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When I was 7, my cousin Mickey and I saw this film at the drive-in theater in Euclid, Ohio. Every year thereafter my dad would take me to see this classic when it was released again until its final release just before the film was released in 1982 on VHS and Betamax home video (as a rental only) and later released for home ownership. But the reason I bought this DVD was not for the first disc. I bought this for the bonus DVD with the original 1977 theatrical version of the movie...the one before the title, EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE was added to the crawl.
If you are a staunch supporter of the "Han shoots first!" argument and detractor of the additional things that Lucas added unnecessarily (with exception the the cool solar flare around Alderaan and the Death Star when they explode), then this is the DVD for you. It cannot be found anywhere now in the retail market in NEW condition. Only in used CD and video stores will you find this gem. And, while I feel that the prices on Amazon for this version can be pricey at times, I know collectors will pay top dollar for the theatrical versions of the original trilogy films.
The 1977 theatrical version is presented in a widescreen format, preserving the original aspect ratio of its big screen showings, however, it is not formatted for the 16 X 9 coding used to format letterbox for widescreen TV sets of the present. So no matter how hard you may try, you will never be able to watch this version without the black bars on the top and bottom of the screen unless you click the zoom feature on your remote control. But doing that will crop most of the film, making it grainy and blurry in spots. This version is strictly for purists who are looking for 100% nostalgia.
The transfer was not given any special treatments either. There remain blemishes in the print that resemble that of the version that was issued on VHS in 1982, however, it gives the film a fun, theatrical viewing style which for me, is great if you want to relive this one from your childhood in its original form. There were no enhancements in color, picture or sound, or anything. This plays back in a monaural soundtrack. So if you want stereo, you will get simulated, not true stereo sound in this version and will have to hold out for Disney to release, if ever, a stereo version of this film.
But if you want a fun and true cinematic experience in your own living room, and want to share with your kids the version you originally saw in theaters, this version (on disc 2) is the one you want. What are you waiting for? Pick up a copy before you can't get it anymore. You'll be glad you did.
In closing, the only thing I didn't like about this DVD set is the artwork on the cover (front and back), It would have been nice if Lucasfilm and FOX went with the original film poster for the front of this amaray case. You will see the same artwork on disc 1 in this set.
Return to that galaxy far, far away...and watch a great adventure take place in your own living rooms again and again.
Now for the second part of my review, for the fans who feel they were short-changed by this release:
I think it is so amazing how people always seem to think they are OWED or ENTITLED to something. How arrogant and self-absorbed can people really be? Well, apparently 90% of the fans of STAR WARS seem to be in regards to this movie series. First of all, I am embarrassed to be a STAR WARS fan now and to be lumped in with the company of people who take it as a personal affront by George Lucas to update his films for a new generation of film lovers. Do I like the Special Edition versions? Not at all. But I feel the opposite of the rest of you who seem to hate them to the point of calling for a boycott of George Lucas and spewing your bile at him for updating his films. They are HIS! They are not yours. He can do what he wants with them.
You really have no idea how petty and trivial you all sound. Let me tell you. You do and you are! George Lucas never once forced anyone to go to the theater to see STAR WARS or any other film in this series. He didn't hold a gun to your head (or a lightsaber to your throats) threatening your life if you didn't invest your hard-earned money in his products. You did that all on your own...freely and of your own choice. And, while I wish Lucasfilm had released the original versions in anamorphic widescreen editions, I am just satisfied to have them and to be able to share them with a younger audience. If you don't like them, fine. That is your right, too. But stop crying like the spoiled brats your parents raised you to be and move on with your one and only lives.
While I believe that George Lucas owes you NOTHING, I feel you owe George Lucas an apology for your selfishness, your rudeness, and your vitriolic words of hatred toward him. He does not answer to his fans and to demand from the man that which you feel you are entitled to, just drives home the point that this generation for the most part is a selfish, arrogant bunch whose belief in self-entitlement is downright sickening. So you didn't get the versions of STAR WARS that you wanted? Big deal! That's life! Deal with it! I believe there are more important issues in this life than STAR WARS and the version that has been released here in this amaray case. But others here will cry and whine and spew until the end of your lives. But, that is your choice. And what a waste is is.
As for the Special Editions, fans who enjoy the newer effects can have them now to enjoy. I recently bought a Blu-ray player, but have not spent the money for the complete saga on Blu-ray. Why not, you ask? I am holding out hope that Disney will release the original version to us on Blu-ray. But if they don't, I am not going to go insane on them and boycott them. That is stupid and shows a maturity level of dirt. I am not making any demands on anyone because I would not presume to act as though I am entitled to own the original film I grew up on.
For those demanding better from George Lucas, I say to you look at yourselves first. I'm sure your parents raised you to be better than that which you seem to be projecting here. If not, then your parents failed you and your unwillingness to accept that has been redirected at George Lucas in your misguided attempts to feel better about yourselves. Grow up and get on with your one and only lives. Stop making the rest of the fans of STAR WARS look bad. Go make your own science fiction classic and then come back and see how well you and your own product are received by your "adoring" public.
If I were George Lucas, I would ignore you, too. Why would I want to give a whiny, spoiled brat more when they blatantly show me disrespect? Think of that as you look back on your own pathetic and useless lives.
| Additional DVD options | Edition | Discs | Price | New from | Used from |
|
DVD
September 22, 2019 "Please retry" | 2019 | 1 | $13.43 | $8.89 |
|
DVD
June 1, 2015 "Please retry" | — | 1 | $6.42 | $6.42 |
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It works perfectly!
I’m very pleased with this tape! It works perfectly! I collect Star Wars VHS tapes and I’m very excited to have this tape as part of my collection!
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