aren't complete yet. The way he's tinkering with them they never will be....
That is what this is all about, I mean he was a visionary director but he has only directed four times since our '77 favourite. As far as the behind the scenes books and programmes tell, he isn't really at home in the director's chair. Maybe he should spend more time writing since that does seem to be something he is really good at.
GL is basically a victim of his own succes, maybe sometime he will admit it and settle down on these films.

Until then we will have plenty to rip at him....
Sorry about the mess....
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As far as the behind the scenes books and programmes tell, he isn't really at home in the director's chair.

He himself has admitted it.

Maybe he should spend more time writing since that does seem to be something he is really good at.


Lucas is good at writing stoires. He is good at structuring them. Look atRaiders of the Lost Ark or The Empire Strikes Back. His problem lies with writing dialogue. He is a fantastic producer because he is skilled technician and craftsman, his problem lies with storytelling. He is unquestionably talented and intelligent. He is simply misdirecting his abilities at the moment.

...maybe sometime he will admit it and settle down on these films.


He will, probably soon enough. Remember "Now we'll find out if people really wanted the originals or if they wanted the improved versions. It will all come out in the end. With the 30th anniversary approaching, we appear to have at last reached some point of reckoning. Lucas appears to want to go head to head with the fans at this point. Here's hoping everyhing will iron itself out soon enough. At least that's what I tell myself so that I can sleep at night.

“What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one.”

Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death

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I'm so sick of it. -a rant by Wesyeed.

He hordes the good films in his ranch and delivers bad films called the PT, which I can't believe has dedicated fans. i can understand the random kid who's just into anything with lots of explosions and lightsabers but serious almost-religious fans of these crappy wastes of potential? come on. Honestly after episode 1 came out, I could sense something was fucked up about the new star wars... and back then, I think people were so ravenous, so desperate to love some new star wars movie that the mere mention of something/anything unfavorable about the new movie was met with Furious Rage. i still have the scars to this day. I guess that's the internet for you; It's war, over the stupidest things. (Lesson learned: Some fanboys prefer delusion.)

The Lucas I respected and admired growing up is DEAD. Yep. Whoever this fat business guy is, is not the cool 70s George Lucas who pioneered an entirely new industry in filmmaking and delivered an amazing sci-fi/fantasy experience that captivated everyone here. I really hate the new lucas. Yeah I said it. Take it easy with the Lucas Bashing? why... attacking him verbally, wishing death etc, is nothing to him. He'll just go swim in his pool full of money like scrooge mcduck after reading us call him a fat douche or whatever. He could care less if we bash him. All the suckers who buy his crappy new films and special editions (i'm a sucker for buying his crappy episode 1 and 2, thankfully skipping 3) still gave him the money he's currently swimming in laughing at us.

I'm tired of it, Jay. I'm tired of Lucas' shameless manipulation of his fanbase through hyperspace, crappy movies, the special editions all of it. We're his money farm, not fans. He shows us 0 respect or loyalty while that's all we had for him for god i don't even remember how long i've dedicated my time to star wars stuff... I just want to punch him for doing this to us.

I'm doing what i think is sane now. I'm just going to tell lucas to go cgi himself some fans because he's bound to lose them once they wake up and see how he truly values us. I want to say something very friggin insulting to Lucas but no.. whatever... no bashing. He's a... no. I'll just not be his sucker anymore.
He big in nothing important in good elephant.

"Miss you, I will, Original Trilogy..."

"Your midichlorians are weak, Old man." -Darth Vader 2007 super deluxe extra special dipped in chocolate sauce edition.

http://prequelsstink.ytmnd.com/
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Originally posted by: Jay
I know a lot of you are frustrated. I am too, though I've grown less and less attached to Star Wars as Lucas continues to disregard his fans more and more.

I have no problem with valid criticisms of George Lucas. You can even call the guy an asshole on occasion if it makes you feel better about the whole thing. However, praying for his death is going a bit too far.

Occasional venting is totally fine, but let's try to keep our comments constructive from now on.

Thanks.


A good point to keep in mind in times like these...

My Projects:
[Holiday Special Hybrid DVD v2]
[X0 Project]
[Backstroke of the West DVD]
[ROTS Theatrical DVD]

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Originally posted by: Wesyeedi'm a sucker for buying his crappy episode 1 and 2, thankfully skipping 3) still gave him the money he's currently swimming in laughing at us.

Heheh, I justify all my other suckerness by finally putting a halt to my madness in refusing to buy Episode 3. One less Star Wars DVD on the shelf that I will never watch. Heheh. Too little, too late, I guess.

I don't wish death to Mr. Lucas .... but considering that chances of a decent OT home release will rise considerably PostGeorgeMortem .... I look forward to its natural occurrence with eagerness.

.

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That's a little cold. And don't forget Rick McCallum.

“What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one.”

Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death

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Without Lucas, you would have never had these films to complain about in the first place.

I remember growing up with the original films and loving them dearly despite other people who declared them nothing but vaccuous toy commercials with no redeeming artistic quality.

Now we have people who like the classic trilogy saying the same thing about the prequels?

Just as not everyone understood what we loved about the original films, not everyone is going to understand why I love the new ones just as much.

It just amazes me hearing this total lack of consideration coming from people who saw the good in the originals.
Your focus determines your reality.
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And yet here you are, at boards where you know this sort of thing goes on all the time.

Interesting, no?

<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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About as interesting as fans of Star Wars who giddily embrace their hate for George Lucas as if it's the right thing to do.
Your focus determines your reality.
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Without Lucas, you would have never had these films to complain about in the first place.


Just remember that the same applies to the O-OT Go-Mer. Without those movies, which you have so much hate for despite claiming otherwise, you wouldn't have your beloved SE and PT.

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Why would anyone suggest otherwise?

I will say that the SE versions and the prequels certainly pulled their own weight as well.
Your focus determines your reality.
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/Sigh...more pathetic ramblings.

What happened, Gomer. Did TF.n finally wise up and ban you? I'm guessing this must be the case, otherwise you wouldn't be out trolling sites that are the complete opposite of your view. What makes you think we want to hear it anymore than they do?

Why don't you go gush on SW.COM. There's nothing for you here.

<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>