Classic SW Trilogy DVD News!

[Battle Droid]

From, www.digitalbits.com

You know, it seems like we go through this about once a year. But, at the risk of inducing lots of eye rolling out there, here we go again. We've heard from a number of industry sources we trust (and who have proven their reliability in the past) in the last few weeks. They're reporting that Lucasfilm is seriously considering releasing the Star Wars Trilogy on DVD late next year. In fact, our information indicates that some work is already under way toward a 4th Qtr, 2004 release. Word is that Lucasfilm is pleased with the format of The Adventures of Indiana Jones: The Complete DVD Movie Collection they're releasing on 10/21 in conjunction with Paramount - so pleased, in fact, that they're planning to use the same format to release the classic Star Wars films. This would presumably mean a 4-disc set, with a disc for each film and a fourth disc of special edition materials for all three films. It would certainly make sense. First, it would be a great way to get a buzz going into early 2005, when the final film, Episode III, is set to arrive in theaters. Also, Lucasfilm has said in the past that there aren't a lot of behind-the-scenes materials available for the original films, so having a single bonus disc of extras (as opposed to three) would make life easier for them.

Interestingly, as we were working to learn more about this from our sources, we received an e-mail from a Bits reader about a DVD column on the BBC's film site (slide down the page to near the bottom). It seems that Channel.com (sort of a U.K. version of Columbia House, run by Universal) listed the original Star Wars Trilogy as coming to DVD in 2004 in their latest brochure to members.

Of course, we've certainly heard similar reports many times in the past, so we encourage you to take this information with a large dose of salt. Only time will tell if this is... FINALLY... the real deal. At the recent DVD conference in L.A., I spoke with Lucasfilm's Jim Ward, who predictably wouldn't discuss the DVD release plan for the original Star Wars films, other than to say that they WOULD be released on DVD at some point. He did, however, say that Episode III was being well documented for DVD, and he once again noted that the original theatrical versions of these films no longer exist - the new SEs are George's ultimate vision for these films.

Frankly, we're really looking forward to these films being released on DVD... if only so we don't have to keep reporting on them here! In any case, THIS is the extent of what we know, so please don't bombard us with a lot of questions. You know as much as we do at this point. When we learn more, we'll post it here.

[JEDIpartner]

You're right about the "once a year" thing. Anyhow... I am not going to put much stock in this. This is only because recent INSIDER magazines have even reported that no OT DVD will be in the works until the last film is completed.

[Exhaust Port]

he once again noted that the original theatrical versions of these films no longer exist
Hey George, if you need a copy I have them on VHS.

[Rogue II]

I'll believe the OT DVD's are released when I have them in my hand. But, you would figure GL would release them at the end of next year just to gorge us for another $50 before the release of EP3 in '05 and the "Super Nifty" OT DVD release in '06. This is the same company charging people to look the Hyperspace thing on the official site, right?

Tell me again how many times the OT has been released on VHS.

[scruffziller]

You're right about the "once a year" thing. Anyhow... I am not going to put much stock in this. This is only because recent INSIDER magazines have even reported that no OT DVD will be in the works until the last film is completed.
That could mean for the ARCHIVAL editions. But yea I hear what you are saying, I remember the exact words. "We are not going to even think about releasing the OT on DVD till after eps 3 is done." But GL also said that the prequels will never be created on film too.

[plo koon 200]

I can believe it. It is a great marketing ploy. With the Clone Wars cartoon and DVD's Episode III success rate at the box office goes way up.

[stillakid]

I highly doubt this and wouldn't put money on it. I believe that the reason he took the original editions out of print is so that he could more carefully control what versions future generations would grow up with. So, it is a far more likely scenario that he will complete Episode III, then start chewing up the scenery in the OT to shove gratuitous and unnecessary additions into the OT films. That would be his primary motivation. Secondary to that would be the ability to spend a reasonable amount of time and energy on the DVD extras for the OT films. There isn't any way that he will have time for that until after Episode III is released and ready for DVD itself.

[El Chuxter]

Four discs for the three movies? I hope this isn't right. Just with the stuff I know about, I can think of at least four discs worth for each movie! And I'm sure there's got to be quite a bit more.

The original movies lost? Feh. I wonder if Lucas realizes how much money he puts in the pockets of bootleggers every single time he says they'll never be released.

[bobafrett]

From, www.digitalbits.com

Of course, we've certainly heard similar reports many times in the past, so we encourage you to take this information with a large dose of salt.

I am, and I am sprinkling it on my already open wounds from all the previous times we have heard this, oh it burns!

[Pendo]

How much denying did LucasFilm do about the Episode I DVD and we had all reports like this that it was happening and it did :). I know we've had reports like this for the OT DVDs before, but these appear to be the strongest. I hope it's coming. I doubt these versions will be the Archival Editions though, it's much too early they'd need editing, music, special effects done. I'm hoping these will be a box set just to wet our appetite for the REAL release full of extras. Each film a 2 disc set, one a year :D.

Damn I'm dreaming again aren't I :rolleyes:!

PENDO!

[Rogue II]

Four discs for the three movies? I hope this isn't right. Just with the stuff I know about, I can think of at least four discs worth for each movie! And I'm sure there's got to be quite a bit more.

The original movies lost? Feh. I wonder if Lucas realizes how much money he puts in the pockets of bootleggers every single time he says they'll never be released.

I completely agree with you, but, isn't re-releasing DVDs with extra footage the industry standard now? X-Men 1.5, Matrix, etc...Why would Star Wars be any different? George just has a way to pump us for cash for years to come.

[Darkross]

Well...all I hope for is the OT on DVD and if they only give us one disc of extras...then give us the SFX The Making of Empire Strikes Back and the From Star Wars to Jedi making of series. These two cover most of the behind footage of the OT.

[TheDarthVader]

Can't wait for these to be released on DVDs! I wonder if he will release two different versions of the films...? If so, I will wait for the set with the most "special" extra features/footage.

[JON9000]

The original movies lost? Feh. I wonder if Lucas realizes how much money he puts in the pockets of bootleggers every single time he says they'll never be released.

I don't see why he would even care. I want bootlegs of the originals, of course. But I am also definitely going to line GL's pocket by getting the new releases. I think most people who want the originals feel the same way. If he isn't going to release them, it isn't money out of his pocket.

I guess he just wants to retain artistic control, BUT- "the more you tighten your grip, the more star systems will slip through your fingers!" :Pirate:

Princess Leia was so sassy.

[jjreason]

Well, here's me crossing my fingers. I still think it's too bad that the original versions won't be included, but DVDs of the OT are an exciting thing to think about nonetheless. Maybe they'll touch up the Cantina a little - to get rid of that out of place laser bolt from Greedo's gun.

[Jedi_Master_Guyute]

Meh!! I want the OT's dammit!! But since George is being a putz, i'll have to resort to other measures (mike hugs his bootlegged OT DVD's) Yup, these'll do. :D

[Turambar]

Meh!! I want the OT's dammit!! But since George is being a putz, i'll have to resort to other measures (mike hugs his bootlegged OT DVD's) Yup, these'll do. :D

I hear ya! just ordered some OT bootlegs yesterday. I can't wait to see them finally!

[Pendo]

Fingers crossed that the Holiday Special will make it to the 4th disc!


:sur:What am I saying!?!?!? Let's hope it doesn't!!!!!!!!!

PENDO!

[bobafrett]

Fingers crossed that the Holiday Special will make it to the 4th disc!


:sur:What am I saying!?!?!? Let's hope it doesn't!!!!!!!!!

PENDO!

Only if it includes footage of people burning their VHS copies of the "Holiday Special". :D

[Pendo]

Only if it includes footage of people burning their VHS copies of the "Holiday Special". :D
ROFLMFAO!!!!!!! That would be GREAT! Oh George I hope you're reading this :D!

PENDO!

[CropDuster]

I've ordered mine! I can't wait, talk about anticipation. I'm not sure if I'm more excited about getting the OT on DVD or to see E3. :crazed:

[Pendo]

The R2 Project (www.r2-dvd.org) has an article on what COULD be on the OT DVD set, and just reading through it has made my mouth water for more! Well worth a read :).

http://www.r2-dvd.org/article.jsp?sectionId=7&articleId=5907

PENDO!

[billfremore]

Only if it includes footage of people burning their VHS copies of the "Holiday Special". :D

Am I the only one who has fond memories of that special?
I'm still hoping they put it on DVD eventually.
(and let the commentary on that line begin)

[jjreason]

Am I the only one who has fond memories of that special?
I'm still hoping they put it on DVD eventually.
(and let the commentary on that line begin)


Holy crap - billfremore?????? Is it really you???????? :D

I think the Holiday Special would sell in DVD format - which is where the rubber meets the road, right? I think most of us would cough up for the Theatrical OT releasees, Ewoks feature length movies, Droids and Ewoks Cartoons, Clone Wars Cartoons.... each and every Star Wars thing conceivable. To hum and haw over whether or not to release this stuff is silly. Put it out there, make your money and go on to the next thing.

[scruffziller]

Holy crap - billfremore?????? Is it really you???????? :D


The person posting, or the avatar?:D

Can you say, "I LOVE CHEESY POOFS....I LOVE CHEESY POOFS....":D

[Exhaust Port]

Very interesting article Pendo! My favorite note is the following made by the folks at R2 Project:


The Death Star: This shows Vader walking with Imperial officer Bast (the one who played Johhny Briggs' father in the BBC kids' TV show of the same name) who tells him that "they are beginning to search spaceport central", and Vader reminding him of the importance of finding the druids.
Druids? Well that changes everything now doesn't it?! :D

[JEDIpartner]

I noticed that several days ago but failed to comment on that. That was one of about 20 typos/spell-check casualties. "Druids" was also one of the more hilarious ones.

At least Han wasn't talking with "Buddha the Hut". :crazed:

[scruffziller]

At least Han wasn't talking with "Buddha the Hut". :crazed:
That is interesting that you said that since some of the original concepts for Jabba had him have multiple arms(multiple legs too).:D But that may have happened if the writing department and the art department didn't communicate so well.:D Buddha the Hutt indeed!!!!

[JEDIpartner]

Shut up! That's too funny... :D

:sur: You know what? I think I kinda recall seeing that. He was almost like a slug and a centipede.

[scruffziller]

Shut up! That's too funny... :D

:sur: You know what? I think I kinda recall seeing that. He was almost like a slug and a centipede.THANX!!:D That occured to me in a dream.
But yea besides the multiple legs, that was on a version of what Jabba is now but they just removed the legs. But the multiple arms he was the version they condidered "too human." The centipede version was "too monstrous."

[JediTricks]

I don't believe Buddha has multiple arms, he was a real guy who lived about 2,500 years ago; I think you guys are probably thinking of the Hindu god Vishnu.

[Beast]

Some evidence that there may be a release of the OT on DVD next year. Since something big is up in November at the Presidio. Here's the info from TheDigitalBits.com. :)

We have more evidence for you that the Star Wars Trilogy is coming to DVD in 2004. First of all, IGN Games has posted a story about the Rogue Squadron trilogy of games (previously exclusive to Nintendo) coming to the Xbox platform in 2004. Word is this is being timed to coincide with the release of the original films to DVD. Also, the Yakface.com website (which is dedicated to Star Wars memorabilia collecting) has learned that Lucasfilm is inviting its many corporate partners to an event at the Presidio (in San Francisco) on November 5th. The invitations read: "Lord Vader is planning a major assault. He summons you to share his top secret battle plans." With Episode III still nearly two years away from theaters, it's entirely possible that this meeting is intended to announce the DVD release plan to retailers for next year. Thanks to everyone who sent these stories in.
MTFBWY and HH!!

Jar Jar Binks

[Pendo]

Thanx for the info JJB :). I so hope all these rumours are true :).

PENDO!

[Turbowars]

More rumors of the OT coming to DVD at RS......................

I'm not sure I want to share too much more just yet on Episode III, but I can tell you this. There's plenty of work right now on Star Wars. Yes, Episode III, but have you heard about this? I heard from my friend that the Classic Trilogy DVDs will be availabe next Fall. The exact date isn't known yet, but they are being worked on right now for release in 2004.

[Pendo]

If as much time is put into the SW Trilogy DVDs as was the Indy DVDs, then we're in for an amazing set :)!

PENDO!

[billfremore]

Got this off the Cinescape site today...

-----------------------------------------
We've heard it from a friend that all the hubbub created by the clandestine Lucasfilm licensing meeting scheduled for next month isn't concerning the classic STAR WARS films coming on DVD. Instead, our source tells us that Lucasfilm's big pow-wow is to make battle plans for the onslaught of EPISODE III promotion.

Here's what our Bothan spy told us last evening:

"The speculation regarding the plaque given out as a premise for a release of the Star Wars DVDs is FALSE. Lucasfilm is going to announce the marketing campaign for EPISODE III way in advance of the film's release to achieve maximum marketability. They're gathering big names for their marketing promotions, contests, tie-ins and Happy Meals so they're getting together for a meeting to showcase the final Star Wars movie in just a few short weeks and where it will feature in the marketing for the film.

"Again this is NOT about any release of the Special Edition DVDs. This should lay this rumor to rest."

[From a secret clandestine operative of the Banking Clan.]

Well, it probably won't end the speculation just yet, but it's always fun to report the news first. Lucasfilm won't say boo about what the meeting is about in advance, so we're left to wait and wonder just like you.
-----------------------------------------------------

[TheDarthVader]

Hmm. Yes, it seems we are left to wonder about when the OT will come out on DVD. Thanks to everyone for all of the news!

[scruffziller]

More rumors of the OT coming to DVD at RS......................
I'm not sure I want to share too much more just yet on Episode III, but I can tell you this. There's plenty of work right now on Star Wars. Yes, Episode III, but have you heard about this? I heard from my friend that the Classic Trilogy DVDs will be availabe next Fall. The exact date isn't known yet, but they are being worked on right now for release in 2004. I hope you are right.:zzz:


I don't believe Buddha has multiple arms, he was a real guy who lived about 2,500 years ago; I think you guys are probably thinking of the Hindu god Vishnu.
I swore I saw some Buddha statues with multiple arms hmmmmmm.....

Okay Vishnu the Hutt it is.:D

[tagmac]

Why should Lucas give us what we want anyway...it's not like we've been the whole reason for the success of the original, pre-SE trilogy, is it?

[Pendo]

Got this off the Cinescape site today...

-----------------------------------------
We've heard it from a friend that all the hubbub created by the clandestine Lucasfilm licensing meeting scheduled for next month isn't concerning the classic STAR WARS films coming on DVD. Instead, our source tells us that Lucasfilm's big pow-wow is to make battle plans for the onslaught of EPISODE III promotion.

Here's what our Bothan spy told us last evening:

"The speculation regarding the plaque given out as a premise for a release of the Star Wars DVDs is FALSE. Lucasfilm is going to announce the marketing campaign for EPISODE III way in advance of the film's release to achieve maximum marketability. They're gathering big names for their marketing promotions, contests, tie-ins and Happy Meals so they're getting together for a meeting to showcase the final Star Wars movie in just a few short weeks and where it will feature in the marketing for the film.

"Again this is NOT about any release of the Special Edition DVDs. This should lay this rumor to rest."

[From a secret clandestine operative of the Banking Clan.]

Well, it probably won't end the speculation just yet, but it's always fun to report the news first. Lucasfilm won't say boo about what the meeting is about in advance, so we're left to wait and wonder just like you.
-----------------------------------------------------
It's disapointing about the DVDs if this is true, however it's VERY exciting about the marketing. I LOVED all the marketing campaign for Episode I! I was disapointed with it for Episode II, but hopefully Episode III's will be great :D!

PENDO!

[Turbowars]

Mre rumors about the DVD at RS. Check this pic out!

[plo koon 200]

EGM knows jack squat. They are not a reliable source. Probalby someone who does not check out sites regularly read this rumour and took it as fact. LFL would not tell EGM that they were going to release DVD's because EGM is a gaming magazine. I can't belive RS is giving into rumours like this. I'm kind of getting sick with the onslaught of rumours out there. I just wish they would make the announcement and get it over with.

[Turbowars]

EGM knows jack squat. They are not a reliable source. Probalby someone who does not check out sites regularly read this rumour and took it as fact. LFL would not tell EGM that they were going to release DVD's because EGM is a gaming magazine. I can't belive RS is giving into rumours like this. I'm kind of getting sick with the onslaught of rumours out there. I just wish they would make the announcement and get it over with.I know, I agree. I don't really mind the rumors. It's kind of fun. I wish SSG were a bit more relaxed. I mean whats the big deal with reporting a rumor? Nothing, as long it says it's a rumor. This is all fun and games here. It's my hobby, I get serious at work.:D

[Pendo]

There's an article over at AICN here (http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=16379) about the Special Edition version of ANH has been modified again for the showing in LA. Could these be the begining stages of it becoming the Archival Editions?

GCI Clouds??????????? :(

PENDO!

[Pendo]

There's more at AICN about the possible 2004 DVD release, and also hope that it will be the original version :D.

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=16417

Fingers crossed :).

PENDO!

[JEDIpartner]

Serious Question: where did we come up with the term "Archival Edition"? Wouldn't the original original be an archived edition and the final version be the "Definitive Director's Cut"? This is considering "archival" means:

ar·chi·val
Pronunciation: är-'kI-v&l
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1828
: of, relating to, contained in, or constituting archive.

and "Archive"...

ar·chive
Pronunciation: 'är-"kIv
Function: noun
Etymology: French & Latin; French, from Latin archivum, from Greek archeion government house (in plural, official documents), from archE rule, government -- more at ARCH- (http://www.meriamwebster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=arch-)
Date: 1603
: a place in which public records or historical documents are preserved; also : the material preserved -- often used in plural

[Pendo]

It was Uncle George himself who came up with the term "Archival Edition". I think that explains why it doesn't make sense :crazed::p.

PENDO!

[plo koon 200]

Exactly.
:D

[JEDIpartner]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... :zzz:

:eek:

:stupid:

[JediTricks]

It was Uncle George himself who came up with the term "Archival Edition". I think that explains why it doesn't make sense :crazed::p.

PENDO!
Makes as much sense as having the project that became the special editions start out as a way to keep the original prints from being lost only to alter their content thus losing the originals forever.

[2-1B]

When did George ever talk about "Archival Editions" ? :confused: The SEs were hyped as his "definitive visions" so I doubt George would tip his hand so early and say there will be "Archival" anything down the road . . .

[Pendo]

When did George ever talk about "Archival Editions" ? :confused: The SEs were hyped as his "definitive visions" so I doubt George would tip his hand so early and say there will be "Archival" anything down the road . . .
I don't think George has spoken about the AE publicly, they started as rumors but they have been confirmed by everybody's favourite producer, McRicky-C :crazed:.

PENDO!

[gsr-jedi]

What exactly were the Archival Editions going to be again? Weren't they supposed to be the OT, but with certain scenes re-shot or added, so as to coincide with the prequels?

I really would like the Original OT (which is the only reason I want a laserdisc), plus the SE, and the AE on the DVD release (so the Saga flows together).

[Pendo]

What exactly were the Archival Editions going to be again? Weren't they supposed to be the OT, but with certain scenes re-shot or added, so as to coincide with the prequels?

I really would like the Original OT (which is the only reason I want a laserdisc), plus the SE, and the AE on the DVD release (so the Saga flows together).
Yes the Archival Editions would be the OT with new added scenes and special effects.

I don't think we would get the Special Edition and the Archival Edition on DVD. We'll probably only get the original version and the Archival edition.

PENDO!