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New thoughts about getting the OT on DVD

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I was thinking today about how stubborn GL is being. I mean, saying he is being stubborn is giving him a lot. I can think of a number of harsher more fitting descriptions. But I digress.

Its obvious that even GL has to know what kind of money we are talking about with an OT release. And I think at least some people at FOX have to be aware of this intimidating figure. So if we cant appeal to GL personally, lets appeal to people with nothing personal at stake. FOX is in business to make money. If they realize, perhaps if they have it ground into understanding, just how much money they could make - perhaps that would be motivation for them to go out of their way to get the OT on DVD.

I love this petition. I think its exceptionally worded, and the concept is noble. But I think we'd have better luck writing letters to FOX with some details about these huge numbers they are missing out on.

Im not sure just how much control GL has. Its possible that this would be as fruitless as anything else. Maybe GL has such exclusive rights that he cant be persuaded. Its obvious that he has some kind of major stick in his ass about the OT. (For some reason it doesnt even exist to him now, nevermind that its the only reason he exists as he does now).

So if this has been discussed before, sorry. I was just thinking about the economics of it. If FOX released the OT in a box set for $100 dollars a unit, and made it limited production; say 100,000 units - i dont need to spell it out for you guys. Perhaps they think that there isnt a market for it, maybe we need to let them know.

Personally, im going to look into this. I need to find out who to write to at FOX, and then im going to start with a personal letter. And maybe after that a semi-petition.
Let me know what you think. Sorry this is so long winded.
"You don't own space, so stop actin' like you do."
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Hi Lethe,

your idea, specifically the mention of how much money Fox could make on the o-ot, made me think of a whole new problem. Since Lucas/Fox/whatever is oh-so-cleverly, and dishonestly, marketing the 2004 DVDs as simply "the original trilogy", I think the general public would be rather confused if the "original theatrical cuts" were finally offered for sale. The average movie watcher, not realizing how altered the new DVDs are, might think "the original theatrical cuts" are some kind of rarity, something only film historians would be interested in, since after all, the "original trilogy" has already been released. In other words, the current marketing and packaging of the 2004 editions essentially denies that they are different from the original films, therefore reducing the neccesity (as perceived by the public) for theatrical cuts.
Unless there is considerable coverage of the changes made in the commentary and documentary features (is there?). Even then, these are still things the average Wal-Mart shopping DVD consumer may never watch anyway. Because of all this, I could see Fox considering a release of the o-ot to be risky and not widely marketable. Regretable, this is

"For Star Wars to return to its roots it must be based more on emotion than explanation."  -- J.J. Abrams

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Since Lucas/Fox/whatever is oh-so-cleverly, and dishonestly, marketing the 2004 DVDs as simply "the original trilogy", I think the general public would be rather confused if the "original theatrical cuts" were finally offered for sale


That is why we have to get the word out that people are being lied too! Check out this thread...

http://www.originaltrilogy.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=2&threadid=848

We need more exposure. The media can be powerful. We need a well written letter. I am not a good writer, but if someone can come up with one, I will send it everywhere! We need to take action against Lucas and his "Empire of Lies"!
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I think another point of significance in the letter im drafting to FOX is going to be that the market for the OT is a special market. In more relative terms, a "collectors market". This sort of implies a lot of things I think. First of all, it pretty much bumps the inital MSRP. Also, it implies that the product needs minimal advertising.
I think id be presenting this as more of an offshoot than a re-re-release. Im sure that with the proper wording FOX would understand. Im not trying to convince them that Bobby Teenager knows the difference, neither do a lot of the people who were kids when the movies first came out.
The product I want them to sell is for a niche audience. I agree with you, this matter needs to be adressed in a very direct and specific way. But I should reinforce my first thoughts by adding all of this post.

The OT on DVD in my opinion shouldnt be marketed as a re-release. They wouldnt even have to make a commercial for it or anything. "Star Wars: Collector's Edition" Somethig to this effect. If a person picks up the back it tells them they are the Original Theatrical releases, not the versions being kicked around since 1997. Like I said, I think it sells itself to at least 50k people who are into SW enough to know the difference between the '77 version and the '97 version (ill even say this figure covers international recognition, and I think im shooting low). Aside from that, there are plenty of DVD fanatics who just get stuff to get stuff.

Im beating a dead horse at this point. I hope you see where im coming from. I dont think you were disputing me, im just letting you know ive thought about what you said, and I think that if it is presented correctly - the idea of the OT on DVD can still be very appealing to FOX...if it even matters.
"You don't own space, so stop actin' like you do."
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This is off topic, but is your name from the Dark Tranquillity song called "Lethe"?
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No, its from Greek mythology, as well as Dante's divine comedy. I gave an explanation in the thread for name meanings, I think its in the "off topic" forum

Id give more of an explanation right now, but im off to school.

I see lots of people viewing this thread, and I cant literally twist your arms to reply, but I would like to know what you think. Even if you think im way out in left field.

Thanks, Lethe.
"You don't own space, so stop actin' like you do."