BLU-Ray Box Set 2011 • May The Fourth Details

[Duke]

AMAZON PRE-ORDER

• SAGA BLU-RAY SIXOLOGY • ALL SIX FILMS 9-DISC SET • $89.99
• ORIGINAL BU-RAY TRILOGY • EPISODE IV-VI 3-DISC SET • $44.99
• PREQUEL BLU-RAY TRILOGY • EPISODE I-III 3-DISC SET • $44.99

maythe4th.starwars.com

Bring home the adventure and share Star Wars™ with your whole family – when STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA comes to Blu-ray Disc from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment!

To be released beginning on September 12 internationally and on September 16 in North America, the nine-disc collection brings the wonder of the entire Saga direct to your living room, where you can revisit all of your favorite Star Wars moments – in gorgeous high definition and with pristine, 6.1 DTS Surround Sound.

Dive deeper into the universe with an unprecedented 40+ hours of special features, highlighted by never-before-seen content sourced from the Lucasfilm archives.

Special Features:

STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA ON BLU-RAY is presented in widescreen with 6.1 DTS Surround Sound. Special features include:

DISC ONE – STAR WARS: EPISODE I THE PHANTOM MENACE
• Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Ben Burtt, Rob Coleman, John Knoll, Dennis Muren and Scott Squires
• Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

DISC TWO – STAR WARS: EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES
• Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Ben Burtt, Rob Coleman, Pablo Helman, John Knoll and Ben Snow
• Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

DISC THREE – STAR WARS: EPISODE III REVENGE OF THE SITH
• Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Rob Coleman, John Knoll and Roger Guyett
• Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

DISC FOUR – STAR WARS: EPISODE IV A NEW HOPE
• Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
• Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

DISC FIVE – STAR WARS: EPISODE V THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
• Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
• Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

DISC SIX – STAR WARS: EPISODE VI RETURN OF THE JEDI
• Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
• Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

DISC SEVEN – NEW! STAR WARS ARCHIVES: EPISODES I-III
• Including: deleted, extended and alternate scenes; prop, maquette and costume turnarounds; matte paintings and concept art; supplementary interviews with cast and crew; a flythrough of the Lucasfilm Archives and more

DISC EIGHT – NEW! STAR WARS ARCHIVES: EPISODES IV-VI
• Including: deleted, extended and alternate scenes; prop, maquette and costume turnarounds; matte paintings and concept art; supplementary interviews with cast and crew; and more

DISC NINE – THE STAR WARS DOCUMENTARIES
• NEW! Star Warriors (2007, Color, Apx. 84 Minutes) – Some Star Wars fans want to collect action figures...these fans want to be action figures! A tribute to the 501st Legion, a global organization of Star Wars costume enthusiasts, this insightful documentary shows how the super-fan club promotes interest in the films through charity and volunteer work at fundraisers and high-profile special events around the world.

• NEW! A Conversation with the Masters: The Empire Strikes Back 30 Years Later (2010, Color, Apx. 25 Minutes) – George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Lawrence Kasdan and John Williams look back on the making of The Empire Strikes Back in this in-depth retrospective from Lucasfilm created to help commemorate the 30th anniversary of the movie. The masters discuss and reminisce about one of the most beloved films of all time.

• NEW! Star Wars Spoofs (2011, Color, Apx. 91 Minutes) – The farce is strong with this one! Enjoy a hilarious collection of Star Wars spoofs and parodies that have been created over the years, including outrageous clips from Family Guy, The Simpsons, How I Met Your Mother and more — and don’t miss “Weird Al” Yankovic’s one-of-a-kind music video tribute to The Phantom Menace!

• The Making of Star Wars (1977, Color, Apx. 49 Minutes) – Learn the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how the original Star Wars movie was brought to the big screen in this fascinating documentary hosted by C-3PO and R2-D2. Includes interviews with George Lucas and appearances by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.

• The Empire Strikes Back: SPFX (1980, Color, Apx. 48 Minutes) – Learn the secrets of making movies in a galaxy far, far away. Hosted by Mark Hamill, this revealing documentary offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the amazing special effects that transformed George Lucas’ vision for Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back into reality!

• Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi (1983, Color, Apx. 48 Minutes) – Go behind the scenes — and into the costumes — as production footage from Return of the Jedi is interspersed with vintage monster movie clips in this in-depth exploration of the painstaking techniques utilized by George Lucas to create the classic creatures and characters seen in the film. Hosted and narrated by Carrie Fisher and Billie Dee Williams.

• Anatomy of a Dewback (1997, Color, Apx. 26 Minutes) – See how some of the special effects in Star Wars became even more special two decades later! George Lucas explains and demonstrates how his team transformed the original dewback creatures from immovable rubber puppets (in the original 1977 release) to seemingly living, breathing creatures for the Star Wars 1997 Special Edition update.

• Star Wars Tech (2007, Color, Apx. 46 Minutes) – Exploring the technical aspects of Star Wars vehicles, weapons and gadgetry, Star Wars Tech consults leading scientists in the fields of physics, prosthetics, lasers, engineering and astronomy to examine the plausibility of Star Wars technology based on science as we know it today.


This September, the Star Wars Saga comes to Blu-ray for the very first time. Now you can be part of this groundbreaking release, through the magic of “infinite zoom” technology.

When you share this site with your friends, exclusive imagery from the release will be revealed. And the more the site is shared around the world, the more the world will see.

So spread the word today and “zoom” into the the ultimate insider’s view of Star Wars on Blu-ray!

[Bandersnatch]

Cool! Where did you get that? I got nothin' on the SW link

[Duke]

Cool! Where did you get that? I got nothin' on the SW link

It was up for few seconds before it went/was taken down. Website was just in a plain text format.

[BearnBird]

These were found in the source code of the site before being removed.

[darthpsychotic]

Wow I'm ok with what appears to be straight ports of the HD Television Broadcasts 2006. However using the entry level internet known as "social media" as game to unlock information is

[Ascovel]

Wow I'm ok with what appears to be straight ports of the HD Television Broadcasts 2006.

Where does that appear? I can't see anything. Some leaked info I missed?

I was hoping for a serious revamp (as probably most people here).

[darthpsychotic]

Actually it's presumption on my part. From the press release there is nothing that suggests any work has or has not taken place on the films themselves.



Also good catch on the covers

[Gabe]

Yeah, aside from some minor details, you could say it is nothing we didn't already knew. For example, they could give some more info on what version of the movies will be release, or if they will include the previously deleted scenes. You know stuff like that or may be they will let us know more about the release as time goes by. After all that is what the hinted at.

BTW did you noticed the official facebook page already has more that two million likes? Nice to know the force is still strong.

[darthpsychotic]

NEW! A Conversation with the Masters: The Empire Strikes Back 30 Years Later (2010, Color, Apx. 25 Minutes) – George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Lawrence Kasdan and John Williams look back on the making of The Empire Strikes Back in this in-depth retrospective from Lucasfilm created to help commemorate the 30th anniversary of the movie. The masters discuss and reminisce about one of the most beloved films of all time



Anatomy of a Dewback (1997, Color, Apx. 26 Minutes) – See how some of the special effects in Star Wars became even more special two decades later! George Lucas explains and demonstrates how his team transformed the original dewback creatures from immovable rubber puppets (in the original 1977 release) to seemingly living, breathing creatures for the Star Wars 1997 Special Edition update



NEW! Star Warriors (2007, Color, Apx. 84 Minutes) – Some Star Wars fans want to collect action figures...these fans want to be action figures! A tribute to the 501st Legion, a global organization of Star Wars costume enthusiasts, this insightful documentary shows how the super-fan club promotes interest in the films through charity and volunteer work at fundraisers and high-profile special events around the world.



The Making of Star Wars (1977, Color, Apx. 49 Minutes) – Learn the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how the original Star Wars movie was brought to the big screen in this fascinating documentary hosted by C-3PO and R2-D2. Includes interviews with George Lucas and appearances by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.



The Empire Strikes Back: SPFX (1980, Color, Apx. 48 Minutes) – Learn the secrets of making movies in a galaxy far, far away. Hosted by Mark Hamill, this revealing documentary offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the amazing special effects that transformed George Lucas’ vision for Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back into reality!



Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi (1983, Color, Apx. 48 Minutes) – Go behind the scenes — and into the costumes — as production footage from Return of the Jedi is interspersed with vintage monster movie clips in this in-depth exploration of the painstaking techniques utilized by George Lucas to create the classic creatures and characters seen in the film. Hosted and narrated by Carrie Fisher and Billie Dee Williams.

[Alexrd]

Typo alert.

[darthpsychotic]

starwars.com ends the tease:

[CoGro]

Why is this DTS 6.1 and not 7.1? Is there an actual reason for this or is it another case of Lucasfilm deliberately trying to aggravate the fanbase by delivering a notch below the expected quality standards?

Seriously - is there any reason why it shouldn't be 7.1?

Overall - and I've said this before - I'd have to say my skirt isn't exactly blown up by this set. It's not the ultimate set fans have wanted, far from it. It'll be a nice set for people who don't have the films and a must buy for most Star Wars fans, but it's certainly not what we WANT.

We won't ever get what we want. I suppose this is what it's like to be a fan of the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

I don't think there's a bigger entertainment company so out of touch with its fans.

[HookLineAndSinker]

I guess we'll have to wait for the details of the details to be revealed in a few months.

Basically what I'm looking for are color corrections, touch ups to the special effects, more deleted scenes (they shot 4 hours of footage for AOTC), a release of the complete score to compliment this blu-ray release, and maybe Han shooting first. Though that last one I won't hold my breath on.

The cover art looks okay.

[Ascovel]

Overall - and I've said this before - I'd have to say my skirt isn't exactly blown up by this set. It's not the ultimate set fans have wanted, far from it. It'll be a nice set for people who don't have the films and a must buy for most Star Wars fans, but it's certainly not what we WANT.

Could you be more specific about what you don't like (besides 6.1) because I have no idea what are you talking about? I thought the possible outrage will start only after we know something specific about what state the films are in, and how many deleted scenes will we get (basically, what HookLineAndSinker said).

[Raveers]

The artwork for the set is fucking ugly, that much is certain. I'm surprised that "From Star Wars To Jedi" wasn't included, unless it's part of the documentaries just split up into different sections?

I too am a bit disappointed to see that so far there's no complete release for the Prequel scores and possibly remastered Original Trilogy scores to tie into the release. You would think this would be a good opportunity for the soundtrack market.

I'm not sure why people were expecting cleaned up prints of the theatrical cuts with this set. I know I'd like them as much as the next person but if Lucasfilm says he's not gonna restore them then you probably shouldn't expect them to be released restored any time soon.

Either way I am still getting this set. Like CoGro that the Original Trilogy movies have been properly color corrected. I also hope that Yoda in TPM has been replaced by the proper CG version. I know some of you like it but personally I've always hated it. It looked like he was on crack.

[Verboten]

@KRLgrrl Katie Lucas: Fun fact: I helped pick out the box art for the blu ray! YOU'RE WELCOME.

@KRLgrrl Katie Lucas: @Zack_Parks @VideoETA haters gonna hate. And then haters are going to buy the bluray set and keep complaining.

[The_Somnambulist]

[spoil]

Typo alert.

[align=left]
[flash width=640 height=385]http://www.youtube.com/v/046HQYJxKZc&fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&hd=1[/flash]


[/align]
[/spoil]





I really like the Saga box art cover. Reminds me of the minimalist piece done for the DVD and Blu-ray of THX-1138.

I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed by the extras. I was hoping for more PT behind-the-scenes material.

Anyway, still waiting for some word on color-corrections and slight FX fixes.

[royalguard96]

The ESB doc sounds like absolute gold.

If I had to guess LFL's approach, it's that the supplemental features of this set are in complement to those included in the 2004 DVD set. I'm relieved "Empire of Dreams" is not a part of this blu-ray set. Total waste of space on a high-def set when the one we got on standard DVD is excellent.

I like that several of the old-era docs are being released on a disc-based format for the first time. I've never seen any of them, and I have From Star Wars to Jedi on DVD, copied from VHS, so I am not really missing that set. Interesting that Star Wars Tech is included, since the History Channel did sell that for a short time. Would rather have seen Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed come out as part of this set, but like FSWTJ, I also have that on DVD, copied from VHS.

Can't wait to gobble up every detail of this set!

[Joe1138]

Seriously - is there any reason why it shouldn't be 7.1?

Consistency most likely. All of the previous DVD releases had matrixed 5.1 Dolby tracks. There was even consistency across the original DVDs in this regard-the OT had the EX track automatically flagged while the prequels required that you turn on EX decoding manually on receivers that could accept the signal. I'm just glad we're getting DTS audio and a discrete center rear channel with this set, that I was not expecting.

The artwork is definitely growing on me, especially the complete saga box. This could have been another Photoshop disaster but Lucasfilm went the classy route. I probably would've preferred an even more minimalist approach to the packaging but that's just me.

[CoGro]

Could you be more specific about what you don't like (besides 6.1) because I have no idea what are you talking about? I thought the possible outrage will start only after we know something specific about what state the films are in, and how many deleted scenes will we get (basically, what HookLineAndSinker said).

I think that's certainly a big part of it (the state of the films). Personally, I'm assuming we wont be getting most of the colour correction, sound correction, score correction, and VFX fixes we want (saber fixes that were ruined by the OT DVDs).

Maybe I nitpick on things "most fans don't care about," but the PT (and some OT scenes) needs MAJOR score fixes. It absolutely bugs the shit out of me. Short of the bearded one caring enough about it to get JW to re-score stuff it probably won't ever happen.

Then again, Lucas cared enough to have JW re-score the finale of ROTJ so it's always "possible," but I don't think he's a such a stickler for these kinds of technical imperfections that he'd do it. I consider this to be a major technical flaw with the films. This isn't a matter of "bad CGI" or "annoying matte lines" that show the age of the films; it's a lazy and sloppy effort from what's supposed to be a top-of-the-heap movie franchise.

That's really the point: I don't care about flaws with the story or the technology used to create them - I accept the films for what they are - but for this set to be considered "Ultimate" or "Definitive" I expect master craftsmanship with how those films are presented to me and how they were intended to deliver maximum impact.

As for what this set lacks from a feature standpoint. I'd like better commentaries; not just re-packaging of what we got from the DVDs and a mish mash of comments from cast and crew that aren't really commenting on what's happening on screen.

You're fucking Lucasfilm - track down Hamill (who does nothing with his life anymore and seems willing to participate in any gig paying or non-paying), Billy Dee, Harrison, Sam Jackson, Doug Chiang, John Dykstra, Richard Edlund, Joe Johnston, Ryan Church & Erik Tiemens, notable Star Wars nerds influenced by Star Wars (Kevin Smith, JJ Abrams, Simon Pegg, etc), call up your buddies who love the films (Spielberg, Cameron), your fan relations guys who have so much Star Wars to talk about with a unique perspective that it's sickening (Steve Sansweet, Pablo Hidalgo), Dave Filoni. ...fuck, I could think of DOZENS of people I'd like to hear in a SW commentary track.

The point is we should have several (as most of these major franchises do) and they should be unique and tell their own fluid story. I'm not asking for revolutionary stuff here - Lord of the Rings has 3 or 4 commentaries per film, Black Hawk Down had 3 commentaries on their DVDs. This is Star Wars - it deserves the best.

The pre-SE versions belong here. Up the cost if you must, but re-master them and put them in this "ultimate set." Give me a picture in picture feature that lets me see the difference between the OT and the special editions and a commentary for why the changes were made and how they were done. Picture in picture is a GREAT use of the format. The Transformers HD-DVD had an awesome feature like this.

There should be a detailed Making of for every film. I should expect something as good as "the Beginning" for each of the prequels and that doc should be in there as well. Again - LOTR did it best. I should also get the best of what was featured on the previous discs. If this were an ultimate collection it should replace the DVDs entirely.

I know the 501st is a big deal to massive, massive dorks, but to movie fans that care more about the films and the magic that brought them to life (i.e. the majority of people that will buy this collection) could give half a shit to watch 84 minutes of a bunch of losers in stormtrooper outfits. Why is this among the lengthiest of the disc 9 features while "conversation with the masters" - something that seems to be a strong entry - clocks in at under 30 minutes?

Put in all of the making-of web docs and web photos we got from 1997 (the Dewback stuff is there) to 2005. I want to re-live the build up and the hype. That's part of delivering the "ultimate" experience. Interactive content? Web content? I want to see new and improved disc menus.

Here's my beef: the best sets seem to have a logical plan for why each feature or doc is on the disc. For some reason the SW discs have been a mish-mash of content that doesn't have a clear purpose or tell a story people actually care to hear. Just look at the Extended LOTR sets. I'm not even a LOTR fan and I can appreciate how complete and how definitive a set like that looks. If this were a Fast and the Furious messageboard or some other useless franchise I might understand the lack of care or level or detail that these discs are given, but we're talking about the most popular and successful film franchise in the history of the world.

It's really unacceptable how poorly Lucasfilm treats their fans.

[Bandersnatch]

I'll reserve any criticism of this set until after I've purchased it and have gone through most of the content.

However this...

NEW! Star Warriors (2007, Color, Apx. 84 Minutes) – Some Star Wars fans want to collect action figures...these fans want to be action figures! A tribute to the 501st Legion, a global organization of Star Wars costume enthusiasts, this insightful documentary shows how the super-fan club promotes interest in the films through charity and volunteer work at fundraisers and high-profile special events around the world.

...just looks gay.

[TroyObliX]

I dunno', there could be enough amateur slave-leia's and half naked twilek fan-girls to be interesting. Plus, I always enjoy seeing other people tinker, trying to be creative. Might not suck.

Like has been said, the ESB doc sounds great, don't recall seeing that one. I'm pretty geek'd about the Creatures one too. Maybe for my own nostalgia than actual content. I saw that once looong ago and haven't seen it since.

All in all, sounds worthwhile. The facebooking of this info has been moderately annoying, but what do you expect these days. Was more interesting to follow than most of my friends updates, I guess. I should friend-request more sluts maybe.

[Mike_Droideka]

BTW did you noticed the official facebook page already has more that two million likes? Nice to know the force is still strong.

That number is now over 4 million!

I love the new boxed set artwork. It makes a nice change, to all of the boring photoshop scrapbook shit, of the last few DVD releases.
The oil painting/concept art look has more of a 'classic' feel to it, rather than some flashy ultra-modern hip look. It is also slightly reminiscent, of the 1977 Star Wars soundtrack poster.

The addition of the vintage documentaries is something I wanted, but did not expect to get. I hope they have all been digitally restored and are presented in 1080. Little disappointed that there's no From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga but I guess they had to leave something for future releases.
I was expecting to see a proper trailer and some details on deleted and extended scenes; looks like we'll have to wait for that.

Star Wars Spoofs and a documentary on the 501st Legion is something I don't really want or need to see, but I guess others might get a kick out of them.

[Topeka]

Discs 7 and 8 look like where the meat is at. I'm glad to see those classic documentaries show up, but you know, I've seen those already. Where's that type of focus on the prequels? The Phantom Menace's The Beginning was a fantastic documentary and I think I'm expecting more to match that type of quality. Overall it looks like the extras are geared for mass appeal, which does make the most sense per Lucasfilm's marketing team.

Still, I can hardly wait to get the set. I'm certain there will be unannounced tweaks to the films. Also looking forward to a more descriptive breakdown of the Archives discs.

[Mike_Droideka]

For sure. Matt Wood already confirmed one audio change to A NEW HOPE, so there's bound to be more changes.

[Bandersnatch]

Matt Wood already confirmed one audio change to A NEW HOPE...

Really? What change, or did he give specifics?

[ForceFreak]

It was in one of the TFN Podcats from last year where Wood confirmed that they changed the scream of Obi-Wan to scare off the Tusken in ANH again. He also mentioned that a completely new mix for the movie was done in 2007 or 2008.


You can download the new scream here: Source: "The Sounds of Star Wars"

[Ascovel]

[spoil]
[align=left]I think that's certainly a big part of it (the state of the films). Personally, I'm assuming we wont be getting most of the colour correction, sound correction, score correction, and VFX fixes we want (saber fixes that were ruined by the OT DVDs).

Maybe I nitpick on things "most fans don't care about," but the PT (and some OT scenes) needs MAJOR score fixes. It absolutely bugs the shit out of me. Short of the bearded one caring enough about it to get JW to re-score stuff it probably won't ever happen.

Then again, Lucas cared enough to have JW re-score the finale of ROTJ so it's always "possible," but I don't think he's a such a stickler for these kinds of technical imperfections that he'd do it. I consider this to be a major technical flaw with the films. This isn't a matter of "bad CGI" or "annoying matte lines" that show the age of the films; it's a lazy and sloppy effort from what's supposed to be a top-of-the-heap movie franchise.

That's really the point: I don't care about flaws with the story or the technology used to create them - I accept the films for what they are - but for this set to be considered "Ultimate" or "Definitive" I expect master craftsmanship with how those films are presented to me and how they were intended to deliver maximum impact.

As for what this set lacks from a feature standpoint. I'd like better commentaries; not just re-packaging of what we got from the DVDs and a mish mash of comments from cast and crew that aren't really commenting on what's happening on screen.

You're fucking Lucasfilm - track down Hamill (who does nothing with his life anymore and seems willing to participate in any gig paying or non-paying), Billy Dee, Harrison, Sam Jackson, Doug Chiang, John Dykstra, Richard Edlund, Joe Johnston, Ryan Church & Erik Tiemens, notable Star Wars nerds influenced by Star Wars (Kevin Smith, JJ Abrams, Simon Pegg, etc), call up your buddies who love the films (Spielberg, Cameron), your fan relations guys who have so much Star Wars to talk about with a unique perspective that it's sickening (Steve Sansweet, Pablo Hidalgo), Dave Filoni. ...fuck, I could think of DOZENS of people I'd like to hear in a SW commentary track.

The point is we should have several (as most of these major franchises do) and they should be unique and tell their own fluid story. I'm not asking for revolutionary stuff here - Lord of the Rings has 3 or 4 commentaries per film, Black Hawk Down had 3 commentaries on their DVDs. This is Star Wars - it deserves the best.

The pre-SE versions belong here. Up the cost if you must, but re-master them and put them in this "ultimate set." Give me a picture in picture feature that lets me see the difference between the OT and the special editions and a commentary for why the changes were made and how they were done. Picture in picture is a GREAT use of the format. The Transformers HD-DVD had an awesome feature like this.

There should be a detailed Making of for every film. I should expect something as good as "the Beginning" for each of the prequels and that doc should be in there as well. Again - LOTR did it best. I should also get the best of what was featured on the previous discs. If this were an ultimate collection it should replace the DVDs entirely.

I know the 501st is a big deal to massive, massive dorks, but to movie fans that care more about the films and the magic that brought them to life (i.e. the majority of people that will buy this collection) could give half a shit to watch 84 minutes of a bunch of losers in stormtrooper outfits. Why is this among the lengthiest of the disc 9 features while "conversation with the masters" - something that seems to be a strong entry - clocks in at under 30 minutes?

Put in all of the making-of web docs and web photos we got from 1997 (the Dewback stuff is there) to 2005. I want to re-live the build up and the hype. That's part of delivering the "ultimate" experience. Interactive content? Web content? I want to see new and improved disc menus.

Here's my beef: the best sets seem to have a logical plan for why each feature or doc is on the disc. For some reason the SW discs have been a mish-mash of content that doesn't have a clear purpose or tell a story people actually care to hear. Just look at the Extended LOTR sets. I'm not even a LOTR fan and I can appreciate how complete and how definitive a set like that looks. If this were a Fast and the Furious messageboard or some other useless franchise I might understand the lack of care or level or detail that these discs are given, but we're talking about the most popular and successful film franchise in the history of the world.

It's really unacceptable how poorly Lucasfilm treats their fans.[/align]
[/spoil]

Thanks for the detailed info about what would be your perfect Star Wars release.

I agree that the Star Warriors and some other stuff sound pretty useless, and additional audio commentaries with other directors could be a lot of fun. Nevertheless, demanding that JW re-scores the bits of the prequels where they butchered what he originally did is as out of place as me demanding someone re-cuts the awfully edited Attack of the Clones.

I don't think there was any big-budget film in history that underwent major changes for its DVD/Blu-ray release to please the fans. It simply was never something profitable to do. At best fan outrage is said to have provoked some Director's Cut versions being made publicly available.

[darthpsychotic]

blu-ray.com

Vincent Marcais, Senior Vice President Marketing at Twentieth Century Fox International in Europe, during an interview with a Norwegian home cinema publication, answered questions about the upcoming Star Wars Blu-Ray release:

QUOTE: The remastering of the movies has been performed by Lucasfilm and will offer "the most recently updated versions of the movies," with "even more enhancements to the picture quality." When asked about Fox's answer to the fans that want to see the three original versions released, Marcais replied: "The versions that are being released are closest to George Lucas' vision. Other than that, no comment."






While I appreciate Lucasfilm releasing the info early - there is still a lot we don't know about the set in terms of picture quality + changes, specific deleted scenes, and even spoofs.

[CoGro]

Nevertheless, demanding that JW re-scores the bits of the prequels where they butchered what he originally did is as out of place as me demanding someone re-cuts the awfully edited Attack of the Clones.

I don't think there was any big-budget film in history that underwent major changes for its DVD/Blu-ray release to please the fans. It simply was never something profitable to do. At best fan outrage is said to have provoked some Director's Cut versions being made publicly available.

See, that's the point: they butchered the JW score because they added entire sequences literally a few months before the film's release (the droid factory comes to mind) and kept cutting the shit out of the film after the score was already delivered. I'm almost embarrassed to be a Star Wars fan when watching the factory sequence (both for how awful C-3P0 is used and how terrible the music editing is. Really? You're using Yoda's theme while Anakin tosses machinery at Geonosians? And using the Coruscant chase music for the Padme-in-a-cup stuff?

I can live with the misuse of the Trade Federation march at the introduction of the clone troopers on Kamino, as confusing as that is, but the rest: just awful). If the film was scored AFTER final cut (never feasible for GL films circa 1999-present day) we wouldn't get the massive issues we have with the soundtrack.

I don't think it's as unreasonable a request as having them re-cut the film to suit a fan's vision. It's a technical problem, not an artistic one, and it can be fixed if George is willing to pay JW for some re-scoring. It's like touching up Jabba's ANH CG or adding CG Yoda to Phantom Menace; and I consider those far less important "fixes" than what needs be done with the PT scores. I go back to ROTJ where he did hire JW to come up with original music for an entire sequence. I don't think AOTC needs "new" music, it just needs to follow the action fluidly and not sound like it's being mixed by a disc jockey with tourette's syndrome. Minor touchups, but touchups nonetheless.

TPM is the best of the bunch in this department. I think it only suffers from 1 or 2 sequences of score recycling/mashing, but at least the music is unique to that film. AOTC the most atrocious use of JW music I've ever heard and ROTS somewhere in between.

ROTS gets a lot right early, the non-use of music during the Grievous ship sequence is awkward, it gets great during his escape but then nose dives as they use the TPM space battle finale music, which works to a certain degree even though it's edited. ROTS is smooth until the Kashyyyk intro (I still don't like the transition between the terrific mood music used during the amazing Opera scene to the anthem-like arena music from AOTC. I think there should be some kind of buffer between those two scenes. Here I am, CoGro the director). The Vader/Stormtrooper assault on the temple, the Utapau battle stuff is a lot of reused AOTC music. That deserves original, powerful ass-kicking JW music. If ever there was a place to blast a version of the imperial march, it's then. The rest of ROTS is clean.

Sorry for the tangent. This is a sore spot of mine.

[Mike_Droideka]

Speaking of CG Yoda, Jake Lloyd just confirmed it on his facebook page, after being asked his opinion on the BluRay sets:

[Bandersnatch]

Starwars.com now has a video up showing a collage of stills from all six movies (artwork, behind-the-scenes, etc).

No big deal, but worth a look.

[CoGro]

Going back to some of the animatics and stills, I miss some of the shots and material that wasn't included, like clonetroopers shooting Geonosians out of the sky, and the short sequence where Dooku is fighting with two sabers. I would really have liked to see those two things in the final film. The exclusion of those short bits relates back to editing. Some of the compositing work in that movie could use improving also. I hope to see that on the blu-ray release.

The Geonosis arena sequence stands up as awesome today, in my opinion, and the "recycled music" doesn't bother me so much, since there was a lot of music from the ANH end battle that was - not duplicated but very close - used in the ROTJ end battle.

There was also the Plo Koon / Ki Adi droid ship attack and the atmospheric space battle. The latter would have been very cool. Overkill, but cool nonetheless.

The ANH music used during ROTJ is the Rebel Alliance motif, which is appropriate as these are the two OT films (more specifically moments in those films) where the Alliance is on the offensive or the heroes are winning.

[spoil]
[flash width=640 height=385]http://www.youtube.com/v/Kav6cYxrEd8?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&hd=1[/flash]
[/spoil]

More important to the viewer than that is that it's classic swashbuckling movie music. It's supposed to get you pumped up for the action and deliver thrills that match the onscreen spectacle. Most of the PT action music sounds like filler to me and lacks character. This is probably because we aren't identifying with any character or thing or event the music is supposed to relate to. The Rebel Alliance motif might remind you of Han or Luke or Wedge, the Imperial March Darth Vader, etc. Even the Asteroid Chase and Battle of Hoth music has character.

I don't get a lot of this from PT music aside from Duel of the Fates, which for some reason is misused in AOTC while Anakin is on the Swoop. And that about sums up my problem with the AOTC music right there - why the hell does DUEL OF THE FATES play while Anakin is talking to Jawas?

[suthrnthug]

Last week I bought a Blu-Ray player specifically for this set and now I found out it is no better than the DVD set from 2004! Maybe I'll get LOTR Blu-Ray set instead.

[ETandElliott]

What do you mean?

[Alexrd]

Last week I bought a Blu-Ray player specifically for this set and now I found out it is no better than the DVD set from 2004!

That remains to be seen.

[ETandElliott]

They're bound to look spectacular. The HD broadcasts are a clear indication. I mean, I am absolutely critical of the wackily awful digital color grading of the movies. But when you see them in HD...every strand of hair, the glint in the heroes' eyes in the finale of Star Wars, Vader's shiny helmet in Jedi, the background details at resolutions they were probably not meant to be viewed, etc., it's absolutely breathtaking. Regardless of whether you like any of Special Edition changes and additions. Prequels or no prequels, if you are a fan of the movies (even just the first two), you owe it to yourself to watch them on Blu-ray.

[Ascovel]

But when you see them in HD...every strand of hair, the glint in the heroes' eyes in the finale of Star Wars, Vader's shiny helmet in Jedi, the background details at resolutions they were probably not meant to be viewed, etc., it's absolutely breathtaking. Regardless of whether you like any of Special Edition changes and additions. Prequels or no prequels, if you are a fan of the movies (even just the first two), you owe it to yourself to watch them on Blu-ray.

ETAndElliot4Ever, I'm afraid Lucas marketing has hacked your account! Now they want us to buy the sets just because some strands of hair have stuck to the films.

[Bandersnatch]

When you share this site with your friends, exclusive imagery from the release will be revealed. And the more the site is shared around the world, the more the world will see.

So spread the word today and “zoom” into the the ultimate insider’s view of Star Wars on Blu-ray!

So has any more "exclusive imagery" been revealed lately?

[Gabe]

I don't think so and I didn't actually believed starwars.com would keep up with the regular updates to their facebook. LFL always lacked initiative or the will to keep up to date in the internet trends, because lets face it, the official site has never been the best (although now it is far better and without pay).


So I wasn't expecting much of it this time either - so let me go check the facebook page

[Mike_Droideka]

A short interview with Ewan McGregor from the upcoming BluRay set, is up on play.com



There's a HD version on their facebook page as well.

[suthrnthug]

A short interview with Ewan McGregor from the upcoming BluRay set, is up on play.com



There's a HD version on their facebook page as well.

Isn't that footage already shown from the Revenge of the Sith's 2nd disk? Why are they saying it's "world exclusive clip"?

[CoGro]

It's from the ROTS DVD, further illustrating that this set is one lazily produced, giant fuck you to fans.

[Bandersnatch]

Or maybe it's just play.com being play.com. They always take shit that is already out there and call it an "exclusive," whether it's a trailer, a clip from an upcoming movie or whatever.

[Mike_Droideka]

Just watching the latest Clone Wars Season III preview video clip on the official site this morning. Dave Filoni goes into describing the difference in between Savage's and Luke's training and it seems the ESB clips they've used, are void of that weird blue tinge, that was present on the 2005 DVD sets.

click to enlarge



Could this be a corrected colour-time footage from the upcoming BluRay release, or am I imagining things?

[Duke]

Blu-Ray extras have now been rated in Germany:

[Topeka]

If that info is accurate, it looks like roughly 45 minutes of classic trilogy deleted scenes.

[Inv8r]

On the new Play.com feauture with John Williams regarding Yoda - the Dagobah stuff looks like neon-turqoise shit

I'm particually crestfallen based on the ILM documentary - it definitely looks like there had been some color correction done to ESB. Maybe - if you guys are saying that these are just recycled docs from the DVD releases, it's not reflective of the HD transfer we'll actually get. Or maybe I should cancel my pre-order right now...

[Gabe]

Well about the deleted scenes, yes there seems to be more than I had expected for each of the trilogies. I wonder if these are going to be part of the movies or instead be added as extras?

I really hope they are included in the movies so in a way - it will be like extended editions like in TLOTR

If not I guess there is always someone that can make a re-muxing to include these scenes - assuming they are all properly finished.

[ForceFreak]

When you watch the bonus stuff from the DVD Boxset you will notice that all of the scenes from the OT are taken from the older 1997 Transfer (probaly the same source Van Ling worked with for the DVD Menus und Scene Selection) and not the 2004 Lowry Transfer. I think whoever did or cut the bonus features had - just like Ling - only access to that 1997 Transfer and it was all done before the Lowry restoration.

That could be very much the same case with the Blu-ray Edition.

That Dagobah clip from the Clone Wars video looks definitely different. It is brighter, cleaner, the colors are more natural, the blue tint is much reduced and it has no blackcrush like the 2004 Version.