It is odd what to think when you hear that George Lucas plans to re-release the Original Star Wars Trilogy to DVD. As a fan, I couldn't be happier to know that the original versions that I grew up with will finally be stamped onto a DVD. As a businessman, I can't help but notice Lucas doing what he loves most -- double dipping.
Original Star Wars DVD Box Art
The Star Wars website has recently posted the box art for all six new DVDs that will make their way onto shelves this September.
In response to overwhelming demand, Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will release attractively priced individual two-disc releases of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Each release includes the 2004 digitally remastered version of the movie and, as bonus material, the theatrical edition of the film. That means you'll be able to enjoy Star Wars as it first appeared in 1977, Empire in 1980, and Jedi in 1983.
See the title crawl to Star Wars before it was known as Episode IV; see the pioneering, if dated, motion control model work on the attack on the Death Star; groove to Lapti Nek or the Ewok Celebration song like you did when you were a kid; and yes, see Han Solo shoot first.
This release will only be available for a limited time: from September 12th to December 31st. International release will follow on or about the same day. Each original theatrical version will feature Dolby 2.0 Surround sound, close-captioning, and subtitles in English, French and Spanish for their U.S. release. International sound and subtitling vary by territory.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Though I hate to own multiple copies of the same film, it is hard to deny that fans of the franchise will be sure to purchase this DVD. I had hoped that Lucas would have applied at least a few upgrades on the original -- such as removing the 'blur' across levitated objects -- but it seems that the original trilogy will come with all the 'flaws' that the films were released to theatres with over twenty years ago. It will also be nice to see Han Solo shoot first again.
If you think you are upset now, just wait until next year when you find yourself in line waiting to get into theatres for Star Wars 3D.
Add to Heffee!
