Untitled Star Wars Blu-ray Blog
As September 16, 2011 approaches I am still undecided on whether or not I will be purchasing the Star Wars Saga on Blu-ray. This isn't going to be another rant on George Lucas changing the movies, but rather a different view of the release of the saga on Blu-ray.
I just finished listening to the JoBlo Podcast, and I really enjoyed the interview with the director of The People vs. George Lucas, Alexandre Philippe. During the interview he makes a great point about the release of the movies to Blu-ray and its a point that I've constantly made every time Lucas decides to "improve" the Star Wars movies. Philippe stated that Blade Runner has five versions of the movie and they are all conveniently available for fans on Blu-ray. Hell, they're even available in one set (and its one of my favorite Blu-ray sets). Just the other day I was talking to my cousin and I made mention that on the T2 Skynet Edition Blu-ray there are three versions of Terminator 2 on one Blu-ray disc. And all three versions have great video and sound transfers. Terminator 2 was the first DVD I bought with my first DVD player back in 2000. Even at that time, it still came with three versions of the movie. The technology is there to give people multiple versions of a film. I'm not simply talking about the dime a dozen "Unrated" comedies that are released every week. I'm talking about directors that give the audience a choice to see a slightly different version of their films. One that has scenes that were cut due to run-time constraints, alternate takes, etc. Alien and Aliens (Ridley Scott and James Cameron again... seeing a trend here???) are two other great films that have alternate versions available.
Going back to T2 (my favorite movie of all time), I remember there was a point in time when I really preferred the Special Edition of the film. But as time has passed, I have gone back and stated that the theatrical version is my preferred take on the film. But the point is that I have a choice in which one I want to watch. Some directors recognize that the audience originally fell in love with the original movies but they also want to give you a chance to see something different about it too. Blu-ray gives you the opportunity to do this... hell, DVD had the technology as well.
I don't prefer the continuing tinkering that Lucas does with the Star Wars movies. Sometimes I even think it can be ok whether its erasing the puppeteer's arm sticking out of a Wampa's ass, or adding a few extra Tie Fighters to a space battle. But if he insists on doing them I just wish he gave us a choice as to which version we wish to see. I guess some filmmakers listen and others don't.
I loved DVD and I love Blu-ray, and I really like it when the format is used to its potential. Alien Anthology (even with 2 lackluster sequels) is the textbook of how a saga should be released on Blu-ray. Just wanted to throw a different take on the Blu-ray release. Still don't know if I'm going to pick this up on Friday. Thanks for reading!
Side note: I was a senior in high school in 1999 when Episode I came out, and now that Lucas is already altering that film makes me feel really fucking old.
Chillin'
Not that I don't completely agree with you blog dstoudt. But, The way I try to look at it is the way I look at the number of movies that I love that are so aweful or because of legal issues have never even been released on DVD, much less will ever see a blu ray. I can plead my case until I'm blue in the face that I want a DVD release of the Tom Selleck movie High Road to China. But, it's looking more and more apparent that it's just never gonna happen. But, atleast I have a VHS copy of it that I have transfered onto DVD-R incase something ever happens to the tape. Is it the way I want to watch it? Not at all. But, atleast I have it. As long as I and only like 20 more people in the World are the only ones who would buy this movie, then they are never gonna waste the time, effort and money to do it. And for the people that would respond that the majority of people who would buy Star Wars on blu ray are not going to do it because they hate the changes, I would respectfully disagree. I know personally four other people that are huge Star Wars fans that hate the changes but still own the DVDs, regardless. Then on the other side, I know like ten more people that own the DVDs that either could care less or don't even have ANY idea that there were changes. My point is, he's gonna make his money anyway. And if he ever does release the originals, it will probably be just like he did for the DVD release. He won't put any money into them to improve their quality because he believes the special editions are better for the changes And his ludacris number of sales from the DVDs are not showing him otherwise. James Cameron and Ridley Scott see it one way, Lucas sees it another. I agree, it sucks. But, atleast I have these films in my life. Even if it's not my preffered way.
I agree that the Alien Anthology is the quintessential box set of how saga's should be released on blu ray. It is one hell of an amazing set and the best part is the director's give you the option of which version of the film you want to see. I just don't understand why Lucas won't release his set with multiple versions as well. He should be proud of each of his 'cuts'. It's such a fuckin bummer.
Up until a couple weeks ago, I still couldn't decide if I wanted just the original trilogy or the complete saga. Then someone posted the entire package artwork for the complete saga and it's so damn cool. It's Just like the Alien Anthology set. I don't care for the prequel trilogy at all but there are some things about it that I do like...so I'm pretty sure I'll be picking up the complete saga on Friday. (Plus I never owned any of the Star Wars films on dvd anyway, only vhs *looks down in shame*)
This is the main problem with this update. I thought it would be a given that we would get a remastered theatrical cut as well