“Star Wars” Trilogy Released Today On DVD
Today is the day that many of us have been waiting for, the release of Star Wars on DVD. It has been 1983 that the original trilogy was completed and George Lucas has never given is blessing for the masterpiece to go on DVD. Small editing changes were made and the trilogy was released on VHS, but not until now has it made it to the high quality format of DVD. The main reasoning was that Lucas didn’t like the way some of the special effects turned out in the original cuts. So, with the help of some 600 Power Mac G5 computers, the trilogy was remastered and a HD version was also created. CNN lists five of the major changes to the films…
5. Jedis don’t scream
The 1997 special edition version of “The Empire Strikes Back” was changed so Luke wails as he jumps off the platform in Cloud City. In the only instance of Lucas undoing a later alteration (sadly, Greedo still shoots first on the DVD of “A New Hope”), he’s taken it off the DVD edition. Maybe he realized Jedis (even ones in training) don’t scream.
4. Boba Fett has a new voice
Since Boba Fett is a clone of Jango Fett, and Jango Fett is played by Temura Morrison, doesn’t it make sense that he should sound like him, too? That’s exactly what George Lucas thought, so Morrison was brought in to revoice the four lines of dialogue (yes, believe it or not there are only four!) Boba spoke in the original trilogy.3. A new and improved Jabba
Remember that dodgy-looking computer-generated Jabba they inserted into the 1997 re-release of “A New Hope”? Well, he looks a little less dodgy this time around thanks to some improved CGI.
2. The emperor’s new clothes
In the original version of “The Empire Strikes Back,” the emperor Darth Vader speaks to via hologram was played by a woman in a mask (!) and voiced by Clive Revill. Again, in the interests of consistency, Ian McDiarmid — who portrays the emperor in “Return of the Jedi” and the prequel trilogy — now appears in that scene with an added line or two of dialogue.
1. The big finale
The 1997 special edition of “Return of the Jedi” added a few “Star Wars” worlds joining the celebration of the Empire’s demise at the end of the film. For the DVD, they’ve added Naboo, a planet that figures prominently in the prequel trilogy. Also, Anakin Skywalker is noticeably different this time around. When he removes his Darth Vader helmet, he now has no eyebrows! It’s probably safe to assume he singes them off in his battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi in next summer’s “Return of the Sith” and a change had to be made.
I look forward to watching my copy but I kind wish that I had a copy of the original as well as the new version. It is always good to see the before and after so you can really appreciate the changes.