"Few science fiction films have achieved the success and notoriety of the original Star Wars trilogy. Currently, George Lucas has no plans to release the original theatrical cuts of Episodes IV, V, and VI on DVD. To be replaced by completed versions of the Special Editions released in 1997, these classic pieces of science fiction and film history will be allowed to fade away into obscurity.

Our goal is to persuade Mr. Lucas to reconsider his decision. If you want the original theatrical cuts of the Star Wars trilogy on DVD, read and sign the petition now."

http://www.originaltrilogy.com/

I'll sign for that very worthy cause!

However... I believe that Mr Lucas has a plan up his sleeve to release all 6 (originals and prequels) in one go as some kind of ultimate box set with an extra DVD of special effects, interviews, give Jar Jar a voice over type stuff. There's no way that the originals won't make it to DVD!

But just to make sure, I'm off to sign

Signed it!!

I have the remastered versions on dvd and i am quite happy.
There is a part on the dvd which shows how bad the original footage had deteriorated. The new versions are crisper and cleaner.

JimmyNothing said:

I highly doubt if this will happen. Mr.Lucas believes he improved the old trilogy with his changes and I don't think he'll go back on his word.For now people can burn their Laserdiscs onto DVD and settle for that..

SuperC said:

how do you think they got the new versions...by cleaning up the originals. the point is for them to clean up the originals as they did for the SE's and release them, minus all the added nonsense.

dumbass said:

True, but when you listen to him talk you realize he put in the scenes because that was the way he really wanted it to come out. If he is smart he could put out a disc so you can watch both versions(original and remastered) on one disc(like terminator 2).

Signed by Pej...this is worth it!

SuperC said:

sure, he says those things now, but I don't believe him, and the reason is this:

if he was adding only extra effects that weren't possible 25 years before, that would be one thing. but he isn't. he is also changing things that he could have filmed one way originally but did not. he could very well have filmed Greedo shooting first, but did not, and the reason is that wasn't the way he originally intended it, because technology did not prevent him from doing so.

he isn't just changing things he wasn't able to do, he is changing things he doesn't care for anymore, theyfore he is changing the movies. Lucas doesn't have a Grand Vision, or else he would only be tweaking special effects, not story elements.

I did my part

I really like the Special Editions, but I can't imagine never having a chance to buy the 'original' versions on DVD

BLASPHEMY!!!

dumbass said:

To be honest you are deeper into this than me(and i may be in over my head). I did forget to say one thing though, he also said lack of money was also a factor and some things had to be compromised because of it(including storyline).

I'm really looking forward to the new special editions
in 2007(ish). From what I've heard they are gonna be
really good (unlike the last ones, which we mostly good,
but did have a few 'clunky' bits).

George Lucas should do a 'Lord Of The Rings' style
dual release, so people could either buy a nice new
special edition 2 disc set with the usual extras, or
an in-depth 4 disc set that would also include the
original cut of the film as well.

best of both worlds, and everybody's happy
(Well I would be, anyway)

SuperC said:

I'm sure lack of money played a part in some things he wanted to improve, but Greedo shooting first was a personal choice based on a man who has changed over the years and would like to change the films with him.

I think that's where most SW fans anger lie, in the fact that the films were not only fine without the cosmetic changes but better. sometimes devices that filmakers use because they couldn't afford the original idea work better - ala Jaws. The original idea was to show the shark, but when the animatronic kept breaking down they just used the fin---and it is better!

the same with SW. Lucas has all the money he needs and can change whatever he wants. But just because he can doesn't mean he is making the movies better. in fact, I think general consensus is that he is ruining them.

dumbass said:

Good point with the Jaws statement. I hope he releases both versions then. I will sign the petition.

<--- Reserving judgment until the "final" DVD version arrives

SuperC said:

in a perfect world he would. personally, I could care less. after the first two abysmal prequels, which are written by the same man who is changing the original films, not the man who wrote the original screenplay for SS some 25 years ago or so, I have no interest in the movies anymore. I don't even think I'll see Ep.3.

What Lucas is doing would be the same as if Prince went back and changed all the lyrics to Purple Rain to coincide with his current beliefs, and then tried to pass it off by saying that the new "Rainbow Children Purple Rain" was his original vision of the album but he wasn't allowed to record it that way by WB, but now that he is on his own he will release the album the way it was meant to be.

dumbass said:

Well said!

dumbass said:

Good point again. You are far from what your name says :LOL:

IceNine said:

it needed to be said. Georgie can put feathers up his butt and call himself a chicken and most SW junkies may believe him, but to me he will just be an jackass with a duster in his rectum.

i heard lucas was going to re do parts of the sp ed and introduce an older jar jar and other gungans to the footage.

okeeday

lust said:

That is a whole other can of worms

SuperC said:

I wouldn't go that far. if I wasn't a dumbass I wouldn't be in front of the tube hoping the Islanders come back against the Sens despite the beating they are taking.

lust said:

because I am sure that was his original vision. Lucas!

Signed it.
My VHS copies of the original, unedited trilogy are getting worse and worse...

Ephont Mon

isn't this a South Park episode?

Okay, I'll weigh in. As a fan, I have mixed feelings about the Special Editions. On the one hand, many of the changes (most notably Greedo shooting first) were really annoying. However, many of the changes WERE improvements (especially with regard to ROTJ).

I do think doing a limited edition that included both the Original and "ultimate" editions (due out 2007) would be in order. Give folks one chance to pick up the original versions on DVD, coupled with the "final" versions that Lucas plans to give us. I do hope the "ultimate" editions fix some of the problem spots from the SE (like Greedo shooting first, and that fake looking Jabba in ANH). I am looking forward to seeing new scenes between Bail Organa & Emporer Palpatine!

He should release the original theatric version, the original VHS mix, the special edition, and whatever bits of information on each DVD, charge $100 a pop, and we'll all buy it anyway.

Wasn't this a plot for a South Park episode

applekisses said:

Yes, but its only because this topic has been raging for the last couple of years.