George Lucas must be stopped!

[pap]

On September 12th, the Star Wars films are going to be released on Blu Ray. There is a disturbance in the Force. Like the sound of a million people saying "George!!! Why are you messing with my childhood again?".

 

Yes, George has been revising his visions again. Lucas has a bit of previous in this department. Han shot first in the original Star Wars. From the special editions onward, he doesn't. There is a whole internet campaign on this very subject, and I have some sympathy with it. They change Han from someone willing to murder to save his own skin to someone firing back in self-defence. It's a big thing.

 

This time, George has decided to change an iconic scene in Return of the Jedi.

 

 

I'm not against updates per se - the remastered Star Trek 1960s is a fine example of how to do it, but Lucas is ruining those films. That scene in particular was so powerful because you didn't know what was going through Darth's head. Now it's "Noooo!", just like the sh*t-brick at the end of Revenge of the Sith.

 

Don't know about buying the Blu Ray. I might end up saying "Noooo!" a lot too.

[alpine_saint]

Generally speaking, I felt the 1997 Special Editions were a worthy enhancement of classic films and deserving of indulging Lucas.

 

But this change (if its true and not an internet spoof) is just plain pathetic and kitsch.

[LVSaint]

I'm not sure it's genuine tbh.

 

Weren't the w@nky changes Lucas applied to the originals only because the effects were not there at the time, and therefore the additions were his 'true' intentions?

 

I enjoyed the originals growing up (well the first two anyway). I can't stand the updated bastard versions...messes up my nostalgia trip.

[pap]

New York Times have confirmed the "Nooo!" bit.

[alpine_saint]

The truth is, he has never stopped tinkering with them.

 

The "ghost" scene at the end of Return of the Jedi always featured Sebastian Shaw as Anakin on the originals and the Special Editions, until the DVD release just around Revenge of the Sith, where you got the originals (which were supposed to have had their last ever release on the 1995 editions) and the Special Editions.

 

In this release, Sebastian Shaw was replaced by Haydn Christiansen to be consistent with when Anakin turned to the dark side. I bought it ages ago but only watched it last week, and nearly choked my coffee over the screen when I saw it.

 

Still reckon the Special Editions were worthwhile; I dont understand anyone who reckons the additions to Bespin and Mos Eisley, and the general effects clean-up, werent worth doing.

[pap]

The truth is, he has never stopped tinkering with them.

 

The "ghost" scene at the end of Return of the Jedi always featured Sebastian Shaw as Anakin on the originals and the Special Editions, until the DVD release just around Revenge of the Sith, where you got the originals (which were supposed to have had their last ever release on the 1995 editions) and the Special Editions.

 

In this release, Sebastian Shaw was replaced by Haydn Christiansen to be consistent with when Anakin turned to the dark side. I bought it ages ago but only watched it last week, and nearly choked my coffee over the screen when I saw it.

 

Still reckon the Special Editions were worthwhile; I dont understand anyone who reckons the additions to Bespin and Mos Eisley, and the general effects clean-up, werent worth doing.

 

I have a real problem with that replacement too. To me, the original was right - Sebastian Shaw - the redeemed version of Anakin Skywalker, bathed in the light side of the force. Now, it's young long-haired Anakin ( who lets remember, had already slaughtered Tusken women and children ) who pops up at the end. Doesn't seem consistent to me. Anakin was already a complete bast at that point.

 

As I said earlier, I have no problem with sprucing up the graphics. It's revising the story that annoys me. If you want to do that, at least do a proper remake.

 

The problem with Lucas is that he believes that the films are his. Legally, that may well be true - the man owns the rights. Culturally though, those movies belong to the fans - who he has completely lost touch with.

[alpine_saint]

The problem with Lucas is that he believes that the films are his. Legally, that may well be true - the man owns the rights. Culturally though, those movies belong to the fans - who he has completely lost touch with.

 

Difficult to argue with this. I've discussed this with quite a few people, and the defence that is given is always the same: its minor stuff in relation to the cultural impact and awakening in the film industry and general population the series of films delivered, and besides, Lucas is an artist who has the right to refine his work. Problem is, in some ways he is dumbing down the "art" every time he touches it.

 

I wonder why he hasnt given the Indiana Jones films the same treatment ?

[revolution saint]

I have a real problem with that replacement too. To me, the original was right - Sebastian Shaw - the redeemed version of Anakin Skywalker, bathed in the light side of the force. Now, it's young long-haired Anakin ( who lets remember, had already slaughtered Tusken women and children ) who pops up at the end. Doesn't seem consistent to me. Anakin was already a complete bast at that point.

 

As I said earlier, I have no problem with sprucing up the graphics. It's revising the story that annoys me. If you want to do that, at least do a proper remake.

 

The problem with Lucas is that he believes that the films are his. Legally, that may well be true - the man owns the rights. Culturally though, those movies belong to the fans - who he has completely lost touch with.

 

On a totally unrelated note, Sebastian Shaw was John Peel's step father.

[pap]

Difficult to argue with this. I've discussed this with quite a few people, and the defence that is given is always the same: its minor stuff in relation to the cultural impact and awakening in the film industry and general population the series of films delivered, and besides, Lucas is an artist who has the right to refine his work. Problem is, in some ways he is dumbing down the "art" every time he touches it.

 

I wonder why he hasnt given the Indiana Jones films the same treatment ?

 

There is actually a brilliant South Park episode, Free Hat, in which George Lucas does just that.

[pap]

Slashfilm have got this little gem from 1988.

 

George Lucas speaks out about the altering films.

[alpine_saint]

Slashfilm have got this little gem from 1988.

 

George Lucas speaks out about the altering films.

 

WHAT ?

 

They've replaced Yoda too ????

 

I thought Frank Oz's intepretation through a Muppet, was much, much better.

[LVSaint]

The truth is, he has never stopped tinkering with them.

 

The "ghost" scene at the end of Return of the Jedi always featured Sebastian Shaw as Anakin on the originals and the Special Editions, until the DVD release just around Revenge of the Sith, where you got the originals (which were supposed to have had their last ever release on the 1995 editions) and the Special Editions.

 

In this release, Sebastian Shaw was replaced by Haydn Christiansen to be consistent with when Anakin turned to the dark side. I bought it ages ago but only watched it last week, and nearly choked my coffee over the screen when I saw it.

 

Still reckon the Special Editions were worthwhile; I dont understand anyone who reckons the additions to Bespin and Mos Eisley, and the general effects clean-up, werent worth doing.

 

uM...there are a few enhancements that make the films better, but on the whole, he appeared to be slapping his CGI paintbrush willy nilly at places in the film like a schoolchild.

 

I feel similar with many (not all) so-called 'director's cuts'. Where they've stuffed back in the editing room clippings to make an extra buck for re-release. And you can spot them a mile away if you've seen a much loved original several times before. More often than not, they add nothing to the plot or even spoil the narrative.

[Jonnyboy]

I read he quite regrets doing the 2nd trilogy cos of all the grief he's got for it (I expect he doesnt mind the moolah though)

[pap]

This is the first part of a very good critique of the original trilogy.

 

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

On the other hand Ridley Scott's much superior Blade Runner only makes sense in it's 'Directors Cut' version, with the dubious voice-over and tacked-on happy ending removed. It's all about the Unicorn you see ........

[revolution saint]

On the other hand Ridley Scott's much superior Blade Runner only makes sense in it's 'Directors Cut' version, with the dubious voice-over and tacked-on happy ending removed. It's all about the Unicorn you see ........

 

Agree with that. In fact didn't his directors cut of Alien actually come in with a shorter running time than the original as well? It was either that or Aliens anyway.

[SuperMikey]

There is actually a brilliant South Park episode, Free Hat, in which George Lucas does just that.

 

http://allsp.com/l.php?id=e88

 

Love that episode.

[Spudders]

This is the first part of a very good critique of the original trilogy.

 

 

I've just watched all 7 parts, a really good watch.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Agree with that. In fact didn't his directors cut of Alien actually come in with a shorter running time than the original as well? It was either that or Aliens anyway.

 

I adore both Alien and Aliens - but I fear younger film goers may struggle to understand the immense impact Ridley Scott's seminal Sci-Fi movie made on it's public way back in 1979. With the possible exception of the seldom seen 'Darkstar' no film before it had dared to depicted a spaceship as a dark, filthy place, indeed this was a quite revolutionary departure. As for HR Giger's 'Alien' design ... well this is a work of true genius in my view.

Although the infamous 'chest burster' scene has rightly earned its place in cinema history, for me the prolonged sequence set in the ventilation shaft system when the unfortunate Capt Dallas tries (and fails) to deal with the Nostromo's most unwelcome visitor set a new standard in suspense that has perhaps only ever been equaled in Hitchcock's Psycho.

 

But none of that lessens my admiration for James Cameron's sequel. Most of the time when a director exchanges plot & suspense (Alien) for action (Aliens) the result is a inferior film. But Cameron is the master of the action movie (see Terminator II) and viewed as a hybrid Sci Fi/combat film Aliens is right up with the very best of them. I recommend anyone interested in modern film history should view the extras included on the Aliens DVD. The struggle between a uncompromising US director and his unionized UK film crew (who were still in love with the way Ridley worked) is almost worth a movie itself.

 

Near the end of Aliens just before the climatic battle with the 'b1tch', the scene where Corporal Hicks (urged on by Ripley) says "lets get the hell out of here & nuke the whole damn place from orbit - the best ferking idea in cinema history!

 

And yes, I am a self confessed Sci-fi nut.

[dinger]

I've just watched all 7 parts, a really good watch.

 

He goes through the other two films as well.

[Spudders]

Cheers, I'll have a look for those reviews as well.

[Spudders]

He goes through the other two films as well.

 

Do you have links? I've had a look on youtube, thought I found the second film, but the link takes me to a beatles album?!?!?

[pap]

I had similar issues, but you can go to their website instead.

 

Red Letter Media

[dinger]

I had similar issues, but you can go to their website instead.

 

Red Letter Media

 

Cheers for that. They were on YouTube but don't seem to be anymore...

[pap]

No probs.

 

Just getting through the last of them myself here. They are very funny, and actually very educational too. The guy breaks filmmaking/storytelling down pretty well.

 

Incidentally, I watched Star Wars (1977) yesterday. No special bits, and Han shoots first. Bloody amazing film, made all the more special by the ingenuity that went into making it before the advent of CGI.

[Saint_Jonny]

I've just watched all 7 parts, a really good watch.

 

You are joking. The fat **** needs to get out more.

 

Hang me but the new star wars films ARE better than the old ones. I watched the old ones after watching the new ones and couldn't BELIEVE how ****ty "a new hope" was. Its a TERRIBLE film and it is OBVIOUS to anyone with any sense that they had NO plans for a sequel when making that movie. IT IS CRAP!

[Spudders]

You are joking. The fat **** needs to get out more.

 

Hang me but the new star wars films ARE better than the old ones. I watched the old ones after watching the new ones and couldn't BELIEVE how ****ty "a new hope" was. Its a TERRIBLE film and it is OBVIOUS to anyone with any sense that they had NO plans for a sequel when making that movie. IT IS CRAP!

 

I agree the guy needs to get out more, but accepting he's got a lot of spare time, he's clearly not stupid, and did you watch them through yourself and listen to what he had to say?

 

Out of interest were you a youngster when the original 3 were made, or are you a bit younger and the original 3 were before your time so to speak? I'm no expert and I was raised on the older 3, so personally I love those films. But even taking off my rose tinted specs I do find the newer 3 pretty poor when it comes to the plots, although I can see how kids would be more impressed by the newer special effects.

[pap]

You are joking. The fat **** needs to get out more.

 

Hang me but the new star wars films ARE better than the old ones. I watched the old ones after watching the new ones and couldn't BELIEVE how ****ty "a new hope" was. Its a TERRIBLE film and it is OBVIOUS to anyone with any sense that they had NO plans for a sequel when making that movie. IT IS CRAP!

 

Blasphemy!

 

I think the reviewer does a pretty good job of deconstructing all of those movies. Personally, I found them insulting. I've watched the prequel movies around three times each. Must have seen the original Star Wars over a hundred times. I'm not saying you're wrong. No wait. I am.

[Saint_Jonny]

You are right of course I am blaspheming, and yes I am too young to have grown up with the original trilogy. I have watched one of those things all the way through, I just don't get how you can get so anal about finding holes in a film plot. I know the Star Wars films are "sacred" to some people but come on...

 

On the other hand their could be something wrong with me, I think that Enterprise is the best Star Trek series...

[pap]

Saint_Jonny - there is a lot to love about certain parts of Star Trek Enterprise. Season3, where they finally realised that people are unlikely to say "ooh, that's Star Trek Enterprise. I've never watched it before - but I think I might now" was a high point.

 

Seriously, if you have the time, have a look through that entire RedLetterMedia review. I found it interesting because they didn't just say why the prequels were crap; they pretty much deconstructed what makes films good too. While I can lend some support for your love of ENT, I can't justify the prequels or many of the changes that Lucas made in the original.