I honestly don't know - my source doesn't know much either, only what I've already said. I would assume that they'd be using the same masters for the Disc 1 of each of these re-releases, meaning they can either get rid of existing overstocks of the current discs (which may have been a motivating factor behind this release), or replicate cheaply off masters that are already sitting there. But I'm just guessing.

As for Disc 2 (the OUT versions), the press release stated Dolby 2.0, so that's all we know.

This is great news. Though I'm curious what the definition of "level of quality" is here. By "restoration" do you mean dirt removal, color correction, etc., or does that just mean this will be an anamorphic release?

He may not have that info at the time. Chances are we'll have to wait until the time gets closer for him to answer that question. Perhaps his source can get ahold of a copy early and provide us screencaps and what not.

As it stated in that article the quality of the picture itself won't match up to the 2004 release. It maybe close but not perfectly like that version.

Well, either way it'll still be nicer than my LD rips.

Now that we're getting these, the fan boys should start whining for theatrical versions of the prequels. I want the unaltered cut of the podrace! And Darth Maul falling down the shaft in one piece! And the two humans in the fat guy's senate pod!

This is good news. All I really care about is having the OUT on DVD but some restoration is definitely welcome.

It'd be cool if they recycled the commentaries from the Definitive Collection laserdiscs.

From the Official 20th Anniversary Commemorative Magazine:



Since 2002 i own the official Ultimate THX Demo DVD from Lucasfilm. On this DVD is a remastered Version of the "WOW!"-Montage (7 Min.) from the 1991 THX Demo Laserdisc. In the Montage are several Clips from the O-OT and even those look absolutely great (16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen)! Ive uploaded a few Screenshots. U can download them here:

O-OT DVD Screenshots (THX Demo)

O-OT DVD Screenshots (Original Aspect Ratio)

Enjoy!

Thanks for the screens!

Looking at those, that's about what I was expecting the new DVDs to look like. Looks exactly like the laserdisc only in higher resolution - nothing like the overly-vibrant film grainless 2004s.



You may be right, but it doesn't hurt to ask. And I'm certainly looking forward to DF leaking these as well as he did the 2004s.

Yes, very nice screen shots! I remember watching the THX WOW LD back in 95 from a Pioneer CLD 97 ( if I remember correctly ), a graphics grade faroudja line quadrupler, and a graphics grade Vidakron front projector. Needless to say the video look spectactular, even from a LD source.

I still look forward to seeing the XO project LD transfer.

The marketing for this thing is going to be hilarious.

I can't wait for the TV Ads.

http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1531527/story.jhtml

):

[hr]
05.11.2006 6:00 AM EDT

George Lucas Says Indiana's Next Crack Of The Whip Will Be Tamer

Writer/producer says he's finished writing script to sequel.

NEW YORK — George Lucas is looking for a lot more than just fortune and glory these days.

Contrary to how Hollywood usually hypes its blockbusters, the writer/producer says Indiana Jones' next adventure actually won't be any louder, bigger or faster than his last one. In fact, if Lucas gets his way (hint: he usually does), the Jones sequel will prize dialogue over decibels.

"I think Tom Cruise proved that people are getting bored with that kind of stuff," Lucas said Monday at a Jazz at Lincoln Center dinner celebrating Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people (see "Diddy, Daddy Yankee, Angelina Jolie Rub Elbows With Bush On Time List"). "What they want to see is something different. And 'Indiana Jones,' if nothing else, is always different."

And Lucas is, if nothing else, reliably vague. He's not yet ready to give up the treasure trove of what lurks in the plot for the first "Indiana Jones" movie since 1989's "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," except to say the script is finally done and the flick will "probably" start shooting next year.

"We're working on it, we're working on it," Lucas said. "We've been working on it for 10 years. I think it'll be a great film, but it's completely different. It's still got a lot of action, and it's still very funny. I think it works like crazy."

Lucas added that he's still working on his "Star Wars" 3-D theatrical project as well, but when asked when it might come out, he laughed. "I don't know!" he said. "Eventually. We're working on that technology, seeing if we can get that to work out."

"Until then, [GL] says he's curious to see what the reception will be for the upcoming limited-edition DVD release of the three original 'Star Wars' films (see 'Three Original 'Star Wars' Films (Finally) Coming To DVD — But Not For Long'). 'It's just the original versions, as they were,' Lucas said. 'We didn't do anything to it at all. But we're not sure how many people want that.'

You might say quite a few, considering how many fans were angered by the digitized, expanded updates of episodes IV, V and VI. Lucas claims he's not re-releasing the originals to appease fans, but rather to bate them. 'Now we'll find out whether they really wanted the original or whether they wanted the improved versions," he said. "It'll all come out in the end.'"

[hr]

Hmm, not sure what to make of that.

My guess is he's just reiterating that they are the "original uncut" versions of the films, rather than implying anything about quality. Even if they don't do a damn thing as far as restoration and they look like the footage on the WOW disc, I'll be more than happy.

I'll be biting that bate, George.

hey dog I love the [web] tag and think it's great that others are using it to but MTV screws up firefox hope you don't mind me editing your post.

The big question to the OUT release is what they are sourcing it from. DarthFirst says his source indicates that it won't be from the 1993 masters (which were used for the LD Definitive Edtion of course). Also by DarthFirst's use of the term "restoration", perhaps what is meant is LFL are restoring whatever source material they are using ie sound and picture degradation.

Also, LUCAS: "I think Tom Cruise proved that people are getting bored with that kind of stuff"

CRUISE ZING OUT OF NO FUCKING WHERE

No prob dp.

---

Lucas' comments seem real improvy and cocky, because how accurately is he gauging fans' desire for the OUT if his company is forcing dual purchase of the improved versions?

Whatever. Atleast Indy 4's sounding cool and on the move. "I think it works like crazy"?

Lucas Ultimate Troll status confirmed.

Gotta love how out of touch Lucas is.
It really cracks me up that he says he values dialogue over decibels. Can someone please tell where exactly was this philosophy when he made the prequels? *shudders at recalling the EP2 dialogue about sand* I bet it was probably at the same place as his philosophy on how classics should be untouched in regards to changing them.

And either way the SE will win out due to them being packaged with the OOT, and of course GL will say the people really just wanted the SE as he'll add the amount of OOT sets sold in addition to the ones already sold before.

Does Lucas realize that Harrison Ford is 2,000 years old?

Wow you people are reactionary. What part of "... if Lucas gets his way, the movie will value dialogue over decibels" confuses you? He didn't say he always valued that, he just thinks it's a better way to make the new Indy movie. Considering Ford's age (and the fact that he can't throw a Hollywood-type punch to save his life), that can't be a bad thing.

As for him being out of touch, I think most people either (A) don't care which version of the trilogy the buy or (B) prefer the SE versions. I've met precisely three people in real life who prefer the OUT. It seems like it's mostly just Internet nerds who prefer the old school version.

AND YOU'RE GETTING WHAT YOU WANT SO WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU CRYING ABOUT IT!?!?!?!

The part that implies that Lucas is capable of writing good dialogue. But then, he's not the actual writer of this script, is he? The article's kind of vague about that.



I'd tend to agree with this. Personally, I've never had any trouble with the SEs. The only thing I really don't like is the change to the Greedo scene -- and I don't even mind that it was changed, just that it was changed poorly. It looks clumsy and fake, and if it couldn't be made to look otherwise, then it shouldn't have been done.

I don't know, why are YOU screaming about it? Notice how I put the comment about Lucas being out of touch in the beginning, not the end. This comment had nothing to do with the release of the OOT DVDs, but rather with the fact that he thinks he can write some good dialogue for his films.

I'm a bit confused. Is this really true:

"I value dialogue over decibels." <=> "I can write good dialogue."

?

If so, my ability to understand english phraseology is poorer than I thought.

I don't understand how Lucas could be disappointed with the effects shots he digitally replaced in the OT, and yet be satisfied with Greedo shooting first. The execution of that scene is completely ridiculous. It looks worse than any of the old effects shots. The justification for the change was that a character who kills in cold blood can't be redeemed. I don't really see how that's true, especially when you look at the films as a whole now, with the story of Anakin. Han was a smartass mercenary who would shoot first and ask questions later. It seems Lucas was just trying to make the scene more politically correct, in turn forgetting the fact that it was an homage to western gunslingers. And plus, it still looks retarded.

Not sure if anyone else caught this. David Colton, editor of USA TODAY, and admin of the Classic Horror Film Board posted this on 3 May:

From that, it almost sounds like we're getting yet another tweak to the SE version. So order your t-shirts now bitches, you know you need one.

I doubt they'll do any tweaking to the scene for the thearatical editions. As Lucas said they're not gonna be touching it at all. Though they may re-do the scene a lot better for the big saga box set next year to make it look like the two fired simultaniously. Even with the 2004 set you can still see that Greedo fired first a split second before Han did.

Still though I can't believe that one little scene has caused so much contraversy(sp?). I for one could careless if it's changed or not.

The problem with Greedo shooting first is that he misses Han at point blank range! How can he be a bounty hunter and not hit a human from across a table? It just makes no sense. It looks retarded. If it was plausible for Greedo to shoot first and miss, that's fine, but in this scene it looks absolutely ridiculous.

greedo shooting first is on even ground with the ep1 yoda puppet. disgraceful

Scenes with Bail were shot during EpII for the OT editions - there is definitely more to come.

hmm...if they truly considered why did they not make the '04 DVD edition...unless of course they held back for the 30th anniversary s00per d00per editions.

whatever happens I'm glad the OOT is coming out because now hopefully all the cockknockers who cried in their weeties about not ever owning it can crawl into the nearest cave and stfu.

There were a couple of brutal SE changes, but I can't watch the original space battle or the original Cloud City scenes anymore, they just look absurd stacked up against the SEs. I know I'm not buying these, and I'm surprised people don't just think GL is milking us for more $$. I guess I don't think that's what it is, but I can see people saying that.

The next set I purchase will not be on DVD, but on the next format be it HD-DVD or Bluray and it will include new bonus material that was held back on the 04 release. If this includes yet another cut of the movie, then so be it.

I guess this means a "limited edition" 12-disc box set is now being planned with the OUT, 1997, 2004, and 2007 editions of each film. They should call it the "the other versions don't exist but we're releasing them anyway" trilogy.

I guess I better start saving up now.

I want the version of ESB where Luke screams like the Emperor as he falls at Cloud City.

[align=center]

[/align]

Hope that the XBox-Demo on Disc 2 won't effect the Picture and Sound Quality of the original Cuts!
Other than that...its just nice to read they finally come!

The marketing promo confirms something I hadn't read anywhere earlier -- there will be both widescreen and pan-and-scan discs available.

Am I the only one tired of all these video game advertisements being slapped onto each DVD release? Is that considered supplemental material now?

I've been sick of them from Day One. Regarding the Episode 1 DVD, Jim Ward said that some of the "tone poem" commercials had to be left off (including my favorite, the Obi-Wan theme) due to space limitations... but they made sure to fit a damn video game promo on there!

I too don't like the promotional material for the games they put on the DVD's. Well I guess you got to advertize it some how but that is not really the best way to do it. You could have added a lot more to the DVD if the game demos weren't on there.

Oh yeah, next time call it "OT", prick.

We have a new thread since here: OUT DVDs are Non-Anamorphic due to things getting heated over the recent Hunt Report.

People are getting all fucking weird with posting LucasFilm phone numbers, bringing up Lucas' ex-wife, and all this other e-justice shit. Again my view is you can just download the DVDRs from one of the many torrent sites this summer.

[align=left]


shop.starwars.com Pre-Order: OUT DVDs



Amazon Pre-Order: Star Wars 1977 OUT DVD



Amazon Pre-Order: Empire Strikes Back OUT DVD



Amazon Pre-Order: Return Of The Jedi OUT DVD
[/align]


They're cheaper at Wal-Mart. You can pre-order them for $19.87 each which is about $10.00 less at Amazon.

A New Hope

The Empire Strikes Back

Return Of The Jedi

I think this would be a prime opportunity to have an offer to send away for a slipcase to hold all six films, ala what they did with Lord of the Rings. Expecially since the colors on the cases match up now. Though I'm probably hoping for too much...

Greedo Vs. Hans Solo.

Quality. Hopefully one of the other cards in that set will feature the ubiquitous "Stars Wars" as well.

I'm a bit hesitant about getting all hopped up about the re-re-re-release of the (original) Original Trilogy, but I gotta say that I'll be right there when they arrive in stores, like a good little LFL junkie.

Personally, I can't stand the revisions made to the originals, but not because of some dumbass, ardent Puritanism regarding the Star Wars universe; I just think the changes made were a) self-indulgent, b) hastily executed, and c) poorly considered. That and the Special Editions were little more than a glorified test-bed for the effects tech that was going to be used in the making of the prequels.

Still, for all the craptastic additions to the original movies ("wacky" droids, "wacky" jawas, Star Trek-ish human-with-blue-skin-and-horns "aliens", one horribly rendered Jabba the Hutt, etc.), the one change that has stuck in my craw more than anything (yes, even the "Han shot first" nonsense) was the new Vader dialogue in ESB. After Luke jumps from the big weather vane, we see Vader storming through Cloud City followed by his cadre of Imp flunkies. In the old version, Vader growls "bring my shuttle", perfectly in keeping with his character at that point in the story. In the new version, he casually tells his officers to "alert my star destroyer to prepare for my arrival" -- totally undercutting the seething anger that he projected in the original.

OK, so maybe I'm a nitpicking "." (whatever the hell that's supposed to mean...), but there was absolutely no reason to change that line, damnit.

Now, as a fan of the original films, I'm happy to finally have the "original" versions made available by their official source, but I wonder if they're going to be presented "raw" or if they'll be touched up to some degree. Lucas stated that the Special Edition versions represent what he wanted to do the first time around but couldn't due to financial and technical limitations. Considering the fact that Lucas seems to change his tune every few years regarding his "original vision" for Star Wars, I somehow doubt that the Muppet Show-esque re-tooling of Jabba's Palace was on the menu when they were making "Jedi" back in '82.

But, there are some changes that are welcome and worthwhile. Erasing the Vaseline blob from underneath Luke's landspeeder, getting rid of the matte boxes surrounding the starfighters, improving the opacity of the snowspeeder cockpits during the pilot's POV shots, (almost) fixing the matte issues with the rancor, making an attempt to fix the lightsabers, cleaning up the negatives, color correction, and so on. Y'know, fixing the problems that would have been fixed back in the day if ILM had a little more time and Lucas had a little more wiggle room in his budget.

I get the feeling that this series of releases aren't going to be "fixed" with respect to the aforementioned problems. I also get the feeling that these versions are being packaged with the 2004 versions so fans will watch the originals and the re-heats back-to-back and will "see the light" regarding the supposed "superiority" of the revised versions.

My $0.02 are now in the ring. OK, then.

Some fucking nut job had the nerve to post this on Barnes & Noble and he's obviously pulling everyone's leg here. Why websites like Barnes & Noble, Borders/Amazon and other places allow people to post things early really gets me...




The thearaticals 5.1 surround, restored and having commentaries and a one hour documentary? HA HA!

Fucking dork bag...thought though you guys would get a laugh out of this.

Stephen Boyd missed Gregory Peck at point-blank range in an almost identical scene in The Bravados, which might be where Lucas got the idea.

I liked GL's apology on Amazon.

Even though it's retarded bullshit?