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Max Reebo Rocks

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30-Mar-2004
Last activity
13-Jan-2007
Posts
22

Post History

Post
#246643
Topic
The Merits of the Prequel Trilogy and the "Saga"
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/246643/action/topic#246643
Time
Originally posted by: CO

That is why I can still see the saga 4-6 because that story never changed, it is about Luke, Leia, and Han and how they help the rebels defeat the Empire, with a nice sub-story of Luke redeeming his father, Darth Vader that adds some depth, and that is why I don't need the PT to complete my SW fandom, because I don't love the tragedy of Anakin Skywalker. Sorry, but it aint that interesting for 6 movies now.


Holy crap, CO, awesome post! You basically summarized my exact feelings on the matter, as well!

Post
#245894
Topic
Do you REALLY think there will be remastered versions of the OOT or whatever? I don't.
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245894/action/topic#245894
Time
Originally posted by: Cable-X1
I'd say it's about quality....and respect to three films upon which great importance is placed.....not only as an influence to a generation, but as a benchmark in SFX evolution and a milestone in American cinema. There is no difference between these films and Citizen Kane, Casablanca, Lawrence Of Arabia or The Godfather. They are all important pieces of art in the history of American film and they deserve to be preserved so future generations can see how cinematic art progressed in the 20th century.....


Hear hear!! Couldn't have said it better myself! Why can't people realize that this issue is NO different than if someone had colorized Casablanca for a DVD release and said, "Sorry folks, but this represents the vision of the original filmmakers and the B&W version is now obsolete." It's really that simple!!

Post
#119238
Topic
Empire of Dreams on A&E last night
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/119238/action/topic#119238
Time
Didn't watch the whole thing as I've already seen it (rented from Netflix), but it just got me thinking again. It's actually a pretty good documentary that shows how much creativity was involved with making the OOT (i.e., model work, sound FX). One of the modelers actually fondly recollects being asked for an autograph outside of Mann's Chinese Theatre after the premiere. Now.....wouldn't you think that the average moviegoer, after watching this nice nostalgic documentary, would be outraged that those original, unaltered films are no longer available? I guess not, but it's crazy to think that much of the model work and other SFX discussed in that documentary is now obselete thanks to the Special Editions (e.g., Yavin space battle). Yeah, yeah...I know this has been discussed ad nauseum but it never ceases to amaze me that more people aren't pissed off about Lucas steadfastly refusing to release the OOT on DVD.

Another interesting part from the doc (albeit not surprising) is how one of the best lines in the entire saga (Han saying "I know" before being lowered into carbon freeze in ESB) had NOTHING to do with Lucas at all. Lucas had originally written Han responding to Leia's "I love you" with "I love you, too." (how boring would that have been?) Kersh and Harrison Ford tried it and tried it and realized it wasn't working, and it was finally Harrison who came up with the line! I think Kersh even said that if Lucas were on the set that day (which he wasn't), he probably would have objected to that line. Just goes to show that alot of the best moments from the OOT had nothing to do with Lucas. As many have said, it was a collaboration. I'm so sick of the media portraying Lucas as the sole "genius" behind Star Wars, and of course he just sits back in his chair and smugly acknowledges it as if it were true.
Post
#112626
Topic
Things you DID NOT like about Episode III
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/112626/action/topic#112626
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: Warbler
Here's a couple of things I didn't like:

1. The ease at which the jedi were killed. You expect me to believe that mere clone troopers could assassinate powerful Jedi Knights and Jedi Masters? If clones were going to assassinate the jedis, they should have atleast depicted the jedis taking dozens of clones with them, they didn't. Those two clones who actually thought they could assassinate Yoda must be the two stupidest people in clone army!! Yoda is the most powerful jedi on the council what chance do two clones have against him, and did they they think that the Wookies standing beside him would just stand their and watch? That is not the way a professional hit is done.


This really bothered me, too. Especially the woman Jedi who's moving along with two Clone Troopers on her speeder bike, looking around cluelessly and not noticing that they've dropped behind her to fire on her! Gimme a break, they're supposed to be Jedi at the peak of their abilities for chrisakes, not OT stormtroopers!! Reading the screenplay just confirms that George didn't even bother to think about this ("Ka-ati-mundi is gunned down before he can defend himself"....a Jedi master? yeah, right!). I just grew up thinking of the Jedi as so awesome and powerful, and it turns out that not only were they completely and utterly duped by a Sith Lord for 20+ years, but they can't even defend themselves from a platoon of clone troopers! This has already been mentioned, but on a related note it's ridiculous that Palpatine can kill 3 Jedi masters in less than 5 seconds. You even see him preparing to run the first one through with his saber, and the guy just takes it in the chest, groans, and falls to the floor. Pathetic!

Luke: "Is the Dark Side stronger?"
Yoda: "No, quicker, easier, more seductive.....and wipe out 3 Jedi masters in 5 seconds flat without breaking a sweat they can...oh crap, perhaps stronger they are after all..."
Post
#112290
Topic
Favorite OT score/music cue?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/112290/action/topic#112290
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: ADigitalMan
My top 10 favorites in order:
1) The entire "Hyperspace" cue from the climax of ESB is probably my favorite cue.
2) Luke's final attack on Vader in ROTJ
3) The death of Darth Vader with his theme on harp.
4) The throne room Force march from the end of ANH was my fave as a child and remains one of my faves.
5) Orchestral Duel of the Fates opening as the doors open in the Naboo hangar with Darth Maul waiting. Dump all over Episode I all you want, this was one of the coolest music/movie moments in history.
6) Yoda's theme at its most majestic as he floats the X-wing from the swamp to dry land in ESB.
7) The entire finale/end credits suite from ESB.
8) The force fanfare as the Battle of Yavin begins (which, according to Lucas, doesn't exist).
9) The flurry of strings as we reprise Luke's theme in the last movement of the end credits of ANH. This was "remade" nicely in the Episode III closing credits, though I much prefer the original.
10) The Clone Army revealed.


Yeah, I forgot to mention "Hyperspace" as one of my favorite cues from ESB. This cue is completely ruined in the SE thanks to the pointless scene showing Vader returning to his Star Destroyer (which uses music from the scene where Vader cuts off Luke's hand)! That stupid change completely ruins the pacing of that entire ending sequence (and it's simply poorly edited!!). Yet another example of Lucas force-feeding (no pun intended) plot points to the audience. (duhh, how did Vader get back to his ship??)

Post
#112223
Topic
Favorite OT score/music cue?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/112223/action/topic#112223
Time
Seems like there hasn't been much discussion in this forum about the music in the OT (the music in the PT is vastly inferior to that in the OT, IMO, like the films themselves), so I thought I'd start a thread. Personally, I think the ESB score is the best of the three (esp. the Hoth Battle and Asteroid Field cues). My favorite musical moment from the entire trilogy, however, is in ROTJ when Luke unloads on Vader after the "If you will not turn to the dark side, then perhaps she will" line. That scene gives me chills every time, mainly b/c of the music. Not your typical action music, but a hauntingly beautiful, building string motif with male vocals that perfectly complements what's happening onscreen (Luke getting dangerously close to the dark side). To me, that scene is pure Star Wars.

What other OT scenes come to mind as magical musical moments? (God, that sounds cheesy)
Post
#109871
Topic
Should Lucas replace Guiness with an aged McGregor?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/109871/action/topic#109871
Time
This idea (from a NY Times forum) is even dumber.

Quote
ROTS is neck and neck with ESB as the best Star Wars movie, IMO. It also solidifies my opinion that Lucas should remake Episodes 4,5, and 6 to eliminate the "dated" feel and take care of the long list of inconsistencies between the trilogies. I watched Star Wars after checking out Episode III, and if I was even more nerdy than I already am, I could have made a list a page long with all the problems that exist between the movies.

Of course, recasting is out of the question. Who could replace the likes of Harrison Ford or Alec Guiness? No one, obviously. However, the technology now exists that would allow Lucas to insert the characters into a newly digitized background.

For the sake of consistency, this must be done.


For God's sake, NOOOOOO!! The scary thing is, I wouldn't be surprised if Lucas actually did this...
Post
#109015
Topic
Ralph McQuarrie book?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/109015/action/topic#109015
Time
Does anyone know if there exists a compendium of Ralph McQuarrie's conceptual artwork for all 3 OOT films? I know there are books that cover the art of Star Wars (I have The Art of ROTJ), and that McQuarrie's drawings and paintings are a large part of these, but does anyone know of any volumes that concentrate solely on McQuarrie's work? Seems to me it would also be cool if there were an annual Ralph McQuarrie Star Wars calendar, too.
Post
#109008
Topic
This guy REALLY hates the prequels
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/109008/action/topic#109008
Time
Quote
Originally posted by:Darth Simon
i dont read TheForce.net. but I also dont see how/what limits his comments to only prequal-obsessed Star Wars fans. The article struck me as more agains SW Fans in general, maybe even agains Sci Fi, fans or even just people that are fans of a particular series/franchise

Exactly, that's why I posted it. Seems to me that he's insulting all SW fans and unfairly drawing the conclusion that anyone who's really into SW can't possibly have a sex life or appreciate art because they're too immature. Basically he's stating an opinion, which he has a right to do b/c it's an op-ed piece (the "SF" stands for San Francisco, BTW), but that doesn't give him an excuse for being such an asshole about it.

I also agree that some of his points re: the prequels are valid, but his overall tone is just annoyingly presumptuous and egotistical.
Post
#108700
Topic
This guy REALLY hates the prequels
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/108700/action/topic#108700
Time
Check out this rant from this morning's SF Gate (online version of the SF chronicle). Clearly, anyone who enjoys Star Wars is a geek and "too emotionally immature to graduate to real movies." This guy usually writes scathing remarks about the Bush administration or conservative agenda, but always with a sanctimonious tone that I don't like. Now I know he's a dick. I was going to write him but decided it wasn't even worth it.
Post
#108134
Topic
How do you rate EpIII?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/108134/action/topic#108134
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: TIEBomber70
In order:
V
IV
VI (tie)
III (tie)
II
I

Reason for a tie for third...
RoTJ - Weak points: Backdrop paintings, heavy use of matte paintings (VERY obvious budget cuts), Ewoks.
Strong points: the entire Luke/Vader dynamic (especially the 20 seconds following "perhaps she will...")
Summary - Marquand did the best with what he had to work with.

RoTS - Weak points: rushed ending, weak turn to the Dark Side. Still some use of bad dialog to cover weak plot points (lost the will to live)
Strong points: Ewan McGregor's Obi-Wan, Palpatine (yeah! excepted). Visually stunning and more use of lightsabers.
Summary - if GL had let somebody else direct, could have ranked with "Empire".

While I'm a fan of the OT primarily (I've seen every film in the theater since '77), I'm not blinded by hatred for the PT, nor do I think GL "raped my childhood" with his "tweaking" of the OT. I think there are good possibilities with "good" CGI making the OT a different experience (think a better looking hangar bay sequence in front of the Falcon for one), but I also agree that the ORIGINAL versions, warts and all should be available as well.
For those who complain about the "cheesy" dialog in the OT, I'll grant some of that, but remember the time frame...ANH came out in 1977 (a dark time to be sure, disco was all the rage..yuck!). ESB stands out, not only for the dark tone of the film in general, but also it was a collaboration... GL primarily wrote it, and had a CO-writer for the screenplay (Leigh Brackett) and had somebody else direct (Irvin Kershner). Had he done this with "Sith", the result IMO would have been a tie for best film of the series. In any event, you'll never convince the fanboys of either series to change their very narrow views. Life's too short to sweat this kind of stuff.



Hear, hear! Very well said...I agree on all counts (including the exact ranking). I also like ROTJ for the Luke/Vader/Emperor dynamic--it's what truly makes it a "Star Wars" film.
Post
#108119
Topic
Who's read the novelization of ROTS?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/108119/action/topic#108119
Time
Is it well done? I generally don't read SW novels or comics (disliked Dark Empire), but am leaning towards reading the novelization of ROTS to perhaps gain more insight into some of the things from the film (dark side vs. light side, Anakin's thoughts, Palpatine's political machinations, etc.). Although I grew up loving and am still a big fan of the films (OOT, that is), I've steered clear of the expanded universe material because it actually detracts from my enjoyment of watching the films. I like thinking of the characters as those I know from the films, and not having their future strictly defined by whichever author is writing any of the 20+ novels that have been written in the EU (personal opinion, of course....everyone has a right to enjoy SW however they want, right?). I definitely enjoyed ROTS in the theater, but am hesitant to read the book because it's written by someone (Matthew Stover?) who isn't as well known in sci-fi literary circles as Terry Brooks or R.A. Salvatore, who wrote the TPM and AOTC novels, respectively (if either of those guys wrote ROTS I'd definitely check it out). I'm picky when it comes to reading sci-fi and have alot on my plate (Frank Herbert, Orson Scott Card, Philip K. Dick, and Neil Gaiman, to name a few), so I just want to make sure I don't waste my time reading ROTS if the writing is sub-par. I know this is a somewhat subjective question but if any of you out there have read the novel and enjoy the authors I've mentioned, let me know if it's worthwhile. Thanks.
Post
#107281
Topic
ROTS: Question about Palpatine/Sidious (SPOILER)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/107281/action/topic#107281
Time

So when Palpatine is being fried by his own lightning (due to Mace’s saber reflecting it) and his face and voice get all funky, was his physical transformation actually due to the lightning or was he just using the incident to reveal his true Sith form? I realize that from the moment Anakin entered the room he was acting more hurt than he really was (trying to show that the Jedi were power-hungry), but does he let himself get fried in order to achieve this or is he purposefully changing his appearance as it’s happening?

And what’s up with the orange eyes of the Sith? I’m not really a follower of the Expanded Universe (just read Dark Empire and thought it was awful) but I’m curious about this so if anyone knows please enlighten me.

Post
#107275
Topic
My review of Episode III (minor, minor spoilers)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/107275/action/topic#107275
Time
Just saw ROTS last night and I pretty much agree with JediSage (and Jay) on all points they made. I finally found myself genuinely sympathizing with some of the characters (especially Obi-wan and Yoda), and was able to be drawn into the story, which didn't happen with TPM or AOTC. I was truly moved by the tragedy of Anakin and Obi-wan trying to kill each other after being so close for so long ("You were like a brother to me! I loved you!"...that line really got me!). Also the shot of Yoda dropping his staff and clutching his chest during the Order 66 montage...so sad!! I'm glad that Yoda didn't get his ass kicked by Palpatine as that would have been even more depressing. I love the part where he's absorbing the lightning with his hands, the camera closes in on his determined face, and he shoots it right back at Palpatine, throwing him over the side. Yoda kicks ass!

Greivous was lame, especially after how built up he was in Clone Wars. Darth Vader/Frankenstein scream=absolutely ridiculous. THAT should have been left on the cutting room floor. Not the Darth Vader I know from the OOT.

Although the Mace Windu/Palpatine duel was done pretty well overall, there was just something weird about that scene that bugged me. Maybe it was Mace's death, which wasn't very noble. Christ, he was fried for a good 10 seconds by Palp's force lighting and thrown out the window! It would have been better if Anakin had just cut off his hand or killed him outright and have him fall out the window. The lightning (and Palpatine's associated laughter/screaming) was just too much. I think I was just bothered overall with how inept the Jedi seem in the entire PT (except for Yoda). Although I guess part of their downfall was because they had indeed grown too arrogant (as Yoda mentions in AOTC).

Yes, there were some (very) cheesy moments and dialogue ("Not if anything to say about it have I") but it was definitely a vast improvement over the previous 2 films. I'd agree with JediSage and say that it was as good as, but not better than, ROTJ (I was young enough to like the Ewoks and really enjoy ROTJ when it came out in '83). None of the prequel films match the OOT IMO, but ROTS comes close! I'm looking forward to seeing it again digitally projected at the Metreon here in San Francisco (in a few weeks after the crowds dissapate).
Post
#105281
Topic
Changes that you like (from the 1997 SE and the 2004 OT SE DVD release)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/105281/action/topic#105281
Time
Wow, so simple yet I haven't thought of it that way before! Thanks for clarifying my own opinions on the SW "saga", RowMan! (FYI, I'm not trying to be a smart-ass, I'm serious! Well put!) I'm realizing this more and more because every time I've tried to read EU material (I'm reading Dark Empire right now), I end up being disappointed because it just doesn't hold a candle to the original films.
Post
#66130
Topic
INTERVIEW WITH GEORGE LUCAS (on Fox News)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/66130/action/topic#66130
Time
From the San Francisco Chronicle here in the Bay Area:

Quote
"I have become the very thing that I was trying to avoid," Lucas laments, pointing out that he used to fight corporations before becoming one himself, "which is basically what part of 'Star Wars' is about."


There it is from the man himself. At least he knows that he's an evil empire, which makes it all the more aggravating when he says he won't release the OT despite the wishes of his core fanbase.

As much as I try not to badmouth him and be mindful that he created the whole thing, I can't help but think, "What an egomaniacal asshole!!" *sigh*

Speaking of the SF Chronicle article (read here: SF Chronicle review), it's yet another kiss-ass one. I actually wrote the guy and directed him to this web site and asked him to read the petition. It's so annoying (but expected) to have all these mainstream media outlets refer to us dissatisfied SW fans as if we were a miniscule "Rebel faction." We definitely are in the minority, but 63,000 signatures (not to mention the negative reviews on Amazon and other sites) should at least show that there's ALOT of people pissed off about this.
Post
#65802
Topic
Raiders of the Lost Ark - Special Edition?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/65802/action/topic#65802
Time
Speaking of Raiders (one of my all-time favorite movies), does anyone know where I can buy JUST the Raiders DVD from the 4-disc Indiana Jones set? Having all three films simply isn't worth the cost to me; as much fun as Temple of Doom and Last Crusade are, I don't need to own them as Raiders is the true classic. Not to mention that it annoys the crap out of me that Lucasfilm isn't releasing them separately. Screw 'em, I'll buy a used copy of Raiders somewhere else!!
Post
#65528
Topic
An angry Review of the 2004 OT SE DVD's
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/65528/action/topic#65528
Time
Quote
All this fanboy 'this film vs that film' crap really bugs me. I like BOTH LOTR and Star Wars (and old-school Star Trek!) - always will!!! Why chosse one over the other if you like them all?!? I'll tell you this though, Jackson is a professional film-maker who loves COLLABORATING with his team to get the best possible results for his films. Lucas has turned into a fat ignornat business man who loves screwing the public for every last $ they have - he's quite happy to accept our money - and yet refuses to listen to what we really want! Have you seen teh prequal documentaries?!? You call THIS a filmmaker? He dishes out orders, or sits back in a comfy chair slurping away on a Coke while his minions display their creations in front of him, and he justs says, "yeah.. nah...nah... but this tit on this guys head!!". The guy has let fame and money gradually go to his head, and nobody has the balls to stand up to him these days! Bring back Gary Kurtz!


Amen, seventiesfilmnut. I too won't bother comparing LOTR and SW (pointless) but suffice to say, as an adult filmgoer who was way into SW as a child, the LOTR trilogy definitely hits home on so many more levels that SW. BUT, that's just my opinion, and I still love watching the OT (I have the 1995 "Faces" edition) from time to time. Leaving any differences between the two franchises aside and looking at the DVD releases from a purely objective viewpoint, P. Jackson has done it right and Lucasfilm hasn't. The LOTR EE DVDs truly take you inside the movie-making process. I learn so much by watching the Appendices of these sets, which are as enjoyable to watch as the films themself. I haven't seen the 4th "bonus" disc from the SW set yet (which I'll rent, not buy), but if it's anything like the Indiana Jones bonus disc I just watched (rented from Netflix), I wouldn't expect much. Yeah, you get to watch Spielberg, Ben Burt, Harrison Ford et al. talk alot about the films, but you don't get to see exactly HOW alot of the cool fx were shot. I have seen a clip from the "Lightsaber" featurette (from the new DVDs) online, and the whole thing is Lucas talking about his vision of lightsabers (over clips of the movies which we're all familiar with) and how they work in the story. NOTHING about how the sound was created, what the actors used on set.....although I can't be too critical b/c it was only a clip. But I figure most of the so-called documentaries and featurettes will be dominated by Lucas patting himself on the back about his vision for the films, with not many intereviews with supporting crew and creative team.
Post
#65412
Topic
Changes in 2004 DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/65412/action/topic#65412
Time
Has anyone read this review yet? Read the 3rd paragraph down:

DVD Review

This guy does a good job of articulating the common (and weak) argument against those of us who want the OT on DVD--i.e., Lucas made the films, it's his right to do whatever he wants, and he has no obligations to his fans. Since the OT folks' position has been argued for and defended many times on this forum (and very well), I won't add any more points. BUT, when this reviewer defines web sites like this and other fans who want the OT on DVD as "incessant tirades....[that are] truly getting tiresome, if not obnoxious"..., I get mad. Incessant tirades? Obnoxious? This guy needs to read the petition at the beginning of this web site. I don't think he can call such a well-written, well-reasoned, and respectful (yes, RESPECTFUL to Lucas, as much as we disagree with him) petition as "obnoxious." There are MANY fans out there like myself (30 yo) who are not fanatical SW fans, but enjoyed these films growing up and want them in their original versions to enjoy on DVD for the classic films they are. And I LOVE this (from the same review): "it would almost be a crime to leave these movie landmarks in the rut of their outdated 70s special effects." ??!!! Hmmm...yeah, it would also be terrible if they left "Casablanca" to "rot" in black and white with its outdated 40s special effects.

I'm sick of these people.
Post
#41323
Topic
Star Wars Pan Scan
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/41323/action/topic#41323
Time
I dunno, I can't decide between watching my widescreen SEs or my 1995 THX-remastered pan scan set (the ones with Vader, Stormtrooper, and Yoda on the covers). Do I watch the films I grew up with and sacrifice image quality and the "whole picture" or do I watch the technically-superior SEs with annoying changes? Lately I've been watching the SEs just because I can't stand watching ANY movies in pan and scan these days, even though that's how I've been watching the original trilogy all these years. There are just too many scenes (e.g., every Milennium Falcon cockpit shot, last shot in ANH) where the pan and scan "cutoffs" are too noticeable after watching the same shot in widescreen. The only way to see the original trilogy in widescreen now is to acquire one of the 1995 widescreen collector's sets, which are going on E-Bay for upwards of $50, which I'm just not willing to plunk down. Despite my predilection towards widescreen, I will NOT be buying the SE DVDs when they come out, just because I don't want to give any $$$ towards encouraging Lucas to completely ignore his original versions.

I'd also just like to say that's it good to see that there's so many other SW fans out there who want the original trilogy back on home video. It's just too bad that Lucas has completely alienated his core fan base.

-Matt