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Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Binding: VHS Tape EAN: 9786304539255 Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered, Special Edition, THX, NTSC ISBN: 6304539258 Label: 20th Century Fox Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: 20th Century Fox Release Date: August 26, 1997 Running Time: 121 minutes Sales Rank: 7015 Studio: 20th Century Fox Theatrical Release Date: May 25, 1977
Amazon.com: Again? Yes. Even though no other movie has been released as many times on video as Star Wars (except for its sequels, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi), George Lucas and the folks at 20th Century Fox have actually released a slightly different film this time. This video followed the mega-successful 20th-anniversary theatrical rerelease, in which Lucas personally remastered the image and sound quality of his baby. Other revisions are more obvious, if hardly radical. Lucas enhanced several special effects with updated computer technology--most noticeable are the explosions and removal of matte lines during the Death Star battle finale. And the creatures that populate Mos Eisley's spaceport--though meticulous--are aesthetically superior improvements. The inclusion of extra scenes (originally outtakes), however, is not an improvement. Both the meeting between Jabba the Hutt and Han Solo, and Luke talking with his childhood pal Biggs, do nothing to enhance character development or theme, and serve only as distractions that preoccupy the waiting viewer. And, really couldn't Lucas find something better to do with his time than mess around with a national treasure? As for the video, this boasts both visual and sound enhancements. But since Star Wars has been available with these tweaks numerous times before, the decision whether to purchase this latest new version depends on how badly you want to see Lucas's cosmetic surgery. --Dave McCoy
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Episode IV: A New Hope (Be thankful)
I am also perplexed at the many whining reviews of this DVD set. I understand that LucasFilm had originally said that they would never release the original theatrical release on DVD, but they did, and we should be thankful, even if it isn't "perfect." All the whining isn't going to persuade Mr. Lucas to restore the original to modern-day brilliance. I think it adds a bit of charm to the set. Like an old-time movie, which it is becoming, and plot changes or significant editing to the story-lines are not always good, but Mr. Lucas does have a right to edit his movies as he sees fit. And again: MR. ... Read More
Rating: - A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
STAR WARS! Or Episode IV: A New Hope as it's now known. It's one of greatest films ever, barnone! May the force be with you, always.
Rating: - Star Wars (Episode IV - A New Hope) Original & Update #1
This is the classic sci-fi film, folks. If you are any kind of Star Wars fan, this DVD is a must for your collection. I've heard that George Lucas did not want to produce a DVD of the original theatric version of Star Wars, but felt compelled by fan demand. Even though the 1977 version is a mediocre-quality dub of the original film (& not anamorphic), it is wonderful to see it much the same way as I did when it was in the theater. Get it while it's still at a decent price, & still available!
Rating: - Restoring hope
I was born in April of 1972. My earliest memory is of the Bicentennial celebrations. I seem to remember watching people playing around with fireworks at our neighbor's house. But I'm not 100% sure these memories are accurate.
The first memory I know for sure is accurate is seeing "Star Wars" in 1977. This was back when it was just "Star Wars". Not "Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope". No, it was just a simple, single film.
But what a film it was! I am pretty sure I'd seen movies in theatres before this one, but I don't remember doing so. The first movie I remember seeing ... Read More
Rating: - Everybody's favourite space fairytale
With Episode 2 currently in the theaters, and many people complaining about how shallow that movie is, and how unbelievable the story and how much better the original trilogy was etc, I think it's time to make a comment. First of all, Star Wars movies have NEVER,EVER,EVER had a good story. They're basically about the age-old tale of good vs. evil, set in various locations in a galaxy far far away. The plot is usually full of holes, the whole thing often depends on extreme coincidences and every Imperial superweapon has a verious obvious flaw that any apprentice engineer could have found in five ... Read More
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