VHS : Star Wars IV: A New Hope (Special Edition)
|
|
In association with Amazon.com
|
Related Items:
Editorial Review:
Amazon.com:
The 2006 limited-edition two-disc release of George Lucas's epic space fantasy Star Wars is not only the first time the movie has been officially available by itself on DVD. It marks the first-ever DVD release of Star Wars as it originally played in theaters in 1977. What does that mean exactly? Well, for starters, the initial title crawl proclaims that this is just Star Wars, not Episode IV, A New Hope. Second, the film is without the various 'improvements' and enhancements Lucas added for the theatrical rerelease in 1997 as well as the DVD premiere in 2004. So no more critters and droids scurrying around the port of Mos Eisley when Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi first arrive, no meetings between Han Solo and Jabba the Hut and between Luke and Biggs (extraneous scenes that were cut in 1977), no enhanced explosions during the final reel, and--most importantly to some fans--no more of Greedo shooting first in the bar. Instead Han is free to be the scoundrel and not even let Greedo squeeze off a shot.
What do you lose by watching the 1977 version? Dolby Digital 5.1 EX sound, for one thing (only 2.0 Surround here). Digital cleanup for another--Tatooine looks like it's been coated with an additional layer of sand cloud. Yes, it's true that fans who want better sound and picture can always watch the 2004 version of the movie also included in this set. But chances are good that they already picked up the trilogy edition of all three films, so their decision to buy the 2006 two-disc edition depends on how much they want the original film. The official LucasFilm stance is that this is an individual release of the 2004 version of Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope, and the 1977 version of the film is merely a 'bonus feature.' Common speculation is that the only reason the original versions are seeing the official light of day at all is to undercut the booming black market for the laserdisc version. Star Wars fans will have to decide for themselves if that's worth the purchase. --David Horiuchi
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - One of my favorite Sci-Fi Movies
Star Wars 4 Limited Edition includes the original theatrical release and the 2004 tweaked version. There are some fans who refuse to watch the 2004 edition. They prefer the original version where Han shoots first. Then there are people who prefer the 2004 release because it looks more realistic and updated. This DVD will please both fans.
The only reason this DVD does not get five stars is the lack of special features. There are no deleted scenes or inside looks. It just includes ... Read More
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 ... 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 ... Read More
|
|
|
