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Jay

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Join date
22-Feb-2003
Last activity
20-Jan-2026
Posts
2,440

Post History

Post
#36780
Topic
THX-1138
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/36780/action/topic#36780
Time
I heard via HTF that the version being released is the same extended cut that was released to home video previously. My understanding is that the theatrical cut was a studio-enforced cut that was never approved by Coppola or Lucas, and the previous home video release reincorporated the cut scenes, which contain nudity I believe. I'm pretty certain the addition of new effects is only a rumor. If Lucas didn't have time to rework the SEs, I doubt he'd find the time for this.
Post
#35875
Topic
DVDs of 2004?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/35875/action/topic#35875
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: PSYCHO_DAYV
DVD X COPY HAS A FEW FLAWS, BUT IT DOES WORK. I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAS IT.


I recommend DVDShrink for ripping DVDs. Even if it weren't freeware, it would be worth paying for. Very easy to use. I've reauthored and ripped a few DVDs to my hard drive and it works great. The only thing it can't do on its own is burn a backup; you need to have Nero installed so it can link up with it and burn a disc.

I'm planning on building a media server at some point so I can rip and store all my DVDs on the server, then play them back over a network using PCs set up at each TV in the house. The only thing keeping me from doing it right now is the cost of storage (probably $2K US just for the hard drives alone).
Post
#35872
Topic
DVDs of 2004?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/35872/action/topic#35872
Time
An online aquaintence of mine who was in Viet Nam told me that We Were Soldiers is the most accurate portrayal of a combat situation he's seen on film. Can't imagine an endorsement better than that. Also a great showpiece if you have a surround sound setup.

The Thin Red Line is probably my favorite war movie because it deals with the effects of war on combatants in a much more personal manner than most others. It has its fair share of blood and guts, but its introspection helps you understand the emotional toll war can take on its participants and their loved ones.

I'd also recommend Band of Brothers for this same reason. Great character development too. It takes a few episodes to warm up, but the combat footage is pretty intense; almost a direct reflection of Saving Private Ryan (not surprising considering it was produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg).

Black Hawk Down is a bit short on substance, but with the events having taken place much more recently, the characters are more identifiable because they embody our modern sensibilities. By the way the soldiers talk and interact, you realize that these really are just kids we're sending into battle. The technology is more recognizable as well. I think these things help modern audiences identify with the material a bit more than films about wars in the past.

Classics include Patton and Full Metal Jacket (just for the bootcamp scenes alone).

Don't bother with Windtalkers. It's reminiscent of older war movies that were more gung-ho about combat so it doesn't stand up to the stark realities presented by modern war movies. Some of the action sequences are downright Rambo-like, with Nick Cage taking out entire squads armed with automatic rifles using nothing but a pistol. I was never a fan of John Woo because his movies really push the limits of suspended disbelief, and applying his style to a war movie leads to something pretty ridiculous.
Post
#34414
Topic
Digital Bits thoughts?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/34414/action/topic#34414
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: Rebel Scumb
We should take our hats off to www.dvdfile.com as well. This is a great site and they have hosted one of our banner ads for a long time, and it appears next to every single review they write.


I believe I praised DVDFile in another post where I blasted the other sites. DVDFile has had the animated "Han Shoots First" banner on their site for a long time. They probably could've sold that space to an advertiser if they'd wanted.
Post
#34090
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/34090/action/topic#34090
Time
Thanks for your posts, everyone. All very sound points coming from both sides of the argument.

Several have voiced their concerns about my recent shift in policy regarding the open discussion of bootlegs. I want you all to know that I take your opinions seriously, and forum policy, just like many things in this world, is open to debate and change.

To address the credibility issue, I'll direct users toward Bill Hunt, who uses one side of his mouth to condemn bootlegs, and the other side of his mouth to REVIEW the damn things. No one seems to think the Digital Bits has a credibility problem though. Also, the flood of bootleg discussions that were feared by some once the ban was lifted has not come to pass.

I'm not convinced the casual discussion of bootlegs in an open forum will destroy the credibility of this site or the petition.

I can promise that these forums will NEVER become a method for people to advertise bootlegs. A few members have posted links to reviews of particular bootlegs, and I think that's fine. I even suggested members get in touch with one of them, which was going too far.

From now on, the policy will be to refrain from open sales of laserdisc or VHS backups. All such discussions should be moved to private messages or e-mail.

I won't object to posts that discuss the quality of various bootlegs. However, any posts that say, "E-mail me at bootlegbastard@hotmail.com for the bestest bootlegs EVAR" should be reported so I can delete them. Same thing goes for posts like, "emale boottlegbastard@hotmail.com cuz his DVDRs r teh r0X0r5!!!!!!111"

Here's the twist: bootlegs of the Special Editions are off limits. No discussions, no reviews, no links, no sales. The SEs are a tangible, announced product that will receive an official release later this year. As such (and this is completely subjective on my part), they are no longer viable bootleg options. Back when Star Wars on DVD was a question mark, they were forgiveable. With their arrival now imminent, no one has any excuse for buying SE bootlegs.


To summarize:

1. No SE bootleg discussion, period. They've been announced. Preorder them if you want them.

2. No posting contact info to solicit backup sales, whether it be your own contact info or someone else's. Restrict this to private messages and e-mail.

3. No links to online stores that sell bootlegs. This includes ebay auctions.

4. Reviews and opinions of laserdisc or VHS backups are permitted. Links to reviews are acceptable provided the review doesn't advertise the bootlegs for sale or provide direct links to a site that offers them for sale.


Finally, and most importantly:

5. No naked pictures of Ernest Borgnine.


I hope this clears things up.
Post
#34089
Topic
It's just marketing... wait a while.
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/34089/action/topic#34089
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: bwims
...why would George bring out the original theatrical release now, when he can re-release it later (like Spielberg did with E.T.)


Spielberg released the theatrical cut of E.T. and the modified version at the same time. In the same box, no less. Around $20 at most places when it was new, packed with extras and a DTS track.

Originally, he planned to release the theatrical cut only in the deluxe box set ($60), but there was such an outcry from fans that he changed it at the last minute. His decision to change things at the last minute was mostly due to marketing considerations, I think, but I'd like to believe he also came to his senses and realized that it was the right thing to do.

I'd say we have a snowball's chance in hell of ever seeing all three Star Wars films in both theatrical and SE formats plus extras for anywhere near $60. I think the pricing of the Alien Quadrilogy will be the model for the SW box set.

I agree that there's a possibility that all this Star Wars business is just that--business. Lucas could simply be building demand. However, other than rabid fans, who will purchase a second Star Wars box set, even if it's 3 years later? Not the average consumer. To them, Star Wars is Star Wars, which is why the SE box set will sell so well.

Only true fans, of both the series itself and of film in general, care that the theatrical cuts might never see the light of day. And we don't need Lucas to build our anticipation; we want it already.

I think this is really about Lucas digging in his heels and being stubborn, not wanting to look like he's given in. It would be like admitting he's been wrong all this time (which he has been).
Post
#33946
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/33946/action/topic#33946
Time
I am very anti-bootleg. Every movie and album I own is legitimate. I believe artists should be fully compensated for their work, and I believe the quality offered by an official release justifies the cost.

When I hear people tell me--with pride--how much they're getting out of Netflix thanks to their DVD burners, I get pissed.

I feel the current industry paranoia regarding movie and music pirating is more than just paranoia. While I'm worried they'll take copy protection measures too far, I can't blame them for trying to defend their intellectual property from a society that believes they deserve something for nothing.

The OT is different though. The official word from Lucasfilm is that the original cuts no longer exist. Period. They're gone forever.

If that's the case, is it really bootlegging? How can you bootleg something that doesn't exist? If Lucas truly has cast aside the original cuts as mere workprints not worthy of their own DVD release, why should he even care if people are copying old laserdiscs?

You also have to consider that we're talking about something the vast majority of consumers would be more than happy to pay for if given the chance.

I'm a huge fan of Stanley Kubrick. My favorite filmmaker, bar none. I don't think it's possible to convey my respect for his work with mere words. Pretend for a moment he's still with us and his collection of work hasn't been released in a wonderful box set. We're still getting by with pan and scan VHS tapes and the letterbox laserdisc of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Kubrick announces that he's no longer satisfied with his work on 2001, and he's going to replace some of the effects with CGI. The original theatrical version will not be made available on DVD.

I'd bootleg the laserdisc without hesitation. Despite all my respect for the creator of the work, his disregard for its effect on me renders that respect null and void.

That's what all this really comes down to. Respect. We respect the artist, and in return the artist respects us.

And we both respect the work. That is paramount.

I'm not feeling very respected by Mr. Lucas right now. Something tells me that if the theatrical cuts had a voice, they'd say that they're not feeling very respected by Mr. Lucas either.

I'm more than happy to give them the respect they deserve by preserving them for future generations, with or without Mr. Lucas's approval.
Post
#33947
Topic
Offical 50,000
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/33947/action/topic#33947
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: Rebel Scumb
Supposedly there is a TPM SE in the works.


If they redo the transfer so it's on par with AOTC, I might pick it up. The current release has some of the worst edge enhancement I've ever seen. The quality of the film stock they used was subpar as well. A new all-digital transfer would be a worthwhile upgrade.
Post
#33798
Topic
Digital Bits thoughts?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/33798/action/topic#33798
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: Luke Skywalker
I have to vent after reading Bill Hunts column on the bits today...

i remember the day that they joined us in this petition and they were advertising it as much as they could.. but now what does he say? "no amount of protesting, boycotting and petitioning by the fans will make that happen" I think it was Jay who said this on here that people dropped this petition when it was yesterday's news. I couldnt agree more. It disgusts me that they took off the link to our site so long ago and have never mentioned us since then.


Bill Hunt was happy to sign on with the petition when he realized what it could do for his site. Once the big push was over, they dropped us like a hot potato. Now he says petitions are worthless, and the SEs are bearable. Anyone remember his childish ranting and raving at the start of the petition? He sounded like a zealot.

Then there's hometheaterforum.com. I started the original petition on petitiononline.com, and Ron Epstein actually posted in his own forum encouraging people NOT to sign it because it didn't look "professional"--too many negative comments. That's when I offered to build this site. They gave up on us eventually also. If you look at the humongous Star Wars topics there, you'll see one of the biggest collection of bitter idiots you're likely to encounter online.

TheForce.net didn't want anything to do with us unless I hosted the petition on their site. I won't post the text of the ridiculous e-mail I received from their administrators trying to convince me to host it with them. After I gracefully declined, I heard nothing from them.

Unlike all these sites, originaltrilogy.com is not funded by advertising. I built it myself, I pay for the hosting costs. I have no agenda other than that listed on the home page--the release of the theatrical cuts on DVD. That's where my goals end. Aside from a mention on my resume, I get no returns on my investment.

The Star Wars web community has become overrun with sellouts who are more interested in increasing exposure to their sites than they are in reporting news and remaining relevant. There are very few genuine film fans remaining among Star Wars fans; fanboys are in charge now.

Most will take the SEs and run. Know what? Fuck'em. They can choke on it.

Quote
Originally posted by: jimbo
The digital bits rumor mill is always based on industry sources not fan boys. The reason it is not always accrate is because the industry changes there minds. But it does show there are industry sources saying that there will be newer versions of the movies.


If you predict once a year every year that Star Wars is coming out on DVD, at some point, you'll be right. When people discuss the genious of the Digital Bits for "predicting" the release of the Indy trilogy, they should be punched. Hard.

Quote
Originally posted by: GundarkHunter
If you want evidence of how much SW has started to bring out the worst in people, head over to hometheaterforum.com. Some of the most vitriolic posts I've ever read.


I stopped posting in the DVD forum there for that very reason. Some really maladjusted individuals there. I still browse on occasion, but I mostly stick to the various hardware forums.

Quote
Originally posted by: Luke Skywalker
i plan on it... lol

im hoping i have twins so i can name them luke and leia... after all my last name is walker... hehe
now just to fit "sky" in there...


Luke Sky Walker. Leia Sky Walker.

Of course, your daughter would be wholely justified in beating you to death with a ball-peen hammer as soon as she's strong enough to lift one.
Post
#33297
Topic
Great idea- Let's totally SWAMP the Lucasfilm Jedi Council!
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/33297/action/topic#33297
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: Rebel Scumb
Its my impression that doing this would hurt us more then help us. They may just get annoiyed and pull the plug on www.originaltrilogy.com since technically they own the rights to anything SW.

Its a noble idea, but my instincts say it would not work in our favour.


Huh? This is a fan site. "Original Trilogy" is a fan term, not a copyright. They can't do squat.
Post
#32945
Topic
Lucasfilm DVD announcement: they are NOT the original cuts, they're the Special Editions.
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/32945/action/topic#32945
Time
As most every Star Wars fan knows by now, Lucasfilm announced the upcoming release of the trilogy on DVD this September. Unfortunately, they've decided to go with the Special Editions, not the original cuts.

The petition is still up, and it's staying up for the forseeable future. Please keep spreading the word.
Post
#32943
Topic
We are not alone...
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/32943/action/topic#32943
Time
I made an update to the top of the home page letting people know that the Special Editions are planned for release. I've received many e-mails in the last two days declaring the battle won; apparently, people aren't reading the news releases very closely. Either that, or they thought the purpose of the site was to get Star Wars on DVD period, which would also mean they don't read very closely. Neither surprises me.

If anyone here can find an e-mail address for Fox Home Video, I'd be happy to post it on the home page and request that visitors deluge them with complaints. I could even send out a newsletter containing that contact info.
Post
#32770
Topic
SE Trilogy on DVD coming this Fall
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/32770/action/topic#32770
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: Luke Skywalker
SIDE NOTE - Jay if there is anything wrong with what i have posted you have full rights to delete it. I do not plan on making any profit out of this, i just want people to have the best quality print of the film if they do plan on making a backup. Please get back to me on this.


Lucas has said that as far as he's concerned, the original cuts no longer exist. How can one create a bootleg of a film that doesn't exist?

Go nuts. Doesn't bother me a bit anymore. I purchased some backups from TR47 that are pretty decent. I'd encourage anyone who wants a copy to get in touch with him--whether you own the originals or not. Decent video quality with the original stereo PCM tracks intact. If Lucas doesn't want to sell them to you, why is it so bad to get them from someone who does?

I guess the one good thing about all this is that the value of my THX Faces LDs just went through the roof. Too bad I let go of the Definitive Collection last year. I'm sure that will go up in value as well.

I don't know if anyone noticed the numbers, but over 700 people signed the petition today after the announcement from Lucasfilm. Some people obviously still feel that we can get what we want. I'm not so sure anymore, but I don't plan on taking the site down anytime soon.

If only people had the willpower not to purchase the September box set. Despite all the pissing and moaning, 99% of Star Wars fans will end up forking over the cash anyway. Lucas will be rewarded for doing the wrong thing, a bunch of tools will continue to bitch about the SEs while they secretly open their wallets for the box set, and things will continue as they are. I could tolerate the SEs myself if the Han/Greedo scene were restored and the lameass Jabba's palace video from Jedi were removed, but I have a feeling that they'll still be intact.

Based on current information, I won't be buying the September box set.

To be honest, I've watched LOTR more times in the last two years than I've watched Star Wars in the last ten. Not sure I care at this point if the theatrical cuts ever make it to home video again.

I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to the cause, whether it be through newspaper articles, interviews, banners on web sites, or simple e-mails to friends saying, "Sign it now punkass!" I'd also like to present a big fat middle finger to the sites who used the petition to get attention for their own benefit and dropped their support as soon as we were no longer the flavor of the month. Special thanks to dvdfile.com for maintaining a high-profile "Han Shoots First" banner to this very day on some of their most visited pages.

Thanks most of all to the forum members. Good bunch of folks here.

P.S. - Jim Ward needs to stop licking George's ass. What a fucking moron.