Hi guys.
I’ve been thinking about this for quite a while and I hope this will generate a bit of discussion/heated debate. Please no flaming! I’m just playing devil’s advocate here for the sake of debate. So here goes:
What if Lucas actually did release the OOT on DVD, ie lets say he caved in to fan demands/critics and actually did release the OOT on DVD? What happens when the next ‘new’ format of media comes out, because lets face it, new technology is unavoidable and the main reason for this site is to get the OOT on a high definition (whatever you want to call it) medium.
My question is, where does it stop? Sure, it would be awesome for us to have the OOT on DVD NOW because now in 2004, the DVD format is the highest level of technology available to consumers. But in 10-15 years time, do you really think the DVD will be your medium of choice? I know some people on this forum have stated they will not upgrade their systems in the future etc etc, but you cannot say with certainty that you will not update your technology to get a better home theatre experience because time will tell and you will change as a consumer, your perspective will shift from what you are thinking now! The cost of technology will come down, new, better, more advanced and cheaper systems will come down the line, just like Beta to VHS, from VHS to DVD. Consumers will keep up, just like we’ve kept up with DVD’s and high definition systems.
I guess what I’m asking is, do we honestly expect Lucasfilm (and other film companies for that matter) to re-release the OOT on every new media that comes out in the future? We know new formats are going to come, that is the nature of technology! What if tomorrow, in 6 months, in a year we had our OOT on DVD? Lets also say in 20 years, the DVD format is outdated, lets say we look back at DVD’s, shake our heads at this ‘simple’ technology and just laugh, like we do now with ‘ancient’ technology (ie Beta video tapes). Would we then start up a new site to get the OT on “Super DVD” or whatever new high-tech system is now in our home?
Whose to say in 20 years time our kids won’t be on a site just like this, campaigning to get the OOT on the newest media of their generation? Because by this time, they won’t even remember what a DVD is!
Technology will always evolve but should we expect the OOT to evolve with technology or should we at some point stop and just cherish what we have? I think this is what Lucas is saying when he says he won’t release the OOT on DVD, because he realises that at some point you do have to stop. His biggest problem is his compulsion to continuously EDIT the films, over and over again.
Should we accept the fact that the OOT is out there as an official release on VHS and just move on? Because whose to say in 20 years time, the exact same scenario we have now, won’t be playing out? Ie the campaign to have our favourite films released officially on the latest medium that exists.
Thoughts?
-Figrin