I recently was able to obtain a copy of the 2006 DVD release of the Original Trilogy that included the theatrical versions as bonus features. I was thinking I would make a fan edit by combining the Special and Theatrical versions of Star Wars together, using the Special Edition changes that were actually good (
if you believe there were any), and going back to the Theatrical version for the changes that were bad.
The one movie with the Special Edition changes that I found most acceptable, was "Empire Strikes Back". The visual scenes involving Cloud City were fantastic.
People love clouds, sunrises, and sunsets. It made no sense for a city to be designed like a submarine. Lucas was right in adding windows, and showing more exterior shots.
Changes I will definitely be making are:
- Cutting out as much of the awful CGI as I can.
Actually, I never thought of any of the changes to be awful. In fact, I preferred most of the changes...
For Example. The X-Wing Fighter effects when they take off to battle the Death Star in "A New Hope". Was great.
What I didn't like, was how some of these new special effects were used to change the original stories and characters.
- Using the updated opening crawl for Episode 4.
Your choice.
Doesn't really bother me, since the original crawl was created for when there was just ONE movie.
The newer version works better with additional films.
- Having Han be the only one to shoot.
The NUMBER ONE mistake that Lucas made.
FIX IT!
- Cutting the Jabba scene from Episode 4.
While most of the scene was fine... that altered part where they had Han STEPPING on Jabba tail was horrible. It never looked right. This bit in itself, should reason enough to remove it from a final cut.
They should have released it as a "deleted scene"...
- Cutting the two versions of the Wampa scene together so that it maintains suspense like in the original but also shows more of the Wampa.
I always had a mixed reaction to this...
While I enjoyed seeing more of the Wampa... As you said... The suspense was diminished.
Most people agree... When it comes to monsters... LESS IS MORE.
If you can find a nice balance. Good for you.
- Using the Emperor hologram scene with Ian McDiarmand, but cut the stupid added dialogue.
I loved the old dialog, and loved the new visuals.
If you can figure out how to create a successful merging of the two...
Congrats...
- Replacing Hayden Christensen with Sabastian Shaw at the end of Episode 6.
In my opinion, this is the SECOND biggest mistake that Lucas made.
No One wanted to see creepy Hayden Christensen at the end. We saw Sabastian Shaw under the mask. That is how Luke knew his father. And that should have been reason enough, to have Sabastian Shaw as the force ghost. Obi-Wan and Yoda didn't get young when they died either...
I am not sure what to think about Sabastian Shaw's eyebrows being removed for the Special Edition, to reflect what happened in "Revenge Of The Sith".
You're call...
I will be making a lot of changes to make a definitive version of the original Star Wars trilogy. I want to know what changes any of you guys would like to see, and I will take your suggestions into account.
The NEW music at Jabba's Palace & The new music at the End of "Return Of The Jedi" was horrible.
the original versions should be restored.
However, I did like the addition of the Galactic Victory Celebrations, at the planets like: Naboo, that tied in with the Prequel Trilogy. I think this should be kept, as long as it doesn't interfere with restoring the original music.
One more thing.
Lucas made changes for the VHS Special Editions. Then he made changes again for the DVDs. Then he made changes again for the Blu-Rays...
DITCH these Blu-Ray Changes:
1.) In "A New Hope" - R2D2 runs away. When Luke & C3PO finds him, the Sand People Attack. R2D2 hides in a cave. R2D2 should not have been able to get inside, because the entrance is now impossibly blocked with rocks.
2.) In "A New Hope" - Obi-Wan scares off the Sand People with a shrieking call. The Blu-Ray version makes it should like some teenage frat boy sending out some mating call.
3.) In "Return Of The Jedi" - Darth Vader watches the Emperor zapping Luke in order to kill him. Now Vadar starts saying "no... No... NOOO!"
I understand what Lucas was trying to do here, but I don't think it worked. The earlier version was better.
Have fun creating YOUR edited version...
